Category Archives: Health & Wellness

THINK DIRTY. SHOP CLEAN. Must Get App

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Hey Savvy Shopper!

As a beauty junkie, it’s always a challenge to choose the healthiest products because many of the hot, must have items are loaded with highly toxic ingredients. I do my best to choose what’s best for my health and now it will be even easier! Last week, my dear friend and lash stylist- Kathy Mitchell, co-owner of Bella Lash Boutique and essential oil enthusiast- told me about the Think Dirty App. It is simply brilliant! Go download it now. You scan the barcode on any cosmetic or personal care product and it will show a rating from 1-10 on carcinogenic levels (cancer causing), developmental & reproductive/hormone toxicity and allergy & immunity toxicity. Many companies “claim” to be organic and all-natural, but are not! Ladies, we must educate ourselves especially those of us who are beauty junkies and use several products a day. If I counted every product I use from toothpaste, deodorant, body lotion, shampoo, hair masks, body wash, facial creams, perfumes, hairspray and we haven’t even gotten to my makeup vanity yet. Yikes!  Kathy has lost 55 lbs by eating cleaner and changing out the toxic products she was using. Our bodies carry so much inflammation which effects everything from our metabolism to our hormones.

The founder of the app, Lily Tse comes from a family with a history of cancer. She began researching the carcinogenic and hormone disrupting ingredients in beauty products:

“I never realized the environmental impact cosmetics had on our health, until I watched Annie Leonard’s “Story of Cosmetics”, which examined the pervasive use of toxic chemicals in our everyday personal care products.

There are hormone disruptor chemicals in many products that have been possibly linked to breast cancer. I was shocked the cosmetics industry was not regulated like the food and drug sectors. And like most women, my lipgloss and shampoo are products I would never think to describe as “toxic” or could contain cancer-causing chemicals.

Finding safer alternatives for myself was a huge challenge. Although many products are labeled “all-natural” or “organic”, there is little transparency in labeling cosmetics. There was also no real tool out there for consumers to find information easily. With my background in design and marketing, I wanted to develop and create something not only for myself but for others as well, and that’s how Think Dirty® was founded.” For more, go to https://www.thinkdirtyapp.com.

Did you download the app yet?
DO IT NOW!

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Green Protein Smoothie Update

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Hey Gorgeous Girl!

Curious, what did you think of my recent lifestyle series?

Have you implemented anything I shared?

What about the green protein smoothie?

Adding this to my morning routine was truly life changing. As I mentioned in the video, I am constantly trying different protein powders in search of the best fit for my taste buds and nutritional needs.

HELLO VEGA!

Since the video, many of you have messaged about protein powders. Over the past month, I keep going back to the Vega One All-In-One Nutritional Shake because it has really clean ingredients, it tastes great and blends smoothly (not chalky!). I love the chocolate flavor. I will admit the Vanilla Chai flavor is, well, just skip it. Trust me. All the Vega products are available on Amazon and it’s at most groceries stores even Target.

Here’s the deets:

  • All-in-one plant-based protein powder made from real, whole food ingredients
  • 20g of premium, plant based protein from pea, hemp, SaviSeed, and flax for a complete amino acid profile
  • 50% daily intake of vitamins and minerals from broccoli, kale, spirulina, strawberries, and more
  • 25% daily fiber, 1.5 Grams omega-3s, probiotics, and antioxidants
  • Non-Gmo project verified, vegan certified, low-glycemic, gluten-free, and made without dairy or soy ingredients

 

 

Try it and let me know what you think!
If you have added the green smoothie to your AM routine, leave a comment and let me know about the benefits you are experiencing!

 

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Hope to see you at Stix & Brix this Saturday!

A few tickets left: http://treasuredvesselsfoundation.org/stix-and-brix-fundraiser

HAVE A HEALTHY HOLIDAY: Wellness Tips

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Rush, rush, rush.

Very little sleep. Yawn! 

One too many glasses of bubbly.

Skipped meals. 

Family drama.

Sugar cookies.

Traffic.

Screaming kids. 

Slow cashiers.

I’m stressed out just writing all of that! The holidays should be a relaxing celebration, but it often ends up being a few weeks from hell, right? When we are stressed, not getting enough sleep and drinking too much alcohol our immune system takes a beating. This is not a good thing when we’re in the midst of cold and flu season. Who has time for a cold when you’ve got a to-do list a mile long?

I encourage you all to pay attention to your stress levels and make a few tweaks to keep your immune system strong. Take a time out and fit in a 15 minute cat nap. Sleep alone will strengthen your immune system. Keep up your workout routine and add in a stretch yoga class. I know you’re in a rush, but this is not the time to skip your vitamins. Make sure to supplement with the following immune boosters too:

 

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We should all keep a bottle of WELLNESS FORMULA in our medicine cabinet throughout the year. It’s jam packed with the most effective herbal immune boosters from Vitamin C, Zinc, Garlic, Echinacea, Propolis, Ginger, Goldenseal and more. This formula helps nip colds in the bud when you begin taking it from the first signs of imbalances in your well-being. Find it on Amazon and at most health food stores.

 

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Lately, Coconut oil is a much talked about superfood and I bet you have a jar of it in your pantry right now. In addition to using it as a butter or oil replacement, think of it as your anti-virul secret weapon. With the extra sugar we all eat and drink during the holidays, candida (yeast overgrowth) can become a problem and lowers our immune system. Coconut oil’s anti-virul properties fight off the overgrowth of yeast. I’ve been adding a teaspoon to my morning coffee and it’s like a double punch. The caffeine wakes you up and the “good fat” in the coconut oil keeps you from getting the coffee jitters and low blood sugar. I also add in a tablespoon of it in my protein shakes and soups. Hands down- coconut oil gives everything a yummy rich flavor. Put it in everything!

 

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I hope you are all taking a probiotic, but if you aren’t yet (shame, shame) please start NOW. Do you notice issues “down there” if you drink too much sugary wine?  Not only do we not have time for a cold, but who has time to deal with a yeast infection or UTI?  No thank you! Probiotics keep your immune system healthy by keeping your digestive system healthy. Ladies, take it a step further by also keeping your vaginal and urinary tract healthy with a probiotic for women.

 

Here are a few more tips to keeping healthy this holiday:

Relieve your liver by eating more cruciferous veggies. Broccoli, kale, lettuce and cabbage support your liver and immune function by boosting the livers ability to flush out toxins.

When you’re out shopping, switch out that afternoon coffee with green tea and ginger. Ginger helps cleanse the lymphatic system, support digestion and reduces any inflammation in the body. A highly functioning lymphatic system helps keep your immune system functioning at it’s highest as well.

The tip on napping deserves to be repeated. Sleep is vital to a strong immune system. I know, I know- you’re thinking who has time for a nap? Sleep deprivation not only lowers your immune function, but it decreases your memory, ability to focus and mood lifting hormones. I don’t know about you, but I’m a raging b@!#* when I’m running on little sleep. A 15-20 minute “power nap” does wonders for your brain, mood and immune system. Give yourself the gift of Zzzz’s sista! 

 

I hope you all have a Healthy & Happy Holiday!

Take care of YOU so you can take care of OTHERS. 

Please share this with your friends who overdo it around the holidays!

COMMENT. SHARE. LIKE.

Wishing you plenty of front row parking spots & super fast cashiers!

Love, Tiff

 

 

DETOX TIP #1: Jump Your Way To Feeling Good

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Hey Hey Hotstuff,

For the last few months, I have – to put it bluntly – felt like dog crap! It snuck up on me because early Summer I started a new vitamin and supplement program and was feeling fairly energetic. In August, I felt faint a few times and my energy was like a yo yo. One minute, I felt fine then the next day like I was living life through mud. By the beginning of October, I was beyond fatigued and so foggy brained I was fishing for words. The PMS was intensified (poor Aaron) and I was weepy the week before my period and the week after. Do the math – that means I only had one good week. My weight fluctuated like a blow fish without changing my eating or workout program. Yes, I know at my age the hormones are ever-changing, but there seems to be more to it. With all the beautifully blessed things going on in my life- I want to be fully present to appreciate every minute of it. Not just one week a month. That simply is not God’s plan for how we should live. One of my life verses is John 10:10 which says that He came that we might have life and have it to the full until it overflows. Ummm- overflow means a lot, not just one week a month.

SCREECH!! Slamming on the breaks. No mam, I’ve had enough and this started effecting my work. Part of being a great TV Host is thinking quick on your feet. My head was feeling disconnected and for someone who is high energy and usually super sharp- this just sucks. I listened to the signals my body was giving me and consulted my holistic doctor to find out the root of my issues!

My lifestyle is healthier than most people so how on earth can I feel so lethargic, blue, achy and overall crappy? Ladies, I share this journey with you because I am on a mission to help women live their best and healthiest lives. Transparency about my journey (the good and the bad) is important to me. If I am open about my life and it helps just one of you — mission accomplished. You’ve heard me say this a million times, but – true beauty shines from the inside out. When we feel good, we look good then we can go out and do good in this world. It shocked me to find out from talking to other women that too many are living life with low energy, anxiety, depression and aches. They are misdiagnosed or the doc puts them on an anti-depressant without treating the real issues.

ARE YOU CHECKING IN WITH YOURSELF REGULARLY?

ARE YOU IN TUNE WITH YOUR BODY OR DO YOU IGNORE THE SIGNS?

Many women are living with a combo of thyroid imbalance, clogged lymphatic system, candida (if you wonder what that is, watch my old video) and shot adrenal glands. If you live a high stress and anxious lifestyle, your adrenals are fatigued from working over time. First off, you need to lighten your schedule and remove as many stressors as you can. I was told that living in a high stress, congested city like Los Angeles as long as I did would definitely fatigue my adrenals. I found out this is exactly the combo of issues that I am dealing with. When both your  thyroid and adrenals are out of whack- EVERYTHING in your body goes out of whack!  I also found out that I’m “chronically dehydrated”. This was puzzling because I thought I was good about drinking water. Ask all my friends- I go everywhere with a large water bottle filled with water. When the body is dehydrated, it is a breeding ground for all kinds of bacteria buildup and infection. Just like a stagnant pool of water.

WHAT AM I GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

There are several simple holistic methods to balance the body. I admit, since moving to Texas- I have veered from my strict health program. Shame on me!  On top of that when life gets too busy, our health and well being are the first to suffer. This week I began a detox program and happy to say- I am already feeling a bit better. Over the next few weeks, I will share some of my detox activities, but if you are having serious issues, please talk to you doc.

[DISCLAIMER] These are holistic/Ayurvedic tips — which is one of the world’s oldest whole-body healing systems. (Developed centuries ago in India) Results may vary for each person. 

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DETOX TIP #1: REBOUNDING (jumping on a mini trampoline) 

Your mom may have had one of these in the 80’s. Remember the Jazzercise craze and high cut leotards? Well, this is actually one of the very best exercises for overall vitality and stimulating the lymphatic system. The lymph system bathes every cell carrying nutrients to the cell and waste products away. The lymph is totally dependent on physical exercise to get it moving! It’s the best 15-20 minutes you can do for your body daily. I jump after my morning devotional time while I’m catching up on the news. A cup of coffee, green smoothie and 15 minute rebounding session gets my day started off with plenty of energy. I can literally feel the oxygen flood my body. It’s amazing!  I researched several brands and chose the Gold’s Gym 36″ Circuit Trainer – shown above. It is quick and easy to assemble, lightweight and super sturdy. If you kept it in your bedroom, it would slide easily under the bed.

Here’s the 411:

The lymphatic system is the metabolic garbage can of the body. It rids you of toxins such as dead and cancerous cells, nitrogenous wastes, infectious viruses, heavy metals, and other assorted junk cast off by the cells. The movement performed in rebounding provides the stimulus for a free-flowing system that drains away these potential poisons.

Without adequate movement, the cells are left stewing in their own waste products and starving for nutrients, a situation that contributes to arthritis, cancer and other degenerative diseases. Vigorous exercise such as rebounding [jumping on a therapeutic mini-trampoline] is reported to increase lymph flow by 15 to 30 times. Also, bones become stronger with exercise.

Vertical motion workouts such as rebounding are much different and much more beneficial and efficient than horizontal motion workouts, such as jogging or running.

It is important to realize that as you age, your body may become more toxic due to the pollutants in today’s world. It is also important to realize that if you have a disease, your cellular structure is compromised, as your cells are already being robbed of the correct oxygen, mineral and nutrient compounds that they need to stay healthy.via Wellbeingjournal.com 

LIST OF 10 BENEFITS:

  1. 20 minutes of rebounding = 1 hour of running for cardiovascular workout
  2. Strengthens the heart muscle
  3. Great for skeletal system and increasing bone mass
  4. Helps improve digestion
  5. Increases endurance on a cellular level by stimulating mitochondrial production (these are responsible for cell energy)
  6. Improves balance by stimulating the vestibule in the middle ear
  7. Helps circulate oxygen throughout the body to increase energy
  8. Improves muscle tone throughout the body
  9. Helps support the thyroid and adrenals
  10. Helps improve the effects of other exercising

Please take care of yourself sista. Life is short and we are only given one body to carry us through. I want to enjoy all of it!  Be conscious of what you are putting in your mouth and drink half your body weight in ouches of water daily.

Your body is a Temple, not a Trash can.

Don’t worry- we still have the style videos on the schedule I just need to focus on this program and sorting it all out right now. I’m excited to find out the issues and make the changes, then share those findings with you.

SHARE. LIKE. COMMENT. 

I would love to hear from you and if you’ve dealt with any of these issues.

Happy Jumping!

Love, Tiff

PREP, PREP, PREP! Candid Monday Motivational Vlog

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Is your fridge always empty so you grab something quick like fast food?

Do you rely on coffee or Red Bull to give you a boost?

Are you lethargic and your mood dips throughout the day? 

It’s time to get it together sista and prep your meals and snacks for the week ahead. This has revolutionized my energy and mood levels. When I’m hungry I turn into Medusa (just ask Aaron) and not only get grumpy, but I get shaky and lethargic. I rarely allow myself to get to this point now, but when this does happen I will eat anything…I mean, anything! Even McDonald’s or Taco Bell! Eeeeek. Now that’s scary.

Plan a day that works for you- Sunday is great– to prep some meals, snacks and grill some chicken breasts. (if you’re not a vegetarian) It makes me so happy to open the fridge and have a fresh pot of soup, some tuna fish, chicken breasts, chopped veggies and fruit ready to go so we never have to experience Medusa!

Here’s a candid video from my kitchen just encouraging you to prep, prep, prep! 

 

MOTIVATE: Burn Fat Instead of Adding Fluff This Holiday

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Who’s slacking off from their workouts lately? ME! The chill & drizzle has put a damper on my outdoor power walks and I’m not a big fan of the treadmill. There are chocolate chip cookies in a holiday tin calling my name from the kitchen counter and I’ll be decorating sugar cookies tonight with my bestie and her triplets. Because of all the festivities and lack of motivation to workout, it’s easy to add some holiday fluff so that means we start the new year busting out of our skinny jeans. We don’t have to give in! Being mindful of the amount of sweets we’re eating and making the effort to snack on more fat burning foods will keep us feeling healthy and fit during this time of indulgence! I’ll do more indoor workouts from my playlist on YouTube as well even though it’s easier to curl up on the couch. M O T I V A T E!

Here are 10 fat burning foods to stock up on:

1) Almonds with skins: Reduces cravings and builds muscle.

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2) Salmon & Tuna: Fires up fat burning and makes you feel full longer.

3) Peanut Butter: Burns fat and builds muscle.

4) Spinach &Dark Green Veggies: Improves workout recovery, burns fat & fights free radicals.

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5) Green tea: Fires up fat burning.

6) Eggs: Builds muscle & burns fat.

7) Grapefruit: Regulates blood sugar and metabolism. Lowers insulin. There’s nothing better than a fresh Ruby Red grapefruit, but my hubby & I also love the Del Monte Sunfresh slices with no added sugar for ease.

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8) Chili Peppers & Cayenne Powder: Revs up metabolism.

9) Whole grains (quinoa, brown rice, whole grain cereals): Prevents the body from storing fat in small servings. These Eat Chia Bites are a perfect snack made with quinoa, brown rice & chia. (They will be in the stocking stuffer giveaway!!)

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10) Berries: Prevents cravings.

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Not only will these foods burn fat, but they will help prevent that lethargic feeling we get from high sugar & high carb holiday treats! Allow yourself to enjoy the season just add in more of these healthy foods to balance things out.

Wishing you a beautifully blessed week ahead!

What are your traditions? Please share! 

We’ll announce the SOS Stocking Stuffer Winners on Christmas Eve.

Love, Tiff

10 HABITS OF HEALTHY CHICKS

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The topic of health and living our best, most fabulous and spiritually conscious lives is what the foundation of SOS is based on. My wish is for every woman to rock their personal style, but more importantly I want them to be strong and healthy in body, mind and spirit first. I am here to help you relearn how to love yourself and realize

how important you are,

how beautiful you are and

how powerful you are.

It has been a long journey of relearning for me and I’m still a work-in-progress. I abused my body with low nutrient junk foods and recreational drugs. I abused my spirit and mind with toxic thoughts toward myself. I was one unhealthy chick! Which means I was one unhappy chick. Healthy in every area equates to happy.

Throughout my journey I have found these key elements are vital to maintaining a healthy lifestyle:

1. Early to bed, early to wake. I realize this is impossible for some diehard night owls, but generally those who get adequate sleep start the day early feel more refreshed and creative. Our bodies regenerate during sleep so if you’re depriving yourself of sleep you are damaging your immune system. Sleep is also one of the most important beauty tips because it keeps you looking young.

2. Attitude of gratitude. Once you gotten enough sleep and wake up early, healthy chicks take some time every morning (even if it’s in the shower) to count their blessings. The happiest and healthiest chicks I know have a disciplined practice of gratitude journaling, prayer & meditation. The complaining sourpuss is usually sickly with constant physical ailments. You could probably think of a few family members or friends right now who are forever complaining about having a migraine or stomach issues, am I right? When I was living fully in shame and negativity, I was always sick! 

3. Move, move, move. Being sedentary is a recipe for depression and physical issues. I get it– some people hate working out with a passion! Find something you enjoy like dancing or rollerskating that doesn’t feel like a workout. Luckily, I loved playing sports as a kid and have been a powerwalker since I was 13. I learned early on that walking helped my mind as much as it helped my figure. Now, I kill two birds with one stone and love listening to various speakers on Podcast One while I walk. I get in a physical workout and a mental & spiritual workout at the same time! Highly recommend it.

4. Eat & drink right. This is a super important key to health. You really are what you eat! We are so lucky to live in a generation with so much knowledge about foods and modifications. Our parents didn’t have this knowledge and many of them are suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure now. Pay attention to what you are sticking in your mouth sista! If I eat low energy and low nutrient foods, I will feel it immediately. I’ll have a slight headache and feel lethargic. Trust me, I am all for indulging once a week, but I  know that I will feel it the next day. Also, healthy chicks are conscious of their alcohol and sugary drink consumption. Water is the first thing they reach for!

5. Birds of a feather. We all rub off on each other. Healthy and happy chicks are conscious of surrounding themselves with happy and healthy friends. It is human nature to take on someone’s behavior- to a degree– when we are around them a lot. I grew up in a home where there was constant complaining and naturally, I took on that behavior and have had to work really hard to reverse it. We can’t live in a happy bubble 24/7 so make sure your mentally & spiritually strong to be able to affect the negative people in your life in a positive way… instead of them infecting you! Holla!!    

6. Make the best of it. Bad crap happens to all of us. Healthy chicks choose to see the silver lining in challenging circumstances. They can see the blessing or the lesson in the situation. They do not play the victim or sit and wallow in the crap. I use to be the Queen Wallow! Allow yourself a quick pitty party, cry, scream then dust yourself off and dry your eyes because you have important stuff to do.

7. Lend a hand. Another key to being spiritually healthy is helping others on a regular basis. Talk about a mood lifter and game changer! The minute you sense yourself slipping down the slide of worry and fear- go find someone who needs some help. The healthiest and happiest chicks I know are the first ones to visit a sick friend with a big pot of soup or take an elderly aunt to her doctor appt. Now, make sure you don’t take it to the opposite extreme and wear yourself out trying to help everyone which is actually very unhealthy!

8. Mindfulness. Everyone is busy. We are in an age of multitasking. We make phone calls in the car while listening to news radio at the same time. We start dinner while helping the kids with their homework plus answering texts from friends. Mindfulness is the practice of purposely focusing your attention on the present moment—and accepting it without judgment. When I’m overloaded with distractions, I skip listening to podcasts during my walks and savor the quiet. Scientifically, mindfulness has been found to be a key element in happiness. Being present– not living in the past or too much in the future- is one of the greatest obstacles we face especially with the constant distractions of people, email, social media and television. I keep my phone on silent A LOT! My hubby and I have gotten in the habit of turning our phones to silent before we have dinner. This allows us to connect and be present with each other. A marriage without mindfulness is a set up for disaster.

9. Stress managers. A healthy woman knows her limits and finds outlets for stress. This could be as simple as turning off the phone like I mentioned in #8 and taking a quiet moment to get centered when too many people are pulling at us. It could be practicing yoga, singing in the car and watching funny movies on a regular basis for a good laugh. Another key to keeping stress low is the ability to say no and setting healthy boundaries.

10. Body love. There’s a few aspects to this one, physically and spiritually. When we have a healthy love for ourselves, we take notice of things going on in our body instead of ignoring it. A healthy chick gets to the dentist regularly, performs self exams and schedules her annual pap. We are more in tune with our hormonal fluctuations and how certain medications effect us. We don’t just take antibiotics at the drop of a hat.

 

Yes, life happens and we can get out of balance from time to time. It may be a challenge to have all 10 of these operating smoothly every single day, but I encourage you if you are too far off in a few of these areas- make some small tweaks in order to elevate your life and be your most healthy….

and happy!

I want to hear from you. Comment, share, tweet and let me know which of the 10 you are going to tackle.

Love, Tiff

Stay Chic & Stylish Through Winter {New Webisode}

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Hey Fab Ones! 

At this point- with all this bizarro freezing weather- you’re probably bored and uninspired by your winter wardrobe. Am I right? I’ve had to dig deep myself and get more creative since I am actually experiencing winter for the first time in 15 years and having to wear coats/gloves/heavier sweaters! I actually wished I had ear muffs today because I didn’t realize it’s not a smart idea to wear my hair in a topknot while out running errands in 32 degree weather. Brrrrrr! 

It’s so easy to slip into that schleppy state of being during winter- heck, I don’t even want to shave my legs (poor Aaron), but let’s just say NO to schlepping. I’m excited to kick off the first webisode of the year sharing my 14 tips for staying chic all the way through to Spring.

Watch this: 

 

WHAT’S YOUR FAVE?

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Ladies, I want to remind you to really take care of yourselves right now. Especially since the kids just went back to school and you’ll be exposed to more germs that they will bring home.  Right before we moved I got so sick with a very high fever, congestion and a cough that I fought for 6 weeks and then relapsed before Christmas and just had to do a 10 day cycle of amoxicillin. 

Please keep your feet warm, take extra Vitamin C, keep antibacterial hand sanitizer in your purse, stay hydrated and drink lots of hot tea with honey and lemon to keep your throat and chest lubricated while breathing the indoor heaters then the blast of cold air outdoors. 

I am a super healthy gal and had never been sick for so long. Not sure how I made it through the big move and attending so many holiday events- guess I was running on adrenaline and my body never healed so I relapsed hard.  Don’t let this happen to you! PLEASE sleep well and take EXTRA care of yourself.  A low stress lifestyle will keep your immune system strong! 

Cheers to being healthy + fabulous in January!

Love, Tiff

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WALKING BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT: Celebrating Christine

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Hey Sweet Sistas!

How do I graciously begin a post about a topic like Breast Cancer? There’s really no gracious way to go about it except to say cancer sucks and when it hits the body parts that makes women feel feminine and sultry…well, it’s like one bad nightmare. On top of potentially losing your breasts, add losing your crowning glory? WHAT?

We all know or indirectly know a woman who has fought this battle and lived this nightmare. It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I invite you in joining me in celebrating a courageous woman who is my SHEro, Christine Handy. Now, SHE is the epitome of GRACE. Throughout her battle this past year, she has worn a smile (even through tears) and refused to become a victim, but a VICTOR! Yes, she has battle wounds, but remains a warrior. She has awaken from the nightmare and is living life! Did she want to give up? I’m sure she did, but she showed up every day- for herself, for her family, for her friends and kept putting one foot in front of the other walking by Faith. Here’s a glimpse into her battle: 

October 1, 2013, marked the one year anniversary of my BC diagnosis. (it’s a yucky story but here goes) I was home, unfortunately alone, about 8:30 AM…..I saw my cell phone ringing, picked it up and there was a very soft, but firm voice on the other line. My doctor told me quickly that I had Stage 2 Malignant Breast Cancer. He was unsure yet if my lymph nodes were involved and that I also had the most aggressive type, Level 3.

All I could remember after that was sitting down gingerly on my chair in my bedroom….tears started flowing. I didn’t want to embarrass myself over the phone with the doctor so I think I just sat quietly and listened.  I hid my tears…..

And then I remember asking one question….”Am I going to die?”

I will never forget the doctor’s answer…..

He said , “I would like to meet with you and your husband to discuss”. That was it………that’s all he said. That is almost all I remember from that entire day. I do know we told our son Noah that night because I couldn’t stop crying. We tried to wait, but it was impossible for me to hide my fear, sadness and utter despair. Noah needed to know. Luke was at boarding school and so we kept it from him until Peter could fly up there and tell him in person. I went straight to Arizona for my lumpectomy with my parents.  My parents flew me home and Peter flew up to Luke’s ‘Parent Weekend’ that I obviously would have to miss. Peter told him then.

 That said, we are replacing that horrible memory with a new memory and a beautiful day. OUT with the OLD in with the NEW.

I spent the entire day of October 1st, 2013, out of my house with friends and family who love me and they made it a FABULOUS day.  Now, we just have to go through the motions to the finish line….. MY SURGERY. I have delayed my reconstructive surgery indefinitely as it is too much on my body. I need to rebuild. I will get through the holidays after the final CHEMO which is now DECEMBER 3rd and decide then. I have had ENOUGH.

I have amazing friends, a loving family, parents that care so much, kids that love me and I am CANCER FREE!

WALK BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT.

XO, Christine 

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SHAKE IT BABY!

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Hey Healthy Hotties,

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I am over the moon to introduce you ladies to our latest and greatest blog sponsor….DRINK CHIA!  You may remember they participated in our Summer Swag Bag Giveaways last year.  I have had the pleasure of getting to know the company and one of it’s founders, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Gideon J. Lewis (the handsome adventure seeker with the million dollar smile holding the bottle).  Gideon and the company are on a mission “to inspire people to be engaged in their health, try new things, seek adventure, and be active in their communities.” LOVE THAT!  I am very proud to share ‘internet real estate’ with this company and promote them.  

Have you been noticing chia seeds everywhere lately?  Kale took over in 2012 and this year it’s all about the chia seed!  We have been incorporating flax seeds and flax seed oil into our diet for some time now, but chia seeds do not go rancid the way flax seeds do and contain a higher level of Omega 3’s.   From hydration to brain function, the list of benefits from chia seeds are endless and I encourage you all to add them to your diet.  They also help maintain healthy weight because of the high fiber content.  One of the easiest and fastest ways to add chia seeds to your diet is by drinking them.  When the chia seed is wet it forms a gelatinous substance that takes longer to digest.  You stay fuller longer which prevents overeating. 

In case you are wondering, yes– chia seeds are the same seed from the famed Chia Pets popularized in the 80’s!  Can you hear the song in your head? Cha-Cha-Cha Chia!

Check out the health benefits via http://www.drinkchianow.com:

Hydration
Chia seeds have amazing absorptive properties.  In fact, those tiny seeds can absorb 9 to 12 times their weight in water.  When you consume them, your body is getting prolonged hydration and retaining important electrolytes.

Endurance
Our chia seeds pretty much come straight from the farm and into your bottle of Drink Chia!  Because they are a whole, unprocessed food, our bodies break down these little chia dynamos slowly, balancing our blood sugar levels and giving us endurance for the long haul.

Healthy Heart
Chia seeds not only contain natural antioxidants, but they also hold the highest known concentration of plant-based Omega-3 essential fatty acids, which studies show are important to the health of our hearts and other vital organs.

Brain Power
As they are for the heart, Omega-3 fatty acids are important to brain health and function.  Studies suggest they can improve nerve function and alleviate symptoms associated with a number of conditions, such as OCD and ADHD.

I down a Drink Chia! before every workout now and have seen a huge difference in my endurance on  powerwalks, hikes and in my yoga classes.  The flavors are amazing and my favorite is the Honeysuckle Pear.  YUM!

{My Fridge}

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To purchase Drink Chia! online or check the store locator, CLICK HERE.

This sponsorship helps me to continue bringing you blogs and videos which inspire you to grow, shine and be the best that you can be.  I’m truly grateful to Gideon and Drink Chia!

Love, Tiff