This Girl Can Campaign

"A celebration of active women designed to make the attainable aspirational" is how London agency FCB Inferno describes its "This Girl Can"campaign for Sport England, for which its just launched first commercial. A 90 second film surely guaranteed to get even the most confirmed couch potato moving, the spot quickly trended number two on Twitter and generated almost 1m Facebook views in under 24 hours.

Getting Back on Track

It feels like forever since I last posted on this blog. I have just felt too ashamed to post much. I mean how can I try to encourage others to do something I am not doing. To be honest I haven't been doing very good with my eating and exercise has been almost nonexistent for the last month and a half. Normally I schedule my workouts and plan our meals. Then in mid May I went out of town to see my daughter graduate. I did great with my eating but I don't think I worked-out  any while I was there. We did walk a lot but that was all.

Then when I got back I had lots of stuff (housework, gardening and work) to catch up on and began getting ready for an 11 day motorcycle trip. I wanted to get ahead with work related task, I picked up some extra classes to teach for some extra money and well the excuses go on and on. I even convinced myself that I was too busy to make juice regularly.

Then comes the trip. We ate out for every meal for 11 days. We made good choices and had some fantastic meals. One of the highlights was getting to eat at Laughing Seed in Ashville, NC. It is a vegetarian restaurant with some of the best food I have ever eaten! The bed and breakfasts we stayed at were lovely but as you can guess they served a huge breakfast with lots things I do not usually eat. I didn't want to be rude so I ate it. I didn't clean my plate or take seconds but I ate a lot more than normal! Throw in no juice and very little exercise and it is no wonder I have gained weight and feel sluggish. My face even broke out a bit which hasn't really happened in about a year or so.

We got home and I promised I was going to get back on track but again the excuses are plenty. I am back to eating well and have made juice several times but other than some short walks no exercise. Then Friday I began planning my week. The calendar filled in quickly and I could see where I was heading yet again. I stopped and filled in my work-outs. It is going to mean some early morning walks and work-outs but I am going to get back on track. I don't like to feel moody or sluggish and I don't want to get back to where I was. I will do my best to post regularly on here and Facebook. Hopefully the accountability will help.

Do you struggle with staying on track when life gets busy? Do you find it hard to go back to working out after you skip for a while?

The Invisible Youth

Have you ever wondered how someone got the way they are? Have you ever said "They did it to themselves"? Have you ever looked at a teen that was worn and tired looking and assumed they were on drugs or partied too hard. What about that skinny girl that you are sure is anorexic or bulimic because she wants to be skinnier? You know few things are as cut and dry as we think they are.

Teen suicide, drug abuse and homelessness are not always because the teen wants to be rebellious and they don't always lead to a life of crime. Sometimes it is just the opposite sometimes they are looking for a normal life without the drama and pain.

Let me challenge your belief, let this video challenge you.

Choosing and Caring for Your Workout Clothing

I have been working out fairly regularly for several years now. In that time I have gone through several brands and styles of fitness gear, especially sports bra. By far my favorite are by Adidas. They have kept their form, clean easily and the fit and support is amazing.  I prefer the ones that close or zip in the front.
Why is Adidas so great? Adidas is all about function. And in order for you to have incredible workouts and feel amazing, you need to have the right apparel, so they created a line of the best bras imaginable for all of you.

New Adidas Bras for EveryoneAdidas has released a full line up of super impressive sports bras for ladies to rock during their workouts. (Or if you just want to wear something super comfortable!) And get this, they took custom fit to a whole new level for the sports bra, so sizing doesn't just run small - large...you can choose a cup size for the adidas Women's Energy Bra - A, B, & C cup. Prices start at just $25 on the Techfit bras.

Regardless of the brand you go with how you care for your work-out clothing is important. While most brands are made primarily of lycra/spandex higher end brands such as Lululemon  or Zobha cost more because they are made using higher quality material (for instance lululemon’s signature fabric is luon). So when your are spending multiple $20’s for running capris be sure to read the label and surf the brands website for specific care instructions before you through them in the washer.

 No matter what your fitness fashion budget may be a good rule of thumb for extending your work-out gear is to wash them in cold water. I know it is tempting to throw sweaty gear into hot water but don't!Make sure you use a detergent that works well in cold water and if needed use cleaners made for work-out gear that target perspiration. If you prefer a more natural approach try using vinegar and water.  For best results mix one tablespoon of white vinegar with half-a-cup of water to clean out stubborn perspiration stains. Let the fabric soak for 20-30 minutes and then launder on cool. 

The best way to ensure that odors are easier to remove is to wash your gear as soon as you can. Even if all you do is drop it onto a small bucket  filled with water, detergent, a little vinegar and little baking soda. Let them soak overnight, hang them to dry and then wash them the next day.

Last but certainly not least is the dryer. Heat really has no place in the care of your work-out gear. If you don't have an outdoor clothes line hang them in laundry room, bathroom, anywhere except next to, in or on heat! 

If you need more inspiration for work-out gear check out my Pinterest page: 'Cause you need to look good when you work out too

Vegan Breakfast Tacos

I am not a big breakfast eater but I do realize it is an important meal. During the work week I usually have some fresh green juice, a handful of almonds and cranberries. On occasion I'll grab a bagel and Tofutti. On the week-ends however I like to take it easy, sip on my coffee and enjoy a "real" breakfast. One of my favorite things to make is breakfast tacos. They are healthy, filling and easy to make. I promise you won't miss the eggs or cheese.


Ingredients: 
Potatoes or hash-browns
Green onions
Bell Pepper, any color
Tomato
Salt & pepper
Tortillas
2 tablespoons of Olive oil
Your favorite salsa *optional*

You can add any veggies that you like, the options are endless. When it is just me eating them I load up the mushrooms!

1. Either wash and cut your potatoes or start baking your hash-browns. The potatoes can be cooked in the over or on the stove top to avoid heating up the house.  I use hash-brown patties because they are quick and easy. I do make sure that the only thing they contain are potatoes.

2. Heat your pan with olive oil in it on medium heat. 

3. While your potatoes are cooking and your pan is heating up you can chop up your veggies. I have to say that I am pretty proud of my chopped veggies! There was a time when they look mangled. The Complete Knife Skills from Craftys changed that! If you want to improve your knife skills this class will do it!

4. Saute your veggies in the Olive oil

5. Chop up your hash-browns and add it to the veggie mix. This is when you can add salt and pepper to taste.

6. Cook the mixture for a few minutes to give everything a chance to mix together.

7. Scoop the mixture into a tortilla, and top with your favorite salsa!

Start to finish, including browning the hash-browns these take about 20 minutes to make. If you make a big enough batch you can freeze or refrigerate the leftover, pop it in the microwave and you have a quick and healthy breakfast that a fast food restaurant can't compete with!

What's your go-to healthy breakfast?

Yoga: Transforming Your Body and Mind

I enjoy mixing my work-outs up, yoga, strength training, Pilates, or just a long walk. I think mixing it up keeps me from getting board, a problem I had when I was going to a gym. Like most, I find yoga to be relaxing. It tends to calm me and wash away all the anxiety and brings my body into balance physically and emotionally but yoga can do so much more. Depending on the session yoga can pump you up, build muscle and burn calories as much as a cardio work-out. Add some weights and you are going to see the same results you would with some of the more extreme programs on the market. I think the different options is why I like Yoga download so much. I can log in and pick what I am in the mood for. 

Yoga download was dreamed up by a team of devoted yoga students and teachers, their site - which has been lauded by the New York Times, Yoga Journal, Weight Watchers, and Body + Soul - enables you to stream or download a constantly updated selection of more than 500 professionally recorded online video and audio yoga classes onto your computer or mobile device. The classes are lead by world-class instructors, who guide you through disciplines ranging from the more vigorous Vinyasa to the more gentle Hatha yoga, and in a wide range of levels, from beginner to advanced, as well as lengths, ranging from 5-120 minutes. YogaDownload empowers you to practice yoga your way, on your time, wherever you see fit. They will become your own personal online yoga studio, open 24 hours a day!

Yoga With Weights is a complete, total body workout. The Yoga with Weights classes tone, sculpt and lengthen every major muscle group in your body. Add small, 3 or 5 pound dumbbells to specific postures and move deeper into each pose – becoming your own, personal adjuster! These intense, but easy-to-follow classes will push your strength and flexibility to the next level and make your yoga practice a more complete workout for body, mind and soul.


What type of workouts do you enjoy? Have you tried yoga before? 

What Every Woman Wants but Won't ask for...

I have something to share with you that's incredibly real... incredibly raw... and it just might rock your world.

In fact, it's something that WOMAN wants - but is afraid to ask for...

It's luscious... and it's LIVE.

It's a free 5-day online festival that will REVIVE everything it means to be a woman... 

 It's called the Red Tent Revival and it's happening very soon.

                                        

It's hosted by Kristin Sweeting Morelli and if you know Kristin... she's known for breaking down barriers and empowering women... and for years, she's very much wanted to bring to life an epic, totally unique, online experience, available women around the world!

This Red Tent Revival is a reflection of a journey to pleasure that has completely changed her life.  And now she wants to help you change yours in ways you can't even imagine.

In the Red Tent you'll learn the ancient secrets to reviving your pleasure and returning to your feminine truth... but it doesn't stop there. 

There'll be dancing... lots of dancing.

There'll be sisterhood...

And there'll be a few unmentionables...

But mostly, there will be 5 days of unbridled fun!

You don't want to miss it! I'm personally inviting you to join me, Kristin, and tens of thousands of women in the Red Tent Revival. 

All you have to do is click here to join for free

30-day bodyweight challenge

It is that time again, time for another awesome 30 Day Challenge with Betty Rocker. It’s a 30-day bodyweight challenge that increases strength and effectively metabolizes fat over a 4-week period. 

Challengers receive 4 weeks of instructional videos, downloadable PDF’s with demonstrations and pictures, as well as a support forum on facebook for questions and sharing.There will be live support provided throughout the challenge along with bonus content – recipes, health tips and special prizes.

Bodyweight exercises are a fantastic way to get a stronger, leaner and more sculpted physique – and best of all, they don’t require any equipment or a gym!

                         Register for the 30 Day Challenge 

Wherever you are on your fitness journey, the 30-day Challenge will motivate you to get to the next level. With an incredible community, an easy format to follow and fun, challenging workouts, she will help you reach your health and fitness goals!

Heart Disease: Alternative Treatments

First let me say I am not a doctor and my sharing this video and story are not meant as medical advise. I am sharing it because I know from experience that traditional cardiologist often only treat the symptoms and view surgery and pills as the only way to go.

Williams Cardiology and Wellness Medical Centre from Shane Williams on Vimeo.

I have a left bundle branch block. LBB is not curable but it is treatable, usually with medication and then as it progresses/ you age a pacemaker. I have no underlining heart disease but heart simply does not function the way it should. I reluctantly tried medication only to have the side-effects be more dangerous than the LBBB. I was weaned off the medication and began to take my heart health into my own hands even further.

I made a lot of changes to my lifestyle that included leaving a stressful job, increasing my water intake, wearing a heart monitor when I work-out and becoming even more watchful of what I eat. I have been back to my cardiologist twice since conditioning the medication and both times have been given the thumbs up to keep doing what I am doing. My main goal is to avoid or at least drastically distance myself from a pacemaker. I guess you never want to think about heart surgery but at 41, I am not ready.

Again, I am not saying "ditch your doctor", I still see mine what I am saying is make sure you do your own research. Your body has a built in healing mechanism, get to know it!

The Real You

The real you is sexy, the real you is beautiful and the real you is worthy of being seen and loved! Do you know that? Do you believe that? I know it can be hard to accept in today's society when you never know if the media you are looking at is real or photo shopped. In a society that sets unattainable standards for us to reach but none the less it is true, you are beautiful. Your beauty goes far beyond what people see, It Starts On The Inside!

When I started this blog it was to encourage people to see their true beauty, to realize that we are far more than our outward appearance and that by taking care of our mind, body and soul we will see real change and growth. With that in mind you can understand why I was so excited when I saw Aerie's new campaign. Aerie a lingerie company, where I love to shop, recently released a new ad campaign featuring all completely real, totally unairbrushed models in an effort to challenge unrealistic supermodel standards for young women. You've got to hand it to the brand for bucking the trend and honoring real beauty instead of taking a giant eraser to any itty bitty imperfection. They are proving what we have known all along, imperfections are part of life and what help make us the beautiful women we are.  

Juicing for health and meeting Joe Cross

It's pretty hard to meet someone these days that hasn't heard of  juicing. It seems to be the "in" thing right now and for good reason. Juicing, if done right, is a great way to pump your body full of vitamins and help build your immune system. Let's face it if your body is starving for vitamins it can't effectively fight off illness.

I bought a juicer about 4-5 years ago but like many it sat on a shelf and was only used a few times. Then as I began digging deeper into clean eating and trying to support my health naturally, I ran across a documentary called Fat Sick & Nearly Dead. It changed the way my husband and I felt about juicing! We continued to use the small juicer I had first bought but soon found we wanted something that was easier to use, easier to clean and would produce more juice. We went with the Breville 800JEXL Juice Fountain Elite. We now juice almost everyday and have definitely seen the rewards. My face is clear, we both have more energy and even lost some weight!

I am so glad I ran across that video! I have seen my health, the health of my family and even a few friends and coworkers transformed. That's why I was so excited when I received an e-mail from Joe stating that Texas was the next stop on his US book tour! He is hitting three cities – Dallas, Houston & Austin. I am planning to go to the Dallas event with my husband and a few friends.

DALLAS: March 18th – 7PM
Barnes & Noble
7700 West Northwest Highway
Dallas, Texas 75225

If you can't make it tune into Good Morning Texas on WFAA (ABC) earlier on March 18th at 9AM where he'll be juicing and talking about his book!

HOUSTON: March 19th – 7PM
Barnes & Noble
River Oaks Shopping Center
2030 W. Gray Street
Houston, Texas 77019

AUSTIN: March 23rd – 11:30AM
Barnes & Noble
10000 Research Blvd., Suite 158
Austin, Texas 78759

You can find out more information on the Facebook event page.

If you are looking for some yummy and healthy juicing recipes be sure to follow my Juicing and smoothies board on Pinterets

Fitness Friday: A quick total body workout

I enjoy supplementing my work-out schedule with these quick videos on days that things pop up. I have made working out a priority which means having a back-up plan.

This workout works your entire body in under 30 minutes. Be sure to pay attention to how many reps you need to do of each exercise! It is 5 times through, not just once.

Psst! Here's how to treat yourself when shopping online...

I used to love stalking the department store cosmetic counters in search of the best freebies. You know the ones I'm talking about -- come in a cute zipper pouch or fun tote and are just the most fun to try out when your shopping trip is over? These days, I love shopping for my beauty must-haves on line but I've missed those freebies. Until now. Because I have discovered the beauty of the GWP or Gift With Purchase!

Time to stock up on my favorite base and blush? Well, hello, FREE gloMinerals Mini Eyeshadow Quad. I'm only just slightly over halfway through my perfect blow-out prep product but when there's a GWP from Phytologie | PHYTO, I click Add To Cart like a champion! And there's got to be something -- maybe even lots of somethings -- that I need from Dermalogica Skincare when there's a free gift that gets better the more you purchase.

I found all this GWP goodness at beautystoredepot.com where you can see all the Free Gifts in one place. Just a few clicks and you're on your way to a delivery of beauty goodies that'll put a smile on your pampered face. Even the shipping is free.

Fierce, Feminine and Free

For a very limited time Kristin is opening up the Red Tent. If you missed signing up in November you don't want to miss it this time. The experts of  the Pleasure Tribe, along with Kristin, are committed to helping you revive what’s most precious to you: 

•  The relaxed YOU

•  The turned on YOU 

• The healthy YOU 

• The confident YOU

•  The fulfilled YOU 

• The sexy YOU 

• The connected YOU 

This is an incredibly exclusive opportunity to learn from experts you would not otherwise have access to because either they’re unavailable for this type of coaching, OR it would cost thousands of dollars to work with them.

The Pleasure Tribe is your chance to go deeper and learn more about how your body works and how you can make it work for you. It is a completely safe and private environment where you can get answers to the questions that you've been too shy or afraid to ask and contact with women from around the world who are interested in learning the same information as you.

Remember, as you learn, grow, and transform, it’s important to surround yourself with like-minded people who are going to support you in your journey and Kristen will be your leader through this experience and guide your transformation into the woman you've always wanted to become.


 Over the course of 6 months, you’ll dive deeper into the experiences of the Red Tent Revival. You’ll go on a personal pleasure journey like you've never experienced before…and emerge on the other side as a woman who is more turned on, tapped in and lit up from the inside out. 

A fabulous fake bake is just what I needed

I'll say it: I'm over this winter. I'm over snow, I'm over the polar vortex, I'm over the panic when Mother Nature pays an unexpected visit to the South. I can't afford to hop a plane to Mexico to soak up some rays.

Enter Xen Tan Sunless Tan -- a daily sunless tanner that you use until you achieve your desired color and then as needed. I took a shower and applied the lotion immediately afterward making certain it was blended and absorbed. The color wasn't immediate, but I knew to follow the instructions and wash my hands immediately despite not seeing any color on them. That's something I didn't do the first time I used it. Within a few hours I saw a real difference. In my color and my mood!

I didn't have to reapply the lotion for an entire week and maintained my color. This is why I have fallen in love with Xen-Tan Transform Luxe Light to Medium Daily Self-Tan. One bottle should last an entire season or longer, I am still using the one I bought over the summer.  I started using it to decrease my likely hood of getting burnt (I buy the one with sunscreen) while still looking tan.  The extra color makes me feel good and the sunscreen makes me less vulnerable to the elements.That is a win-win when I am out on a motorcycle trip all day! Anyways it may be cold out but I look warm and ready for the spring.  So bring it on February... my new plan is to be TAN despite the weather!

Only $25.60 with coupon code 20AA at beautystoredepot.com and ships free! Check out Xen-Tan Transform Luxe Light to Medium Daily Self-Tan now!

The Secrets to Living a Turned on Life

Have you ever heard of Orgasmic Meditation? Recently, I watched this online event and this woman came on who has dedicated her life to teaching women and men about Orgasmic Meditation. I was floored. She even did a live demonstration of it.

 

  

If you've never heard of her, the woman I'm speaking about is Nicole Daedone and she's the founder of a company called One Taste. Her TedX talk has been watched more than 600,000 times and she's been featured in Cosmo, Time, the New York Times, and so on.

This video interview was all about the secrets to living a turned on life.

Most of the women I know are working hard, constantly on the go, go, go (whether it's the job, the kids, the relationships, etc.) and we've lost sight of what it feels like to be turned on by life. This interview just might change your perspective a bit.

Also, you will receive a sneak peek into what a live demo is like. Holy wow. This one will blow your socks right off. You've never seen or experienced anything like it.

Here are some of the benefits of Orgasmic Meditation:

• Increases Overall Vitality. It lights you up from the inside out.
• Increases Overall TurnON. When you’re TurnedON, things flow.
• Increases Energy. There’s a well of energy that lives inside of you.
• Reduces stress & irritability.

So, go check it out. You can thank me later. 

Fitness Friday, Yoga

Yoga, even the name is relaxing yet strong. I don't perform a set yoga routine daily but I do enjoy adding moves into my workout and will often do a video like the one below on my "rest days".

Yoga is a great addition to anyone's routine. Yoga moves will relax and calm you mentally and physically, improve muscle tone and strength, increase flexibility, has a Lower risk of injury compared to traditional workouts, can help you loose weight, benefits breathing and lowers blood pressure, and improves your posture. What other exercise can boost all that? 

Get Fit Friday: Work those Abs

Short on time but wanting to work your abs? If you have 10 minutes this standing abs video by Jillian Michaels has you covered.

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Get Fit Friday, using your own body weight

I think gyms have a place and are great for some people, me not so much. I do however believe in weight training and I have a set of free weights but many people use their body weight to train with. This quick video shows you how you can too.


 

Get Fit Friday

We all know that healthy eating and exercise are important to maintaining our health. One of the biggest problems though is how do I find time to work-out? For me the easiest thing has been to find short videos that I can squeeze in 4-5 times a week. Don't worry if you can't work-out that often; just do what you can as often as you can. Every workout makes you a little bit fitter than you were before you started it.

My goal on Get Fit Friday will be to share quick workout tips and videos with you. The work-outs will range in length and intensity. Are you ready, then lets get to it!