In today’s chemical laden world eating clean sometimes means more than fruits and vegetables.

Over the years, I’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 Stainless Steel 3 Container Set.

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.

They are a perfect size for lunch or snacks on-the-go.

The larger container is 16 oz, the medium is 8 oz, and the small is 5 oz.

The only downside is that the large is a bit small for this monster sized salad girl.

Each container has a snap on lid and so far I haven’t noticed any leakage.

 The three containers nest inside of each other for space saving storage.

A huge plus since my kitchen is smaller than the average closet.

Mira has generously offered to giveaway one set of stainless steel containers to one Girl Heroes reader.

You have a few ways to win. Just fill out the form below.*

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway open to US residents 18 and older only.

*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.

Have you made the switch from plastic? What is your favorite lunch or snack to pack?

Hugs and High Fives,
Jenn

Keep up with my kettlebell workouts, real food recipes, and more in one of three ways! 1. Sign up to have posts emailed to your inbox. 2. Subscribe to the RSS Feed or 3. “like” Girl Heroes on Facebook. Simple dimple!

Journey with our family on the road at Newschool Nomads as we travel fulltime in RV through the United States.

Disclosure: I was provided a set of Mira stainless steel containers for the purpose of this review.  All opinions are my own.

The post Eat Cleaner On the Go with Mira Stainless Steel Containers – Giveaway appeared first on Girl Heroes.

When we decided to spent the winter in the mountains of Colorado I knew I needed some new cold weather gear.

I especially knew I needed some warm winter boots since I’m trying to walk 3,000,000 steps this year.

So I began a search for cute winter boots…errr….I mean the best winter boots.

Because when it’s -7° function trumps fashion.

Then I came across the Teva Jordanelle.

I’ll get to the point.

Best Winter Boots. Ever.

Seriously.

National Geographic included the Teva Jordanelle boots as part of their “Gear of the Year”.

(You can also read the 5 star reviews on Teva)

Having grown up with the puffy moon boots of yesteryear I didn’t know cute winter boots existed.

Much less cute WARM winter boots.

When you are facing near or below freezing temperatures everyday then good gear can make all the difference between being comfortable or miserable.

Over the past month, I have put my Teva Jordanelle boots through the test.

Shovel snow at near 0° weather for over an hour and still have warm dry feet?

Check.

I really did shovel snow one in the dark and below freezing  for over an hour. Not only did my feet stay warm and dry in my Teva Jordanelle boots I got in a great workout. 

Hike up snowy slick terrain and not lose footing?

Check.

I’ve put them to test on The Colorado Trail which is within walking distance of our campground.
How awesome is that!!

Leap like a gazelle more than 10x for photos because you still think you are 12 and not slip once?

Check.

A picture is worth a thousand words. Or one. Weirdo.

The cutest winter boots around?

Check.

You have to decide that for yourself but I love kicking around town in my Teva Jordanelle boots.

Multifunctional?

Check.

The liner slips out to make warm booties for hanging out around the house.

Compact for travel?

Check.

The upper part of the Teva Jordanelle boot folds down making it the size of an ordinary shoe and the Jordanelle is light making it great for travel (and hiking).

Not only have the Teva Jordanelle boots passed my “best winter boot” test but they come in 3 cute colors.

Here is the best part!!!

I loved these boots so much that I asked Teva if they would giveaway a pair to one of you guys and they said YES!

Did you hear that!

Teva has offered to giveaway ONE PAIR of  JORDANELLE boots to a Girl Heroes reader.

I’m stoked!!!

You have a number of ways to win! To enter fill out the form below.*

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveway open to US and Canadian residents 18 and older only.l

*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.

How are you staying warm this winter? 

Hugs and High Fives,
Jenn

Keep up with my kettlebell workouts, real food recipes, and more in one of three ways! 1. Sign up to have posts emailed to your inbox. 2. Subscribe to the RSS Feed or 3. “like” Girl Heroes on Facebook. Simple dimple!

Journey with our family on the road at Newschool Nomads as we travel fulltime in RV through the United States!

Disclosure: I was provided a pair of Teva Jordanelle boots  for the purpose of this review.  All opinions are my own.

The post Best Winter Boots Ever: Teva Jordanelle Review (and giveaway!!!) appeared first on Girl Heroes.

The New Year is just around the corner and with that comes a slew of New Year’s Resolutions.

This is year I’m taking a different approach t0 resolutions rather than change a “bad habit” I’ve decided to improve upon an already good habit, walking. I’m setting a goal to walk at least 3, 000,000 steps in 2013! Three million steps may sound like a lot until you break it down and see it’s 10,000 steps on 3oo hundred days of 2013.  Totally doable!

Reaching that goal is going to be simpler with my new Fitbit Zip.

The Zip is a newish gadget from Fitbit. Zip tracks your number of steps, calories burned, distance, and it is a clock. It automatically (after intial set up) and wirelessly syncs to your computer and select smartphones.

Here is what I think after wearing the Fitbit Zip for a over month now.

Fitbit Zip Review

“Yeah yeah!!!”

Secure: My Fitbit Zip stays in place all day long whether clipped to the my waistband, inside my pocket, or on my bra.

Easy to Read: A few taps on the screen scrolls through your stats. If you have a compatible smartphone you can check your stats without even looking at the device.

Motivating: The Fitbit Zip is great for those who want to move more and need a little extra push to get up. (Ahem!)

Screenshot of Fitbit Dashboard

Screenshot of Mobile Fitbit App

No Monthly Subscription Fee:  When you purchase the Zip you gain access to their free (and easy to use) online dashboard and free mobile app which shows your daily and cumulative progress.

Syncs with Other Health Apps: I just recently opened up a MyFitnessPal to account to stay accountable to a friend. (Do I really want that extra glass of wine?) I was excited to find out that MyFitnessPal syncs my meals and activities to my Fitbit account and adjusts my daily net calorie goal based on my activity. Check out the list of Fitbit compatible apps.

The Initial Set Up: The initial set up was easy. You just insert the battery using the battery door tool and set up your free Fitbit account and sync using the USB dongle.

Excellent Customer Service: I had a few questions about synching to my computer (I didn’t realize I needed to keep the dongle in my USB port.) and Fitbit emailed me back quickly with a friendly and helpful response.

Fun!!!: It’s fun to go on a hike and see how much you walked. It’s fun to look at your progress on your Fitbit dashboard. It’s fun to set and reach goals. It’s fun to get an email congratulating you on reaching your goals.

“Hmmm???”

Remember to Add Your Activity:  You have to enter any extra activity other than walking separately to get a more accurate calorie burn. This is especially important if you are tracking your calories. You want to make sure you are eating enough to support your caloric output so your metabolism stays firing so don’t forget to add that extra activity.

Not always lightening fast: Most of the time it syncs quickly but sometimes it takes a minute or two to sync to my computer or phone. Not a big deal but wanted to let you know.

Not rechargeable: Unlike it’s cousin the Fitbit, the Zip is not rechargeable and uses a watch battery. The battery will last 4-6 months. On one hand I would prefer it to be rechargeable. On the other hand, it’s really great to not have an extra cord to deal with or have to remember to charge it.

Questions you may have about my Fitbit Zip Review.

What is the difference between the Fitbit One and the Fitbit Zip?

The Zip is less expensive than the One. The Zip doesn’t track sleep, floors climbed, or have an alarm. You can compare the Fitbit Zip to the Fitbit One side by side here.

How big is the Fitbit Zip?

It’s small but not so small that you worry about losing it. I also don’t have any trouble hiding it when I want to wear it but not see it.

Do you think the calorie burn is accurate?

I have never had my metabolism professionally tested so I can’t comment with certainty on its accuracy. I will say I  think it is a very good estimate. My calories burned on the Zip (as long as I add my extra activities) are comparable to other activity trackers I have used.  As always it’s most important to listen to your body over a device. If you are hungry then eat. If you are exhausted then rest no matter what a device says. I use the Fitbit Zip as it is intended as a motivational tool and it’s AWESOME! Most of my favorite activities are sedentary and the Zip gives me the motivation I need to get up and move more. 

Fitbit Zip Giveaway

Here is the best part of my Fitbit Zip review!! You can win a Fitbit Zip to help you reach your New Year’s goals!!! Fitbit has generously offered to give one Zip away to a Girl Heroes reader.  

You have up to 6 chances to win! To enter fill out the form below. (If you are on your phone it may take a few moments for the form to load.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway open to US residents 18 and older only!

Have you ever used a Fitbit Zip or other activity tracker?  What was your experience? Are you setting any fitness goals for 2013? 

Hugs and High Fives,
Jenn

Keep up with my kettlebell workouts, real food recipes, and more in one of three ways! 1. Sign up to have posts emailed to your inbox. 2. Subscribe to the RSS Feed or 3. “like” Girl Heroes on Facebook. Simple dimple!

Journey with our family on the road at Newschool Nomads as we travel full time in RV through the United States!

Disclosure: I was provided a Fitbit Zip  for the purpose of this review.  All opinions are my own.

The post Fitbit Zip Review (and Giveaway!!!!!) appeared first on Girl Heroes.

I’m afraid of flying.  Once an airline attendent looked at my husband and asked, “Is she going to be okay?” 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 Fitness Experiment, has written and published a book aptly named The Great Fitness Experiment: One Year of Trying Everything!!! Excuse me for a second.

CHARLOTTE PUBLISHED A BOOK!!!!!!!  A BOOK! A BOOK! A BOOK!!!!  YAY CHARLOTTE!!!!!!

Ok, I’m back. (I get a little excited when people succeed at doing something they love.)   Charlotte didn’t just write a book, she wrote a great book.  A funny book.  A heart breaking book. A hopeful book.  An honest book.  But most importantly, a book that made me forget I was flying!

Charlotte’s book is an hysterical and equally moving memoir about her year of fitness “experiments”.  Her experiments run the gamut from Crossfit to the Tracey Anderson Method and she shares what worked and didn’t work for her along the way.

The joy of Charlotte’s book lies in its honesty.  Intercut among the experiments are personal essays, “best”, and “worst” moments that will make you laugh out loud, cry, and wish you were (and sometimes thankful you’re not…teasing Charlotte…you know I <3 you! ) one of the “gym buddies”.  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’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…and so are our tummies, stretch marks and all.

If you are a fitness enthusiast, someone who has struggled with body image, or just like to laugh then you are sure to enjoy The Great Fitness Experiment: One Year of Trying Everything as much as I did!

Speaking of Charlotte and friends, Deb from Smoothie Girl Eats just put up a new post for the blogger calendar featuring pictures of lovely ladies from the cutting floor. Not only is Charlotte a writer but she may also be a contortionist.  Please hop on over to Deb’s blog and consider supporting USC Norris Cancer Hospital by purchasing a calendar!

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!

Contest ends next Wednesday, 12/15 at 9:00 PM, PST.  Open to US residents only.

Have you ever done any fitness or food experiments of your own?  What did you learn?

Hugs and High Fives,
Jenn

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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.

The post Fun Friday: The Great Fitness Experiment Book Review and Giveaway!!! appeared first on Girl Heroes.

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.  Isn’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 that’s what happens when you drink primarily water or plain green tea.  When you taste something new your taste buds go a little nuts.

I have reasons why my primary drinks are pretty boring. Yet, there are times when water or plain green tea won’t suffice and I want something a bit more exciting but don’t want to go for a soda.  This is where V8 V-Fusion + Tea comes in.  For me, it’s a good alternative to soda when I’m stopping by a convenience store on a road trip or anytime I want that little “oomph” that water just doesn’t provide.

What I liked

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.  I’m very sensitive to any sort of “chemical” taste and while I could taste the sucralose, it wasn’t overwhelming.

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.

I won’t kid myself and say it’s like eating a plate full of fresh fruits and vegetables but I do like that it’s not just “empty calories” like soda.

What I didn’t like

It’s sweetened with sucralose.  I’m just not a big fan of artificial sweeteners but every once in a while I don’t have a problem with them especially when I otherwise enjoy the product.

While I liked the V8 V-Fusion + Tea on it’s own, I also used it to give a smoothie a little “oomph”.

Vanilla Berry Smoothie

1 Cup of V8 V-Fusion Raspberry + Green Tea
½ Cup of Plain Unsweetened Yogurt
1 Cup of Frozen Blueberries
¼ tsp of xanthan gum*
½ tsp of guar gum
few drops of vanilla

Put everything in a blender and blend until smooth.

*My good friend Deb introduced me to the wonders of gums.

Since California just decided it was summer in November, I also made a yummy pineapple mango popsicle on a chopstick.

As part of the V8 V-Fusion + Tea review BlogHer is giving away one $100 Visa card to a Girl Hero reader!!!  To enter leave a comment.

For a second entry you can

– Tweet about this post with a link to it (and put your tweet URL in a separate comment below)
– Blog about this post with a link to it (and put your blog post URL in a separate comment below)
– Read the official rules for alternate form of entry.

Sweepstakes runs from 11/15 – 12/10 and is open to US Residents only.

Check out the roundup page to see what 9 other bloggers are saying about V8 V-Fusion + Tea and more chances to win!

Have you tried V8 V-Fusion + Tea?  What is your favorite drink?

Hugs and High Fives,
Jenn

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Disclaimer: For this review, I was given the product and compensated for my time. All opinions are my own.

The post Fusion Fun and Giveaway! appeared first on Girl Heroes.

Yes, I received my bands and ball for free.  That doesn’t keep me from being honest.

Using my Oxygenfit toner in my fancy garage gym to aid my pull-ups.

While I don’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.

After a bad experience with cheap bands (One broke and the handle hit me in the face bloodying my nose…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 Fit Stik that allows you to add more variety and use the Toners more like a barbell.

The square part is heavily stitched for safety.  I can’t imagine this breaking!

The Oxygenfit Toners feel safer and more comfortable (no pinching) than an average exercise band.  As long as you aren’t using the band as a swing or for acrobatics then the possibility of the band breaking is virtually eliminated.

The ball?

I’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 thin. However, the Oxygenfit Body Ball is akin to the higher quality balls I’ve used at the gym.  Although, mine could have used a few more pumps of air.  Speaking of the the air pump it was really easy 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’m easily entertained.

While I don’t use a stability ball every day (I don’t use any one piece of equipment every day), I do use them to add variety to my workouts and prevent boredom.   I consider it one of the better pieces of exercise equipment when it comes to price, effectiveness, and versatility.

The friendly people of Oxygenfit have offered to giveaway a Body Plan Kit (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.

4 Ways to Gain Entries!

(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)

1. Leave a comment telling me what your favorite exercise is using the ball or bands?  If you’ve yet to use them what would you like to try?

2. Check out the Oxygenfit website and leave a comment telling me you have done so.  (There’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.

3. Mention this post on your blog.  Leave a comment telling me you have done so.  If you don’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.

4. If you have a twitter account please help me spread the word and Tweet about this giveway. “@girlhero is having her first giveaway: An Oxygenfit Body Plan Kit. Enter to win here http://bit.ly/dhskF9!”  You may tweet up to once a day but don’t forget to come back and leave a comment for each entry.

Contest will close next Monday March 29th at 9 pm PST and is open to US and Canadian residents!

Hugs and High Fives,
Jenn

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The post My First Giveaway!!!!! Oxygenfit Body Plan Kit appeared first on Girl Heroes.