What is beautiful

Warm weather is on the way and it's time to relax and enjoy the lazy days of summer.

However, sitting down doesn't seem to be an option for a person who has to drop a few pounds. I am one of many who want to drop a few pounds so summer clothing like shorts, skirts and tank tops look better.

I've already lost some weight, but it's just not enough for me.

There was a time -- it seems like ancient history now -- when I wore size 8 clothes and weighed 110 pounds. Presently, at age 45, I often wonder if my feet alone weigh that much after a busy day at work. (I can't wait to get my shoes off when I get home.)

Needless to say, my clothes are a few sizes bigger and I hate to step on the scales and be confronted with much larger numbers.

"I love you just as you are," my loving husband tells me all the time about the ravages of time and birthing two children, one by a "visibly crooked" cesarean section. "You're beautiful to me."

And although that is all that truly matters -- being appreciated and loved for whom you really are, (physical and emotional) scars and all -- it's hard to look at yourself in the mirror in comparison to the standard of beauty today. Tall, thin female "waifs" with disproportionate "Barbie-like" features walk the fashion catwalk to showcase size 0 clothing.

That doesn't describe hundreds of millions of women, nor me. When did the debate start about what defines plus size clothing, size 12 or 14?

For centuries, beautiful women were shapely, soft and rounded, maybe even plump. Anyone remember the vivacious and curvy size 10 or 12 sexpot Marilyn Monroe? Would she be considered a sexpot now?

There are some beautiful "plus-size" women in Hollywood, but let us all admit it's only a handful, and that is not enough.

The standards of outward beauty are constantly evolving, while consideration for inner beauty appears to be drifting further and further away from social consciousness.

Enjoying the company of my fellow humans, I feel blessed to know and work with so many beautiful people, inside and out. They inspire me to be better, which is why I don't plan on dieting. I just want to be healthier.

One way I'm working toward that goal, I'm looking for an adult tricycle to ride around town instead of always taking the car. It sounds funny, I know, but I can get my exercise while living a greener life.

Another way to get healthier, I plan on cutting back on fast food (The official food group for busy reporters!) and eating more fruits and vegetables. I'm looking forward to eating more of my favorite fresh vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, green beans and tomatoes.

Fresh fruits will also be an exciting addition to my diet. I shared the following recipe with the upcoming April edition of SHINE Magazine readers. Hopefully, this quick and easy summer recipe will have you and your family scrambling for more.

Kool-Aid Fruit Salad

4 16-ounce cans of drained cocktail fruit

1 8-ounce bottle of drained, chopped maraschino cherries

1 16-ounce container of room-temperature non-dairy whipped cream topping

2 packages of any flavor Kool-Aid pre-sweetened drink mix (cherry or strawberry is best)

1/2 cup of chopped toasted walnuts or pecans

Pour the drained fruit and cherries into your serving bowl (reserving the juice for other recipes). Thoroughly mix the whipped cream topping and the Kool-Aid in a separate bowl before adding to the fruit along with two-thirds of the nuts.

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is best, to allow the flavors to mix. Sprinkle with remaining nuts before serving.

You can use an equal amount of your favorite fresh/frozen fruit such as watermelon, cantaloupe, peaches, apples, strawberries and grapes. If you choose frozen, allow it to thaw completely before mixing with the whipped cream to keep the salad from being too runny.