2018 Fitness Holiday Gift Guide & Desk Cycle Ellipse Giveaway

2018 Holiday Gift Guide

Turkey has been consumed! Family time has been had, and now if you haven’t already, it’s time to get ready for Christmas.

I am sure you have had some sort of clue from the Christmas Display that has been taunting us in most retail stores that’s it’s that time of year.  If you have intentionally been ignoring the festive advertisements until now.

Yay! Me too!

Time to start Shopping

Now that the last of the Thanksgiving leftovers have been eaten I am ready to decorate the house for Christmas.

For my girls it’s simple, and I pride myself in getting the girls Christmas complete the week before Thanksgiving and regardless of the early date this year. Now is the hard part shopping for others that I love in my life and the older we get, the harder it gets?  

I love checking out gift guides because it gives me some great ideas of things that I may have never considered. Have you ever considered giving someone the gift of Wellness?

Gift ideas for Fitness Enthusiast

No seriously, I know it sounds lame, but your gift can help some live a better life. Whether its makeup, skincare, fitness equipment or the gift of preventative health it all could be appreciated. There may be that person in your life who really values going to the gym, wellness or just fitness.  It can be daunting to find a unique gift that they don’t already have or may need.  

Feeling a little like Oprah but here are:

7 of my Favorite things

that are must buys for Holiday gifts this year! I am excited to share with you some of the things that I truly love this year. I hope it’s helpful and buying the perfect gift for the one you love. 

My Affiliation

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com. 

This post also contains other affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, I make a small percentage of the sale with no additional cost to you. Although, I was given these products or am an ambassador my opinion is entirely my own and can’t be bought. My Full Disclosure Policy 

Activmotion Bar

Life is dynamic, and our training should reflect that and really didn’t realize the potential until receiving my activmotion bar to try. This bar is excellent for anyone looking to add core stability to their workout or challenge themselves.  Activmotion bars come in different weights, and the most popular is a 10-pound bar.  This gift is going to add variety, body awareness, and stability to your workout and just a great tool to have if you like to exercise.  

Right now you can get 25% off your bar using code fitapproach25 from now until January 5, 2019.  Grab your bar here

PlateJoy

Plate Joy has been a lifesaver this year for me and definitely one of my favorite things.  Getting a subscription to this app would be an excellent gift for the Mom who is at her wits end with creative meal ideas.  Until I found Plate Joy, I was always frustrated trying to think of something healthy, fast and affordable for dinner.  When it’s the end of the day nothing is worse than asking your family what they want for dinner for them to respond, “I don’t know.”

Having my own personal meal planner that not only plans the meals but also makes the grocery list, tells me the correct portion size and even takes into consideration leftovers. It has been a time saver, budget minded and just a helpful tool.  I think any Mom would love to have a year of meal planning from Plate Joy for a Holiday gift!

You can get a Free Trial here, or You can get $10 off your Gift Card or Subscription with code FAITH10 Get your PlateJoy here.

Momentum Jewelry

Photo Credit https://beforeandaftermyemptynest.com/

Often get asked about my Inspire necklace from Momentum Jewelry! I customized it this summer to remind me of my “why” The Inspired Necklace inscribes “For His Glory,” and it’s a great reminder of why I do what I do!  You probably will always catch me with some type of Momentum wraps, jewelry, and accessories.  It’s nice to have wearable inspiration for when you need to see a reminder or your spirits lifted.  I think Momentum Jewelry is great for everyone, but this inspiring jewelry is meant for the Athlete in your life.

They are having so many sales for the Holiday’s grab some spark to share with someone in your life! Grab your Momentum Jewelry here.

 

Glider Gloves

It’s cold ya’ll! Every year around November I start to reconsider my residency in New Jersey. I was made for Arizona or New Mexico because I hate the humidity and hate the cold.  Winter in Jersey comes with hat, scarf and a warm pair of gloves.  The worst is when you have to take your texting handoff in the cold.  Get someone you love these warm and cozy Glider gloves that swipes just like your finger without the biting chill.  Great gift for anyone in your life this year!

Get your Glider Gloves here!

 

SoleHealers

Sole Healers are Therapeutic Stretcher and Massager for your feet! They are amazing, and everything begins at the feet. SoleHealers are a pair of foot and calf stretching tool.  It helps to increase circulation, flexibility, and range of motion in your feet. I highly recommend these to anyone whether you are active or not, using these after you Desk Cycle or standing on them and gathering your balance at the day. If you suffer from foot, knee, or hip pain, plantar fasciitis, tight Achilles tendon, bunions or hammertoe I would add one in for you too! These are by far one of my favorite things to use for recovery.

Grab your Sole Healers here and don’t forget to get you a pair too! Use coupon code “15BLESSED” to get 15% off your purchase.

Cross Training Couture Tanks, Sweatshirts and Hat

Often, I get messages of “Where did you get your tank or what we call a “Truth on a Tee”?

The answer usually is Cross Training Couture which is a Faith and Fashion line that I am an ambassador.

When choosing brands represent companies I have to personally love and believe in what they represent. Cross Training Couture’s ministry is to witness through fitness (And wardrobes) is similar to my own. I am grateful to be able to be a Cross Training Influencer for them.

Another way that I get to connect with women fueled by their faith and desire to honor their temple is through their CTC VIP group monthly. It’s such a God-centered group that devotes, worships, prays and workout together and if you’re looking for something like that in your virtual world you should join them. If you are looking for cute, hats, tanks, sweatshirts and more for you and your family. Check them out! Tell them I sent you through this link and got your very own Truth on a Tee for someone you love this Christmas!  Another one of my very favorite thing! 

Grab your tank here! 

 

 

Desk Cycle- Ellipse

Whoever thought to put an elliptical under your desk was a genius! I am pedaling right now and have to say since getting my Desk Cycle Ellipse I have been getting some extra cardio instead of sitting idle.  The Desk Cycle Ellipse can only be used while sitting and is excellent for a tall or short desk.  It’s very quiet and comfortable to adjust resistance.

The other day I cranked up the dial, and after reading through emails, I was feeling the burn — leaves very little excuses for why you can’t move.  There is an LCD that is found on the Ellipse, or you can have sit on your desk to keep you motivated.  My little divas have competition on how many revolutions they can get in their homework time.   I am obsessed with the Desk Cycle Ellipse and think it’s a fabulous gift for anyone who sits at a desk in your life and shares it on my Instastories. I am amazed at what I can achieve while sitting.  It’s a great way to get your body moving while you work.

Grab your Desk Cycle here!

Desk Cycle Giveaway

Have I told you lately how absolutely thankful I am for you? Some of you have been following me and supporting me from the very beginning. Others are very new to my journey.  Whenever you came in I am grateful for your likes, double taps, follows, shares and comments.  I want to say Merry Christmas and give you some motivation to stay active in the New Year!

You have no excuses now because I have partnered with Desk Cycle. We are giving away their new under desk exercise equipment the Desk Cycle Ellipse by 3D Innovations.  The giveaway will end 12/9/18 11:59 pm EST.  So enter as many chances as you can before now and then!

I want to wish you a Merry Christmas and hope I gave you some ideas for a gift for your loved ones!

Click Picture Below to Enter into the Giveaway!

 

Say ‘Yes’ to Healthy Tricks and Treats with PlateJoy

October is such a fun month. It truly starts feeling like fall, spooky decorations come out, haunted houses go up, kids in cute costumes, and just all the Halloween fun in general.

However, with all the great things that come with Halloween, there’s also the processed candy and temptation to indulge that sweet tooth with unhealthy sweets. Instead, say ‘YES’ to healthy tricks and treats this year with good habits and a balanced diet. Sugar can cause havoc on the body; causing fatigue, weight gain, and headaches. Too much sugar can also increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you keep an eye on your sugar intake. Not to say that you shouldn’t treat yourself with low-sugar snacks to satisfy those cravings. It’s all about balance.

While it’s easy to cut out obvious sugar-packed treats and other foods, it’ good to be aware of hidden sugars in other everyday foods. For a better idea, check out the infographic below about how hidden sugars can add up fast!

With all that said, if you need help creating these healthy eating habits and understanding better choices without breaking the bank and stress – PlateJoy can help! The ultimate meal subscription plan, PlateJoy offers flexibility and tailored meal plans for your lifestyle. With each plan, you will receive recipes and grocery lists that give you more control over your custom plan. Also, PlateJoy cares about the environment and doesn’t pack boxes with dry ice and plastic containers like other meal subscriptions. They go beyond the food and stay green with special features like their Digital Pantry to prevent food waste.

Try out PlateJoy and learn more about their plans like Clean Eating or Paleo. With their wide range of options, finding the right plan for you should be super easy. Speaking of easy, PlateJoy‘s partnership with InstaCart takes things to the next level.

InstaCart is a grocery delivery service that offers same-day delivery in over 200 cities. They have thousands of products you already love at stores you already shop at. No need to find time to go to the store and figuring out what you need, PlateJoy and InstaCart have everything covered for you. Plus, you get $20 OFF your first Instacart order + FREE delivery when you sign up with PlateJoy. Get an extra $10 off your PlateJoy Sign-up with promo code “FAITH10” 

So, let PlateJoy help you start making easy and healthy habits and put your focus on your amazing Halloween costume this year instead!

Simply take their personalized quiz to start your FREE Trial and Get Started Today!

Want to learn more of that PlateJoy has to offer? Find out more at PlateJoy.com.

 

Gluten Free and Allergy Friendly Expo 2018

Why is Gluten Free not a diet for me?

Do I get asked what diet do you follow?  If you look at what I ate and wanted to classify it as a diet it could be considered paleo, keto or Mediterranean but one thing that it will not include is gluten and dairy.  Over this weight loss journey and as I shared along the way a few years ago, I discovered that I had a wheat allergy. Since eliminating wheat from my life, I have found so many positive benefits.  All my life I have had hyperpigmentation and bad skin. No longer I have a healthy glow. I also had to remove wheat from my skincare products.

A Wheat Allergy Diagnosis

I have also suffered from digestive issues such as constipation, leaky gut, and extreme bloating and gas.  My now flat tummy is not only from diligent work but from eliminating wheat in my diet.

Gluten Free and Allergy Friendly Expo

Initially, it was so daunting trying to find products that were gluten-free, tasty and didn’t have a lot of other extra ingredients.  Just because it is gluten-free doesn’t mean it’s healthy. When I went to my first Gluten Free and Allergy Friendly Expo three years ago. It was an excellent opportunity to see all the products that are available to try, see, read ingredients labels. If you are unsure of your food allergies, they have testing available.

 

Other Wellness Products

Last year, I also got to experience other Wellness Products such that helped remove toxins, metals and other adverse things that we accumulate from our lifestyle.  I was able to check out some cool skincare and makeup brands that were wheat free. Was educated at almost every vendor table and the event empowered me to make a living a gluten-free lifestyle and smoother transition.  

The innovation of Allergy Friendly Products

I look forward to it now every year where I get to discover new products, services, and organizations that are revolutionizing food allergies for everyone. Also, because of these products, there are a lot more options that there were years ago.  As companies which are usually founded because of their children or their own food allergies discoveries. You will get to meet innovative people who wouldn’t accept food allergies for what they were and set out to create better products for those afflicted.  

Family Event

The Gluten Free and Allergy Friendly expo is a great family event.  If you are looking for other food alternatives, trying to change your own diet like I was at one point in time or just looking to see what innovations and creations in the food industry. I would highly recommend attending.  

Since completely eliminating Gluten from my diet I feel 100% better and never thought that my allergies could be remedied easily. I am so glad that I have the Gluten Free and Allergy Free Expo to keep me updated on the best products that are out there for me.

Join Me at the Expo

If you want to attend this year, it will be held in the same location as previous years.  

October 13-14, 2018
10:00 am – 3:00 pm on Saturday the 13th
10:00 am – 3:00 pm on Sunday the 14th
Meadowlands Exposition Center
355 Plaza Drive
Secaucus, NJ 07094
Click HERE for directions.
Click HERE for a map.

Parking is free.

The use of strollers, carts or wagons is prohibited except as needed for transporting children or medical equipment.

Call the venue at 201-330-7773
It’s also not too late to grab tickets you can get them here: 
USE PROMO CODE: “ADVANCE” for 20% off until 10/13
I hope you can come! Do you have a food allergy and how have you been able to find products to help make life easier?
I am a Gluten Free and Allergy Friendly Influencer. I received free tickets and tickets for giveaway in exchange for promotion and coverage of the event.  All my opinions are mine and my affiliation did not affect my statements My Full Disclosure Policy 

7 Reasons Good Health begins with Foot Care

Everything starts from the Sole up! I feel like often in fitness we are focused on vain goals. We want to look good, bigger arms, defined back and legs. Not everyone thinks of fitness as helping you to function better. In that neglect to perform better, we often take our feet for granted until we injure ourselves or worse. Feet are the foundation of our body and the key to a healthy life.

Those who often walk, stand for long periods of time can tell you when their feet feel good they feel good and there are many reasons:

7 Reasons good Health begins with your feet

1. Sturdy Foundation

We need to have and maintain a sturdy foundation. The human body is amazing and until I started studying correctives, I didn’t even realize how we are adaptable. Our feet are typically smaller than the other parts of our body yet it contains;
42 muscles
26 bones
33 joints
50 ligaments and tendons
Which hold our entire body upright. Your little size 8 feet can withstand hundreds of pounds and has over 15,000 nerve endings from our toes to our heels.

Our feet are meant to withstand a lot similar to a foundation of a home. Have you ever had a crack in your foundation? If no, you are fortunate because a small crack in a foundation can completely shift your home, ruin your walls and compromise your roof. A foot injury can do the same.

Feet are meant to be taken care of, but we are usually focused on the vanity body parts rather than the function essential ones. We wear our shoes way too long, don’t stretch or massage them until they are in pain.

That is the first place we should begin when focusing on our health from the bottom up.

2. Foot Care equals optimal circulation

We sit too much, and that is causing the muscles in our feet not to get the activity they need so that they can have good blood circulation. Our shoes also inhibit blood flow and circulation. It is suggested that you should massage your feet daily for about 10 minutes. From a 10-minute foot massage, you can cause dramatic effects on your blood circulation. It’s also a great way to relax and unwind.

My little Mimi is excellent at massages and offers them freely. Although, she enjoys it her little four-year-old hands just don’t get the job done. I have been using Solehealers at the end of my day, and I cannot tell you how it has improved the tightness in my calf and it just feels right.

3. Helps you sleep better

If you don’t find you have time for a good foot rub take a few minutes before bed to indulge. Not only will it promote circulation while you sleep and relaxing you from a stressful day. Studies have shown Foot massages before bed has been associated with relieving headaches, migraines, neck pain, lower and upper back aches too  Relieving this body pains help you to get a more peaceful slumber and feel well rested when you awaken the next day.

4. Boost your Mood

Another study revealed that foot massages are linked to relieving people from depression and improving mood. This is due to the over 15,000 nerve endings that reside in your feet. There is reflexologist who can pinpoint certain pressure areas in your feet that will boost your mood. In patients with depression, it is recommended to massage your feet 2 to 3 times per day for about 10 minutes to help relieve depression symptoms.

SoleHealers are great portable, therapeutic foot massages that you can do right at your desk as I am now as I write this post. I noticed that while writing it helps keep me focused and attentive when I am massaging my feet on my Solehealers.

5. Healthier Feet

Massaging and stimulating your feet muscles also helps with ankle and heel pain which is a biggie in my house. Since my Level 3 Ankle Sprain and my husband rupturing his Achilles tendon, we have found the value in proper foot care. We both use the Solehealers to help strengthen our weak ankles. It’s also helped my husband with his foot swelling at the end of the day. I like to stand on my SoleHealers during my warmup to kind of invigorate my feet before I begin my ankle correctives. It’s nice how small and portable the SoleHealers are because they make it really convenient to take anywhere.

6. Helps with anxiety

At first, when I was researching I thought the last thing I want to do when I am anxious is to sit down and stay still for a foot massage. I gave it a try and guessed what it works!  High Anxiety has plagued me for eleven years. I have tried pharmaceutical relief, prayer, and other homeopathic aids. It wasn’t until I got my SoleHealers and was doing research on foot care that I decided to try them out. It was beneficial this month. September my anxiety was very high due to many triggers in my life.

One day while having racing, anxious thoughts I gave it a, “Why not?” I stood on the SoleHealers for about 5 minutes and with a little prayer and standing still on my healers the wave of anxiety went away. Now honestly I am not sure if it was prayer because that has helped me in the past but taking that moment just to stand still and massage my feet was very calming. Other than my experiment, studies have shown a positive correlation between foot massages and reducing anxiety.

7. It feels good

Having healthy feet feels good. It’s awful to walk around in pain, and your feet take a lot of weight on them. Practicing self-care feels good so if you don’t have magic handed Mimi or able to get regular foot massages. I would highly recommend SoleHealers. My mom loves them and uses hers daily. Great for everyone whether you have foot ailments or want to prevent foot ailments.

Solehealers are “Therapeutic relief for stressed out feet” They are helpful to relieve plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammer toes, stiff ankles, and feet. Reduce pain after a day of walking in high heels. All you do is stand on them positioning your feet differently and let the magic happen. So simple and so many benefits. They also have some videos for you to try the new exercise with or to use specifically for different foot ailments.

Check out SoleHealers and grab a 15% discount with my promo code 15BLESSED

  1. I received SoleHealers for a product review I make a commission from my affiliate link as well as other affiliate links that I am partnered.  I recommend this product but if I didn’t I would tell you. My full disclosure policy is here

Legacy

 

legacy

Ready to go home

My October began with losing my Great-Grandmother peacefully to this world.  As my Great-Aunt pointed out, she was 94.5 years old.  When you enter this world, we count the months, and when you get to a certain age, they count even more.  My cousin Jamie brought up that she was alive for 16 presidents.  She was born at the end of the first World War and lived through World War II, Vietnam, and Iraq.  The things she has done for our country, her faith being a charter member of Mt.Vernon Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Raising four amazing women, teaching hundreds if not, thousands of young Christian children through her work in the Church and leading our family for 94.5 years.

Proverbs 31:28 (NIV) Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

Sitting at her repast, I took a moment to look at my grandmother’s home.  Everyone in their except my Great-Uncle was her legacy.  They were only alive because my Great-Grandfather and Great-Grandmother had met and started a family together.  They were blessed to leave behind Ten Grandchildren, Twenty great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren.  The legacy the Gaynor’s has affected all generations.

legacy

My great grandmother has left strong beliefs of loving God, working hard, taking care of your family and your home. Every time I think of her I only can smile.  She was bold, beautiful, God-fearing (watch out for her), tell it to you straight, New York women. Always a little sassy, vivacious and ready to take on the task. Yet, from far away in her modest Seventh-Day Adventist demeanor you would not know such a fireball existed when she was behaving. My great-grandfather  had his hands’ full of the five women in his house.

legacy

Every once in a while out of the blue should always send me a care package with crafts, Bible studies for kids, art supplies and a brown paper bag of green apple straws. They would bring me so much joy and would be so unexpected.  Just like Alzheimer, my Great-Grandmommy is the third immediate family member to me that has died from Alzheimer.  Just like the surprise package one day your loved one can bring you so much joy, and then unexpectedly their familiarity with you wears off, they become distant, and that same light that flickered when you came within their presence is no longer there.  They know you, but you can tell it’s a little foggy.  Some days are good, and then others are not but every day they are pulling away from you. My great grandmommy and I often spoke till about five years ago. She would send me cards and letters of encouragement thanking me for photos of my girls.  I’m going to miss her little check-ins.

Psalm 78:4 We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that He has done.

legacy

I learned a lot from being around my family for almost a week.  It had been ten years since the last time we had been reunited since my Great-Grandfather’s passing.  Hearing everyone talk about her and their perspective was nice to catch up. Watching the dynamics of my Grandmother and her three sisters.  The other family relationships interactions.

It made me think of the legacy I will leave my girls.  From silly things like sewing.  Gaynor women sew, I sew (well I used to) before three kids and all the other add-in on life. I used to sew my clothes in high school the night before I wore them.  I haven’t taught my girls to sew, and now I feel obligated to leave that with my girls.  Serve the Lord, my Great Grandmother served her church and lived a God-fearing life.  I am grateful I now have those same convictions and will leave that legacy for my daughters.  Work hard.  Another legacy that I have adopted from watching my Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother.  Honor your husband.  No matter what my Great Grandmother was doing at a particular time in the evening, she would grab my Great-Grandfather’s slipper and robe and be standing at the door waiting for him when he got home.  I also believe that you should be submissive to your husband and honor him.  Although, I do not have my husbands robe and slipper waiting for him at the door (I need to work on that) I do try to respect him and his role in our family.  Protect and love your family. I am not sure if I could say more about that she protected and loved us all at no cost.  Although, it was somber to send my Great-grandmother home. I know that she followed God, lived life and loved hard.  I hope that I can honor her legacy and leave it for my daughters to pass on to the next generation.

What legacy has your family left you? What do you hope to pass on to the next generation?

Deuteronomy 6:5-7  You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

 

Subscribe to my Blog

Get the latest posts delivered to your mailbox:

This site is protected by wp-copyrightpro.com