Top 10 Workout Songs for May 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

The Top 10 Workout Songs For May

Fort Wayne, IN – May 1, 2013 – This month's top 10 highlights the return of several workout favorites. Daft Punk released their new material since the Tron: Legacy soundtrack. The Jonas Brothers and Avril Lavigne offered previews from their upcoming albums. Lastly, Paramore—whose future was uncertain after two founding members left the band—topped the Billboard chart for the first time in their career.

Here's the full list, according to votes placed at Run Hundred--the web's most popular workout music blog.

Ash - Arcadia - 151 BPM

Krewella - Alive - 128 BPM

The Band Perry - Done - 102 BPM

Daft Punk & Pharrell - Get Lucky - 116 BPM

Alex Gaudino & Mario - Beautiful - 128 BPM

Jonas Brothers - Pom Poms - 148 BPM

Will.I.Am & Justin Bieber - #thatPOWER - 129 BPM

Avril Lavigne - Here's to Never Growing Up - 83 BPM

Paramore - Still into You - 137 BPM

Carly Rae Jepsen - Tonight I'm Getting over You - 126 BPM

To find more workout songs, folks can check out the free database at RunHundred.com. Visitors can browse the song selections there by genre, tempo, and era—to find the music that best fits with their particular workout routine. 

Pump Up Your Book: "Age Re-Defined" by Robert F. Henry Review

Join Robert Henry, author of the health/fitness book, Age Re-Defined, as he tours the blogosphere April 1 – May 31 2013 on his first virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book!

ABOUT AGE RE-DEFINED

Your state of health, how you feel, and how you look are more within your control than you think – even in your forties and fifties (and beyond). This book addresses exercise, fitness, nutrition, wellness, and the mind-body connection. Its purpose is not to promote a particular exercise program or a particular diet plan – although its coverage of exercise, fitness, and nutrition is extensive – but rather to inform, educate, and motivate the reader on the importance of being proactive in one’s own health, fitness, and wellness.

Even if you are already physically active, this book can assist you in evaluating the effectiveness of your current exercise efforts. A foundational background in exercise and fitness concepts is provided. Not only does this book cite to numerous authoritative sources, but it also conveys the author’s own philosophy of exercise and an informative overview of his own exercise and nutrition regimen. The author, who is 56, shares his own motivating journey and the positive results he achieved through exercise, nutrition, and the mind-body connection, with particular emphasis on the challenges faced by him in his early fifties and the favorable results he achieved at that age by “re-booting” his commitment to health and fitness.

The importance of nutrition is explained and heavily stressed. A Registered Dietician with a Master’s Degree in Nutrition is a contributor to the nutrition content. One comes away with an awareness of quality nutrition and its role in optimal health, fitness, and wellness, and with a good working knowledge of the kinds of foods and eating habits which are most beneficial.

As stated in the book’s Introduction: This book is about believing in yourself, maintaining inner strength, and understanding exercise, fitness, nutrition, and wellness. This book is also about getting younger instead of getting older, discovering your inner athlete, and becoming and remaining healthy and fit in both body and mind. This book is for people who have never exercised but who would like to start; for people who would like to know more about good nutrition; for people who exercise but have not seen results; for people whose fitness level has declined and who want to re-ignite their fitness quest; for people who choose to be proactive about their own health, fitness, and wellness; for people interested in the mind-body connection; and for people who reject negative self-talk and self-limiting stereotypes about life after the age of 50. All ages are welcome.

Purchase your copy at:

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

ABOUT ROBERT HENRY

Robert Henry, age 56, is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, a Certified Personal Trainer, a Certified Specialist in Fitness Nutrition, and a Certified Wellness Coach. His awareness of fitness and nutrition began at the age of 29. When Robert first started to exercise, it was mostly for the purpose of increasing body weight through the addition of lean muscle mass. However, more than 20 years later, at the age of 52, after years of being lean and enjoying good health, Robert’s experienced an undesired increase in body fat and his health profile changed in the wrong direction The loss of that body fat and the reversal of new and undesirable trends in his health profile became Robert’s new exercise goals. By re-booting his exercise regimen and further “tweaking” his nutrition, he successfully accomplished his new goals and, as he likes to say, discovered his “inner athlete”.

Although he had worked out for more than two decades, the journey he experienced in his early fifties ignited something within Robert and he voraciously sought to increase his knowledge and his credentials. It was then that he earned his numerous certifications and set about to share his passion for health and fitness with others.

Robert’s background extends beyond fitness. He holds a Juris Doctor degree from Southern Methodist University and worked for many years as an attorney. He also discovered a love of aviation early in his life and, while still a teenager, became a Commercial Pilot and a Certified Flight Instructor. After law school, he went on to become an Airline Transport Pilot and eventually earned three jet ratings. Now in his fifties, he values his health, fitness, and wellness very highly, and seeks to inform and inspire others.

Robert’s latest book is the health/fitness self-help motivational book, Age Re-Defined.

Visit his website at www.RobertHenryFitness.com.

Connect with Robert:

TWITTER | FACEBOOK

Age Re-defined by Robert Henry

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As I have said in many of my posts, I am a former unhealthy woman who struggled with weight most of my life.  I lost weight several years ago and have kept it off.  I have a few pounds I would like to take off, but I feel like I look pretty good, and I do workout hard and try to eat right to stay in shape.

This book was a pretty easy book to read, and I liked the premise behind it.  I look healthier and younger now than when I was unhealthy and obese in my twenties.  I believe that as you age, you don't have to give in and just let yourself go.  You can keep working towards a healthy body, and that is what I plan to do even as I am getting closer to 40 every day.

I think that the author shared a lot of practical advice, but I sometimes found myself rather bored.  He told his story more than once, but that's okay.  His story is amazing in of itself, and if nothing else, this book should inspire you to make the decision to get healthy.  He makes a case for his viewpoints, and even though I don't share them all, I think he is on to something.

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

View all my reviews

Follow the entire tour (I'll be back next month with interview questions).

A Global Conversation About Newborn Health

UN Photo/Bikem Ekberzade

There is nothing better than the joy of bringing a new life into this world.  I only had one, and she is nearly ten, but I will never forget the joy, wonder, and fear that entered my life when I discovered I was pregnant with her.  I chose to use a midwife and go "au natural," but at least I knew there was the back-up option of going to the hospital and even calling an ambulance if need be.  For the first five weeks of her life, she was not getting enough milk, and she lost weight.  Again, thanks to medical health, I was able to keep her from having any problems.  I know God kept her safe in my ignorance, but no matter what, she had a lot going for her.  I didn't have to worry about much of anything because medical science is right at our fingertips.

But, you see, we here in the U.S. are very blessed to have access to such medical help.  We don't have to worry about things like they do elsewhere in this world.  Let me share some newborn health facts that you may not know (thanks to Impatient Optimists).

• Almost three million newborns die every year all over the world.
• Complications of preterm birth are the second leading cause of death in children before they reach their fifth birthday.
• A newborn is 45 times more likely to die in his/her first month of life than he/she is from ages one to five.
• Ninety-nine percent of infants that die each year die in low- and middle-income countries.

The Global Newborn Health Conference will occur from April 15-18 in South Africa.  Read more about it here.  Supporters of the conference are: (@mchipnet,@gatesfoundation @unicef,@savethechildren and @usaid) along with additional supporters (@jhpiego,@jsihealth, @laerdalmedical ). They will all be tweeting facts from the #newborn2013 hashtag.  

There is a way for everyone to get involved since most of us will be unable to attend the conference.  Retweet daily “Did You Know?” facts from Dr. Gary Darmstadt (@gdarmsta), Director of the Family Health Division of the Gates Foundation.

Newborn Health Twitter Campaign Until Mid-April

Being a mother myself who remembers how fragile and strong my daughter was as a newborn, I am so pleased to be a part of this fantastic campaign!  This campaign is something in which everyone on twitter can participate, and it can make a world of difference for the youngest ones in this world of ours--newborns.

The Gates Foundation is spreading newborn health tweets from now through about mid-April.  Why?  The Global Newborn Health Conference will be held in South Africa from April 15-18.  And Dr. Gary Darmstadt, Director of Family Health for the Gates Foundation, wants to make sure that the word gets out about keeping newborns healthy.  Have you ever tweeted something that could potentially save someone's life?  I know I haven't, but I am now.  Want to join in, too?  Click on this page for twitter updates, and simply retweet!  Couldn't be easier!  More information to come very soon.

Picture used with permission from Microsoft.

NeoCell Beauty Bursts Giveaway (ends 4/5) U.S.

The Beauty Bursts Gourmet Collagen Soft Chews is a new type of beauty supplement that has been added to NeoCell's "Beauty from Within" product line. The purpose of these soft chews is to feed our skin from the inside - out with a sweet burst of nutrients that our skin needs in order to thrive and become more youthful. Each soft chew is made with the following nutrients: Collagen Type 1&3, Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C.

Question is, how do these three nutrients help our bodies?

Collagen Type 1&3 is a protein that we need to maintain strong hair, nails and skin. Collagen's main purpose is to help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by improving elasticity in the skin.

Hyaluronic Acid is what keeps our skin fully hydrated - which is why this ingredient is known as "nature's moisturizer".

Vitamin C is an essential vitamin that helps "boost" collagen into our skin.

By taking two (2) soft chews {the recommended dosage} on a daily basis, you are feeding your skin with 2,000 mg of Super Collagen™ types 1 & 3, 20 mg of hyaluronic acid and 20 mg of vitamin C. These soft chews do not contain any lactose, gluten or artificial flavors; however, these do contain soy and have a caloric value of 40 calories. Each Beauty Burst package contains a total of 60 chews - an entire month's worth of dietary supplements. This beauty supplement are available in two flavors: Super Fruit Punch and Fresh Mint Chocolate.

I don't know how you feel about taking vitamins, but if it is up to me, I would much prefer taking soft chews rather than swallowing some big pill.  These sound really good, so read on for your chance to win!

Now it's YOUR turn:  Interested in giving these Beauty Bursts a try? Great! Now you can by just entering in our NeoCell Beauty Bursts Giveaway. Complete all the entries below to qualify as a participant entering for a chance to win one package of Beauty Bursts.

The NeoCell Beauty Bursts Giveaway begins today, March 25th and will end on April 5, 2013 exactly at 11:59 pm EST. Good Luck!!

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Guest Post: Helpful Hints to Remember to Take Your Vitamins Every Day

Taking vitamins is great. Actually remembering to take your vitamins is another thing, especially if you take different vitamins at different times of the day. It's safe to assume that you have a lot on your plate each day, keeping track of your vitamins isn't always your first priority. Here are some helpful hints to remember to take your vitamins every day.

Can You Streamline Your Vitamins?
If you find yourself struggling to keep track of your vitamins each day, maybe you're taking too many vitamins. Consider taking a multivitamin or a supplement instead. This makes it easy to remember to take it everyday. If, however, that's not an option for you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to see if you can eliminate some of the vitamins you take. Some vitamins even come in weekly doses.

Use Your Computer As a Reminder
There are plenty of free daily scheduling programs you can use to remind you to take your vitamins when you log onto your computer each day, which you probably do at about the same time each day anyway. Some programs even have an alarm option if subtle reminders won't do the trick for you. An easier fix is to put the reminder right on your screensaver.

Put Your Vitamins in Can't Miss Location
Location is everything. This is true when it comes to remember to take your vitamins too. Keep your vitamins in a can't miss location where you know you will find them each day. If you usually take your vitamins with breakfast, for instance, put them where you keep your coffee cups.

Use Your Daily Wake Up Service
If you have a daily wake up service that you normally use to remind you to get to the office on time, ask them to add a vitamin reminder to your message too. Most wake up services are willing to make special accommodations like this.

Use a Pill Sorter
Pill organizers aren't just for senior citizens. You have compartments for each day, which works fine if you take the same vitamins at the same time each day. Just put your vitamins into each compartment and leave the pill sorter in a spot where you can easily find it and you should be all set.

Take Your Vitamins at the Same Time
Unlike medications most vitamins can be taken at the same time each day. If you're not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist to make sure it's all right. It's easier to develop a habit if you do something around the same time each day.

Get a Reminder Device
Remembering to take something everyday, whether it be a vitamin or medication, isn't a new or unique problem. You'll find a number of devices you can use to remind you to take your vitamins everyday, from vibrating watches and automatic dispensers to beepers and special alarms. Epill.com is a good site to find a variety of reminder devices.

There's an App for That
Yes, there are plenty of apps you can use to be reminded to take your vitamins. Most of the pill reminder apps are for medications, but work just fine as vitamin reminders too. Many of the pill reminder apps you'll find have both a free version and a paid version. If you just need a simple reminder each day, the free version should do just fine.

Ask Family Members/Friends to Remind You
If you're not the only one in your household taking vitamins, remind each other to take your vitamins. The same goes for your friends or co-workers. It's not a lifetime commitment though. Once you get enough reminders, you should be able to get into the habit of taking your vitamins without daily reminders.

Use Post-its or Reminder Notes
Old school reminders can still be just as effective in the age of apps and smartphones. Place a Post-it note at your breakfast table by your laptop. If you take your vitamins before you start your day at work, put a reminder note or Post-it on your computer screen before you leave each day so that you'll see it when you get into work. Just remember to leave another note for the cleaning crew when you first start doing this.

Author Bo

Ron Thompson writes for Del-Immune V®, a unique probiotic supplement made from the lactobacillus rhamnosus which is a natural immune system booster and offers how to treat sinusitis. Try a Del-Immune VitaminSupplement as your multivitamin!

Get Green For Spring Giveaway Hop (Ends 3/25) U.S.

Welcome to the "Get Green For Spring" Blog Hop Event hosted by Mommy's Favorite Things and Mama's Baby Cupcakes. 

This hop is focused on items that are either green in color or green/earth friendly for the environment. After you've visited my giveaway, please feel free to use the linky below to see what the other bloggers have to offer. 

Be sure to check out the Grand Prize at Mommy's Favorite Things for a chance to win a $250 Gift Certificate for Cellular Window Shades as seen in the above photo. They offer a great way to keep costs down and look great in the process!

So to my giveaway.



Have you ever heard of The Magical Tooth Fairies?  This is a new series that stresses the importance of keeping baby and child teeth clean and healthy.  What could be more green than that?  One U.S. winner will receive the new DVD/book called The Secret of the Magic Dust.  I recently received it, and although I have not had a chance to sit down and watch the DVD, it looks great!  Your child will be sure to love this book and DVD, and you will enjoy having them learn about proper dental care.  All you need to do is enter on the rafflecopter below by 9 P.M. Pacific time on March 25, and you are in to win!  And then don't forget to hop on to the other blogs for more chances to win "green" prizes.




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Bulu Box A Vitamin and Supplement Sample Box Review

I think subscription boxes are indeed the wave of the future.  I am one who is hesitant about putting a lot of money into something that I may not like.  I love natural items and high quality vitamin/supplement products.  I am always looking for ways to be healthier.  So Bulu Box certainly caught my eye!

And here is what came in my box.  Dream Water, Immuno Gum, Perfect Blocks, Red Stinger Black Label, and Washington Homeopathic Headache.  I'm going to be very honest.  Since these are samples, I cannot guarantee that any of the products work as prescribed, but I have to admit that a couple of these really stood out to me.

The Dream Water really tasted good, and I know I got a good night sleep as a result of this.  I wish I had access to a bottle of that last night because I just could not get to sleep!  I love the fact that this is not a drug, it is all natural, and it has no calories.  I am seriously considering looking into buying this product so I can have it on hand for nights when I struggle with getting to sleep.  I tend to struggle with sleep when I am near "that time of the month."

I also loved the homeopathic headache product.  I have to admit that I don't always like taking ibuprofen for my somewhat frequent tension, stress, and sinus headaches.  I thought I would give this a try one night, and it really worked!  So easy to use, and it helped my minor headache.  I don't know how well it would work on a major headache, but it is perfect for the minor ones.

The Immuno Gum tasted good, but I can't guarantee that it helps me long term.  I would be willing to try some more.  As to the other products, the Black Label energy pill is fine, but I don't really know how well it worked.  I would need to try more than a sample.  And as to the Perfect Blocks, I am sorry I keep forgetting to try it.  But here is the thing.  I was getting ready to do this particular review last week, and I got another box from the company!  Wow!  So I am doing this one right now, but in another 2-3 weeks, I will do another.  And I will make sure I try the Perfect Blocks.  This review has been waiting long enough, so I wanted to get this one done.

As far as I am concerned, I truly enjoy this subscription service, and I may consider it in the future.  If not for me, it would make a great gift for someone.  I am certainly keeping them in mind.  The company has been nice enough to share a promo code with my readers so you can get their first box of your subscription FREE! (Please note: This promo code entitles the user to $10.00 off a monthly or yearly subscription.)  Use the code DISCOVER.

As a side note, another thing I like is that each of the items in the sample box can be purchased directly from the website, and you can always find more information about them as well.  I am glad I don't have to hunting the internet to find the products I am sampling.

You will want to follow this company on all of their social media links (and they have them all covered).
http://www.bulubox.com/blog
https://www.facebook.com/BuluBox
https://twitter.com/bulubox
http://www.youtube.com/bulubox
http://pinterest.com/bulubox/
http://instagram.com/bulubox
https://plus.google.com/104592596380648980300/posts

 I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Get Fit by Gaming Giveaway (ends 3/1) U.S./Canada

Get Fit By Gaming Giveaway

Hosted by Mom to Bed by 8 and Giveaway Bandit

Special thank you to our lovely co-hosts: Mommy Bear Media, Homeschooling Mom 4 Two, Coupon Queen of Texas, The Naptime Review, Mom Knows It All, Books R Us, Simply Sherryl, Stay a Stay at Home Mom and Smoothies and Cocktails Recipes.

Xbox 360 Kinect Bundle Includes:

Xbox 360 S Console 250GB Hard Drive Kinect Sensor

Wireless Controller Kinect Adventures Carnival Games: Monkey See Monkey Do

Who doesn't like Xbox Kinect?  My daughter and I would both love this, and as you can imagine, most people would love to have this.  So this is a giveaway you will want to enter.  

One lucky reader will receive a Xbox 360 Kinect Bundle Console Bundle!

Giveaway ends March 1st at 11:59pm, open to US & Canadian residents, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

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Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. My Devotional Thoughts is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. Please contact teri@mompoweredmedia.com with questions or to see your business or blog featured on the next big event!

Trim Energy Green Coffee Bean Extract Review

In the past, I have used Green Coffee Bean Extract as a supplement to help me lose weight.  I have had some success with it, and I was quite pleased to get the chance to review this product by To Go Brands.  I have tried products from this brand before--Greens to Go, Smoothie Complete, and Vitarocks.  I have thoroughly enjoyed everything I have ever tried from this company, so I had great expectations for this product.  I was so pleased that the company included some additional samples for me to try, and my favorites were the Vitarocks and Greens to Go.  I don't like taking vitamins, but Vitarocks taste good and provide the necessary vitamins to your body.  They also give you energy.  And as for the Greens to Go, I don't like tea all that much, but these taste good and are easy to add to your bottle of water!

Trim Energy Green Coffee Bean Extract is a supplement that includes 400 mg of this wonderful green coffee bean with the branded ingredient Svetol®.  Green coffee beans are just coffee beans that have not been roasted yet, and it is the Chlorogenic Acid that helps your body lose weight.  It keeps your body from releasing glucose and also boosts your metabolism. 

I have only been using this particular supplement for a relatively short time.  However, there are two things about this particular product that make me partial to it.  The first thing is its aesthetic appeal.  That may sounds trivial, but I like the look of the supplements, and the coating on them makes them easy to swallow.  The second thing I like is that you just need to take the supplement twice a day before meals.  With other products comparable to this, I had to remember to take the supplement 20 minutes before eating.  I have to admit that I struggled to do that.  Thankfully I had no problem remembering to take this supplement.

As to results, it is really still too early to tell.  I have not lost any weight due to this particular supplement, but I am quite confident that it will help.  Based on my experience with similar products, I think I could safely predict that this one will be just as good if not better.  I plan to switch over completely to this product, and I look forward to the results!  

For more information, be sure to follow the company via social media:

https://www.facebook.com/HealthyToGo

https://twitter.com/ToGoBrands

http://pinterest.com/togobrands/

http://www.youtube.com/togobrands

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

HCG For Weight Loss

So how are you doing on your New Year's Resolution to lose weight (if you even made a resolution)?  By this time, the majority of people have given up on their healthy resolutions.  But I am here to tell you that you don't need to give up on losing weight.  Check out HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin), for it may very well be the answer to your weight loss goals.  It is a naturally-occurring hormone that is often referred to as the "pregnancy hormone."  When a woman is pregnant, this hormone multiplies in her body so it can quickly metabolize body fat into food for the mother and soon-to-be-born baby.  Thankfully, this can be safely used in both men and women, and it will never trick your body into thinking it is pregnant.

We all tend to know that as we get older, body fat is harder and harder to get rid of.  This can be a catalyst for change as you follow a low-calorie diet and exercise regularly.  If you are interested, please be sure to check with your doctor before starting this new diet regimen.  Don't abandon those healthy resolutions.  Determine to get the help you need, and 2013 can be your year to lose your stubborn fat once and for all.

Children and the Dangers of Sweets

With holidays, birthdays, and special family gatherings, it can almost be guaranteed that children will be tempted to overindulge in sweets--candy, cookies, cake, ice cream, and more.  In moderation, sugar is not really a problem.  But as we all know, an overabundance of sugar ingestion can lead to all sorts of health problems including diabetes, obesity, heat disease, and more.  It behooves us as parents to establish good habits with our children to protect them from these potential dangers.

It starts from almost the beginning of their lives.  Patience is the most important thing in dealing with this issue because your child will be bombarded with sweet things, and these foods will look appealing.  In fact, there is a lot of peer pressure to eat such items.  Why eat dinner or healthy snacks when you can have the good-tasting, quick-boosting rush of sweets?

Some ideas to protect your children would include offering alternatives to sugar-laced foods, limiting your child's exposure to commercials that advertise these foods, and not taking trips to the candy store.  You will never be able to ban sweet things around the house.  In fact, that will probably backfire if you try it.  Make sure you talk with your friends and family members about your concerns and expectations so they do not mistakenly provide unhealthy sweets to your child.  Consistency is key in this area, and in the end, all your effort will be well worth it.

http://wikitalks.com/2013/01/how-to-protect-children-from-the-sweet/
http://wikitalks.com/2013/01/how-to-make-a-refreshing-shampoo-with-menthol/

HCG For Lasting Weight Loss

So how many of you have already cheated on your resolutions to lose weight?  Is it going to be one of those years where you diet off and on thus make no progress?  I would like to tell you about a product that can help you get results for lasting weight loss--HCG.  Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a naturally-occurring hormone in the body that is often dubbed "the pregnancy hormone."  This hormone is prevalent in an expectant mother's body, and it quickly metabolizes stored fat and turns it into energy for the mother and growing baby.  It is completely safe for both men and women, and it will never trick your body into believing it's pregnant (thank goodness!).

If you have tried all the fad diets out there, and you want to see results, I would suggest you talk to your doctor about HCG as soon as possible.  When you use this hormone in conjunction with a low-calorie diet and sensible exercise plan, you will definitely see results.  And the good news is that these results will last because HCG will help to reset your hypothalamus.  You will see a positive change in your metabolism as well as the stored fat disappearing from your problem areas.  This is not a diet that will leave you starving and feeling deprived.  Resolve that this will be the year that you keep your resolution to lose weight and keep it off!

Faithful Fit & Fabulous Challenge

Faithful, Fit & Fabulous

Filled with humor and “I can relate” life experiences, Faithful, Fit, and Fabulous is the ideal 8-week life boost that will refresh any woman's life. Create a personal and effective life plan, and learn how to readily apply it in your busy daily life. Establish holy habits, feel fit and fabulous, and get organized. Just one goal a week for eight weeks—it's simple and fun.


From the Author:


"This is the moment. This is the year. You can be your best self, your most beautiful self, your most faithful, fit, and fabulous self. Ever. Twelve months are before you-what will you do with them?

Years ago, after bearing several children and feeling overwhelmed, I created and lived my “Year of the Change.” During twelve months of taking life by the horns, I lost weight, got organized, and discovered more joy. Since then I’ve tweaked and taught the principles I have learned and now share them with you.

So make this your year of fabulous change by joining us on the “8-week Challenge” starting on January 8th! The 8-week Challenge is an online success program of “8 goals in 8 weeks in 8 areas of your life,” including fit and fabulous, get organized, balance womanhood and motherhood, and more. Using the Faithful, Fit and Fabulous book, each week you set and achieve a goal, with help from my podcasts, video segments, blog posts, and motivational emails!

Simple, fun, and productive. This program works (see testimonials below). And this year, we’re giving our new 2013 Fit & Fabulous podcast series FREE to those who sign up with a friend! Both of you receive weekly podcasts and posts on weight loss/energy gain tips and strategies. Jill Holmes, our online marketing director, has lost and kept off 50 POUNDS! She'll share her personal tips and secrets to make weight loss work for you, even eating chocolate daily.

Here's what women have said about the 8-week Challenge:

“I have learned so many things about who I am and what I want to do in my life. I have also gained a new sense of happiness. My husband and girls have noticed just in the last week the change in my attitude and they have told me that it is nice to hear me laugh again.” C.Adams

“Thank you so much for giving me the needed push to do something I've wanted to do for months & never completed. That has never happened for me with goal setting. THANK YOU!” B.Bird

“If I wouldn't have been doing the challenge I never would have thought to [accomplish this goal]. I am so glad I did this 8 week challenge! I want to continue these small goals for the rest of my life.” C. Rose


So join us now and jumpstart your ideal life. Get that closet organized, start that exercise program going, find that joy in daily living!

Join now and, because you’re reading this blog post, receive your 8-week Challenge for only $29, thru Jan. 8th only!

http://8basics.com/store/books/start-the-8-week-challenge-refer-a-friend-discount.

Sign up a friend and BOTH receive the 8 podcast series of “Fit & Fabulous”.
Email us for more information at connie@8basics.com.

Learn more here: http://8basics.com/b2b-life-coaching-support

So what are you waiting for? Join us for a fun and fabulous life-changing experience!"

Author Connie Sokol
Connie Sokol is a mother of seven, a national and local presenter, and a regular speaker at Education Week. She is a monthly contributor on KSL TV “Studio 5,” and regular blogger for KSL "Motherhood Matters." She is a former TV and radio host for Bonneville Communications, and columnist for Deseret News and Utah Valley Magazine. Mrs. Sokol is the author of several books including the award-nominated romance Caribbean Crossroads, the 8-week Challenge program of Faithful, Fit & Fabulous, Life is Too Short for One Hair Color Series, as well as talk CDs and podcasts. Mrs. Sokol marinates in time spent with her family and eating decadent treats.

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So what are you waiting for?  Did you make a resolution to lose weight?  Get in shape?  I have a few more pounds to get off, so this is just what I need to give me the jump start I need.  

Disclosure:  I posted about this promotion in exchange for a free sign-up to this challenge.  I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

HCG Can Help Your New Year's Resolution

Now that it is officially January, a good share of us are making those famous resolutions that include losing weight.  It is sometimes difficult to find a plan that can get you going, but I happen to know of something that can give you a good boost in the right direction.  I invite you to check out hcg (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) because it just might be the thing to help you jump start your healthy New Year's resolutions.  Never heard of this before?  Read on, and you just might think about talking to your doctor about it.

HCG, often referred to as the "pregnancy hormone," is a safe and effective naturally-produced hormone that is able to treat a variety of medical conditions.  Because it is so prevalent in woman's body during pregnancy, her body is able to quickly convert stored fat into needed energy for the mom and the growing baby.  Thankfully, this hormone is safe for use in both men and women, and it never tricks the body into thinking it is pregnant.

When combined with a low-calorie, exercise-laden diet plan, your body can effectively burn stored fat.  Your muscle and structural fat is untouched, but the fat from your hips, middle, and other stubborn areas will be targeted by hcg.  It turns this fat into fuel, and you will not feel as hungry nor lack energy as long as you stick to your healthy diet and get plenty of rest.

Helping You Lose Weight Naturally: HCG

As a former obese woman, I know that losing weight can be something that is not often easy to do.  Many people are looking for the "magic cure" to help them lose weight, but we soon realize that magic like this doesn't exist.  There is nothing like eating healthily and exercising regularly, but sometimes your body needs a little push in the right direction.  HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) is something that can help you get over this hurdle and lose your excess weight.  This naturally occurring hormone is often referred to as the pregnancy hormone since it doubles every two days when a woman if pregnant.  It helps the body metabolize stored body fat so that the mom and baby will have energy and food whenever needed.  It never tricks your body into thinking you're pregnant, so it is safe for both men and women.

HCG will help you lose the weight that you have been struggling to use.  Think about your problem areas where fat is stored. When other things have not worked for you, HCG may be the very thing you can use to help you get rid of this extra weight you are carrying with you.  It is important to consult with your doctor before starting any kind of diet program so that you know whether this is a good fit for you and your situation.  Your doctor can advise you also concerning the diet and exercise plan you should use with HCG for the best possible results.  Don't expect to see results without putting forth some hard work.

So if you are looking for something to aid you in losing stubborn fat, ask your doctor about HCG.  It may be the answer to your slimming down your problem areas while keeping your muscle mass and necessary fat intact.

Stocking Stuffer Toe Juice Holiday Gift Guide

A while back, I have the honor to try Toe Juice, and I jumped at the chance to try it again!  What is Toe Juice?  So glad you asked.  Back in 1970, Royce Gardner, a Boise, Idaho high school science teacher, developed Toe Juice.  He was inspired to develop it due to his baby son's cracking, flaking skin on his feet.  He had tried all sorts of creams and topical lotions to no avail.  He continued to research until he found the combination that finally cleared up his son's skin problem.

I have been using Toe Juice off and on since I first tried it.  It did clear up some acne on my face when nothing else would.  This liquid is fast-drying, and it is all natural.  Although it is called "Toe Juice," it can be used on a variety of ailments:

• Acne
• Athletes foot
• Cold Sores
• Diabetic
• Eczema
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
• Foot Problems
• Ichthyosis Psoriasis
• Insect Bites
• Jock Itch
• Jungle Rot
• Misc. Skin Irritation
• Rashes
• Ringworm
• Warts

Okay, I'm going to show you a before and after on my heel.  I have had horrible calluses and dry skin on my feet for years.  I have been regularly using Toe Juice, and here is the before and after.

I realize this is absolutely disgusting.  The skin on my feet often looks like this.  Since using Toe Juice regularly for a couple weeks:

Actually, these are pretty dramatic, in my opinion.  I hadn't realized just how bad my heels were till now!  

This is the perfect stocking stuffer this holiday season.  

Facebook http://facebook.com/ToeJuice

Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/toejuice/

Google+ https://plus.google.com/u/0/114599937543962694310/posts

Linkedin http://www.linkedin.com/company/toe-juice

Pinterest http://pinterest.com/toejuice/

Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/toejuice

Youtube http://www.youtube.com/user/ToeJuiceVideos

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

All Natural Ginger Tummydrops Review

For whatever reason, I tend to have minor stomach issues here and there from time to time.  Whether it is "that time of the month" or dinner just didn't set well with me, I find myself using some kind of product to help ease that issue.  While the products I had been using always seem to work, I am always open to trying something new that might work better.

I was very happy to get to try Tummydrops.  This is an all-natural alternative to all those chemicals that we often use to treat our stomach issues.  When these were formulated, the creators began with a natural and potent source of gingerol as well as other natural flavors.  The product they created is an easy-to-carry, great-tasting product that you can take with you anywhere.

I was pleased to get to try both the ginger and peppermint tummydrops (find them here).  This is the ideal item to have with you this holiday season.  If you overindulge or even have too much to drink one night (or more), this the ideal product for you to naturally relieve those stomach problems.  I was equally happy with both varieties.  When I first tried the ginger drops, I was blown away by the strength of the flavor.  It did take a little getting used to, but it instantly worked.  The peppermint flavor was amazing as well.  I cannot say your kids will like these, but I would venture to say you will.  I found that they worked instantly.  I have used them almost every single night at bedtime since they arrived on my doorstep.

Are you looking for a great product to fill the Christmas stockings this year?  You won't be sorry with this product!  And it feels so good to be using natural products instead of chemicals!

Be sure to follow the company on facebook and twitter while you are checking them out!


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using nofollow " href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=BOTTOMc5ab784b5e415e2ac72bfd0f5d719bf1">Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Sara's 21st Birthday Event (Ends 10/26) U.S.

Welcome to Sarah's 21st Birthday Event!

Sarah, from the blog MaeGal, is turning 21 this Friday, and to celebrate she is giving away $318 in giftcards, goodies and more during the week leading up to her day of birth!

Isn't it nice to give away something on your birthday?  I know that it takes a true blogger to celebrate in such a wonderful way, and I hope that one of my lovely followers will win!  Let me know if you do, all right? Then I'll know who to hit up for a loan!  (Just kidding!)

Prizes

One winner will win all of these giftcards, goodies and more, the prize is valued at over $325!

Click here for pictures, reviews and more information on the prizes you could win.

• a leather bracelet from TheByrd on Etsy  
• bath products from Body by BrownRoque
• cosmetics set from Mia Mariu Cosmetics
• a $100 Giftcard to ShopBop
• a $25 Giftcard to EdenFantasys
• set of four perfumes from Auric Blends
• a $25 Giftcard to GlamourDollEyes 

Giveaway

• Read the 'Terms and Conditions' on the Rafflecopter form.

• Giveaway ends 10/27 at 12:01AM EST.

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Thank you to all the bloggers who helped promote this event! 

Disclaimer: This is not being compensated in any way for this post. All opinions reflect that of the host, MaeGal, or this blogger. Prizes will be shipped by the respective sponsors, MaeGal and this blog are not responsible.

Mia Mariu Giveaway (Ends 10/18) U.S.

Welcome to the Mia Mariu Giveaway brought to you by Beauty Brite and Charisma Media!  Beauty Brite recently had the opportunity to review products from Mia Mariu, be sure to read her review here.

I can speak from experience--Mia Mariu is a fantastic line of products, and you will love them!  They are healthy for your skin, and you will find them very reasonably priced.  So be sure to take a look at the review and enter the gveaway!

  Mia Mariu’s high performance products are formulated with the most natural ingredients available helping you achieve vibrant beauty and health inside and out.  Each unique product fuses nature and technology by combining the highest quality botanicals, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and peptides.  The result is healthy products that provide a perfect balance that reflects itself through youthful, healthy, beautiful, glowing skin and renewed energy and vitality, at an exceptional value.  Mia offers natural skin care, professional makeup artist quality mineral cosmetics and brushes to Reveal Your Unique Shade of Beauty!


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