Friday, April 30, 2010

congrats

mckenna and the spencer family. you are the winners of the core firing sequence dvd's. even if i have gotten your addresses before, email them to me again at tiffanydansie@gmail.com. i'm too lazy to find them. :)



for next week's giveaway, and the last of my lindsay brin stuff for now, i have one copy of her core fitness for moms. this is an awesome workout with yoga and pilates that kicks your trash! i remember trying to do it after i had isaac (and i had already been doing her dvd's for months and months) and i couldn't even make it through the entire thing. it's exhausting and awesome. enter to win... and make sure if you are entering my giveaway, you say so. some people make comments and don't mention the giveaway (they are talking about other stuff), so i'm never positive if they are entering or not. usually, i don't count you. so make sure you actually mention that you want to win!

Friday, April 23, 2010

with only 3 entires...

luke and katie wins again!!!!

yay! i'm so excited for you cause this is seriously my favorite dvd of lindsay's. i love that it has so many different workouts on there! and her 12 week program rocks! if at first, the program isn't enough of a workout, just add more 10 minute cardio/toning segments. (she progresses and does more later on). do as many as you feel you can. i almost always do 3, with 2 core segments added on top of that. i have your address, so i'll get this in the mail to you tomorrow! yippee!

(ash, i didn't know if you were entering this since you already have this dvd and didn't mention wanting another copy, so i didn't include your comment- hope i read your thoughts right).

for next week's giveaway, i have two copies of lindsay's core firing sequence method dvd's. this dvd is awesome... as it really teaches you how to correctly use your core and get it back in shape. there is a 3 week "tummy slimdown plan" to add to your regular exercise routine. so i've got two of these babies.




this is my second to last giveaway. i only have one extra dvd left and it's lindsay's core fitness for moms. it has some killer workouts on it! the yoga and pilates is major strengthening... not a walk in the park at all! and her core sculpting is awesome! so look forward to that giveaway next friday!

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Super Charge Me Cookies

Most people don't think I eat sweets because I choose to cut refined, white sugar out of my diet.  Those who've seen me make a healthier option, know that I do really love a good sweet every once in a while.  My friend, Alicia, sent me a link to this recipe and my husband and I made up a batch a few days ago.  They are our new favorite.  It's so nice to have a treat with whole grains and natural sweeteners.



SUPER CHARGE ME COOKIES
Makes 4 dozen cookies
4 cups quick oats
2 2/3 cups spelt flour (I use wheat because I have it)
1 tsp (rounded) sea salt
1 – 2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1 –1 1/3 cup raisins or chopped dried fruit
3/4–1 cup carob or chocolate chips (optional; or use more dried fruit, nuts, or seeds--I add more raisins)
1 tbsp + 1 tsp baking powder
1 1/3 cup flax meal (not flax seed--you can grind flax seed to make the meal)
2 cups pure maple syrup *
¾ cup almond butter (may use cashew, peanut, hemp seed butter)
2 tbsp pure vanilla extract
½ cup canola oil

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). In a bowl, combine oats, flour, salt, cinnamon, coconut, raisins, and carob or chocolate chips, sift in baking powder, and stir until well combined. In a separate bowl, combine flax meal, syrup, almond butter, and vanilla and stir until well combined. Stir in oil. Add wet mixture to dry, and stir until just well combined (do not overmix). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spoon batter onto baking sheet evenly space apart, and lightly flatten. Bake for 13 minutes (no longer, or they will dry out). Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheet for 1 minute (no longer), then transfer to a cooling rack.

*Maple syrup in it's pure form can be pricey.  Doug and I experimented with 1/2 maple syrup and 1/2 agave nectar and it was still tasty (I prefer the maple-only version, but my budget does not).  I've read mixed reviews on agave lately--it's a sweetener from the blue agave cactus.  I'm bummed by the reports of it's high level of fructose because it's a favorite in our house.  I'll post an update once I've read more information.

Friday, April 16, 2010

some people just have good luck

you can enter these giveaways as many times as you want... just because you win a dvd doesn't mean you aren't allowed to enter another giveaway. and one girl has some serious luck. it's a good thing i haven't sent out her last dvd she won yet.

the winners of the dance jam workout dvd are:

Blake and Jenny Jones Family that said:

"I've always wanted to learn to dance. At home without paying tons of money sounds like a great way to do it. Plus the cardio sounds great!"

and

Ashley who said:

"This DVD looks awesome! Am I allowed to enter! ;)"

i do have favorite people in this world. and ashley just happens to be one of them. but i am in no way unfair in these contests. i use random.org, put in the number of entries i have, and it gives me the number of the winner.

so congrats to jenny and to ashley AGAIN! email me with your mailing addresses at tiffanydansie@gmail.com asap so i can get these in the mail to you. hopefully tomorrow!



now for next week, i'm giving away my favorite dvd of lindsay's. i know it's one of her older ones, but i LOVE it. her original post natal bootcamp. i think what i love the most is how many workouts are on it. there are 10 cardio and toning workouts and 6 core workouts. plus the warm up and cool down. she has a 12 week program on there which i did and loved. so much variety in this dvd. this is the original dvd i used to get all my baby weight off after i had isaac. i only have one copy (thanks to my friend, mckenna). if you don't have this one, it's a great one to win. and if you already have it, why not enter anyway and have an extra copy or one to give away to a friend? i actually have an extra copy of every dvd of hers that i keep on hand... because i always have friends that want to tryout the dvd's before buying. and i hate to give away my only copy. :) as usual, i'll announce the winner next friday, april 23rd. good luck! and please, tell your friends about lindsay's dvd's if you love them. she's a wonderful person who only deserves the best. so don't hesitate to share the info on this giveaway too. happy weekend!

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

What's in your water bottle?

It has taken a few weeks, but I am now learning how to multi-task while taking care of my twins so I can do something else I really enjoy doing--talking about health and wellness!  My twins are nearly 3 months old and are still in newborn clothes, but they are so adorable.  Motherhood is much harder than I thought it would be, but once they learn to eat better, I am sure it will get somewhat easier.

Last post, I shared a little of my 'story' and how I started on my journey to taking care of my body.  One thing that helped me to shed pounds and feel good was becoming aware of my water intake.  I used to think water was 'boring', 'tasteless', and usually opted for milk or juice.  I was constipated and constantly congested from my high dairy intake.  I think I lived on milk and melted cheese sandwiches (two slices of wonder bread with a slice of Kraft american cheese in between--in the microwave for 15 seconds...yep...that was a food group for me).  I had no idea that drinking water could change my body and my health.

Why is water so important for weight loss?  Donald S. Robertston, M.D. author of The Snowbird Diet said, "incredible as it may seem, water is quite possibly the single most important catalyst in losing weight and keeping it off.  Although most of us take it for granted, water may be the only true 'magic potion for permanent weight loss.'"  Dr. Robertson also suggests that "water suppresses the appetite and helps the body metabolize stored fat, helps maintain proper muscle tone, clears wastes and may help relieve constipation."

Not to get too graphic with you...but most Americans are clinically constipated.  You want to be visiting the restroom 1-2 times per day.  If not, where is it all going?  

The Mayo Clinic's website says:

"Water is your body's principal chemical component, making up, on average, 60 percent of your body weight. Every system in your body depends on water. For example, water flushes toxins out of vital organs, carries nutrients to your cells and provides a moist environment for ear, nose and throat tissues.

Lack of water can lead to dehydration, a condition that occurs when you don't have enough water in your body to carry out normal functions. Even mild dehydration can drain your energy and make you tired."

It is pretty tough to work out when you're feeling drained and tired.

So, how much water should you consume?  This can depend on your activity level and if you live in a dry climate vs a humid one.  Personally, I consume a minimum of 8 glasses per day in the form of a 1/2 gallon water bottle and then any water I drink after, I consider it my 'bonus'.  When I work out, I use a separate glass of water so that water isn't counted as my 8 glasses.  I usually end up consuming 12-16 glasses of water per day.

Here is the bottle I use.  I stick out like a sore thumb carrying it to work with me or to a church meeting, but I am like a poster child for water drinking--everyone remembers to drink water when they see a chick with a massive water bottle walking around!
So, find a water bottle that works for you so you can track your water consumption.  If you're not a big water drinker, try it again!  It can be mind over matter at first, but I promise it's worth it.  You can try squeezing a lemon into it or something, but it's high maintenance and you're not as likely to continue doing that long-term.  If you're a soda drinker, ditch one for a glass of water.  You'll love the way you feel.  

I found a cool ad campaigning for water drinking...thought they were pretty powerful.  




Friday, April 9, 2010

congrats to...

ashley who said,

"count me in!"

and to...

elizabeth who said,

"i would love this workout... and i need it!"

email me with your addresses so i can get core metabolic jumpstart in the mail to you asap! (probably tomorrow... if my pregnant brain remembers to do so). tiffanydansie@gmail.com


for next friday's giveaway, i am giving two of lindsay's "dance jam" dvd's away. i was hesitant about this workout because i have never danced. ever. (you know, besides church dances in high school where i thought i was so cool). it's one workout that is about 45 minutes... but has some express versions that aren't as long. it's all cardio and gets your blood pumping. and at first, i felt like a moron, but i actually enjoyed it once i got the hang of "the moves."

i'll announce the winners next friday, april 16th.

*note* one of the copies isn't wrapped... it has never been viewed though. one of my children opened it up :)




Friday, April 2, 2010

a winner and giveaway!

first off, congrats to katie who said:

"AHH!! I would LOVE this! I am going to be getting Boot Camp 2 no matter what bc I think I have diastasis recti...can't wait to flatten the abs a bit more! Thnx for the giveaway!"

she wins my last copy of shed 5 fast! yay for you! email me with your address when you get a chance. tiffanydansie@gmail.com. incase you are wondering, i used the random number generator on random.org.



second, here's another giveaway for you. i have two copies of core metabolic jumpstart. i LOVE this workout! it's quick, but it seriously kicks my bootie!!! so, if you want to enter to win one, leave a comment. a great workout to add to your collection! remember, you have a better chance this time, cause i'll be giving two away! i'll announce the winner next friday, april 9th. good luck! another giveaway next friday too!