Shoo Foo Towel Giveaway

Hey everyone. How are the workouts going? Tough or not tough enough? Make sure you keep up that intensity. Today is Plyometrics in the P90X series. "I hate it but I love it". Just like Tony Horton always says.
Well, I have some great news for you. This past week, I was blessed and honored to try an organic towel from a great website called Organically Hatched. The Shoo Foo Towel, as it is called, is 100% organic bamboo and super-antibacterial. Ya, I thought the same thing too. A towel made from bamboo and antibacterial? To my surprise, this is the first bamboo product I have tried, it’s really quite soft. I may have to try a bamboo sweater. The towel came shipped to me all rolled up and with a cute Shoo Foo bow. I almost didn’t want to unwrap it, but my curiosity was too strong and I had to see what it looked like.
The towel is 26” long by 13” wide and actually quite thin. Even though it’s thin, it has quite the density weighing 4.5 ounces. I like how compact it is and can be rolled up and easily placed in you gym bag. With P90X, there are several exercises that require a towel or yoga blocks. One exercise is to place a towel on the ground and run around it clockwise, then counter clockwise. I use my Shoo Foo for this as it’s the perfect size. Who wants to run around a big fluffy bath towel? It’s great for stretching if you can’t quite bend and grab your toes. I wiped all my makeup off with the towel, threw it in the wash and it came out perfectly clean and didn’t shrink.
Now the good news, Organically Hatched has not only blessed me with a towel, but an extra for my readers/subscribers. I am going to choose a winner for the towel and Organically Hatched will deliver it right to your doorstep. This would also make a great Christmas present for the gym-rat in your family. All you have to do is be a subscriber for one entry. Then visit Organically Hatched and leave me a comment on what you think of all their fabulous products, for your second chance to win. The winner will be selected randomly by subscription – or – based on comment.
Thanks again for subscribing to Your Happy Hearts and be blessed. Taylor.

Contest runs: Sunday November 30 - Sunday December 7th at midnight. Good luck!

Instant Manicure Winner

The Instant Manicure Winner has been picked. Thanks for all your great comments. I see some of you feel my site is a little dark. I wanted it to be rockin' like your workouts should be. I am looking into a three column layout to provide more room for info. I have been contacted by some great companies to test their products and share them with you. So look for some great, even better, giveaways to come soon!!! Please remember if I don't hear from you in three days another subscriber will be chosen. Thanks.

You guys rock. I am so proud of all the pounds you are losing together. Whether it be running, biking, yoga, cardio, or weight training. In my opinion you should be doing them all. :)

I am "officially" on day two of P90X. My husband and I cranked out the Plyometrics DVD. Can you say "ouch" and "I can't keep going". But then all of a sudden, your done. Breathing heavily but so worth it. I will share my progress on this as well. Its a great program. If you can afford it (it's cheaper than a gym) it's a must have. You can direct link the purchase on the right side in my Amazon choices.

Be blessed, and keep up the awesome work. You are worth it. Every drop of sweat!

Workout Vs. Work

You are making an effort to change your life in numerous ways. The way you eat, work out everyday, and eliminate daily chemicals: in your makeup, shampoo, and cleaning supplies. So when you’re home, your family hopefully is onboard and you have their support. You have control of the grocery list; you make time in your day to workout. It’s all good at home.

Then you get to work. You sit in your cube at 7:30 AM (as I do) and by 7:45 AM you receive an email regarding  pumpkin squares and brownies in the break room. You know you have to go in there to scramble your eggs in the microwave (Yes this works. I have been doing it for about a week now), and you have to literally close your eyes as you pass by the tinfoil covered plates oozing with what wants to be your next 10 pounds. 

You make your eggs and you run for your life. By 10:00 AM, you must refill your 32 ounce water bottle. You take a deep breath encouraging  yourself to be strong, and enter the break room. This time, the foil is thrown to the side and only crumbs and dirty forks lay about.  Doesn’t this blow your mind? Seriously. What is it that causes adults to run like a pack of wolves, before noon nonetheless, and shove sweets down their throats? Is it suppressed anger towards our parents for yelling at us as children, saying “No dessert till your plate is clean?”  Or we couldn’t have a “snack” till after lunch? Is it we’re afraid someone else is going to get a piece of cake and we aren’t?
(Milton for example, from Office Space, - with the boss’ birthday cake. Great movie.) Do we think we have to have a piece because everyone else is?  Take a moment to look at the people hovered over the sweets at work during the next potluck or Christmas party. Isn’t that what your struggling NOT to look like? (Comment taken from the Medical Weight Loss Clinic survival guide for the Holidays) I’m sorry I’m not trying to be rude. But come on. I am a thinner person, according to the majority of the world’s view. So I just HATE it when anyone tells me I should eat cake or cookies because “I can”  or “You’re thin you can have it. What are you worried about?” I sometimes want to say “Looking like you?” Of course that would just be totally rude and I would never say that. But, so is forcing me to eat junk, so they feel better about eating it. I am thin because I work out and eat organic.

So here are some tips that I have come up with, found in books, and/or podcasts.

When someone announces there is cake in the break room, acknowledge them and tell them “Thank you” then continue working. Don’t let someone make you feel bad for not eating the “treat” donation at the office. Just remember it’s not their opinion that’s going to determine if you lose weight or not. It’s whether or not you put that cake in your mouth.
Avoid the mounding leftover Halloween candy-dish at the front reception desk. Talk to the receptionist after 12:00, because we all know that heaping pile of candy will be gone by then.

Find someone in the office that may be working out and watching what they eat as well. Use this person as an accountability partner and have lunch with them. Then you will only be tempted with carrot sticks.

Avoid the “buffet” style lunches. You never know what someone else has cooked their food in/with. I usually get an upset stomach at these. So make yourself sparse on lunch, go for a walk, or leave the office and say you had an errand to run.

Be in charge of everything you put in your mouth.

Next time you go to the bathroom stall, do five or six squats before you actually squat.  At your desk, raise a leg and squeeze your quad and glute. Lower back down and do on other side. Do several reps. Raise up you leg again and draw circles with your toes, activating those calves.  Sit up straight, imagine  a string tied to the inside of your belly button coming out your back, and someone pulling on that string. Pull your abs in. Once the belly is in all the way, slightly twist to your sides for small crunches.  Do this several times, in and out.

Most important, stay active at work and remember it will all pay off in the end. And hopefully your co-workers will follow your example and bring apples instead of caramel apples with nuts and chocolate. 

Thanks for reading. Lots of giveaways coming soon!!!!

Instant Manicure Giveaway

Attention Subscribers:
Do I have a special treat for you!! I am a past BeautiControl consultant, have stock left over, and want to bless my readers and subscribers. This giveaway is so easy.

Subscribe:

If you already are a subscriber, you have one entry. Leave me a comment on what you think of my blog and get a second entry. I love to hear from you. If you do not subscribe, do so today and get entered for life.

Follow This Blog:

Want a third entry? You got it. If you too are a blogger, simply go to "Follow This Blog" on the right side and add your blogger picture. I want to see all of your smiling, fit, happy hearts and faces. Thanks to those of you who already follow!

I have an Instant Manicure in "Honey" I would love to send your way. So simply subscribe if you're not, leave a comment about my blog, and be a follower. That's it. Three entries. Nice and simple. Not only is taking care of your body on the outside important, but so is taking care of the outside! (Entries must be submitted by Sat. at midnight, November 22nd.) And DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE YOUR EMAIL SO I CAN CONTACT THE WINNER. Thanks!

Be Blessed!!

Taylor

Aspartame

For those of you following my progress with my workout regimen, I have finished Jillian Michaels’ 30 Day Shred and as of this past Monday, have started with the P90X program. This is a 3 month, multiple DVD set. Without Jillian I could not be doing this. If you are in good health, don't have a lot of pounds to lose, and want to go above and beyond; check out this program. See side bar for ordering information under Amazon listings. Worth every penny.



Today I want to hit on a very important subject: Aspartame:

STOP EATING & DRINKING PRODUCTS THAT CONTAIN ASPARTAME! This includes diet sodas and sugar-free products that have NutraSweet and Equal. Let me give you a little background: Aspartame should never have been introduced into the food market. Your body responds to it literally like a drug. The food industry knows if they keep putting it in their food, you will keep spending your hard earned dollars on their junk. Your body processes the aspartame so fast, you end up craving more.

History: Aspartame was put before the FDA for approval in 1973 for the first time and denied eight times. Researches said it was dangerous. In 1975, the FDA put together their own testing group to review earlier testing methods that continued to say it was OK for consumption, and reported they had “never seen anything as bad as the earlier testing” and called the results “manipulated”. In 1981, a new FDA commissioner was appointed and despite three out of six scientists voting against the product, it was allowed in limited dry goods. Hmm… wonder how much he was getting paid? In 1983, against the National Soft Drink Association urging the FDA to further test the product, it was approved for beverage consumption. If a product had to go through so much to get into your drink, shouldn’t you reconsider? Despite recognizing 92 different bad symptoms that result in the ingestion of aspartame, the FDA finally approved it without restrictions in 1996. (Long story short; companies and their employees were “sleeping” together and making another dollar at your health’s expense). In 2004, not surprising to say, aspartame became a $1 billion dollar industry. NutraSweet and Equal contain aspartame. High levels can increase the chance of seizures and lead to depression, schizophrenia, and memory loss. Stay away from Sweet-N-Low as well. And let’s not leave out Splenda. While Splenda does not have calories, it is made up of 2% methanol and arsenic. Wow, that’s much better.

So what’s the alternative? My best friend is raw honey. My husband and I put it in everything. Try it in your coffee, on your cereal, or in your recipes when it calls for sugar. One great thing about buying honey locally is not only are you lining the pockets of a hard working neighbor but, this will blow your mind….when you buy honey from local honey bees, the bees are making honey with the pollens in your neighborhood and that honey will help fight off allergies. Crazy how God planned all that huh? Use honey when at all possible and give up ALL chemical sweeteners. You will feel better and have more energy in just a few days. Another choice is Stevia. This is derived from a plant in Paraguay. The Japanese have been using it for years, and it is the most unrecognized sweetener in the US. This is a “natural herbal sweetener” which contains no calories, has no glycemic index (won’t alter blood sugar levels) and is safe for diabetics. This product can sometimes be found in your local health food stores. The FDA has not approved this to be put in our foods as it would shut down the $1 billion dollar industry of Aspartame. Again, nice huh? They don’t worry about your waste line just their bank accounts. That is why being healthy and fit is the most empowering thing you can do. It’s all up to you and the choices that YOU make. No one else controls your body, but you.

Leave a comment and let me know how your aspartame, Sweet-n-Low, NutraSweet free days are going. You may be chosen to receive a free gift. So get healthy and in control today.

Congratulations to my Bloggy Winners!

Congratulations to the two winners I have selected for my giveaways. The Breathe Deep Spray and the Skinny Bitch book are being sent out this week. Thank you to all of my new subscribers for taking the time to sign up. I hope you find strength in Your Happy Hearts blog to workout everyday and give it your all.

For those of you following my progress on Jillian's 30 Day Shred, I have lost 6 pounds! I probably lost more as I know there is a huge difference in my fat ratio. But remember when you start building muscle you are gaining that in "weight" as muscle weighs more than fat. So for right now, I don't care what the scale says. I am so happy with where my body is going.

I have started the next faze of my journey into the P90X program. I am sure you have seen this ad late at night on the paid programming channels. It is so worth the money. I highly recommend this program. You can click on my sidebar under the Amazon choices or go to www.beachbody.com to check out Tony Horton. When you get to the Beach Body site, click on the P90X to see further details. I will keep you informed on my progress as well. Time to ""Bring It", "Do my best, and forget the rest." You will hear these a lot on the P90X program.

I am also going to be doing a series of proper form with weights and exercise movements and you will all see me soon. My husband has also offered me a professional photo shoot as soon as I get ripped. My goal is in the spring. When that is completed, believe you me, you will all see them as there is nothing more to be proud of then your accomplishments in the gym.

So again, thanks to the new subscribers and congrats to my two new winners. More "stuff" to win coming soon.

Essential Spray Giveaway

"The Giving Essence" online store has sent me a sample of their wonderful room spray.  I have tested the Breathe Deep Essential Spray and really love the smell. Breathe Deep opens your sinuses and is great for your bedroom for a good night's sleep. I also suggest using this in your home gym to remove the sweat and "gym" smell. Nothing could be better than breathing deep while working out.
 
Here is an excerpt from the on-line store:
Breathe Deep:  Sniffles got you down?  Breathe the soothing properties of this special blend of Eucalyptus, Rosemary, and Camphor essential oils.  Perfect for chasing away the cold season blues. 

Now here's the exciting part.  The Giving Essence has given me an extra bottle to give away. All you have to do to win this free awesome spray is check out The Giving Essence online store, then come back here and leave me a comment.  Good luck and the winner will be chosen on Sunday, November 16th. REMEMBER: to leave your email address so I can contact the winner. (example: taylor(at)happyhearts(dot)com).

Skinny Bitch - Book Giveaway

I purchased a book titled the "Skinny Bitch" by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin. Despite it's rough language, this book is really "A no-nonsense, tough-love, guide for savvy girls who want to stop eating crap and start looking fabulous!"

I found this book at a local bookstore and the title grabbed my attention. I flipped through the pages and landed on Chapter 8. (If you are the faint at heart and don't like foul language, which is understandable, please don't disregard this book altogether. Just read through it with a "bleep" when you get to a word you don't want to read). Chapter 8: "Pooping - Pinch a loaf, Lay cable, Drop the kids off at the pool. Let's face it; there is no greater pleasure than taking a big dump. But bleep-ing isn't just for kicks. It's a vital tool for weight loss and optimal health. It's how much you are putting in your mouth and how much is coming out your bleep. Fiber isn't just for bleeps and giggles either. It offers protection from appendicitis, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, gallstones, irritable bowel syndrome and colitis. Fibrous foods also help normalize our blood sugars levels, stop food cravings, and make us feel fuller, so we are less likely to overeat. If we don't make ca-ca quickly enough, our putrefying foods stays in our bodies, increasing the likelihood of the production of carcinogenic substances. So eat your fiber and crap like a champ."

This book is really tough on the meat industry. The authors push a vegetarian diet, with which I do not agree. But that's just my opinion. The authors spell out the rituals of killing, cleaning, and packaging meat. If anything, walk away with the attitude you should be purchasing all you meat products from organic, free-range farms, if at all possible. Or if you have land like I do, have your husband process a few deer for the freezer. The Skinny Bitch book has so much information in it, I can't possibly tell you everything, without rewriting it here for you.

Because I want to get this into you hands, you can win this book by simply subscribing to Your Happy Hearts on the right sidebar in the subscription box. For a second entry, leave me a comment. Once you are subscribed, you will always be entered to win my giveaways for the life of your subscription. I have many more things I want to get into your hands.

Good luck and the winner will be chosen on Sunday, November 16th. REMEMBER: to leave your email address so I can contact the winner. (example: taylor(at)happyhearts(dot)com).

You can check out the Skinny Bitch book at www.skinnybitch.net. One last quote to leave you with: "Stop being a moron and start getting skinny. If you can't take one more day of self-loathing, your ready to hear the truth: You cannot keep shoveling the same crap into your mouth everyday and expect to lose weight."

And remember Organic is fantastic. Check out the Giving Essence organic store button on the right, for your organic needs. I have used a few of their products and am very happy with the results. Give them a try today.

New Look - Body and Blog

Not only has my body changed but so has this site. I will continuously update and improve this site, as I advance in my fitness journey. I want to give you the best website I can. In exchange, I need you to give me your best effort at working out.

My heart is so happy with the commitment I have given. Waking up and working out is the best thing that I can do for this 34 year old heart. Transforming your body is so important to a healthy lifestyle but most importantly to your mind. Working out is mental, mental, mental. I know even if I am not at the fitness level I want to be right now, I gave it my all today, and there is no condemnation in that.

I always felt guilty for doing other things with my time or felt "lazy" knowing I hadn't put in the effort to make a change in my body. Once you start seeing changes, it will motivate you to do more. Trust me and just start today. I want to push myself and you harder than ever knowing my body is changing and so can yours.

I am going to start a series on exercise moves you can do easily at home with a few weights. I will be showing you proper form and position which will also help to stop injuries. If you do a form incorrectly you will not only be at risk to hurt yourself, but may not be getting the benefit of the exercise.

Here's an easy one to start. Well, the concept is easy, the exercise is not. Walking squats with a counting method. This is how you start: Stand with your legs shoulder width apart. Squat down as far as you can go, as if your sitting down into a chair. Make sure when you look down, your knees are not over your feet and you can still see your toes. Stand up counting that squat as one. Take four steps forward (this is your resting period) turn around and squat twice. Take four more steps, turn around and squat three times. Remember to always start counting at one. Go to 10 rounds of squats. Remember this is one, plus two, plus three. You will end up with 55 squats. This builds leg and glute muscles very fast. It's a great way to work at fitting into those new jeans. Go to 20 if you want more of a challenge. Do what you can and work your way up. If you don't have the time to go to 20, grab some weights and add arms. Do arms curls as you squat down. The more muscles you are moving at one time, the faster you will burn that fat off.

Keep your comments coming. I love to hear from you all. Be blessed and live healthy. Remember if it didn't come from God or doesn't have a mother, don't eat it.