How I love thee.

It's the weekend! Whooo Hooo! You and I made it! You may be reading this on Monday though. If so...Bleh. Ha!

Ok, so something spectacular happened to me! Well, let's be honest. I have a lot of spectacular things happen to me. Seriously though, I really am happy about this!

Ok ladies... You know how you get sick of the same ol perfume? I always want a "spring" scent when it warms up and want a warm spicy scent when it cools down. Just the other day I thought to myself. "I am tired of the Wish perfume that I wear, I want something different." I really wanted something happy and light for after February. Something to almost greet the new season. I know that I may sound as if I getting a little deep about perfume and I mean, does it really matter? YES!!! It does. I could be blindfolded and pick out who walks in the room. My best friend has a destinked smell. Boyfriends, co worker and family all have a smell tied to them. I am a weirdo I guess but I swear every time I smell the perfume Beautiful I think about my grandmother. I use to work right next to the fragrance department for 5 years so I can almost always pick pick out someones perfume if they are wearing some. I have a list of my favorites for each season. I usually have one for Spring/Summer and one for Fall/Winter. Shall I break down the list for ya? Ok, I wont go all the way back. But I will go as far back as 5 years ago. There are a few that I just keep coming back to and some I never want to smell again. Here is the breakdown. Can. you. say. obsessive. compulsive. disorder?

2005- Spring/Summer- Chanel, Chance

Fall/Winter- Gucci, Rush

2006-Spring/Summer-Chanel, Allure

Fall/Winter-Dior, Addict

2007-Spring/Summer-Chanel,Coco Mademoiselle (OMG fantastic!)

Fall/Winter-Givenchy, Very Irresistible

2008- Spring/Summer-Dior, J’Adore

Winter/Fall-Went back to Dior Addict

2009- Spring/Summer- Lollia, Believe

Fall/Winter- Lollia, Wish

As you can tell, I love Chanel and Dior perfumes. I cant believe I remember exactly what I have been wearing for the past 5 years! Don't worry, there is a purpose for me telling you all of this!

I HAVE FOUND THE PERFECT SPRING/SUMMER SCENT FOR 2010!!!

Yay! I got samples from Mistral the other day and my oh my....I fell in love with, well actually a few of them but one inparticular had me at first sniff. Come with me to the most amazing company for soaps and perfumes. How in the world have I gone this long without finding them!

Drum roll please for my new scent of the season...

Wild Blackberry is a complex fruit medley of four unique, yet equally exquisite berries. Essences of sweet grenadine, lemon and orange swirl around a green heart of crushed violet leaves while vanilla and musk carry this scent to perfect fruition. This is the most amazing scent for a light happy spring feel. I tried it out first (I had heard all the hoopla about it and wanted to see what the fuss was all about). I have to say, I really did say the words "Oh, My!" when I opened the sample.

I didn't just get this sample in the mail. I got several of their scents! I also got some little soaps to try as well. Let me tell you a bit about them first and then we will get into the products! During winter and spring the Mistral wind sweeps down from the Alps across the storied landscape of Provence, leaving behind luminous, deep blue skies. Our collection of exquisitely scented bath, body and home products takes its name from this legendary wind whose fragrant course is shaped by the mountains, rivers and plants of the region.
The Mistral wind moves over the entire Rhone valley, creating seasonal changes and spectacular climatic swings. It has a profound effect on the terrain by rejuvenating the soil, creating lush planting conditions and giving birth to fields of herbs and flowers.
By evoking the powerful spirit of the Mistral wind, we invite you to experience the scents and colors of Provence as part of your daily bath and beauty moments.
In 1993, Matthew Tilker, Mistral’s founder and president was studying alternative cancer therapies in Europe on a Thomas J. Watson Fellowship. During a stay in Provence, France, Matthew met a seventy year old master soap maker who, in a family factory, still crafted soaps according to a three hundred year old traditional triple milling process, always using the finest natural ingredients. The soap maker’s artistry, love of his craft, and extraordinary knowledge and experience in soap making, left a lasting impression on Matthew. After completing his studies and returning home to California, Matthew imported soaps directly from Provence and sold them at his mother’s home during the 1994 holiday season. It was the beginning of Mistral; and his mother loves to remind him that the first Mistral store was actually located in “mom’s” house!
The soaps were so popular, that within months, Matthew opened the first Mistral boutique on a quaint street in his hometown of Solana Beach, California. Over the next several years he returned often to the South of France experimenting with different fragrances and unique formulas as he worked with the best perfumers in Grasse. Matthew's talent and passion for fragrance, as well as his background in natural healing, encouraged him to create and develop an extraordinary line of soap scents, which continues to be embraced wholeheartedly by Mistral customers. In 2001, a second Mistral boutique opened in Los Angeles.
Currently, the Mistral line offers customers thirty soap fragrances, as well as a full range of Mistral-scented personal care products. In addition to the Mistral store, customers can shop online at the mistralsoap website, the Mistral catalog, and at fine stores and boutiques in the US, Canada and internationally.
The true test of any personal care product is its power to transform you. At Mistral, we take our name from a wind which brings change and transformation throughout the region of Provence. Every product we create honors the very spirit of the legendary Mistral wind and informs our core philosophy of change. When you apply one of our nourishing body care products, bathe with our exquisite soaps, or inhale one of our signature fragrances, your skin will soften and beautify, your mood will brighten, and your spirit will be soothed. It is this journey, both sensory and experiential, that guides our research and product development team in their quest.
This could sound like a lofty goal for our products, however, with the fields and perfumers of Provence, we have the world’s most wonderfully unique selection of natural ingredients, knowledge, and talent as our laboratory. From the lush fields of lavender, linden trees and sparkling summer sunflowers, we select pure steam-distilled oils, essences of flowers and fruits for their natural benefits, and use time-honored techniques refined and enhanced over the centuries. Every Mistral formulation blends the best of modern science with the age-old wisdom and traditions of the past.
At the heart of each Mistral product is a special fragrance crafted in Grasse, which is then formulated for each product. This transformative power and energy carried forth on the slightest breeze, comes to you as cream on your hand, a bubble in the bath, or a bar of soap, imparting an unmistakable aroma that infuses your spirit filling you with joy. When the regal scent of perfect gardenia smells exactly like the flower in morning dew, or the invigorating aroma of lemon verbena picked fresh and rubbed in one’s fingers reaches your nose evoking a noon garden, we know you will feel the transformative spirit of Mistral.

I got little 2 travel size soaps and they are perfect to pack with. The scents were not overwhelming and left my skin SUPER soft and I could smell it for hours after showering. Some of their signature scents are: They full size bars as well. I got Verbena and the Wild Blackberry scent.

Vanilla Apricot Oatmeal Collection

South Seas Collection

Verbena Collection

Green Fig Collection

Gardenia Collection

Lychee Rose Collection (my second favorite!)

This is just a short list. This list comes in gift baskets,soaps, bath salts, candles and perfume and more! There are so many scents that I cant even list them all. I don't want to overwhelm you! Don't they sound goooooood though? I really am spoiled over here with all these babies!

They have candles with each scent, bath salts, soaps and fragrance. I am telling you...If you find a scent that you just love, you could have it all over the place. I would DIE for a candle! I just might have to make it a early Valentines day gift for myself. I LOVE this company.

They sure sent me some samples at just the right time, I tell ya.I wish that I would have gotten more of a variety so that I could really let you guys in on the scents that they offer but you cant have it all I guess! With Valentines Day coming up dudes, this is a no brainer. You could literally go on the site and pick one that sounds good to you and be a winner.

Go there NOW!!!!

WWW.MISTRALSOAP.COM

You will be sure to find something you fall in love with. When I contacted them they got right back to me. I even called to see how the customer service was and the nicest girl talked with me. She told me all about the company and how great it was. I love good customer service and Mistral has it for sure.

I give them a 10 and must say, thanks a lot for getting me hooked on this stuff. I am now going to be saving up for a full size bottle of the Wild Blackberry Perfume and will be counting my pennies to get it! Seriously, thank you Richard for sending me these little guys my way. I really appreciate it!

Hope you all are smelling good today and if you aren't, you betta go visit Mistral!

-Heather

I am Friends with Water.

I got a great thing in the mail just the other day and it made me grin from ear to ear. I knew that I was getting this product because I got a e-mail showing me what they picked out for me and that it was on it's way. I have been checking the front door step for days waiting to get my:

NEW! Water Filter Pitcher that reduces FLUORIDE!

This water filter pitcher has been sold at friendsofwater.com since early August. At last we found a water filter pitcher with new filtering technology that actually does excellent filtering, including reducing fluoride. (Other water filter pitcher manufacturers don't even claim to remove fluoride.) This water filter pitcher uses a newer adaptation in water filter material that is highly effective for the full range of contaminants. This filtration system has been independently tested numerous times around the world. This is a low-cost solution that is also excellent for emergency situations. Nearly all contaminants are removed at levels above 90% - most of them around 99%. Chlorination byproducts (the risk with chlorine) were removed at 99.6% or better in independent tests. (One customer personally tested and reported 0 chlorine.) Even chloramines are removed up to a 95% rate. Fluoride is reduced by about 75% to 80%. To see comparisons to other water filter pitchers, see this page: Water Filter Pitcher Comparisons.ONE FILTER IS INCLUDED with your pitcher purchase.The replacement filters normally last for 150 gallons. For comparison, both Brita and PUR water pitcher filters last 40 gallons. These replacement filters cost about the same as Brita and PUR by the gallon filtered and do far more filtering. FOR MORE INFORMATION, including test results: click on: Water Filter Pitchers .Replacement filters for the water filter pitcher goes for around $39.95. With your initial purchase of a water filter pitcher, extra replacement filters are reduced. The more you buy, the lower the cost of each one. Shipping is increased $1 per filter at most - when adding to a pitcher order. (Add to your order below.) We've had a fraction of 1% of people using this pitcher who had to change the filter sooner. While this might be disappointing from one point of view, it is because the filter is filtering a lot of something out of your water. It could be pharmaceuticals, chemicals, or another contaminant - or many contaminants.

Key Features: * Removes from 90% to 99.99% of most contaminants found in municipal water * Filters up to 150 gallons of water before changing filters * Water filter pitcher manufacturers estimate about 20 gallons of use per month for pitchers. This suggests a replacement filter every 6 months. But of course it depends upon how much it needs to filter from your water and how much you use it. * Tested by independent laboratories, including the Califorina state approved County of Los Angeles lab, using EPA/ANSI protocols and NSF Standards 42 and 53 * BPA Free! Consider getting 2 Water Filter Pitchers to bring one to the bathroom, your office or for travel. If you buy more than one pitcher, select the number of replacement filters you want for EACH pitcher. There is one 'extra' included. The red disk can be put atop the filter and run water over it to flush the filter material. But the filter material is preflushed so you don't need to do that.

I was SOOOOOO happy to hear that I was getting this water filter. Right now where I live we use a Brita and I was just thinking the other day how much I wanted a water filter for the new place. Then I swear just a few days later I get a e-mail from Friends of Water. I was ecstatic to say the least. You know that I immediately opened the box and put it to use.

Here is a bit about the company:

Friends of Water provides householders with products, information and inspiration to celebrate, save and filter water. They recognize the need to save and filter water for our environment, health, recreation and gardening.Our goal is to increase awareness of the risks to water, save water, and filter water and have some fun through story-telling in our ezine.

Click here to shop in the Store!

What are the benefits of drinking water daily?

Recently, I read the opinion of a scientist who claims that the 64 ounce per day rule may be unnecessary, unless you are thirsty and that it could cause people to feel guilty for not reaching that goal. On the other hand, I have read the opinions of many other scientists saying that 64 ounces is not enough and that people should drink more. Everyone has their opinion but there are many facts that cannot be ignored. The body is composed primarily of fluids. Babies are 75% water, adults range from 55-60%. Knowing that, it is obvious that there must be some way to protect that fluid level. Otherwise the blood would thicken and eventually, the heart would be unable to move it through your body. Blood plasma is not the only fluid in the body. Every cell has some amount of fluid in it. Fluids are used to carry away toxins and waste as well as to cool the brain and the body's other organs. The average human loses and average of 2.5 liters, which is equivalent to 84 ounces per day through natural processes, such as urination, respiration and sweating. Those that sweat or urinate more frequently lose more so I have to wonder about the motivation of the scientist that claims there are no benefits to drinking water daily, unless you are thirsty. I am more inclined to agree with the scientists that say more is better. What do you think? The primary benefits of drinking water daily are to avoid acute dehydration and protect homeostasis. Acute dehydration can cause death. Homeostasis imbalance is responsible for heat stroke, which can also cause death. But, there are some common complaints that many people have on a daily basis, which they do not equate with minor or low level dehydration. They include: Stomach ache, headache, joint pain, body aches, back pain, constipation, fatigue, inability to concentrate and confusion. In acute dehydration, these symptoms become severe. On a day-to-day basis, people may notice pain in the joints, particularly in the knees. When the body senses a lack of fluid, it pulls fluid away from non-essential systems, such as the fluid that cushions the joints. In particular, it will choose those sources of fluid that are farthest away from the brain and the heart. That would be the knees and the ankles. People with chronic headaches will be amazed by the benefits of drinking water daily, in an amount that exceeds the minimal 64 ounce rule. Headaches can be alleviated without pain killers, if one takes a moment to de-stress and drinks a big glass of pure water. The purity of the beverages that you drink is of great importance. Beverages bottled in plastic are not pure. The toxins in them work against ideal homeostasis. Your best choice is to install a home purification system and enjoy the many benefits of purified drinking water daily. I'm sure you'll be surprised.

My new pitcher has an incredible new breakthrough in filtration material that does far more than any other filter pitcher available. I could tell with my first sip. Seriously! Thank you Timothy for sending me this water pitcher. I love it!

This company really has a lot to offer and what a great thing to do for your health. If you are like me and drink a TON of water a day or even just the daily requirements you need a good pitcher. It is so important to drink water and good water at that. I try and drink a gallon a day if at all possible. Friends of Water has several to choose from and awesome deals right now. Please head over to their website and see for yourself. I give them a 10!

Hope you are drinking your water today (everyday for that matter) and I will see you tomorrow!

-Heather

The gift that keeps on giving.

This morning I have to say....it was a tough one. Have you ever had mornings where you are just lying there and you literally just cant get yourself out of bed. At 7:00 a.m. I woke to my annoying cell phone ring. Seriously, I picked (and just changed) the most annoying cell phone wake up ring. It goes something like this....good morning! then the horrible dance like music starts and it sings "good morning, it's a beautiful day" dance music in the back ground and on a loop...over and over until I get the phone and either hit end or snooze. Why would I ever hit snooze??? That would just mean that I would have to listen to it again. I know that there is no way that you could possibly understand what this sounds like in real life but I kinda feel like just giving you a idea through words and let your imagination take over. Needless to say, I woke up in a horrible mood. It really makes me want to pick it up and throw it out the window. I just fixed that though...Now I have changed it to "Just like a movie" a calm violin.

Something else that helped me was knowing that I get to come home and continue using some great products that I got in the mail. I got a box yesterday from a company that I have heard about and seen in stores forever. Who may this be?

I was so excited when I got contacted and they told me that I would be getting some samples! When I got the box, I was delighted! I got an array of things. From shampoo to bath salts! Let me tell you their story first before we dive in!

Mission Statement
We are an impassioned team working collectively to make responsible, sustainable and authentic personal care products.
Core Values
We acknowledge the interdependence of all things.
We lead by example without perfection.
We put people and the planet before profits.
We believe that transparency creates trust; we are committed to transparency throughout.

**They engage with each other and our world in a kind, candid and respectful way.They choose to serve our world by way of mindful actions, everyday.**

Brand Promise

We provide natural personal products that perform and enhance your beauty and well being.

The EO® Story
EO® is a family owned and operated, Certified Organic Manufacturer of personal care products using the highest grade natural and certified organic ingredients. We create products that are natural, gentle, effective and free from animal testing. We know that providing a product with integrity and sustainability is a choice and we make this choice consciously to ensure that only the finest products are created.
We believe the formulation of beneficial and synergistic herbs, essential oils and natural ingredients is an art form. We search for ingredients with uniquely beneficial traditional and therapeutic properties. We also choose not to include synthetic colors, fragrances or harsh chemicals in our products. It is our mission and our privilege to develop our own innovative and efficacious formulas, source our natural ingredients, manufacture, and find the most environmentally friendly packaging to fill and ship each and every EO® product.
Based in Marin County, CA, EO® was founded in 1995 by Brad Black and Susan Griffin-Black. EO® creates and manufactures the products that bear our name in our 22,000 sq. ft. organically certified facility with the help of more than 30 employees who are the force and the heart behind EO®.
Our product line encompasses more than 100 items containing our signature essential oil blends (EO® stands for Essential Oils). Essential oils are steam distilled directly from flowers, leaves, bark and wood without any adulteration or synthetic additives, as it was intended directly from nature, and giving you products that smell amazing.
EO's® Driving Philosophy on why we remain independently owned and operated:
We truly enjoy the work we have chosen to do
We believe that what we do makes a positive difference in the world and to our customers
Authentic natural and sustainable personal care products are possible and more than simply a marketing term
We aspire to be a model of how businesses should operate in our larger environment

What great promises and standards they have set for themselves! As soon as I went to their site I knew that I had to ask. Dolores was so sweet to send me some amazing products! Lets get started. I have to tell you now though. This company doesn't leave anything out. They give you a plethora of information about the company and their products. Sit back and relax this is going to be a great post!

First up! Nourishing Everyday EO® French Lavender Shampoo:

combines synergistic ingredients to protect hair from daily environmental effects with a balanced Nourishing Complex. This unique formula gently cleanses, repairs existing damage, and protects the hair shaft from additional stress.
French Lavender Essential Oil heals and nurtures.
Gotu Kola revitalizes hair follicles to improve hair growth and health.
Quinoa Protein, high in Amino Acids, fortifies, conditions and repairs hair. Hibiscus, rich in Alpha Hydroxy and Amino Acids, rehydrates keratin fibers adding luster and smoothness.
Panthenol and Glycerin aid in moisture retention, increasing elasticity and thickening hair.
Organic Calendula, Chamomile and White Tea botanicals harmonize and replenish.
Aloe Vera and Vitamin A improve scalp health with powerful antioxidants.
Witch Hazel deeply cleanses, increasing blood flow and delivering nutrients to enhance natural hair growth.
Papaya, Evening Primrose, Alfalfa and Pomegranate Extracts nourish and revitalize hair.
pH Balanced and Biodegradable coconut cleansing complex creates a gentle foam to clean naturally.

I almost wanted to eat it! The ingredients sounded so very good! I also got the conditioner to go along with it. What did I think? AMAZING. I only had to use a tiny bit so this bottle (only for 8.99) is really going to last. It left my hair soft, shiny and very manageable. I have some serious curly hair so this says a lot.

I also got some great hand soap! I loved this sent! It made me want to wash my hands. I only had to use a tad and before I knew it I had a wonderful lather that left my hands smelling great and didn't dry it out! Our hands are an essential tool that we use daily. We count on them to help us feel our world and connect with others. They count on us to take care of them and keep them clean and healthy. Indulge your hands with the rich EO® products designed specifically for their unique needs. They have other scents as well as French Lavendar. Their extremely mild and richly foaming formula deeply cleanses and nourishes even the most sensitive skin with pure and soothing botanicals. Chocolate and Mint combine to nurture and refresh skin. Doesnt that sound wonderful?!?

They also have bath salts! YAY! After a good run sometimes the only thing that helps my joints is a nice hot bath. I didnt recive any but I am going to get some soon!

Last but not least, I got hand wipes! Ohhh this stuff was great! I used it after cleaning the sink and it made my skin so soft and clean feeling. I will be using more of these for sure!

Please go to their site so that you can see for your self!~ Here is a list of what they offer but they have an abundance of wonderful scents.
Gifts
Hair
Hands
Bath
Body
Shave
EO Online Warehouse Sale
Essential Oils
Travel
Perfume
Cleaning Products

Go there!

www.eoproducts.com

If you are looking for affordable, high end products this is the way to go. You wont be sorry purchasing anything from them! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sending these products my way. You just helped me stock my new place! I am hooked now and will be visiting my local health food store now to restock in the future. I intend to bring the hand soap to share with the company that I work for so that they can try it out as well. Your products are so great and affordable, why not get more than one! You guys get a 10!!!

See you tomorrow, I have another special review! It is hump day! Two days down and two more to go. We can do it!

-Heather

Happy Birthday!!!

I have one wish this morning...
It is that Pete Erchick have a magical day filled with all of his favorite things. Smile Pete...Your on camera!

I wanted to do a extra post this morning devoted to one super special person in my life. I hope that you have a wonderful day today and always. Happy Birthday Peter!

He is so special to me in so many ways...He has so many talents! One of which, he is an amazing musician and has been on numerous (meaning literally 20 or more) albums!

He has collaborated with so many bands I cant even list them all. He is most well known as the keyboardist for The Olivia Tremor Control. He 'creates' with The Instruments and Circulatory System, but his main faith is carried out through Pipes You See, Pipes You Don't. The last picture of the albums is his own and one of my all time favorites! Simply amazing! Here he is sitting in the second box, top left!

He is shakin it in this one!

Bottom left looking quite handsome, if I do say so myself. I don't know who cuts his hair but man....

that's a good look him ;)

Playing a solo show at the fabulous 40watt.

Not only does he create amazing heart felt music, he is full of heart himself. Seriously, one of the most sensitive, caring, loving people I know. You couldn't ask for more.

Thank you Pete, for your support through the years. For helping me not take life so seriously and laugh more than I ever have. For countless meals and conversations. For helping me record my own music. For hanging out with me when I am blue and most of all...

Thank you for being YOU.

Happy Birthday from me to you!

-Heather

I've gone crackers.

It is Tuesday and boy and I glad! I have to say, I am not a fan of Mondays and I doubt that is going to change anytime soon....

I just did a great post for today and then my computer just went blank...I lost everything that I had typed. Poop. So lets try this again (meanwhile I am punching the "save" button every 10 seconds!)

Somethings things that I wasn't able to tell you about on yesterday's post (it was long and I wanted to spare you from reading a book on a Monday) was that after I had returned from what was a stressful weekend I had a little push from a friend and ended up having a great night. I walked into the house, unloaded, showered and pondered whether or not I should attend a birthday party that a friend of mine was throwing for herself. I thought to myself "it's going to be a small gathering with good food and great girls, just go and try to not think about the stress in your life, you need a break). I did just that. I primped and pumped myself up for a good time. Hoped in the car and was at the party in less than 10 minutes.

When I arrived I was greeted by the girls that I didn't know and hugged by the ones that I did. The first thing that I noticed was the happy blue paint on the walls of the house. It immediately changed my mood. Then the aroma of homemade minestrone, crusty garlic bread and a salad to die for. It was the perfect comforting meal on such a drizzly cold night and after the weekend I had. Everyone was so sweet and wanted to know all about me. Karen was there so naturally, I was fine.

When I walked around the rooms to take it all in I then noticed little "stations" in corners and sections of the house. Liberty is just the most amazing person and for her birthday she wanted a girls sleep over with tons of things to occupy everyone. There was a love letter corner with gorgeous cards and a comfy pillow to lounge on. You were suppose to write yourself a love letter, seal and save it for a bad day to read. There was a vision board table complete with magazines, colored construction paper, glitter, markers and scissors. A "decorate your own cupcake station".

There was a tarot card reading area and the best "station" to me was a face painting section! Complete with bright paint, brushes and pallets. I painted two peoples faces and had a complete blast. There were more snacks, laughs and stories. Everyone was so open and the mood was light. One of the girls even led us in a fire place ritual. I have never done anything like this before so it was so fun to be involved in a "cleansing prayer". Just what I needed. It just goes to show you how amazing Liberty is. I felt as though it was my birthday! It was a sleepover but because I had to train in the morning I decided that I would go on home. I crawled into bed and thanked my lucky stars for the courage and strength to get out of the house and go to the party.

Something else that happened over the weekend was I tried a new product! The nice folks at Mary's Gone Crackers sent me on over some coupons for some of there products! I was excited to try out a gluten free cracker and see what all the buzz was about.

The only thing that I could find at the Co Op was the crackers. That was just fine by me....I put these babies to use! These were so healthy and low calorie too!
I love seeing the flax in them and the texture was super crunchy. I also noticed how filling these crackers were. They come in a variety of flavors but decided I would try the original first. I made these!

Pb MG crackers! These were almost too good. I wish that I had some almond milk though:)

I LOVED them! I was excited because my friend is actually gluten free so I though that appetizer would be a great idea when he came over for a glass of wine! A crisp delicious cracker with a rich nutty flavor. Wheat-free, Gluten-free and organic. Made of organic whole grain brown rice, organic quinoa (keen-wa: a high protein seed/grain), organic flax seeds and organic brown sesame seeds, with no added fat. Surprisingly satisfying on their own or with your favorite toppings. Always hold their crunch; unlike any other cracker you've ever had--they will soon become a staple in your cupboards. Simple but so awesome. I used the onion flavor with hummus, pesto, goat cheese with smoked salmon and a side salad! It was the perfect light snack to have with a nice red wine. He LOVED these as well. I wish that they had some of the other products at the CO OP. I am going to go to Earth Fare and see what they have to offer after work. If not I will get the caraway flavor and herb. I know that I can put them to good use.

Today's lunch utilized them as well. This wasn't all of my lunch but the best part ;)

A Mexican inspired Mary's Gone Crackers meal. This was my fave so far! It is the perfect dipping cracker. I give them a 8. That is great in my book. My gluten free friend says "10"!

If you are gluten free or just prefer to eat snacks that are gluten free or want a gluten free snack or even just want to try a new product. Go to their site or store to see what they have to offer.

www.marysgonecrackers.com

They have more to offer than just crackers and I would say that if you don't normally get a treat like this because you have a gluten allergy, you will be in heaven. There are plenty in a box to keep you happy for a few days! These will be making more appearances for sure. Thank you Melissa for sending me some coupons!

There you have it ladies and gents! My Tuesday post (twice :p)

I am going go now but will be back tomorrow with more reviews and news from the wonderful life of, me!

tootles,

Heather

January coming to a end.

I had a very busy weekend...I went home to be with my MOM on Friday and came home on Saturday. I wish that I could say that I was in great spirits over the weekend but I will admit, I wasn't. My mom is having horrible health issues to do with her blood pressure, cholesterol and heart. I went home to literally walk her down each isle of the grocery store to show her what foods to choose instead of the ones that she is use to. Low sodium, fat free, cholesterol free, high fructose corn syrup free, aspartame free and enriched flour free. The last three is what I want her to change the first three is what the doctors want (and I do to) but I figure if she is going to go for it, then go for it. It is not easy for a Southern women to change drastically her diet and on top of that she has to quit smoking as well as her night cap that she has daily. Sigh, it is a journey that has a long and winding road. I know with the support of my sister and grandmother, it is possible. I decided that I would tell her everything that I would want her to know (if something terrible were to happen) and that was emotional but so therapeutic. Sometimes you just don't say what you feel. I am getting better at saying exactly what I feel and get it out. Do you have a hard time opening up?

I can not believe that it is almost over. January, that is. I feel like this month is just flying by and well...it already has. I don't know why but for some reason the time seems to have sped up for me. I am not sure if that is a good thing yet. I almost have one month before the move. I will be trimming down my wardrobe and getting rid of unnecessary items that I have accumulated over the last year. I tell you what. It is just amazing what you can accumulate over just a year! The more that I get rid of, the less that I have to move. Because of having to tote my things up 17 stairs (steep ones at that) I am going to try my best to pair down. My new place may be super small but one thing is for sure....it is all mine! I have never lived in a place by myself that was healthy for me. As you may have read before, I lived in a house for years alone but it was the pits. No heat, no air, in the worst neighborhood with bars on every window of the house. It was not insulated and it was 100 years old. It was a store back in the 60's and older people in the neighborhood still call it "the store front" to this day. I still cant believe I lived like that. A tree fell on my house during a snow storm last year which forced me to move out. My best friend insisted as well. One morning I remember getting up to take a shower and my shower curtain was frozen to the bath tub. You couldn't speak in the house with looking like you were smoking. This new place however (my fingers are crossed) is affordable and yes, it is in a older home (not 100 yrs old though ;) I feel as though it is going to be a very special place for me. I read my horoscope (yes, I do believe in those things but don't take them completely serious). However, I am going to believe what Susan says and she said that the 27-28 in February will be the luckiest day of the year for me. That just so happens to be when I move into my place! YAY!

I promised that I would have a regular post and so I thought what better day than a Monday! I am kinda glad that I don't have a review today. I like telling you guys what is going on and catching up with my favorite bloggers as well! I have been one busy bee.

Something that happened to me that really did make me smile was a phone call that I got from a very special person! I got a direct phone call from Jesse Schwartz, Ph.D.,President of Living Tree Community Foods. This company is by far my favorite that I have ever dealt with or tried. I just couldn't believe that he called me himself to talk to me! I was so happy to speak with him. He informed me that Living Tree would be sending me all kinds of interesting products. Besides Newman's Own Organic's this is the most gracious company yet! He already sent me 6 different products that have rocked my world (I ate the bee pollen again this morning!). Sometimes people have no idea how happy they can make you by just doing little things. It was raining, I was sitting in my house alone, sad about my mom and pretty darn hungry to boot. Then the phone rang and it was him! So very sweet and I could feel how genuine he really is. A company ran by a person who truly wants to make a difference. Alive, organic, vegan products that are far Superior to anything that I have ever tried. Look forward to my up coming post! I am getting pecan butter (mmmmmm) and unpressed olive oil. Wow! Needless to say...My spirits were lifted after hanging up and I was so thankful.

This morning I started the day with this duo. 9:30 AM

12:00 before the gym I had this:

Plain Greek yogurt with frozen blueberries and bee pollen. YUM! Bee pollen is good for so many thing but one is energy! I eat it before the gym and I feel it.

1:00-Gym, weights for 40 minutes focusing on Legs and Biceps and Triceps. I have been doing these intervals and it looks kinda like this. Watch out it is intense.

Three Rounds of this set:

15 push ups

15 weighted squats (30 pounds)

15 weighted dead lifts (30)

10 30 lb biceps curls

10 Blurpees

then

Three rounds of this set:

25 runners lunges

20 inner thigh machine (50 lbs)

15 outer thigh machine (80 lbs)

15 triceps dips unassisted

Then three rounds of this set

15 weighted ball sit ups (laying at an incline holding 8lb ball in the air)

15 barbell curls to each ear, 12 lbs
15 leg lifts on the machine (for the bootay) each leg (80 lbs)

Then three sets of this:

8 push up stance knee to elbow (each leg) looking back at your feet (sorry for the description but that is the best that I can do for this one, it is the best ab exercise EVER).

10 Barbell tricep dips laying down (20 lbs, arms are shaking at this point)

By the end...I am sweating like a freak and have no idea how I will make it back to work without looking like I just got out of the pool. I get in the car, deodorize, perfume and wipe off. The drive back to work is with windows down and breathing deep. I then run upstairs, clock back in and go straight to the bathroom fish out my clothes that I hide in the drawer where they keep the toilet paper, wipe off with my essential organic oil wipes, dress, wash hands and fix my hair (I always wear my hair in a bun at work so I get away with working out and after a good sweat I just look more "sleek" so to speak. Then I get back to my desk, put sweaty clothes in my workout bag to wash and get back in the chair for the remainder of the day. After about 10 minutes of making sure nothing blew up while at "lunch" I then run to the kitchen to fix my lunch and eat it at my desk. Thank goodness I work in a place that they don't mind me eating at my desk! This is what I eat about 30 minutes after my horrible workout:

I always eat a salad...I am too hot to eat anything else! Usually it is Avocado, tomato, onion and some sort of protein either, tofu, boca or chicken. I ate a tuna salad everyday for lunch for a year and a half and now it makes me cringe....2:30 pm

3:30: This is my snackie!

Always sliced cumber paired with some sort of fruit. Today is mango!!! Mmmmm. My fave.

4:45- I get off and hop in the car for my 3 minute drive home.

Run in the house, change clothes and go on a 4 mile walk with the BF, Karen. It is how I decompress. Then I get home, shower the stank off me, moisturize and EAT!

7:00-This week (and really all winter) chunky homemade soup (soup varies each week)! This week

Butternut squash soup with steamed veggies and protein. If I have tofu for lunch I have chicken for dinner. I always only have one soy protein and one animal protein a day. After working out it is best to have a quick digesting protein so I usually go with the tofu.

8:30-30 minutes of yoga to stretch out

10:00pm- Caramel rice cake and PB while youtubing, huluing or reading blogs.

11:30 pm: Bed

Yep that is me. Pretty much Monday-Thursday. During lunch I go to the gym to do weights Monday, Wed and Friday. Tuesday & Thursdays I walk with a co worker for a hour. Monday-Thurs I always try to do the after walk with K. Yoga in the evening when I feel like I need it. That is that! My Monday in a nutshell!

See you tomorrow!

-Heather

Fruit for a healthy you.

Hello, awesome readers!

I will say, out of nowhere I have been getting products and all kinds! I am pleased to get them of course! I just like to be really good about getting up a review in a timely manner. I am anal like that :)

Us Virgo's run a tight ship, if you know what I mean. With this being said. I have been eating like a freak! Making my friends and co workers try out things as well to help me out. I will say, so far so good. I haven't gotten anything recently that I didn't like. I got a small package from Traverse Bay Farms on Wednesday and was happy to see three things that I know for sure I could put to use. Peach Salsa (one of my fav's), Cherry Salsa and Tart Cherry Joint Formula supplement (I can REALLY use this). I knew just what to do when I got it!

SALSA PARTY!

Ok, not that kind of Salsa!!!

This kind!

Here is what the variety looks like!

They sent me two kinds of salsa and I made two things with each! I used the peach salsa for the amazing nachos (1st PLACE - 2008) and I used the cherry salsa for another dinner over the weekend. Just look at it! MMMMMMMM.

I am not going to toot my own horn...Ok, yes I will ;)

I am a amazing cook darnit and I will say I think of ways to cut calories like no body's business. If you want to slash some cals...USE SALSA. I use salsa instead of salad dressings (I like to add some siracha or hot sauce because salsa's are never hot enough for me). I use salsa for dipping raw veggies instead of ranch. I use salsa for marinades instead of sauces. I LOVE salsa and I am proud to say, I really liked this one. I used the salsa as the perfect topping for my baked chicken. You can just spoon it on top or you can actually pour it on top of the chicken for a built in flavorful dinner. Love. At. First. Bite.

I mean...look at this. Salsa (most of them) are around 10-30 cals. This is a GREAT substitute! Of course on my chicken and nachos (I shared those by the way) I used way more than 2 table spoons but still 100 cals of good for you salsa is way better than some chemical ridden ranch dressing. Just sayin.

Fruit and Gourmet Salsas: Traverse Bay Farms' Fat-Free Fruit and Gourmet Salsas are a mouth-watering combination of traditional tomato-based salsa and fresh tangy fruit, corn or black beans.. Our salsas are made in small batches with fresh fruits and vegetables. Each of our fruit salsas are "medium spicy", and we offer six distinct gourmet fruit flavors You will love the homemade gourmet salsa taste from Traverse Bay Farms! They offer a ton of organic products on their site!

The other product that they sent me I was VERY happy to see. I use join supplements but I just don't feel like they work well. I am a runner, dancer, walker and weight lifter. I need to take good care of my joints! I have only been taking this for a few days so I will have to give you a real update when I truly know what the verdict is. I don't lie on this blog, I either like it or don't! I am not sure yet. I think that with all the hoopla about it though it should be good! I can say that the other one that I was taking did absolutely nothing. I had no idea that cherry's was such a wonder fruit.

Equals the specific antioxidant benefits of 5+ glasses of cherry juice without the sugar!
Helps Maintain Healthy Joint Function*
Helps Supports a Healthy Cardiovascular System*
Less than 1 gram of sugar and carbohydrates per serving
Kosher, Gluten-Free and Vegan Friendly
Delivers the highest amount of tart cherry available (1200mg per 2 capsule serving)
Produced in an FDA registered facility that uses Good Manufacturing Process (GMP)

Any all natural product in my book is good! I am just glad that I can read every ingredient on the salsa and supplement. That is a HUGE pet peeve of mine. I just told my mom the other day...."If you cant read it, you cant eat it!" An update on her is well over due but I am sorry to say that she is still not doing that well. I am trying to keep the blog as positive as possible but this is not just a happy go lucky blog "I love this, I love that!" I am real. I have a life, and things happen just like anyone else. It sure helps though when you get nice comments and you get nice things in the mail. I am serious...I don't know what I would do without the blog at times. It keeps me busy and honestly financially helps with my food. I love trying out new things and my clients and friends would rather me try it out and tell them about it instead of them wasting cash on a product that isn't good or doesn't work. Just call me "Ginny Pig Heather". Well, I like Ginny Heather better than the pig part ;)

I give Traverse Bay Farms two thumbs up! Thanks Andy for sending me some goodies!

This was pretty cool too!

have a number of free down loadable ebooks that would
be of interest to your readers.
Here is link to download them:
www.traversebayfarms.com/healthylivingconfirmation.htm

You gotta love a free ebook!

Go to their site and see all that they have to offer, you may be surprised!

www.traversebayfarms.com

Traverse Bay Farms; products are available in grocery, health food and gourmet food stores in 44 states across America. If you would like to purchase Traverse Bay Farms products from your local store Click Here.

Thanks again for putting a little salsa in my step! I hope you guys like the idea of using salsa instead of sauces, dressings and dips! Add extra veggies and make it as chuncky as you like! I PROMISE that next week will not be review after review. I like to tell you what is going on in my life and show you my eats WITH recipes! Thank you to all the company's that have been so sweet to me this last week. I really needed it and even though you may not know me I meant it from the bottom of my heart....you made my week.

See you Monday, bright and early with what went on during my weekend. I am teaching a two hour long work-shop on positive thinking and then active meditation with yoga thrown in! My first ever AND it is going to be held in my hometown. They desperately need something like this. My home town doesn't have a yoga studio or even side walks. No recycling bins and people stare at you when you ride a bike or run. How in the world did I ever come from there. I guess with a open mind, anything is possible. The best part....I am doing it for free!!! I hope to do a free monthly workshop for the folks in the "town of etiquette!" Any donations will be going to the Heart Association (since my mom is having heart related issues.) I hope you all have a relaxing weekend! Wait! It IS the weekend! Whew, I need to get on with it! See ya!

-Heather