My (new) Favorite Running Socks

I'm kind of picky when it comes to socks.  Just ask my mom.  I remember stalling many mornings growing up because of having a "bumpy" in my sock.  You know, when your sock bunches and you have to fix it.
When I ran my first 5K, about 50 years ago, I wore regular cotton sports socks.  Towards the last mile I felt like I had wood chips in my shoes.  Not a great feeling.  I ended up with several blisters on my feet, around the arches.  I was then on a mission to find running socks.  I found and fell in love with a Nike running sock that was thin, breathable and didn't cause any bunching or blistering.  This was around 2005.  I had three pairs that I bought separately because they were around $9 a pair.  I still have all three pairs and I still run in them.  Talk about a quality item!  But, as you can imagine, they don't look great and, after about 8 years I am starting to worry that they will soon give out.  Although, no holes yet, the bottoms of the socks are starting to become see-through or thread bare.

Still good, but have seen better days for sure.

I have been on a several year mission to find a good replacement, as Nike no longer makes these socks.
I have tried other styles and brands but nothing satisfied me.
Until...
I tried Lululemon Run For Sun Sock.  Described as "the perfect 'nothing' for when you want to wear 'something'."
I have been for several runs in them, including a 5K and 10K event, and they have been perfect!  I love them so much that I bought a pair for my bestie and running buddy and she wore them for the first time to run her first 10K.  As promised, she said it felt like she had nothing on her feet.  In a good way.

Head to Lululemon to check them out!

I purchased my socks with my very own money and all opinions expressed are my own.  Lululemon has no idea I wrote this, although I would LOVE it if they did and wanted to partner up in the future ;)

Bodytox Treatment featuring the ItWorks Wrap

When it comes to some body treatments I am always skeptical.  When I first started hearing about the ItWorks Body Wraps, I will admit, my initial reaction involved eye rolling.  I envisioned my plastic workout pants from the 90's and, also from the 90's, seeing celebrities being wrapped from shoulder to knee in ace bandages, sitting in a sauna, to lose "weight" prior to a big event.

My skepticism parallels my love of a good deal, so when my friend, and massage therapist, asked if I would like to try her latest treatment, I agreed.  Like I said, she is a Licensed Massage Therapist, along with having years of experience in health, fitness and wellness.  If Neda gives it the seal of approval, I automatically know its great.

The Bodytox Treatment at Trinity Wellness utilizes the ItWorks Body Wrap, but it is SO much more.

The treatment starts with dry exfoliation.  Lying on the massage table, I was gently scrubbed with a soft, dry bristle brush.  I LOVE dry exfoliation.  It feels good and I just can feel the dead skin cells being brush away!

Next Neda applied CEL-Lite Massage oil, an all-natural essential oil blend that helps to cleanse and purify the skin.  It also smells great!

After that Neda applied the ItWorks wraps to my tummy and thighs.  You can do arms, legs, tummy, rear...any where there is extra fat. There is also an option for chin/neck to help tighten and firm. She then wrapped those same areas in plastic wrap and then wrapped me in a soft blanket and then a blanket to help heat my skin.  Basically I looked like a swaddled newborn.

As part of the treatment I was able to choose a foot or head massage.  I chose feet for my poor old dogs.

After the massage I had the luxury of lying in the dim room, with relaxing music, comfortable warm and cozy, for around 30 minutes while the wraps did their work.

After the treatment I was given a glass of cool water with Greens-on-the-Go powder mixed in.  This is a detoxifying nutritional drink that enhances the body wrap treatment.

The wraps do the majority of the shrinking magic in 45 minutes, but Neda encouraged me to keep them on for the rest of the day.  Yes, I went to Costco and cleaned the house with my thighs and tummy plastic wrapped :)

You will want to drink lots of water during the first 24 hours especially.  No less than a half ounce of water for every pound you weigh.  This helps to flush toxins from your system and enhance your results.  You may feel bloated because of this on the day of treatment, but don't worry...it goes away.

You can also continue to see results for the next 72 hours.  The results can last for several months.

The wraps contain an essential oil blend to minimize cellulite, firm and tighten skin and improve texture.

My Results!

I can't say I am a fan of showing off my mid-section, but anything for a good blog post, right?  As you will see, I lost noticeable inches and in the pictures my body looks more firm and defined.  The results are still lasting, 2 weeks later, thanks to a healthy diet and exercise in addition to the wraps.

Here are my before and after photos, along with my results, in inches:

Before (totally regretted having a donut for breakfast)

45 minutes after

72 hours after

Before

45 minutes after

72 hours after

Before:  the land of dimples

45 minutes after: smoother and looks as firm as I feel they should be!

My thoughts
I absolutely love that I can do the It Works wraps as part of an entire treatment.  I know that the wraps can be purchased on their own and applied at home, but I like that I am able to receive so much more doing it at the Trinity Wellness location.
This is not a permanent solution, but it was a great boost.  I had been feeling bloated and chunky and the wraps helped me to tighten and firm my skin, allowing me to be more comfortable in my clothes and in baring my belly.
If you have hit a weight loss plateau, have a special event coming up or are wanting to feel better in your bathing suit, this is PERFECT for you!
Results can also be seen in those that have had massive weight loss followed by sagging skin.  Again, this will not be a permanent solution, but it can give you just the boost you need to continue on your fitness program.
If you are eating right, working out and wanting to enhance what you are already doing, these wraps and this treatment would be amazing for you!
For me, it has been motivating and helped me to become more strict on my never-ending quest to be sugar-free.  I will definitely do it again during swimsuit season or anytime I need a little bit of help losing inches.

Trinity Wellness is a massage therapy and body treatment clinic.  For more information on the location click here.
Information from Trinity Wellness about the treatment:

BODYTOX FIRMING TREATMENT!

Loose inches while firming your body with this Detox Treatment featuring the It-Works! Ultimate Body Applicator Wrap! It’s powerful natural botanical ingredients absorb through the skin layer by layer getting into your fat cells, allowing your body to loosen toxins and extra fat stored, revealing a more toned body!

Treatment includes: Dry Brush Exfoliation to prep the tissue,     Ultimate Body Applicator Wrap on your area of choice, Young    Living Signature CEL-lite Oil massaged into the body followed with a heat enhanced body wrap to infuse your entire body with detoxifying benefits. During the treatment enjoy a Head & Neck Massage or Foot Reflexology followed with a meditative processing time of 30 Min. & a refreshing detox drink, GREENS!

(Please be prepared to wear disposable undergarments & hydrate before/after)

Summer Specials!

1 Treatment $75 (1 Body Area)

Take-Home Wraps $25 Each or Box 4 for $75(Get 1 Wrap FREE)

4 PACK TREATMENT Only $300 & FREE Box of Greens-On-The-Go ($50 Value)

Mention that you are a Forward From The Heart reader when you call for a special treat!  

I want to know!
Have you tried It Works body wraps?
What did you think?


TW is not a distributor of the It Works wraps, they just utilize them in their services.
I paid for my treatment so all of the thoughts and opinions expressed are mine and in no way influenced by Trinity Wellness, It Works, Greens-to-Go, or Young Living.

ALT Bar by Larabar

A little over a week ago I came home to find a cute little package on my doorstep.

I opened it to find the new ALT bar by Larabar.

Those of you that read this blog know that I LOVE Larabars.  Simple, clean ingredients that taste good and work great as a healthy snack or mini-meal in between teaching classes.  You may also know that I love all things green, especially green protein!
So, to say I was excited to try the new ALT bar is a drastic understatement.  To say that I fell madly in love when I saw that the bars contain protein from peas is, well, quite true.

So, what is an ALT bar?
ALT, in the case of this bar, stands for "Alternate Protein Bar."  It is the first-ever protein added bar from Larabar AND it uses an alternative protein.  Rather than soy or whey the ALT bar has peas.  That's right, the little green guys that grown in the garden.  How amazing is that?!  Research can lead you in 1,000 different ways on soy and whey, but we all know and love our little green peas!

The stats

• vegan
• gluten free 
• dairy free
• non-GMO

The traditional Larabars contain anywhere from 3g to 7g of protein, depending on the bar.  The new ALT bar contains 10g of protein.  That is great news for someone like myself, who isn't a huge fan of meat but needs lots of protein to keep up energy levels.  I also really LOVE the fact that I can read the ALT wrapper, just like the Larabar wrappers, and see just a handful of ingredients, all that I can pronounce and that I could pick up at the market myself.

Wondering where the Lemon Pound Cake bar is?
I *maybe* ate if before snapping a picture.  Oops.

The flavors

• Peanut Butter Cookie
• Cinnamon Apple Crisp
• Lemon Pound Cake
• Pumpkin Pie

I enjoyed all four flavors.  They are a little more dense than the original Larabars, but with the same great flavor that satisfies my hunger and sweet tooth.  As usual, Peanut Butter Cookie is my favorite!
The bars were perfect for a breakfast or lunch on the go or for a healthy snack.  FFTH readers know that I recommend keeping healthy snacks with you at all times, and these bars would be a perfect addition to your bag or desk top supply.

Now, for the fun!

Larabar is continuing the generosity and will send one lucky reader the same gift box that I received.  Not only will you get to try the new ALT bar, you will be one of the first people to do so!  Impress your friends with the latest vegan protein bar!

Entering is easy, just leave a blog post comment!  Other entries can be obtained, if you wish, by completing a few easy tasks :)

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Thanks for entering!  If you know me at all then you know I am absolutely dying to say this right now:
Next time you are looking for a healthy protein bar GIVE PEAS A CHANCE!

Please note:  I received the box of ALT Bars as a complete surprise and gift from Larabar.  The idea to review the product and offer a giveaway was purely from my love of the new line of bars.  Receiving the product for free did not in any way effect my opinions and the above post is my 100% honest feelings.

My Influenster VoxBox

I am a fairly new member of Influenster, an online community for learning about products and sharing your own thoughts on them.  I don't know about you, but before I buy a product I like to hear first-hand reviews, so this online community is perfect for me.

One of the perks of being an Influenster member is occasionally being selected for product sample boxes.  Receiving the Vox Box is like finding a golden ticket!  It is a box filled with some of the latest and greatest new products to hit retail store shelves.
I was chosen to receive the Sugar 'n Spice Vox Box and when it arrived on my doorstep it really felt like my birthday.

Here is what I received:

Colgate Optic White toothpaste, mouthwash and toothbrush
I am a big fan of oral hygeine.  I love going to the dentist, brushing my teeth and keeping my mouth healthy.  I had never tried the Optic White line before and I love all three products!  The toothpaste is great and makes my teeth feel clean in addition to whitening my smile.  The mouthwash is foamy, kind of like when you put a whitening strip on, but the results make the foaminess worth it!  I typically use my free toothbrush from the dentist so getting a "real" toothbrush was a treat!  The brush itself feels great and the tongue scraper is the best I have tried.


belVita Breakfast Biscuits
You guys know I love a good biscuit.  I was sent the cinnamon sugar belVita biscuits and they are tasty by themselves, dunked in coffee or topped with peanut butter.  Great for breakfast or an afternoon snack!

Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer
I have been applying lotion daily since high school and have used everything from drugstore deals to Dior.  I had never used a spray-on moisturizer before and was hesitant at first because I am not a fan of the spray-on self tanners.  The Spray & Go Moisturizer is so much easy to apply, though!  I really like how fast I can apply it and it dries in a flash.  It is a bit light for my dry skin during the midwest winter, but is absolutely perfect now that the weather has switched to humid and hot.  Perfect for when I am low on time or need a quick moisturizer before teaching.

Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Towlettes
I had never used witch hazel on my skin before.  I remember seeing a bottle of Dickinson's Witch Hazel in my grandma's medicine cabinet but never really knew what is was.  Turns out that witch hazel is an eco-friendly, natural option for oil-free skin.  I have been having some acne problems lately so this product came just in time.  It feels so refreshing and has cleared my skin without drying it.  The towlettes even remove make-up!  Yes, even mascara and eyeliner.  Sometimes I am not in the mood for my 30 minute night time skin care routine so having these towlettes have made it simple: wipe down my face, rinse, repeat, add some coconut oil if my skin is dry and I am done!  Another great addition to my gym bag.

Nuctresse Sweetener
I don't use sugar substitutes so I didn't actually try this myself, but I was very impressed with the packaging.  The box and packets look nice and are sturdy enough that you can throw a few in your purse to use in your coffee or tea while out and about.
I enlisted my friend to try them and she not only like the simple ingredients but the taste as well.

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.  All comments and opinions are mine.

A Purple Green Smoothie!

Hey ho!  It's day 4 of the Green Smoothie Challenge!
How is it going for you?
For me, I am feeling better, enjoying the new flavors I am getting to try, and I don't know if you are noticing this, but my skin feels and looks better!  All those vitamins, minerals and free-radical fighting compounds, huh?
Today I would like to share a green smoothie that is actual a lovely shade of purple.  It also feels a lot more like a dessert than a health drink.  Alway a plus!

Purple Dessert Smoothie

1 banana, peeled
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
1 tbsp peanut butter, or the nut butter of your choice
4 oz (1/2 cup) chocolate milk of your choice
1 handful baby kales

Blend until smooth.  And it will be smooth, creamy and delicious!  Perfect if you tend to have a sweet tooth mid-day or in the evening.
If you haven't tried one yet, make this be the green smoothie you try!

As part of this awesome challenge Katherine has TWO giveaways going on!

Ormus Greens

• Grown and produced in America
• Certified 100% organic AND non-GMO
• Completely raw (cold drying process)
• Eco-friendly

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sun Warrior Liquid Light

• Helps balance pH in the body
• Replaces electrolytes
• Goes great in smoothies, juice or just water

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And don't forget to check out MY giveaway hosted by Honey Stinger.  Awesome organic workout fuel products!

As always, don't forget to check in with my co-hosts Jezz // Kristine // Ashlee //  Hope for even more recipes and fun ideas on how to stay healthy!

Honey Stinger Review + GIVEAWAY

The first time I tried a Honey Stinger product it was as a free sample at my local health food market.  It was their Energy Chews and, I have to admit, I was expecting a vitamin-y/dry taste like some other energy products out there.  I was pleasantly surprised by the natural taste and the great texture.  That got me to read more about the product and it turns out Honey Stinger has many organic options, natural options and uses natural sweeteners like organic tapioca and honey.

That free sample experience led to todays review and giveaway!

Honey Stinger sent me a generous case of Lemon Waffles, Energy Bars and Energy Gels.
They arrived at a perfect time, the day before my Piloxing training.  Teacher trainings are a true test of my fitness level.  I love attending trainings, but with a day that lasts 9+ hours and typically includes no less than half of that time being spent actually working out my body, I have learned to pack lots of healthy snacks that will keep me going.
So, I packed a Blueberry Buzz bar and a few Organic Lemon Stinger Waffles--one for me and enough to share with my friends in the training.
The Blueberry Buzz bar tastes like real blueberries!  And, again, the texture and taste is great.
As for the Lemon Stinger Waffles...I feel like I could write an entire post about them!  One post about them on Instagram and I had tons of comments from followers attesting to the absolute ymminess of them.
Imagine a waffle cone and creamy lemon filling all wrapped in a convienient package.  One friend that I shared with at the training said that she normally doesn't like lemon but the waffle had such a smooth, natural taste that she loved it.
While it was great for an energy sustaining snack I can also see it being a healthy alternative any day to silence my sweet tooth.


A typical work day for me is not very much more relaxed than a teacher training day.  I am on my feet spotting, cycling, demo-ing and stretching for anywhere from 4-7 hours.  I need lots of protein but in small portions.  I tried the Caffienated Dark Chocolate Mocha Cherry Protein Bar on one of my busiest teaching days.  My plan was to eat half a bar mid-day and save the other half for after my shift.  My plan was quickly foiled when I had my first bite.  I swear, in a blind taste test, you would think this was a candy bar!  With ingredients like organic honey, evaporated cane juice and real chocolate, yes, it is more sweet treat than health food, but it's a great source of energy (it has coffee IN the bar) and a perfect way to keep an active body energized.  10 grams of protein provide fuel to keep you going. Pack it for your next bike ride or hike.

Now on to the Energy Gels.  I am not an expert on gels.  My longest distance as a run is right around 7 miles.  I have stayed away from gels and goo in the past because I was uneasy about the ingredients.  And then came Honey Stinger.  Their gels are organic which means that I can read the ingredients and see words I know and want to put in my body.  And I just love any and all things honey!  I tried Fruit Smoothie, Vanilla and Acai Pomegranate.  All three are tasty, but Fruit Smoothie is my favorite.  It has a dessert-like feel to power me through my workout.
I also enlisted some help from my marathon-running, name-sharing friend Sally. She runs marathons several times each year and half marathons just for fun, so you know she knows her stuff when it comes to energy gels. Her thoughts:

"My favorite of the 3 stingers was the vanilla. I felt like they gave me the boost I need to push through 
my workout. I loved that they are organic!"

And now it's your turn to try Honey Stinger!  Enter to win below.  The drawing ends April 28.  Good luck!

Check out Sally's Facebook page for another awesome giveaway going on TODAY!

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