Better Oats Review

Okay, healthy eating is a necessity for everyone.  I am not a big fan of breakfast (at least at breakfast time).  I was recently able to try out Better Oats Oatmeal and I have a new favorite breakfast on the go, and snack for that matter!

Better Oats has lots of different varieties and flavors; low fat, low sugar, protein, omega 3, you name it!  (There is even a dark chocolate oatmeal!) 

All of the variations are made with 100% real oats which are cholesterol and trans fat free.  There are flax seeds in every type as well.  The variations that have fruit, have real fruit pieces.  While the nutritional information if different on every type, most have a good amount of protein for a breakfast or snack.  

Here is something else I love. The packaging!  (I never say that!)  The top of the box rips off to reveal five packages you can grab and use.  I love that I can throw one in my purse and make it with hot water on the go.  

Many of the varieties are organic and all have vitamins and minerals.  I gave this oatmeal the ultimate test; I let my 15 year old cousin try it.  He said it was good!  15 Year old boys avoid all healthy stuff so I took this as a sign that it would be liked by all!

If you need a healthy morning breakfast, try our Better Oats.  It is light enough to sit well, but substantial enough that you feel full and start the day off right.

Take a peek at Better Oats to view nutritional information, varieties and where to buy: 

http://www.betteroats.com/

Cozy Orange Review

If you're looking for a great spring makeover to your workout wardrobe, or you're looking for an amazing Mom or Grad present, check out Cozy Orange.  I was able to try out two pieces from their amazing selection.

I'm always nervous heading into a yoga class with a new pair of pants on.  The Leo pant by Cozy Orange was one of the most stylish and comfortable pairs of crops I've worn.  They came up high enough so they didn't roll or ride down, even during downward dog.  

They were compression enough to be slimming and keep things in place, but never felt tight or like I was being constricted.  They have these really great seams on the leg.  Not only are they smooth and don't chafe, they give your leg this amazing slimming effect.  I confidently went out for coffee after class.  (Oh and the hidden pockets help you carry things like keys and a coffee card.)

The material is thick enough so you can't see through it but I was dry and comfy very quickly after class.  I have also biked in the crops and run in them.  I was comfortable no matter what I tried.  They have a 19 inch inseam and they hit me at the top of my calf.  I love these for a hot yoga class year round or a run outside in the early spring and summer.  

I was also able to try out the Celestial Jacket.  The jacket is a great cover up for to and from yoga or before and after your run or visit to the gym.  It is super comfy and versatile.  I love the hood and I use it a lot to stay warm.  The wrap is easy to throw on with roomy arms and a cord you can close it up with.  I'm a size four and I have the small.  It doesn't have a ton of room in it so if you want something you can really wrap, go a size up.

My favorite part of the Celestial Jacket is that its made from a technical material that dries quickly.  Normally something this comfy would be made of cotton and would just lead to a wet mess after a hot yoga class.  I love wearing this before and after my workouts, out for errands, around the house etc.  I have a hard time keeping it clean I wear it so much.  And the big roomy pockets are awesome to carry your phone, keys etc.  

Cozy Orange sells a whole range of tops, crops, pants, wraps, etc.  Take a peek at all of it here: http://www.cozyorange.com/

I'm warning you, if you love workout clothes as much as I do, these are a bit addicting.  Comfy, cute and affordable.

Herban Essentials Wipes Review

There are a lot of pre moistened "wipes" on the market.  Finding one that's as versatile and wonderful to use as Herban Essentials simply isn't possible.

Their wipes are made from soft "cloth" with the addition of essential oils.  Their scents are amazing and they serve so many purposes.

I was able to try out a few different scents and I'm going to give you just a few of the uses for each of them.  

Orange-promotes happiness.  These are great for kids, as they help them focus.  Orange has also been shown to help anxiety and depression.  I like opening one of these on my desk during the day.  

Lavender-These are my favorite and have the most uses.  Of course, the lavender scent is calming.  I like putting one under my pillow as I go to sleep at night.  You can also use them as a meditation assistant.  Lavender helps bug bites and prevents new ones.  It also helps clear up blemishes.  Throw one in your bath.  They are even safe for baby use.

Lemon-is a fresh scent and they are super refreshing.  I love using the lemon wipes to clean off my laptop, phone and tablet.  I also love using them after yoga class. You can toss them in the fridge too so they are cooling.  

Peppermint-While this is a common scent, the wipes are amazing. They are great for curing nausea, and simply refreshing.  My husband loves these as they are "masculine" and still feel amazing.

You can buy multi packs of lemon, lavender and peppermint wipes.  They are great for throwing in the car so you have a choice depending on your mood.  

Herban Essentials also sells doggie wipes that you can use to calm your dog and wipe them down.  I love using all natural products on my dog and being clean is a must for the two of us after a trail run.

Finally, they sell yoga wipes.  What a great way wipe down your mat or refresh after class.  I've used the orange and lemon wipes for wiping down my mat and they are a great way to get the sticky sweat off my mat without using harsh chemicals.  

Some other uses for these amazing wipes are:

Car air freshener

Cleaning up after the beach

Wiping down kids' toys

The wipes feel great to use.  They don't leave sticky residue like some of the other wipes I've used.  They stay moist for a while.  They have started to appear in my purse, on my desk, in my yoga bag, in my car, on my night table....just about everywhere.

These are an amazing treat you can give yourself every day. They are incredibly calming, wonderfully luxurious, and super functional.  You'll want to buy more than one bag of these little treasures.

You can buy Herban Essentials here: 

http://www.herbanessentials.com

Winter Workouts

I'll Tumble For You

Well it seems as though I have a knack for getting hurt NOT while running or at yoga, or really doing anything at all to speak of.

I went out to fill my bird feeder, and my dog decided she had to get out the door a little faster than I did.  Then, I twisted my ankle.

Long story short, its three weeks later and I'm still nursing a swollen ankle that looks like my jeans dyed it a funky purple blue.

It keeps blizzarding outside so I'm not missing fabulous days running on the trails.  However, poor Roxy is going stir crazy inside without our runs.

Before my ankle sprain I was feeling a little less motivated to head out into the cold temperatures and run.  However, once again I've found inspiration and learning in an injury and I now realized that no matter what the thermometer says I'm blessed to be able to get outside and run with my dog.

I am counting the days until I can get back out there and in the meantime working on my meditation skills, core stability and of course, patience.

I have purchased myself a new pair of running shoes, just as I do every year at this time and they are sitting in the box in my closet.  At first I thought they were tormenting me...however, now I understand they are smiling at me, waiting for our first date.

Bobby Sue Nut Review

In my quest to find portable, yummy healthy snacks I found Bobby Sue's Nuts.  Yes, the name may make you smile but the product will make you even happier!  

Bobby Sue's Original Nuts are a mix of walnuts, cashews and almonds (all the healthy tree nuts).  They have a sweet and salty taste that makes them a little bit addictive.  

Bobby Sue's Nuts come in reusable or recyclable glass jars.  They are great to throw into a backpack or beach bag.  I love them for camping! They stay sealed and fresh despite the dampness outside.

Bobby Sue's Nuts would make a great clutter free gift for anyone who loves healthy eating.    These would also make great hostess gifts.  Instead of bringing another bottle of wine along, bring a jar of delicious nuts.

These nuts aren't like anything you've ever tried.  They have three varieties:

Hot, Chocolate and Original.  Hot is spicy and unique, but not too hot.  Chocolate is a decadent (but healthy) dessert treat.  The Originals are addictive.  You keep going back for more!

The nuts are homemade, all natural, gluten free, preservative free (and yes, you can keep them for a little while in your pantry-about eight months), cholesterol free and environmentally friendly.  

A portion of your dollars spent on Bobby Sue's Nuts goes right to helping homeless animals and who doesn't like that?

Get Bobby Sue's Nuts online here: http://bobbysuesnuts.com

Brad's Raw Chips Review

If you've already learned the benefits of eating whole and raw foods, you're going to love Brad's Raw Chips.  (If you don't know about how great eating healthy will make you feel, these chips will convert you!)

Brad's Raw Chips come in recyclable plastic containers that are lightweight and can easily be thrown into your work bag, laptop bag, etc.

Brad's Chips are everything you're looking for in a healthy snack; vegan, non GMO, Kosher, organic and gluten free. 

These kale chips are amazingly flavored.  It is hard to remember you're eating something healthy and it is hard to stop eating once you start.  I tried the Nacho flavor and Vampire killer Flavor.  Again, it was really hard to not want to keep eating until the container was gone.  The Nacho flavor especially is able to curb any cheesy, junk food craving you may have.  Their kale chips come in lots of other flavors too!  They also have cheddar chips, beet chips and lots more!

Oh and for the four legged friends, Brad's Raw Chips sells raw doggie treats (I have not tried these) and they will soon be releasing Raw Onion Rings!  

I need to pace myself as there isn't a store close by to me that sells Brad's Raw Chips, but you can order online here: http://www.bradsrawchips.com/our-products/

Their website has all sorts of great information on their products, raw eating and being healthy.  Take a peek and get yourself some of these today.  I warn you,they won't last long!