Get Energy! by Denise Austin Review and Giveaway

Product: Get Energy!
Author: Denise Austin

Category: Health and Fitness

Price: $16.99

"With busy schedules, demanding careers, and little time, many of us battle just to stay awake. But energy is something that is in our control, even when time is short. Now fifty years young, fitness guru Denise Austin shows you how to super-charge your life using her innovative lifestyle plan. Eating the right foods at the right time of day, harnessing the power of stretching and breathing to feed your body with energy-enhancing oxygen, and participating in mini workouts all help to increase energy even on your busiest days." --excerpt taken from back cover. 

When thinking about gaining energy, most of us probably think in terms of physical energy. Denise Austin address how to gain physical energy, as well as mental energy and emotional energy, in her new book, Get Energy! The book is divided into three sections:

Part one: Energy 101 

Part Two: Energy Prescriptions

Part Three: High-Energy Living

In part one, there is a checklist to help you determine what is zapping your energy. You simply check the statements that apply to you. There are five different sections that cover lifestyle habits, state of mind relationships job and personal time and sense of purpose. For an example: Section A, I checked the following:

• I skip breakfast most of the time, or have only coffee before noon. 
• I typically eat only one large meal a day, usually dinner.
• I cut back on sleep at night to do housework or meet other personal or job-related obligations
• and so forth...

At the end, you simply tally your check marks in each section to see what part of your life is causing you the most energy drain. 

In section two, Denise shows some simple stretching that can help you to start your day. Don't worry, these are simple exercises that are meant to get your blood flowing. She emphasizes proper posture, and explains how your diet affects your energy level, as well as the importance of a good night's sleep (my main problem being a chronic night owl).  My favorite chapter in this section is Chapter 5: Change Your Outlook, Recharge Your Life. In this chapter, Denise encourages you to laugh!!! She talks about the power of positive thinking  and how helping others can give emotional energy!  She gives some tips for an "attitude makeover" and plenty of ideas on how to reduce the stressors in your life. She has great insight and when reading this with an open-mind, it is easy to see areas in your life that you can change so that you are not overloading yourself with stress. She gives a formula for a balanced life:

B - Be flexible

A - Accept a less-than-tidy house

L - Learn to manage your time

A - Ask for help

N - NO! (just say it, it's okay)

C - carve out family and "me" time

E - Enjoy life!

In part three, you develop a personal energy plan worksheet. It's purpose is to help you to consider your habits, schedule and gives you the tools to devise a 14 day pep plan. It includes many checklists and words of wisdom to help you through your day with more energy, including a 20 minute workout illustrated with photos of proper technique.

I would not read this book as an exercise book, but more as a tool toward developing an understanding about how you can reduce the stress in your life and make your life easier so that you are more physically, mentally and emotionally able to handle the stressors of life. It is a great little self-help book and you will find that once you start reading it, it is hard to put down. Not all the information will be new to you. Some of it will be common sense, but some of the ideas presented will allow you to think outside the box a little. I would think of it as a feel-good book, because by the time you finish it, it leaves you motivated to make some changes in your life. 

How to Connect:

DeniseAustin.com

Denise Austin on Twitter

Denise Austin on Facebook

For iPhone users, download the free iPhone application 

Where to Purchase: Amazon.com

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One winner will receive a copy of this book for their very own!! Open to U.S. and Canadian Residents aged 18 years or older.  No P.O. Boxes. Winners are subject to the one copy per household rule, meaning if you win the same title in two or more contests, you will only receive one copy of the book in the mail.  This is per sponsor's request.

Giveaway ends on March 10, 2011, Midnight Central Time.

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Jane Fonda's WORKOUT review

Product: Jane Fonda's Workout
Category: Health & Fitness
Price: $9.99-$14.99

Ready for a workout? Want to shed some pound and get in shape? Not a problem with the Jane Fonda Workout series!

30 years after the original launch of Jane Fonda's bestselling fitness book and award-winning workout video, Jane Fonda has teamed up with GoFit to relaunch Jane Fonda's WORKOUT.  Each workout is led by a new generation of expert trainers handpicked by Jane Fonda herself.


"I originally created WORKOUT thirty years ago, and I am excited to bring it to the next generation. What I started then, can now be continued by the best of today's rising fitness stars. My hope is that through these new faces, handpicked by me for their individuality and unique styles, I can continue to make the pursuit of fitness relevant for years to come" --Jane Fonda

Let me stress up front that I am totally out-of-shape. It was no wonder that when I first started these workouts that the warm-up was near all I could make it through without being completely out of air. I started with the DVD  that I felt would be more my pace--Daily Yoga.

Daily Yoga is led by Tara Stiles, and supplies approximately 60 minutes of invigorating yoga into your daily life. It allows you to learn how to do authentic yoga stretches and reaches that will improve your balance, flexibility, strength and help to reduce your stress.

Even though Tara makes yoga accessible to everyone, it is still quite a challenge if you haven't ever done yoga and I can promise you that you will work muscles that you didn't even know you had. The pace is good and Tara explains thoroughly how to do the moves. However, as the workout continues, the pace gets faster and the moves a little more difficult. Even under Tara's guiding voice, it often became difficult to keep up! I have done a little bit of yoga, but not enough to feel comfortable with some of the poses, but it does get easier with repetition. If it gets too hard, just tone it down to a level that you feel comfortable. Surprisingly, after a few weeks of doing this one, I looked forward to it!

The next video in the series is Sculpt + Tone. It is led by Karena Dawn and Katrina Hodgson. It is a little over 45 minutes long, but is very challenging! It is described as a "high energy, cardio and strength training routine, guaranteed to scorch thigh, bums, waistlines and upper bodies! Super challenging, and so much fun!"

Trust that guarantee! It's definitely a workout that will make you sweat! When I first started this I thought I was going to D.I.E. Karena and Katrina are fit and they make the moves look easy, but they kicked my butt. The routines are varied and include weights and circuit training that you will most likely have already done as some point in your life. They aren't difficult moves, but they are repetitive which really gives your body a great workout! Like the other workout, just do as many as you can and when it becomes too difficult, simply tone it down to the level you are comfortable.

The last video I was sent to review was the Ultra Bootcamp led by Jeanette Jenkins. This workout is over an hour long, but if I am being honest, I haven't made it through to the end. It's a riveting and high energy cardio workout. It leaves no muscle un-worked and will certainly get your heart pumping. It's full of stretches and kicks and at a fast pace that will help you to get that aerobic exercise needed to help you lose those extra pounds!

The GoFit line includes a multitude of Jane Fonda products from the WORKOUT dvds to stretch bands, sliders, stability balls, hoops and mats.


Where to Purchase: GoFit.com, and Target

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PhitGrips Review and Giveaway

Product: PhitGrips
Category: Health and Fitness
Price: $9.99 per pair

"PhitGrip was invented by a gymaholic germaphobe. Sick and tired of getting sick (and then tired) from frequent gym visits our plucky entrepreneur decided to do something about it."  --excerpt from PhitGrips website.

This semester at college, I had to fulfill my physical education credits. One of the classes I am taking is more of a sit down kind of class that teaches health and nutrition, but the other is a basic physical fitness course where I actually have access to a gym with treadmills, weights and other gym equipment. This was the perfect opportunity for me to try PhitGrips, which are designed to create a barrier between you and the millions of germs commonly found on gym weights and workout equipment.

PhitGrips are made with liquefied rubber that has been injected with oxygen, which creates a very light and cushioned feel. The logo printed on the PhitGrips is infused with an antimicrobial agent that helps inhibit the growth and spread of bacteria. To use, simply rub your hands together occasionally to spread the microbial agent over the entire surface of the palm. When the logo wears off, it's time for new PhitGrips.

Germs are everywhere and they are mostly spread by contact and are often left behind on objects that people share with other people. This means the risk of contaminating yourself is high, especially in humid gyms and sweaty palms.

"In Good Morning America's tests, microbiologist Dr. Philip Teirno found the most germs are on equipment used by "multiple people in quick sequence, such as dumbbells". Germs found in the doctor's tests included staph aureus, klebsiella, enterobacter and E. coli, which can cause various ailments."


PhitGrips fit snuggly around dumbbell bars, handrails and other type workout equipment. When I first go to the gym, I start my warm-up by walking on the treadmill, and these grips fit nicely around the hand grips, although the heart rate could not be read when using the PhitGrips (not a big deal to me as I stop and take it manually throughout my workout anyhow). I also used them when lifting weights and using other circuit type exercise equipment. They go off and on very quickly, as one side is open, which allows you to simply slap them on and go. With some of the circuit equipment, the grips were wider than the equipment bars, but it didn't seem to matter as my hands held them in place nicely. I am not a power lifter, but even with the light use, I loved how the PhitGrips prevented my hands from callouses from the dumbbells. No need for gloves! I like that they are lightweight and flexible, so I could easily slip them into my pockets until needed.

PhitGrips are just one tool to utilize in the gym to reduce the risk of contracting harmful bacteria. Other ways of reducing your risks is to bring workout clothes to change into and a special pair of shoes specifically for gym wear. Clean these off and disinfect before packing into your gym bag to take home. Shoes from the street will bring in whatever germs you have picked up wherever you have been in them. Bring your own towels. A hand towel is perfect for wiping sweat from your body. Use footwear in the shower and always bring your own hand sanitizer for places where you can't use your PhitGrips.

How to Connect: 
PhitGrips on Facebook
PhitGrips on Twitter

Where to Purchase: PhitGrips website

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One winner will win a pair of PhitGrips for their own! Simply fill the form out below to be entered! Giveaway open to United States residents aged 18 years or older. Void where prohibited by law. Winner will be selected using random.org and will have five business days to respond to winning email before win will be forfeited and a new winner chosen. For complete rules and regulations, disclaimer and disclosure, please visit the "legal" page.

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Prize: One pair of PhitGrips
Contest ends: March 15, 2011, Midnight central standard time

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Ortholite Fusion Insoles Review

Product: Ortholite Fusion Insoles
Category: Health and Fitness
Price: $19.99

Sometimes, slipping on a new pair of shoes is like slipping your feet into a portable cloud!! Ever get that feeling?! It's usually because a new shoe gives your foot a new insole to rest upon, creating an immediate improvement over your old shoes! Sure, there are after-market insoles that you can put in your shoes, but not all insoles are the same. Not all insoles offer you moisture management, anti-microbial agents, long term cushioning or breath-ability, but the new Ortholite Fushion insoles do just that and so much more!  I call them new, but these insoles have been on the market for some time, hiding out in some of your favorite brand shoes such as Reebok, Adidas, Nike, New Balance, Timberland, Fila, Prada, Puma and many more. It is simply the first time that these insoles have been available to the general public as a separate entity from your favorite shoe! Now you can make any brand of shoe as comfortable as some of the more popular brands seen on the market!!

My greatest downfall with shoes is that I hate to wear socks. I know...how disgusting right? I agree with you! Trust me, no one wants to be near me when I take my shoes off in the summer time. Yes, it's that bad. I hate throwing away my shoes simply because they get that funky odor to them, so  I try to mask it with foot powders. Yep, you guessed it...just makes it smell like smelly feet and powder. I decided to try the Ortho Lite Fushion insoles in one of my most comfortable walking shoes. I tore out that old stinky insole and measured it against the OrthoLite insole. I had ordered a size 8 for myself, and I didn't even have to trim at all. Perfect fit. I was a bit hesitant about wearing the insoles. I've used insoles in the past that have done nothing but make my feet sweat even more, but the OrthoLite insoles use a moisture managment system that helps to keep moisture away from the foot, due to the open cell structure design. Any moisture dries up fast as the airflow through the open cell network is much greater than any insoles I've used in the past. Best of all, even if the Ortholite did cause some sweating, all I have to do is take them out, toss them in the wash, and viola, good as new!! Plus, the EPA/FDA approved anti-microbial formulation helps to fight fungus, bacteria and odor!

My husband ordered a pair for himself as well. He uses big heavy work boots all day long, and his feet are often wet. His old insoles had to be rolled out as they had gotten so thin, it was hard to grab hold. He loves his Ortholite insoles. Not only do they provide him the extra cushioning, but the Ortholite insoles have a spring-back technology that helps them to retain over 95% of their thickness over time, meaning they won't flatten out like his old insoles did!

Overall, we were both very pleased with the Ortholite Fushion Insoles and I will be purchasing several of these to replace the insoles in my daughter's shoes. She is pigeon-toed, like her mother, so she wears down her insoles quickly on one side. My hope is that these will help to keep her shoe from forming so much to the inward turn of her foot, and provide her more support until she is able to train her feet to the proper position. She wears the same size shoe as me, so I feel confident that this will at least make her shoes fit more comfortable.

Important Facts: These insoles are not made to go over existing insoles, but are instead made to replace existing insoles, so be certain that you can remove the insoles for the shoes you intend to use the Ortholite insoles in.

Giving Back: I love companies that give back to the community. For every pair of Fushion Insoles purchased, Ortholite will donate $1 to the Level Field Fund, a grant-giving program that strives to bridge gaps in funding to uniquely talented atheletes.

Where to Buy: Amazon.com



Discount: Save $5.00 on a pair of Fusion insoles when you order from Amazon.com. Simply use the code
"INSOLES$5"

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The Pocket Referee- A Simple Way to End Sibling Rivalry Review

Product: The Pocket Referee
Produced by: Vraney, Inc.
Category: Children, Parents
Price: $12.95-$15.95

If you have two or more children, then you might understand some of the petty arguments kids insist on having with one another. Let's see, for example, this week's arguments between my two rascals have included:

1. Which movies to watch on Roku
2. Whose turn it is to play the Playstation (because they fight to much to play together)
3. An argument about who had the most patience 
4. Fight over sitting position in the living room ("I was there first")
5. Who gets to sled first
6. If the food on their plate was equal
7. The "it's not fair" fight over any and everything
8. Whether or not their cousin was playing in his room or her room
9. If they were going to have school or not because of the snow (which they did not)
10. Whose turn it was to clean their bathroom

I could go on and on, but basically, my two fight from the moment they wake up until they go to bed. They do play together, and sometimes when its too quiet, I have to go investigate to make sure one hasn't tied and gagged the other (okay, I doubt this would happen, but not 100% sure). They can't even make it up the hill from the school bus without fighting. 

But, it's just their way. They have this unique relationship and when one of them is gone to the grandparents for the night, the other doesn't know what to do with themselves. Arguing is just one of their ways of communicating and no matter what I do, they continue. Therefore, when I heard about The Pocket Referee, I was genuinely excited!

The Pocket Referee was the mastermind of George Vraney, who used the concept of The Pocket Referee to settle disputes between his two daughters, Jennifer and Amy. The object of the coin is to allow children the tool necessary to settle their own disputes and without as much parental involvement. I know, in our household, my settling their disputes just makes mom the bad guy. With The Pocket Referee, this is not the case. The Pocket Referee is a two sided coin. One side has a cute referee and says "Get the Choice - Pass the Coin" and the opposite side has a neat treasure chest and says "Pass the Choice - Keep the Coin".

When the coin first arrived, we opened the package and the kids were ultra excited, but after I told them the intention of the coin, they both grumbled. I had the kids pick "heads" or "tails" and then flipped the coin. When the girl ended up with the coin, the boy had a meltdown and we ended up having to do the "two-out-of-three" to appease his "it's not fair" mentality. I explained to them how it would work: At the first dispute, the holder of the coin (in this case, the girl) could decide to keep the coin and let the other child (the boy) have his way, or the holder of the coin could choose to pass the coin and have her way now, but relinquishing her control of the coin. 

The next morning the children started arguing over which tv show to watch on the living room tv (which makes no sense to me as they both have their own tv's in their room) and so I immediately asked, "Who has the Referee?" My daughter was still in control of it, so she was able to decide if she would keep the coin and let him watch the show he wanted to watch or pass the coin and watch what she wanted to watch. She chose to keep the coin. Every argument they had, she decided to keep the coin. All through day one. All through day two. All through day three. On day four, my son had enough and I heard the familiar "that's not fair, she has had the coin for three days and she won't EVER give it to me". At this point, I thought he might be right, and so I explained to him, that the longer she kept it, the more he would get his way. This made him happy for a few more days, until he learned that getting his way was boring. 

By the second week, the quiet around the house ended. My son figured out that the only way he was ever going to get the coin was to create more arguments. This was a horribly long day for me, as everything he did was about getting that coin. Now, he just wanted it. Not because he wanted his way, but because his sister had it and he wanted it. Now the coin BECAME the argument. It was then, that I had to amend the rules. Each morning, the coin would be traded off. This seemed to work. The boy felt the power of the coin in his hand for the first time! There was no stopping him now! "I've got the coin, so I can make the decision", he would tell his sister. She would just roll her eyes. "Fine, then I'm not playing that coin game anymore", she would tell him. But of course, she would. 

I enjoyed The Pocket Referee as it allowed me to not be plagued with the constant "tattle-tail syndrome" that kids develop. Instead, they learned that they could, instead, settle their own arguments. I even seen them making compromise without passing or mention of the coin. Progress. 

The Pocket Referee is a great tool to teach children the importance of comprise. Is it going to end every argument or dispute?No.  But what it is going to do, is allow the parent to remove him or herself from the middle. This made it work for me!! Even now, when they forget about the coin or forget whose turn it is to make the decision, I have the power of the coin on my side. I can mention "Who has The Pocket Referee?" at any given time, and they will bring it to me and I will pass someone the control. I don't have to make the decision, but put it back into their hands. That's worth it to me!

Where to Buy: The Pocket Referee website, Amazon.com

Special: All orders made from The Pocket Referee website, from now until the end of February, will come gift wrapped and with complimentary chocolate. Perfect for Valentine's Day gift giving!

How to Connect: 
The Pocket Referee on Twitter
The Pocket Referee on Facebook

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Cool Off Towelettes Review and GIVEAWAY

Product: Cool Off Personal Cooling Towelette
Category: Health and Fitness
Price: $14.99 for 24 count

Have you ever been outside attempting to enjoy the nice day, but quickly become overheated? Do you participate in physical exercise that often leaves you feeling sweaty and hot? Do you have hot flashes or fainting spells? Then, let me introduce you to a product called Cool Off.

Cool Off is the mastermind of five individuals who wanted a product that could cool them off quickly. They did much research, determining the right blend of ingredients to use and figuring the easiest method for application. What they came up with was a product that contained cooling herbs, botanicals and essential oils. It was not sticky nor smelly and provide instant relief from the heat while delivering a cool blast of energy while at the same time, smoothing and moisturizing your skin. It is derived from the following ingredients:

• witch hazel
• denatured alcohol
• glycerin
• aloe vera
• arnica
• seaweed extracts
• chamomile flower extract
• lemon peel extract
• red clover
• st. john's wart extract
• oat kernel extract
• flaxseed
• fennel
• wild yam
• tea tree oil
• black cohosh
• white tea leaf
• parabens

If you would like more information on how these ingredients work, please visit here.  These blend of herbs oils provide relief from the heat at home, work and play! It comes in a convenient disposable single use package.

To use, simply tear packet open, remove towelette and give a quick shack. It unfolds much like a moist towelette from a restaurant would, and the concept is much the same. Simply press the towelette on the back side of your neck, arms, back, knees, etc and hold against the skin until the ingredients take affect. You can blot your forehead and cheeks too if you feel the need, but do not get near your eyes or personal areas, as it cause an uncomfortable burning sensation. Soon after, your skin will have a cool, tingly sensation and you will feel the cooling affect of the ingredients. This cooling affect will last about 30 minutes and then will slowly fade. To reactivate the cooling sensation, just splash your skin with water in the same places you previously blotted the towelette. The cooling affect will then return for a short while. 

My experiences: It was my idea to try this product as my husband works outdoors in one of his many jobs and is constantly under the glare of the sun. He used the Cool Off Towelettes and reported back to me that it did indeed cool his skin. He had been working out in the heat of the day (a few months back) and applied Cool Off to the back of his neck and forehead. It worked fast and he did feel that it gave him some relief. However, he did give a word of caution that I feel is important to share. He was sweating as well, and so after he applied the Cool Off to his forehead, the sweat made the Cool Off ingredients travel on his skin, until they were eventually getting into his eyes. So, on really hot sweaty occasions, it might be best to ignore the forehead region.  As for me, I use the Cool Off Towelettes when I am at the fitness center. I always start off wearing a work out jacket and pants, but soon after the warm up, I start to feel hot. It is then that I apply the Cool Off. It helps me to feel cool for another thirty minutes at least, and it makes working out more comfortable! I like how it isn't so overbearing, but a gentle tingle, so it doesn't feel like I am on fire! I will be packing these with us this summer for our camping trips and when we participate in outdoor activities. 

Where to Buy: Amazon.com, CVS.com

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One lucky reader will win a 12-Count box of Cool Off for themselves!!! Simply fill out the form below to be entered. Must be aged 18 years or older and be a U.S. resident to win. Void where prohibited by law.


Giveaway ends on February 25, 2011 at midnight central time

Quick Links:
Cool Off on Facebook
Critique of the Unique on Twitter

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Be Forewarned-

I am letting you know ahead of time, that over the course of the next few days, I will be catching up on a lot of posts, reviews and giveaways! I am currently running about two and a half weeks behind schedule, so don't be alarmed when you see several postings on the same day from here!

Just what excuse do I have to get behind...well, like everyone else, life just happens!

1st: It snowed!!! It finally snowed! I hope to get out tomorrow and take some wonderful pics to show off the beautiful, glitter playground the two days of snow have left behind! In Northern Arkansas, this snow thing is not as common as growing up in Iowa, so it caused quite the commotion. School was canceled for several days. A few days canceled because there was a "threat" of snow, a few days because there was a "dusting" of snow and now, it is canceled because we have a few inches of snow! The kids have cabin fever, and unfortunately, are using up days that would have been allocated for their spring break come March. Not now. Also, because of the snow, my college was closed as well, but the professors made up for that by uploading a magnitude of assignments to do over the internet, hence my time...all spent with my nose buried in a book.

2nd: My computer woes continue. If you all knew exactly the sad relationship I have with my computers, you would understand my pain. I had purchased a Toshiba slightly over a year ago. Straight away it started having problems. The power supply connector broke off into the computer. I immediately called customer support who informed me that it was under warranty and that I would have to ship it in for repair. I was in the middle of a college semester where all my courses were online, so no chance of that happening. Instead, I revived my old Alienware laptop that was in need of a new fan and graphics card. It worked as long as I put a box fan under it (what sort of mental picture does that conjure)! For the Toshiba, I waited until summer break, but by then it was out of warranty. My husband and I decided to fix it ourselves. We did manage to find a new power supply harness on Ebay and with a little finagling we managed to power up! Yah! I used it for a short time, when "poof"...the new harness breaks as well. I ordered another X 3, until eventually, the constant fixing caused the lid to no longer close properly. I went back to using the Alienware, freezing myself in the process of keeping it cooled, until one day, the graphics totally went out and left me with pink and blue squiggly lines all over, making it impossible to see a thing. Ugh. I was desperate to get my Toshiba working again then, as I still had classes, so my husband took an old harness (one of the previously broken ones) to Radio Shack. He managed to find a metal connector and had it saudered to the harness. We installed it, but it was too thick to fit in the now broken area where the lid should fold down. In order to make it fit, I had to remove one speaker from inside the computer. It worked, but now my Toshiba looks like a Charlie Brown Christmas tree. You can't close it at all, one speaker is hanging on the outside and the volume, and all the special buttons at the top, no longer work NOR does the touch pad. It's so very pitiful!

So, with all that stated, it is the reason I am so far behind and the reasons I will be working like a mad dog to get caught up!

Be sure to check in for lots of reviews and giveaways over the next few days!!

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