My kids absolutely love kiwifruit, and I am so glad because they have so many amazing health benefits. One kiwi has 45 calories, 10 grams of carbohydrate, 0.5 grams of fat and 2 grams of fiber. Here are the top 10 health benefits of eating kiwifruit.

Top 10 Health Benefits of Kiwi:

1. High in Vitamin C-Kiwi contains a remarkable amount of vitamin C, a water soluble antioxidant that has been proven to fight against cardiovascular disease and cancer. Kiwi contains 2 1/2 times the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C.

2. High in Fiber-Kiwi has a high fiber content which helps improve diabetes, controls blood sugar and protects against colon cancer.

3. Preventing Asthma, Wheezing and Coughing-Studies of 18,000 children have shown that children consuming more kiwi aided in their respiratory tracts and helped prevent asthma, wheezing and coughing.

4. Good source of potassium-One serving of kiwi has more potassium than a banana, ideal for fluid and electrolyte balance and energy during exercise.

5. Improved Vision-Studies show that not just carrots are good for your eyes, but kiwi too. Kiwi fruit is an excellent source of the phytochemical lutein which helps contribute to age related blindness. Consuming three kiwi a day can lower your risk of eyesight loss.

6. Improved Cardiovascular Health-Studies are showing consuming a few kiwi a day can lower your chances of blood clots as well as reduce your triglycerides, protecting against cardiovascular disease.

7. Source of Vitamin E-Kiwi fruit is one of the fat free sources of Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that helps boost immunity and helps lower cholesterol.

8. Good Source of Zinc-Kiwi’s zinc content can help promote testosterone in men and promote healthy skin, hair, nails and teeth.

9. Source of Folate-Kiwi has 10% of the recommended daily amount of folate which pregnant mothers need for a healthy pregnancy, baby and prevention of birth defects.

10. Low Glycemic Index-Kiwi has a low glycemic index of 52 which is safe for diabetics, is low in carbohydrates and aids in weight loss.

Wow this really caught my eye. I have always wanted to attempt a triathlon. Honest! When I saw this awesome training program from Turnberry Isle Miami, it really got my even more interested. Turnberry Isle Miami offers a new fitness program designed to train beginner and amateur triathletes. A first of its kind at a South Florida resort, the new Tri-Turnberry program was designed by lead Fitness Director Tait Smith and Spa Director Kirstie Bolitho—who are both avid triathletes—to cater to one of America’s fastest growing sports. This program combines new Schwinn bikes, a tranquil lap pool, winding paths around two championship golf courses and a scenic 2.9 mile jogging trail, “We thought about all the beautiful surroundings at Turnberry Isle and asked ourselves how we could incorporate all the features into a workout that’s suitable for all fitness levels,” said Smith. “For triathletes, this is a course that is sure to test physical endurance and will get proven results.”

The cost to participate is $25, and triathletes can choose difficulty and speed from three different categories: Elite, Sport and Beginner. With admission, participants also receive unlimited classes and compete in a final race held at the end of each month.

For die-hard cyclists, the resort also has introduced a new Tour de Turnberry program, which takes place at the Fitness Center on New Tour de France bikes powered by Google maps with 21 stages of the tour. The bikes feature tilting mechanism and a simulation of hugging tightly to the road.

It’s $200 to participate in the Tour de Turnberry program and each participant has 30 days to complete the program and can earn prizes at each stage, such as the popular yellow and king of the mountain polka dot jerseys normally associated with the Tour de France, for having the fastest time or best climb.

Two spaces are available at the top of every hour, Monday- Friday, and then between a period of four hours on Saturday and Sunday. For inquiries, call 305-933-6930.

Tri-Turnberry Class Categories:

ELITE CLASS: 20 laps in the pool, 18-mile bike ride and 5k run

SPORT CLASS: 12 laps in the pool, 12-mile bike ride and 5k run

BEGINNER: 8 laps in the pool, 8-mile bike ride and one-mile fun run

What a week… I can’t believe that a week ago I buried my mom, and tomorrow it’s Mother’s day. It’s been such a rough week, but I have so many of you to thank for the sweet messages, notes, emails, calls, flowers, comments, lunches, etc. I am trying to pick myself up every day and move forward, and this blog is one great way to push me to do that. I thought I would share a super simple recipe for Blueberry Pancakes for Mother’s Day or any day since my mom always loved Mother’s Day brunches and who doesn’t love pancakes and blueberries?

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the beautiful, wonderful, giving moms out there. For those of you who still have a mom, give her a big hug today! All the best, Alison

Recipe adapted from Allrecipes.com

I made these No-Bake Nutella Oatmeal Cookies a few weeks ago, and they were too good to be true. Not only are they a “No-Bake” cookie recipe, but they are filled with my favorite ingredients: Nutella, peanut or almond butter, dark cocoa powder, oats and almond milk. These are an ideal afternoon gluten-free snack or dessert. I think I definitely need to make a batch for Mother’s Day.

For those of you who have heard or been to Rosemary Beach, you know that everything I am about to stay is so true. For those of you who asked on twitter, “Is that near parsley beach”, and had no idea where and what it was, please keep reading. My friend, Candace, who was in Rosemary Beach, recently told me she had told her father, “Rosemary Beach is in my heart.” I can totally relate.

Located in the northwest panhandle of Florida, Rosemary Beach is a neo-tradional beach town located on the eastern end of Scenic Route 30A that was founded in 1995. Rosemary incorporates “green” concepts into the design and function of the entire community.

1. The Accommodations: The homes and architecture are breathtaking, and the decor is described as “New Orleans meets West Indies, Charleston and the Caribbean.” More than 100 rental accommodations are available, and guests can choose from cozy studios, to one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes, lofts, flats and cottages that are gulf-front, gulf-side, park-side, and park-views. Rosemary is a wonderful place for romantic getaways, weddings, snowbirds, family or to work, live and retire.

2. The Restaurants: Rosemary Beach is filled with shops and restaurants. Restaurants in Rosemary Beach are dedicated to the “green living” theme. The Amavida Coffee, a family owned business, motto is “Love for Life”. It produces 100 percent natural Fair Trade Certified Coffee. Restaurant Paradis, Onano, Edwards and Summer Kitchen use locally grown ingredients and fresh Gulf seafood. Cowgirl Kitchen is perfect for the kids, and a great spot for lunch off the beach and to take food to-go. All of the restaurants get high accolades from me. You honestly never have to get in your car. 

3. The Shopping: From antiques and interior design shops to children’s and women’s fashion, the shopping in Rosemary is always a must. Some of my favorites are: Tracery (interiors), Willow (designer clothing for women), Rosemary Beach Trading (gift shop), Bombora Sun & Surf (beach apparel), Moonpize (ladies shoes), and Gigi’s (fabulous kids fashion and toys).

4. The Beauty: The walkways and gardens are picturesque and unique. The arrangement of homes, boardwalks, pedestrian lanes, and footpaths all lead to the amazing town square, tennis courts, swimming pools and the beach.

5. Fitness Activities: Rosemary Beach has an incredible fitness  center, biking and running paths, lap pool, yoga, as well as its amazing tennis facility, The Rosemary Beach Racquet Club. I can’t say enough about the tennis pros, tennis clinics, pro shop and eight wonderful clay courts. If you’re a tennis player, you will spend a great deal of time here.

6. The Pools: Rosemary Beach has four unique pools on the property. The Coquina Pool (pictured above) is a negative-edge pool meant for lounging and relaxing, The Cabana Pool, a family friendly pool area with a Mediterranean design, The Sky Pool, which is the lap pool heated for warm or cooler weather, and The Barbados Pool, designed in French West Indies architectural style. With such different character and design, it is absolutely worth spending time at all of them.

7. The Gardens: Common “green” areas are located throughout Rosemary Beach. Various gardens exist featuring children’s park space, fountains, sitting areas, herb gardens and a butterfly garden.

8. The Spa: Every resort area must have a day spa, and Vivo Spa Salon is located in downtown Rosemary Beach featuring an Aveda hair salon and makeup services, massage, skin care, body treatments and nail service. All services are offered in a “Bali” inspired tropical setting.

9. The Beach: The beauty of the beaches at Rosemary speak for themselves. Feel free to enjoy the umbrellas and chairs, cabanas, hammocks, kayaks, catamarans, surfboards and sea school which offers children classes on surf, sail, kayak and skim boarding.

10. The Views: This view speaks for itself. The beauty here in Rosemary Beach is almost unreal to see with your own eyes and undeniable.

I guess one thing fabulous about having a blog is that I get to write what I want whenever I want. Sometimes writing can be therapeutic. As many of you know, my mom passed away on Friday, and the funeral was Sunday. Thank you for everyone’s incredible support. I thought I would share 31 things my mother taught me. I love you mom, and I hope you are in a peaceful, magical place.

31 Things My Mom Taught Me:

1. Family always comes first.

2. Travel as often as you can.

3. It’s hard to say no to your kids. Sometimes that is just okay.

4. Always have proper manners.

5. Dress for success.

6. Spend one-on-one time with your kids.

7. Take family vacations.

8. Fall in love with fashion

9. You can never have enough shoes.

10. You can never have enough purses.

11. You can never have too many clothes.

12. Getting your nails done every week is a wonderful thing.

13. Enjoy “me” time and get massages and facials as often as possible.

14. Having a professional do your hair from time to time is not a crime.

15. Exude great energy.

16. Follow your passions.

17. Be a person of great character.

18. Mountain Brook is a fabulous place to live, raise a family, eat and shop.

19. The best material gift for a woman is always jewelry.

20. Flowers always make the home brighter.

21. If you want it, find a way to get it.

22. Find friends you can count on.

23. Cleaning is not our “strong” suit.

24. Diamonds truly are forever.

25. Eating out is a luxury and always fun.

26. There is an incredible art to gift giving.

27. When you throw a party, go all out.

28. Be your children’s best friend.

29. Keep a comfortable, warm home.

30. Live every day to the fullest.

31. You are fortunate if you have a large family.

(photo above) My mom’s daughters and granddaughters.

When I heard about the new “Canyon Ranch: Strong & Sculpted” DVD releasing this week, I was excited to check it out. This is a great concept of bringing the Canyon Ranch experience home with you. These three 20-minute workouts take healthy living to a new level for total-body transformation designed to work together to firm, tone, and invigorate your entire body. The workouts include a dynamic strength-training segment to build strong bones and long, lean muscle; a fluid, easy-to-follow yoga flow for more body sculpting and to improve balance and flexibility; and a powerful core segment to work the muscles of the abs and hips that are key to a powerful, smoothly functioning physique. With this program, you’ll chisel your muscles, focus your mind, and transform your body. For more information to purchase, see Acacia Lifestyles.

Check Out These Workout Options:

• Core (20 min. plus 5 min. cool down) with Canyon Ranch fitness instructor Darcy McCue

• Strength Training (20 min. plus 9 min. cool down) with Canyon Ranch fitness instructor Heather Schmidt

• Yoga (20 min. plus 5 min. savasana) with Heather Schmidt

  Bonus Features:

·Take healthy living to a new level with three bonus segments featuring Canyon Ranch integrative health experts.

·Cooking with Super Foods: How to select and prepare foods that reduce inflammation with Canyon Ranch’s nutrition director and corporate chef (7 min.)

·Building Lean Muscle: What you need to know about muscle and how to build muscle through exercise with an exercise physiologist (3 min.)

·Healthy Joints: How to protect and strengthen your joints during exercise and in everyday life with an integrative medicine expert (4 min.)

·Booklet with recipes from the renowned chefs of Canyon Ranch

We are huge fans of pomegranate juice at my house. I like to put a splash in my water bottles, but the kids will drink it by itself. This recipe for Frozen Pomarita is perfect for Cinco De Mayo, or anytime this summer, when you want a cool, frozen cocktail beverage. I love that pomegranate juice has so many wonderful antioxidants and healthy properties helping prevent cardiovascular disease, prostate cancers, erectile disfunction, sports recovery problems and more. For more information and studies, see Pom Wonderful and check out their new lite flavors, such as blackberry lychee green tea, and Peach passion with up to 50% fewer calories.

While the 2012 Masters was in full swing in the state of Georgia, The Spa at the Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta introduced an innovative idea in spa treatments: The Golfer Package. The Golfer Massage is a unique massage utilizing warmed golf balls and stretching techniques for a full-body therapeutic treatment. Designed to knead tight muscles and ease any golf-related stiffness, the therapist works to rejuvenate the overall body. Golfer or not, I think any man or woman would love this. What a great concept!

Post-treatment guests are invited to the Relaxation Room for a cool and refreshing Arnold Palmer, the half iced tea/lemonade beverage named after the famous golfer (Yum!!). Finally, guests are sent home with a set of Four Seasons branded golf balls (my sons would love these).

On the greens, Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta has partnered with highly-rated and local golf course, Heritage Golf Links. As part of the package, guests can book a round of golf (18 holes) at Heritage for an exclusive rate of USD 49.00, including a complimentary bucket of practice balls and a golf cart.

Spa Director, Jacqueline Ang, is inviting guests and locals to take a break from spring cleaning and stop by The Spa for this unique massage. She says, “Not a golfer? Don’t worry. This massage is designed to relieve the stress and muscle tension many carry around daily.” I believe it, and I’m a fan already.

The Golfer Package is available until June 30, 2012, and is priced at USD 165.00 for 50 minutes and USD 220.00 for 80 minutes. Appointments are available every day from 9:00 am until 8:00 pm, and Spa guests are encouraged to arrive at least 20 minutes early to take advantage of all other Spa amenities including the sauna and steam room.

When I first saw “Sparkling Ice”at a friends house, my 3 kids begged me to buy it. After taking a look at the ingredients, I thought, “Why not give it a shot.” They loved all of the flavors, but it is also great to use in cocktails and even popsicle recipes. The Black Raspberry flavor was one of their favorites, and I love how easy it is to make Two Ingredient Raspberry Popsicles. Sparkling ICE is also a great alternative sport drink beverage for people of all ages. Sparkling ICE combines fresh spring water, natural fruit juices and vitamins and antioxidants to create tasty, lightly-carbonated refreshments in assorted thirst-quenching flavors. It’s a great alternative to soft drinks. It is caffeine-free, Kosher U and free of sodium and carbohydrates. For more information, see their Facebook page or website.

Sparkling ICE retails for $1.29, or $12-$15 for a 12 pack. Flavors include Coconut Pineapple, Lemon Lime, Kiwi Strawberry, Lemonade, Orange Mango, Pomegranate Berry, Pink Grapefruit, and Black Raspberry. Sparking ICE is available at retailers nationwide, including Kroger, Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, Publix, Winn Dixie, Amazon and more.