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	<title>Girl Heroes &#187; Give-Aways</title>
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	<description>Free home fitness workouts and healthy recipes for women who believe strong is the new sexy.</description>
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		<title>Eat Cleaner On the Go with Mira Stainless Steel Containers &#8211; Giveaway</title>
		<link>http://www.girl-heroes.com/2013/05/06/mira-stainless-steel-containers/</link>
		<comments>http://www.girl-heroes.com/2013/05/06/mira-stainless-steel-containers/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 06 May 2013 16:25:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[jennincat]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Give-Aways]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[giveaways]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[reviews]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.girl-heroes.com/?p=5425</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/2013/05/06/mira-stainless-steel-containers/"><img align="left" hspace="5" width="150" height="150" src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IMG_7704-150x150.jpg" class="alignleft tfe wp-post-image" alt="IMG_7704" /></a>In today&#8217;s chemical laden world eating clean sometimes means more than fruits and vegetables. Over the years, I&#8217;ve slowly been replacing plastic with glass and stainless steel. I started with our water bottles. Then moved on to food storage containers. But I have still been using plastic for packing lunches. Until I tried the MIRA [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/2013/05/06/mira-stainless-steel-containers/">Eat Cleaner On the Go with Mira Stainless Steel Containers &#8211; Giveaway</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.girl-heroes.com">Girl Heroes</a>.</p>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 15px; width:240px;">
		<img src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IMG_7704.jpg" width="240" />
		</p><p style="text-align: center;">In today&#8217;s chemical laden world eating clean sometimes means more than fruits and vegetables.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Over the years, I&#8217;ve slowly been replacing plastic with glass and stainless steel.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I started with our water bottles.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Then moved on to food storage containers.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">But I have still been using plastic for packing lunches. <a href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IMG_7728.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" alt="IMG_7728" src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IMG_7728-266x400.jpg" width="266" height="400" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Until I tried the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AR2UAW4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00AR2UAW4&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=newscnomad-20">MIRA Stainless Steel 3 Container Set</a>.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter" alt="IMG_7704" src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IMG_7704-500x333.jpg" width="500" height="333" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Mira Stainless Steel reusable containers are made of 18/8 food-grade stainless steel and have non-toxic snap on lids (in fun colors I might add) that are free of BPA, PVC, and lead.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter" alt="IMG_7726" src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IMG_7726-500x333.jpg" width="500" height="333" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">They are a perfect size for lunch or snacks on-the-go.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The larger container is 16 oz, the medium is 8 oz, and the small is 5 oz.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The only downside is that the large is a bit small for this monster sized salad girl.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IMG_7739.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-5427 aligncenter" alt="IMG_7739" src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IMG_7739-500x333.jpg" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Each container has a snap on lid and so far I haven&#8217;t noticed any leakage.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IMG_7742.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-5426 aligncenter" alt="IMG_7742" src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IMG_7742-266x400.jpg" width="266" height="400" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> The three containers nest inside of each other for space saving storage.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A huge plus since my kitchen is smaller than the average closet.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800080;">Mira has generously offered to giveaway one set of stainless steel containers to one Girl Heroes reader.</span></h2>
<p style="text-align: center;">You have a few ways to win. Just fill out the form below.*</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a class="rafl" id="rc-e42dbb5" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e42dbb5/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<script type="text/javascript" src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Giveaway open to US residents 18 and older only.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>*If you are on your phone it may take a few moments for the form to load or if you received this post through email you may need to click through to see the form.</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Have you made the switch from plastic? What is your favorite lunch or snack to pack?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Hugs and High Fives,<br />
Jenn</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Keep up with my <a href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/workouts/" target="_blank">kettlebell workouts</a>, real food recipes, and more in one of three ways! 1. Sign up to have posts <a href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/subscribe/" target="_blank">emailed to your inbox</a>. 2. <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/CompetingToLose">Subscribe to the RSS Feed</a> or 3. &#8220;like&#8221; Girl Heroes on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Girl-Heroes/126508136037" target="_blank">Facebook</a>. Simple dimple!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Journey with our family on the road at <a href="http://www.newschoolnomads.com/" target="_blank">Newschool Nomads</a> as we travel fulltime in RV through the United States.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Disclosure: I was provided a set of Mira stainless steel containers for the purpose of this review.  All opinions are my own</em>.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/2013/05/06/mira-stainless-steel-containers/">Eat Cleaner On the Go with Mira Stainless Steel Containers &#8211; Giveaway</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.girl-heroes.com">Girl Heroes</a>.</p>
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		<title>Smooth Silky Skin with bodycology</title>
		<link>http://www.girl-heroes.com/2011/07/05/smooth-silky-skin-with-bodycology/</link>
		<comments>http://www.girl-heroes.com/2011/07/05/smooth-silky-skin-with-bodycology/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 05 Jul 2011 09:05:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[jennincat]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Give-Aways]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.girl-heroes.com/?p=3762</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/2011/07/05/smooth-silky-skin-with-bodycology/"><img align="left" hspace="5" width="150" height="150" src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Seahorse-tatoo--150x150.jpg" class="alignleft tfe wp-post-image" alt="Seahorse tatoo" /></a>Mrs. Seahorse is happy. Her skin is silky and smooth thanks to the new bodycology rich&#38;creamy Skin Softening Body Wash and Lotion. (Just go with it.) Recently, I was sent the NEW bodycology rich&#38;creamy Body Wash and Lotion with silk and avocado oil. bodycology rich&#38;creamy offers intense hydration and has been clinically proven to lock in moisture [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/2011/07/05/smooth-silky-skin-with-bodycology/">Smooth Silky Skin with bodycology</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.girl-heroes.com">Girl Heroes</a>.</p>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 15px; width:240px;">
		<img src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Seahorse-tatoo-.jpg" width="240" />
		</p><p><script src="http://oascentral.blogher.org/RealMedia/ads/adstream_jx.ads/blogher.org/ABS_Jun11_Review_003/@x13"></script></p>
<p><a href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Seahorse-tatoo-.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3763" title="Seahorse tatoo" src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Seahorse-tatoo--300x202.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="202" /></a></p>
<p>Mrs. Seahorse is happy.</p>
<p>Her skin is silky and smooth thanks to the new bodycology rich&amp;creamy Skin Softening Body Wash and Lotion.<br />
(<em>Just go with it.</em>)</p>
<p><a href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Bodycology2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3765" title="Bodycology2" src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Bodycology2-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>Recently, I was sent the NEW bodycology rich&amp;creamy Body Wash and Lotion with silk and avocado oil. bodycology rich&amp;creamy offers intense hydration and has been clinically proven to lock in moisture for 24 hours.</p>
<p>I spend a lot of time outdoors training clients and working out which can dry out my skin if I&#8217;m not careful.</p>
<p>And then there are my hands.  Oh my hands.</p>
<p>While kettlebells do wonders for the posterior they leave the hands rough and bumpy like seahorse skin (I know because when I was a kid I caught a seahorse at the beach which I immediately let go) which leaves me feeling not always so feminine.  Sorry Mrs. Seahorse.   Thankfully, there are products like bodycology that leave my skin feeling hydrated and soft for hours. Seriously, a few hours after using the bodycology lotion Thing 2 and I were cuddled up in a blanket on the couch when he touched my leg and asked, &#8220;What&#8217;s that?&#8221;  I told him it was my leg.  &#8220;Really? It&#8217;s so soft.&#8221;, he replied shocked.  Apparently, my legs are not usually so soft.</p>
<p>At first I was concerned about the fragrance because I&#8217;m very sensitive to scents which can leave me feeling irritated with a headache.  Not so with this Body Wash and Lotion.  The scent is <em>light</em> and not perfume-y.  A pleasant scent and long lasting skin hydration- what more can you ask for?</p>
<p>Mrs. Seahorse agrees.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Seahorse-tatoo-2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3764" title="Seahorse tatoo 2" src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Seahorse-tatoo-2-300x202.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="202" /></a></p>
<p>Now while Mr. Seahorse is off hatching babies from his pouch, Mrs. Seahorse is going to put her up feet and pamper herself.</p>
<p><em>Do you have seahorse skin?  Want to try the new bodycology for yourself? </em>Visit <a href="http://goo.gl/beZZW" target="_blank">www.bodycology.com</a> then leave me a comment here sharing which formula is right for you and youâ€™ll be entered to win a bodycology gift basket.</p>
<p>And check out bodycology on <a href="http://goo.gl/SvhgB" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, (facbook.com/bodycology), for hydrating tips and a hydration quiz.<em> </em></p>
<p><strong>Rules:</strong></p>
<p>No duplicate comments.</p>
<p>You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:</p>
<ul>
<li>a)  Leave a comment telling me which which formula is right for you.</li>
<li>b)  Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post.</li>
<li>c)  Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post</li>
<li>d)  For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.</li>
</ul>
<p>This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.  Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.  You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.  Giveaway runs from July 5th &#8211; 31st. The Official Rules are <a href="http://www.blogher.com/official-rules-bodycology-gift-basket-sweepstakes" target="_blank">available here.</a> And check out what other bloggers have to say about bodycology on the <a href="http://goo.gl/z4w6d" target="_blank">BlogHer roundup page</a>!</p>
<p>Hugs and High Fives,<br />
Jenn</p>
<p>If you enjoyed this post please <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/CompetingToLose">Subscribe to the RSS Feed</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/CompetingToLose"></a>or</p>
<p>Sign up to have posts <a href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/subscribe/" target="_blank">emailed to your inbox</a>.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/2011/07/05/smooth-silky-skin-with-bodycology/">Smooth Silky Skin with bodycology</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.girl-heroes.com">Girl Heroes</a>.</p>
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		<slash:comments>60</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Confessions and Concealer (A Review and a $100 Spa Finder Gift Card Giveaway!)</title>
		<link>http://www.girl-heroes.com/2011/04/14/confessions-and-concealer/</link>
		<comments>http://www.girl-heroes.com/2011/04/14/confessions-and-concealer/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 14 Apr 2011 16:00:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[jennincat]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Give-Aways]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.girl-heroes.com/?p=3418</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/2011/04/14/confessions-and-concealer/"><img align="left" hspace="5" width="150" height="150" src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG_9835-150x150.jpg" class="alignleft tfe wp-post-image" alt="IMG_9835" /></a>This is a sponsored review from BlogHer and OLAY. Confession #1 I love wearing makeup. Confession #2  I have even been known to wear makeup to the gym. Confession #3  I&#8217;m not ashamed. Every since I was a young girl, I have enjoyed playing with makeup.  Years later, I still love to &#8220;play&#8221; with makeup [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/2011/04/14/confessions-and-concealer/">Confessions and Concealer (A Review and a $100 Spa Finder Gift Card Giveaway!)</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.girl-heroes.com">Girl Heroes</a>.</p>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 15px; width:240px;">
		<img src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG_9835.jpg" width="240" />
		</p><div style="float: left; margin-right: 5px;"></div>
<p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">This is a sponsored review from BlogHer and OLAY.</p>
<p>Confession #1 I love wearing makeup.</p>
<p>Confession #2  I have even been known to wear makeup to the gym.</p>
<p>Confession #3  I&#8217;m not ashamed.</p>
<p>Every since I was a young girl, I have enjoyed playing with makeup.  Years later, I still love to &#8220;play&#8221; with makeup but I rarely have the time to lock myself away in my bedroom painting, contouring, lining, and blending.  As a busy mom to two kids, mornings are most often hectic and as much as I&#8217;d like to spend 20 minutes smearing and smudging the perfect smoky eyes (Yes, I would totally wear smoky eyes during the day to the grocery store.), the fact is, I get very little time to get ready.  This means one thing: simplify.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG_9828.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3419" title="IMG_9828" src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG_9828-195x300.jpg" alt="" width="195" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>We all know that the simplest way to have great skin is to get regular quality sleep, eat a well balanced diet, and drink plenty of water.  But sometimes even with my best intentions my skin needs a little help.  <del datetime="2011-04-12T23:27:45+00:00">Not enough sleep? Ahem</del> Whether I am going for a natural fresh face look or a more glamorous look, I always start by making the most of my complexion. I had just finished the last of my eye moisturizer and was looking for something new when I received the opportunity to review <a href="http://goo.gl/eh49n" target="_blank">Olay Total Effects Line and Dark Circle Minimizing Brush</a>.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s a moisturizer and a concealer in one.  Love multi-fuction!  You simply click the button on the bottom of the stick once or twice and then brush on and, voila, no more dry skin and dark circles.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG_9835.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3420" title="IMG_9835" src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG_9835-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>So what do I think after wearing <a href="http://goo.gl/eh49n" target="_blank">Olay Total Effects Line and Dark Circle Minimizing Brush</a> for a few days?</p>
<p><strong>WOOT WOOT!!!</strong></p>
<p>I like that it moisturizes <em>and</em> gives light coverage.  Two steps in one!</p>
<p>It goes on really smooth.</p>
<p>The brush is soft and fun to use.  Makes me feel like an artist!</p>
<p>I really really like the click dispenser.  It seems I waste less than if it were in a bottle.</p>
<p>My skin tone looks more even.</p>
<p><strong>Hmmm????</strong></p>
<p>It comes in one shade &#8220;For Most Skin Tones&#8221;.  I&#8217;m really fair, and while it totally works, I think a shade lighter might be nice.</p>
<p>I prefer products with simple ingredients lists and this one was a tad long.</p>
<p><strong><br />
</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG_9843.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3421" title="IMG_9843" src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG_9843-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a></p>
<p><em>Speaking of simplicity.  Want a simple way at a chance to win a $100 Spa Finder Gift Card from BlogHer?  Just leave a comment telling me how you simplify your beauty routine!</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>No duplicate comments, please.</p>
<p>Want another entry?  You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:</p>
<p>a)      Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post</p>
<p>b)      Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post</p>
<p>c)       Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post</p>
<p>d)      For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.  You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.  <a href="http://goo.gl/NFSdq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Visit the Official Rules</a>.</p>
<p>Sweepstakes runs from 4/14 &#8211; 5/14.</p>
<p>Check out what other bloggers are saying about Olay Total Effects Line and Dark Circle Minimizing Brush and more chances to win visit the <a href="http://goo.gl/z4kYY" target="_blank">BlogHer round up page</a>!</p>
<p><em>So share your tricks to simplifying your beauty routine.  Or how about a confession of your own!  Have you ever put on makeup before going to the gym? Would you wear smokey eyes to the grocery store? </em></p>
<p>Hugs and High Fives,<br />
Jenn</p>
<p>If you enjoyed this post please <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/CompetingToLose">Subscribe to the RSS Feed</a>.</p>
<p>or</p>
<p>Sign up to have posts <a href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/subscribe/" target="_blank">emailed to your inbox</a>.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em> </em><em>Disclaimer: </em><em>For this review, I was given the product and compensated for my time. </em><em>All opinions are my own.</em></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/2011/04/14/confessions-and-concealer/">Confessions and Concealer (A Review and a $100 Spa Finder Gift Card Giveaway!)</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.girl-heroes.com">Girl Heroes</a>.</p>
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		<slash:comments>120</slash:comments>
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		<title>The 20 Calorie Chocolate Fix</title>
		<link>http://www.girl-heroes.com/2011/03/04/the-20-calorie-chocolate-fix/</link>
		<comments>http://www.girl-heroes.com/2011/03/04/the-20-calorie-chocolate-fix/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 04 Mar 2011 08:26:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[jennincat]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Give-Aways]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[reviews]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.girl-heroes.com/?p=3395</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/2011/03/04/the-20-calorie-chocolate-fix/"><img align="left" hspace="5" width="150" height="150" src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG_9408-150x150.jpg" class="alignleft wp-post-image tfe" alt="" title="IMG_9408" /></a>Sometimes I&#8217;m shameless. Not long ago I was procrastinating, wasting time, researching when I came across a review of a drink called Choffy.  What caught my eye (besides thinking that would be a cute name for a cat) was &#8220;brewed chocolate&#8221;.  As you may or may not know I quit eating refined sugar over 3 [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/2011/03/04/the-20-calorie-chocolate-fix/">The 20 Calorie Chocolate Fix</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.girl-heroes.com">Girl Heroes</a>.</p>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 15px; width:240px;">
		<img src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG_9408.jpg" width="240" />
		</p><p>Sometimes I&#8217;m shameless.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG_9408.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3398" title="IMG_9408" src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG_9408-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a></p>
<p>Not long ago I was <del datetime="2011-03-04T07:13:40+00:00">procrastinating</del>, <del datetime="2011-03-04T07:13:40+00:00">wasting time</del>, <em>researching </em>when I came across a review of a drink called Choffy.  What caught my eye (besides thinking that would be a cute name for a cat) was &#8220;brewed chocolate&#8221;.  As you may or may not know I quit eating refined sugar over 3 years ago and  in that time I have not had any chocolate except for the one time I made it myself sweetened with honey.  During this time chocolate <del datetime="2011-03-04T07:13:40+00:00">and Twizzlers</del> is the one thing I have really missed.  Over time, I grew to love my coffee thick and black and often I would tell Brent that it tasted like dark liquid chocolate even though it was coffee.  Then I saw Choffy.  (Is that not the most fun word to say!)</p>
<p>Back to being shameless.</p>
<p>Immediately upon finishing the review, I went directly to the <a href="www.drinkchoffy.com/smile" target="_blank">Choffy site</a> and emailed asking for some to try.  I even played the &#8220;I&#8217;m a blogger and will review it&#8221; card.  This was the first and only time I have done this to date but I&#8217;m sure it will not be my last.  Told you.  Shameless.  I&#8217;m so glad I did because not only did I get a free sample of Choffy I exchanged quite a few friendly emails with the one of the direct distributors who happens to workout with kettlebells too.</p>
<p><em>Well what exactly is Choffy you asked?</em></p>
<p>Choffy is 100% organic roasted and ground cacao (cocoa) beans.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG_9411.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3397" title="IMG_9411" src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG_9411-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /></a></p>
<p><em>How do you brew it?</em></p>
<p>In a coffee pot or in a French press.  I used the French press.</p>
<p><em>What does Choffy taste like? </em></p>
<p>It&#8217;s similar to hot chocolate but stronger and unsweetened.  I tried it with black and I tried it with a few drops of vanilla stevia.  Yum!</p>
<p>The nice thing about Choffy was that it didn&#8217;t make me anxious even after 2 cups!  <a href="http://www.drinkchoffy.com/about-choffy/what-is-choffy/" target="_blank">According to the Choffy site</a>, that is a result of the Theobromine in the beans.  The site states that Theobromine is a gentle stimulant that increases circulation but does not negatively affect the central nervous system.  <a href="http://www.drinkchoffy.com/about-choffy/what-is-choffy/">It also explains the high concentration of anti-oxidants</a>.</p>
<p>Overall, I really enjoyed the flavor.  It certainly gave me a chocolate fix without all the extra calories. Of course, I loved reading about all the health benefits.  Unfortunately, due to the cost I&#8217;m not certain we would be able to make it a regular staple in our kitchen but if you love coffee and chocolate it&#8217;s certainly something you&#8217;ll want to try!</p>
<p>In other going ons, I&#8217;m going to Vegas again for another taekwondo tournament.  I hadn&#8217;t&#8217; been to Vegas since my 21st birthday when I partied it up with my grandma and grandpa.  True.  I spent my 21st birthday with my grandparents.  It was the first of two times I have  ever gambled (the second time was with my other grandma a few Christmases ago) and I hit a jackpot minutes after turning 21 winning $2500.  A &#8220;present&#8221; that I promptly invested into the stock market.  I was a crazy 21 year old huh?  Anway, I&#8217;ve been trying to pack all night long.  The problem I have a closet full of cute clothes but only wear the frumpy sweat pants so I may end up walking down the strip in a pair of worn out yoga pants.  <em>Remember what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas </em>so if I end up going out in sweats I&#8217;m not telling! I&#8217;m not going for the strip anyway.  I&#8217;m going to kick some heads. <img src="http://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/72x72/1f609.png" alt="😉" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> This is my biggest tournament of the season.  The others have been regionals and this is a national.  I pretty much know who will be there from my region but the other regions?  No clue!  Should be fun!  Wish me luck!!</p>
<p><em>Do you like coffee?  Have you tried Choffy?  How do you feel about Vegas? </em></p>
<p>Hugs and High Fives,<br />
Jenn</p>
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<p><em>Disclaimer: In case, you missed it a sample size Choffy was provided to me for free because I had the guts to ask for a sample to try.</em></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/2011/03/04/the-20-calorie-chocolate-fix/">The 20 Calorie Chocolate Fix</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.girl-heroes.com">Girl Heroes</a>.</p>
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		<title>Fun Friday: The Great Fitness Experiment Book Review and Giveaway!!!</title>
		<link>http://www.girl-heroes.com/2010/12/09/fun-friday-the-great-fitness-experiment-book-review-and-giveaway/</link>
		<comments>http://www.girl-heroes.com/2010/12/09/fun-friday-the-great-fitness-experiment-book-review-and-giveaway/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 10 Dec 2010 05:49:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[jennincat]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Give-Aways]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[book reivew]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[giveaways]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.girl-heroes.com/?p=3107</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/2010/12/09/fun-friday-the-great-fitness-experiment-book-review-and-giveaway/"><img align="left" hspace="5" width="150" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=newscnomad-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=1578604753" class="alignleft wp-post-image tfe" alt="" title="" /></a>I&#8217;m afraid of flying.  Once an airline attendent looked at my husband and asked, &#8220;Is she going to be okay?&#8221; as I stood next to him blubbering like a freak teary eyed.  Thankfully, last month when I flew to Indiana, I had something to distract me from my irrational fear. Charlotte Hilton Anderson, from The Great [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/2010/12/09/fun-friday-the-great-fitness-experiment-book-review-and-giveaway/">Fun Friday: The Great Fitness Experiment Book Review and Giveaway!!!</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.girl-heroes.com">Girl Heroes</a>.</p>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 15px; width:240px;">
		<img src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/The-Great-Fitness-Experiment-Book.jpg" width="240" />
		</p><p>I&#8217;m afraid of flying.  Once an airline attendent looked at my husband and asked, &#8220;Is she going to be okay?&#8221; as I stood next to him <del datetime="2010-12-09T20:07:02+00:00">blubbering like a freak</del> teary eyed.  Thankfully, last month when I flew to Indiana, I had something to distract me from my <del datetime="2010-12-09T20:07:02+00:00">irrational</del> fear.</p>
<p>Charlotte Hilton Anderson, from <a href="http://thegreatfitnessexperiment.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Great Fitness Experiment</a>, has written and published a book aptly named <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1578604753?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=newscnomad-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=1578604753">The Great Fitness Experiment: One Year of Trying Everything</a><img style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=newscnomad-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=1578604753" border="0" alt="" width="1" height="1" />!!! Excuse me for a second.</p>
<p>CHARLOTTE PUBLISHED A BOOK!!!!!!!  A BOOK! A BOOK! A BOOK!!!!  YAY CHARLOTTE!!!!!!</p>
<p>Ok, I&#8217;m back. (I get a <em>little</em> excited when people succeed at doing something they love.)   Charlotte didn&#8217;t just write a book, she wrote a great book.  A funny book.  A heart breaking book. A hopeful book.  An honest book.  But <em>most importantly</em>, a book that made me forget I was flying!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/The-Great-Fitness-Experiment-Book.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3108" title="The Great Fitness Experiment Book" src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/The-Great-Fitness-Experiment-Book-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>Charlotte&#8217;s book is an hysterical and equally moving memoir about her year of fitness &#8220;experiments&#8221;.  Her experiments run the gamut from Crossfit to <a href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/2010/07/02/fluffy-friday-gwyneth-vitamin-d-and-3-pounders/" target="_blank">the Tracey Anderson Method</a> and she shares what <em>worked</em> and <em>didn&#8217;t work</em><em> for her</em> along the way.</p>
<p>The joy of Charlotte&#8217;s book lies in its honesty.  Intercut among the experiments are personal essays, &#8220;best&#8221;, and &#8220;worst&#8221; moments that will make you laugh out loud, cry, and wish you were (and sometimes thankful you&#8217;re not&#8230;teasing Charlotte&#8230;you know I &lt;3 you! ) one of the &#8220;gym buddies&#8221;.  In our airbrushed culture, full of smoke and mirrors, Charlotte gives a us a gift.  A true and rare gift of honesty.  She assures us we aren&#8217;t alone in our crazy and offers hope.  No matter our past, Charlotte assures us, like a good friend, that the future can and will be beautiful&#8230;and so are our tummies, stretch marks and all.</p>
<p>If you are a fitness enthusiast, someone who has struggled with body image, or just like to laugh then you are sure to enjoy <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1578604753?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=newscnomad-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=1578604753">The Great Fitness Experiment: One Year of Trying Everything</a><img style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=newscnomad-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=1578604753" border="0" alt="" width="1" height="1" /> as much as I did!</p>
<p>Speaking of Charlotte and friends, Deb from Smoothie Girl Eats just put up a new post for the blogger calendar featuring <a href="http://smoothiegirleatstoo.blogspot.com/2010/12/photos-from-cutting-room-floor-blogger.html" target="_blank">pictures of lovely ladies from the cutting floor.</a> Not only is Charlotte a writer but she may also be a contortionist.  Please hop on over to Deb&#8217;s blog and consider supporting USC Norris Cancer Hospital by purchasing a calendar!</p>
<p>Lastly, Charlotte has offered to give one Girl-Hero reader a copy of her book.  To be entered for a chance win leave a comment!  Winner will be chosen by random. Simple dimple!</p>
<p>Contest ends next Wednesday, 12/15 at 9:00 PM, PST.  Open to US residents only.</p>
<p><strong>Have you ever done any fitness or food experiments of your own?  What did you learn?</strong></p>
<p>Hugs and High Fives,<br />
Jenn</p>
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<p><em>This post contains an affiliate link.  I bet you can guess which one.  Amazon.  Ahem.  I only use affiliate links when something rocks my socks.  Yes, Charlotte may be my friend but so are you and this review was written from the heart.</em></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/2010/12/09/fun-friday-the-great-fitness-experiment-book-review-and-giveaway/">Fun Friday: The Great Fitness Experiment Book Review and Giveaway!!!</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.girl-heroes.com">Girl Heroes</a>.</p>
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		<title>Fusion Fun and Giveaway!</title>
		<link>http://www.girl-heroes.com/2010/11/15/fusion-fun-and-giveaway/</link>
		<comments>http://www.girl-heroes.com/2010/11/15/fusion-fun-and-giveaway/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 15 Nov 2010 12:00:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[jennincat]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Give-Aways]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[giveaways]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[reviews]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.girl-heroes.com/?p=3021</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/2010/11/15/fusion-fun-and-giveaway/"><img align="left" hspace="5" width="150" height="150" src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/V8F2-150x150.jpg" class="alignleft wp-post-image tfe" alt="" title="V8F2" /></a>This is a sponsored review by BlogHer and V8 V-Fusion + Tea. When I was offered the opportunity to review the New V8 V-Fusion + Tea I was reluctant.  Isnâ€™t V8 tomato juice?  The only time I have ever drank tomato juice was when I would fly by myself in high school.  It made me [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/2010/11/15/fusion-fun-and-giveaway/">Fusion Fun and Giveaway!</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.girl-heroes.com">Girl Heroes</a>.</p>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 15px; width:240px;">
		<img src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/V8F.jpg" width="240" />
		</p><div style="float: left; margin-right: 5px;"><script src="http://ads.blogherads.com/reviews/v8fusion/10.js" type="text/javascript"></script></div>
<p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">This is a sponsored review by BlogHer and V8 V-Fusion + Tea.</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/V8F2.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-3022" title="V8F2" src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/V8F2-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a></p>
<p>When I was offered the opportunity to review the New V8 V-Fusion + Tea I was reluctant.  Isnâ€™t V8 tomato juice?  The only time I have ever drank tomato juice was when I would fly by myself in high school.  It made me feel grown up, like I was a sophisticate drinking a bloody Mary as my converse sneakers tapped my backpack under the seat.  If V8 back then made me feel grown up then V8 Fusion makes me feel like a kid.  I almost want to put it in a sippy cup.  I guess thatâ€™s what happens when you drink primarily water or plain green tea.  When you taste something new your taste buds go a little nuts.</p>
<p>I have reasons why my primary drinks are pretty boring. Yet, there are times when water or plain green tea wonâ€™t suffice and I want something a bit more exciting but donâ€™t want to go for a soda.  This is where V8 V-Fusion + Tea comes in.  For me, itâ€™s a good alternative to soda when Iâ€™m stopping by a convenience store <a href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/2010/04/05/roadtrip/" target="_blank">on a road trip</a> or anytime I want that little &#8220;oomph&#8221; that water just doesnâ€™t provide.</p>
<p><strong>What I liked</strong></p>
<p>The flavors.  I tried the Raspberry + Green Tea, Pineapple Mango + Green Tea, and Pomegranate + Green Tea. All three flavors were good but my favorite was raspberry.  Iâ€™m very sensitive to any sort of â€œchemicalâ€ taste and while I could taste the sucralose, it wasnâ€™t overwhelming.</p>
<p>Only 50 calories per glass.  One of the reasons I drink more water than anything else is that I prefer to eat my calories but 50 calories per serving is certainly not going to throw me off track.</p>
<p>I wonâ€™t kid myself and say itâ€™s like eating a plate full of fresh fruits and vegetables but I do like that itâ€™s not just â€œempty caloriesâ€ like soda.</p>
<p><strong>What I didnâ€™t like</strong></p>
<p>Itâ€™s sweetened with sucralose.  Iâ€™m just not a big fan of artificial sweeteners but <em>every once in a while</em> I donâ€™t have a problem with them especially when I otherwise enjoy the product.</p>
<p>While I liked the V8 V-Fusion + Tea on itâ€™s own, I also used it to give a smoothie a little &#8220;oomph&#8221;.</p>
<p><strong>Vanilla Berry Smoothie</strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/V8F.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-3024" title="V8F" src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/V8F-214x300.jpg" alt="" width="214" height="300" /></a><br />
</strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p>1 Cup of V8 V-Fusion Raspberry + Green Tea<br />
½ Cup of Plain Unsweetened Yogurt<br />
1 Cup of Frozen Blueberries<br />
¼ tsp of xanthan gum*<br />
½ tsp of guar gum<br />
few drops of vanilla</p>
<p>Put everything in a blender and blend until smooth.</p>
<p>*<a href="http://smoothiegirleatstoo.blogspot.com/2009/08/smoothie-palooza.html" target="_blank">My good friend Deb</a> introduced me to the wonders of gums.</p>
<p>Since California just decided it was summer in November, I also made a yummy pineapple mango popsicle on a chopstick.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/V8F3.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-3023" title="V8F3" src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/V8F3-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a></p>
<p><em>As part of the V8 V-Fusion + Tea review </em><em><a href="http://www.blogher.com/" target="_blank">BlogHer</a></em><em> </em><em>is giving away<strong> one $100 Visa card to a Girl Hero reader!!!  To enter leave a comment.</strong></em></p>
<p><em>For a second entry you can</em></p>
<p><em>&#8211; Tweet about this post with a link to it (and put your tweet URL in a separate comment below)<br />
&#8211; Blog about this post with a link to it (and put your blog post URL in a separate comment below)<br />
&#8211; Read </em><a href="http://www.blogher.com/v8-fusion-plus-tea-sweepstakes-official-rules" target="_blank"><em>the official rules</em></a><em> for alternate form of entry.</em></p>
<p>Sweepstakes runs from 11/15 &#8211; 12/10 and is open to US Residents only.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.blogher.com/v8tea-review-and-sweepstakes" target="_blank">Check out the roundup page to see what 9 other bloggers are saying</a> about V8 V-Fusion + Tea and more chances to win!</p>
<p><strong>Have you tried V8 V-Fusion + Tea?  What is your favorite drink?</strong></p>
<p>Hugs and High Fives,<br />
Jenn</p>
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<p><em>Disclaimer: </em><em>For this review, I was given the product and compensated for my time. </em><em>All opinions are my own. </em></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/2010/11/15/fusion-fun-and-giveaway/">Fusion Fun and Giveaway!</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.girl-heroes.com">Girl Heroes</a>.</p>
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		<slash:comments>371</slash:comments>
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		<title>Alo Athletic Wear Review and Giveaway!</title>
		<link>http://www.girl-heroes.com/2010/09/22/alo-athletic-wear-review-and-giveaway/</link>
		<comments>http://www.girl-heroes.com/2010/09/22/alo-athletic-wear-review-and-giveaway/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 23 Sep 2010 04:08:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[jennincat]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Give-Aways]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.girl-heroes.com/?p=2893</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/2010/09/22/alo-athletic-wear-review-and-giveaway/"><img align="left" hspace="5" width="150" height="150" src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/IMG_7398-150x150.jpg" class="alignleft wp-post-image tfe" alt="" title="IMG_7398" /></a>I have two requirements for my workout clothes: One, they must be comfortable.  Two, they must flatter my pear shape.   (I&#8217;d work out in polyester leisure suits if they were comfortable and made me look more proportioned.)  So when ALO Clothing sent me a pair of Yoga Relax Pants in black and a Cross Over [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/2010/09/22/alo-athletic-wear-review-and-giveaway/">Alo Athletic Wear Review and Giveaway!</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.girl-heroes.com">Girl Heroes</a>.</p>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 15px; width:240px;">
		<img src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/IMG_7394.jpg" width="240" />
		</p><p><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-2897" title="IMG_7398" src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/IMG_7398-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /></p>
<p>I have two requirements for my workout clothes: One, they must be comfortable.  Two, they must flatter <a href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/2010/03/24/you-want-to-change-your-pear-shape/" target="_blank">my pear shape</a>.   (I&#8217;d work out in polyester leisure suits if they were comfortable <em>and</em> made me look more proportioned.)  So when <a href="http://www.alosport.com/" target="_blank">ALO Clothing</a> sent me a pair of <a href="http://www.alosport.com/womens-bottoms.html" target="_blank">Yoga Relax Pants </a>in black and a <a href="http://www.alosport.com/womens-short-sleeve-and-sleeveless-shirts.html" target="_blank">Cross Over Straps Tank</a> I was thrilled.  I rarely buy workout wear for myself and what beats cute, functional, feminine and comfortable clothing?  Cute, functional, feminine, comfortable clothing <em>that visually pares the pear! </em></p>
<p><em><a href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/alofallholiday2010_14421.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-2895" title="alofallholiday2010_1442" src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/alofallholiday2010_14421-e1285183273732-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /></a><br />
</em></p>
<p>The Yoga Relax Pants live up to their name.  Relax.  I love feeling like I&#8217;m wearing my PJs without actually wearing my PJs. (Especially since all my PJs are full of holes.)  In the last two weeks, I&#8217;ve worn my new Yoga Relax Pants on a roadtrip, for workouts, for errands, lounging around, and right now at the library where I&#8217;m working on this post.  They are <em>that</em> comfortable.  The fabric is made out of bamboo that <em>feels like</em> a well loved t-shirt without looking like a well loved t-shirt.  So soft. (I should also mention, the fact that these pants have survived my laundry skills multiple time is true testament to their quality.)</p>
<p><a href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/alofallholiday2010_1415.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-2896" title="alofallholiday2010_1415" src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/alofallholiday2010_1415-e1285183353587-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>Regarding the Cross Over Straps Tank, the design is in the details with satin trim and flattering seams down the back and sides.  It&#8217;s so pretty it almost makes me wish I didn&#8217;t workout alone in my garage.  See, I love the back!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/IMG_7394.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-2899" title="IMG_7394" src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/IMG_7394-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>Before I agreed to do the review and giveway, I read Alo Clothing&#8217;s website thoroughly and liked that they have a mission that I can stand behind.</p>
<p><em><strong>alo:Mission </strong>Create high performance, stylish lifestyle wear with outstanding function, designed and produced with minimal impact on the environmental elements alo stands for: Air. Land. Ocean. We provide customers with a choice that is respectable of the environment with out sacrificing fashion.</em></p>
<p>While I love companies that try to minimize their impact on the environment, I also love companies that don&#8217;t sacrifice style in the process.   Who says granola has to be grunge. Take a look at their <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfPqyG3ucZI&amp;feature=player_embedded" target="_blank">fall video.</a></p>
<p><code></code></p>
<p>Now for the cool part.  Alo Clothing is offering my readers one pair of Yoga Relax Pants in the size of your choice.  That&#8217;s right, we can be twinsies!  Honestly, I&#8217;m so excited to be able to giveaway a pair of these great pants to one of you guys!</p>
<p><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-2898" title="IMG_7397" src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/IMG_7397-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /></p>
<p><strong>To Enter:</strong> Like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/aloclothing">Alo on facebook</a> and then comment telling me you did.  (If you are not on facebook comment below with your favorite alo item.) <em>This first entry is mandatory and must be completed before additional entries will count. </em><img src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/simple-smile.png" alt=":-)" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p>
<p><strong>4 Ways to Gain <em>Additional</em></strong><strong> Entries:</strong></p>
<p>(Please leave an additional comment for each entry because the random generator picks a number out of the total.  More comments = increased chances of winning!)</p>
<p>1. Tweet about this contest, &#8220;Win a pair of @aloclothing Bamboo Yoga Relax Pants @girlhero!  http://bit.ly/bPzizP! #giveaway&#8221; Leave a separate comment telling me you did so.</p>
<p>2. Visit <a href="http://alosport.com/">Alosport.com</a> and &#8220;Like&#8221; your favorite item (by clicking the like icon) and comment.</p>
<p>3. Link back to this post on your blog and comment with a link</p>
<p>4. Subscribe to Girl Heroes <a href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/subscribe/" target="_blank">via email</a> or <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/GirlHeroes" target="_blank">RSS </a>on right and comment (Leave a comment if you already subscribe.)  If you are a long term subscriber and want to continue to receive email updates please <a href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/subscribe/" target="_blank">re-subscribe</a> to the new email provider.  This will be the last email I send out using the old mailer.</p>
<p>This giveaway ends on September 29th at 9pm PST. Winner will be chosen using Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to via e-mail. This giveaway is open to US  residents only.</p>
<p>Good luck!!!</p>
<p>Hugs and High Fives,<br />
Jenn</p>
<p><em>Disclaimer: I was sent the tank and Yoga Relax pants for the purposes of this review. No other form of compensation was offered or accepted. All expressed opinions are my own.</em></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/2010/09/22/alo-athletic-wear-review-and-giveaway/">Alo Athletic Wear Review and Giveaway!</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.girl-heroes.com">Girl Heroes</a>.</p>
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		<slash:comments>161</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Worms and Winners (Oxygenfit Giveaway Winner)</title>
		<link>http://www.girl-heroes.com/2010/03/30/worms-and-winners-oxygenfit-giveaway-winner/</link>
		<comments>http://www.girl-heroes.com/2010/03/30/worms-and-winners-oxygenfit-giveaway-winner/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 31 Mar 2010 03:23:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[jennincat]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Give-Aways]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Musings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parenting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cooking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kids]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.girl-heroes.com/?p=2203</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/2010/03/30/worms-and-winners-oxygenfit-giveaway-winner/"><img align="left" hspace="5" width="150" height="150" src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Nathanael-150x150.jpg" class="alignleft wp-post-image tfe" alt="" title="Nathanael" /></a>Like a lot of you, Friday night I watched Jamie Oliver&#8217;s Food Revolution.   (If you didn&#8217;t see it you can watch it online at ABC.)  I very much like his philosophy. It&#8217;s simple and doable for everyone.  He also gets points for not being pretentious. I&#8217;ll spare you my rambling thoughts about the FDA guidelines [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/2010/03/30/worms-and-winners-oxygenfit-giveaway-winner/">Worms and Winners (Oxygenfit Giveaway Winner)</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.girl-heroes.com">Girl Heroes</a>.</p>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 15px; width:240px;">
		<img src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/oxygenfitBodyplan1.gif" width="240" />
		</p><p><a href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Nathanael.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2208" title="Nathanael" src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Nathanael-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>Like a lot of you, Friday night I watched <a href="http://www.jamieoliver.com/campaigns/jamies-food-revolution" target="_blank">Jamie Oliver&#8217;s Food Revolution</a>.   (If you didn&#8217;t see it you can watch it online at <a href="http://abc.go.com/shows/jamie-olivers-food-revolution/index" target="_blank">ABC</a>.)  I very much like <a href="http://www.jamieoliver.com/philosophy" target="_blank">his philosophy.</a> It&#8217;s simple and doable for everyone.  He also gets points for not being pretentious.</p>
<p>I&#8217;ll spare you my rambling thoughts about the FDA guidelines for schools, the Jack in the Box commercial that aired (do they still &#8220;air&#8221; when you are watching shows online) during one the the commercials breaks, and the melodrama that is reality tv.</p>
<p>Instead of pointing the finger at the people of Huntington, West Virginia.  I&#8217;ll point the finger at myself.</p>
<p>I can do more.</p>
<p>Starting at home.</p>
<p>I realized for all my talking (and screaming, and guilt tripping, and the rest we won&#8217;t mention) about healthy real food, I&#8217;m not giving my kids many practical skills as to how to gather their own worms.  When they fly away from this nest of ours I want them to be able to collect more than gummy worms.  (I don&#8217;t think this worm analogy is working well in reference to my human children.)  I know the chances of them taking flight straight for the farmer&#8217;s market may be slim but why not try to increase the odds?</p>
<p>I want to teach my kids how to cook.  I teach my kids history and math why am I not teaching them something as basic and, I dare I say, more important?  So we started with something small and something we all like, French toast. (You really didn&#8217;t think I&#8217;d start with a spinach eggwhite omelette, did ya?)</p>
<p>I didn&#8217;t need Jamie Oliver to point out the sad state of American health but I did need the reminder that big changes start small.  It starts with a 9 year old, some bread, some butter, some eggs, and a big smile.</p>
<p><strong>Giveaway Winner!!!!</strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/oxygenfitBodyplan1.gif"><img class="aligncenter size-thumbnail wp-image-2209" title="oxygenfitBodyplan" src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/oxygenfitBodyplan1-150x150.gif" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a><br />
</strong></p>
<p>The <a href="http://oxygenfit.com/products/body_plan" target="_blank">Oxygenfit Body Plan Kit</a> goes to commenter number 111.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Screen-shot-2010-03-30-at-3.51.25-PM.png"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2207" title="Screen shot 2010-03-30 at 3.51.25 PM" src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Screen-shot-2010-03-30-at-3.51.25-PM.png" alt="" width="183" height="190" /></a></p>
<p>Congratulations to Jessie From <a href="http://tastyfareprettywear.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Tasty Fare, Pretty Ware</a>.  Jessie, please <a href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/contact/" target="_blank">email me</a> with your address!!! <img src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/simple-smile.png" alt=":-)" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p>
<p>Hugs and High Fives,<br />
Jenn</p>
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<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/2010/03/30/worms-and-winners-oxygenfit-giveaway-winner/">Worms and Winners (Oxygenfit Giveaway Winner)</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.girl-heroes.com">Girl Heroes</a>.</p>
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		<slash:comments>12</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>My First Giveaway!!!!!  Oxygenfit Body Plan Kit</title>
		<link>http://www.girl-heroes.com/2010/03/22/my-first-giveaway-oxygenfit-body-plan-kit/</link>
		<comments>http://www.girl-heroes.com/2010/03/22/my-first-giveaway-oxygenfit-body-plan-kit/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 23 Mar 2010 00:39:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[jennincat]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Equipment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Give-Aways]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[exercise bands]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[giveaways]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[product review]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stability ball]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.girl-heroes.com/?p=2182</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/2010/03/22/my-first-giveaway-oxygenfit-body-plan-kit/"><img align="left" hspace="5" width="150" height="150" src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/OxygetfitPullup-150x150.jpg" class="alignleft wp-post-image tfe" alt="" title="OxygetfitPullup" /></a>Yes, I received my bands and ball for free.  That doesn&#8217;t keep me from being honest. Using my Oxygenfit toner in my fancy garage gym to aid my pull-ups. While I don&#8217;t use exercise bands regularly (except for the above exercise which is my favorite way to work up to pull ups) they are perfect [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/2010/03/22/my-first-giveaway-oxygenfit-body-plan-kit/">My First Giveaway!!!!!  Oxygenfit Body Plan Kit</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.girl-heroes.com">Girl Heroes</a>.</p>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 15px; width:240px;">
		<img src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/oxyfitball.jpg" width="240" />
		</p><p>Yes, I received my bands and ball for free.  That doesn&#8217;t keep me from being honest.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/OxygetfitPullup.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-2184 aligncenter" title="OxygetfitPullup" src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/OxygetfitPullup-300x265.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="265" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Using my Oxygenfit toner in my <em>fancy</em> garage gym to aid my pull-ups.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">While I don&#8217;t use exercise bands regularly (except for the above exercise which is my favorite way to work up to pull ups) they are perfect for those with a limited budget, space, or for traveling. Bands are affordable, light, portable, small, versatile, and convenient.  You can easily throw them in a carry-on suitcase and eliminate one of the excuse factors when traveling.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">After a bad experience with cheap bands (One broke and the handle hit me in the face bloodying my nose&#8230;yes it hurt like heck!) I was delighted when I saw  and experienced the the quality of the Oxygenfit Toners (bands).  What sets the Oxygen Toners apart from other bands?  Attention to detail and quality construction.  The plastic tubing is attached inside a nylon sleeve and the sleeve is securely attached to the handle.  There is also an optional attachment called the <a href="http://oxygenfit.com/products/fit-stik" target="_blank">Fit Stik</a> that allows you to add more variety and use the Toners more like a barbell.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/oxyfit.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2187" title="oxyfit" src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/oxyfit-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The square part is heavily stitched for safety.  I can&#8217;t imagine this breaking!</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The Oxygenfit Toners feel safer and more comfortable (no pinching) than an average exercise band.  As long as you aren&#8217;t using the band as a swing or for acrobatics then the possibility of the band breaking is virtually eliminated.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The ball?</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2188" title="oxyfitball" src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/oxyfitball-300x193.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="193" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">I&#8217;ve always bought cheap balls from discount stores and inevitably it felt like I was doing planks on a balloon rather than a stability ball as the plastic felt <em>thin</em>. However, the Oxygenfit Body Ball is akin to the higher quality balls I&#8217;ve used at the gym.  Although, mine could have used a few more pumps of air.  Speaking of the the air pump it was <em>really easy</em> to use.  It took me 2 minutes and 37 seconds to fill up with air.  Yes, I actually time it with a stop watch and, yes, I&#8217;m easily entertained.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">While I don&#8217;t use a stability ball every day (I don&#8217;t use any one piece of equipment <em>every </em>day), I do use them to add <a href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/2009/05/18/stability-ball-workout/" target="_blank">variety to my workouts</a> and prevent boredom.   I consider it one of the better pieces of exercise equipment when it comes to price, effectiveness, and versatility.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://oxygenfit.com/products/body_plan"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2183" title="oxygenfitBodyplan" src="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/oxygenfitBodyplan.gif" alt="" width="200" height="155" /></a></p>
<p>The friendly people of Oxygenfit have offered to giveaway a <a href="http://oxygenfit.com/products/body_plan" target="_blank">Body Plan Kit</a> (worth $94.95) to one lucky Girl Heroes reader.  The kit will contain 1 Body Ball, 1 Light Toner, 1 Fit Stick, 1 door anchor, 1 Air Stik Pump, Motivational DVD, Fit Stik DVD, and Gym Technik Mobile Application.</p>
<h2><strong>4 Ways to Gain Entries!</strong></h2>
<p><em>(Please make sure you leave a separate comment for each entry as I will pick a winner at random from the comments.  1 comment = 1 entry)</em></p>
<p>1. Leave a comment telling me what your favorite exercise is using the ball or bands?  If you&#8217;ve yet to use them what would you like to try?</p>
<p>2. Check out the <a href="http://oxygenfit.com/" target="_blank">Oxygenfit website</a> and leave a comment telling me you have done so.  (There&#8217;s a short little video that gives you an idea of all the different ways you can use the Body Ball, Toners, and Fit Stick.</p>
<p>3. Mention this post on your blog.  Leave a comment telling me you have done so.  If you don&#8217;t have a blog you can email this post to a friend and leave a comment telling me you have done so.  You may mention this giveaway in multiple posts (or emails) up to once per day but remember to leave a comment for each entry.</p>
<p>4. If you have a twitter account please help me spread the word and Tweet about this giveway. &#8220;<a href="http://twitter.com/girlhero" target="_blank">@girlhero</a> is having her first giveaway: An Oxygenfit Body Plan Kit. Enter to win here <a href="http://bit.ly/dhskF9" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/dhskF9</a>!&#8221;  You may tweet up to once a day but don&#8217;t forget to come back and leave a comment for each entry.</p>
<p>Contest will close next Monday March 29th at 9 pm PST and is open to US <em>and</em> Canadian residents!</p>
<p>Hugs and High Fives,<br />
Jenn</p>
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<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/2010/03/22/my-first-giveaway-oxygenfit-body-plan-kit/">My First Giveaway!!!!!  Oxygenfit Body Plan Kit</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.girl-heroes.com">Girl Heroes</a>.</p>
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