~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
Mani Monday ~ Poinsettia
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
Jocelyn Arndt Premieres New Christmas Song "Still" ~ Music
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
Vital Yoga A Sourcebook for Students and Teachers ~ Book Review ~ Gifts Ideas
Are you looking for last minute gift ideas for the Yoga lovers on your list? Here is a great guide to Yoga for students and teachers. I have been reading through it multiple times as it is a great reference to yoga moves, history and how to help others learn yoga.
I am pretty new to yoga since I started my fitness journey but my Dr has been bugging me to get into it as it would help build core strength and relieve some of my back pain I was having in the past. I love doing the yoga stretches especially if I am sore, tired or I even found that yoga helps when it is that time of the month. I find if I can't/don't feel up to my regular workout I will do yoga instead. I am hoping to implement it more into my week even if it is just a few times a week to get that good stretch either in the am or pm.
About Vital Yoga: 
From a longtime yoga teacher, this highly visual, broadly informative resource gives serious yoga practitioners a wide-ranging framework that will enrich their practice.
As any yoga student or teacher knows, there’s more to yoga than Downward Dog. Meta Chaya Hirschl’s immersive guide offers a complete vision of yoga, from its historical and spiritual roots to modern practice. Whether you are a novice yogi or an experienced instructor, Vital Yoga will help you unlock yoga’s full potential—and your own.
Focusing on the traditional eight limbs of yoga, Hirschl covers a wide range of essential topics in three sections: Before the Mat, On the Mat, and Into the World. In Before the Mat, you’ll learn about the history and philosophy of yoga, with fresh insights into:
• Fundamental texts like the Bhagavad Gita
• The role of vibration in yogic practice
• Mantras for everything from health to job hunting
In On the Mat, you’ll find practical instructions for every aspect of yoga, including:
• Breathing consciously to guide your vital energies
• Meditating to master and heighten your senses
• Posing with intention, strength, and balance
And finally, you’ll go Into the World. For Hirschl, the true benefits of yoga come not from perfect poses, but from using yoga every day to help yourself and others—so she covers how you can improve your confidence, health, and even your sex life with yoga, and how you can teach others to do the same.
Throughout, Vital Yoga invites you to delve into the heart of yoga with derivations of Sanskrit terms, “stealth” yoga practices you can do anywhere, wisdom from the great sages, and accounts by contemporary yogis. Its goal is to help you connect to your inner self, transcend fear and attachment to the stresses of life, and achieve bliss—and when you’ve achieved it, you’ll be able to share it.
This is a fabulous resource book for beginners and teachers. There are yoga poses that are modified for all individuals needs. It has a chapter on mediation and also on yoga therapy. It has been a great addition to my book shelve and I am sure it would make a fabulous gift for a yoga lover.
Pick up a copy today from Thomas Allen & Son Ltd.
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received the above book for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
Ziploc has Holiday Baking Covered!
Each time I bake I am always trying to get containers that are festive, sturdy, can be frozen and are also inexpensive because it is nice to be able to give away treats or bring them to family gatherings. This way you don't need to worry about forgetting your containers and they are festive enough to package your Holiday goodies.
Ziploc has Holiday baking covered with their holiday festive containers in red and green. Three sizes are available so they are great for squares, loaves, cookies or other yummy holiday treats. They come in - Large rectangle (2.12L, 2 count), Large round (1.41L, 2 count) and Medium square (1.18L, 3 count). I am thinking a large rectangle may be holiday some party mix!
The Holiday Ziploc containers have a One Press seal! You just push down in the middle to make sure they have their tight seal and a way you go. Ready for the freezer, gift giving or to take along to gatherings.
For more information visit Ziploc.ca or "Like" Ziploc on Facebook.
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received the above product in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
Clockwork Fantasy A Steampunk Collection by Pauline Creeden ~ Book Promo
Clockwork Fantasy - A Steampunk collection has just been release in time for Christmas. It is sure to please the steampunk lover on your list. Buy on AMAZON Four Steampunk Fantasies in one collection:
CHRONICLES OF STEELE: RAVEN (complete series novel)
Human life has value. The poor living in the gutter are as valuable as the rich living in a manor. The scoundrel is no less valuable than the saint. Because of this, every life a reaper takes must be redeemed.
Raven has lived by this first tenet since she was trained by her father to become a reaper. But since his death, she’s been spending years redeeming the lives she’s taken. By her count, she’s even and it’s time for that life to end. If she settles down and becomes a wife, she might just feel human again. But on the way to the life she thinks she wants, the baron of New Haven asks her to complete a task which she cannot ignore… Just when Raven decides to give up on her life as an assassin, she’s pulled right back in.
HEARTLESS IN NEW ORLEANS (short story)
Helen's time has run out, and she must sneak into the graveyard to get the key she needs from her former master. It is a race against time and the ticking of her own heart.
ARMORED HEARTS
When a crippled young lord rescues a girl falling from a tree, it reveals a secret about himself and his mother's side of the family that could put him at the center of a war with beings he thought only existed in fairy tales. Tristan Gareth Smyth lived his entire life stuck at home at Waverly Park and left behind while his Grandfather makes trips to London, all because of his blasted wheelchair. Then an American heiress falls in his lap, literally, and he must find a way to keep her at a distance to protect not only his secret, but everyone around him from an assassin sent to kill him.
WINTER FAE ~The Short Story Prequel to ARMORED HEARTS (Steampunk Fantasy)~
Once upon a time, a fairy princess gave up her home, her family, and her birthright for the love of a human lord. But life outside has made her sick. When she returns to the land of fae with her son, she discovers things are not as they should be. Will she find the healing she so desperately seeks for herself and invalid son? Or will she be received with the coldness of winter?
Pauline’s Newsletter Sign Up http://eepurl.com/Oe2Fn
Pauline Creeden
Pauline Creeden is a horse trainer from Virginia, but writing is her therapy. In her fiction, she creates worlds that are both familiar and strange, often pulling the veil between dimensions. She becomes the main character in each of her stories, and because she has ADD, she will get bored if she pretends to be one person for too long.
P90 Level A Results Are In!
Here is the break down
Left Arm = -1/2 inch
Right Arm = -1/8 inch
Chest = -3/4 inch
Middle (gut) = -1/2 inch
Waist = 0
Hips = - 1/2 inch
Left Thigh = +1/8 inch
Right Thigh = + 1/4 inch
I have actually gained a little on the thighs from all the squats and lunges. They really do burn hard core after doing the Sculpt workout. I am excited to see the definition on the legs.
I have started Level B on December 4th with Sweat & Ab ripper B. It is a step up that is for sure. Tony has us adding to exercises we started in level A and moving a whole lot quicker with less recovery time in between exercises. My favorites in the Sweat B I would say is the mixed martial arts. I am getting a lot more power behind the jabs and strikes and we are now adding kicks and jumps to it. At first I wasn't too sure about the jumps but I have been doing well with my knees and back. I took it slow the first time through just too see how my body would react to the new program and I am doing very well. I love the new found strength I have since I started this journey. Tony make working out a lot of fun with his sense of humor throughout Sweat B. I do think Maddy should be the advance person as she really hits it!
Sculpt B is not easy that is for sure! Again Tony has been adding to the exercises we started with in A. It is a nice jump in the levels where you really have to push yourself but it isn't a huge jump where you feel you can't complete the workout. I find Tony a bit more serious in this workout but it is a fabulous workout and you can really feel all the muscles worked by the end.
I am a couple days into work 2 and hope to be finishing up Level B the first week of January. I will keep you up to date on my workouts and how I am doing. I will be measuring again at the end of Level B and then we will move on to C. The last month of P90!
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
Mani Monday ~ Holiday Sweater
The past couple weeks have flown right by and I forgot to take a picture of my Holiday Sweater mani. I also haven't found time to change my manicure yet either. So this weeks Mani Monday is to show you how well Jamberry Nail wraps can hold up with everyday use of cleaning supplies, typing, baking, showering, working out, beading (my newest hobby that I am sure to share with you soon!) and so many other things. I have been using tons of hand lotion also because my hands have hit the winter dry. My daughter made me my cute beaded bracelet. She is finding tons of joy crafting with mom.
Want to try a sample of Jamberry nails? Send me an email or comment below. I will be sending out samples in the new year!
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
InstaWave Automatic Curler ~ Review ~ Gift Idea
I was a little apprehensive to try out this curler as I was afraid to get it stuck in my hair but I was surprised at how easy it was to use. I did have to play with it the first time to learn which way the curl dial turns and pulls the hair in especially when doing the other side you need to flip the switch the other way. Once I figured it out I was on my way to having fabulous curls. I find the more I use it the better the curls are getting. It is simple and quick which is what I love the most.
In the end I had some soft bouncy curls that I just love!
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received the above product for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
Top 10 Favorite Snacks 200 Calories or Under
I literally eat every 2-3 hours. I have finally reset my metabolism to work in the fat burning mode instead of fat storing. This means I fuel my body with foods that is will turn to energy instead of storing it as fat. In turn when your metabolism is working hard to fuel your body you need to continue to give it healthy treats.
Here is a list of my favorite go to snacks that are 200 or less calories, in no particular order.
- A banana with or without 1 Tbsp of peanut butter
- A small to medium apple with or without 1 Tbsp of peanut butter
- 1 cup raw veggies - peppers, cucumbers, tiny tomatoes and 2 Tbsp of homemade Hummus
- Protein Shake - calories depend on the shake some are as low as 60 calories when mixed with water.
- Rice cakes - again this depends on the flavor but most are 50 to 80 calories for 1 rice cake or under 100 calories for 12 mini rice cakes
- 1 slice of homemade banana bread - 170 calories
- Homemade baked kale chips (1 cup of Kale baked) 70 calories
- 1 hard boiled egg 70 calories
- 1 cup fat free Greek Yogurt with 1 Tbsp of honey 160 calories
- 1/2 cup fat free cottage cheese with 1 cup of berries 160 calories
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
Always the Quiet Ones by Cassandra Carr ~ Book Promo
King of the geeks Marty Johnston has a serious crush on his co-worker Elizabeth. The principal IT consultant wants more than just a flirtation, but guilt over a one-night-stand-but-maybe-more Marty had on his last business trip before meeting Elizabeth could cost him his big chance with the girl of his dreams. He’s comfortable dealing with computers, not people. Can he step way outside his comfort zone to sort things out, or will he lose the one he’s falling for?
Purchase a copy on Amazon.
About the Author:
Connect: Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook |
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
Great Stocking Stuffers from Hasbro
The NERF N-STRIKE Jolt blaster is the prefect stocking stuffer for the NERF fan on your list. It is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand or pocket ready to blast your opponent. It includes 2 Elite darts. Recommended for ages 8+
For more stocking stuffer and gift ideas visit Hasbro Canada website.
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received the above items in exchange for this feature. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
Mani Monday ~ Snow & Ice Jr.
Want to see more awesome manicures? Head over to The Knit Wit by Shair to see which wraps she is sporting.
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
P90/Fitness Update and a little Insanity
I haven't just been working out five days a week, I have also really cracked down on my eating. I am amazed when I think back to my nutrition over the last few years. I am almost sick when I think about what I have done to myself. I haven't been eating total garbage because I can't. Over the years I have had problems when eating out at fast food restaurants so much so that I have been avoiding them for the most part for about four years now. I have been to the doctors and he doesn't know what it could be except something preservatives wise. I have had my gallbladder check and all came back good. I have to even be super careful when eating prepackaged food. We eat a lot of food that is from scratch and whole. If it doesn't have a label on it I am good to eat it. It has been a blessing in disguise. I have been eating about 85% clean foods and it has been helping big time. I have more energy, I feel great inside and out. Mentally and physically my body is thanking me.
On Monday I was so busy after working an overnight that I didn't get to go to bed for more than 30 minutes. I had a killer migraine and I know that was a combination of fighting off a cold, lack of water as I was horrible in the am on keeping hydrated and lack of food because I wasn't that hungry when my head hurts. I still picked my butt off the couch and pressed play on my P90 Sculpt A dvd and gave it all I had which was way more than I thought. I am also part of a Facebook group that is doing a 14 day challenge leading up to a new Shaun T workout program. Each day the coach is having us try a exercise and see when we max out. We are aiming for a minute. Last night was a plank. I did it! Just over a minute and then I did another challenge I saw on a Facebook page that I follow. Do push ups with your kid on your back. I did 4! My daughter is 46 lbs and my arms were already dead from upping my weight in my workout to 10 lb total on all exercises!
So in the title I added "and a little insanity" well I did it! I completed an Insanity workout last week. Just one and to be honest it is one of the workouts that is to be done during the "recovery" week in the middle of the 60 day program it is still an insane workout and I finished it! I did not think I was going to and I will be 100% honest with you, I thought I was going to die at about 15 minutes into this 35 (I actually think it is 33 minutes but not sure) workout. I took a few more breaks then was given and at the 15 minute mark I actually laid down on my living room floor with the workout on pause debating if I would get back up and skip it to the cool down or just die right there. Instead I pulled myself off the floor and pressed play and continued!
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
Disney Frozen Sing-aong Edition ~ Gift Idea
"Sing along to the Academy Award(R)-winning musical event of a generation! Experience "Frozen," the hit musical comedy from Walt Disney Animation Studios, like never before in an all-new, full-length "Sing-Along Edition!" Follow the lyrics with a bouncing Frozen snowflake. Join Anna as she sets off on an epic journey - teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff and a snowman named Olaf - to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. It's pure enchantment - and full of fun for the whole family!."
This sing-along edition is available just in time for the holiday season on DVD+Digital. It features the original theatrical short "Get a Horse" featurette, "Breaking The Ice" Sing-along version of the firm. This DVD can be purchase online or at your favorite stores.
For more information or to play games, record your voice with the original soundtrack head over to the Disney website.
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received the above dvd for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
Mani Monday ~ Jr Movember Mani
Watch for our winter/Holiday manicures coming up over the next few weeks!
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
Fitness Update ~ P90
Last Sunday I have made it officially to the half way mark in level A of P90 workout program. I told you last week that in my weigh in I have lost 4 lbs, this week when I weighed in I didn't lose anything but I also didn't gain. I am not really worried about the scale as I only have another 5lbs I would like to lose. If it takes me a couple months I am okay with that. I did do my measurements and was super pleased with those. I have lost a total of 8.5 inches total since starting this program. That is almost the same amount I lost doing Jillian Michaels Beginner Shred. I am going to try not to weigh in or measure now until I am at the end of level A which should be the end of the first week of December if all goes well.
Since I started my fitness journey I have lost a total of 16lbs and 19 inches total. I have noticed it all over. What I love the most is the extra energy I have and the ease of bending and getting back up. I love the extra endurance and strength too. I keep thinking about what I was like in the summer and compare it to how I feel and move now. I am really pleased with my progress so far!
Have you done Insanity? I would love to hear your thoughts on it. Send me an email or comment below.
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
HEXBUG VEX Robotics Ant ~ Holiday Gift Ideas
Here is a really neat gift idea for a child that loves HEXBUG and loves to put things together. HEXBUG VEX Robotic kit comes with everything you need to make your very on Ant robot! 150 snap together pieces including the "brain" which is a computerized central hub for communication from the controller! How cool is that?!? VEX Robotics STEM learning through hands-on play. The kids get to construct their very own jumbo-sized robot and customize its programming.
This kit is recommended for ages 8+ and I am sure there are lots of adults that will be happy to help the kids build a robot. There are 4 different kits available - Ant, Spider, Scarab and Strandbeast.
Design, Build, Drive and Program with HEXBUG VEX robotic kits!
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received the above product in exchange for an feature. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
VTech InnoTab Max ~ Holiday Gift Idea
With this fancy little tablet kids will feel like the bigger kids and mom and dad with their tech toys. The kids will learn while playing games, drawing, music, reading and more. The tablet also comes with a pen.
The InnoTab Max is available in Blue or Pink. Visit VTech Canada for more information and shop. Free shipping to Canada with orders over $45!
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received the above product in exchange for an editorial post. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
