Apple Pie Protein Shake Recipe

I found a recipe online for an apple pie protein shake but it was only ok so I made up my own and its pretty darn good! Check it out!

Ingredients:
1  scoop vanilla protein powder
1/2  raw apple, chopped
1 oz walnuts
1 TB ground flaxseed

1/2 container apple cinnamon greek yogurt or Silk Almond Coconut blend non-dairy milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 cup cold water
5 large ice cubes

*blend and enjoy. I think it would be BOMB with BSN Lean Dessert Cinnamon Roll protein powder, havent tried it yet though. 

I found a variation of this recipe & the image above on this website- check it out they have other yummy looking protein shakes listed as well.

ACE HiiT Series Featuring Chris Freytag: Core HiiT Review!

NEW from ACE featuring Chris Freytag is the  ACE HiiT Series. Stay tuned for detailed reviews of all the awesome workouts in this set and keep reading for a review of the ACE Core HiiT workout here.

ACE HiiT Series: Core HiiT
Chris Freytag, 2013

Chris works out alone in a studio for this 30 minute core HiiT routine. You will need dumbbells for workout. Chris provides modification options. Classic HiiT style- each exercise lasts for 20 seconds, followed by 10 seconds rest completed for 4 minutes followed by a 45 second rest. You perform 2 rounds of 4 exercises two times total, and then one final round of 4 different exercises.

After a warmup, exercises include:  side plank, plank squats, standing side & front knee pulls, knee pull hops, weighted sit ups, gorilla walk, reverse plank jacks, bicycle, side plank oblique crunches, row boat, squat jacks, and concludes with a stretch.

I rate this a high intermediate. Love the core cardio combo and the sequencing allows you to give it your all. Chris is fantastic in this entire series, motivating, great form reminders, modifications, and cuing. Love the pace- not rushed but no wasted time. I received this dvd to review.

 For more information visit:

 Chris Freytag online  follow Chris Freytag on Twitter  Chris Freytag on Linked In  and like Chris Freytag on Facebook
I received a sample of this product to review. 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.

NEW for Spring: e.l.f. Brings You Three HOT Must Haves for $5 or Less!

NEW from  e.l.f. (eyes lips face) cosmetics are three hot items I just could not resist for my spring wardrobe. And for those of you that are familiar with e.l.f. you know you can afford all three and then some. With prices starting at just one dollar – you can makeup your entire face and change out your colors with every fashion fad, and try all the fun new looks without breaking your budget. I love that e.l.f. offers quality makeup that works great on my sensitive skin, stays put, and looks fab all for just dollars a piece!

Studio Collection Kohl Eyeliner: this fab eyeliner is only $3 and is triple duty with an eyeliner, a thick, bold liner, a blender applicator, and a sharpener! The liner is thick and bold- you can use it as a liner or blend it for a hot smoky look without eyeshadow. The liner goes on super smooth, making a sleek look attainable for everyone. All this for only $3- you can not go wrong and you will LOVE the results!

Glossy Gloss: This rich lip gloss is opaque , rich, creamy, and adds the shine we all love! The gloss is not sparkly or shimmery and not at all tacky- it goes on smooth and provides a diamond shine you will LOVE. It contains vitamin E to keep your lips hydrated! No dried out lips here! You can use it alone for a more subtle look or over liner or lipstick to add shine and depth to your look. This glamorous gloss is only $3 and is available in TEN gorgeous shades! You are sure to find at least a few you love.

Mineral Lipstick: Available in sixteen must-have shades- you wont know where to begin! Good news, each tube is only $5 so go crazy and grab a few! You will love how hydrated this lipstick makes your lips fee. The color is soft and natural and LONG LASTING! 100% mineral based with NO prabens, preservatives, and NO chemical dyes- you can feel good about this lipstick. Who wants chemicals on their lips? NOT ME! Love the coconut, jojoba, and olive oil contained- goes on smooth, and feels silky smooth and not at all tacky. The vitamin A & E sooth and moisturize my lips all day long. Love this lipstick and the packaging is recyclable! Yay

For more information:

Visit the e.l.f. website

Like e.l.f. on Facebook

Follow e.l.f. on Twitter

Subscribe to the e.l.f. YouTube Channel

Follow e.l.f. on Google Plus

I received a sample of this product to review. 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.

SUMMER FUN Series is BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Summer Substitutions to Maximize FUN & Minimize Diet Derails:

As summer is approaching, we all know that parties, bbq’s and outdoor gathering are a MUST! Keeping your social calendar full can be challenging when you are trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Don’t miss out on parties & get togethers – instead, make them healthier and more active! The obvious tips of bringing a healthy side dish, your own turkey burger, and some light beer aside- I have some fun and fresh ideas to keep the fun, friends, drinks, and snacks ROLLING all summer long! Stay tuned for an upcoming series of posts where I will feature some great games, activities, recipes, and substitutions to maximize your fun, maximize activity, and minimize calories!

ALL NEW NEVER RELEASED Fitness Favorites The FIRM: Aerobic Butt Busters

Fitness Favorites presents digitally remastered, first time available on dvd- some all time favorite one of a kind must have Firm workouts!!! Stay tuned for plenty of detailed Fitness Favorite dvd reviews and keep reading for a detailed review of The FIRM: Aerobic Butt Busters- which is ALL NEW never released on VHS or DVD!!!!!!! This is a MUST HAVE for all FIRM lovers! Be sure to check the all new Firm workout calendar on Fitness Favorites now.

The FIRM:  FIRM Parts Aerobic Butt BustersSusan Harris, Sandahl Bergman, Kai Soremekun, LaReine Chabut, Jayne Poteet 2012

This 35 min Parts dvd is compiled from the classics. You will need dumbbells and your Fanny Lifter for this workout. A warmup, stretch, aerobic + strength work, and cooldown are included.

Included is: short box step work, leg press, tall box work, a bit of floor cardio, short box strength and some quick weighted bridge work. Kai’s tough 4 limb box segment is included, French press, jacks, plyos, marching, squatting off the box, and short & tall box climb adding arm work to some routines to up the intensity and work your upper body a bit.

This is an intermediate routine that, like all FIRMs, is easy to modify up or down to suit your needs. A great combo of cardio and strength work to get a lot accomplished in a short time. Easy athletic moves and lower impact make this a great workout for most everyone. I received this dvd to review.

Firm workout calendar

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

Kenya Moores Booty Bootcamp NEW From Acacia!

NEW from Acacia Kenya Moores Booty Bootcamp - Kenya is from The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Acacia also offers a huge selection of clothing, jewelry, garden, home decor, and of course fitness products & dvds! Check out their huge selection of fitness dvds here. DVD categories include: general fitness, abs & core, tai chi, dance, pilates, pregnancy, martial arts, beginner, yoga, and more! Dont forget to check out their fitness apparel & accessories here.

Kenya Moores Booty BootcampNikki Veal, 2013

Nikki leads these workouts and Kenya adds some of her “signature moves” throughout. Nikki, Kenya, and 3 background exercisers work out in a spacious studio. You wont need any equipment for these workouts (three 20 minute workouts, a warmup, cooldown, and core workout) but you can easily add ankle weights or dumbbells to up the challenge.

Workout One: Beginner, 20 minutes. Exercises include: stomach lying leg series (heel lifts, donkey style kicks, and rainbow taps), “Booty Pop” by Kenya – cheek squeeze, “Stallion Getty-Up” by Kenya- crouch to table bun squeeze, squats, and dip to knee raise.

Workout Two: Low intermediate, 20 minutes. Exercises include: pike leg raises, donkey kick series, a unique bridge series, bridge side knee drops, squat knee raises, pliet calf raises, elevator  squats, “Stallion Kick Backs” –by Kenya, and dip knee raises.

Workout Three: Intermediate, 20 minutes. Exercises include: donkey kick series, plank toe taps, unique bridge work, squat side leg raise, squats, squat pulses, squat –glute pinch- curtsy, and Kenya’s Stallion exercise adding a tap back.

Abs & Cooldown: Low intermediate, 10 min. exercises include: crunches, bicycle, single leg stretch, and supine heel taps. 

Also included are a separate warmup (14 min) and cooldown (4 minutes). Nikki is an excellent instructor with a great personality, awesome form pointers, and great cuing. I cant wait for more workouts from her. Each section contains floor work and concludes with a few minutes of standing body weight work. 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.

Acacia Presents: Leah Sarago's Ballet Body Upper Body Definition Review

Acacia brings you the Leah Sarago Ballet Body Series and they also offer a huge selction of clothing, jewelry, garden, home decor, and of course fitness products & dvds! Check out their huge selection of fitness dvds here. DVD categories include: general fitness, abs & core, tai chi, dance, pilates, pregnancy, martial arts, beginner, yoga, and more! Dont forget to check out their fitness apparel & accessories here.

Ballet Body: Upper Body Definition
Leah Sarago,  2011

Leah leads this 45 min ballet inspired upper body workout workout alone in a nice ballet studio.You will only need a set of light dumbbells. The workout is done voiceover & is not chaptered. The first portion of the workout is a plank series and is followed by standing upper body strength work with light dumbbells.

Floor exercises include: a very unique hi plank & side plank series with tempo variations, single leg pike & plank pulses, arabesque pushups, & tri pushup variations. Standing exercises include: arm circle & arm raise variations, balance stick delt fly and tricep work. TONS of unique moves and she really keeps things moving along at a great pace.

I rate this a solid intermediate workout. You may have to work up to the plank work if you have weak wrists. Leah is fabulously toned and provides excellent form pointers & cuing. She offers modifications to make the exercises easier. Tons of unique and effective upper body work. This is a great addition to anyone's dvd library. I really like Leah's instruction and the fun & unique exercises. 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.

Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrion Miracle Dry Oil & BZZAgent

Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrion Miracle Dry Oil has many different uses for face body & for hair and it doesnt leave an oily residue! It’s perfect for everyday application and how it’s the first product of its kind made available in many stores like Target! And the price is low so you can easily afford this luxury multi-tasker! 

One miracle oil for hair, face, and body

Intensely nourishing, absorbs instantly, transforms in a touch for healthy-looking, shiny hair and soft, supple skin. Even works on my oily skin because it goes on dry and non greasy.

Fortified Fruit Science and 3 Nutritive Fruit Weightless Oils:
Olive, Avocado, and Shea. So as you can imagine it smells AMAZING!

Super easy to use:
Hold bottle 6-8 inches away and spray on hair or skin. For use ON your HAIR: Spray sparingly on damp hair to nourish and treat dry strands. Style as usual. Spray on dry hair for added shine. 

For use on ON BODY SKIN: Spray and massage into skin. ON FACIAL SKIN: Spray into palm and then use sparingly with fingertips to massage into skin. Do not spray directly into face.

For More Information, Visit:

The Bzzagent website

Garnier Fructis on Facebook

Garnier Fructis on the web

I 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.

NEW from ACE: HiiT Series with Fitness Favorite Chris Freytag!

NEW from ACE featuring Chris Freytag is the  ACE HiiT Series. I LOVE Hiit and LOVE Chris Freytag so I knew this system would be a winner- and it is! I can see myself getting a TON of use out of these dvds. Stay tuned for detailed reviews of all the workouts! Disc one contains classic HiiT styling (20 seconds on and 10 seconds off) that really allow you to give each exercise your all. The onscreen countdown timer lets you know how much longer each exercise has! I LOVE the intensity level in these – challenging and effective, left me sweating and well worked but no dread! I found most to be high intermediates that are easy to modify up or down to suit your needs. Chris does an excellent job of providing modification options. This system includes 7 workouts on two dvds in one convenient dvd case. 

Disc One includes four 30 minute HiiT routines:
Upper Body HiiT
Lower Body HiiT
Core HiiT
Total Body HiiT

Disc Two includes two 10 minute workouts and a 20 minute yoga routine:
10 Minute Core
10 Minute Booty
20 Minute Vinyassa Flow

Chris is AMAZING in this set- excellent cuing, encouragement, and provides fun, effective, unique exercises (and looks amazing!). Each workout accomplishes a lot in a short amount of time. Stay tuned for detailed reviews on the blog!


For more information visit:
 Chris Freytag online  follow Chris Freytag on Twitter  Chris Freytag on Linked In  and like Chris Freytag on Facebook
I received a sample of this product to review. 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.

NEW From Cathe: XTrain - All Out Low Impact HiiT

We all know & LOVE fitness favorite Cathe Friedrich - and her newest workouts XTrain are AWESOME! With my current knee issues I am seeking out all low impact but high intensity workouts- and who is the queen of all things high intensity/ low impact- Cathe of course! Stay tuned for a review of her Low Impact Challenge and keep reading for a review of XTrain: All Out Low Impact HiiT. 

 XTrain - All Out Low Impact HiiT

Cathe Friedrich, 2013

Cathe works out in a nice gym w/ 4 backgrounders. You will need a step, dumbbells, and gliding discs for this cardio + strength workout. The dvd is fully chaptered and includes premixes and bonus workouts. The main workout is mostly cardio – you can use lighter weights to get a cardio only w/o or heavier for more strength workout.

After a warmup floor exercises include: squat kick-squat dip, squat & shuffle, pulse lunges, side lunge shuffle, floor touch kick, rope pull & hammer, down to semi-climber up & kick. Then on to step work: squat over step, swimmer lunges, side kick &windmill off side of step, running man. The disc section is next: climbers, simmer lunges, jacks, scissor & punch, and a cooldown.

Bonus Core: 10min. Exercises include: sit ups w/ speed bag, sit up variations, butterfly crunches, banana oblique crunches, V twist, full body crunch, gorilla walk, spiderman plank, plank knee drops, and plank holds.

Bonus Chest: 14 min. Each of 3 exercises for three sets of 10 reps, followed by a burn set. Exercises include: bench press, pec fly, incline bench press and burn set pushups.

Bonus Shoulders: 14 min. Each of 3 exercises for three sets of 10 reps, followed by a burn set. Exercises include: military press, single arm lat raise, single arm delt fly, and burn set tubing scarecrow.

This is a high intermediate routine that is easily modified up or down. AWESOME low impact but high intensity, which is exactly what I need right now. Great music and superb cueing & attitude are exactly what you expect from Cathe- and she more than delivers in this one. This is a must have for all exercise libraries. Unique, fun, low impact that leaves you sweaty and worked! I received this dvd to review.

For More Information, Visit:
The Cathe Website
Cathe on Facebook
Cathe 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

RAVE: ZO ® Medical Aknetrol™ 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment

Nothing is worse than acne- except adult acne! Im too old for breakouts yet I continue to get them. Sigh. I am always on the hunt for new acne solutions and ZO Medical Aknetrol Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment is just what my skin needs to look & feel its best. Keep reading for more info!

 ZO ® Medical Aknetrol™ 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment is tough on acne but gentle on the skin at the same time. It hasn’t dried my skin out but it is definitely helping with my breakouts. I use in the morning and the night after my moisture step. It dries clear so you can use it in the morning without worry that it will show through your makeup. I also love that it works as a mattifier as well, since I have oily skin. Most acne prone skin types are oily and this really helps cut the shine without overdrying or inflaming the skin like some acne creams can do. I also love that it contains tea tree oil – love natural ingredients! Safe enough to use three times a day- you know this is good stuff! It contains glycerin to keep your skin hydrated.

ZO® Medical Aknetrol™ 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment. Is your Acne Anecdote: Break the cycle of acne and inflammation with ZO® Medical Aknetrol™ 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment. It stops clogged pores and excessive shine at the source by actually decreasing sebum production. Tea tree oil provides natural anti-bacterial properties and calms redness, while glycerin replenishes moisture. Super easy to use, just apply a thin layer to the affected area three times daily to stop blackhead and pimple proliferation in their tracks. $35 at obagiskin.com.

For More Information, Visit:
the ZO Skin Health Website
ZO Skin Health on Facebook
The ZO Skin Health Retailer
ZO Skin Health on Twitter
ZO Skin Health on YouTube

I received a sample of this product to review. 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.

Full Fitness Fusion with Ivy Ingram Larson

Full Fitness Fusion
Ivy Ingram Larson, 2013

Ivy leads this 41 min fully chaptered fusion workout barefoot in a studio with 3 background exercisers. You will need dumbbells, a kettlebell, and a chair for this workout. One exerciser performs lower intensity modifications.

Exercises include: KB swings & diagonal press, pushups, bridge, unique kneeling pelvic rolls, weighted full body crunches, pliet upright rows, speed bag, criss cross isometric arm work, rows, overhead press abduction, bear walk, planks, superman, squat pulses, fast punches with your feet moving, standing donkey kick series, squat to chair with clean & press, reverse plank, weighted V sit pass, partial get ups and concludes with stretch.

This is a lower intermediate workout. The modifications in this workout are great – not just marching in place. Lots of unique exercises combined in a fun & fresh format. Lots of variety and some unique exercises make the time fly. I really liked Ivy as a lead and cant wait to try more from her. I received this dvd to review.

For More Information, Visit:

Full Fitness Fusion on the web

I received a sample of this product to review. 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.

Acacia Presents: Leah Sarago's Ballet Body Lower Body Extreme Elongation Review

Acacia brings you the Leah Sarago Ballet Body Series and they also offer a huge selction of clothing, jewelry, garden, home decor, and of course fitness products & dvds! Check out their huge selection of fitness dvds here. DVD categories include: general fitness, abs & core, tai chi, dance, pilates, pregnancy, martial arts, beginner, yoga, and more! Dont forget to check out their fitness apparel & accessories here.

Ballet Body: Lower Body Extreme Elongation
Leah Sarago,  2011

Leah leads this 54 min lower body focuses ballet style workout in a nice ballet studio. The dvd is voiceover & is not chaptered. You will need a barre or chair for this workout. Leah works out alone but offers suggestions for modifications for many exercises.

Standing exercises include: flexed & pointed toe lunges, pliet variations, close 1st position squats adding a knee raise, relavet, glute pinch, balance stick squats & curtsies, hip circles, hip tucks, and standing donkey kicks. Floor exercises include: single leg bridge variations, and single hamstring focused bridge work. Leah concludes with a 12 min stretch. She provides lots of unique exercises & adds in tempo variations.

I rate this a solid intermediate workout that is easy to modify to suit your needs. Leah is a fantastic instructor- precise cuing & excellent form pointers. I strive to achieve her muscle tone! This is a very unique ballet workout that is done at a great pace to really pack a lower body punch. 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.

REVIEW: Boston Body Barre Sculpt Express

Zayna Gold Presents: Boston Body Barre Sculpt Express

Zayna Gold, 2013

Zayna leads in a barre studio w/ 4 background exercisers. You will need a band, ball, and chair or barre for this workout. The dvd contains a 37 min full body barre style workout and an 8 min butt blaster routine.

I like that the warmup is built in to the routine - exercises include, pliet varieties: pulses, hip hikes, calf raises, runners lunges and pulses, a kneeling glute series, rib shifts, table top pushups & triceps pushups, table work, plank, bridge series, bicycle, supine core series, side lying leg series, swimmer.

Butt Blaster: Zayna instructs and an exerciser performs the routine. Exercisers include: close pliets adding hip circles and pulses and barre glute extensions.

I rate this an intermediate routine that can be easily modified to suit most exercisers needs. Zayna does an EXCELLENT job of providing cue & form pointers – she seems to exactly when I needed form reminders. Plenty of variety so I felt worked but not “repped to death”Great music and lots of fun variety- one of the best barre workouts Ive done! I received this dvd to review.

For More Information: 

Visit the  Boston Body Barre website 

Like Boston Body Barre on Facebook 

Follow Boston Body Barre on Twitter 

Subscribe to the Boston Body Barre YouTube Channel

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.

Advocare Can You 24 Workout System Review: Shred 2

All new from Advocare is the Can You 24 Workout System. Seven twenty-four minute workouts on two dvds in one convenient dvd case. Workouts include cardio, shredding, toning, fusion, and core work- everything you need to get or stay in shape!

Advocare Can You 24: Shred 2 

Jodi Mamula

Jodi works out with two backgrounders, each working at their own intensity and exercise duration. You wont need any equipment for this cardio & body weight resistance workout. Each of the 12 exercises are performed for 1 minute, then repeated.

After a warmup, exercises include: single let squat, explosive pushups, low back swimmer, hi knee run, jacks, plank pike dives, push up leg raises, wall sit, floor touch shuffle and concludes with a cooldown.

Following Jodi this is a solid to high intermediate workout. Jodi is a very encouraging instructor and her cuing & form reminders are great! Lots of fun and unique exercises in this one- really makes the time fly! Easy to add weights to if you want more strength work.

For More information, about these workouts, and the Advocare 24 Day Challenge, Visit:

My Advocare 24 Day Challenge Results

Advocare Can You 24 Workouts on the web

My Advocare Website

I am an AdvoCare distributor and was not 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.