Need to Keep Going? This is My Secret…5-hour ENERGY® Shots!

Posted on July 8, 2014 by Krissyar

This shop has been compensated by #CollectiveBias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.

I often get asked, “How do you do it?” With a full-time job, three kids with lots of extra curricular activities, a blog, and a husband on the road I have to keep going and going..a lot like the Energizer bunny! I can tell you this is my secret – 5-hour ENERGY® Shots! There are days that I am getting by on just a few hours sleep, but that doesn’t mean my day slows down (no matter how much I might want that to happen), so instead of getting all hyped up on sugar, I opt for 5-hour ENERGY® shots. #ThisIsMySecret

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Recently I knew I was going to need to head to Walgreens and  stock up on my favorite flavors of 5-hour ENERGY® Shots since I was heading solo to Disney World, Legoland and the beach with my kids. Since I’m always in a hurry, I just run up to the register and at our Walgreens the 5-hour ENERGY® Shots are right there, I can just grab and go!

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Late to bed and early to rise seems to be the life of a Mom – unfortunately that doesn’t ever change. It’s even worse on vacation! I made sure to load my suitcase with enough shots for the trip, and it helped me keep up with the kids – and even do all the ‘mom’ things I needed to do once we were finished for the day. What I love about 5-hour ENERGY® shots is I don’t have a sugar crash – I don’t feel the need to take a nap once it wears off. In fact, I even love using them after I work out so I can finish my ‘mom duties’ at home.

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Reasons why 5-hour ENERGY® shots beats the other competitors:

  • 5-hour ENERGY® shots are a dietary supplement that contains a blend of B-vitamins, amino acids, and essential nutrients.
  • There’s zero sugar, carbs, or herbal stimulants!
  • Is only four calories!!
  • Contain caffeine comparable to a cup of coffee!

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The Giveaway
2 winners will win a 6 month supply of 5-hour ENERGY® Shots.
No Purchase Necessary. The How Do You Use 5-Hour ENERGY® Products To Keep Up With Your Busy Summer Days Sweepstakes begins on 6/15/14 at 12:00 A.M. ET and ends on 7/31/14 at 11:59:59 PM ET. Legal residents of the 50 US/DC only. Void where prohibited. By participating you agree to the Official Rules.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Posted in Fitness/Health, Reviews/Giveaways | 42 Comments

Take Care of Your Carpet and it Will Take Care of You

Posted on July 8, 2014 by Krissyar

Whether your home is outfitted with wall-to-wall carpeting, or you have area and scatter rugs strategically placed around your home, caring for those carpets correctly is essential to keeping them looking and feeling great. Carpets can last for many decades, but in order to do so you will need to take very good care of them.

Vacuuming is the first and foremost thing you can do in preventative care. Vacuum on a regular basis, as often as once per day in high-traffic areas. Anytime someone walks across your carpet, the dust, dander, and general debris beneath their feet is ground into the carpet fibers. If you vacuum regularly, those ground-in particles won’t have a chance to be pushed down deeper into the piles of the carpet, where they’ll be much harder to get out.
How often should you vacuum? Bedrooms can be done weekly, while hallways and common living spaces should be tackled several times per week, or as often as once per day. If you have pets, consider jumping right to a daily vacuuming schedule, since pet dander is shed in high amounts and will certainly contribute to the overall health of your carpet.

Even if you are meticulous about eating in the kitchen and not carrying food or drinks over your carpets, chances are spills won’t happen. Don’t fret – instead, get to work. Scrape up solid particles, and use a towel soaked with cold water to gently blot up liquid stains. Work from the edges of the spill inward in order to avoid spreading the stain further. You may need to use special stain removers, particularly in the case of dark reds, tomato-based spills, or enzyme-containing spills (such as blood or pet urine).

Always protect carpet near doorways and entrances with stripping or waterproof runners, and move heavy furniture on occasion to prevent permanent damage to carpet fibers.

Finally, but not of least importance, invest in bi-yearly carpet cleaning services from a professional company. Professional carpet cleaning companies utilize steam cleansers and material-specific cleansers to ensure a deep, thorough cleaning that will greatly extend the life of your carpet. Get more info here.

Posted in Cleaning & Organizing | 1 Comment

Fun Workout Moves that Don’t Feel Like a Workout

Posted on July 7, 2014 by Krissyar

Zumba® Fitness revolutionized the way to use a step in a group fitness class with the launch of “Zumba® Step” in 2013. In keeping with the ever-evolving fitness industry, Zumba® enhanced the adrenaline-pumping fitness party with this gravity-defying blend of Zumba flavor, step aerobics and fitness movements. Zumba® Step targets lower body muscles, aids in balance and coordination, and encourages you to use more energy to lift your body weight against the force of gravity.

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In 2002, Zumba® expert Gina Grant took her first Zumba® class in order to get her body back after having her third child. Grant was immediately hooked to the global fitness party and “values the exhilarating and effective workout that Zumba classes provide her…” Grant is now “step dancing” fitness enthusiasts into shape with four moves that are sure to tone and sculpt your body without making you feel like you’re working out. Follow the steps below, and be on your way to being the best “you” that you can be!

First up is the Bachata Turn Step, which targets obliques, quads, outer thighs, and calves.
Stand on the step with your legs spread, then bring your right foot diagonally behind you while your left foot remains on the step. Make sure to raise your right arm at the same time.
Return your right foot to a wide stance on the step and bring your left arm up.
Bring your left foot diagonally behind you, keeping your right foot on the step.
Alternate legs for four counts, and do 4 sets.
*Involve your hips to tone and tighten your side ADL.

Next is the Flamenco Combo, which targets core, glutes, quads, inner thighs, and arms.
Stand on the center of the step (placed lengthwise). Lunge your left foot diagonally off the step, and raise your right arm over your head.
Repeat Step 1 on the other side.
Bring your foot back to the center of the step.
In order to involve core muscles, lift your left knee to the outside of your waist, and you’re your right arm to shoulder height.
Lift your right knee to the outside of your waist. Alternate sides and repeat, and be sure to do 4 sets.

Third is the Salsa Combo, which targets glutes, quads, and hamstrings.
Step out to the left in a squat position from the top of the step while moving your arms side to side.
Step cut to the right in a squat position.
Return your feet together on the step. Do a front salsa move starting with your left foot.
Lunge back with your right foot off the step. Bring your arms to shoulder height and curl in. Repeat with your other leg, and do 4 sets.

Lastly, Grant shows us the Tango Lift, which targets abs, glutes, and quads.
Bring your left foot off the step.
Put your weight onto your right leg, kick your left leg back, and extend your right arm over your head.
Bring both feet up onto the step.
Step your right foot onto the floor, then sway your hips and arms from side to side 5 times. Repeat this on other side, and do 4 sets.

If you’re looking for a balance of traditional fitness, dance and step aerobics, these Zumba® Step moves are what you have been waiting for.
“With Zumba® Step, we’ve revolutionized an exercise classic that truly helped shape the fitness industry. With our own Zumba spin, we’ve made the program incredibly effective, especially on the lower-body, and easy-to-follow so you’ll see results while enjoying the workout — it’s truly fitness without sacrifice,” said Alberto Perlman, CEO and co-founder of Zumba®.

For more information about the Zumba® Step program or to find a live class near you, visit zumba.com.
For more information about Gina Grant, visit ginagrant.zumba.com.

 

Posted in Fitness/Health | 1 Comment

Tips for Staying Healthy While Traveling

Posted on July 4, 2014 by Krissyar

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  • Check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for information on vaccines and health alerts at your destination and visit your doctor ideally, 4-6 weeks before your trip to get vaccines or medicine you may need.
  • Strengthen your immune system before you travel by exercising and taking your vitamins.
  • Get 7-9 hours of sleep the night before you fly.
  • Pack healthy snacks for the plane (nuts, veggies, and fruits), but make sure to consume them in flight so as not to bring them into another country.
  • Stay hydrated – drink plenty of water, water, water.
  • Skip the alcohol and caffeine.
  • Keep your hands and your personal items out of the seat back pocket to avoid germs.  (Imagine how many people have read that magazine!)
  • Wash your hands and carry a travel size antibacterial sanitizer.
  • Use sunscreen and insect repellant.
  • Once you return home, see a doctor immediately if you are not feeling well or if you notice any abnormal changes in your body. Be sure to let the office know you have recently been out of the country. Many times an illness will take a few days to appear.

*Tips from Dr. Omur Cinar Elci, Chair of St. George’s University Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine

Posted in Travel | 1 Comment

Healthy 4th of July Recipes

Posted on July 2, 2014 by Krissyar

Barbeques with family and friends are a great way to celebrate summer, especially those on the 4th of July. At your next soirée, shake things up a bit by adding tofu to classic summertime dishes. House Foods Tofu, a Non-GMO and kosher certified protein with only 7 grams of fat, can easily be swapped for traditional BBQ ingredients. It certainly will be a crowd pleaser with all guests.

 Cool off at your next fête with Debi Mazar and Gabriele Corcos’ Tofu and Berry Popsicles. This summertime treat combines House Foods Tofu Organic or Premium Soft with your favorite summery fruits, like strawberries and blueberries, for a healthy, yet indulgent delight.

For the main course, whip up a barbeque must have with a healthy twist – House Foods Crispy Tofu Parmesan Sliders. This award winning recipe will make your guests wanting more. The pesto mayo spread adds a flavorful topping to the delicious slider without losing the BBQ taste and feel.

 Or cook up House Foods Grilled Tofu and Tomato Skewers. Simply pair the House Foods Tofu Organic or Premium Extra Firm with your favorite seasonal veggies, like tomatoes, to add flavor and grill – it’s that easy!

 

Tofu and Berry Popsicles

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Created by Debi Mazar & Gabriele Corcos, stars of Cooking Channel’s show Extra Virgin

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 package (7 oz) House Foods Tofu Organic or Premium Soft

2 cups strawberries or other berries, hulled and sliced

1/2 cup super fine sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

 

DIRECTIONS:

Add the berries to a bowl and toss with the sugar and the vanilla. Let sit out for 20 minutes so they become juicy.

Add fruit mixture to a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Add the tofu and blend again until incorporated.

Divide the mixture into 4 popsicles molds. Freeze until firm, for about 4 hours.

Makes 6 Popsicles (3 ounces each)

 

Crispy Tofu Parmesan Sliders

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Created by House Foods America

INGREDIENTS

Pesto Mayo
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons basil pesto
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Tofu
1 package House Foods Tofu Organic or Premium Extra Firm, drained
1 egg
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon dried Italian herb seasoning
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
2 tablespoons canola oil
8 small slices mozzarella cheese

Sliders
8 slider buns or small dinner rolls, split, toasted
16 fresh basil leaves or 8 small lettuce leaves
8 slices plum tomato

 

DIRECTIONS:

Pesto Mayo: in small bowl stir together the mayonnaise, pesto and cumin. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Tofu: quarter block of tofu into 4 equal pieces. Slice each quarter horizontally into 2 thin pieces.
In shallow bowl, beat eggs with mustard.
In another shallow dish, place bread crumbs and cheese; mix well.
In a third bowl, combine flour, herb seasoning and seasoned salt.
Dip tofu in flour mixture, then egg mixture, then coat with bread crumb mixture.
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add tofu to skillet cooking 3 to 4 minutes per side or until golden brown.
Top with cheese slices after turning tofu.
Spread sides of buns with pesto mayo and place tofu slices topping with basil and tomato slices.

Makes 4 servings of 2 sliders each

 

 

Tofu Tomato and Herb Skewers

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Created by House Foods America

INGREDIENTS:

2 pkgs House Foods Tofu Premium or Organic Extra Firm, drained and pressed
40 cherry tomatoes
20 bamboo skewers

 

Sauce:
1 clove garlic
1 large shallot
1 bundle Italian parsley
1 bundle cilantro
2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
2/3 Tbsp Kosher salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
½ tsp red pepper flakes
3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

 

DIRECTIONS:

Add garlic and shallot to the bowl of a food processor and pulse a couple times.  Add parsley and cilantro and pulse a few more times.  Combine with vinegar, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes and oil in bowl.  Mix well.

Cut tofu in cubes to match the size of tomatoes.

Place tofu cubes and tomato alternately on skewers.  Brush with sauce and grill 3-4 minutes on each side.  Brush a couple more times until grill mark is shown.  Brush tofu one final time before serving.

 

Makes 20 skewers

Posted in Recipes | 2 Comments