Could it get any better?

Oh, how I am glad that it is Friday! I am so siked about this. I have no plans but you better believe that I am going to enjoy myself. I plan on swimming alot this weekend and work on my tan a bit! I woke up AGAIN this morning and got in a walk! I am proud of myself. I wake up and feel so tight and sore and still manage to get up and out the door, of course this helps me!

It is kinda sad that this little guy can have such an effect on me but he does! I just think to myself "get up and you get to eat this on your way out the door!" And so I do. I had it stuffed with macadamia nut butter this morning. I have to say I love the pecan butter more but hey, I like to change it up each day. While on my walk this morning I saw a huge billow of smoke coming from the downtown area and realized that a building was on fire. Being that I work downtown I was concerned. When I got home I found out that the Georgia Theater( the building is one of Athens landmarks and have been there for as long as I can remember, I have played at the venue several times and seen a tonof great shows there). It burned down this morning at around 7:00 a.m. I saw the whole thing....Pretty sad.

Today is going to be a different day as far as food goes. I am kinda looking forward to not going to the gym on my lunch break today. I have decided that a rest day is needed and I plan to do just that. Rest. After I got home from my walk I stretched really well and then decided that because I woke up earlier than usual (6:30 a.m. this time) it was a good idea to take advantage of the extra time and staighten my hair this morning. Because I will not be at the gym sweating like crazy I went for it! I should have taken a picture this morning of it but because it took so long I was in a rush to get out the door. I always get double takes when I straighten my hair for some reason. Folks like it. Maybe I will meet some hot guy that likes it. Kidding! Anyway, I got home had a Noni shot and took my vitamins and rushed out the door. I am all out of my wheat grass (so very sad) now I dont know what I will do...I do however still have some packs of the amazing meal and intend to take advantage of it for lunch! I also had half of a amazing grass bar before heading to work...My tummy was talkin to me!

I ate half of one and out the door I went. I got to work went up to the flourth floor to get a good look at the Georgia Theater up in smoke, shook my head and back to my desk to start the work day. Of course I was accompanied by a large cup of cofee.

I had coffee this morning with unsweetend almond milk and one stevia packet. This is how I take my coffee now, see ya later splenda! This got me goin (as if the walk wasnt enough). After about and hour it was time to have a real breakfast so I went back to what I had (and what held me over until lunch) the hemp begal!
This mornings begal was more simple but still devine! I had the begal with egg whites and veganese, wow was it gooooood! I know that this will hold me over until this afternoon for my "lunch". I got a huge surprise yesterday when I got home and I am soooooooo happy to give a review about it this morning! I have been contacting several companies about getting to sample some kombucha and no one has gotten back to me at all. Well I was wrong! I got a box with a bottle of each flavor yesterday from:

First I would like to say THANK YOU for sending me the package! I was begining to think that I was never going to get any! I was worng! When I got the package I could smell the kombucha and immediately a red flag had gone off. "Oh no, I thought...I think they exploded." These things have to be sitting upright and you have to be careful when opening them because they will over flow on you if you shake too hard. When I opened the package I saw that they had been shook and a couple of them did infact come open. I was sad by this but managed to save a few bottles. The company had packaged them well so I dont know what the deal was. I got the package about 15 minutes after it had arrived so it wasnt sitting on my front porch long. Maybe they will send me the other flavors that had come open in the process of shipping. One bottle was upside down when I opened the box. YOu have to be careful when drinking something that has cultures because you dont want them to go bad and then drink it. Anyway. This morning was the test. Here is a picture of the flavors! The Pure Essance, Ginger Devotion and the green lovin was opened but I was able to try out the Bliss berry one this morning! First I would like to say that the bottle is very pleasing to look at. The art work is fantastic and the bottle looks so inviting. I was pleased to open this purple bottle and take my first sip. My first thought was "Wow, this is sweet but not too sweet, a nice fizzle and super refreshing." I knew what to expect because I have tried the synergy products but I must say, I like this brand better. The nutrional facts on the bottle are great! 35 calories and really low carb for a nice drink. I drank the whole thing (I couldnt help myself!). I am in love! I so wish that I had more than just the few bottles that I have in the fridge. I was really interested in the green lovin one. I felt really good after drinking this bottle this morning too. I really did. I seriously could feel my mood shift. The Living ElixirTM that they create is a delicate synergy of science, spirit, and art. They have carefully selected the finest, certified organic, and fair trade ingredients from around the world to bring us one of the healthiest and most nutrient rich foods on Earth.
You'll find all their products available for shipment within the United States in their store. If you live in the New England area of the US, you may also be able to find it at your local store. The website to check out their products are:

www.kataystkombucha.com

here is some great info from the site as well.

The Living ElixirTM

Due to the production of B-vitamins, pro-biotics, and compounds including gluconic, lactic, and folic acids, drinking Kombucha tea regularly has been shown to benefit the human body by:
balancing the metabolism
cleansing the blood and regulating pH levels
improving liver, gall bladder, and digestive function
detoxifying the body and enhancing the immune system
raising overall energy level
There is so much known and unknown about the properties of kombucha and we would like to provide you with this list of all of the components of various samples of kombucha tea that is available in the incredible work by Michael Roussin at http://www.kombucha-research.com/. We highly reccomend this paper if you are interested in the more technical side of kombucha and its properties.
Here is an aphabetical list of chemical components found in kombucha.
4-AcetamidophenolAcetic acidAcetoacetic acidBenzoic acid, 2-amino-, 3-phenyl-2-propenyl esterBenzonitrile, 4-hydroxy-2(4H)-Benzofuranone, 5,6,7,7a-tetrahydro-4,4,7a-trimethyl-2,6-Bis(t-butyl)-4-(dimethylbenzyl) phenolButanoic acid, 3-methyl1-Butanol, 3-methyl-2-t-Butyl-4-(dimethylbenzyl) phenolCaffeineCitric acidCyanocobalamin (B-12)Decanoic acidD-Ribo-hexos, 2,6-dideoxy-3-0-methyl-2,3-Dihydro-1-methylindene2,5 Diketo-gluconic acidEthyl AcetateFructosed-Gluconic acidGlucoseHexanoic acid(1H)Imidazo[2,1-f]purine-2,4(3H,8H)-dione, 8-ethyl-1-methyl-7-phenyl-Itaconic acid2-Keto-gluconic acid5-Keto-gluconic acid2-Keto-3-deoxy-gluconic acidLactic acid5-Methoxy-1-(3-methoxy-4-methylphenyl)-1,3,3,6-tetramethylindanNiacinamideNicotinic acidPantothenic acid6-Phospho gluconateOctanoic acidOxalic acidPhenol, 4-ethylPhenylethyl AlcoholPropionic acidRiboflavind-Saccharic acid (Glucaric acid)d-Saccharic acid 1,4 lactone (Glucaro 1,4 lactone)Succinic acidThiamind-Xylonic acid
Check out www.kombuch-research.com for more info.

So there you have it a great review from me. **** This company is great for sending me some product my way I love this stuff and if you like synergy you will LOVE Katalyst Kombucha.

After my lovely bottle of kombucha and some blogging it was time for lunch. I decided today that I would go home and make a much needed smoothie. It is going to be up to 103 today and a cold smoothie on my front porch is just what the doctor ordered!

What was in my beautiful pink smoothie you ask? Well I will tell ya!

1/2 banan

flax seeds

amazing grass (berry) meal pack

unsweetend almond milk

and

wild blueberries

1/2 a stevia pack

WOW! This baby was intense and goooood to the last slurp. I always wish that I had like 4 smoothies when I have anything from amazing grass. I know if I have said it once I have said it a million times...Amazing grass is truley AMAZING! Terri Jo is a angel for sending me some products my way the only downfall is that I am so addicted I cant imagine my life without it! After sitting outside and worked up a sweat I went in, stretched and got back in the car to go back to work and finish off my work day. I then replied to some e-mails ran around the office like freak and day dreamed about laying by the pool on Saturday. Tonights dinner is going to consist of this.


Canned chicken all natural with avocado veganese, black beans, corn and tomato. A little pepper for good measure. It will be good I know. Mainly because I am going to let it sit and all hang out together until dinner time. You better believe that I will have two glasses of wine with dinner as well tonight. I hope that you all have a wonderful weekend and relax if at all possible, I know that I will be. I will see you all on Monday with more reviews and hopefully feeling great. See ya!
-Heather

Almost over, or is it?

Thursday brings surprises!

www.frenchmeadow.com


I started the morning off right I tell you and with none other than a hemp bagel. Okay I know that I said that I wasnt going to be eating bagels anytime soon but I ran out of oatmeal so I had no choice (or that is what I am telling myself). I tell you what though. I haven't been this happy about something like a bagel in a LONG time! I had this variety with veganese, egg whites and some stir fried veggies. Wow! so chewy and delicious! I am overwhelmed with how much it filled me up. Let's see if it sticks. I also got two other products!!!

Soft, sprouted whole grain bread made with CoroWise™ plant sterols for lowering LDL cholesterol and coated with chia seeds for a crunchy bite. And that it is! I love this bread and I love how I can see all the seeds in it! It is a perfect sandwich bread.

then I also tried this out!

Full of protein, fiber, and a dense concentration of vitamins, minerals, and essential amino and fatty acids, Hemp Tortillas keep your engine running all day long. Hemp Tortillas make the ultimate sandwich wrap, breakfast burrito, or homemade tortilla chips.

Yesterday after going to the gym and feeling really good about a ab work out and a tiny bit of shoulder work out I stopped by my house to get one of these to have with my tuna salad. My tuna salad turned into a fantastic tuna wrap!!!! Oh my this tortilla was so chewy and gooooood!

I Love love LOVE this company! I want some of the gluten free products so freakin bad! They look AMAZING. With me trying my best to stay gluten free I would really like to see what some of these products are all about. I know you may be tired of me giving rave reviews but I just cant help it. I cant say one bad thing about these products ! They arrived cold and fresh at my door! I couldn't be more happy about these! Thanks so very much French Meadows Bakery! Your the best for surprising me with your yummy breads and tortilla's! **** stars for you!

Here is a picture of my breakfast this morning! Ready?!?Oh yeah!!! Egg whites with some veggies stir fried and thrown ion top! It doesn't get better than this baby!!! Thanks so much Meadows Bakery! Go check them out and find a store near you that sells them or order directly on-line!

www.frenchmeadow.com

So there you have my Thursday morning treat! I am going to report later and let you know how I hold up with the bagel. Can I just say this...I was not going to let myself have the bagel because I am not able to be as active as I usually am and after tracking all of my food for the day I had less calories and carbs than I usually do on a regular basis. This just goes to show you that you should allow yourself something (now granted this bagel is SUPER healthy and is loaded with protein, it is not your typical bagel at all!) and you may just be surprised at the outcome. If this bagel holds me over until lunch I am sold and will be having this combo for breakfast for the summer. My breakfast alone had 30 grams of protein!!! That is much better than the oats and me pouring in egg whites like no body's business.

After breakfast I decided to have half a Kombucha (that is a full serving) and more egg whites before going to the gym to focus again on legs and abs. I will be getting in a fast pace walk when I meet Mary Ann at the Y for our training session. We are going to be training chest and back today and I cant wait. She is going to love the workout. I don't know why but chest and back is my favorite to train. I am proud of myself because I woke up again this morning and went for a walk at 7:00 a.m. Go me! I tell myself, if I wake up at 7:00 with no alarm then I owe myself a walk. I have been doing this the last few days and it puts me in the best mood. I do have to say though....This little guy is really what gets me out of bed....I eat this and then head out the door. Sorry for the rewind but there you have it. Here is a picture of my date stuffed with almond butter this morning. So so so freakin good. It is so funny that something so small can get a girl out of bed. What ever work huh?

Ok back to the present! After the bagel from heaven I had some egg whites (Mary Ann I am showing you how many I eat at a snack you should have about this much if eaten by it's self) and a half of kombucha!

This was a good combo because I had a little carbs (only 7 grams) with the kombucha and about 15 grams of protein before heading to the gym. I am siked that I am going to get in a good workout. Waking up in the morning and going for that walk saves me because that means that my evenings are open and I don't have to drag myself out there in the heat. When I get back from the gym I am going to eat this perfect meal!Spinach, red pepper, mushrooms and canned light tuna. Yum! I love a bright bowl! This is the perfect carbs and protein that I need to get through the rest of the day. I will work for a couple more hours and then have this as my desert for the day! Stoney Farms greek yogurt, vanilla. I love this so much and it has the protein that I will need to get my walk in and train Mary Ann. Get the magic word here??? PROTEIN! That is the name of the muscle game. I am going to be home by around 6:00 and then will dig into this by 6:30. Looks fancy but is SIMPLE. Just spinach, mango, pecans (about 25) and some grilled chicken. I don't need dressing because the mango is enough to get the spinach nice and wet with some sweetness! This is a great combo because I have the carbs (fruit and spinach) and the protein (chicken) and then good fats (the nuts!). After a good workout this is what I will need. I have yet to decide what I will have as a snack later but I am thinking that some celery and pb2 or it just by it's self will be good. I more than likely will not need anything but I like to allow myself something. Last night I did a experiment. I wanted a date but I said "no, I don't have any more calories to have it". Then I thought...."I wonder if I allow myself it will I then want it. So then I went to the fridge got the date out. Sat down looked at it for a minute and took a bite. That was enough!!! Just letting myself taste it was all I needed. I was amazed. I would usually think about the damn thing until bed and then wake up and eat two of them because I didnt allow myself it to begin with. Note to self...If you want something, let yourself have it but only enough to get the taste of it. It will save yourself from over doing it later. That half of a date didn't mess my diet for the day up but it did allow myself to have a little something I wanted and show myself that I can handle it! I was proud and just goes to show that you can learn something about yourself every day. Yipppy!

So there is my Thursday in a nut shell. I would like to leave you with a quote that comes to mind quite often.

"Whatever your mind can conceive and can believe, it

can achieve."
By the way...Jay Robb sent me this promational code for you guys to use! It expires July 2nd so please hurry!!!

***update!*** the bagel totally held me over. If it werent for the time and me needing to get in another snack there is no way that I would have even has to eat the egg whites! I am hooked and will be getting more of these soon!!! Thanks SO much French Meadows Bakery.

Let's get Physical?

Physical therapy went so well yesterday!!! I found just the best place ever. The guy that worked with me so so incredible. The atmosphere was awesome and everyone really seemed to be in a great mood and loved their jobs. Have you ever been to a store or office and the employee's seemed like they were in hell? Well that is how my doctor office (my regular one) is ALWAYS. I swear everyone in there seems like they absolutely hate their lives and want to die. They all make you feel like you are a huge inconvenience. That is why I am in the process of changing my primary care provider. Now that I got the referral to see the physical therapist I am not ever going back there again. See I work with customers all day long and customer service is number one for me. I would do just about anything (and boy have I ) to make a customer feel like they want to stay with me. I have gone completely out of my way to get the customer what they want and in a timely fashion. So when I shop, dine or stay somewhere I expect the same. Of course being nice yourself is the key. No one is going to want to help a demanding unpleasant person. I am always super nice when asking for something and in need. Usually I am happy (it doesn't take much) and most of the time I will go out of my way to praise the person when I feel like they have gone above and beyond. Companies more often than not don't get to hear about the good things only when something goes wrong. I always try to bring attention to the good!

So this Wednesday is going well so far. I woke up before seven and decided that a walk was what I needed. It was hard to get my self out of bed but I thought of this and jumped out!I am loving my dates stuffed with butter! I used walnut butter today. LOVE THIS! It is so sweet and goooood. It has to be good if it gets me outta bed! So I went on my walk very low key, nothing drastic. I just like breathing the fresh air, visualizing myself running and in good health. I listened to some nice relaxing music on my i-pod and I was in a great mood when I got home. Then I stretched out, showered and drank my Noni and wheat grass and headed out the door. I was thinking of having a bagel for breakfast but I feel as though I shouldn't be eating something like that if I am not able to get in some heavy cardio/weight lifting. So I am saving them. Yesterday when I got home I was sooooo very surprised. I got some awesome packages! I got the amazing grass bars (Peter, it is on it's way to you this morning!) and a box from Organic Wine Trade Company! I got three organic fair trade Eco friendly wines! Two red and one white! YES! I yelled! I am going to have a nice wine tasting and enjoy them. I will be blogging about these in a week or so, I am going to have to put it all together and then post. I also go a huge surprise from French Meadow Bakery. I got some amazing hemp seed tortillas, hemp seed bagels and their new bread "our daily bread" which is whole grain, yeast free sprouted bread. All of which I nibbled on and tried out as soon as the package arrived. I am however going to wait to review the products until I actually have a meal with them and add some ingredients to it! So keep your eye out for those reviews! I am siked beyond belief! That got my evening on the right track last night after coming home from physical therapy. What got me on the right track this morning? well this of course!Organic oats, chia seeds, egg whites, wheat bran, unsweetened almond milk and barney butter! Yummy in my Tummy I tell you! This is the second thing that got my bootay out of bed this morning. I am out of oats so it will be the hemp bagel for me tomorrow! This fills me up so well. We will have to see if the hemp bagel fills me up tomorrow and I will be doing a review you betcha! I am feeling really really good this morning. My back feels great it is just my knee. Let hope that the second cardio session today doesn't hurt it too bad. I am going to do 40 minutes of swimming after work. On my lunch break I am going to focus on abs and arms (only pull ups and push ups). Before I go to the gym though I will have this. I am having 4 egg whites. I beat them and stick them in the microwave and then BAM! Protein snack to get me through the gym. I need new headphones again (I go through them) so I will maybe go to the store and get some. The list I need is a night light (the hall way is just too dark and I almost kill myself walking through there to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night), blender, headphones and strawberries (I have been eating a ton and I want it for my smoothie weekend). So yeah, either today or tomorrow I will have to run and get all those things. I am hoping that one place will have them all. Something else that I need to do it throw out the food that Beth has left and told me that I could eat, it is staring me in the face at night and I cant handle it. I hate to waste food but I don't want to give it to someone I know. It is stuff like sugary cereal (like fruit loops), everything bagels (HFCS), white pasta and the list goes on. All foods I would NEVER eat. So yeah, tonight I am throwing it out! After going to the gym for a while I am going to get back to the office and have this! A simple tuna salad. I have decided something...I am not going to be eating cereal for dinner. Fiber one has High Fructose Corn Syrup (oooopppps). SO it is a salad day for me! I am going to go to Eathfare and get me a huge salad for dinner. My snack right before I go back to the gym to meet my friend Mary Ann is this. Vanilla Greek yogurt. Oh my! If I could I would eat this stuff all the darn time. This will give me another protein pop! Then I am going to get the cardio out of the way and have a salad that will look similar to this one for dinner. I more than likely will pick up some fruit while I am there for a snack at night. Minus the cheese I am in need of my greens! I cant wait! I love going to Earthfare and getting a salad, it will cost me but hey at least I wont have to cook at home (another thing I can get away with being single ;)

So there you have it. My food for the day. This is going to run me about 1450 cals and about 140 grams of protein,135 carbs. I want to stay around this many calories for the week, I was cutting them but I think that I need to keep them higher because I dont want to go into starvation mode. I am being really active today and will be for the rest of the week. I am going to get the legs and arms back in shape in no time and I need the fuel to get me there. I hope that you are having a wonderful wed and I am so glad that it is almost over for me (the work week). I am ready to relax and have some fun this weekend. Last weekend I spent all my time in bed doing nothing but hanging out with some ice. Nope not this weekend. This weekend is going to be all about laying out, swimming and fun in the sun. Happy Summer!

-Heather

A therapy day...

This morning I get to work and try once again to get on my blog and there it was. It worked today for some unknown reason. I guess my job didnt block me after all. I should have just realized that it could have been something wrong with the server for the day. Oh well! I am okay with this. So that made my morning right from the start! This morning I didnt wake up early enough to go for a morning walk. Man I love to walk in the morning for an hour. The air is crisp the sun is just barely out and the thought of everyone in their beds dreaming while I am out being active puts a smile on my face. I almost feel sneaky! I got up and realized that I only had 30 minutes if I was going for a walk so instead I laid in bed. Meditated, stretched and was breathing deep. Monday is all over with and I always feel as though if I can get through Monday I am in the clear.

This morning I dug into a bag of dates that I got in the mail from Oh Nuts! And I did what I always see folks doing on their blogs. I stuffed it with pecan butter for a "get yerself goin" eat. This of course wasnt breakfast but I try my best to stick something in my mouth as soon as I wake up so that I can get things goin. I only ate one and saved one for "desert" after dinner. I am soooo good for that. Dont think I didnt want them both! I am in love with this combo and I am going to be as careful as possible to not over do this treat. I got a whole bag of dates, pistachios and coconut covered malt balls from Oh Nuts! I am going to take a cup of the dates and make something SUPER special with them . I want to make a completely raw avocado key lime pie. I should be getting some organic wines and when I have my wine tasting I am going to make a pie, cheeses, crackers and some olives. Yay! Stay tuned because I am going to give yall the recipe when it comes. Mary Ann you are going to have to come to this when I have it. I wont tell! It will be all super healthy anyway! I had to have something to eat after I had my Noni shot and wheat grass shot!

I have a wonderful and I mean wonderful review! I cant wait to tell you about this product you are going to want to run out and get yourself one as soon as you see this! First though breakfast!
I had my usual this morning. One pack of organic oats, chia seeds, wheat bran, unsweetened almond milk and a spoon ful of pb2 and greek yogurt! Goood breakie for me! After checking e-mails and getting settled in it is time for my snack. Egg whites for me this week. Like I said before with me not being able to do very much of anything I am cutting my food intake a lot. Just for a little while. You know, the smaller you get the less you need to eat. I am only doing this for about another week or so until I find out what I can and cant do. I have my first physical therapy appointment today!!! I never thought I would be so happy to see a doctor. So yeah, eggs whites for me! I did put a little turmeric in it to give it some color and they say that it helps with inflammation so I went for it. It tasted great. Then I am heading off to the YMCA to walk on the treadmill for 45 minutes. I have got to get a good pace going so that burn at very least 200 calories.

After the gym I am ready for my protein and my carbs!

This is what my lunch is pretty much going to be this whole week. I am having tuna on a bed of field greens with a few olives and a side of hummus and some veggies. The perfect mix of protein and carbs. I try and eat this about 45 minutes after my workout. After I have this, about two hours later this will be my snack for the last part of my day. I love love love Greek yogurt and yet again I tell myself that this is my desert for the day! I need something sweet after my hummus and veggies. This really hits the spot. After work I am going to physical therapy and when I get home I will have dinner and then later a very light snack...Now like I said yesterday I usually dont have cereal for dinner but this week it is what's for dinner. I am single and can get away with it. I would rather your dinner look like this. Baked chicken with Mrs.Dash, sweet potato and spinach. Instead I will be eating this. One cup of Fiber one, berries and unsweetened almond milk. A 200 calorie dinner. I am trying my best to just stay where I am for the next week or two and cutting cals is the only way I can do this without doing exercise. I have to be honest with yall. I hate that I am eating cereal for dinner. Trust me I would rather be eating 500 calories of colorful veggies and protein! I will be in a few days! My snack for the night will be celery and pb2! Yum.This is the crunch that I need. I could only fill up two stalks with the PB2 but that is fine. I dont mind celery by itself! So that is it for me today. There you have it guys and gals! My eats! Now time for 2 count em two reviews! I had something else that is not on the blog yet! I had this come to me in the mail yesterday and I couldn't wait to try it out. This was in between my lunch and snack!I had a lovely and I mean lovely green tea today. Yesterday I got a package in the mail from Libre Loose Leaf Tea Glass. I have been eyeing this company for quite sometime since I am a avid green tea drinker. See in the winter I love a cup of hot green tea but in the summer I want it cold! I have been brewing myself a cup of green tea and then sitting it in the fridge for a few hours at work and by the time lunch comes around I have a nice cold cup of green tea. The thing that I hated was that it just sat in the plastic cup for ever and there was no lid to keep on it so it was kinda gross it just sitting in the fridge with everyone's food and stuff. I contacted Wendy and asked if I could try out the Libre. She was so sweet to send me one! I opened up to look at it and "How pretty, I thought!" This is what the site says!

New… Libre…a tea glass specifically designed for loose leaf tea ‘on the go’. (I thought, this is what I needed. I can have my green tea on the go now!!!)
In the car, on a hike, at the office, on your bike, at a yoga class, wherever you happen to be.…take your Libre tea glass along with you. Carry it in your backpack or purse, and just add hot water to enjoy your favourite loose leaf tea.
Enjoy a relaxing tea moment…anytime, anywhere!
Libre tea glasses are available in two styles – glass ‘n glass or glass ’n poly. Both models are leak-proof and thermal, and come with removable stainless steel filters for easy preparation of loose leaf tea (link to about loose leaf tea) on the go.
The glass ’n poly tea glass has a durable polycarbonate exterior and a heat-resistant glass interior for easy handling and clean taste. The glass ‘n glass model – excellent for home and office use as well as ‘on the go’ – has a glass interior and exterior.
The stainless steel filter in both models keeps the tea leaves away from your mouth and is easy to remove when adding or emptying loose leaf tea.
Both the cap of the glass ’n poly Libre tea glass and the surround of the stainless steel filter are made of BPA-free polypropylene.
By now, you’ve probably discovered the wonderful taste and variety of loose leaf tea and its health benefits. Are you also aware that loose leaf tea has a smaller eco-footprint than tea bags, because of its bulk packaging? And, of course, it’s inexpensive – less than whole leaf tea bags.
Now you can enjoy the benefits of loose leaf tea anytime, anywhere, with your Libre tea glass! Take along a little of your favourite loose leaf tea, and simply add hot water for easy, great tasting loose leaf tea all day long.

Thanks Wendy! I went out last night and bought some raspberry loose leaf tea and this morning had the nicest cup of green tea ever thanks to this tea glass. Seriously, if you are a tea lover and you want to have it anytime anywhere visit them at
www.Libretea.com

I already have three people here at the office that is sold and I think that this is the perfect gift for almost anyone! I give them a 10!

My second review is for Oh Nuts! They were super nice as well and sent me some lovely product. Almost too good.

The Oh Nuts Story
How did Oh! Nuts start? You may wonder. It all started 16 years ago, in January of 1992. Yehuda Klein decided he wanted to go into the food industry. For three years, Yehuda and his wife Ity provided wholesale products to consumers and sold the packaged goods to local Brooklyn stores. Soon, he wanted to do more than wholesale and in April of 1995, right before Passover, Yehuda and Ity opened the first Oh! Nuts store.
Far from large, the 15 x 15 space selected for the store was cozy and homey, lined from wall to wall with milk crates which functioned as makeshift shelves to display a modest array of nuts and dried fruit. Flyers were handed out in the street and slowly, word spread about the small store called Oh! Nuts, and people started coming out to buy their delicious and fresh products. Customers loved the warm and welcoming environment that Oh! Nuts offered and continues to offer till today.
Approximately one year later, the Klein couple opened up another small store in Boro Park on 50th Street, off 13th Ave. It was at this time that Oh! Nuts began carrying more than just nuts and dried fruit. Added to the inventory list were candy and chocolate and gift baskets. A year after that, the Flatbush Oh! Nuts opened up a larger location around the corner and was expanded and renovated to meet the growing Oh! Nuts clientele. As business increased, so did the Klein's enthusiasm, and the flourishing business was ready to conquer a new frontier.
Soon, the website www.ohnuts.com was opened and became popular due to its kosher products inventory and started selling products nationwide.
The following year, a third Oh! Nuts branch opened in the Five Towns neighborhood of Cedarhurst. All this time, Ity and Yehuda were constantly listening to customer's comments, suggestions and constructive criticism. Among those suggestions were which products to add to the inventory and which locations were great retail spots. In the winter of Jan. 2004 the last (for now!) and largest of all Oh! Nuts came to be. The newest Oh! Nuts store, and by far the most long awaited by its clientele, is located in a charming rural outpost in Rockland County, NY (Monsey). The 2000 sq. ft. store has plenty of space to display the most sumptuous candies, nuts and gift platters. Barely 6 months after that, in July of 2004 the Boro Park store moved to the corner of 13th Ave. and 50th St. and was fully modernized and renovated to better serve its customers.
I got three products from them!

I got Turkish Antiep Pistachios.Some people value flavor above all else. Top-quality, Turkish pistachios. Smaller and less open than California-grown pistachios, Turkish pistachios feature a richer, more distinctive taste. Consider these the Rolls Royce of Pistachios.

I also got some California Dates!

Grown in sunny California, the brown and saccharine date is probably man's oldest cultivated fruit. There are many grades of Medjool dates: Jumbo Medjool Dates are the largest, sweetest, juiciest and are the cream of the crop. Only 5% of the entire crop makes this grade. Large Medjool Dates grade are the same quality, delightfully sweet and moist as the jumbos, only smaller size. Extra Fancy grade dates contains mixed sizes of fruit. These dates may have minor skin imperfections and will have some loose or broken skin. They are still very good but didn't make the Jumbo or Large grade. Any of these dates can be used for cooking, baking and snacking. 20-21 PIECES IN 1LB

AMAZING!!!!

and

Coconut flavored malt balls! Whew!

Creamy white coconut flavored couverture surrounding a malted milk ball center. The movies will never be the same. I stuck these in the freezer as soon as I got them! Wow! That is all that I can really say! These babies are going to take me forever to eat (let's hope!).

I give Oh nuts! a 10....

Go visit them at:
www.ohnuts.com

They have so many wonderful things to buy I bet you cant just buy one!
All in all a pretty fantatsic day planned. Thanks to Oh Nuts! and Libre! You guys rock and tottaly made my day. I thank you from the bottom of my heart!
See yo tomorrow!
-Heather

Monday and boy is it a hard one.

I wanted to start this post with a funny picture because I am not in a good mood right now. (My sister and I in SF just weeks ago!)

This morning I get to work and do what I always do. Get my computer up and running then I go track my food for the day and then get started on my post for the day as far as my blog goes. I get to work 45 minutes early so that I can have my "me" time (coffee and blog). That way my work doesnt take a hot from me blogging. Well, what a surprise....They blocked me. I was so upset. I told only two people in the office about my blog and how happy I am to be doing it and BAM! They blocked me from even being able to post anything. So now I am back to blogging at home. I hate that only because while I am at home so many distractions take place. I also like it because that means that I can work on it all day in increments and get a really in depth post with all my meals and such. One post at work can take me a few hours broken up (I usually use my breaks and lunch to blog as well.) So I hate to say it my peeps but you may be getting shorter posts. You will still get the added benefit of the photos (good thing a picture is worth a million words) because I may not be writing too terribly much after I get home from work and working out. Plus you will have to read at night about my day instead of in the afternoon and get the full picture of what my work outs and eats will be for the day. Oh well, la di da!

I get to start physical therapy tomorrow!!! I cant freakin wait! I am so going to ask when I can run/dance so that I can I get on the train again! I am in need. Thank god for my clients! I am putting them through great workouts since I cant. Mary Ann is a new client and I am lovin this girl. She listens and more importantly DOES what I tell her. I have had over thirty people drop pounds and look great with some of my methods and I can say this. She is going to look the best when I am done. I just know. I can look at her figure and see what is underneath and this is going to be so fun. She has no idea yet but she will. So back to the eats! I know you wanna know! I have a review as well so get ready!

First thing this morning after being rudely awakened I had my usual coffee and oats. Oh yeah baby. That is what I am talkin about. I had one pack of organic oats, chia seeds, wheat bran, egg whites and some unsweetened almond milk. I needed a little something extra so I added in one table spoon of almond butter (ooopppps!). It was awesome!

This was exactly what I needed to jump start my day. what would I do without my oats! I finished those in about 5 minutes (I have got to eat slower!) and worked more then I looked at the clock and realized that it was snack time! I went for something simple (since I cant really work out I am having to trim my plate a bit these days (just for a little while.) I went for these home boyz.

I love hard boiled egg whites, they are just so easy! I boiled a dozen on Sunday and I bet that they will all be gone bu Wed! I know, I know....That is a lot of eggs! I had three here. Yum! That is just what I needed for my walk today. I went to the gym and walked on the treadmill for 40 minutes, stretched and then I was done. I came back to work and was ready to chow down. And chowing down is just what I did. Colorful and awesome! I made light tuna outta the can goooood! I had olives (black) red onion and red pepper with the tuna on a bed of field greens. The olives were so tasty that I didn't even need any dressing. It was kick butt!

I finished up my work and by that time it was time for a snack again. I love tuna but I do have to say, I am hungry in about 3 hours (which I should be by the way!)

I had this combo. I had half of a blueberry PURE bar (heaven and the best one yet!) and one container of vanilla greek yogurt. I didnt take a picture of the greek yogurt bit you know what it looks like!!! it was pretty good. I have my desert at around 3:30 and go ahead and tell myself that this is my desert. I try my hardest not to eat anything that has too many carbs after 4:00 p.m. This was the fuel that I needed to get the last 30 minute walk in and a training session in with one of my girls!

When I came home I had this for dinner. Now I know that this is not the most nutritious of meals but like I said before I am cutting back a bit and I have got to go with something that has high fiber and LOW cals. I chose this...One full cup of fiber one and some unsweetened almond milk with a few raspberries on top. It was great! I know that cereal is not usually "what's for dinner". I usually have a HUGE salad with tofu of chicken but tonight (and sadly, for the rest of the week maybe) it will be my good ol friend fiber one. with only 120 cals and paired with the milk and berries you are lookin at under 200 cals for dinner. Not my recommendation but hey, I gotta be honest with you. I am going to have this for a snack. PB2 and celery is the snack of choice tonight. That is what I am going for these days as my late night snack. I love celery and with pb2 there is nothing to feel bad about at all! I am going to try my hardest to stick to this plate for the rest of the week and see what happens. I walked today for a total of 70 minutes and stretched out a good bit. Tomorrow morning I am going to do my best to drag myself out of bed and get in a morning walk from 7:00-8:00. I used map my run and found the perfect walk for me. 60 minutes and a little over 3 miles. If I can do that every morning I will be feeling great when I get to work and be in the best mood. Okay so are you ready for a review ??? Or two???

I got it for you.

Deans Beans sent me some coffee to try and my oh my was it good. I wanted to wait until the weekend to try it and I wanted to try it hot and over ice. Both were FANTASTIC! Yet again another website that I love the art work for. I tried out this blend.

Moka Java

The smooth, syrupy taste of Sumatran and the fruity, fragrant qualities of Ethiopian combined for this classic coffee. The original European blend, still the best!
I didnt want the cup to empty. Darn good people. Here is a little bit about them straight from the site.

www.deansbeans.com

Great Coffee Making the World a Better Place
All Organic, Fair Trade and Kosher - Respect for the Quality of Life
All of our fine whole bean specialty coffees are certified organic, fair trade and kosher, and are roasted in small batches at our beanery in Orange, MA. We know that the planting, care, harvesting and processing of the beans is done in conformity with international standards for the health of the farmer and his environment, as well as the high quality of the bean. The vast use of pesticides in coffee production has serious impact on the ecology of the coffee-growing world and the health of farm communities. Our commitment to only purchase shade grown coffees supports healthy environments for coffee growers and protects critical migratory bird habitat. It is important to us that the quality of our coffees includes respect for the quality of life of our southern partners in the coffee world. And that respect translates into superb tasting coffee for your pleasure.
How a Great Cup of Coffee Makes the World a Better Place
Besides only roasting organic coffees, Dean's Beans® only purchases beans from villages and importers that are committed to Fair Trade and working towards better economic opportunity, improved health and nutrition in the villages. We promote local empowerment and self-reliance through our Fair Trade purchases and our work with local grassroots development and human rights groups. We also sponsor projects here at home with disenfranchised communities such as Native Americans, the homeless and disabled, and many other groups trying to improve their lives and that of their communities. Every cup you drink and every pound you buy contributes directly to the welfare of coffee growers and consumers.
We only purchase beans from small farmers and cooperatives, largely made up of indigenous peoples working hard to maintain their culture and lifestyles in a hostile world. We do not buy beans from large estates and farms. We've been there, and have seen the conditions of chronic poverty and malnutrition within which these farms produce those other coffees. Look in your kitchen - do you know where your beans come from?
Dean's Beans® represents a fully integrated progressive coffee trade system.
Each player in our cycle of production and distribution, from the farmer to the consumer, participates in socially just and environmentally responsible trade. We hope that all other coffee companies will follow our lead.
We are proud to be a founding member of Cooperative Coffees, Inc., the first roaster's cooperative created to buy direct, Fair Trade coffee from farmer coops, and make it available to any small roaster who wants to participate in the Fair Trade movement. We are also active members of the Fair Trade Federation, an international organization of dedicated Fair Traders (no poseurs allowed).

All in all 4 stars they get from me!!! I LOVED it. Thanks a million for sending me some!

I hope you all have had a great Monday and I will see you tomorrow. I am going to be review two products tomorrow, a tea glass and Oh Nuts! Jeez my life is gooooooood. Tasting anyway!

Luv ya!

-Heather