Giving Essence Lip Balm and Peppermint Stick Relief Giveaway

Bloggy Carnival is so much fun, I just had to participate.

My friend Diane Kidman of dkmommyspot and The Giving Essence have again partnered up with Your Happy Hearts.com to do a wonderful organic giveaway.

You MUST be a subscriber to win (make comment of that in your text, please). Visit The Giving Essence store and let me know what your favorite product would be or what you think of the store, to be entered in the giveaway.

If you are not a subscriber, no problem! Just register today. You will be glad you did. You will receive updates of all the health and fitness information Your Happy Hearts.com provides. Coming soon.... A series on proper form for lifting weights and other great exercise movements.

One lucky subscriber will be chosen to win the Peppermint Stick Headache Stress Reliever and a Lemon Grass Lip Balm .

I use these products and just love the way they work. The fact they are organic, makes it even better. Your Happy Hearts.com is proud to support this organic store. Working out in a dry gym can be really tough on your lips and skin. The lip balms sold at The Giving Essence are so moisturizing you won't believe it. And a jar goes a long way. I use mine almost everyday and have had it for months. You won't be sorry you entered or subscribed for this giveaway.

Contest ends with Bloggy Carnival on Sunday night the 1st of February.

Good luck and blessings,

Taylor

Sugar, where does it hide?

So many of us think if a label doesn't say "sugar" there must not be any in the food. Did you know sugar has many names and it can hide anywhere? As we work out and make changes in our lives, we realize our bodies just can't take sugar anymore like it used to. Things we eat all of a sudden make us sick or we feel sluggish. We look back at the label, read through it, and ask how can that be? It doesn't say "sugar". As sugar comes in all different forms it can be labeled in many ways. After doing some research, and with the help of my hubby, we found several names in which sugar can and is listed on your products. Below are sugars which hide out in our foods. Be watchful next time you put something in your cart.

In alphabetical order: Barley Malt, Beet Sugar, Brown Sugar, Buttered Syrup, Cane Juice Carmel, Carob Syrup, Castor Sugar, Corn Syrup, Date Sugar, Dextran, Dextrose, Diatase, Diastic Malt, Ethyl Maltol, Fructose, Fruit Juice and Concentrate, Glucose and solids, Golden Sugar and syrup, Grape Sugar, High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS), Invert Sugar, Lactose, Malt Syrup, Maltodextrin, Maltose, Mannitol, Molasses, Raw Sugar, Refiner's Syrup, Sorbitol, Sorghum Syrup , Sucrose, good 'ol Sugar, Turbinado Sugar, and Yellow Sugar.

Are you shocked? I know that list is hard to swallow, seriously. What are you going to do? Print this out and carry it with you every time you go to the store? No, just remember what Jillian Michaels of Biggest Loser says and I have quoted often: "If it doesn't have a mother or came from the earth, don't eat it."

As always, I highly recommend honey for your source of sugar in coffee, recipes, on your toast or cereal. It's natural. Try and find it from a local farmer as the bees will pollinate with the same pollens you breath everyday, helping to fight off allergies and asthma. Hmmm....funny how that makes sense.

One more thing I want to tackle today is High Fructose Corn Syrup or HFCS. I found this on Wikipedia and it's the best explanation I could find. Please, Please, Please, make this a New Years Resolution as well, to stay away from HFCS. (By the way, my TV was shut off today for the start of my new TV free life. Football is done and Biggest Loser will be recorded via iTunes and that's that. More time to get healthy.)

HFCS taken from Wikipedia:
"A study in mice suggests that fructose increases obesity. Large quantities of fructose stimulate the liver to produce triglycerides, promotes glycation of proteins and induces insulin resistance. According to one study, the average American consumes nearly 70 pounds of HFCS per annum, marking HFCS as a major contributor to the rising rates of obesity in the last generation. The Corn Refiners Association has launched an aggressive advertising campaign to counter these criticisms, claiming that high fructose corn syrup "is natural" and "has the same natural sweeteners as table sugar". A 2007 study fed rats a diet high in fat and HFCS and kept them relatively sedentary for 16 weeks in an attempt to emulate the diet and lifestyle of many Americans.The rats were not forced to eat, but were able to eat as much as they wanted; they consumed a large amount of food, suggesting that fructose suppresses the sensation of fullness. Within four weeks, the rats showed early signs of fatty liver disease and Type 2 Diabetes."

Who wants something that will suppress the sensation of fullness? That will just make you crave more HFCS. Of course the food industry would just love that. More from your wallet.

I hope this helps you make better choices when it comes to your sugar intake. Get as much natural sugar as you can from fruit, honey, and other God given items. If you have to eat sugar, use the real raw natural kind. No fakes.

Blessings, Taylor.

Skin MD Lotion Giveaway.

I was fortunate enough to be asked by the makers of Skin MD Natural Lotion, to give their product a try. I am a fanatic when it comes to lotions and figured I had nothing to lose. After long workouts and throwing those weights around the gym, you want to feel nice and smooth. I have always had very dry skin on my face and most lotions turn me bright red. It's great that I don't have acne problems, but in dry winters, all I want to do is scratch my forehead off. When I received this lotion, I honestly didn't think twice about it, as I thought it was more of a hand lotion, that could be tossed in my purse. Once I started reading more on the product, I realized I had to start using it right away. This wasn't just for my hands, but for my face and body as well. In today's market, we are programmed to think a miracle face lotion is going to come in a tiny round glass jar with a fancy lid and name. Something with too fragrant a smell and costs about the same as two Skin MD Naturals.

I usually wash my face at night while showering, as I jump in after my P90X workout. The other night, I got out and immediately put the Skin MD on my face. The tightness that I usually feel went away, and there wasn't a flowery smell, which means my husband can use it as well. This lotion goes a long way. It says that in the instructions, but who really believes it? Until I put way too much on my hands and ended up with it on my neck, hands, and arms. I am seeing the more I use it the better results I am having. I am primarily using it on my face, as I am trying to make it last as long as possible. Although, I have tried it on my few tattoos and noticed it has brightened them up, as it's healing the dry skin that causes the old faded look.

So what makes this product different from others? To find out I had to do some research, but that wasn't hard at all. If you go to the Skin MD site they have a YouTube video where a gal pours acid over her hand. This is just amazing. You must go check it out. This lotion is just like a glove. It has a protective shield that not only stops the irritants of our world from getting into our skin, but our naturals oils from getting out. Skin MD comes in two different forms; Regular Skin MD Natural and Skin MD Natural with Sunscreen SPF of 15. I recommend the sunscreen. When working out and trying to look our best, we tend to love our sun as well. Protect your face from premature wrinkles.

All you have to do to win your own free bottle of the Skin MD with SPF 15, is check out their site and let me know what you think by leaving me those wonderful comments.


You must be a subscriber to win on Your Happy Hearts.com. This is a way for me to say thank you to my many readers for being so committed to your health. So if you have not subscribed, do so today, and join the hundreds already receiving one free chance to win. Subscribers, leave a comment to be selected for another chance to win. You can also be a follower of this site to be considered. This contest will run from Monday Jan. 19th through midnight on Sunday the 25th. Winners will be announced with their name published in the Winner's Square. Good Luck!

Blessings, Taylor

Kre-a-fem Review and Giveaway

I was introduced to Kre-a-fem from my Oxygen magazine and was totally intrigued. All American EFX gave me the chance to try an amazing little pink pill. Creatine has been used in the body building and fitness world for a very long time. Results in men have always been amazing. Women on the other hand would find side-effects such as bloating. Who wants that? Kre-a-fem has ingredients to balance hormones, stop bloating, and help "combat the stress of daily living." While I handle stress fairly well, I am most impressed with the way it has helped with muscle soreness after workouts. Recovering faster helps make the next days workout that much easier.

All you have to do is simply take a pill approximately one hour prior to your workout and for best results one hour after. I am almost through my first bottle and have had no side effects whatsoever. Kre-a-fem speeds up your fat burning process by helping you build and tone. Continuous workouts can be draining and take everything out of you for the rest of your day. Kre-a-fem promotes energy in a natural way with no "crash". I have had great results. This is the only creatine that is "stable at all times in fluid and stomach acids; it does not lose it potency before reaching muscle."

So what's in it you ask? Calcium: to help prevent osteoporosis, used in the treatment of high blood pressure, may lower cholesterol, and aid in sleeping. Black Cohosh Extract: which helps reduce symptoms of premenstrual and menopausal symptoms. Soy Isoflavone Extract: to also help with menstrual symptoms. Magnesium and Iron: also come in this little pink pill. CoQ10: "is a vitamin like nutrient found in cells". It has been found to revitalize the immune system.

So why not give it a try? Hesitant? I was at first but have had great results. Not being so sore the next morning after a workout is a great thing, and having extra energy during the workout (as long as I get my sleep). I was given an extra full size bottle (retail $29.99) of this amazing pink pill and would love to get it in your hands.

All you have to do is be a subscriber, check out the site links above, and let me know what you think of their products. They do have several supplements for the men as well. Wouldn't want to leave you boys out! (Once you subscribe you are entered for the life of your subscription in all giveaways)

Also while visiting their site, buy one of these great t-shirts and "show the world you do it drug free." I know I am going to get one!



Good Luck. Contest starts today and ends Sunday the 18th at Midnight.

Taylor

Juice Beauty Product Review

You have heard me say before, being healthy is living healthy inside and out. Your body style is made up of 10% genetics, 10% workout, and 80% what you put in your mouth. (So don’t blame the big butt on your mother). Drinking water is really important when getting healthy and fit. It hydrates your skin and prevents premature wrinkles. This is the best “lotion” you can be using for your skin.

How about what you put on your skin/face? There are a lot of products on the market which have many scary chemicals. To think we rub it all over and let it soak in, without giving it a second thought. Pick up some of the products in your bathroom and try and read the ingredients. I bet you can’t. Some words are “official” lingo for the ingredient, so if it doesn’t say something like (Vitamin A, C, or E, avocado, sesame) after it, you have no idea what you are putting on your skin.

I have been searching for organic products, to replace the spa products I was independently selling, prior to my new workout lifestyle. Once I changed my food habits I thought it best to change my spa habits as well. I did a little research and landed upon a company named: “Juice Beauty”. I am quite impressed. I have only used two of their products thus far: Exfoliating Cleanser and the SPF 30 Mineral Sheer Moisturizer. But I am for sure going to venture out and try some other products. Once I leave the gym (in my basement) there’s nothing better than getting in the shower and scrubbing my face (removing sweat, makeup, and dead skin cells). I have the exfoliating cleanser in my shower and it’s very handy to use the pump for the exact amount, scrub, and rinse. I recommend this product to men too. Don’t think I am leaving you out on this one. The scents are not too strong and fade away fast, so you won’t smell like lemon/lime and avocado all day. Men, you need to scrub dead cells away too!

Juice Beauty has a kit named “Organics to Go” which would be perfect for your gym bag or for travel, so you don’t ever have to go without. I am planning on purchasing the Organics to Go, Nutrient Moisturizer, and a SPF 20 Mineral Medium Moisturizer. I know workout fanatics like to tan and that’s OK, but we really need to protect our face. (Sunless tanners are great for this area). We want to be healthy and fit for a long time and look young as well. I give Juice Beauty 4 out of 5 stars and hope you check them out for your facial product needs. Thanks to Juice Beauty for giving me the opportunity to try some of their products.

Go to Juice Beauty to see their entire line.

New Look & Calorie King Giveaway!

I am sorry to my readers for yet again changing my look, but I could not resist. But aren't we all changing our look this new year? Trying to lose the weight we have always wanted to get rid of. Once I found all the sites with new layout options, I was hooked.  I found the photo of this heart and knew it had to be the new Happy Heart logo.  It says so much in a small photo.  We all want a happy healthy heart, don't we?  Who wants to be older on the inside than we actually are?  I want to be here as long as I can and do as much as possible. But to do this we need to work out, keep our stress levels low, and do things that just make us happy. 

Find something which consumes your time in a negative way and I challenge you to give it up. Instead, fill that time with work out routines, eating healthy by preparing your foods for the week, and take up a hobby that you have always wanted to do.  Something that has been on your mind but you just haven't done it yet.

I am no exception and I practice what I preach. My husband and I are getting rid of the TV. Yes, that's what I said. Not physically removing the TV from our home, as we are allowing ourselves movies (dvd's) on the weekends, but canceling the dish and getting a digital antenna instead.  This will allow my husband to complete the football season and watch the Superbowl, plus no monthly bill.  I am giving up all the silly reality TV with the exception of Biggest Loser on Tuesday nights. It's a good show and focuses on healthy thinking. I love to knit and will make more time for that and I am going to read through my bible, cover to cover, this year. I have also decided to do some bible studies on my own. This will improve my thinking in a positive manner, decreasing stress and improving self image. 

In honor of my new look for the new year I am giving away a Calorie King book. Let me know what you think of the changes by leave me a comment.  You have three ways to enter. Enter all three ways and your chance to win increases.

One: Be a subsciber to this blog or join now.

Two: Be a follower of follow for the first time.

Three: Leave me a comment on what you think about the changes. As always be blessed, and make time for Your Happy Heart!

Taylor.

Deal With It Book Giveaway

Happy 2009! Are you in need of encouragement for your new life of health and fitness? Then this is a giveaway for your. I have a new subscriber whom I am very pleased is not only a reader/fan of Your Happy Hearts.com but is now leaving appreciated and awesome comments!

Pastor Paul Ruzinsky is the Senior Pastor at Resurrection Life Church in Newaygo, Michigan. Yes, I know. You have no idea where that is. It’s OK, God does and Rez Life believes they are going to "Touch The World From Newaygo". One of the ways they can do this is with God working through Pastor Paul to get great resources out for Christians and non-believers, to live a full life through the love of Christ.

“Deal With It. When Life Deals You a Bad Hand – Play to Win!” is the ultimate example of Pastor Paul’s preaching style. His energy is refreshing and he holds nothing back. When the congregation gets quiet after being spiritually spanked, Pastor Paul simply holds up his bible and says “Don’t get mad at me. I didn’t write it.” This is so true. When someone is trying to correct you, it’s then you take offense. Remember last year? You told everyone you were going to really lose the weight this time. How often did you get mad at friends or family for trying to correct your eating habits or your lack of workouts? You knew they were right and that’s why you took offense.

I love being here to encourage you to go out and get fit. But I don’t have all the answers to what the real problem is when it comes to the choices you make and why. I believe this book will help. Deal With It will give you the guidance and resources you need to deal with life. Exercising is more than lifting a weight, it's almost all mental. You need to deal with your brain and your emotions before you hit the gym.

Here’s a quote from the book: “If you allow your mind to run away with negative thoughts at night, Satan will run you a slide show full of all kinds of sorry mental pictures of yourself. At night think of the Word of God instead. This is a great habit even when your not going through trials. Take in the Word before you go to sleep so your mind is set on thinking and dreaming about the things of God.”

I think this book will bless you in amazing ways and direct you to live without worry. You can also go to www.resonline.org and download free sermons from Pastor Paul Ruzinsky. God has called him to a great position in ministry and he is up for the challenge of reaching all of you. He has also personally autographed this book.

For one entry simply be a subscriber (or subscribe today if you haven't in the past and join the hundreds of readers!). Then for a second entry, leave me a comment on your New Years resolution and how you are going to get healthier this year.

As always...blessings, Taylor!

Contest ends on Sunday Jan. 11th at Midnight. Good luck.

New Profile Pic - Yes it's me!

A few of my fabulous subscribers have asked what I look like. It’s finally that time where I am proud of my physical transformation. So I am changing my profile shot, to me!

First let me go back to the summer of 2008: My coworker was selling a tractor for a deal we couldn’t pass up. We brought the tractor home, washed it, and took pictures of our first time driving it. When I downloaded the photos, I was horrified. It was me driving the tractor with a muffin top!!! (For those of you who haven’t heard this expression, it simply looks like the top of a muffin, but it’s your fat squishing out over your pants.

I had seen this on myself only once before the previous spring of 2007 (but not this bad). My husband and I started the Body for Life program and did great all summer. But when last winter hit, we really got lazy. We cuddled in front of our wood stove with a movie every night, ate lots of popcorn (microwave extra butter), lots of pizza (frozen - high calorie), and Friday's frozen appetizers. One thing led to another. By this past summer Body for Life was no more and I was left with a new tractor and a muffin top.

My husband had already purchased P90X, had tried a few DVD’s over the summer, and was just prepping himself to hit it full on. (He has always loved fitness and working out. Me, not so much.) After seeing my horrible tractor shot, I knew I was nowhere near ready for P90 anything. With great encouragement, he bought me Jillian’s 30 Day Shred and we started earlier this past fall. After completing the 30 Day Shred and now being in week five (phase two) of P90X, I can honestly say I am really proud of where I am. This winter, no more microwave popcorn and frozen pizza. (We pop our own popcorn in brown paper bags and add light real butter and sea salt. Yum! We make pizza on flat bread with chicken and veggies.)

So this is my new profile picture. Even though I hate having to show the tractor-muffin top picture, I want to be an encouragement to all of you. It doesn’t matter if you have 5, 10, 20, or even 100 pounds to lose. It’s not easy for any of us. The last 10 pounds are the hardest. I had to work hard from day one. And you can do it too.

Coming Soon:

My husband is going to help me with a series of photos, showing proper form for weight training and other variations of exercise movements. I hope you will try something new this year and keep going.

Let me know how your work outs are going and you may be selected for a special gift, just from me. Keep up those comments. I would love to hear from all of you!

P.S. This is the infamous husband who wishes to remain "unknown". He's a great guy but would rather be the support behind the camera. And yes, he knows the Lions are nothing to be proud of right now. But he's a die hard fan. :) Thanks hubby for all you do!. "Diamonds of gold baby, Diamonds of Gold."

Blessings, Taylor

Biggest Loser, New Season

To all my Biggest Loser fans: Just a friendly reminder, a new season of Loser starts this next Tuesday the 6th at 8PM on NBC. I missed the very 1st season but happened to catch the live finale. I didn’t even know the contestants, but when they showed the huge paper picture of their fat-self and the contestants had to punch through it and came out skinny…..I cried like a baby! Who can’t be overwhelmed by that? I haven’t missed a season since. What work and dedication. I admired them all. The contestants, who go home early, don’t have good support at home (I am guessing) and lose more focus than weight. They aren’t quite as shocking at the finale, but still fun to watch. But tell you what, if I was on the show and had already scheduled with my job (or quit one) to be gone for months, when I got kicked off the show, I would be in that gym 40 hours/week. If I could afford it, right now, I would quit my job and go be a towel girl at some gym. If it’s around you and consumes you (just like the Word of God), it will ooze out your pours. There would be nothing else to focus on or to distract you. If only all of us could be towel gals or guys, and focus solely on fitness. But we can’t, so we do the best with the time we have.

If you have never seen this show, I encourage you all to watch. It’s good family TV. I don’t have kids, so my sensor may not be the same as others, but I think it’s great for the family. Although, this past season, there was too much plotting with teams and alliances. I didn’t like that so much (darn that Vicki. Was I the only one who saw how deceitful she was?). This season also brings with it the largest contestant yet. And the scary thing, he’s only 17. I believe he weighs in just under 500 pounds. They are going to have to take great caution with him, but it can, and will be done!

Watch the show, and as always, you can leave me your comments on what you think. I encourage you all to take time to watch. Believe me, sitting down with your large pop and snack or beer and cheesy puffs is not going to be that easy. You will feel so guilty, halfway through the show you will give up the crap for a few pushups.

Also, I have several new giveaways coming up. I have a great book for encouragement in the new year. I will be listing this on Monday. You don't want to miss it. (It's personally autographed by the author). So if you are not a subscriber, do so now! Once you are subscribed to Your Happy Hearts.com, you will always be entered in my giveaways, for the life of your subscription. Blessings, Taylor