Stilettos & Self Defense Presents: Defensive Tactics

Review: Defensive Tactics with  Jennifer Cassetta

Jennifer Cassetta, 2012

This is the first dvd in Jennifers series, Defensive Tactics. This dvd is approximately 65 minutes long and is available on dvd or as an automatic download.

This dvd makes self defense possible no matter what you wear, your size and weight, or your physical strength. Jennifer makes it possible for everyone to learn to use their body as a weapon, create maximum damage, and have time to escape.  Attacks come as punches, grabs, and chokes and Defensive Tactics will teach techniques to defend against all three.

I work in a dangerous neighborhood and was thrilled to have the opportunity to review this dvd. I highly recommend it to all women. Be prepared and you could save yourself from a potentially dangerous situation. I received this dvd to review.

For More Information, Visit:

Stilettos and Self Defense on the web

Stilettos and Self Defense on Facebook

Stilettos and Self Defense on Twitter

Stilettos and Self Defense on YouTube

I received samples of these products to review. I was in no other way compensated for my honest reviews. All thoughts and ideas expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.  Please see my disclosures page for details

TapouT XT Review: Muay Thai

Keep reading for my review of disc 8, Muay Thai of the TapouT XT set. This set is led by certified MMA Coach, Mike Karpenko and includes 12 super-charged mixed martial arts style DVD workouts – Everything you need comes in included in the set! All the dvds are packaged securely and in a space saving package!

TapouT XT: Muay Thai
Mike Karpenko, 2012

Mike leads this 40 minute MMA Thai "combat" workout in a MMA gym set with a group of exercisers. You will need optional weighted gloves. There are music and subtitle options and an on-screen countdown timer. Some exercisers workout barefoot.

This fun workout is packed with punches, kicks, & elbow & knee strikes; additional exercises include: 1 leg plank hop ins, low lunge knee pulls & punch, long jump to burpee & plank walk ups, and the 100 second killer move is a squat punch & kick combo. Mike adds in jump switches and some plyo moves to the combos to keep the heart rate up.

I rate this a solid to hi intermediate workout that is fast paced and Mike really keeps things moving along. Great variety and I found this workout to be unique and fun. Mike provides good form pointers & allows for water breaks. I received this dvd to review.

For more information or to purchase TapouT XT, visit:
TapouT XT on the web
TapouT XT on Facebook
TapouT XT on Twitter
TapouT XT on YouTube
TapouT XT on Pinterest

I received samples of these products to review. I was in no other way compensated for my honest reviews. All thoughts and ideas expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.  Please see my disclosures page for details.

REVIEW~ Canyon Ranch: Yoga for Strength & Energy NEW from Acacia

Review: Canyon Ranch: Yoga for Strength & Energy

Evette Shuk, 2012

This dvd contains two 20ish minute yoga routines. Yvette leads this workout in a lovely outdoor desert set. There are no background exercisers but Yvette does a great job of providing various modifications. You wont need any equipment for these workouts.

Energy Stretch (22 min): This is a unique flowing total body yoga inspired stretch routine. Poses include: dancing seaweed, flowing chair, table top series, up and down dog, flowing stretches standing, kneeling, seated and lying.

Energetic Flow (24 min): This is a more standard yoga flow. Poses include: fire finger flow, up, down & 3 leg dog, warrior 1 & 2, eagle, crescent, and side angle pose.

This is an intermediate yoga routine that is appropriate for most exercisers. I enjoyed Evettes instruction style and appreciate that she provides multiple modification options and her cuing & form reminders are excellent. The variety between the two workouts & the gorgeous outdoor scenery definitely add to this dvd. I received this dvd to review.

For More Information, Visit:

The Acacia Lifestyle website

Acacia on Facebook

I received samples of these products to review. I was in no other way compensated for my honest reviews. All thoughts and ideas expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.  Please see my disclosures page for details.

Holiday Hot List & Ulysses Press: Ketllebells for Women by Lauren Brooks

The Belles can't think of a better gift than a book from Ulysses Press this holiday season! I know I would love to receive one (or more) of the many books from Ulysses Press. They have a huge variety of books of so many topics (including fitness books) and a ton of cookbooks! We had the pleasure of reviewing a few of these gems!!

Review: Ketllebells for Women by Lauren Brooks

Lauren Brooks didn't grow up living an athletic childhood but moving to Southern California quickly changed that as she fell in love with surfing. From there, she pursued a degree in kinesiology and became a personal trainer. Bored with traditional weight lifting and cardio programs - she soon found her newest love - kettlebells. After being trained world renowned Pavel, she soon began teaching kettlebell techniques to her clients. In addition to the many DVDs Lauren Brooks has since produced, she also put together Kettlebells for Women - a book designed to offer kettlebell workouts.

Kettlebells for Women is Lauren Brook's first book that shows you how to use these fitness tools to help you achieve a strong, sculpted and sexy body - in less time. TheKettlebells for Women is a fully-illustrated book filled with workout programs, detailed instructions for exercise execution, a history of kettlebells and nutrition information. The book begins with a brief introduction of the history behind kettlebells. Lauren emphasizes the MANY benefits of kettlebells including:full body workout, increased endurance, rapid fat loss, increased core stability, efficient workouts and much more. The book then dives into the various kettlebell programs and progressive levels. The final portion of the book shows fully illustrated pictures of the various exercises included in the programs as well as detailed instruction on how to perform the exercises. Lauren show you how-tos, what not to do, tips as well as various exercise variations to increase or decrease intensity. The book also includes illustrations of warm-up exercises and joint mobility exercises.

Kettelebells for Women is an easy-to-read book that included easy to follow programs with detailed instruction and illustrations. The book makes a great gift for the fitness enthusiast in your life. It is a great resource for those familiar with kettlebells or ready to spice up their current exercise program.

For more information:
The Ulysses Press website

Ulysses Press on Facebook
Ulysses Press on Twitter

I received samples of these products to review. I was in no other way compensated for my honest reviews. All thoughts and ideas expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.  Please see our disclosures page for details.

Stilettos & Self Defense Presents: Improvised Weapons

Review: Improvised Weapons with Jennifer Cassetta
Jennifer Cassetta, 2012

This dvd is the third in Jennifers series. In this dvd she teaches you how to use everyday items that you  may have on you to prevent and get out of dangerous situations. This is available on dvd or as an instant download.

Jennifer teaches you how to use a variety of specific items- that you most likely have in your purse, in your hand, or in your pocket - to get out of dangerous situations. She shows you exactly what to do and provides a variety of dangerous scenarios.

I work in a dangerous neighborhood and was thrilled to have the opportunity to review this dvd. I highly recommend it to all women. Be prepared and you could save yourself from a potentially dangerous situation. I received this dvd to review.

For More Information, Visit:

Stilettos and Self Defense on the web

Stilettos and Self Defense on Facebook

Stilettos and Self Defense on Twitter

Stilettos and Self Defense on YouTube

I received samples of these products to review. I was in no other way compensated for my honest reviews. All thoughts and ideas expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.  Please see my disclosures page for details

Recipes Using Pork: The Other White Meat!

I am a huge fan of BzzAgent! Why- because they allow me to try new products and share with my friends! I got to join the Pork Be Inspired BzzCampaign! I love pork as an alternate to chicken. I love white meat pork and it is very versatile and moist. My whole family enjoys it and its my secret that its GOOD FOR YOU! Better than boring dry chicken. Very moist & delicious.  Keep reading to see two of my fav pork recipes. We love to grill and its grilling season here so we had both of these last week and they were huge hits all around!

Asian Grilled Pork Chop Marinade

 (from Food.com)

• 1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon dark sesame oil
• 4 (5 ounce) boneless pork chops, about 1 inch thick

DIRECTIONS:

1. 1 In a large re-sealable plastic bag place, oils, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger and garlic; mix well.
2. 2 Add pork chops.
3. 3 Marinate in refrigerator 30 minutes- 2 hours.
4. 4 Remove from marinade and discard marinade. Grill over medium coals 6 to 7 minutes per side or until pork is cooked through.
5. 
   
6. Lemongrass Pork Chops & Quick Pickled Carrots 
   (altered from a recipe in Cooking Light)
   
   
   Pork Chops:
   1/4 cup minced shallots
   3 TBS minced lemongrass
   2 garlic cloves, minced
   2 TBS dark brown sugar
   2 TBS asian fish sauce
   1 TBS oil
   2 tsp soy sauce
   1 tsp sesame oil
   1/4 tsp black pepper
   4-5 oz thin cut pork chops
   Carrots:
   1/2 cup white vinegar
   3 TBS + 1 tsp sugar
   1/4 tsp salt
   4 medium carrots peeled & cut into match sticks 
   
   
   Combine shallots, lemongrass, garlic, brown sugar, fish sauce, both oils, soy sauce, & pepper in a food processor or blender & blend until just combined. 
   
   
   Place pork chops & marinade in a large ziploc, gently massage into pork chops. Refrigerate sealed bag for 3 hours. 
   
   
   Combine carrots, sugar, & salt in a wide shalllow dish. Add carrots, tossing to caot. Cover & sset aside, tossing 1 or 2 X, for 1 hour. 
   
   
   Discard marinade from chops, heat a grill pan (I used the Foreman grill) over med-high heat. Spray pan w/ cooking spray & grill chops for 2-3 min per side or unti just cooked through. Serve w/ carrots

For more information, visit:

The Bzzagent website

 Pork Be Inspired on the web

Pork Be Inspired on Facebook

 received a sample of this product from Bzzagent to review.  I am a bzzagent and participate in their program. I was in no other way compensated for my honest review. All thoughts and ideas expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.   Please see my disclosures page for details.

Holiday Hot List: Private Selection Foods Courtesy of BzzAgent!

I am lucky enough to be a BzzAgent (if you have not joined do it now!) And even luckier - I had the opportunity to try the Private Selection line  from BzzAgent for my review.  Make holiday entertaining easy, fun, and delicious this year with Private Selection  Bring gourmet foods home and host an outstanding holiday get-together. Private Selection products are found at Kroger stores. I shop at Fry's so its perfect for me! You will love them, give them a try!

Private Selection® allows you to serve guests gourmet fare right from your own home — I am a big holiday entertainer and with Private Selection, my home entertaining has become a snap this holiday season. I already hosted one get together featuring my favorite Private Selection products and let me tell you- Private Selection makes entertaining a snap! Everyone loved the food and I loved how easy Private Selection makes serving gourmet foods at home, so easy and so affordable! 

Private SElection prodcuts come in a huge range: ice cream, pizza, deli meats & cheeses, pastas, desserts and more! Check them out on the web & head to a Kroger store to get some to try!

For more information, visit:

The Bzzagent website

Private Selection on the Kroger website

 received a sample of this product from Bzzagent to review.  I am a bzzagent and participate in their program. I was in no other way compensated for my honest review. All thoughts and ideas expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.   Please see my disclosures page for details.

Holiday Hot List with Ulysses Press: Give Up: 150 Demotivational Posters

The Belles can't think of a better gift than a book from Ulysses Press this holiday season! I know I would love to receive one (or more) of the many books from Ulysses Press. They have a huge variety of books of so many topics (including fitness books) and a ton of cookbooks! We had the pleasure of reviewing a few of these gems; keep reading for my detailed review and stay tuned for Maria's review coming soon on the blog!

Give Up: 150 Demotivational Posters
Paul Koehorst and Ivor Jones, 2010 

This book is a hilarious spin on those motivational posters you see hanging in offices- yes they are hanging in my office too. Do they actually motivate you to do better? Of course not! So this fun book offers 150 DEmotivational posters to have you laughing and snickering.

This book offers lots of variety so there really is something for everyone. Great for a fun night in with your sweetheart or to browse through anytime you need a laugh. Since this is part of our holiday hot list- it will be waiting under the tree for DH and I know he will love it. He is a big fan of these in general, so whats better than a book full of hilarity!

By offering demotivational messages accompanied by ridiculous images, the author turns the motivational message upside down with very funny results. This book contains 160 pages of fun and laughter! I received this book to review.

For more information:
The Ulysses Press website

Ulysses Press on Facebook
Ulysses Press on Twitter

I received samples of these products to review. I was in no other way compensated for my honest reviews. All thoughts and ideas expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.  Please see my disclosures page for details.

GIVEAWAY ~ Boca Java 3 Pack & HUGE Cyber Monday DEALS!!!!

Enter the Two Belles giveaway below or visit the Two Belles blog. One winner total will win a three pack of Boca Java! 

Cyber Monday is the biggest online shopping day of the year and the deals are so good it's like companies are  just giving stuff away for free.  In the spirit of Cyber Monday, I'm giving away 3 bags ofBoca Java roasted to order coffee. I had the pleasure to taste this coffee earlier this year (read my Boca Java product review) and I really love it, so I thought I'd share the taste of great coffee with one lucky reader!  I also wanted to share with all of you that Boca Java is running an amazing deal today for Cyber Monday.  Today on Boca Java's website you can get 25% off Coffees, Teas and Cocoas and Free Shipping over $30 - just click on the Boca Java Cyber Monday image below to check out Boca Java's huge assortment of coffee, tea and cocoa varieties including some really unique holiday coffee flavors that you can't find anywhere else. Coffee is a great gift idea, so it's a great time to get great tasting coffee for a great price - today, Cyber Monday only - so don't miss out!

The Belles LOVE Boca Java! We are huge fans of flavored coffees and Boca Java is on the top of our list! With so many delicious flavors and a huge variety of amazingly delicious holiday varities- you will find something for every coffee lover on your list! We are pleased to add Boca Java to our holiday hot list and we know once you try it you will become a convert! Keep reading to learn all about their yummy coffees and enter below to win one of their fantastic gourmet three pack bags (retail value $24.95). Check out the three pack options here.

Maria's Favorite: Boca Java's First Snow Coffee
I was lucky enough to receive the Boca Java's First Snow Coffee, whole bean variety. With yummy flavors of sweet coconut, exotic vanilla and rich caramel make this gourmet coffee a memorable holiday treat that you wont want to share! Take my advice and get a couple for gifts- your friend & famly will LOVE you for it. The blend of specialty coffee beans in First Snow coffee are powdered with a white coating inspiring the feeling of a snowy winter day. This is a full-bodied complex roast. Avaialble in whole bean or ground- go for the whole bean so you can see the cool white coating- seriously an awesome gift for anyone on your list this season!

Lindsey's Favorite: Boca Java's Merry Mistletoe

I am in love Boca Java's Merry Mistletoe. I love that is is full-bodied and complex, nothing worse than a weak watery tasting coffee. Its delicious flavor is robust: containing flavors of toasted pecans hat are dusted in cinnamon sugar- yum! Super unique and such a wonderful winter treat. I absolutely love this coffee. Great smooth taste and is so perfect for the holiday season. I will be adding some to my Christmas gift baskets and these would make perfect stocking stuffers as well. I really enjoyed all of the yummy Boca Java holiday flavors that I had the opportunity to try. Other favorites that I really enjoyed were: Pumpkin Paradise, Spiced Vanilla Bean, and Tropical Tricks & Treats. Check out their full line ofgourmet holiday coffees on their website.

Tweet the savings: #CyberMonday @bocajava SALE! @2bellesfitness #giveaway http://www.twobellesfitness.com/?p=6173

Want to win a three pack of Boca Java coffee? Enter here via Rafflecopter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway begins 11/21/12 and will end on 12/1/12 @ 12:01 a.m est and is open to U.S. residents only. Void where prohibited. Winner will be chosen randomly via random.org. An email notification will be sent to the email address provided by the winner with 48 hours to respond. Failure to do so will result in a new winner being selected. Please see Terms and conditions for full giveaway rules.  We received samples of these products to review. We were in no other way compensated for our honest reviews. All thoughts and ideas expressed are oury own. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

TapouT XT Review: Competition Core

Keep reading for my review of disc 4, Competition Core of the TapouT XT set. This set is led by certified MMA Coach, Mike Karpenko and includes 12 super-charged mixed martial arts style DVD workouts – Everything you need comes in included in the set! All the dvds are packaged securely and in a space saving package!

TapouT XT: Competition Core
Mike Karpenko, 2012

Mike leads this 47 minute active core workout in a MMA gym set with a group of exercisers. You will need your TapouT resistance tubing for this workout. There are music and subtitle options and an on-screen countdown timer. 

Each exercise is performed for 30-90 seconds. Exercises include: balance knee strikes, plank knee strikes, hi knee run, sledge hammer, Mt climber to pushups, prison squats w/ a cross knee pull adding a hop, 1 leg burpees, plyo lunges - climber elevator planks, power plank jacks, warrior burpees, bridge kicks, shuffle floor touch, side plank knee crunches & the killer move is 6- seconds of plyo 180 lunges.

I rate this an advanced core cardio w/o. Lots of great core work and tons of plyo & cardio exercises. Tons of variety so the time really flies. Mike provides form pointers & motivation by walking around the room. I received this dvd to review.

For more information or to purchase TapouT XT, visit:
TapouT XT on the web
TapouT XT on Facebook
TapouT XT on Twitter
TapouT XT on YouTube
TapouT XT on Pinterest

I received samples of these products to review. I was in no other way compensated for my honest reviews. All thoughts and ideas expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.  Please see my disclosures page for details.

Review: 10 Minute Solution: Cardio Hip Hop

Review: 10 Minute Solution: Cardio Hip HopHeather Graham, 2012

Heather leads each of these five 10 minute segments in an open room. You wont need any equipment for this workout. The first segment is standing core done hip hop style and the remaining four are cardio hip hop.

Hip Hop 101: this is a fun core focused routine. Exercises include: hip shifts, hip tilts, isolations, hip rolls, & standing crunches. After you learn the moves you add some hip hop flair & string them together into a routine.

House Party: This routine is comprised of leg swings, slice arms, pony, and body rolls. A fun active dance combo.

Signature Moves: Moves include: girly walk, hop pump, cowgirl, teaser walk, & sassy step. After learning the moves you string them together into a fun dance routine.

Hip Hop Jam: Exercises include: body rolls, skater steps, march around, & hip brushes. Learn the exercises & then put it together in a fun dance combo.

Street Style: Heather teaches you: hip shifts, swipe & duck, body rolls, elbow pull, wide march & chest & booty pops and then puts them together into a routine. This was a fun & active routine.

I found this workout to be beginner in terms of intensity and intermediate in terms of choreography.  Heather’s cuing is good so I actually had no problems picking up the choreo and I have virtually no dancing skills. Each segment is very different and I LOVE that the 1st is standing core. This one is a keeper for me- something fun & different than my norm. I received this dvd to review.

For More Information, Visit:
The 10 Minute Solutions Website
The Anchor Bay Website
Anchor Bay on TwitterAnchor Bay on FaceBook

I received samples of these products to review. I was in no other way compensated for my honest reviews. All thoughts and ideas expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.  Please see my disclosures page for details.

Holiday Hot List: Maybelline Presents Fashion Prints Nail Stickers & Sequins by Color Show Polish

We all know & love Maybelline ~ so you know I was super excited at the opportunity to review their new polish: Sequins by Color Show and their Fashion Prints Nail Stickers by Color Show! These are the perfect gift for every lady in your life, young or young at heart! A great gift to wrap under the tree or a perfect stocking stuffer! Dont forget the secret santa at the office too! New Fashion Prints Nail Stickers and Sequins by Color Show. Suggested retail prices are $7.99 for the Fashion Prints Nail Stickers and $3.99 for Sequins. Hurry fast because this is ONLY available during the month of November!

Fashion Prints Nail Stickers by Color Show - are the ultimate fashion fix for fingertips! Seriously so cute, so trendy, available in a bunch of cute prints and SO easy to use!! Every time I wear mine, I get a TON of compliments! Save the cash you'd spend at the nail salon and grab yourself some Fashion Prints Nail Stickers! You will get super stylish professional looking nails at home for a fraction of the price that you'd spend at the salon! Check out some of my favs! Love the black & silver leopard print.

These runway-ready, handcrafted designs are the ultimate fashion accessory-in so many fun designs, you are sure to find something to match everything in your wardrobe.  And thanks to UV cured technology that lasts, these fashionable prints are made to stick around. Available in eight trendy patterns include Fierce N Fuchsia, Midnight Lace, Wild Reptile, Metal Prisms, Cheetah Chic, Sapphire Jewels, Divine Crocodile and Resort Couture.

Easy to apply in three simple steps: 1.Select a sticker that best fits each nail. 2. Lay the sticker over the bare nail and apply a little pressure over the entire surface of the nail using the cuticle stick 3. Fold the spare top of sticker over nail tip and file away the extra length of sticker in a downward motion. They stay put for much longer than polish and Ive even used them on my toes for a super cute pedicure

Sequins by Color Show – a show-stopping nail effect that will have fingers party perfect! I love sparkles and this is the ultimate in sparkle polish! I had the pleasure of reviewing the Ruby Rhinestones and I love it! Super cute and goes on solid in just one coat. You can see a red tint in the polish along with the red sparkles & flecks for a gorgeous & unique look. Get your nails ready for the holidays with show-stopping nail candy that dazzles with non-stop runway sparkle and fierce sequin effects. Perfect for all your holiday parties and nights on the town.

A unique transparent suspension gel holds these concentrated pigments in their truest form for crisper color and ultra high shine-they arent just sparkles in clear coat- you will see a difference with one application.  A flexible resin resists chipping and allows for a smooth, controlled application.  The Easy Flow brush makes application virtually mistake proof.  Try all eight glam-tacular sequin-laden shades: Ruby Rhinestones, Lavender Sparks, Silver Gleam,  Gold’s Night Out, Sea-Quins, Rose Bling, Sapphire Masquerade and Cocktail Dress. I cant' wait to try them all!

For More informatoin, Visit:

Maybelline on the web

Maybelline on Facebook

Maybelline on Twitter

I received samples of these products to review. I was in no other way compensated for my honest reviews. All thoughts and ideas expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.  Please see my disclosures page for details.