But if you are one of many planning on a stay-cation weekend, don’t let Summer make you feel like you don’t deserve the pleasure of packing your own bags. Pick up one of these fab recycled market bags (or for the industrious types out there, make your own) and pack ‘em full of the season’s last round of fresh fruit, flowers and fare. Even though the temps are slowly falling, the MN farmers’ markets are still thriving, and they are waiting for you. Unlike Summer, who’s still leaving no matter what you do. Eh. Just tell her to shove it, and maybe give her a little nudge with your bag full of goodies. But do so kindly. We still want her to come back again next year.

I’ve been thinking a lot about posture lately because, truth be told, mine is pretty bad. For 8 hours a day, five days a week, I sit hunched in front of my computer. If you do the math, that’s not only 40 hours of work time, but it’s also 40 hours of spine-crunching, neck twisting and back wrenching sit time…and that’s not even counting the quality-couch time I spend with my laptop lover almost every evening. By then end of the day, I feel like ol’ Quasimodo. I need better posture STAT! And I have a hunch that if you are reading this right now, you do too.

Lucky for us, there’s a 15-minute routine that can help straighten us out, even while we sit at our desks or spend time in our cubes. It all starts with paying attention to our sitting habits. Then, with a combination of shoulder rolls, a few simple yoga moves, like Pyramid and Chair Pose, and some side bends, we’re on the road to proper form.

So long, Quasi. We’re bringing sexy back.

Got to Have It
Simple D-Tach Shoes

• What: Eco-friendly walking shoes that are fun, feminine and freakishly comfortable.
• Why: Funky fair feet.
• Where: Online at Zappos.

Bits and Bites
Fair Food Finder

• What: Find the location of all your favorite fair fare.
• Why: Where in the name of the fair do they hide those frickles?
• Where: Online Minnesota State Fair.org.

Around Town
The Minnesota State Fair

• What: The Great Minnesota Get-Together.
• Why: Good *clean* fun.
• When: Now through Labor Day.
• Where: 1265 Snelling Avenue North, St Paul.

I Think I Can
Motivational Quote

• Why: French fries for the soul.
• What: “Greasy food might not be good for your body, but it does wonders for the soul. A healthy diet may prolong your life, but what would you have to live for? What is the point of living to a hundred if you have to subsist on bland food? One may as well die of boredom.” ~ Jessica Zafra (Chicken Pox for the Soul)

Guest expert writer and Pilates enthusiast, Betty S, shares her thoughts on tight abs, Pilates instructors and flattering ob-gyn appointments.

Last week I went for my annual ob-gyn check-up and after the usual poking and prodding my doctor stood up, took off her gloves and looked at me quite seriously for a second. I was starting to get nervous when she said, “You have amazing muscle tone. Where did you get those abs?” LOL! Where I get the abs is at Align Pilates, in Uptown Minneapolis, and I can’t recommend the studio or the teachers strongly enough.

The thing is, done right, Pilates gives you these long, lean muscles: abs, legs, arms, everywhere. Plus it is fun. The catch is, it is very easy to cheat, and without the right instruction, most people unwittingly do cheat. Align co-owners Emily and Adrienne simply will not let that happen, no mater how much you grumble (and sometimes when the sweat is pouring off me and they are telling me to lift my hips higher or open my sternum more I do grumble!). After four years doing this stuff three times a week, they still remind me to “tie my ribs together,” “untuck my pelvis,” “get space between my hips and my ribs” and on and on.

Pilates is all about precision, and in my experience, the teachers at the bigger clubs do not have the time or expertise to make sure you are doing the exercises correctly. At Align, every instructor has hundreds of hours of Pilates training, and it shows. They are all fun, each with a different style and personality, but each intent on challenging you–whether you are a beginner or more advanced– to reach the next level. They get to know each student individually and so after a short time know your specific issues: for me, after 10 years of running without stretching, a very tight body from my shoulders to my toes. Working with Emily and Adrienne and the others three times a week, I truly have transformed myself. At 47, I am longer, leaner, more flexible and all-over healthier than I was a decade ago. Thanks Align!!!!

Got to Have It
Savvy Headbands

• What: Hand-made and too cute to pass up headbands, made for all heads big and small.
• Why: For the love of Rhoda, savvy?
• Where: Online at livesavvy.

Bits and Bites
The Tea Garden

• What: Get a cool tea treat while you’re out on the hot streets.
• Why: Hot child in the city.
• Where: Hennepin Avenue in Uptown, Grand Avenue in St. Paul and Stadium Village Mall ~ See all locations.

Around Town
Red Stag Block Party

• What: Local music, organic ingredients and cold beverages.
• Why: Stag party.
• When: Saturday, August 21, 2010 ~ 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm.
• Where: Red Stag Supper Club ~ 509 1st Avenue NE, Minneapolis.

I Think I Can
Ebony Bracelet
What: Genuine leather wrap-around bracelet with a humane touch.
Why: You are what you wear.
Where: Online at BlisslivingHome.

Turns out that logging hours on your personal computer might actually help you work toward your weight loss goals. A new study by the National Institute of Health (see Social Workout and Science Daily) suggests that the web can be a great tool for those looking to get rid of unwanted pounds. The study asked folks to log onto an interactive, online weight loss management site to track their weight, minutes of exercise and the number of days they kept food diaries. Accountability and consistency were the tricks to this system. Those who stuck to their guns and regularly logged on to the site had the most success in keeping off the weight.

We do, however, regret to inform you that your Facebook stalking habits will not help you lose anything…except maybe your dignity.

Got to Have It
Prana End of Season Sale

• What: Get 40% off of authentic, versatile, high quality and environmentally conscious clothing.
• Why: It’s the whole shebang.
• Where: Online at Prana.

Bits and Bites
Minnesota Garlic Festival

• What: Local foodies, chefs, musicians and artisans unite for the love of garlic.
• Why: You can never have too much garlic.
• When: Saturday, August 14, 2010 ~ 10 am – 6 pm
• Where: McLeod County Fairgrounds, Hutchinson.

Around Town
Cult Status Art & Flea Market

• What: It’s like a farmer’s market, but with an artist’s touch.
• Why: Find your treasure in someone else’s junk.
• When: Saturday, August 14 and Sunday, August 15 ~ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Where: Cult Status Gallery ~ 2913 Harriet Avenue South, Minneapolis.

I Think I Can
Walking the Amazon

• What: The first person to walk the length of the Amazon river from source to sea chronicles his journey.
• Why: Makes your day look like a cake walk.
• Where: Online at Walking the Amazon Blog.

Erykah Badu – Soldier

Listen now>

Got to Have It
Locust Tank

• What: A comfy Lycra tank with built-in bust and belly support.
• Why: Bust a move.
• Where: Online at 51 Incorporated.

Bits and Bites
Bewitched Deli

• What: A little deli brewing up big, tasty sandwiches, salads and soup.
• Why: You’ve a got a wicked hunger.
• Where: 800 Washington Avenue North, Minneapolis.

Around Town
Uptown Art Fair

• What: An eclectic exhibition of over 360 artists, 25 performers, 20 food vendors and hundreds of local businesses.
• Why: Find out what happens when Pilates meets paint — Align Pilates & Cult Status Gallery join booth forces to see what their art can do.
• When: Friday, August 6 – Sunday, August 8
• Where: Intersection of Lake Street and Hennepin Avenue in Uptown.

I Think I Can
Inspiring Thoughts

• What: Things that make you go hmmm…
• Why: Today’s thought, tomorrow’s action.
• Where: Online at Makes Me Think.

One study took two photos of one man. In the first shot, the man wore a blue shirt. In the second shot, he wore a red shirt. When the two pictures were shown to a group of select ladies, they consistently found the test lad more hunky in red. Another study conducted a similar test, but reversed the sexes. And yep, you guessed it. The ladies were right on target with the males. So next time you hit the treadmill or elliptical to impress your local gym hottie, you might just want to think sparking his and/or her interest with a fiery-colored ensemble. Because red is the best looking color around.

Maybe this explains why I’ve been so attracted to the Align Pilates sign lately?