Sunday, June 30, 2013

Special K Nourish!

@SpecialKUS Nourish #GotItFree  Special K Nourish Hot Cereal



#DrinkLikeALady and #GotADiscount whenever you post. Skinny Girl Peach Margarita 



Friday, June 28, 2013

Recipe: Carrot Cake Protein Shake

Recipe: Carrot Cake Protein Shake
Ingredients 
  • 1/2 Cup Chobani Apple Greek Yogurt or Kroger Spice Cake yogurt
  • 1 jar carrot baby food
  • 1/4 cup raw whole oats
  • 1 tbs walnuts
  • 1 tbs flax seed
  • 1 Tbs raisins
  • Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves to taste
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 serving vanilla protein powder (or BSN Lean Dessert Cinnamon Roll )
  • 1/4 cupBreakfast Protein Shake Recipe: 1 scoop of chocolate protein powder, 1/2 banana, 1/2 cup Silk Almond Coconut Milk, and 2 TBS all natural peanut butter. 
  • 5 ice cubes
Directions: Blend & enjoy

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Fitness Favorites Presents: The FIRM Super Sculpting!

Fitness Favorites presents  some all time favorite one of a kind must have Firm workouts!!! Stay tuned for plenty of fab Fitness Favorite dvd reviews and keep reading for a detailed review of The FIRM: Super Sculpting originally released in 1998 on VHS. Now available on DVD!!!! This is one of my all time favorite FIRM's and I was SO excited to see that it is now on DVD- thank you Fitness Favorites!!! Be sure to check the all new Firm workout calendar on Fitness Favorites now.


The FIRM Super Sculpting
Jennifer Carmen, Nancy Tucker, Dale Brabham, Carissa Foster, 2013

This fully chaptered 49 minute all sculpting workout is led by 4 FIRM master instructors in the mansion set. You will need dumbbells,  a high step, and an optional barbell for this routine.

After a warmup, Jen’s upper body segment contains: bi curls, rows, clean & press, upright row, pushups, upper back fly, & tri dips. Nancy’s lower body segment contains:  squat & glute pinch, pliets, dips, & leg press. Dales upper body segment contains: upright row, front & side raise, clean & press, lat row, pushups, and bi curls. Carissa’s lower body & core routine contains: dips, lunges, squats, standing outer & inner thigh work and crunch variations. The workout concludes with a  cooldown.

I rate this a solid intermediate routine that is easily modified up or down depending on the poundage used. This is a great strength workout that hits all the muscle groups. All the instructors provide great cuing & form pointers. Love the tempo & exercise variations to really hit the muscles in a different way. I received this dvd to review.


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

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Cathe XTRAIN Hard Strikes Review

We all know & LOVE fitness favorite Cathe Friedrich - keep reading -keep reading for my review of Hard Strikes from her XTRAIN Series. And stay tuned for more fun Cathe reviews to come!!!! I really enjoyed this workout, low impact but high intensity. LOVE the heavy bag routine,and got a great upper body & cardio workout in. I broke this up into a cardio and core day and then upper body strength the next. 

XTRAIN Hard Strikes
Cathe Friedrich, 2012

Cathe works out in a brick set with 4 background exercisers to some great new music. You will only need weighted gloves & dumbbells for this 46 min boxing and conditioning workout. The dvd is fully chaptered and contains premixes & bonus segments.

After a warmup, exercises include: fun punch combos - often keeping your feet moving so you really keep your heart pumping, knee pulls, jack rope and scissor drills, jump squats, ice breakers, flurries, shuffle- hook and traveling punches. The upper body Conditioning segment includes: alt military press, bear crawl press ups, balance bi's, side plank shoulder press, tri dips, sit up & punch combos, and a sit up & push up combo. There is a separate cooldown section.

Bonus Core (10 min): sit up variations, crunch variations, V twists, gorilla walk, plank knee drops & knee pulls, plank toe taps, plank hold, & banana roll crunches. This was a tough little ab routine!!!

Bonus Burn Set Tris (14 min): Exercises include tri pushups, lying overhead tris, tubing French press, and kickbacks.

Bonus Heavy Bag (13 min): Wearing weighted gloves Cathe leads you through 4 sets of tabata punches, various punch combos for 20 seconds followed by 10 seconds of rest. I dont have a heavy bag so I just shadow boxed & still got a great workout.

Rep Bicep Challenge (7 min): 100 reps of barbell bicep curls!

I rate this a high intermediate routine in terms of intensity but found the choreo easy to catch on to. Fun routines, with lots of variety, cardio drills, boxing combos, and upper body strength work make this an awesome calorie burner & upper body toner. The time really flew by and I enjoyed the pace & worked up a great sweat! 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

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Ellen Barrett Live: Super Fast Body Blast Review

Ellen Barrett Live: Super Fast Body Blast 
Ellen Barrett, 2013

Ellen leads this 30 cardio & muscle conditioning routine in a ballet studio w/ 2 background exercisers, one performs modifications. The ladies do not wear shoes & no equipment is required for this routine.

The warmup is built into the workout; exercises include: step touch, chair pose, overhead wave & knee pull, toe tap –arm wrap, rainbow lunges, static hold & arm twists, and giant step & reach. Ellen breaks each segment down and then you perform the segments together at the end for a few rounds, breaking down each time s you go.

I rate this a high beginner routine that is great for all levels. This is a great little routine- Ellen is her usual happy self, great cuing & excellent  form pointers. Very low impact but I did get my heart rate up. I received this dvd to review.

For more information about Ellen Barrett & her workouts visit:
Ellen Barrett on YouTube
Ellen Barrett on Twitter
All of my Ellen Barrett reviews

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

Monday, June 24, 2013

Birthday in a Box: Brings Your Theme Party to a WHOLE New Level!

I am excited to have found a website that can help you plan a party as quickly and easily as Birthday in a Box. They guarantee that whether you are 1 or 100, your birthday will be special because of the items they carry on their site. They are proof that you can plan a fully coordinated theme party with all of the necessary party supplies & decorations at really low prices. I LOVE me a theme party and Birthday in a Box helps bring your theme to life! Check them out for all your party needs- birthdays, baby showers, graduations, and more. AND save money now with this special deal:



I am planning my upcoming birthday and Birthday in a Box caught my eye because in addition to their party favors, balloons, tableware, and costumes - they carry games! We all know a party is not a party without some fun party games! In one easy computer session you can get everything you need for your party, all themed or color coordinated and a fun party game while youre at. Add your party plates, coordinating pinata, cups, utensils, party decor and more and dont forget the party games! I had my eye on quite a few of their fun games for my upcoming party and finally decided on their Let's Limbo Game.



At only $18.99; Let's Limbo Game is a real bargain! Great for kids & adults, Im excited to see my friends try to limbo it out for a prize at my party. And did you know that Birthday in a Box also carries fun prizes & trophies- seriously check them out! Let's Limbo Game comes complete with:

  • 2 Light-Up Pole Toppers
  • 1 Cross Bar
  • 2 Up-Right Poles
  • 4 Adjustable Pole Pegs
  • 2 Ground Stakes

I also had my eye on their Ring Toss & Horseshoes game as it comes with rings & horseshoes, so this is perfect for any western themed party or circus party. And since this game and the Let's Limbo Game are quality products you can use them again and again- these are not disposable or one -use games. I also think the Let's Limbo Game is perfect for your next luau party! Here are a few of my favorite Birthday in a Box themes- Despicable Me Party - and be sure the check out all the coordinating Despicable Me Party goods that they carry! 



Birthday in a Box carries everything you need to throw a party your friends and kiddos will never forget! Great prices, great customer service, and a huge selection make Birthday in a Box my go-to party planning website. And dont forget you can customize some of the Birthday in a Box items, make your day or your little ones day even more special with customized party decor and tableware! For More Information, Visit: Birthday in a Box on the web.

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




Saturday, June 22, 2013

Geritol Walks the Walk WINNER!


Geritol “walks the walk prize” complete with two Geritol pedometers (one for them and one to share with a walking buddy), Geritol® Multivitamin product, and a $50 gift card toward a pair of New Balance sneakers is Jill T.


Thank you to everyone that entered and A HUGE Thank you to  Geritol! The winner has been contacted and has 48 hours to respond & claim her prize.

Friday, June 21, 2013

BzzAgent & Filippo Berio® Extra Virgin Olive Oil Bring You Heart Healthy Deliciousness

Being a BzzAgent member has its perks and this is one of my favorite campaigns to date: Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Oil! YUM - we all know that Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Oil is heart healthy and full of good for you omega 3's & omega 6's and it tastes amazing! Filippo Berio offers a variety of olive oils for every recipe and every taste- all high quality and all great for your heart. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Oil and one of my favorite recipes featuring Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Oil- Grilled Butternut Squash, all around healthy & great for summer cookouts. 


According to medical experts, these essential properties give olive oil health benefits. It helps protect against heart disease, aids in digestion, and has been known to promote healthy aging. Promote healthy eating habits for you and your family by making olive oil a delicious, nutritious addition to your diet. What are good fats to eat? As part of eating a healthy diet, you need to consume moderate amounts of good fats. 

These good fats include:

 Monounsaturated fat — This is the primary fat source found in olive oil. Unsaturated fat, can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol. In fact, due to its high concentration of monounsaturated fat, olive oil can actually help to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol. This is the main reason why olive oil is considered to be healthy for us.

·         Polyunsaturated fat — Found in nuts, fish, sunflower oil, corn oil, and of course olive oil, polyunsaturated fat helps to maintain heart health and lower blood cholesterol levels.
·         Omega-3 polyunsaturated fat — Found in fatty fishes like salmon or in vegetable oils, omega-3 polyunsaturated fat is truly brain food. It has been proven to promote mental acuity and brain development.

Filippo Berio Recipe: Grilled Butternut Squash 
(from the BBQ Grail Website)
Ingredients:
  • 1 butternut squash
  • 1/2 cup Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, thyme, & oregano (1/3 of each)
  • 5 cloves of garlic, roughly chopped
Directions
Slice the butternut squash in half and remove the pulp and seeds from the bulb end.  Slice the squash into 1/2 slices.  Cut the bulb end slices in half.  Combine the  Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil, vinegar, honey and herb in a bowl and mix well.  Place the squash in a plastic zip bag and pour in the oil mixture.  Remove as much air from the bag as possible and seal it.  Place the bag in the refrigerator for at least two hours.
Heat your grill to medium hot.  Remove the squash slices from the bag, retaining as much oil mixture as possible.  Season the squash slices with a little bit of kosher salt.   Grill the slices about 5 minutes per side.  Remove squash from the grill and drizzle with oil mixture (optional- good w/out it).  Cover with foil and let rest for 12 minutes.  Serve.

For More Information, Visit:
Kroger on the web
The Bzzagent website

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.

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Collage Video GIVEAWAY: The FIRM TransFirm Your Body DVD

Collage Video

This review comes from my favorite Fitness DVD distributor- Collage Video! As always, I am super excited to work with Collage Video! I had the pleasure of reviewing the new FIRM: TransFirm Your Body dvd. As always you know you can get all the info you need in a clear and concise manner on the Collage website- for example: this dvd was produced in 2007 but not released until 2013. This eliminates any confusion and ensures you are getting exactly what you are looking for! 

And as you may or may not know- Collage Video certified instructors review each & every workout that Collage Video carries. Each video contains a concise description so you can get the low down on the dvd, view the video clip, and read real Collage customer reviews right there on the website. Collage Video orders always come SUPER fast and their shipping is FREE on most items over $25.00 and cheap on anything else. And Collage guarantees ALL of their dvds- even on ones you have opened! Thats customer service! Keep reading for a detailed review and enter to win a copy of FIRM: TransFirm Your Body courtesy of Collage Video.


The FIRM: TransFirm Your Body 
Allie Del Rio, 2013 (produced in 2007, released in 2013)

Allie leads this 43 min routine with 4 background exercisers in the white brick set. One exerciser provides modifications and you will need your Fanny Lifter (called Body Trainer & TransFirmer as well) and a light set of dumbbells for this workout. 

This dvd contains fun floor & step routines, leg press, a tall box routine, a unique double box routine, and light 4 limb box & floor routines. After a warmup, exercises include: march & shuffle, lunge to box w/ clean & press, box toe taps & tri kickbacks, side lunge & row, straddle & bi curl, abduct & tri work, hip bump, tall box climb, and concludes with a nice ab routine (squat & diagonal swing, side knee pulls, boat on step, plank off the box adding knee pulls, and seated oblique work) and a final stretch.

I rate this an intermediate routine that like most FIRMs is easy to modify up or down. Allie does a great job of cuing and adds her own fun flair to this routine. I found this very versatile and it contains some fun & unique routines. Heavy up for a strength day or use light weights for a cardio day. I received this dvd to review. 

~Enter to win a copy of this DVD from Collage Video with the Rafflecopter entry form below ~


Entries will be accepted until 11:59 pm on 6/27/13  and the winner will be selected randomly. Contest open to US residents, no PO Boxes. Good Luck! 

#win Collage Video #fitness dvd at @fitnessforus #Giveaway @theFirm Transfirm Your Body http://lindseylu8.blogspot.com/2013/06/collage-video-giveaway-firm-transfirm.html

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. I can not be held responsible for user errors in entering this contest, shipping errors, postage errors, damage in transit, or undelivered prizes.

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

My Favorite Lotion: Carmex Healing Lotion & Healing Cream

I am pleased to announce that Carmex has introduced a new line of skin care products. I love the original Carmex lip balm and recently had the opportunity to try the new Carmex lotions and I absolutely love them. And Carmex DOES not test on animals!


Carmex Skin Care
Carmex skin care products (Healing Lotion and Healing Cream) are available in tubes, tubs, and also come in travel sizes. Carmex Healing Lotion is full of healing ingredients such as aloe and vitamin E to moisturize, heal and protect skin from dryness. Perfect for daily use to heal and prevent dry skin with a light, pleasant scent. The formula is fast absorbing and leaves no greasy residue behind. 
For intensive moisture, Carmex Healing Cream is a thicker, more concentrated formula that penetrates deep into the skin to help repair extremely dry, cracked skin. The Healing Cream is for those very dry areas such as feet, elbows, and knees. It is a moisture rich thick formula so only a small amount is needed. It really penetrates dry & even cracked skin, leaving it soft, smooth and moisturized. Both smell absolutely amazing! Lightly scented, deeply moisturizing without being greasy at all (my #1 pet peeve), and perfect for both men & women! Carmex has become my go-to lotion (for real!). Both DH & I love it- quality lotion at a great price.
I live in a very dry climate so I am always on the hunt for lotions and serious moisturizers. Well look no further- Carmex to the rescue! My number one pet peeve with many lotions is that they are greasy- well NOT Carmex Healing Lotions- they go on smooth & clean with NO greasy residue. I think what I like most about the Carmex lotions though, is the wonderful scent. It is lightly scented and is perfect for men & women. I really really love the Carmex scent.
To Learn More, Be Sure To Check Out:
Visit the My Carmex website
Like Carmex on Faecbook
Follow Carmex 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

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Fitness Favorites Presents: FIRM: 5 Day Abs

Fitness Favorites presents  some all time favorite one of a kind must have Firm workouts!!! Stay tuned for plenty of fab Fitness Favorite dvd reviews and keep reading for a detailed review of The FIRM: 5 Day Abs originally released in 1994, now with digitally remastered footage! Be sure to check the all new Firm workout calendar on Fitness Favorites now.


The FIRM: FIRM Parts 5 Day Abs
Tracy James, 2013

This dvd has five separate six to nine minute ab workouts on it. The workouts are taken from five of the six original Firm classics.   Tracey James introduces each segment and then it leads into the actual workout. Optional equipment: tall box and ankle weights.


The sections are led by Susan Harris (vol 1), Janet Jones Gretzky (vol 2), Sandahl Bergman (vol 3), LeReine Chabut (vol 5), and Jayne Poteet (vol 6). Exercises include crunches, oblique crunches, pelvic floor work, double crunches, reverse crunches, knee pull ins, and other floor ab work.

I rate these solid intermediate routines that are great to use as a warmup or cooldown to other workouts or string a few together for a tough core routine! The segments work great to add onto your other workouts because they are short and thorough. I received this dvd to review.





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

Monday, June 17, 2013

Ellen Barrett Live: Fusion Floor Workout Review

Ellen Barrett Live: Fusion Floor Workout 
Ellen Barrett, 20013

Ellen works out w/ 2 backgrounders in this chaptered 46 min floor strengthening & lengthening workout. You wont need any equipment and they do not wear shoes in this workout. One exerciser performs modifications and the set is a nice ballet type studio.

Exercises include 1 arm side saddle pushups, reverse plank, modified side plank with leg circles & leg raises, side plank to 1/2 camel, cat cow stretch w/ knee pull, plank knee pulls, plank-pushup-knee pulls, 1 leg bridge & crunch, reverse crunch, & single length stretch. The warmup is built into the workout and it concludes with a cooldown & stretch.

I rate this workout low intermediate/high beginner and is appropriate for all exercisers. It is great for low energy days or strength days when you may be sore from your last workout still. Energizing & calming -this is a unique flowing routine that will fit nicely in anyone's workout library. I received this dvd to review.


For More Information, Visit: 
Ellen Barrett on YouTube
Ellen Barrett 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

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Kroger: Induldge Without the Guilt With Yogurt Smoothie Bars & More!

With summer in full swing, we are all watching our waistlines but with the temperatures so hot- we all need a nice cool treat to cool us down every once in a while. Well with NEW Yogurt Smoothie Bars from Kroger you no longer have to think twice about indulging in a tasty reward. Available in  Strawberry Banana and Triple Berry you can now enjoy a guilt-free frozen treat that will be sure to satisfy your sweet tooth! Kroger now has a full line of low fat and sugar free goodies that include Ice Cream Sandwiches, Fudge Bars and Fruit Bars as well! Nom Nom Nom! I had the pleasure of reviewing these yummy new bars as part of a Bzz Campaign

While is is certainly getting hot out there (I live in the desert!) there’s no reason we cant enjoy in a cooling treat and not feel guilty. Well now we can with the line of low fat and sugar free frozen treats that Kroger offers. They bring you a variety of ways for you to beat the heat and indulge without guilt. Including NEW Kroger Yogurt Smoothie Bars, Fudge Bars, Fruit Bars and Ice Cream Sandwiches, the range is full of delicious flavors that provides a sweet reward anytime, without having to think twice about opening the freezer door.

I had the pleasure of trying the Mixed Berry Yogurt Smoothie Bars and I really enjoyed them. Think thick & creamy yogurt infused with fresh tasting berries. Yum! I even shared them with the God children and they really enjoyed them. I felt good about giving them to the kids as they arent packed with sugar and fat like other sweet treats. The kids had no idea they were good for them and they even asked for seconds! So go ahead and enjoy - have your refreshing cool-down Kroger Yogurt Smoothie Bar & still look good in that bikini!

For More Information, Visit:
Kroger on the web
The Bzzagent website

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.


Friday, June 14, 2013

Fitness Favorites Presents: The FIRM: Super Cardio


Fitness Favorites presents  some all time favorite one of a kind must have Firm workouts!!! Stay tuned for plenty of fab Fitness Favorite dvd reviews and keep reading for a detailed review of The FIRM: Super Cardio originally released in 1999, now with digitally remastered footage! Be sure to check the all new Firm workout calendar on Fitness Favorites now.


The FIRM: Super Cardio
Dale Brabham, Jen Carmen, Carissa Foster, Allie Strickland, 2013

This is a 63 minute ALL cardio workout by the Firm. The set is the old Firm set with a lot of background exercisers. All four leads have their own little segments-about 15 minutes each. The dvd is well chaptered so you can fast forward to skip segments if you choose. This is all original footage! The last segment everyone is wearing different outfits but it isnt a parts video. For this dvd you will need a weighted ball (I uses a 5# ball), a set of light dumbells, and a step or short box.

This is actually 60 minutes of straight cardio! No barbell work, no ab work, no sculpting! Some of the sections are more challenging than others but really, in 60 minutes of cardio you are going to burn some calories and work up a nice sweat! I really really enjoy this w/o! The music is super upbeat and motivating and 

The cardio work includes: step aerobics, 4 limb work, high impact floor cardio, low impact floor cardio, and cardio with the ball. Jens section is the best IMO, super fun and great combos. But hers is at the end and by that point Im usually a bit tired out. I would prefer hers at the beginning so I could truely enjoy it!

I would rate this a higher intermediate, its 60 minutes of nonstop cardio! All of the leads do an excellent job-their cueing is spot on and they all have a good energy about them in this one that really makes you want to keep moving. This is a must have for all Firmees IMO! lots of fun cario variety. I received this dvd to review. 





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