6 Ways to Get Back into Your Skinny Jeans

Bathing suit season inspires us to be as fit as possible -- but by the end of the summer, we've spent more time barbecuing and eating ice cream than we have working out!

Hoping to squeeze back into your skinny jeans? We asked Jim White, registered dietitian, ACSM Certified Personal Trainer and spokesman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, for his top slim-down tips.

Work out in the great outdoors. The weather is getting cooler, making late summer/early fall the perfect time to take your workout outside, says White. "Grab a friend and some weights and create a circuit in the backyard," he suggests. Plus, racing season begins in the fall -- consider signing up for one near you! For more outdoor workout inspiration, check out SELF's 8 Outdoor Bench Moves.

It's all about the schedule. "The key to fitting into those skinny jeans is schedule," says White. "Adopting a routine will help in every facet of your weight-loss plan." Put regular, healthy meals and workouts right into your weekly fall calendar, and you'll be ahead of the game. SELF's Diet Club is a great way for you and your friends to plan an 8-pound weight loss in just four weeks.

School or office-supply shopping? Pick up an extra notebook, and use it to record everything you eat. "You are less likely to snack if you know everything you eat must be written down!" says White.

Take advantage of the cornucopia of new fruits and vegetables the cooler months bring. "Explore the fare at your local farmers' market," says White. "By buying local, you're supporting the community and cutting out some of the processed and fake foods from your diet!"

Don't drop your water habit just because the temperature is dropping. "Just because you aren't sweating doesn't mean you don't need water," says White. "Carry a water bottle with you wherever you go."

Get back on a regular sleep schedule. "Sleep is often compromised in the summer with vacations and trips to the beach," says White, adding that this is the time to set a regular schedule again. "Getting enough sleep is sometimes ignored in the weight-loss equation, but it's a crucial element," he says. "Exercise factors into this as well -- if you exercise, you're more likely to fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly!"

Monthly Predictions December 2012 for all the signs

Aries
You look set to remain engrossed in career issues. Good news is that you will make admirable progress. Students too will taste success in their studies; they will manage to concentrate better. Your health shall improve, and you may regain a few lost opportunities. Be ready to grab them, as and when stars send them your way. All said, note that you will need to keep a close watch on your health after 21st. Take care when it comes to your reproductive health, reminds Ganesha. The month also seems have potent travel stars. However, ensure that your travel plans are well-thought-of and have room for plan Bs; delays are likely. Money wise you would be better off; promotions or pay hikes are possible. Amidst your blazing schedules, make some time  for your near and dear ones, specifically your spouse. Best Days of the month: 3, 4, 12, 13, 20, 21, 22, 30, 31.

Taurus
Planets indicate great progress on the work front, which will, in turn, give you success and happiness. Now, you are more sure about your career plans, and thus surge ahead with renewed confidence. This will lead to rewards, appreciations and, who knows, even promotions. Take this opportunity to gain confidence of your bosses, points Ganesha. Your health shall be good, and will only get better post 21st. However, remember to exercise well and take a good care of your vital organs. On the love front, things may not be as rosy, though. The dull, stiff vibes in your relationship may be a far cry from the early glow, your bond once enjoyed. Sigh! Try you best to get things back on the track. On the business partnerships front, on the other hand, you will have a plethora of opportunities for joint ventures. Best Days of the month: 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 23, 24.

Gemini
Planets indicate an enriched and a lively love and social life for you. Wow! You and your parter would understand and support each other well, making your bond stronger and happier. You may also learn to appreciate the diversity of thought, which will further improve your relationships. On the personal front, your health will improve and so shall your mental frame and the sense of stability. If you have been recommended a surgery, this is a decent time to go for it, but do take a second opinion. Career-wise, it is now a time to take new initiatives, and work to achieve the goals you have set for yourself. Financially too, you will be on a better footing; you shall repay all your debts. This month, you may strive to understand the cycle of birth, death and life after death and thus may seek solitude, at times. Best Days of the month: 8, 9, 16, 17, 25, 26.

Cancer
Forward movement of planets indicate a hectic schedule this month. A plenty of stuck projects move ahead, and you may even start some new ones. You will be more focussed on work and career, rather than home, feels Ganesha. Take care of your health after 21st. Good news is that your love stars are shining brightly, and so are the ones lighting up your social life. Singles are likely to get romantically involved with a co-worker or a superior. The sexual vibes shall be as strong as a reverberating electric current. Marriage, if that is the stage of your life, is likely. You may also expect an expansion in your social circle. Your financial situation will be good, but refrain from overspending. If you fail to plan well, you may face a financial trouble, later this month. However, come 21st, and things shall get more stable. Best Days of the month: 1, 2, 10, 11, 18, 19, 30, 31.

Leo
Your period of yearly personal pleasure peak that had started last month lasts till the 21st of this month. Hence, you will enjoy life in a grand style, and indulge in parties and socialising. However, family issues, love life and health may have caused your much stress, since the last couple of weeks. Thankfully, this trend ends this month, ensures Ganesha. The planetary positions indicate that you would focus more on the people around you, and shall realise the difficult task of ensuring other people's happiness, so that your own interests are taken care of. Financially, you will get better and money would start pouring in. Your health will improve. Those of you seeking new jobs can expect a breakthrough. Your love life too will get better, but avoid conflicts with your partner. You should also be careful while driving this month. Best Days of the month: 3, 4, 12, 13, 20, 21, 22, 30, 31.

Virgo
Due to the forward movement of planets, your love life looks set to get better. You will enjoy clarity in your relationship, and will gain pleasure from your partner. The support you receive from your partner and your near and dear ones shall help you sail through a time of turmoil. This will help you realise that other people play an important role in shaping your life. On the career front, areas like sales, marketing, advertising and media activities may catch your attention. In fact, they shall hold the centre stage, says Ganesha! Those of you having your own business should employ advertising to make your product or service popular. Investors can make money in sectors such as property, restaurants, and industries that deal with home décor etc. Besides all these, a psychological evolution is on the cards for you, which will help you deal with the world more maturely. Best Days of the month: 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 23, 24.

Libra
Your financial position may get strengthened this month, as your earnings shall now be consistent. You will stay focussed this month, and will achieve all your set goals, promises Ganesha. Around this time, however, you will spend considerably on your appearance and looks. Avoid going overboard, though. Your family members, especially the elderly, will be supportive of your actions. And, so shall be your friends, whose financial and emotional support will be forthcoming. You should be careful about your communications as any misinterpretation may cost dear to you. If you are planning to undergo a surgery this month, you should postpone it to a later date, and seek a second opinion about it. Your health may need special attention after 21st. Spend more time with family and loved ones; you may have been neglecting them since a couple of weeks. Best Days of the month: 8, 9, 16, 17, 25, 26.

Scorpio
Your family needs your attention and time, reminds Ganesha. And, your career situation would be dependent on the way you see things. If you feel that you have already achieved enough, you will unabashedly enjoy the fruits of your success. However, if you feel that you still have a long way to go career-wise, you may continue to work harder, rather waiting for the fruits. Nonetheless, your earnings will increase substantially. Still, remain cautious in money matters. You will receive financial support from your bosses, spouse or love partner and friends. Your love life will be harmonious; even singles may find love or desired company. Now, ensure that you spend quality time with your loved ones. You may also spend a great deal on your appearance. These are good times for business ventures and partnerships, but be cautious and wary of unreliable deals. Best Days of the month: 1, 2, 10, 11, 18, 19, 30, 31.

Sagittarius
Your healing powers are at their peak now, and you will recover quickly from any injuries or illnesses, you have been suffering from. Planetary positions also indicate the yearly pleasure peak for you. You will spend a lot of time in parties, festivities and socialising, says Ganesha. You will also feel powerful this month, not needing others in any case. You may also remain engrossed in fulfilling personal desires or grooming yourself. Travel for pleasure is definitely on the cards. Your charm shall help you attract members of the opposite sex, and chances are that one of them may soon become a possible love interest. Your love life will be harmonious, and your partner will cherish your understanding nature. Your finances and career domains also look strong this month. Those seeking new opportunities shall get them in plenty. Best Days of the month: 3, 4, 12, 13, 20, 21, 22, 30, 31.

Capricorn
With power and independence divinely driven towards you this month, you can hope to achieve all what you had aimed for, promises Ganesha. Your dynamic personality will impress your bosses, and they shall be all charmed. However, in your urge to scale the pinnacle of success, you are likely to ruffle many a feather. Remain cautious. Don't be dominating; rather be considerate towards others. Planets also indicate your inclination towards spirituality; you shall experience inner calm and clarity now. Some of you may also find solace in charity work, and the spiritual healing will be advantageous. As you look at the changing times in the form of coming new year, use this period as an opportunity for introspection, and to assess your goals and strategies. Good times beckon you on the social and domestic front. Best Days of the month: 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 23, 24.

Aquarius
You shall have a greater say in matters of family, friendships and work, and this will bring you a never-felt-before sense of independence. The energies of the universe are with you this month, and you look set to achieve everything you desire. Great going! Keep your modesty intact, though, warns Ganesha. Career-wise, you will do well this month, and you can hope to reap rich rewards. Your health also is set to improve. In the domain of love, singles have chances of meeting someone special in group activities. Your friends shall aid you in this process. Singles may also achieve success in love, if they try to express their love in any unconventional way. Whatever be the case,  your love will have a spiritual dimension to it. You may even seek the guidance and sanction of the divine forces in the matter of heart. Best Days of the month: 8, 9, 16, 17, 25, 26.

Pisces
Career-wise, things may slow down this month, and you may feel get frustrated, owing to the slow pace and unyielding results. Don't lose hope, says Ganesha. True that you may face delays in all the matters this month, yet sometimes, whatever happens, happens for the best. Things may be difficult in the realm of love too. Your thoughts and actions may be misrepresented, causing you trouble even over trivial issues. Ensure that your love partner remains relaxed, and does not get affected by any unwanted stress. Remain careful in your communication, and that bit extends even to your communication equipment. Health too may require care month. Your liver, spine and knees may be the vulnerable spots. Take care! And, garner support from your loved ones or friends. They may help you even on the career front. Best Days of the month: 1, 2, 10, 11, 18, 19, 30, 31.

Dabangg 2 Movie Review

 

Cast: Salman Khan, Sonakshi Sinha, Prakash Raj, Arbaaz Khan
Direction: Arbaaz Khan
Rating: ***

Arbaaz Khan knows that he owns a very successful franchise and to score big with ‘Dabangg 2’ he needed to do more than just replicate the same format. ‘Dabangg 2’ tries to deliver on its promise as much as possible and our hero indulges his fans in true Salman Khan-ishtyle.
Chulbul/Robinhood Pandey (Salman Khan) has now taken a transfer to Kanpur where goon-turned-politician Thakur Bachcha Lal (Prakash Raj) needs to be tamed. There are quite a few encounters between Chulbul and Bachcha bhaiya’s men and every time our supercop manages to beat the bad boys to a pulp in his inimitable style.
Chulbul has made peace with his stepbrother and stepfather and is a more domesticated man now. He is no longer the brash, presumptuous lover but a more romantic and understanding husband. While some of the interaction between Chulbul and his once-estranged father and brother is endearing, I somehow liked the arrogant Chulbul Pandey much better than this one.
The problem with ‘Dabangg 2’ is the same that plagues most sequels; unless there is an essentially original plot and an unpredictable twist, there is nothing new in this story. The gags, the stunts, the catch phrases, even the song placement at regular intervals give the film a very repetitive feel.
What works for the film is the fact that the length is just right and prevents the film from becoming tedious. Salman Khan is at his entertaining best as Chulbul/Robinhood Pandey.

More value than the Ashes

 

 Rameez Raja, a former Pakistan captain, played when India-Pakistan rivalry was at its peak. With fans from both countries not willing to settle for anything but victory, one performance was enough to turn an individual into a hero or villain forever.

Agreeing that it's no longer a matter of life and death, Raja feels an India-Pakistan contest is still a make-or-break opportunity for players and the rivalry could be one up on the Ashes if positioned properly.

Excerpts:

What's riding on this series?

It's serves a two-fold purpose. Not only is it the resumption of cricketing ties, it will also help lower political temperatures. We all know what happened during and after India's tour of Pakistan in 2004. It was the best-ever series on the field and off it.

Are frequent interruptions hurting Indo-Pak cricket?

Cricket serves as a political tool too. The political aspect enhances its value. But politics should not hurt or overshadow cricket. India-Pakistan series need to be held at regular intervals and should be given precedence over all other series, just like the Ashes between England and Australia.

But does India-Pakistan rivalry match up to the Ashes now?

Absolutely! You just need to position it properly on the annual calendar, it has great value. You need to schedule it better, can't have it once in fourfive years and that too a few T20s and ODIs. People are so emotionally attached to it, the contest is simple awesome… for me, it has definitely more value than the Ashes. This could bring back the crowd to Test cricket.

But does the contest have the same intensity as, say, a decade back? Will this series create the same interest?

It remains to be seen but you can't ignore an India-Pak contest, that's for certain. It has lot of value and will definitely attract eyeballs. I am not too sure if people are geared up for it after the England series. But it's a great contest and will definitely be watched.

India have a thriving rivalry with Australia and South Africa? Won't that undermine the India-Pak rivalry?

Absolutely not. There's something unique to this rivalry, in terms of emotional attachment, political situation and individual desires that cannot be replaced.

Players feel challenged, both emotionally and skill wise, when they take the field and want to give their best. It's a make-or-mar opportunity for them for what they do here is going to stay in collective memories for a long, long time.

Isn't the pressure on players too much?

You can't run away from pressure at the international level. It all boils down to how you take it. Good players take it positively, while the not-so-good wilt under it. It separates the men from the boys. From the buzz in cricketing circles, I can tell you that the 'do-or-die' pressure of the past has definitely reduced but there's always the pressure to perform.

The larger than life characters have disappeared from Pakistan cricket?

We may not have an Imran (Khan) or a Javed (Miandad), but the team has done well collectively. Every team goes through this cycle. The spot-fixing saga jolted the Pakistan board into action and they have learnt their lessons. Corrective measures are being taken.

Can Pakistan again become the force they were?

We have been through tough times in the last three-four years. There hasn't been any top-level cricket at home in this while. But it hasn't squeezed our passion for the game and spirit. Kids still play with a lot of passion and want to play for Pakistan.

Clarke eager to get fit for Boxing Day

Skipper Michael Clarke is racing the clock to be fit for the Boxing Day Test against Sri Lanka as selectors mull whether Mitchell Johnson or Jackson Bird will be Australia's third pace bowler.

Clarke has been treating a right hamstring strain suffered in Australia's 137-run win over the tourists in last week's first Test at Hobart, while Johnson and Bird were added to the squad for the injured Ben Hilfenhaus.

Selectors have placed Usman Khawaja on standby for Clarke, with vice-captain Shane Watson expected to lead the Australians if the skipper fails in his fitness bid.

Clarke, who has reclaimed the top spot in the latest ICC Test batsman rankings, said last week his scans were "positive" and he was confident of playing.

He has been having an extraordinary season, scoring 1,489 runs at 106.35 and is just 55 runs adrift of Ricky Ponting's Australian record of 1,544 in a calendar year with a potential two innings left in Wednesday's Melbourne Test.

Opinion is divided over the merits of left-armer Johnson and newcomer Bird for the third pace spot alongside Peter Siddle and Mitchell Starc.

Australia's greatest Test wicket-taker Shane Warne has plumped for Bird, who has excelled in the last two Sheffield Shield seasons and is ideally suited to the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

"I think (Bird) will open the bowling on Boxing Day," Warne said.

"I don't think Australia will go with two left-armers. I think Mitchell Starc and Mitchell Johnson both leak runs."

Starc's 24 Test wickets have come at 29.20 while Johnson has taken 196 wickets in his 48 Tests at 31.17.

Bird has built a strong case for selection with 80 wickets in his 14 Sheffield Shield matches for Tasmania at 17.54 and has snared 14 of those in two matches at the MCG at 12.07.

Australia largely dominated Sri Lanka in Hobart with Siddle and Starc leading them to their first win of the home season, after losing to South Africa 1-0 in the recent three-Test series.

Sri Lanka have yet to win in Australia in 11 Tests, going back to 1988 and struggled in the fast bowling department in Hobart, relying on spinner Rangana Herath to take the wickets late in the game.

Herath is expecting vocal support from the large expat Sri Lankan community in Melbourne for the team's first Boxing Day Test at the MCG in 17 years.

"In South Africa last year, (it was) the same scenario," said Herath, who with 60 wickets is this year's most successful Test bowler.

"We lost against South Africa in the first Test and we came back strongly and we did well and we won against South Africa in that Boxing Day Test match."

It will a special occasion for Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara, who needs 40 more runs in his 115th Test to become the tenth Test batsman to complete 10,000 runs.

"In any player's career, you remember the Test matches you play at Lord's, at MCG, at Cape Town and in Galle," Sangakkara said.

"These are iconic grounds you want to play Test cricket in. I have played 12 to 13 years of Test cricket, but this is my first time here.

"You feel happy, you feel proud to walk out with so many people watching you play. That is the ultimate for any sportsman."

Sangakkara said Sri Lanka had to learn from their mistakes in Hobart, when they lost inside the final hour of play.

"It's important that we realise what a great occasion it is and also understand where we went wrong in the first Test," he said.

"First innings is always important especially when you are playing good sides. We really need to buckle down and put on a good enough total which our bowlers can put pressure from that position onwards."

Sachin Tendulkar retires from ODI cricket

Sachin Tendulkar announced his retirement from One-day Internationals today, and with it comes to an end one of the memorable eras in world cricket. 

The genius batsman from Mumbai ends his career with 49 hundreds, 18,426 runs, 463 appearances, and 96 half-centuries — all world records earned over a massive 23-year-long career — but he will value his 2011 World Cup win above all these.

Tendulkar, who will turn 40 in April, exited the 50-over-format quietly. The Board of Cricket Control in India’s website announced that Tendulkar had conveyed his decision to president N. Srinivasan.

“I have decided to retire from the One Day format of the game,” his statement published on BCCI.tv said.

“I feel blessed to have fulfilled the dream of being part of a World Cup wining Indian team. The preparatory process to defend the World Cup in 2015 should begin early and in right earnest. I would like to wish the team all the very best for the future. I am eternally grateful to all my well wishers for their unconditional support and love over the years.”

The Press Trust of India quoted a source as saying that Tendulkar had gone off the radar after the Nagpur Test, where India surrendered the Test series to England.

"Once he was back in Mumbai after the Nagpur Test, he switched off his cell phone and became incommunicado for at least three days. The only possible way to contact him was through Anjali's (wife) number as he wanted some time to himself," the source, said to be a close friend of Tendulkar said on the condition of anonymity.

"By Friday night, he had intimated his family and close group of friends that he wants to quit from ODIs. Accordingly, he informed BCCI president N Srinivasan last night about his decision to retire from ODIs making it clear that he doesn't want to play in the ODIs against Pakistan," the source added.

Tendulkar’s last ODI was against Pakistan in the Asia Cup in Mirpur, Bangladesh. He had scored a quick 52 in that game, as India chased down a massive score of 329.

The announcement of his retirement was somewhat surprising. Earlier this week, sections of the media had reported that Tendulkar had made himself available for selection for the upcoming games against Pakistan.

Tendulkar has been going through the poorest form of his long, illustrious career and there have been many calls in the cricket press for him to announce his retirement from cricket. He finally chose to take the dignified way out.

Speaking to CNN-IBN, former selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth reacting to Sachin's ODI retirement, said: “I am shocked. Didn't have any indication earlier about Sachin's decision to quit. He is leaving on a high.”

India’s performance since the World Cup win has been undoubtedly its poorest in many years. The period has also coincided with Tendulkar’s poorest run in a long time. In 30 Test innings, he has averaged 31.76 with a highest score of 94. In ODIs, those numbers are poorer: 333 runs in 11 innings opening the batting, averaging 30.27, with one painstakingly compiled hundred against Bangladesh.

Those numbers pale in comparison to what Tendulkar had achieved in the years gone by, and it could be argued that Tendulkar is not leaving on a high.

The upcoming Test series at home against Australia could possibly be his last — unless he can recreate the magic of old and prolong his playing days a little more