Surviving Breast Cancer

This will be my most personal post to date......

I finally announced to my Facebook family my recent diagnosis of Breast Cancer and wanted to share with my YHH readers.  Just five weeks ago,  I was diagnosed with Stage 1 BC at age 36.

My family and I are praising God it was caught early and HE is my healer and provider. Through surgery, I will have it under my control. Yet, I believe it's already under HIS control. Then comes a strict diet, organic lifestyle, and continued exercise. I will be, and already am, a survivor.

Victoria Jackson Makeup Review #2

YHH posted a review, "Victoria Jackson Makeup", on May 2nd, of 2009. I had no idea it would be my number one visited/read review. With 4,695 reads, it has landed my post #10 in the Google search for "Victoria Jackson Makeup" and the #2 spot for "Victoria Jackson Makeup Reviews".

As this product really didn't impress me much, I never thought to do a follow up review or say much more about it. But apparently readers want to know. So I am writing a part #2.

But first I must start out with saying my thoughts and ideas of makeup have DRASTICALLY changed since 2009.  I ONLY use organic plant based makeup. In my personal makeup case is the following:  Zuii Organic which I use for their eye shadows, mascara, foundation, and some bronzing powder. I also use Tarte Cosmeticis for their mineral powder bronzers and lip tints. And finally the newest member to my beauty case is Juice Beauty. I just started using the Stem Cellular Repair moisturizer and eye treatment and the Playful SPF 8 lip moisturizer. (review coming soon, and so far I love the stuff!).

Clare Fallon Soaps Giveaway

Clare Fallon Soaps are some of the most amazing soaps I have used.  With over 20 scents to choose from, you will for sure find one to your liking. I received Intense Almond, Sun-ripened Raspberry, Lavender, and Pears & Berries.  I am using the Intense Almond in my shower now.  I have to point out, the funniest named soap, has got to be the Monkey Farts soap. This would be fun for the little ones in your house to use.

Each bar retails for only $4.50. Knowing you are getting great quality, hand-made with love, soap is worth every dime.

The ingredient list on the back of the Intense Almond is as follows: Pure Olive Oil, Distilled Water, Coconut Oil, Palm Kernel Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Castor Oil, Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, and Intense Almond Fragrance Oil. These soaps also contain a natural glycerin. If not placed on a well drained soap dish, it can cause the soaps to turn mushy. By using a well drained dish they will last as long as any store bought soap.

The Kindle

The Kindle, the Nook, the iPad, etc, etc, etc. There are so many choices today, how does one decide what they want to spend their hard earned cash on?

Besides the large price differences in models, there are huge feature differences as well. The iPad is pretty much a small laptop with a large price tag. If you are looking to just read a book, then in my opinion, there is no need for such a device.

I'm thinking (and researching) to purchase a Kindle. I love to read and carrying heavy books all over is a drag, literally. I have left many a book at home, just because I don't feel like taking them with me.

The positive and eco-friendly side of a Kindle, is by not purchasing a printed book, you may have saved a tree or two.  The negative and yet more realistic side, is publishers will never stop printing books, so you really aren't saving any trees.  But maybe by making a statement of not buying the books, it will somehow make us feel better.

I can just imagine myself sitting on the deck in the sun, and still being able to see my page without the intense white glare. As the breeze picks up, there will be no fighting to keep my pages from blowing around. And while lying in bed, it will be lighter then a big bible and there's no chance of the book accidently smacking me in the forehead while I fall asleep. (There are several downloadable bibles as well. I must for my Kindle).

Eco Friendly Purses by English Retread

Do you love purses but want to continue your organic earth friendly lifestyle? Introducing purses made by English Retread. These purses are made from all recycled materials and handcrafted in Bolder, Colorado. Each purse is unique in it's design, as they are made from recycled inner tubes.

Here's how it all got started: "English Retreads began in 2001 by designer Heather English in the basement of her home in Nederland, Colorado. While floating down Boulder Creek on an old inner tube, English was struck with the idea to create a non-leather handbag from her rubber inner tube to fulfill her need for sustainable and fashionable products."

My sister gave me this the purse (shown here small "Beetle") and I love it. Purses come and go from my closet, but this one isn't goin' anywhere. Well maybe with me on my girls night out! It's on the smaller size so I don't use it all the time.  One negative is there is only one inside zipper and no pocket for a cell phone. So be aware of that if you must have a spot for your cell. This handbag is perfect for weekends away. It can withstand a lot of abuse. So packing and throwing it around in the car is great. Don't ever worry about scuffing it up or getting it dirty. Simply clean with your basic tire cleaner. And if caught in a rain storm, your inner tube won't spot like leather.  English Retread does make this "Beetle" in a larger size as well. (Retail: Small for $138 and Large for $158).

Tea vs. Coffee

Tea vs. Coffee. The battle continues.

These two drinks have been challenging each other for our attention, for decades. With all the fancy coffee shops like Starbucks and Biggby, tea is being left behind. (P.S. I am a Biggby gal vs Starbucks, but that's another debate!)

So what's right for you? Let's take a look at both these drinks a little more closely.

Caffeine: Coffee is said to have the most caffeine with black tea right behind. Then green and white. With either drink, having too much caffeine, is bad for your blood pressure. Most busy work settings, employees will drink coffee just to stay awake. Instead of solving the real problem, which is needing more sleep. On the other hand caffeine can cause the brain to work more clearly and give you better workouts if drank just before hitting the gym.

Activeion Ionator Portable Cleaner

I posted a review and giveaway a while back, on Tuff Phit.com, regarding the Activeion Ionator. I have been using it in my home/gym for several months now and am still super impressed. I think this is an item every household should own.  I own the model seen in the Bill Nye video, posted below. It's heavy duty. Or more simply put, its bigger and holds more water! They clean exactly the same.

The HOM model is the one which was given away for a review. I have since talked to the new owner and they continue to use and love it as well.

So what exactly is this contraption? You fill the ionator with water and spray. Electricity inside the cleaner changes the molecule makeup of the water, making it comparable to a bleach cleaner. Killing and cleaning everything that gets in it's way. And yes, I said water. The cleaner comes with a rechargeable power adaptor and when the green light (which lets you know it's being electrified) turns red, it's time to charge it up.

"Tweet Tweet" .... YHH is now on Twitter

Just a quick announcement to let you know YHH is finally on Twitter!! Find us at Your Happy Hearts and add us to your tweets list. I will be posting reviews there just AS SOON as they are up. Just as we do on Facebook. By re-tweeting our contests, you will be given more chances to win the giveaways. So thank-you in advance, for helping get the word out about Your Happy Hearts.com.

Also, I have been working hard on doing more organic type research, to bring you fresh & updated information on women's health. I strongly believe in my heart, it is my calling to help women make healthier choices. Whether it be information for the gym, the kitchen, the mirror, or even learning to relax. (So many of us really need to learn that lesson, myself included!).

I want to bring not only easy to understand information, but encouragement for your health transformation. If you ever have questions or comments, and are an email subscriber, please just click reply and send me a note. I will try and answer as many requests as I can. If you are not an email subscriber you can leave a comment on this post. Thanks again for supporting Your Happy Hearts on Twitter and Facebook.

From my heart to yours!
~Angie Christine