Add “Dragon Boating” to my list of activities that are taking me out of my comfort zone. I signed up to be in a race. Race day is Saturday, September 9th. I have committed to rowing in a boat every Wednesday from 5:15 -7. After work! Can you believe it!

The first practice was not easy. But, it was better than what I expected. I look forward to going back next week. I slept like a baby last night. Between ballet and Dragon boating I should be in decent shape. Right now my back is aching. But, I am proud of myself.

Last year, I got into a bathing suit for the first time since the 80’s. It wasn’t a vanity thing. It was a scared of water thing. I wouldn’t even get in a pool. So, not only will I get good cardiovascular exercise and face my fear of water, I will also have the genuine feeling of being proud of myself. On race day I am getting a paddle to prove that I did it.

I challenge you to step out of your box. Do one thing you always wanted to do? Or, better yet do something that you never thought that you would do.

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I learned something new today. July is not only one of the hottest months of the year; it is also the UV Safety Month. Courtesy of the American Academy of Ophthalmology here are a few steps to protect your eyes from the sun:

• Select sunglasses that block ultraviolet rays. Don't be deceived by color or cost. The ability to block UV light is not dependent on the darkness of the lens or the price tag.

• Make sure your sunglasses block 99 percent or 100 percent of UV rays and UV-B rays.

• Ideally, your sunglasses should wrap all the way around to your temples, so the sun's rays can't enter from the side.

• In addition to your sunglasses, wear a broad-rimmed hat to protect your eyes. Don't be fooled by a cloudy day. The sun's rays can pass through the haze and thin clouds.

• Even if you wear contacts with UV protection, remember your sunglasses.

• Sunglasses should be worn whenever outside and it's especially important to wear sunglasses in the early afternoon and in higher altitudes, where UV light is more intense.

For more information about eye health care, visit the http://www.medem.com or http://www.aao.org

I don’t know if I ever shared this but I am a tea person. Can’t stand coffee unless it is cake. But, I love tea. Hot, cold, in a bag or loose, it doesn’t matter. So, whether you are hosting or a just guest, here are some iced tea recipes from Lipton that are sure to be a hit at the weekend cookout.

COLD BREW MINT-TEA JULEPS - 4 (8-oz.) servings
Prep Time: 5 Minutes

3 cups cool water
2 Lipton(R) Cold Brew Family Size Tea Bags or 6 Cold Brew Glass Size Tea
Bags
1 cup orange juice
24 fresh mint leaves
1/2 cup sugar
Pour water over Lipton(R) Cold Brew Family Size Tea Bags and brew 3 minutes, dunking tea bags occasionally. Remove Tea Bags. In blender, process all ingredients at high speed until blended. Strain over ice and garnish, if desired, with additional mint leaves.

ORANGE-LEMON TEA FIZZ - 4 servings

2 cups boiling water
1 Lipton(R) Family Size Tea Bag or 3 Lipton(R) Cup Size Tea Bags
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 cup seltzer or club soda
Orange slices

Pour boiling water over tea bags; cover and brew 5 minutes. Remove tea bags; stir in sugar and cool.
In pitcher, combine tea, juices and seltzer. Pour into ice-filled glasses and garnish with orange slices.

PINEAPPLE & RASPBERRY SMOOTHIE - 5 (8-oz.) servings

Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Chill Time: 15 Minutes

1 cup boiling water
3 Lipton(R) Cup Size Tea Bags or 1 Lipton(R) Family Size Tea Bag
2 cups cut-up fresh pineapple
1/2 cup raspberries
1 cup Breyers(R) frozen vanilla yogurt or low fat ice cream
2 Tbsp. sugar
1 cup ice cubes (about 6 to 8)
Pour boiling water over tea bags; cover and brew 5 minutes. Remove tea bags; cool slightly. In blender, combine tea, pineapple, raspberries, yogurt and sugar. Add ice cubes, one at a time, and process until blended.
Serve immediately.
Sugar substitute may be used in place of sugar.

STRAWBERRY TEA PUNCH - 8 servings

Prep Time: 10 Minutes

1-1/2 quarts boiling water
3 Lipton(R) Iced Tea Brew Naturally Decaffeinated Family Size Tea Bags
1/2 cup sugar
1 can (6 oz.) lemonade concentrate
1 package (10 oz.) frozen strawberries

Pour water over Lipton(R) Iced Tea Brew Family Size Tea Bags; brew 4 minutes. Remove Tea Bags; stir in sugar and lemonade. Stir strawberries and pour over ice.

Enjoy your Holiday,
Kenya

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