Best Workout for Your Body Type

    There are some workouts that are specific to your particular body shape.  Below I have links to videos for four different body shapes.  If you know your body type, you can view the video that matches your body type.  These videos are from Women's Health Magazine.  I will also include a set of links below which describe in more detail each workout.  The details give you a workout guide and how many days per week you should do the exercises. If you find an online buddy, maybe you can do your workouts together and help keep the routine going.  Exercise can help you stay in shape and add to your own natural beauty. As with any new exercise routine, see your doctor to make sure you will not have any adverse affects from a new workout  routine.

Note: (You can turn off or mute my blog music on the lower right hand side before viewing the video.)

Click here to view the video:  Pear Shape Body Workout

Click here to view the video:  Straight Shape Body Workout

Click here to view the video:  Curvy Shape Body Workout

Click here to view the video:  Athletic Shape Body Workout

For the details of your body type select the link below. Hope you will enjoy the workout!

Click here to view the details for:  Pear Shape Body Workout

Click here to view the details for:  Straight Shape Body Workout

Click here to view the details for:  Curvy Shape Body Workout

Click here to view the details for:  Athletic Shape Body Workout

Men's Health - Challenge 30-30 Workout

    This exercise Challenge is from Men's Health Magazine.  As with any new exercise routine, see your doctor to make sure you will not have any adverse affects from a new workout  routine.
Note: (You can turn off or mute my blog music on the lower right hand side before viewing the video.)

 

THE 30-30 WORKOUT
This cutting-edge routine makes every second count

Use this lightning fast total-body workout to strip away fat and send your heart rate soaring. The routine, created by Men’s Health fitness adviser Alwyn Cosgrove, C.S.C.S., combines high-intensity cardio and strength training for a gust-busting combo that you can do almost anywhere.
Directions: You’ll need a stopwatch to perform this workout. The routine is simple: Start the clock and do first exercise for 30 seconds at a moderate pace: 1 second up, 1 second down, and a 1-second pause in the middle. (That’ll be 10 reps.) Then rest. Start the next exercise when the clock hits 1 minute. (So you’ll rest for 30 seconds.) Repeat this process, moving to a new exercise at the top of every minute, until you’ve completed all five exercises. That’s one circuit. Do a total of four circuits.
1. Y squat
Stand tall and raise your arms straight above you so they form a Y with your body. Pull your shoulder blades together, and lower your body as deep as you can by pushing your hips back and bending your knees. Push yourself back to the starting position and repeat.
2. Push up
Assume a push up position with your hands just wider than shoulder-width apart and your arms straight. Your body should form a straight line from your head to your heels. Lower your body until your chest almost touches the floor. Push yourself back to the starting position and repeat.
3. Right-leg reverse lunge
Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart. Step back with your left leg and lower your body until your right leg is bent at least 90 degrees and your left knee almost touches the floor. Push back to the starting position. That’s 1 rep.
4. Push up position row
Assume a push up position (your arms straight), but with your hands grasping a pair of hex dumbbells. Without allowing your torso to rotate, row the dumbbell in your right hand to the side of your chest. Lower and repeat with your left hand. That’s 1 rep.
5. Left-leg reverse lunge
Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart. Step back with your right leg and lower your body until your left leg is bent at least 90 degrees and your right knee almost touches the floor. Push back to the starting position. That’s 1 rep.

Easy and Healthy Ice Cream You Can Make at Home

    Today I'm attaching a video for how to make homemade strawberry ice cream.  This recipe includes 4 ingredients and 10 minutes to prepare.  This recipe has only 70 calories and 1/2 a gram of saturated fat.  I've made different versions of this using other frozen fruit and fruit juices instead of yogurt and sugar. And they taste great.  I've also put the ingredients into frozen popsicle containers so we can eat them during the hot summer months.  They are very tasty and once again you control the ingredients and portions.  If you like popsicles and ice cream, this recipe is a great one to try and good for you and your family.  Enjoy!

Note:  (You can mute or stop my blog music on the lower right hand side before viewing this video.)

Congratulations to the Winners of the Yes To Carrots and Nur Product Giveaway

    From my post on August 14, 2011.  Congratulations to the winners.  See the post on Healthy Living Natural Beauty's Facebook page for a list of winners.  If you are one of the lucky winner's Nur has sent an email to you so you may reply to receive your package. 

For Our Friends in Canada - The Kit Canada's Beauty Authority Digital Magazine

Here is another interesting free online digital magazine. This one comes from Canada. It has some interesting articles and is fun to browse through for some good beauty tips. On page 34 of this issue, there is a recipe for a "Do It Yourself" moisturizer. Like the foods we eat, it is sometimes nice to be able to make your own beauty products because you can control the ingredients and you can decide the portion sizes as well. If you are up to the challenge of trying your own DIY beauty products, this recipe looked like it would be easy to follow. If you are a resident of Canada you can subscribe to this magazine. I will also try to post updated issues here to give others a chance to read the magazine. It is interesting to see what trends are around the globe! I hope you enjoy the summer 2011 issue of The Kit.

	Subscribe For Free
Summer 2011

Free Sample of "Soooo Sweet!" Stevia Sweetener

Here is a link to receive a free sample of  "Soooo Sweet!" Stevia Sweetener. On their website is a description of what Stevia is made from which I will post below. You can click the link at the end of the post to request your free sample while supplies last.


"Stevia is a genus of about 240 species of herbs and shrubs in the sunflower family (Asteraceae), native to subtropical and tropical regions from western North America to South America. The species Stevia rebaudiana, commonly known as sweetleaf, sweet leaf, sugarleaf, or simply stevia, is widely grown for its sweet leaves. As a sweetener and sugar substitute, stevia's taste has a slower onset and longer duration than that of sugar. In these indigenous areas, Stevia has become a staple in the diets of healthy minded individuals.
With its extracts having up to 300 times the sweetness of sugar, stevia has garnered attention with the rise in demand for low-carbohydrate, low-sugar food alternatives. Medical research has also shown possible benefits of stevia in treating obesity and high blood pressure. Because stevia has a negligible effect on blood glucose, it is attractive as a natural sweetener to people on carbohydrate-controlled diets. Consult your physician if you have diabetes or blood pressure issues, as it may help if you have any of these problems.
Stevia has been granted GRaS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status. This has opened up the doors to put in the market a safe natural alternative to all sugar, high fructose corn syrup and chemically derived substitutes. This is another hopeful step in helping you on your way to a healthier diet."


Click below for your free sample:
Free Sample of Soooo Sweet! Stevia Sweetener

Tip of the Week - Make Sure You Keep Moving

    It's not easy to keep exercising but if you think about the small choices you make each day you can add more calorie burning and muscle toning to your day.  Instead of driving around the parking lot at work or the stores looking for the closest spot, park a little farther away and walk a few more steps.  This will allow you to burn a few more calories and get your body used to moving a little bit more.  Instead of sitting down on a couch to watch TV, make sure you keep moving, maybe dusting the room or sweeping the floor.   When the weather is nice, get up and go outside.  If you work in your yard or just walk around the neighborhood, you will be helping your body get in shape.  In small ways you can make choices to help stay in shape or help work your way into more vigorous exercising.   It doesn't feel like exercising when you are doing day to day activities.  If you like working in your garden, working on small house projects, or walking around to see the views, don't hesitate to do them because these activities count as exercise.  Resist the temptation to just sit or lay down during the day.  Choose activities that help you keep moving.  Not only will you get more exercise in, but you might find some of those "to do" items around the house you haven't had time to work on, being taken off the list.  If you try this for the next 30 days, you might see a change in your daily routines for the better.  By walking around your neighborhood, you might make friends with neighbors you would not otherwise get to know. Best of all, you might start to notice some positive physical changes in your body. 

Pure Beauty July 2011 Digital Magazine a UK Publication

    Today I'm posting a digital magazine from the UK called Pure Beauty.  This is the July 2011 issue.  I like the articles in this edition and even saw some of my favorite products by Jason Pure and Natural on page 6.  If you like looking at beauty magazines especially for natural products I think you will like this one.  It's nice to see what other countries have in comparison to the US as well.  One item I noticed that I've been looking for in the US is natural permanent hair color.  In this magazine on page 38, I noticed they have a color called Naturint that is 100% permanent without ammonia and other harsh chemicals found in most permanent hair colors.  I hope consumers here in the US can begin seeing this trend soon!  Maybe we can find some more future trends that might be coming our way soon.

    This is another free digital publication and I'll try to post them when new issues become available.  I hope you enjoy browsing through the pages of this magazine. Note:  You can view the magazine in another window by clicking the link below the video which will also make it larger on your screen. 

Enlarge this document in a new window
Publishing Software from YUDU

Today's Featured Product: Tarte LipSurgence Natural Lip Luster in the Color Sweet

    In the kit I received from QVC that I wrote about in yesterday's post, I also received the new color Sweet in the Tarte LipSurgence Natural Lip Luster.  This color is a peach, pink shade and there is a bit of sparkle to the color.

Sweet LipSurgence Natural Lip Luster

It also has the minty taste like the other LipSurgence Lip colors I've used in the past.  This color is complimented with the blush Peaceful from yesterday's post.

On the left is Sweet LipSurgence and on the right is Peaceful 12-Hour Blush.

Sweet Lipsurgence is a much lighter peachy pink color than the Envy and looks much closer in color to Lucky.  However, this one is shinier and has more sparkle than Lucky.  Both this LipSurgence (Sweet) and the blush from yesterday's post (Peaceful) are currently exclusive to QVC until December 31, 2011.  This lip product does not have some of the harsh chemicals other lip products contain.  And my wish is coming true; they are adding more colors to this product line! Have fun with these, they are easy to use, have a great taste and they are long wearing on your lips.  You do have to reapply after eating, but it's a snap with this easy to use tube.

Sweet Lips! I like the color especially if I decide to wear pink for the day.

Today's Featured Product: Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush (Peaceful)

    I recently received a kit that included the Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in the color Peaceful from Tarte.  I've been using this for about a month now and it is a nice color that really does last all day long.  I do not get any breakouts on my cheeks either. And I have not had to reapply the color during the day or in the evening.  I even wore it when was exercising and it didn't wear off.  This surprised me because usually if you wear any makeup when you are exercising it can fade off quickly.  I also like that the color looks smooth on my cheeks and doesn't appear flaky or caked up on my face. This blush does not contain mineral oil, parabens, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfates or synthetic fragrances.  Peaceful is a soft rose color blush that isn't overpowering on your face.  If you like a soft, rosy cheek color, you will like Peaceful.  You don't have to use much when applying to your face, a little swirl with your blush brush is all you need.  They have also made the blush with an embossed picture of the Amazon River and their name Tarte.  This is another winning product from Tarte. 

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush (Peaceful)

 

Peaceful 12-Hour Blush from Tarte

    I received this blush in a kit from QVC called "Tarte Glow Your Way to Gorgeous 8-pc Maracuja & Clay Collection" Item number A217165.  This kit will have two more in the collection that will have new seasonal colors.  The next will be coming out in October 2011 and the final one in February 2012.  You can also purchase the Tarte blushes at your local Ulta stores or online at Ulta and Tarte.com as well as online at QVC.com.  If you want a blush that doesn't contain some of the harmful chemicals other blushes have and looks great on your cheeks you will want to give this one a try. 

Tip of the Week - Squat Exercises

    This week I'm attaching a link to a video from the MayoClinic.com that shows how to properly do squat exercises.  It's important to do any exercise properly so you don't injure yourself.  This video shows in good detail how to properly do squats.  These exercises target the quadriceps and the hamstring muscles.  Strengthening these muscles can help protect your knees and boost your performance in a variety of sports.

     If you can start an exercise like this one and keep it going for 30 days, it can become a part of your regular routine.  It can help you stay fit and healthy.  You can also share this with a friend and you can remind each other to do this regularly.  Eventually, you can add more exercises to change up your routine and it can become fun.   And building these muscles can make other activities easier and more enjoyable.  Keep this up with your walking and you might begin to notice a difference in your overall health. Click below to watch the video.


Video: Squat exercise


In case the link to the video ever changes, I'm attaching a transcript of the video below:

Dr. Laskowski: The squat is a body resistance exercise that works the leg muscles. Specifically, the squat targets the quadriceps and the hamstring muscles. Strengthening these muscles can help protect your knees and boost your performance in a variety of sports.
Nicole Krupa: To do a squat, stand with your feet slightly greater than shoulder-width apart and your toes pointing ahead. Slowly descend, bending through the hips, knees and ankles. Stop when your knees reach a 90-degree angle. Then return to the starting position. You'll feel tension in your legs and buttocks.
When you're doing squats, keep your back in a neutral position. Don't flatten the curve of your lower back, and don't arch your back in the other direction. Make sure that your knees stay centered over your feet on the way down. Don't let your knees roll inward or outward. If you can't bend your knees to a 90-degree angle, simply go as low as you can. Use your arms for balance and support. Stop when you're fatigued or your form begins to suffer.
For most people, one set of 12 to 15 repetitions is adequate.
Remember, for best results, keep your back in a neutral position and your abdominal muscles tight during the exercise. Keep your knees centered over your feet on the way down. Also, remember to keep your movements smooth and controlled.

Mayo Clinic's award-winning consumer Web site offers health information and self-improvement tools. MayoClinic.com's medical experts and editorial professionals bring you access to the knowledge and experience of Mayo Clinic for all your consumer health information needs, from cancer, diabetes and heart disease to nutrition, exercise and pregnancy.

Yes To Carrots Giveaway By Nur-Open Internationally

     I've been using some of the Yes To Carrots products and have written about them in my blog.  Now you have a chance to win some of the products.  This contest is open internationally and ends August 21, 2011 at 11:59 Eastern Standard Time.  All you need to do is go the Facebook link below and "Like" the page then make a comment that Nur sent you.  I'm also attaching her video below so you can watch it for the details.

    I like the Yes To Carrots product line because they do not use many of the bad chemicals (like parabens, phalates, sodium sulfates) we find in so many our daily products and they work great.  I've used the Yes To Tomatoes Shampoo, Yes To Cucumbers Soothing Eye Gel and Yes To Cucumbers Daily Facial Cleanser to name a few.  You can look at my past posts to read about my thoughts on these wonderful products.  I hope one of my readers is a lucky winner.  Let me know if you do win I'd love to hear from you and what you think of their products. Good Luck!

Click here to "Like" the Yes To Carrots Facebook page (Don't forget to let them know Nur sent you):  Yes To Carrots


Note: (You can mute/stop my blog music on the right hand side below before listening to the video)

Free Tea Samples for Our Friends in the UK

    Many of the free samples and giveaways I find have been restricted to US residents only.  So I thought today I'd add in a free sample for our UK friends.  I'm still looking for natural product samples and  health samples as well for UK residents and will post them when I find them.  Today the sample is for Twinings Tea.  To get your two free samples in the UK please click the link below: 

Click here: Twining Tea Samples

Cheers!

Coco Eco Magazine July/August 2011 Issue

    Here is the July/August 2011 Issue of Coco Eco Magazine.  This is a bi-monthly digital magazine that is devoted to Eco-Chic Fashion, Beauty, Celebrity and Style.  Every now and then I see offers to get this magazine free for 1 year.  The next time I see one of their free offer codes, I'll share with you so you may view past issues and free issues for 1 year.  I find some of the articles very interesting and by reading magazines such as this one, I get previews of natural products that will be coming out on the market. Coco Eco Magazine began in October 2008 and was founded by Anna Griffin a native of London, England.  She is also a contributing writer for The Huffington Post.  You can read more about Coco Eco Magazine by checking out my Links and Blog Roll tab to find their website.

    In this issue "The Planet Issue" read the "Letter to You" on page 10 from Anna and the "Letter to You" on page 12 from Daphne Zuniga guest editor on the July/August 2011 Issue to get a true feel for the  Magazine.  This is a great Go Green magazine, hope you will enjoy the free sample issue.  

Open publication - Free publishing - More austin nichols

Kashi Free Sample

    For those of you who want to give your kids healthy snacks, Kashi is now giving away your choice of two free samples.  They are giving away one sample per family, the offer lasts through August 28, 2011 or until supplies last.  It is available to US residents.  You can choose either the Kashi Cinnamon Harvest Cereal or the Kashi TLC Peanutty Dark Chocolate Layered Granola Bar.  To receive your free sample click the link below no later than August 28, 2011.

Free Kashi sample selection

Enjoy!

Veria Cook Book Download

   Veria TV had a cook book giveaway.  If you missed the contest, you can get a free download of the cook book by clicking below.  It is a 12 page cook book with pictures of the dishes.  Veria also has a post on their Facebook page with a link to the free download.  The book has healthy summer recipes for you to try.  If you make any of the dishes you can post a photo of it on Veria's Facebook page and/or on Healthy Living Natural Beauty.  Healthy dishes can be easier to make than you think and just as tasty as going out to eat.  And you control the ingredients you use and portion amounts. I haven't tried any of the recipes yet, but they looked like they would be pretty easy to make and they sound delicious!

Taste of Summer Cook Book download

Enjoy!

Today's Featured Product: Zoya Nail Polish in the Color Renee

    I just tried Zoya nail polish and I love this product.  They are a natural nail polish that does not contain toluene, camphor, formaldehyde or DBP (dibutyl phthalate) in the list of ingredients.  When I was applying the polish to my toes, there was not a strong odor that most other nail polishes have.  I've been wearing it for about 5 days now and I don't have any chipping or fading and the color is still vibrant.  I purchased my bottle of "Renee" polish at my local Ulta store and the price was actually a little cheaper than some of the other brands. The only drawback was that the color selection was limited.  When I checked out the Zoya.com website there are many colors to choose from so I asked the manager at the store why their selection was so small and she told me it was because there isn't a high enough demand for that brand yet.  So hopefully if others see that the natural polishes work just as well they can start to buy this brand so we can have the larger color selection at our local stores.

Zoya in the color Renee.

     The Zoya Company was founded by Zoya and Michael Reyzis who envisioned natural nails, natural skin care and European herbal treatments.  They immigrated to the US from Russia and developed not only the natural nail polish but other natural and healthy skin and body treatments for their clients.  Their other brands include Qtica, Smart Spa and Zoom.  You can read more about their history by clicking the following link:  About Zoya.com.

How the color Renee looks on my toes.

    If you want to order any Zoya nail polish online but aren't sure how the color will look, Zoya has color spoons you can order to see the true color. They will send them to you with free standard shipping.  And they will give you a credit for the amount of spoons you order to apply to a future order (the spoons are listed at 50 cents per spoon).  You can read about the color spoons (or watch the video) by clicking the following link:  Zoya Color Spoons.  For any fans of the show "Dancing With The Stars" US version I noticed they have nail colors for the professional dancers on the show, Edyta, Cheryl, Julieanne, Karina, Kym and one of the judges Carrie Ann.  It's also fun to look for the color with your own name.  It's a great way to have fun with natural nail polish!  As I try more colors, I'll post some more pictures to show how they look.

Looks great with my summer sandals!

Tip of the Week-How to Remove Cooking Oil From Clothes

    I thought this week's tip would be a good follow up to the olive oil pasta dish since you could have an accidental splash of cooking oil hit your clothes.  Over the years I've ruined a few nice tops because I either didn't notice the oil spots before I washed and dried my clothes or I tried pretreated remover sticks that faded the spots or didn't work well at removing cooking oil.  I have finally found an inexpensive, homemade solution that really works.  The trick is using dish soap that breaks grease on your dishes.  It really works and it doesn't fade your clothes!  Pour a little of the soap in dish or bowl and use a toothbrush (specific to clothes, I bought one that I use only on my clothes, you do not want to use it to brush your teeth later) to rub directly onto your stain.  Once you have the stain covered, use the toothbrush to rub the soap into the stain in a circular motion.  Then you can wash the clothes in cold water along with the regular clothes soap.  After, I take the clothes out I usually dry them on the line to be sure I didn't miss any other spots of cooking oil on the clothes.  Once you put the clothes into a dryer it will set the stains and then stains become virtually impossible to remove.  I have tried this method of cooking oil remover and for me it really worked.  It didn't cost me anything additional (I use the toothbrush over and over for my clothes so I did have a small investment on the brush) and it didn't stain my clothes. 

Tasty Easy to Make Pasta Dish for the Family

    Here is another easy dish to make for your family.  It has only 6 ingredients, some spices and cooks up so fast you will be happy you tried this one.  If you get this meal started before the family gets home you will be sure to hear the wonderful comments about how great the house smells as they walk through the door.

This is what my sauce looks like right before I add my pasta.

    To make this dish you will first start by boiling some water for your pasta.  You can use whole grain pasta (either linguini or spaghetti) which is a healthier option and tastes great in this recipe.  Once your water is boiling you can start heating up some olive oil in a pan.  You want to use enough to make a sauce to mix with your pasta.  I usually make sure the oil is about 1/4 inch deep in the pan.  As the oil is heating, I add my pasta to the boiling water and begin chopping into fine pieces 4 garlic cloves.  It sounds like too much garlic, but once you brown it in your olive oil it won't be overwhelming and it tastes great in this dish.  You also don't want to use a garlic press as it makes the cloves more like a paste, you want small chopped pieces.  Add them to the oil and let them brown but you don't want them to burn so keep a close eye on them.  As the garlic cloves are browning I chop about a teaspoon amount of red onion, also finely chopped, and add to the pan.  Since it is summer here in the US, it's a great time to use some fresh basil from your garden which I also chop up and add about 1/2 teaspoon to my pan and reserve the rest to add after the pasta is done cooking.  After I add my basil to the pan I add some black pepper, red pepper flakes and some sea salt (to taste).  Then I add a few quartered cherry tomatoes (fresh from the garden) to the pan (watch out for some splashing) and stir all my ingredients together.  By now my pasta should be fully cooked (about 10 minutes have passed) then I will thoroughly drain and add to my olive oil pan (splashing should be a minimum if you fully drained your pasta).  At this point I completely mix my olive oil sauce with my pasta. Then it's time to serve up the pasta.  I also like to add a slice of whole grain bread on the side so as we eat we can dip the bread into the olive oil (it is very tasty).  And now it is ready to eat!

    This meal is a healthier alternative than going out to eat because you control the portion served and the ingredients you use.  Once you taste this dish, you will want to make it again.  It's so easy to make and so delicious to eat.

Smells great, looks great and best of all tastes great!

I Just Voted for FoodWorks, Inc. - Project Glean Nonprofit Organization at www.50statesforgood.com!

I just voted for FoodWorks, Inc. - Project Glean nonprofit organization at www.50statesforgood.com!: "I just voted for FoodWorks, Inc. - Project Glean nonprofit organization at www.50statesforgood.com! Tom's of Maine's 50 States for Good initiative supports the goodness behind community projects and we need your help! Vote Today."

Beauty Au Natural: Enter to Win Heather's Favorite Brands Giveaway!

One of the blogs I follow is celebrating having over 600 Facebook fans. There is a contest giveaway of natural products from some of the companies I have written about on this blog. There are 3 separate giveaways. Click on the link below to find out how to enter and contest details. If you happen to win one of the prizes, post a note on my blog to let me know how you like the samples. It's a great way to find out if you like these natural products. GOOD LUCK, I hope one of my readers is a lucky winner!

Beauty Au Natural: Enter to win Heather's Favorite Brands Giveaway!: "Time to celebrate hitting over 600 facebook fan page 'likes' with a giveaway. There will be 3 separate giveaways. Each will have its own...