THE AURORA BOREALIS

Right now, the aurora borealis (the northern lights) is entering the most lively phase of its 11-year cycle, meaning the next three years are a great time to view! See above pic, as viewed in Finland; below in Alaska: and Canada:
Why are the northern lights more spectacular in some years than others?
Because the eruptions are loosely tied to the solar activity cycle which lasts about 11 years. The largest terrestrial effects seem to happen when activity is at its maximum and in the years following maximums (maxima?!). However, large disturbances can happen at any part of the cycle. The sun is now coming out of a stage of minimum activity and eruptions are starting to increase. It’s thought the next maximum could be in the next three years.

Have you witnessed the northern lights –or any other natural phenomena?

Happy Ruby Tuesday and Rednesday!
And do visit other Ruby Tuesday & Rednesday posts! (Links at Work of The Poet & Sue loves Cherries.)
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)
PS Have a good week and see you again for Alphabe-Thursday!

MOVE OVER JANE (FONDA, THAT IS). THERE'S A NEW KID ON THE BLOCK!

MOVE OVER JANE! THERE’S A NEW KID ON THE BLOCK…!

Dear readers, I am participating in Alphabe-Thursday where ‘P’ IS FOR *P.E*. Hang on! Don’t run! Well, not before I can tell you about these easy Yoga-Lite routines!

Gym membership expired? Too cold and wet for that early morning jog? Bad memories of those old Jane Fonda exercise routines? But Christmas excess still need shifting; still experiencing that post-Christmas bloated sensation? Fear not! Help is at hand with the following easy peasy Yoga-Lite exercises which you can perform in the comfort and warmth of your own home even while reading your favourite blogs!

So without any further ado, let’s start our morning exercise – just 15 minutes - guaranteed to make us all fit and fabulous!

Here’s our fabulous new instructor, Yoga Bear from Aktari Zoo, Finland (below). All ready then, got those (never worn) leotards on?

Here goes:
Exercise 1: Both feet up like so…
Well done! That wasn’t too difficult now was it?! Let’s try some more…
Exercise 2: Left leg stretch… Ooh! Did that pull something…?
Exercise 3: Right leg stretch… Ooh! Aah! Exercise 4: Right groin stretch… more Ooh, Aah!
Exercise 5: Right leg stretch a bit more… Hey, move over Jane! We’re getting the hang of this now! Getting in our, er, stride… Exercise 6: And… relax! Repeat as often as required to regain that pre-holiday season svelteness!

Well, how was that, dear readers? Feel more relaxed, less bloated? We all know how important daily exercise is. However, I do realise that, however well motivated we are, we don’t always feel like exercise, whether strenuous:

or gentle. When we simply can't face the thought of any form of work:

And that even the mention of the word can scare some stiff to hide under the covers:

When all we want is simply to chill out and zzzz:
Well, how was that for you? Do you do regular exercise? If so, which do you prefer? Any hot tips? Do tell me! And do check out other Alphabe-Thursday posts @ Jenny Matlock!
And, finally, thank you to all my dear readers who have visited or commented. Have a great weekend!
And see you again for Ruby Tuesday!
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)

AND THE WEATHER FORECAST WHERE YOU ARE IS... ?

Icy cold like the image above? Or unseasonably warm (like recently here in Gaucin, Southern Spain, below)

with mimosa bursting into bloom everywhere And red, red sunsets However, rain is forecasted here and when it rains, it pours! And pours.

What's your weather like? Do tell me. And Happy Ruby Tuesday and Rednesday!
And do visit other Ruby Tuesday/ Rednesday posts! (Links at Work of the Poet/Sue Loves Cherries.)
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)
PS Have a good week and see you again for Alphabe-Thursday!

*O*H! IS TV CHANGING YOUR KITCHEN TOO?

Dear readers, I am participating in Alphabe-Thursday where ‘O’ IS FOR *O*H! IS TV CHANGING YOUR KITCHEN TOO?

A recent report in the UK press stated that the value of the average British kitchen has rocketed – now placed in the centre of action by soaps, dramas, cookery shows etc. Research by Liverpool Victoria home insurance revealed too that the average UK kitchen is now the most expensive room (average over £4000 or $6000) –an increase of 45% since 2005.

TV Dramas like:
1. Mad Men - Betty Draper in her kitchen (above)
2. Brothers & Sisters – the Walker family (below)
3. The UK's Coronation Street - Peter Barlow’s kitchen

HAVE YOU HAD YOUR KITCHEN REMODELLED? AND IS IT THE CENTRE OF ACTION? (OR WAS THAT ALWAYS THE CASE?) Do tell me. And do check out other Alphabe-Thursday posts @ Jenny Matlock.
And, finally, thank you to all my dear readers who have visited or commented. Have a good weekend.
And see you again for Ruby Tuesday.
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)

JULIAN ASSANGE ~ FRIEND OR FOE?

JULIAN ASSANGE – FRIEND OR FOE?
Internet freedom fighter or public enemy #1?

Currently on bail in the UK, the WikiLeaks founder is fighting against extradition to Sweden on alleged rape charges. What’s your take?
Happy Ruby Tuesday to everyone in Australia, New Zealand and the Far East where it’s already Tuesday!
And do visit other Ruby Tuesday posts! (Links at Work of The Poet.)
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)
PS Have a good week and see you again for Alphabe-Thursday!

GOLDEN GLOBE NOMINEES 2011!

Dear readers, I’m back again after delays due to weather, flight emergencies and… But hang on! Where was I? Oh, yes, participating in Alphabe-Thursday where ‘N’ IS FOR *N*OMINEES FOR THE GOLDEN GLOBES AWARDS 2011!

Here are some of the outfits suggested for Golden Globe nominees (and attendees) at this Sunday’s red carpet event. What’s your take? Which do you like/dislike?

KEY:
1. Halle Berry – Elie Saab (above)
2. Nicole Kidman – Givenchy (below) 3.Natalie Portman - Dior

4. Michelle Williams – Chanel

5. Anne Hathaway - Armani

6. Marion Cotillard – Elie Saab

7. Angelina Jolie – Armani

8. Julianne Moore – Marc Jacobs9. Amy Adams – Jenny Packman

10. Lea Michele – Oscar de la Renta

11. Helena Bonham-Carter – Marchesa

12. Christina Aguilera - Marchesa

WHAT’S YOUR TAKE ON THESE OUTFITS? DO THEY FLATTER OR FLOP?
Do tell me! And do check out other Alphabe-Thursday posts @ Jenny Matlock!
And, finally, thank you to all my dear readers who visited or commented while I was away! I missed you all! Have a great weekend!

And see you again for Ruby Tuesday!
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)