Special Addition - New Blog

Special Addition Post:

Yes, I am on Christmas/New Year break, but wanted to let you in on something I have been working on during my YHH hiatus.

I know I am not the only one who is crazed when it comes to purses. I have so much fun buying them, wearing them, changing them with outfits and blessing them away to someone who may like it more.

There have been a few I thought were amazingly cute, then the functionality of it made it not so cute and it got shelved right away. I have now been given so many purses as gifts I can't count. These are special to me. I have officially started a "collection" here in my office and am displaying those worth this honor.

So with that, I am branching out, just for fun, for those who are as crazy about purses, handbags, wallets, keychains, purse dangles, and more.

Check out The Purse Paradise (www.thepurseparadise.com) for fun information, reviews, and giveaways. Who doesn't want to win a purse now and again?

The purse you see above is one I hand knitted and am giving away. All you have to do is visit The Purse Paradise and register for a free email subscription to all updates.

Leave me a comment you are a new subscriber at The Purse Paradise and you are entered.

Entries must be in by January 2nd at midnight. A winner will be chosen on the 3rd. Good luck!

Happy New Year and some time off!

Christmas is over? What? So soon......

Happy New Year:

New dreams, new goals, and a new wish for how our lives will be. We all think that the turn of a calendar will somehow allow us to actually achieve those goals this time. It's good to set goals but don't get caught up in a New Years Resolution. Go ahead and make one, but it has to be more than just a silly tradition. Make new health and fitness goals because this time you mean it and you are going to achieve all you know you can.

With a much needed breather, I will be taking a few days off. I will see you at the start of a new year. Again, refer to the Healthy tips for the Holidays and apply those to your New Years Eve parties. Have fun, be safe, and thanks again for a great year!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from my living room to yours. I pray this Christmas brings you love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self control. May God bless your home and your family.

My husband and I pray for your health and wellness as we get ready to enter into a new year. May it be full of prosperity, new friendships, and a new relationship with Christ. He will show you Joy like you have never known.

Click here to see our Christmas Card to you. I hope it makes you laugh as much as it did us!

With much love, Merry Christmas, Angie and Hubby!

Merry Christmas Eve

Merry Christmas Eve:

I want to take a moment to thank all my readers for this amazing year. I can't believe you are all out there reading what I have to say. I thank you for being loyal readers and leaving the comments you do. I love to hear from you.

I am very proud to say there are over 600 of you who receive YHH updates through email, 115 of you following through Blogger, and over 21,000 hits/visitors. I can't wait to watch YHH continue to grow.

You are all an encouragement to me to keep going, test products, and find answers. I have lots of plans and goals for 2010 and I hope you continue to take this ride of health and fitness with me.

Tips for a Healthy Holiday #9-#10

Last two tips:

#9 - If the Christmas party is at your house, don't stress over cleaning. Remember it will be dirtier after the guests leave, then when you started cleaning in the first place. As mentioned earlier in Tip #1, stress can cause all kinds of havoc with your hormone system and most people eat to deal with unwanted stress. So when cleaning the house, crank up the Christmas tunes and work your butt off. Literally. Dance around and have fun. Do some walking lunges when pushing around the vacuum cleaner. Wash the windows as fast as you can to work your arms. Wash the kitchen floor on your hands and knees and throw in a few ab plank holds. If no one is home when your cleaning it won't matter what you look like. Work up a good sweat and get your workout in while your cleaning. Your on a tight schedule right now anyway, right? So do two things at once.

#10 - Have FUN! Relax, have fun, and no worries. If you slip up and eat too much, if you have too many finger foods or grandma's fudge, and/or drank too much, just remember one important thing. This does not mean you are a failure and you can't do this healthy lifestyle. You CAN do this. You ARE doing it.

Have a great holiday and keep pressing forward. One day does not define your year. When the wrapping paper and bows are picked up and thrown away jump on your treadmill.

God Bless.....

Tips for a Healthy Holiday #6-#8

More Healthy Holiday Tips:

#6 - Before the big family gathering, take some quiet time out for yourself. Sit down with your day planner and schedule the next year of fitness goals. Having your personal goals fresh in your mind, will help you stay on track when the Christmas pies are served and someone asks "do you want whip creme on top?"

Setting goals does not have to wait until the clock strikes midnight on New Years Eve. Have them planned and written down out ahead of time. It's also less stressful to know what direction you are heading for the up coming year.

#7 - This is an easy step and I want ALL of you to do it. Yes, even you men. Take a bath and relax. Breath before the parties and look back on where you have come this last year with your fitness and health. Be proud of all the workouts and healthy food choices. Attend the Christmas party in something new. Don't just throw on jeans and a sweatshirt. Buy a new shirt or sweater. Ladies maybe a new "little black dress". Without a word, you will lead by example. When family who hasn't seen you in a long time, can physically see all you have achieved, they will be wowed. Even if you aren't where you want to be yet, be proud of where you have come. It will make you feel great during the party. It may also keep your hands out of all the extra snacks as you look down and realize how good you feel and look.

#8 - When you are asked to bring a dish to pass bring something healthy. Make sure you try the recipe first so you don't bring something healthy but dry and lacking flavor. Bring a dish that everyone will like and may not even know it's healthy. Then when they ask what is in it you can tell them how you made it and it's low in calories. This may impress them enough to try and make healthier choices as well. Again, remember, this is not the time of year to be shoving fitness down your families throat. Just good healthy food.

Tips for a Healthy Holiday #1-#5

Getting through the holidays can be tough in so many ways. So here are some tips to make it through and still stay on track:

#1 - Watch your stress levels at all times. Pray God guides you and your mouth. Try and keep is tightly closed during conversations you know from past experience, are going nowhere good. Remember, your family comes from different situations and they will all have different opinions. Try and appreciate each of them for who they are. Don't stress about what they think of your cooking, house cleaning, or what your tree and decorations look like. Take big breaths and stay calm. Stress is a huge factor for bad eating and throwing your hormones into a tizzy. Be wise and keep the conversation to that which you know are safe.

#2 - It's is obvious by different shapes and sizes of family members they are not all on the same diet and workout program you may be. Christmas is not a time to try and convince them to eat healthy and put down the junk food. It's hard enough for US not to eat all the cookies, cakes, and pies. Let alone someone who does not have the health knowledge which you now have. Let them be and enjoy the time talking about something other than fitness. I know it's your passion, but if it's not theirs they will not hear a word you say and perceive you, well, as a donkey's behind.

#3 - With my family, both sides, we do not do a formal sit down Christmas dinner. We have lots of yummy finger foods displayed on festive trays and we "graze" for hours. This can be very dangerous for someone watching their calories. Fill up on the veggie tray which the majority of the family ignores and then leave the room where the snacks are displayed.

#4 - Eat the sugary Christmas foods in moderation. It wouldn't be right to say you have to go the entire holiday season without a star shaped cookie with sprinkles or your mom's fudge. Remember, if you have been eating healthy, your body will go into serious sugar shock. This could make your holiday quite miserable. More so then just passing on the cookie and not having one at all.

#5 - Alcohol at Christmas may help you relax and get you through the next conversation but it can give you the major munchies and cloud your calorie judgement. Take into account the alcohol itself has empty calories (calories which provide your body with zero nutrition). You probably won't be counting those calories every time you refill your glass. If you have alcohol at Christmas, try and stick to dry red wines as they have less sugar content. Pass on the rum and egg nog or have a very small taste to please your host. Egg nog purchased at the grocer is horrible for you. (That's a whole 'nother article.) If it's homemade egg nog, it shouldn't be as bad as it's missing the preservatives and HFCS but loaded with sugar. So choose the wine and keep it to a minimum.

Look for more tips to come, as we all try and make it through this sugary holiday. Be blessed and remember, it's about Jesus and family. Not about how much you eat or don't. So just relax...

Recipe for the week

I can't promise this is going to sound good, but it really turned out well. I liked it and had it for lunch a few days, so I hope you like it too.

Mexican Pot Pie:

One can shredded turkey or chicken.

One can mushrooms or fresh if you prefer

One can creme of mushroom soup

One 1/2 can of corn

4 Tbs salsa (your choice of flavor or brand)

1 cup low fat mexican shredded cheese

1/2 can black beans

1 box corn muffin mix

1 Taco season packet

Spray a small glass square baking pan with Pam cooking spray. Spread a thin layer of black beans on bottom of pan.

In a separate mixing bowl, mix the chicken (breaking it down so it's all shredded), salsa, creme of mushroom soup, and taco seasoning. Layer this over beans. Lay out mushrooms and sprinkle with cheese.

In another mixing bowl make the corn bread muffin mix, to directions, and add 1/2 can of corn, blending well. Spread this on as your last layer.

Place in oven at 350 and bake until the muffin mix is a nice golden brown.

Let cool. Cut out squares and serve. If you like it spicy, drizzle with hot sauce before serving.

Serve with a side of salsa and low sodium tortilla chips!

P.S. Oops, did I actually make a mistake? On the last recipe posted for the Santa Oatmeal cookies I told you to blend oatmeal and flour, but never listed the flour. It's 4 cups. I did fix the recipe so you can print it out there and be all set. Sorry about that. Thanks for emailing and and letting me know!

Holiday Gift Ideas

Here are a few suggestions from YHH.

Let's start with one of my favorite companies. GymGems is an amazing jewelry company who has everything you need to be glam for the holiday season. The Toggle Necklace is one of my favorites. It's elegant and feminine. It's not as heavy as the standard dumbbell necklace.

A few items I have not personally seen yet, but have no doubt they are amazing as well, are the earrings, dumbbell ring, and body jewelry (belly ring). Great presents for under the tree or an amazing stocking stuffer. Check out GymGems today. They have jewelry for men too. So don't worry, they didn't forget about you!

Tarte Cosmetics has great gift sets. The makeup is high quality and I loved everything I have tried. If you are looking for a fresh new look for New Years Eve or for a unique gift for family/friend, this is a great place to check out. Everything is ready to wrap and put under the tree.

Let's not forget about our feet. The new rage are shoes which provide a workout as well. FitFlop has achieved this with fashion and comfortability. These shoes are also great for your back. I was given the flip flop to try and just love them. But now that it's colder out, Fitflop offers warmer alternatives to their flip flop style. From warm boots to fuzzy clogs. You won't believe how comfortable these shoes can be. Give them a try or buy them as a gift and make someone's back and feet very happy this holiday season.

Journals are a great idea for someone keeping track of their fitness journey or thoughts and emotions in general. Journaling keeps you on track with fitness goals, counting calories, workouts, and can relieve stress as you write out your thoughts for the day. Rogue Journals are still some of my favorite journals out there. Each individually hand crafted. You just can't find quality like this anywhere else. I have this one shown in brown and when it's full I will be getting it in black. It's small enough to toss in your purse and has traveled with me everywhere. When all I have to do is wait, I take it out and journal. It's a perfect gift idea for just about anyone. Check out all that Rogue has to offer.

I hope this gave you a few more ideas for those gifts which you haven't picked up yet. Or something else to add to your own wish list. Happy Holidays!

Keeping on Track through the Holidays

As we head into the holiday season, we are faced with chocolate peanut butter balls, chocolate coconut balls, sugar cookies in shapes of trees and stars covered with sprinkles, and egg nog. You are not alone. I love these things too.

I am not super human or a workout crazy fanatic. I learned I have to workout and eat healthy to be healthy. I too have temptations and need to make daily choices. I simply make my health the number one choice.

What choice did I make this past Friday? Three peanut butter balls and three coconut balls. I have a coworker who only makes them this time of year. Hand rolled, hand dipped, and made with great love. I took those six glorious candies and made them last all day. That was my treat. I will pass on the other snacks and treats, as good as they all look. Just count these Christmas snacks into your calories and you will be fine. It's not the end of the world. Enjoy the holidays, but still in portions!

So now we know we can have a few treats without falling off the wagon. We do need to continue add in the workouts. As busy as the holiday season becomes, you have to continue to make time for yourself. No excuses of a party or you have to run here or there. The stress of family, etc. will build and your body will freak out. Do you have to workout Christmas day? No, probably not. The day before? I am sure you can find some time. 20 minutes is all you really need. Christmas Eve does not start till the EVE! Working out in the morning before the family arrives may help you cope with the stress of the day to follow. If there is a lot of traveling in your future, just do what you can. Making the effort is what it's all about. Try not to go longer than three days if at all possible.

So here's a workout, by the ever so awesome Jillian, to get you off to the right start this week. Enjoy the holiday season and know if you can make it through this, the rest of your new year will be a piece of cake. Or wait, a piece of chicken with asparagus.

Bodyhoops - $5.00 off coupon for YHH

Who knew hooping could not only be fun but exercise, a career, or even a vacation. With bodyhoops there is no limit to your hooping.

I received my hoop this week. I had in my mind a cheaper plastic hoop, like the kind you purchased as a kid and wished it lasted the summer. That's not the case with bodyhoops. My hoop is sturdy and wrapped with strong decorative tape. Not only making it comfortable to the touch but durable as well.

As the instructions read to check the area around you before hooping, to make sure you had adequate room, I quickly scanned the kitchen and gave it a whirl. I hooped for a few....... seconds? Not bad for not having done it for years. I did better than I thought and with some practice may not be too bad. The hoops are weighted to about 2 pounds making it easier for us adults to get in the groove.

So what's the benefit to working out with a hoop? Core, Core, Core. This will work your core like you can't believe. And help you with balance, coordination, increased heart rate, and play time with your kids. Remember: working out with your kids is a great way to show them staying fit is a way of life.

Want someone to show you how to dance off the pounds with your new hoop? Check out the bodyhoops DVD Hoop Dance Fusion. Learn six easy lessons on dancing to the beat with your hoop and you will be working out and not even know it.

There is a large variety of hoop styles ranging from $29.99 up to $49.99. The infinity travel hoop folds down to a smaller double hoop to be easily taken with you to hoop classes, travel in your car, or for easy storage when not in use.

So now you are pretty good at this hooping thing and have been looking for a way to earn a little extra cash. bodyhoops offers teacher certification programs. The teacher certification package comes complete with everything you need to start teaching your own bodyhoop classes right from home.

Want to take your hooping experience one step farther, or should I say several steps farther? You can go on a Costa Rica Hoop Retreat. Yup, that's right. Family fun, hoop sessions, food, waterfall tours, you get it all with this vacation.

There's no time like now to purchase a hoop for you and the family and start a new workout routine that's fun for everyone.

bodyhoops is offering my readers a $5.00 coupon code (enter "happyhearts") to be used at the time of check out. Take advantage of this coupon today and have your hoop delivered in time for Christmas.

Happy hooping!

Try Something New.

So many of us fall off the "diet" or "workout" wagon because we get bored. There really is no reason for this. If you get bored, simply find something new to do. I am very excited with a new workout I was given the opportunity to try and tell you about. So much so, that I can't keep my mouth shut and I have to tell you now.

I was given the chance to try KettleWorx created by Ryan Shanahan. With several different KettleWorx programs and weight choices for the kettlebell, there's one right for you. The best part? These workout are only 20 min. per day.

I received the Ultra 10 Package. It comes with two series of DVD's. The Introduction DVD tells you a lot of what you are going to do and the different ways to hold your new kettlebell. Then there are three (Core, Resistance, Cardio) DVD's for the Six Week Body Transformation. These are done three times a week. Each DVD will tell you Week 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. So each time you put it in, there is a different combination of moves. You also receive two bonus DVD's - a fast fat burn and a fast abs, which are only 10 minute workouts. You can add these on an off day or add to your 20 min. workout. It's all up to you.

Want more? You receive the Ultimate Body Sculpting Collection which includes Legs and Thighs, Butt and Hips, Arms and Shoulders, and Chest and Back. These again are only 20 min. workouts.

Don't worry, your kettlebell is included as well. With the Ultra 10 Package you receive the 10 pound kettlebell. It is recommended for beginners to start with 5, but someone who has been working out for a while, 10 pounds is recommended. Advanced (or you strong men) 15 or 20 pound bell would be your choice.

Programs like these are more than just workouts, they are the food and workout system all put together. The Ultra 10 Package includes the Fat Free In 42 Days book on CD for your computer. I was much impressed with this. Just print off the pages you need such as the workout program chart, recipes, and grocery shopping lists. It includes everything you need to change your eating habits and shed fat fast.

So how well does this whole system work? We are all about to find out as I start my journey with the KettleWorx. I will periodically let you know how it is going. If you want to join me, log onto the KettleWorx site and grab a package deal that is right for you and join me on this workout program. Who can't fit 20 - 30 min. a day in for a great workout? I know you can so let's go!

Workout for your Week

So far these past few weeks, I have introduced you to short clips for exercise ideas. But here is one that's a bit longer, 30 minutes to be exact. This will get your heart pumping and your body moving.

There's no excuse for boredom when it comes to working out. With as many videos, equipment, different instructors and workout styles, you can always keep it fresh and new. So why wait until that "New Years Resolution"? Have fun and get fit today!

Body Temple Clothing Review

Body Temple is back. I did a review for them a while ago with some cool yoga pants and cat tank. Now with new items on the racks they wanted my opinion.

We must remember one thing, Body Temple is in California. As the snow starts to fly heavy where I am, the sun is shining and there is no bundling up into coats and scarves in California. So when I received my lycra clothing, I was wondering how I could make this work in my climate to be able to test the products now and not wait till we hit the 80 degree weather once again.

The first item sent by Body Temple is a Racerback Lycra Tank and/or Dress. This item can be worn both ways. As nice as it looks on the model shown here as a dress, for my own personal use, I can't say I would sport it out like this. But thinking of a street cafe in the heat of California, it would probably not look that out of place. The material is a heavy lycra and of good quality. The one thing I do love about it, is the versatility of wearing it as a tank top. Now this I can do. Because it has the ability to stretch to a dress, wearing it as a longer layer under a sporty fleece, hoodie, or jean jacket gives you some extra length. It also provides you with a nice smooth fit making the clothing on top lay without extra bulk. Wearing the shirt into the gym is nice as well. You don't have to worry about reaching down to grab a weight or some crazy ball exercise while wearing low rise pants. Because we all know what happens with low rise pants and a good reach. I received my top in black and I have gotten a lot of use out of it so far. They wear and wash nice. This item retails for only $15.00. Affordable enough to get one in every color.

The next item I received for review was the Tube Top/Dress. Again this can be worn in a variety of ways. Shown here in blue, is a shorter version of the dress. The top has a double layer on the inside for extra support. Similar to a built in bra. By simply turning the dress inside out and extending the top support, the dress becomes longer as shown in red. As the support top has a flared look on the inside, you then see in on the outside giving a "butterfly" design or look to the top of the dress. Either one of these would make an impression on the town. For me again, something I would probably only wear for a photo shoot. With the red, layer a black half sleeve button down formal shawl over top and it would make a fabulous Christmas dress for a formal party.

Shown here with jeans, as a top, is more like it for me personally. Since we all have different taste and comfort levels with clothing, Body Temple for sure gives you the versatility to wear their clothing how you are most comfortable and what looks best on you. This also only retails for $15 affordable for purchasing more than one color. My color of choice: black.

Now if your in a state like mine that is facing the cold winter ahead, check out the Body Temple Fleece Hoodies. I think this just may have to be the next thing on my shopping list. Ahhh, now this is more like it.

So shop Body Temple for all your fitness clothing needs. They have so much to choose from you will find what's right for you.