Author: admin

10 Holiday Gifts for Yoga & Fitness People 🧘🏼‍♀️

Featured ~ admin ~ 7 Comments

Black Friday is pretty much here and whether you like to go beat the streets with the serious shoppers or sit behind your computer, you may see something here for one of your Yoga & Fitness friends or family members.  The list may have some great ideas to put on your own wish list this year, too.  Whether the use is for yoga or running around and doing errands, the clothes are the most comfortable to be in all day.  Have fun looking around!!  Maybe build a yoga kit with some of the items on the list…  Reach out if you need some help for anyone, I would love to help!!

1. Yoga Design Lab the yoga wheel

2. Long Hoodie Sweater Tunic This hoodie has sold out!!!  Can’t believe, but I found a replacement for the link and hope you love it just as much as this one…

3. Eco Friendly Yoga Mat

4. 3 Compression Base Layer Dry Fit Tank Topimg_6186.png

5. Beautiful Blue yoga matimg_6190

6.  3 Black Ultra Soft High Waist Yoga Leggingsimg_6184.png

7.  2 Black 22″ Ultra Soft High Waist Yoga Leggingsimg_6189

8.  Drawstring Gym Backpackimg_6193

9.  BPA Free Glass Water Bottle with silicone gripimg_6191

10.  Over the Knee Warm Yoga Socksimg_6192

I hope you found some good ideas for someone or for yourself!  These are great quality items that any yogi, including me if you needed any ideas : ) , would love to have for their practice, new or seasoned.  Have a Happy Holiday Season!!  Thank you for reading!!  xoxo Michelle

Did you see my last post with more gift ideas??  Check it out!!  

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click to the item and make a purchase, I may be paid a small commission. This is at no additional cost to you and helps me to offset costs of this website for my blog. Thank you in advance.

xoxo

10 Great Gift ideas on Black Friday

Featured ~ admin ~ 12 Comments

Hi there!!  Need any great gift ideas for Black Friday?? I know you may already have plans to wake up Friday at 3am and hit the stores with running shoes on to get all of the best presents and deals and dash to the next place and stand in line to checkout, and you know the rest.  Maybe it took longer to park than you expected and longer to get around town to the many stores on the list and they didn’t have the correct size or you didn’t see what you wanted and now you are starving and stop for lunch and … you still have a lot left to do.

What if you could get ahead and know some of the things on the list could be ordered and delivered to you, with no traffic or waiting in lines??  Here are a few things that are high on lots of lists out there for Black Friday shopping this year.  ( according to Amazon and Santa, anyway ).

  1. Mia Clarisonic Face Brush
  2. Jo Malone Red Roses Fragrance
  3. Beautiful Tennis Bracelet
  4. Set of 12 Bath Bombs
  5. Brooks Women’s Addiction 12 Running Shoes
  6. Leather Briefcase with a pretty bow
  7. Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista Expresso Cappuccino Maker
  8. 9 in 1 Instant Pot
  9. Fluffy Women’s Robe
  10. Big Mermaid Tail Blanket

There are a few ideas for the ladies in you life or possibly for you!!  Maybe they gave you ideas to share as your own list??  Happy Thanksgiving week and Happy Shopping!!  Look for another post featuring gift ideas of yoga and fitness gear coming soon!!

Thanks for reading!!  I hope you have wonderful holidays!!  xoxo Michelle

 

Did you see my post about crock pot chicken??  It is that time of year and this is a little Mexican twist on traditional gumbo.  Crock Pot Chicken

 

Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click through to Amazon and make a purchase, I may make a small commission, at no additional cost to you.

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I ♥️ Henna Designs !

Featured ~ admin ~ 2 Comments

 

I began doing henna designs about 15 years ago, after a yoga conference in Florida. There were a couple thousand people there for continued education, yoga and an expo for shopping yoga accessories and books … and There was a wonderful Henna design artist, too.

I had a lovely paisley design with various vines on my arm and wrist and loved the design. Sorry, no photos. I may not have had a phone back then. EEK!!

When returning to work, several women saw my arm and started inviting me to do henna at their baby shower coming up in two weeks. I kept telling them I did not do this to myself, but as they insisted, I broke down and agreed to learn how and I would be the henna artist at the shower.

I watched YouTube videos and used wash off markers to practice on my skin. 😆 I got several books and kept the designs simple… With the exception of the mother.  I planned to apply a design of a lotus flower with large petals and vines underneath. She was 8 1/2 months pregnant and due soon. The presence of henna when during the birth is meant to bring good luck. It is a blessing. The baby played with me as I spent time on her moms belly. A few kicks but mostly playing, like I was tickling her. I used liquid bandage and put a few little pink rhinestones on the design and it was beautiful. When she delivered, the lotus appeared to close and her belly was nicely decorated. I do feel bad not to have pics, as it was so long ago, but I have done some parties recently and have pics of those to share. 👌🏼

This is the Chinese symbol for Happiness. I applied the henna thickly to make a dark design on this one.

That next few pictures are from a private party at a gym and spa where I teach yoga and barre. These two were on employees before the party.

The five dots in each design are a symbol of protection. The designs can have meaning, or they do not have to, maybe it is just a design you like. Some of the girls liked this next design so I did several of the same. The “S”curls are for good luck.  We were in a studio with aerial silks and red overhead lighting, is why the photos look so red and cool.

This foot design is similar to one I had on my foot that day, so my friend asked for the same.  I usually do a flower and will let it fade off and then do a new one.  I like it.

This is what the design looks like after the henna has dried and fallen off, and it will last 7 to 10 days in most areas. My foot tends to fade quicker since I am barefooted most of the time – teaching yoga or barre, a ballet fitness class and in my athletic shoes.

This is the Chinese symbol for Double Happiness. 🈺🈺 My neighbor let me do this.

You can see that the ink is raised and wet, and then dries as the skin absorbs the color.  It gets flaky and will fall off, so be careful not to let it get stuck to the floor or on your nice carpeting or clothing.  Cover dry henna with a sock or plastic wrap and tape to hold in place.  Leaving the henna for up to 10 hours without washing will help ensure a nice even color on your design.

Sometimes I go back over a design after a few days with more henna to even out the color or just to make it darker and last longer. Most cones come with a small pin to hold the air out, but are most effective when first used.

I have mostly gone to an Indian grocery store to buy the henna cones, but also get them on Amazon.  I also ordered and refer back to several books from Amazon.  It was really fun to learn to do the designs and it is calming to sit quietly to do them, and to let them dry without moving too much, hopefully.

Henna does come in other colors and after experimenting a bit, I love the traditional color the best.  The others look great at first and then as they begin to fade, look a little like I colored on myself with magic marker.  The color is a deep brownish red and looks nice on all skin colors.  It fades to lighter as it goes away.

I will put a few of the books here for you if you are feeling interested.  Reach out to me if you have any questions about henna!  I haven’t ever used it to color my hair, have you??

Thanks so much for reading!  I hope you have a fabulous day!!  xoxo, Michelle

Here is a pack of tattoos, I love the designs!… INKED by dani  here


A book with thousands of henna designs to choose from and practice!!  here

This is another book I got and love!! here and bonus It is a Coloring book with so many lovely design ideas!

Awesome Henna kit with a book, henna, patterns and projects, and stencil stickers.  here

Henna cones ready to use pack of 3 here

Henna cones ready to use pack of 6 here

 

Did you see my post on warm/hot yoga??  

Disclaimer:  This post includes affiliate links to amazon.  This means that you may click on the link to go to amazon to view the item and any others you may want to search for once there.  If you make a purchase I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you.   This is to help with expenses to keep this blog running.  Thank you in advance.

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Lululemon new Principal Dancer Hoodie

Featured ~ admin ~ 14 Comments

Hi !  This is not a sponsored post, all opinions are my own, and I would only share my honest and true thoughts.

OMG, LULULEMON !!  This. Hoodie.

Do you remember how much you loved the feeling of velour on your skin??  I know, it was a long time ago, but it is hard to forget this kind of softness.

Jack gave me a gift card and I heard that Lululemon would be collaborating with the St. Louis Blues Hockey team… ok I didn’t need any excuse to go to there!! As I came in the store, a friend asked if I came today to see the new Royal Ballet Collection.  What??  I did not know!!!  This collection is a collaboration with Principal Dancer Francesca Hayward of the The Royal Ballet of London. Ok, I did see the video

Lululemon Royal Ballet Collection video

but take me there, please.  Another friend comes to hug my neck and say hi, and walks me to this collection to hand me a MOST delicious, roomy hoodie, lined with velour and embellished with gold zipper and logo.  The Principal Dancer Hoodie

I would not normally do a real review or post on this, but the fact I have should be enough for you to be curious.  The collection came in the day before, and the lulus were all very excited about the pieces.  Casey came out from the back room and was wearing the darker color and saw me featuring the heathered grey and we hugged and admired each other’s looks. My usual go to is black.  I have an amazing light grey CAbi jacket that is similar to the one I had on, so to me, her look was my match!!

We walked around the corner and I put on the jacket and fell in love with it.  Long enough to cover my bottom in align pants, a bit shorter in front with a beautiful gold zipper, super long bell sleeves that look cute folded over to show the black contrast velour or long and all one color. It is hard to describe the softness of the material on the outside, but believe me, it is very very soft.  Principal Dancer Hoodie

This will be my go to jacket of the fall for sure!! It stays in place to cover me even in the splits!! The fabrication feels so amazing. I talked about it all day and may have let five or six people try it on to experience the softness. This was the first day under 50° and I was perfectly covered for the wind and coolness.

The inside of the wide sleeves, the whole jacket too, is lined with super soft velour. I have rolled it up to show the underneath and also have worn it with sleeves down.

Roomy pockets on the sides for your phone or cold hands.

Thanks for reading about the Principal Dancer Hoodie!  If you are feeling chilled or need a new fall jacket to keep you warm, give this gem a try, it will not disappoint you!!  (This hoodie is no longer available, so sorry!  Here is a link to the also very popular and warm and cozy Scuba Hoodie instead.)

xoxo Michelle☺️

Did you see my post about hot yoga??

Or my post about doing Instagram Yoga Challenges??

Have a look! Thanks, again!!

“Family Slim-down”⚖️ a weight-loss story

~ admin ~ 19 Comments

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Doing a family slimdown was my husbands idea, to lose weight.  In case you didn’t know, I just got married two years ago. I love being married I love being a wife and I love my husband!! We both, however, love fish tacos and the chips and the salsa that go with them. Oh and the guacamole. And more chips to go with the guacamole.  It all adds up.☝🏼

My go to phrase became “we ate too many fish tacos on the honeymoon” and … fast forward to tighter pants and a need to look at the diet.  We were going to a black tie event in Chicago and Jack asked me what I thought about doing a family slimdown.

YES… I will♥️to do a FAMILY SLIMDOWN!!

I would say that we eat clean on the regular.  We eat out very infrequently and eat balanced clean and healthy meals.  At the same time, a good friend turned me on to a brand of protein powder that I was new to and wanted to try to create some recipes for shakes and protein pudding and maybe protein balls.

This was the beginning of creating our “Family Slimdown.”  It is not a Real Thing, I made up the name and had suggested it before the wedding and basically it means:  lower your blood sugar by eating balanced meals, less calories and increase exercise daily.

The blood sugar is an invisible one that most people ignore and question why they are unable to lose any weight.  If all the pieces are in place, your eating is on point and exercise daily, and there is still no budge to the scale or waistline, chances are you are fighting with high blood sugar and not making the difference in your diet to address the issue keeping the weight from dropping.  Diabetes runs in my family, but even if you do not have that, keeping a balanced blood sugar rather than letting it rise and fall and rise and rise is the key to managing weight.

For me, a shake is a good breakfast as I can make and take it with me, but for Jack, I thought bars may be better for snacks.  I began researching protein bars to send to work with Jack to help maintain stable blood sugar throughout the day.  Protein but also fiber and low sugar were main characteristics I looked for and also not tons of ingredients.  We love the bars called ONE protein bars.  They come in many flavors, we love Almond Bliss which tastes exactly like my favorite candy bar Almond Joy and Chocolate Brownie about 200 calories, 20g protein, 8g fat, 10g fiber, 1g sugar each.

Another great one is Oh Snap Salted Caramel Pretzel Crispy protein bar .

img_4463-2 This one is much like a rice crispy treat.  It has Amazing taste!!  Seriously, so good, you should order them!!  I haven’t ever seen these available in any stores, but we love them!

The Slim Down Recipe…

Breakfast:  Three eggs or a Protein Drink ( 6 – 8 oz almond milk and 1 scoop Dymatize protein ) I love Birthday cake flavor, the original my friend let me try, with ice cubes, shake and enjoy.  We also love the Fudge Brownie flavor.

Lunch:  Small amount (3 – 4 ounces) of meat with vegetables, no starch.  Jack takes a “school lunch” which I make in the crock pot and portion to freeze for his school lunches.  White chicken chili is his favorite!  here image-3

Dinner: Small 3 – 5 oz lean meat with vegetables. Salad, green beans, asparagus, broccoli, zucchini, avoid starches like potatoes, or eat only half of a sweet potato. All leafy greens are great, including spinach, mixed greens, very light dressing if any. Avocado is wonderful on salad or beside meat. Be sure to drink plenty of water all day too.

A couple of times a week, vegetable should be beans of some kind which are very high in fiber. Pinto, black beans, kidney beans, white beans. You can keep leftover beans to have with your eggs breakfast or school lunch the next day.  Fiber will help keep you feeling satiated and also to keep moving the protein through your system.

Snacks: As this is an effort to keep blood sugar level, you will want to try to avoid getting too hungry. Easy right?? The protein will help keep your blood sugar regulated, avoid eating anything without protein. If you want to have some almonds, great, avoid a banana or apple without protein to balance the carbs. I suggest these bars as snacks as they are dense in nutrients without added extra sugars.  The first few days will be a little tough if this is a big change for you.  Once your blood sugar is normalized, tho, you will feel amazing and be on your way to losing a few or a lot, if that is your goal.

If you find yourself hungry before bed, cut off the end of a bar, 1/3 maybe. It is better than waking up with low blood sugar and having issues.  If you are not into bars, eat a spoon of peanut or almond butter.

In six weeks, before our black tie event, I lost six pounds and Jack had lost almost ten. We chose to continue and had our two year anniversary to celebrate, and both our birthdays over the summer, but have now lost almost 30 pounds between us!! I am sure you know the struggle is real and it doesn’t take much to derail a good plan.

This is a guide to help you get on track to a healthy and clean eating plan, one that can become a habit and a lifestyle.  This is not to be taken as a prescription and you should pay attention to your body and what you need.

Ask questions and know what you are eating and drinking. If you have questions about our Slimdown, I am happy to answer, let me know in the comments.

Thank you for taking the time to read about our Family Slimdown.

xoxo, Michelle

Do you take collagen??  This is my favorite and it is strawberry flavor and in packets!!  here

Did you see my post about a protein shake recipe??  here

Another post using protein powder with chia to make yummy pudding!! here

Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may make a small commission at no added cost to you.

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Warm/Hot 🔥Yoga Coaching Tips

~ admin ~ 25 Comments

Hi!! This is a post for anyone wishing they could get past the fear of trying their first warm or hot yoga class.  A daunting task for some, a must be in the schedule for others.

I love love love WARM and HOT yoga! I used to wonder if it was safe or there were too many rules or whatever else someone told me about their experience, I had only heard about it. After I went to my first class, tho, I had a very clear and different understanding of why the rules and the stuff. I had been trained and was teaching yoga but had never experienced the heated classes first hand.

Here are a few coaching tips to make your experience the best…

If you are not properly dressed, it might be very uncomfortable.  Glad I got over it, but I used to wear two tank tops over my bra with groove pants.  If you are unfamiliar, they are the long flare pants, so in a room set to 105 and going up from there, plus high humidity, my legs were suffocating and I felt like I had on ALL of my shirts and my headband jumped off midway through the class.  I did not have on the right clothes.  I dialed it in for my next class, and by the third, I had a full “hot yoga uniform” to exclusively wear to hot yoga class.

You absolutely do not need to go for a whole special new outfit, but being comfortable in a hot yoga class does not include your regular leisurely outfit.  Baggy clothes will get in your way, hold sweat or flop over your head, pants should be fitted and short or cropped.  Men usually wear shorts and a tank top or no shirt. My headbands have grip underneath now so that they stay in place.  Whew!!💦 also, Bring a dry change of clothes for your ride home.

You will need a yoga mat, long yoga towel to cover the mat and water. If you show up without any of these, you can rent or buy them when you get there, but you will need them even if you think you won’t sweat much. If you do yoga, you know the mat is important. If you need one, here is a nice yoga mat and also yoga mat towel…

Manduka Yoga Mat

Yoga Mat Towel

Yoga Mat Towel Combo 2 in 1

Drink lots of water the day before. Come to the class fully hydrated, not having just guzzled one full bottle of water and you think that will be enough. Some days, I lose four pounds of water through sweat in an 80 minute Hot yoga class. The water you have the day of the class my not be enough to keep you hydrated for that long in the extreme heat.

Avoid heavy fragrances or perfumes.

Know that it will make you think you can’t but you can do it.  Mind body is one thing, but when the temperature is just below 100, it is easy to begin talking to yourself about how you are not ok with this and going to pass out.  Be aware that everyone is feeling this way, and it will end very soon when there will be a break to cool down and catch your breath.  This is the design of the class.  The class will help to build your endurance and make you feel strong and detoxified.  It is safe, but not for everyone.  If you have low blood pressure, this is not the best form of exercise.  If you are already practicing, and become pregnant, your doctor should know about hot yoga and give approval.  If you are new to exercise, most hot yoga classes are 80 minutes, so maybe it would be better to begin with a 60 minute class.

Take care of yourself.  You are the only one that knows how you feel.  If you become overwhelmed, sit down, drink water and breath slowly in and out of your nose.  If you feel that isn’t helping, lie down with your feet toward the back wall.  Do not feel like there is anything wrong, it does take practice getting used to the heat and doing downward dog.  Everyone is different and we all have different experiences.

At the end of class when the instructor lets you know that you can stay as long as you like in savasana (laying down and still on your back with eyes closed), you will think to yourself “Wow, that was tough but I did it!!!”

People will cheer and might ask for your autograph.

Not really but, I would be proud of you.

One of my girlfriends used to say she may have seen the baby Jesus, it was so hot.

It will be hot and this coaching is meant to help you be prepared for your sweat session.

Thank you for reading, let me know your first warm or hot yoga experience in the comments! xoxo 😚

Have you seen my other posts about yoga??  click here

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links which means that if you click and make a purchase I may be paid a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Guest on a Podcast!🎧

~ admin ~ 6 Comments

Today started out like most as I taught yoga at 6am and after, I trained a client at her home.

Next, I had the honor of being a guest on a friend’s podcast! He is a professional chef for 30 years and has become Mountain Man Nutrition, which is his journey to nutritional therapy as a way of reversing type 2 diabetes.

Leading up to the call for this episode, I listened to the other episodes to get a feel for the format and to hear what information has been shared so far. I did not consider that I would be the student to the information as each episode is educational about eating for type 2 diabetes but also he addresses the many other factors to consider. Stress, sleep and all of the lifestyle factors which affect our health every day. I listened to each episode.

I have had my own insulin resistance issues a few times and both my parents are diabetic, so I am doomed to this disease, right?? Not necessarily. I exercise for a living, but still need to watch what I put in my mouth. DEFINITELY.

” No amount of exercise can make up for a bad diet. “

This is true. You can’t eat twizzlers all day and be healthy. Or sit on the couch eating the bon bons. You can not eat peanut m&ms every day and it not affect your health. We all have this to live by.

You are responsible.

I am responsible.

Jeffery is available for coaching and has recipes and words of wisdom to offer anyone with questions about eating for type 2 diabetes. I have included links to reach out to him and please have a listen to the podcast, too. Here is the link to our podcast…

http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/mountain-man-nutrition/id1383315616

Description for this podcast episode…

Michelle is a yoga instructor, holistic lifestyle coach, and blogger. Michelle tells us about how she got involved in yoga and the fitness industry. How diet and lifestyle has helped her reverse her insulin resistance, lose weight and feel amazing. Michelle and Jeffery talk about the benefits of yoga, how to get started and why excuses do not apply!

They also discuss why Yoga is so great for men.  Men have the advantage of building muscle easier than women.  Maybe.  Women are more flexible than men.  Also maybe.  Men can tend to be less flexible, which does not equate to “they should not do any stretching”.  Opposite really, anyone with muscles should stretch them. Men will have better results from lifting weights if they do yoga because of the lengthening and making the muscle more available when lifting weights.  Body weight exercises in yoga are great to strengthen the core and legs.

Everyone has distractions.

Jeffery does yoga most days for 15 to 20 minutes, sometimes with a two year old on his back or under his feet.  He makes it work.  Excuses won’t help your blood sugar.  We are here to give a little encouragement from a podcast on what direction you might go or what resources you can use to make your journey the best and offer guidance.

Thanks for reading my post today! I hope you enjoy the podcast!! It was a first for me and I hope to be invited to do more!

Thanks, Jeffery, for featuring me and for providing a great resource for people to learn how to be their most healthy self!

xoxo

Michelle🌷

How to Contact Mountian Man Nutrition:

web site: www.nutritionmountainman.com/

e-mail: jeffery@nutritionmountainman.com

instagram: www.nutritionmountainman.com/

linkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeffery-heubschman-a3311b148/

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mmannutrition/

You can find Michelle:

Email: xoxoyoga@me.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/imayogagirl

Facebook: https://facebook.com/Michelle.gurrola.35

Blog post about yoga… (video link at the end of the post of sun salutations)

https://imayogagirl.com/2018/03/21/what-is-the-deal-with-yoga/

 

Awesome noise cancelling headphones on Amazon

Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate links, which means I may make a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.  Thank you!

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My 10 Amazon favorites…

~ admin ~ 26 Comments

Hi there!!  In this post I will be sharing with you some of my 10 Amazon favorites as the title suggests, but also let you know how can also save some money on your monthly regular purchases.

Who doesn’t want to save money??💰

Have you seen the button on Amazon that says “subscribe and save 15%” ??  This is a great offer for those items which you are buying every month, maybe at the grocery or Target, but you could be getting them delivered to your front door step at a 15% savings.  The requirements are simple.  You must have five items in the que each month when they go to review your account.  I keep usually seven to eight items on this list and it allows me to do my inventory and choose to skip a month on an item or see if they are still carrying the item and it is available.

I don’t like to run out of things, and tend to go the other way and stock up.  I have some food allergies, and was drinking iced tea hot tea any kind of tea, too much chia tea every day…then told NO MORE TEA.  Allergic.  Devistated.  Not really, but sad.  I soon learned of this amazing drink, natural, so flavorful, and Justin Timberlake, my boyfriend, is their spokesperson…

My first item in the list…

  1. Bai Strawberry Lemonade 12 pack img_4456-1It is as good as it sounds, comes in many, many delish flavors, also comes in bubbles, and is a little heavy when you buy so many bottles at one time, oops.  Amazon delivers and it is 15% off.  Nice!  You will love it!
  2. Mega Roll Cottonelle Toilet Paper It started feeling as if we were changing the roll so often and running low so quickly, in my search for larger rolls, I discovered these gems.  With each one being the equivalent of four normal rolls, they last longer and again…SAVE 15% and it is delivered to your door. Yes, please.
  3. Collagen Peptides  This is a staple and I do not want to be running out. I broke some ribs several years ago and was looking for a supplement that might help with the healing. Collagen peptides are in a powder form which can be added to a smoothie or coffee and give your bones a boost, and bonus it is wonderful for you hair, skin and nails, too. It helps arthritis symptoms by helping to smooth the rough joint surface. Taking collagen regularly is known to improve digestion and lessen acid reflux symptoms.
  4. Dark Chocolate Blackberry Collagen  I have been a fan of the collagen peptides above for some time, and only recently learned there was a Dark Chocolate BlackBerry flavor! Wow! Super tasty and blends very well. I mix it with a few ice cubes and Almond Milk.
  5. ONE protein bar Almond Bliss flavor  Amazing taste and if you liked Almond Joy as a kid, this is very authentic tasting.  Many other yummy flavors like Red Velvet, Lemon Cake, and all 20 grams protein less than one gram sugar and 10 grams fiber.  Highly recommend!!
  6. Extreme 18x concentrated laundry detergent  This is the lowest carbon footprint laundry detergent on the market.  Love it!!
  7. Nicaragua Coffee  We love coffee at our house and this is the current fave.
  8. Vanilla Stevia Drops  I love coffee and broke up my relationship with Coffeemate a few years ago searching for something with less chemicals and still tasty…enter coconut milk creamer, with these drops…equals happiness.  They are also fabulous mixed in 2% greek yogurt.
  9. Oh Snap Crispy Protein Bar Salted Caramel Pretzel This is like candy for real. Rice crispy with pretzel bits, caramel and vanilla frosting. Wow!! So good!!👌🏼
  10. Dymatize ISO 100 Birthday Cake flavorThis is the best I have ever tasted. Hydrolyzed Whey protein and it mixes very smooth for shakes, I make chia protein pudding and also cake protein balls.

These are some of my favorite things to buy on subscribe and save on Amazon.  The savings is wonderful and it takes no time to manage your list.  I hope this helps you or you found something new to love.

Have a super day!  What are your favorites on Amazon??

Thanks for reading, until the next time…xoxo

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Did you see my post on how to make protein balls with cake flavored protein powder??  here

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click and make a purchase, I may make a small commission, and this will come at no extra cost to you. Thank you!! xoxo

Wholesome Soul.com for gifts & art

~ admin ~ 3 Comments

img_4339.jpgimg_4274-1-394749983-1528561060235.jpgThe above testimonial was my exact experience upon opening the box of delicately packaged and thoughtfully organized hand designed cards and gifts sent to me by this amazing artist in exchange for my review.

The website states…   WholesomeSoul.com

“Globally inspired art, stationary and home goods.”

There are so many lovely things here and the care and talent behind them fill the pages of this website. There are prints to decorate your home which come in a great variety of colors to match and liven up any room. There are hand painted cards in sets of many themes including flowers, birds, girls, sailboats and far too many to list.  Go to the website to see this wonderful art.

WholesomeSoul

I loved mailing these to my friends and my mom and hearing how she liked the pictures and coincidence that the artist is geographically located in the next city!  Alexandria, Virginia…a few miles from my home town.

WholesomeSoul

Here are a few of the lovely wall prints available …

img_4344.jpgimg_4342.jpgimg_4341.jpgimg_4345img_4271.jpg

I had a hard time picking which ones to feature in this post because they are all so lovely and each has a different story to tell, or something which resonates with you in a special way.  My package included two sets of printed cards, one of was a set of four beautiful ladies and the other was a set of four yoga poses, two magnets with positive messages on them and a few lovely postcards which were also a hit with my friends and family. 👌🏼

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One of the sets of four of each printed cards was four yoga poses.  IMAYOGAGIRL loves to give people little notes and pretty cards and with yoga for the subject,

WholesomeSoul could not go wrong hand picking these beauties to send. They are full of bright, happy colors and show the thoughtfulness in each stroke and each word.

This set of notecards is so sweet and anyone would love to receive a handwritten note on these!

Thoughtful gifts with beautiful artwork.

Note cards made with love.

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About this talented artist…

In another part of her story, Kajal says,

“Yoga not only became my bridge between two worlds – the East and the West – but opened a door to a much bigger world inside of me.”

I love that line!!👌🏼 I am a host with two friends of yoga challenges on social media, and this lovely artist will be one of our generous sponsors for the next edition, coming up in August.  Watch for my mention on My instagram and also on My facebook and please feel free to join the challenge, it’s super fun!

Check out the website and order some gifts for yourself or someone special.

To read her whole story and see more of this talented artists work …

Wholesome Soul’s Story

Thank you for reading and I hope you will visit this website and see the amazing talent this artist has to share.

xoxo

Michelle🌷

To Wear A Princess Dress 👗

~ admin ~ 18 Comments

It was the most wonderful occasion to wear a beautiful dress to a black tie event honoring people of merit, including my husband, recognized by the Food and Restaurant Service Magazine in Chicago.

We would be staying at the Four Seasons Hotel in Downtown Chicago, it was a pretty big deal. I started to think about what to wear… Where will I get a dress?? Can I impress the many people I will meet on his behalf?? A little fright came over me, but it will be ok.

Then I came across a company to answer my questions!! VIRTUOUS PROM. It was a pleasure to communicate with this company and hear about lovely ideas and options to design the dress. The website has great pictures of the many options, to make the dress so special and made just for you, the way you like.

I loved the bodice which had structure and boning, a beautiful pleated twist and zip in the back. I was given the option for a tie up in the back for perfect sizing, but I chose the zipper and it was an amazing fit. The cap sleeves were an elegant touch to the bodice and were almost a blend of straps and sleeves.

Another of the cap sleeves.

Very lovely cap sleeves, and the event was on the day of the Royal Wedding, too.

In different lighting, at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago. Virtuous Prom

My hair is covering the zipper, but you can see it is high enough in back to wear under garments and not be concerned of showing anything.

I love the flowing bottom and it lay nicely at the waist, not puffy or sticking out at all.  So well made and to my measurements.

The skirt!! The look of this dress dip-dyed in pink was so pretty, photos hardly do it justice. It was so lovely and came in the mail packaged very carefully so that the top did not in any way touch the bottom. The slip underneath was also dip-dyed so that the look flowed seamlessly.  Virtuous Prom

Virtuous Prom handled all of the details and once I sent in my measurements, there were a few choices to be made and then the dipping. I loved this part!! I love pink and I love ombré! This ombré on a flowy and flattering silhouette was everything.

I thought the dress looked so lovely and hope there will be more opportunities to wear it or to have another wonderful experience and call on Virtuous Prom to make me another beautiful Princess Dress!! (ps It isn’t really called a princess dress, and I may have told several people it was my Prom Dress because of the company name and, well, I thought it was fun)

I hope this makes you want to experience the excellent service this company has to offer!!! VIRTUOUS PROM, I thank you so much for your kindness and expertise!! I could not have asked for anything better!

Until the next Ball,

xoxo

Michelle🌷

This site contains affiliate links, meaning, if you click through and make a purchase or sign up for a program, I may make a commission.  Often, the products are complimentary and given in exchange for review.  This is at no additional cost to you.
xoxo