Healthy Holiday Gift Guide
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Shower your loved ones with gifts that keep on giving. Gifts that will keep them happy & healthy all year long. If you’re not sure what to give someone this year, check out a few healthy ideas. From luxury bath items to life changing ideas. Below I share 10 ideas for unique gifts that keep on giving.
12 Holiday Gift Ideas
- Blender – The benefits of healthy smoothies are endless. Plus, they’re fun to mix and create. This Oster Blender is Amazon’s top rated blender.
- Healthy recipe book – Trying new recipes can be fun for the whole family. What better way to create a lasting experience for holiday memories to cherish. Check out top rated healthy cookbooks.
- Hand weights – Something you can use while watching television, in the car or sitting at your desk. Hand weights come in all different shapes and sizes.
- Yoga ball – Also called a balance ball. There are many exercises to choose from. Plus it’s great for the core!
- Yoga mat – Yoga is a great way to relieve holiday stress. And for shedding extra holiday weight gain. Learn how you and your family can benefit from practicing yoga here.
- Luxury bath or massage gifts – Give the gift of relaxation. This back massager does the work for you! Something that will help your someone special relax and is sure to put a smile on their face. These stress relief essentials make a perfect gift.
- Resistance bands – A great way to use your own body weight to strengthen your muscles. There are a variety of exercises and resistance bands to choose from!
- New sports equipment – Whether your loved one is a golfer, a hockey player, or an avid runner, it’s always fun to get the latest new gear.
- Travel pillow – Don’t be a pain in the neck! Help prevent one. Holiday travel is stressful enough without extra complications. This top rated travel pillow will help make your vacations even better.
- A website – Surprise your loved one with the gift of a lifetime. The freedom to work from anywhere in the world. And live a lifestyle most people only dream of. Read how easy it is to Start your own Money Making blog.
- Nikon D3400 DSLR Camera – Photography is a great way to release stress, create lasting memories and earn extra cash on the side. One of the top rated cameras for beginners and my personal favorite. If you’re looking for a simple point and shoot camera I use a Canon PowerShot. It takes amazing pictures for a great price!
- A journal – Give the gift of writing. Journaling is another great way to destress. Releasing thoughts and ideas is healing. We all have a story to tell. I truly believe that deep down inside, each and every one of us has a story to share. And every time you write, your writing gets better and better. This beautiful leather bound journal makes an excellent keepsake that your loved ones will cherish for years to come. If you have a story that’s eating you up inside download your free 10 step checklist and Start Writing Your Book Today.
I hope this makes your holiday shopping a little bit easier.
From our family to yours we wish you a sincere
Happy Holidays!
The Benefits of Yoga
Heal your body and your mind with Yoga.
Yoga is a common practice derived from a Hindu spiritual and ascetic discipline. It is a combination of breath control, simple meditation, and the adoption of specific bodily postures. It is widely used for health, exercise and relaxation. There are many types of yoga and choosing the right one depends on your style and preference. Whichever style you choose, you can reap many benefits from adding the practice to your exercise routine.
Yoga improves muscle tone, flexibility, strength and stamina. Power yoga is my personal preference. It combines strength and meditation to build muscle, increase your heart rate and decrease stress.
Don’t let the headstands and pretzel-like twists scare you. Beginners can start slowly with easier poses that almost anyone can do. Yoga stretches help you improve balance and flexibility while working multiple muscle groups at once.
How to Take a Yoga Breath
Yoga breathing can greatly improve your mental health and overall well being. Benefits include improvements in mental clarity and concentration, stress relief, and relaxation of the mind. They are very easy to do and help improve your focus and concentrate. You become more in tune with your entire body and your mind.
You can practice yoga breathing for relaxation. Sit or lie in a relaxed position. Inhale deeply through your nose as you feel your lungs and chest fill completely with air. Tighten your core while inhaling and exhaling. Release the air by exhaling slowly through the mouth. Feeling the air leave your body, while concentrating on your inner core. The breathing helps you concentrate as you feel the breath entering and slowly leaving your body.
Using Yoga for Weight Loss
Yoga is a form of exercise that can be used to maintain a healthy weight or lose unwanted weight. It is often practiced in a heated environment to increase metabolism and pulse rate. Which can help you lose weight quickly. Maintaining a healthy weight gives you more energy, helps you prevent illness and builds confidence. To make better decisions in life, better career choices and enjoy healthier relationships.
To get started practicing yoga today, all you need is a yoga mat and a little guidance. You can find a class near you, buy a yoga DVD or find free yoga videos on YouTube.
For more ways to get more balance in your life and build a strong hard core read How to Get Flat Abs Fast.
This post includes affiliate links. Which means I may earn a small commission if you click on a link. This does not affect your price. Please see my disclosure for more information.
The Benefits of Kegels
Discover the benefits of Kegels and enhance your love life. If you aren’t doing Kegels, you should be. Kegels are an exercise where you squeeze and tighten the pelvic floor muscles then release them. The benefits include more pleasurable sex, a decrease in frequent urination, preventing discomfort from having a full bladder (frequent urgency) and stress incontinence. Stress incontinence is when you leak a few drops of urine while sneezing, laughing or coughing. It can happen to anyone. And let’s be honest, we’ve all been there.
Kegel Exercises During Pregnancy
I started doing Kegels when I was pregnant. I’d heard of them before but didn’t concern myself with them. Until the thought of childbirth stretching my vagina to where sex was less pleasurable was not acceptable. I began doing them religiously. In fact, when I went for my 6 week checkup after giving birth, my OBGYN said to me, “You’ve been doing your Kegels, I see.” She was right and I still do them daily. Whether you have children, are planning to or not, it’s never too early (or too late) to start doing them.
How To Do Kegels
There are a several ways you can do Kegels. Either sitting. lying on your back or even while standing. Once you’ve mastered the technique you’ll find you can do them just about anywhere and in any position. I suggest finding what is most comfortable for you. Like any exercise if it’s too uncomfortable or you hate doing them, you won’t do them. The benefits are tremendous. Find a comfort level or pattern that works for you and stick to it.
Emptying your bladder before you begin is recommended but not necessary. It will make it easier and more comfortable. Especially for beginners. If you’re on a long car ride, do them right after a rest stop break. Along with thigh squeezes and butt crunches. The car is a great place to do static exercises that you might not think to do while home.
Kegels For Beginners
For beginners, lie on your back with your knees bent. Hold completely still while squeezing your pelvic floor muscles. Hold the muscle for 10 seconds. Then release. Repeat 10 times. If you can’t hold them for the full 10 seconds, hold them as long as possible until you work your way up. Another technique is to quickly squeeze and release in a pulsating rhythm. Work your way up to 100 squeezes. Or do 5 sets 20.
Try to avoid moving any other muscles in the surrounding areas and concentrate on the muscles you are working. If you are having trouble locating the muscles practice holding your urine mid-stream, then releasing your urine. Don’t make this a common practice but it is a quick and efficient way to familiarize yourself with the muscles.
Kegels Strengthen Your Core
Remember to breathe continuously while doing them and tighten your abdominal muscles simultaneously. Which strengthens your core. Ideally, you should do Kegels 3 times a day. However, like any exercise every bit helps. Doing them once a day is better than not at all.
To learn more ways to strengthen your core read How To Get Flat Abs Fast.
Are Angels Real?
One morning, I was walking to my car from the grocery store. I was feeling a little discouraged and sad about some challenges I am facing. As I was getting into my car, I heard a woman’s voice.
She said, “I was looking at your cute little figure and I started to feel a little bad about myself.”
I turned to see a beautiful woman sitting in the car parked next to mine. The window was open, so I could see her clearly.
My first thought was “Angels are real.”
Admittedly she looked overweight. I personally see beauty from within. As it goes far beneath the surface of our skin.
I responded by telling her that she was beautiful.
And that I truly believe sometimes Angels are put in our paths. Often when we need them the most. She asked me to share my sorrows and offered to help by listening.
But her kindness was enough.
We chatted for a bit longer and she told me a story about the tragic loss of her young daughter. It immediately made me realize how minimal my problems were. In comparison anyway.
Wanting to thank her for her kindness, I asked for her email address. I wanted to give her a free copy of one of my books. “Zipping it Up: How to lose 5 pounds fast and look great in that little black dress.” Not to insult her in any way. But Because she was telling me how she wanted to lose weight. I felt it was the least I could do.
I’ll soon be giving her a copy of yet another book I am writing. She will be in this book. As a key character and as my inspiration to begin writing the new book. It’s about angels in our path. The real life Angels we meet in our day to day lives.
Angels are real.
Incidentally, my heart wasn’t the only thing hurting that morning. My whole body was sore from exercising. Not in a bad way. It was the good kind of muscle ache that makes you proud of your accomplishments. I have been working out really hard lately.
It’s hard work getting (and keeping) your body in shape. It takes time and dedication.
If you have the desire to turn heads and get noticed, all my secrets are packed into 12 little chapters. Of the same book I offered my beautiful Angel that morning.
If you want a cute little body that turns heads, gets you noticed and has perfect strangers dishing out compliments – out of the clear blue…
Discover *exactly* how I do it.
You can find my little black book (black, white and red to be exact) on Amazon in Kindle and in print. Just click the link below:
The Pursuit of Happiness
The Pursuit of Happiness
It’s funny how when you are in the midst of a happy time in your life, your life seems to purr along. Exciting times like planning a wedding, buying your first home, having a baby or starting a new career.
Other times, we deal with losses. Losing loved ones, job loss, financial hardships, or ending relationships are just a few.
When you are in the midst of difficult times, it can be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
I recently heard someone say that losing their job was the best thing that ever happened to them. Sometimes it takes what seems like a tragedy to force us into a much needed change. I don’t know all the details of that particular story. Maybe they weren’t performing to the best of their capabilities because they were unhappy in their job. Or they didn’t enjoy the work they were doing. What I do know is that they went on to start their own successful business.
We often get stuck in a comfort zone. Fear of change can keep us in situations that we are not always completely happy with. Jobs, relationships or living somewhere you don’t really want to live. The thought of losing income stability or job security can be paralyzing.
On the other hand, sometimes I can be fearless to a fault.
I started a new career, in a world completely new to me. I jumped in with both feet first not knowing exactly where it would take me. Without any financial or emotional support. It may not have been the smartest decision but I have no regrets. Read on…
Throughout my life, I have jumped out of airplanes, conquered class 5 rapids and hiked treacherous steep terrains.
On one particularly scary mountain, I witnessed a woman frozen with fear. She was so afraid that she couldn’t move. She just sat there, paralyzed in the middle of the steepest part of Mount Katahdin’s famous Knife’s Edge. The guy she was with, left her sitting there. All alone. I watched in disbelief as he shook his head at her and then walked away.
Later that day, I saw them again. They were walking along, several feet away from each other. Clearly there was some tension between them. I only hoped that she had the courage to break things off with this cold hearted man. The man who had left her alone on top of the scariest part of the cliff.
For me, nothing has been scarier than starting my own business. I hear the many, many success stories of people pursuing their dreams and their passions. Creating the lives of their dreams. Waking up happy to go to work. Doing what they love.
How could I NOT take that leap!
One such story, is the story of Ina Garten, famously known as the Barefoot Contessa. She followed her passion and love of food, to create the life of her dreams. She quit her job working as a budget analyst in the White House, to buy a small gourmet food store in the Hamptons. She then began writing cookbooks and landed a show on the Food Network.
She has now sold close to 10 MILLION copies of nine different cookbooks.
Did you do the math???
Talk about a success story!
The coolest thing about writing a book is that it can be about anything you want. Anything you are passionate about. With over 7.5 billion people in this world, chances are there are people who share the same interests that you do. Someone who can relate to you and wants to hear your story. Someone who wants or needs to buy your book.
The good news!
You don’t have to wait for a tragedy to strike! You don’t have to lose your job or have a life altering experience. You can begin following your passion today.
You don’t even have to quit your job or jump in with both feet first.
Like I foolishly did…
In fact, I strongly discourage it. You can begin slowly and just start writing. The famous author Tim Ferris, who I’ve been following for a while, said he wrote his #1 best selling book by committing to writing only two pages a day.
I haven’t finished reading Tim Ferris’s The 4-Hour Workweek yet. Since I’ve been busy writing my own books. I did however, take the time to watch his live interview with Jack Canfield. Yet another famous best selling author. Because learning from the best helps you succeed.
Do you have a story inside you? A story that is burning within your soul…
That must be released. You can succeed too.
For more information on how you can start your own blog or book today, hit the contact link in the menu bar to schedule a FREE consultation.
Work from anywhere in the world…
How to Relieve PMS Symptoms Fast
Premenstrual Syndrome or PMS is a common condition that affects a woman’s emotions, physical health and behavior during certain days of the menstrual cycle. Common symptoms are bloating, hunger cravings and rapidly changing mood swings which may lead to crying or lashing out in bursts of anger.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for PMS. However, there are many ways to prevent and relieve PMS symptoms. Here are just a few ways to relieve symptoms fast.
Eat Chocolate to Relieve PMS
Eat chocolate. Chocolate contains natural ingredients that release endorphins which instantly make you feel better. The caffeine in chocolate also provides a quick boost of energy. The combination of caffeine with the “feel good” endorphins makes for a calming effect along with the deliciousness of the taste. Don’t overindulge, as chocolate is high in sugar and calories which can cause excess weight gain. Enjoy treats in moderation.
Exercise. Sweating it out with any exercise, running, yoga, Pilates or walking in the fresh air will make you feel better. If you don’t have much time, try doing at least 10 minutes of any exercise that gets you moving and your heart pumping faster.
Call a friend. Hearing the voice of someone you love can instantly make you feel better. Feel free to share the story that made you cry or have them share a funny story with you. Listening to joyful stories or stories filled with success should make you happy. Especially if it involves a personal friend or family member.
Make healthy food choices. Select foods high in fiber, protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. You will feel better knowing you won’t put on excess weight. There is nothing worse than devouring a bag of chips or a tub of ice cream, then regretting it afterwards. Or the next day when you step on the scale.
Drink lots of water. A common symptom of PMS is bloating. Staying hydrated will reduce the bloating, make you feel better, and look better improving your morale. Adding citrus to your water and other natural detoxifiers will help reduce the bloating more quickly. Try this Delicious Detox Water Recipe for faster relief.
To sum up, eat chocolate for instant relief. Exercise regularly and for a quick fix to reduce PMS symptoms immediately. Make healthy eating choices and use the “everything in moderation” rule. Don’t overindulge. It will negate what you are trying to accomplish. If you do indulge, don’t beat yourself up over it. Your mental well being is as important to combating stress and PMS systems as your physical health. Get support from friends and family when needed. Drink lots of water to stay hydrated and use natural detoxifiers to beat the bloat for faster relief. Download your FREE Detox Water Recipe here.
He Was Tied to a Trash Can
This morning I went for a run in the park.
The park has a lovely wooded area, a giant hill where kids go sledding in the wintertime and a big field lined with benches and trash cans. It’s a perfect place to run or walk your dog. Which many folks do.
As I was approaching the wooded area I saw a beautiful golden retriever. He was lying in the shade smiling at me as I approached.
It was strange because he was all alone.
I looked around and there was no one in sight. The first thing I thought was that maybe he had run away. But as I got closer I realized his leash was tied to the trash can.
He looked happy. He certainly wasn’t malnourished, and he even had his toy tennis ball which he promptly showed me hoping to play.
I called out thinking maybe his owner stepped into the woods or something. But why would they leave their dog?
He had tags on. Now it’s really strange. I wasn’t sure what to do. I began to look at my phone thinking I should call someone but the thought of this poor animal being caged up at the animal shelter was too unpleasant.
I was just trying to read his tags when I see a man running towards us.
He looked at me like I was hurting the dog or something.
Seriously?
You leave your dog tied up to a trash can. Then run out of his sight and you’re looking at me like I did something wrong. I explained that I was concerned.
I mean c’mon. You hear stories about missing dogs, kittens found in plastic bags. Stories too gruesome to repeat…
He thanked me as he untied his dog explaining that the dog doesn’t like to run. Then why the f*ck did you bring your dog???
Anyway, I hope the fear of my possibly stealing his dog will make him think twice next time. I could have been long gone with his dog had I wanted to take him.
And he never would have seen his dog again.
Anyway, this has nothing to do with health & wellness. Except to remind you NEVER to leave your dog tied up alone in a park.
If you want “Zipping It Up: How to lose 5 pounds fast and look great in that in that little black dress!” It’s filled with even more actionable advice about weight loss, exercise and healthy eating.
Plus…
It helps folks lose weight…. Fast
Here’s the link:
Sometimes you have to lie…
When I was a young girl in my early twenties my dad gave me some advice. I didn’t agree with him at the time but sometimes when you get older, you realize that your parent is right. And that maybe you should have listened to them.
He said to me, “Sometimes you have to lie.”
This was before I knew that he lied after WW II. If he had told the truth that he was born in Ukraine he would have been sent back to Russia.
So he lied.
He said that he was Polish and his papers from Ellis Island prove it. They say he was born in Poland. When I asked him about he explained.
It makes perfect sense.
If he had told the truth, he wouldn’t have been able to come to the United States. He wouldn’t have met my mother and I wouldn’t be here.
One thing that is NOT a lie is that my friend Charlotte lost 8 pounds using the methods in my book. “Zipping It up: How to lose 5 pounds fast and look great in that little black dress.”
Not only did she lose weight.
She dropped 2 dress sizes and is HAPPY being thinner!
So there you go. If you do decide to lie…
Make sure it’s for a good reason and that you won’t be hurting someone you care about while doing it.
For the raw TRUTH go here:
Sometimes you have to lose a few pounds…
From the depths of my soul…
Shhhh
I’m going to share a secret with you.
This might be a mistake. Since it’s coming from the depths of soul. I’ve decided to take that chance.
I’m not one to talk religion in most cases but lately I’ve been praying.
A lot.
Ooooh. Do tell…
I’ve been praying to be more kind. Yes. It’s true.
You see, when you go through difficult times, it changes you. It changes your mindset, affects your health, your relationships and overall well being.
Especially, when you see evil coming from people you thought to be kind.
It can be SHOCKING.
To say the least.
Greed, envy, jealousy, anger, frustration, regret and revenge are all feelings that are very real. They can manifest in even the kindest people on earth.
So I pray. Every time an evil thought enters my mind about the people who have hurt me. I pray that my good side wins and that I will always be kind. Regardless of how hurt I am.
What I have learned over the years is that when we take care of ourselves we react more positively in situations. Even the worst situations imaginable. By eating healthy, exercising, taking vacations and taking time to enjoy life.
Which is why I wrote “Zipping It Up: How to lose 5 pounds fast and look great in that little black dress.”
To help more people be kind.
It’s NOT just about losing weight.
It’s about a lifestyle change that creates positive change in all aspects of your life.
Do you want to be kind?
Or evil?
I don’t believe in “The Devil made me do it.”
We make our own choices. It’s time to end the excuses.
Back in February, I told someone that I want to help people live healthier lives. To avoid death and diseases like heart attacks, stroke, diabetes and high blood pressure and cancer. He told me “You’ll never do it. You won’t get them off the couch.”
Ha! The devil in me will not stop. I am determined to rise from the depths of disease and death to help save those who cannot save themselves!
You can fight too!
Do you want to be evil or kind?
What are you waiting for???
Here’s the evil link:
I want to be kind!
Why You Should Exercise in the Morning
This morning I practiced what I preach…
I try to most days. But often times things come up that throw a curveball into your day. Unavoidable things that cannot be ignored.
Like when an old girlfriend calls you up at the last minute. She’s free for lunch. Yay!
Of course you were planning to workout during lunch. But friendships are important.
Right?
How could you say no?
Then later, one of your kids needs a ride somewhere. And you forgot about the school concert tonight. And so on and so forth.
So the ball hits you. Bam! And before you know it, it’s bedtime.
That much needed workout – just didn’t happen.
The best way to avoid the curveball is to exercise first thing in the morning. Which is exactly what I did today. I went for a run and did a few sets of pushups. Now all I left to do is my core.
Not my favorite thing in the world. But WOW. I feel great afterward.
Another reason I had to knock out my workout first thing is because today is the live Bald for Bucks event at my daughter’s school. Brave kids are shaving their heads, cutting off 9 or more inches of their hair (enough to make a wig for a cancer patient) and for the less daring, dying their hair a crazy color.
All for the fight against cancer.
Since this is such an amazing cause, I’m donating some of the proceeds from this month’s eBook sales. “Zipping It Up: How to lose 5 pounds fast and look great in that little black dress!”
I also created a special edition eBook just for the cause. The book won’t go away but the discounted price will. At midnight tonight the price goes up.
To give you a little bit of info of what the book’s about here is what one happy reader said:
“Written like a friend is giving advice to a friend, this little book is filled with clear, direct and, most important, DOABLE advice on losing 5 pounds fast. Not only that, it gives advice on keeping it off and on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. There’s no gimmicky stuff and nothing unhealthy. – Mary Beth Cunningham
Go here to get your discount and learn even more ways to avoid getting hit by the ball:
It’s time to zip it up!