Binge TV and Burpees: The Orange Is The New Black TV Workout!

Thanks to the buzz on Facebook and my absolute love of good television, I have recently become (lightly) obsessed with Orange Is the New Black. If you don't know about it, you can read up here. It is an addicting show although I must be honest I didn't fall in love until about the 5th episode, and now I'm hooked. 

That being said, I have been spending hours watching the show and neglecting things I know I should be doing, like working out. Duh-Duh-Na-Na! In comes The Orange Is the New Black TV Workout. Yes, that's right tv and workouts can be friends! Here's how it works: when certain things happen on the show you get up and do a specified exercise. If you don't know what the exercise is, google it or just improvise.  

This is a win-win. You still get to watch your shows, and sneak in some muscle toning! Check out the Orange is the New Black Workout below from FuckYeahMovieWorkouts (yes, that really is their name). They have workouts for many shows and movies, and if they don't have something you like, you can request it. 

Alright time to go get my binge and Burpee on! 

from: fuckyeahmovieworkouts.tumbler.com

XOXO, 

Riss

Sound interesting? Share and Comment. It's free and highly appreciated!

Try It Tuesday: Yerba Mate: Drink of the Gods!

This Try It Tuesday I want to share with you one of my favorite things on the planet, Yerba Mate!! Yerba Mate is a drink that you brew and enjoy like tea. I won't call it a tea because the name tea is reserved for the cured leaves of the Camellia sinensis (tea) plant. More accurately this could be called a tisane, which the the name given to herbs that are treated as tea. So now that you have been educated on the difference between tea and tisane, let's get back to Yerba Mate - Drink of the Gods!

This stuff is amazing. I drink it daily, and it really does a body good. It has the same amount of caffeine as coffee, but is so much better for you. Also called, the liquid vegetable, it contains 24 vitamins and minerals, 15 amino acids, and abundant antioxidants. With Yerba Mate, you will get the energy without the jitters. You will be hydrated instead of dehydrated, and you will be adding nutrition to your body instead of robbing it of its nutrients. The benefits of Yerba Mate go on and on. In fact, the list goes on so long that to make things effortless, I have placed the list of of benefits from this great article by Dr. Theresa Ramsey below:

Look at the multiple health benefits that Yerba mate provides.

Adrenal gland tonic Arthritis prevention and treatment Anxiety reducer Blood sugar and insulin regulation Body fat reduction Bone and teeth strengthening Cancer prevention Circulation enhancement Cirrhosis prevention Collagen and tissue growth and repair Detoxifies entire body

Digestive enzyme stimulation Digestion strengthening and tonifying Energy enhancement Gallbladder and bile stimulation Heart disease prevention Hormone balancing Hair growth strengthening Immune system strengthening Kidney support with water/sodium balance Liver function enhancement

Memory enhancement Metabolism strengthener Mood elevator Nervous system tonic Plaque prevention PMS and fibrocystic breast relief Red and White blood cell production and vitality enhancement Skin tonic, acne reduction Vision enhancement

Yes, you can get all of this from simply drinking Yerba Mate. The type I drink most often is Guayaki, they are a great company that employs many green practices, and they are a certified : organic, fair-trade, Kosher, and non-gmo. On their website you can read several myths and stories about Yerba mate, educate yourself further on Yerba Mate, and get coupons! ( I am not affiliated with them; I just think they are an amazing company!)

Below I have pasted several videos you can watch on Yerba Mate.

Check them out:





In both of these videos the people are drinking the traditional way. However, I just brew it in my tea strainer. I wet the Yerba Mate first with cold water, and then add hot (NOT boiling) water to that. If you make it incorrectly, like tea, it can become bitter. So be careful in your preparation. If you don't like the taste of it, you can dress it up, just as you would tea or coffee.


That's all for now. Gotta go finish my Yerba Mate!

Wanna try it out: Click this link to find out where I buy it.

XOXO,
Riss

Are you a Yerba Mate drinker? How do you like it? What brand do you like? Do share!

Try It Tuesday: Like Zumba, Try Scola!

I have what might be characterized as WADD, Workout Attention Deficit Disorder. I can't stick to one workout, and am always on the lookout for new, effective, fun workouts. I stumbled upon YouTuber Scola's videos one day in my quest for a new workout, and fell in love!

I am a huge dance workout fan, and I am an even huger (yes, that is a word) Afrobeat fan. Combine the two and you have these challenging, effective, upbeat workouts. Scola  has an infectious energy, and will motivate you through these workouts. If you like Zumba, you'll love Scola! Check out a few of her videos, then come back tomorrow for her Health 101 feature! She offers great advice, and has an inspiring transformation story to tell.

The Afrobeat Werrrkout!


The Azonto Workout


The Kukere Workout

Soap or No Soap? How to Have a Healthy Happy Vagina

You've heard the saying "Happy Wife, Happy Life". Well my version of this is "Happy Vagina, Happy Life." Because nobody likes a sad vagina. Furthermore, a clean healthy vagina is what we should all aim for, and teach the other females in our lives about.

Many females have been taught to shame vaginas, that they are nasty, smelly, and should be covered in floral scents and baby powder. No bueno! Your vagina is a self cleaning oven. It is actually, wait for it...... Actually, a healthy vagina is one of the cleanest part of the body! The reasoning behind this is the rapid nature of skin rejuvenation, and the way it balances good and bad bacteria. Other important factors in vaginal health are your diet, and your hygiene routine.

So how do we go about creating a clean healthy happy vagina?

Read More......

Try It Tuesday: Essential Oils

It is April Fool's today, but there is no joking in how wonderful essential oils are. I first fell in love with essential oils when I began making my own self-care products, and wanted to use only natural scents. I bought and mixed lots of scents, and through that began to become more knowledgeable about the other benefits of essential oils. My nose got me to essential oils, but the benefits to my health has kept me.

These powerful plant substances have come to be my first line of defense in my family's health.  I have used them in conjunction with other forms of healing to fight almost every health challenge my family has faced in the past couple of years. I use them to help relieve my son's asthma symptoms, my daughter's horrible hay fever, and my stomach woes. Common colds, critters that love to bite, don't stand a chance with us.

I use essential oils in aromatherapy, which is healing with essential oils through inhalation, ingestion, or application of the oils to the body. Essential oils have been around for thousands of years, and have been used by countless cultures for a myriad of issues. Essential oils are known as the heart and soul of the plant, and are obtained through a process called distillation. In distillation, plants are broken down, heated over water and the oils are released as a vapor that is then collected.

In her book, The Aromatherapy Book, Jeanne Rose explains this process in depth, and also teaches how to create a home still to make your own essential oils. I am as DIY as they come, but I think I'll stick to buying my oils for now.

How do I get started? 

I would advise anyone new to essential oils to start off with a few, then build from there. Essential oils are power volatile substance and must be treated with care. Many can be ingested and applied to the skin directly, but there are those that can cause serious harm. I have put together the information below for your reference.

Essential oils are very versatile. In my home, we cook, clean, eat, drink, meditate, inhale, rub (as in massage, and not that kind of massage *side eye*), and treat boo boos and skin irritations with them. You can mix them in with carrier oils and use them to massage, make body products, or apply to the skin. You can inhale them or put them in a diffuser to disperse the scent. You can cook with and drink certain oils, but you must be careful with this and do your research first. doTerra is the only brand I will ingest because of their distillation process and high quality.

My collection is extensive, and some may say costly, but I don't put a price tag on my family's health. In the long run, the money I invested in these oils will be nothing compared to what I would have spent on doctor's visits. And even worse, trips to the pharmacy, which I find to be the worst place on Earth.

Where do I buy my oils?

There are many essential oil companies out there. I have used oils from: Aura Cacia, Silky Scents, Mountain Rose Herbs (they have the nicest labels), NOW, and doTerra. I have been collecting essential oils for some time now, and have come to like doTerra's essential oils the most. In doing countless hours of research into companies that sell essential oils doTerra kept coming out on top, so that is what I will be buying from now on (or at least until something better come along). Their oils range from $14-100 retail. I get mine wholesale because it saves me 25% and I earn rewards. If you want more info on this feel free to email me.

My doTerra Site

If doTerra just seems way too expensive to you, then try another brand. When I was amassing my oils I used coupon deals like: Living Social and Groupon to get many of the oils. They occasionally have promotions where you can get discounts at health food stores and online retailers. I would jump on these, and come away with deep discounts on some of the more expensive oils. Living Social has a deal on now for $12 for $24 of products at Lucky Vitamins. This could be a good place to start.

I would also be on the look out of sales at Whole Foods and other retailers. You can find some really good deals.

Don't be an April Fool, give essential oils a try. I am sure you will be amazed.

XOXO,
Riss

Do you use essential oils? What are your favorites? Any questions, comments, advise? Chime in!

Try It Tuesday: Flat Abs in 2 days!

I have found the holy grail of ab workouts. If you do these exercises you will have flat abs in only 2 days! I honestly lost 5 inches and have a belly tighter than Janet Jackson's in the late 90s! Now that you've read this far, you're probably thinking this is too good to be true, and you're right. April Fools!

You may not be able to get great abs in two days, but I would like to share with you a couple of great standing ab routines that will help you achieve toned strong abs, all without you having to get on the floor. There is nothing wrong with floor ab work; I just find I like the neck free aspect of standing work. I would often feel like I was getting more of a neck workout than anything else when doing ab work on the floor.

That being said, I love standing ab work! As someone who has been in an ongoing battle with the dreaded mummy tummy, I have found that taking my ab work off the floor has been a great way to tone and strengthen those muscles that were affected by my pregnancies. Even if you don't have a mummy tummy, these are great quick exercises to get you muffin top free and allow you to stop sucking; your belly in that is.

I am sharing with you two ultra quick videos you can use to get started. The first is from Fitness Blender, they produce great short effective workouts. They are no nonsense, no frills, and straight to the point. The other video is from our friend Jessica over at the Dance Fitness with Jessica channel, and is ab work set to music. So go ahead, and try it!









XOXO,
Riss

Questions, Comments, Experiences, do share! 

Try it Tuesday: Be a Fire Breather!

I have found and love Kundalini yoga. The activeness of this yogic practice appeals to me, and the benefits are amazing. It helps me awaken and face my day with a calmness and purpose, and I truly believe it has helped speed up my metabolism and tone my back and abs.

Today I want to share with two videos on the powerful breath of fire. If you don't have a lot of time try the first one, it is a quick tutorial on breath of fire.

The second video is more in-depth and I encourage you to take the time to watch it as she explains more about Kundalini and the power of the breath for your entire body. It may seem "weird" at first, but I ask you to suspend judgement momentarily, and truly experience the breath.

An important thing I do after I complete breath of fire, is to sit for a few seconds, and check in with myself in order to notice the sensations happening in my body. This is powerful stuff that is simple to do and truly nourishes your body, mind, and spirit. Try it!





Happy Breathing!

XOXO,
Riss

Try it Tuesday: Klutch Club

About a year ago, I tried a box delivery called KLUTCHclub. Every month they deliver different health products for you to sample. You can have it come every month, or you can buy just one month at a time. I generally look to see what's in the box, then decide if I want to try or not.

So far, I have tried: Turbo Fire's Greatest HIITs dvd,

My personal unboxing

Dream Water, Hemp Hearts, Lumosity (brain training), Cremo Cream, and many other great things. The best part has been the ability to try things before you buy them, the fitness dvds or subscriptions, and the variety of things I am able to try. .

They have boxes for women, men, a moms box aimed at the whole family, and several other specialty boxes. I was about to order my March box, and thought I'd share it with you all. This March women's box contains this:

Ready to Spring into increased fitness?

I am most excited to try the Rootology Breathe Free. My daughter has horrible seasonal allergies, and I constantly searching for a natural option for her. I also can't wait to try the charcoal soap. Oh, and those Rescue Pearls, yes please! Rescue remedy is an awesome way to bring yourself (or your children) down when your stress levels get high. I am also going to order their kid's box (it's only $6) because it's filled with health snacks my kiddos will love, and I know they will be excited to have something coming especially for them in the mail.

The boxes are $16-$18 (including shipping) depending on your level of membership. It may sound like a lot, but the Rootology by itself is $17, so for me it makes sense.

If you order using the link below it supports this website! I want to be really clear here, I am not trying to sell you anything. Just sharing something I think is pretty amazing. Try it, if it appeals to you.  It has helped me become aware of some fantastic health products I may not have found otherwise.




Toodles, I'm off to order my boxes! Next month I am thinking of trying the Nature Box. Anyone subscribe to that one?

XOXO,
Riss

Try It Tuesday: Dark Horse and Happy Leg Workouts

I am loving these videos from Dance Fitness with Jessica. They are under 5 mins, fun, and --if my sore legs mean anything--effective! Check them out:

I hope you will give these a try! I have been doing them for the past 2 days. Who's down for a 21 day challenge?

XOXO, 

Riss

Try It Tuesday: 40 Cloves Garlic Chicken Wings

I am still waiting for Smell-O-Vision to come into fruition, so you can truly get the full essence of this delicious dish. Until that time, there is a way to experience the wonder of the world that is 40 Cloves Garlic Chicken, make it yourself! It looks complex, but the way I make it is simple.

The original recipe is from Ina Garten of Barefoot Contessa. You can find that recipe here.

My version is gluten-free, dairy-free, and Paleo, but I assure you it is just as amazing as the original (which I have had in the past). I have made this recipe so many times, and it just gets better and better. Let's get into it!

Here's what I used: 

• 3 whole heads of garlic, about 40 cloves peeled
• 2 lbs of organic free range chicken wings
• salt (to taste)
• black pepper (to taste)
• 1/2 tsp paprika 
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• olive oil (enough to cover the bottom of your skillet)
• 1 1/2 cups of organic chicken stock 
• 1/2 Tbsp thyme
• a cast iron skillet, dutch oven, or other stove top to oven cooking apparatus

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
Season the chicken with the: salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
If your garlic cloves are not peeled, peel them.
Heat your cast iron skillet over medium high heat.
Cover the bottom of your skillet with olive oil.
Add the chicken and cook until browned, flipping ever so often; about 5 minutes.
Add the garlic to the skillet, and let it brown.
Add the chicken stock to the pan, and scrape the brown bits up from the bottom of the pan.
Add the thyme.
Put the whole skillet into the oven and cook until the garlic is nice and roasted, and the chicken is done; about 45 mins.
Enjoy!

XOXO,
Riss

Any questions, comments,variations. Leave them below.

Try It Tuesday: Buti Fitness

"Two booty pops, two booty circles." No, this is not audio from Miley Cyrus's choreography sessions, but what you hear as you are encouraged to pop that booty for fitness sake during a Buti Fitness class. Buti is a blend of yoga, tribal dance, plyometrics, and yes booty popping.

Buti was created by trainer Bizzie Gold when she was trying to add some spice to her yoga practice after having a baby. What she came up with is a challenging, fun, sexy workout not for the faint of heart. Don't let all the booty poppin fool you, Buti is a serious workout with down dog push-ups, planks, killer ab work and the like worked in with yoga poses, tribal dance, and booty shakin' fun. The beauty of the Buti is that it has yoga at its core, which means it is really all about you and your inner space. Most likely, you're not going to be an expert after one class, but will gain strength of body and spirit with continued practice.

My experience with Buti has been a good one. I bought the 3 DVD set, and love the workouts. To my surprise the 25 minute workout is now free for all on Youtube. If you're looking for something to spice up your workout routine (and possibly your relationship), give Buti a try. I doubt you'll be disappointed, out of breath yes, disappointed no. 

Here's the full 25 minute workout for free: 

If you want to know about the Buti and its creator, you can go to her Facebook page.

Be Hella Well and Get Your Tribal On,
~Riss

Have you tried Buti? Thoughts? Questions?