Headbands of Hope and giveaway!

I would love to introduce you all to Jessica Ekstrom. She is doing something amazing, and I want to help her. She is a senior at North Carolina State University studying communications. She launched Headbands of Hope in April 2012 during her junior year. Since then, her company has been featured on the TODAY Show and TOMS Shoes Blog. Jessica is providing us 3 headbands for a giveaway. 

Please enjoy this guest post by Jessica.

Almost everyone can think of a moment where they knew their life was about to change. For me, my moment was right before my 20th birthday in the summer of 2011. I began my internship at the Make-a-Wish Foundation that I can confidently say, changed my life forever.

Everyday, I got to wake up and grant the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses. I took day trips to visit the wish kids at their houses and bring them their favorite toys. We received hundreds of letters from wish children that said we changed their lives; little did they know, they were changing mine.

I thought about the thousands of girls around the world losing their hair to chemotherapy. Being a young girl presents many struggles with self-esteem already and losing their hair as a result of a life-threatening illness is traumatic.

For girls and women everywhere, their hair is a part of their feminine identity. Wigs can be uncomfortable and unappealing, especially to younger girls.

I realized that headbands are the perfect way for these girls to keep their feminine identity and have a constant reminder that they're not alone. Therefore, I started HeadbandsOfHope.org.

For every headband purchased, one headband will go to a girl with cancer and $1 will be donated to the St. Baldrick's Foundation to fund life-saving childhood cancer research.

Since I launched in May of this year, I've sold thousands of headbands online and in stores around the nation. I created a company where I didn't have to choose between making a living and making a difference. I can wake up and do both at the same time.

I’ve had the opportunity to distribute headbands to girls in the hospitals across the nation. The best part of my job is opening the door to their room and seeing their faces light up when I bring dozens of colorful headbands to their beds to choose from.

Even though it’s fun and fulfilling to bring the girls headbands in the hospitals, I’m constantly reminded that there still isn’t a cure.

Childhood cancer takes the lives of more children in the U.S. than any other disease - in fact, more than many other childhood diseases combined. 

Children with cancer cannot be treated simply as "smaller adults." The cancers strike kids differently and they are in a crucial stage of development, which complicates the effects of treatments and can result in life-long complications.

Progress is also especially slow in curing adolescents and young adults, because federal funding for childhood cancers is a fraction compared to adult cancers. 

Therefore, attention needs to be brought to childhood cancer. Progress can't be made without research. Research can't be done without funding. And funding can't be done without awareness.


Headbands of Hope aims to start with awareness and end with a cure. Together, we can spread hope in all girls…one headband at a time.

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*Disclosure: Headbands of Hope provided me with a headband and a tshirt. All opinions are my own.

Flavor Run 5K... Giveaway!!!

We love Color Races, right? How fun are they, right? Well, how about adding some flavor to our color??? Doesn't this sound fun! I have been asked to be a "Flavor Fairy" for The Flavor Run! So excited.... (read to the end to win a registration!) 

Here's Bryce and I after a color race.

So What is The Flavor Run?
The Flavor Run is a 5K family running or walking event that takes place at the Florida State Fairgrounds. It is on August 17th  (8:45-3:00.)

This run supports local businesses and farmers by creating a fun run that engages ALL of your senses! Their website states that "During this epic 5k, there will be five separate Flavor Stations that will cover you in a delicious flavored (FDA Approved/All Natural) celebration powder and followed by a refreshing taste of locally produced fruits."

You can choose to sign up for the 5K or you can be a "Flavor Fairy!" You can also do the Flavor Family Mile Walk/Run.  Go to https://flavorrun.webconnex.com/RegisterOnline to register for this event. 

Early Registration prices go until 6/12 11:55pm.

5K is $35

5k Registration includes:

• 5k Entry
• Flavor Race Bib
• Flavor Run Shirt
• Mystery Flavor Prize
• Two Flavor Packets*
• Finish Line Fruit Extravaganza
• Live Music Access
• Post-Race Activities

Flavor Fairy is $40

• Everything in Flavor 5k Registration (Yep, you get to run the race too!)
• Flavor Fairy Wings
• Snacks & drinks
• Basket of Flavor
• Access to sprinkle Flavor on participants in the Flavor Forest
• Wave 1 - 9am-10:30
• Wave 2 - 10:30am-12:00

Mile race is $25

• 1 Mile Entry
• Flavor Shirt
• Flavor Packet
• Finish Line Fruit Extravaganza
• Live Music Access

I have also been given an extra registration to give to one of you!!! This giveaway will end June 11th at midnight. If you don't win, you will have a chance to get the lower prices before the price increase on June 12th. If you want to be on my Fairy team, the team name is Mindy's Fitness Journey and the password is "bryce." I am doing the early wave.
All you have to do is comment below telling why you should win this. It will be a random draw for the winner.

I hope to hear that a lot of you are going to be there! This is the first time they are having this race.

Also don't forget the I am giving away a $25 Target Gift Card. Enter HERE!

**disclosure: I was offered a free entry into this race for me and also one to giveaway. All opinions are my own.

Beginning CrossFit! Feeling tough!

Time to Cross something off the Bucket list! 

There is something that you need to know about me, if you don't already... I am a competitor. I will compete in everything I do whether you like it or not. Running has been tough for me because I am lacking in the "fast"department. So at a race, I lose!  It's okay, I am starting to understand that I can still compete against myself, but this past Saturday, I got "that" feeling back when I worked out.

I decided to contact a CrossFit box near me and find out more about it. I contacted CrossFit Blackbeard because I have 2 good friends who have been there and love it. I went in the very next day to begin my CrossFit journey. This has been on my bucket list for over a year, and I will tell you that I was so nervous walking into that box Saturday morning. I saw strong men working out, but I was amazed by the strong women who were competing with them and I think they were actually winning! Love that!

This is Rob and he's pretty much awesome!

Day 1

I met Rob, one of the owners and Jenn. They were awesome! I have about 50 or so pounds to lose (yikes, I just admitted that out loud didn't I) and I was worried that I wasn't going to be able to hang. Rob showed me some important skills, like the proper form of the different squats and push-up and pull-ups. I did 5 assisted pull-ups, but I am proud of that! I like the view from above that bar and plan to kick butt with those in the future! Another item on my bucket list is to do an unassisted pull-up. I am pretty sure that CrossFit Blackbeard is going to be helping with that. I did my first "WOD" workout of the day or as we call it at Blackbeard, "Met Con" short for metabolic conditioning. It was tough, and I am pretty sure they went easy on me. I may or may not have lost my breakfast during this workout, but I came back and continued. I felt like a beast!!! It was awesome.

Day 2

Yesterday, I returned for session 2 of the fundamentals class.  I got to meet the other partner Trey. Trey was a little tougher than Rob. (I think Rob let me get away with a bit, but they were both awesome!) Trey showed me the rope, the rings and the bar! Oh my... Not the bar with the drinks unfortunately! He talked me up and made me feel like I was capable of anything, because I AM!  I had a great second workout, and I look forward to walking in again today! I wonder what the next workout will be. I will share it with you tomorrow!

Please check out their website and you can find pricing here as well. Their website offers you a workout of the day as well. facebook! Tell them that Mindy sent you and follow them on Twitter too!

Runner Problem solved! HB Tune Giveaway!

Runner Problem... Solved!

I struggle with my music, phone and headphones constantly when I run. I figured it was just they way it would be. I have tried many different belts to secure my phone so that I can hear my music when I run. This is really the best way for me to tell you about HB Tune handband. It's a must have!!! It has changed my running life. I love it! You will too!

Who wants to win one????  Oh and don't forget to join my Dietbet... CLICK HERE! http://www.dietbet.com/games/14585

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Time to Jump on the Weight Loss Train!!!

It's Time to Jump on the Weight loss Train...

This train is leaving the station, friends... again! As we wrap this first DietBet for Mindy's Fitness Journey, that totaled $15,765, another one is beginning! The Dietbet that is almost over right now has a Total weight lost of 2,908 pounds and we still have a little under a week! It's time to jump on this train folks! How nice is it to lose weight and make money. What this video to see how easy it is! This is legit.  I have already done 3 Dietbets. I am making money and having fun.  I also have a facebook group you can join for extra support.  Join Mindy's Diet Bet Support Group HERE!

Let me first tell you that I love to gamble, but I am THE WORST gambler in the history of the world. I would be better off skipping casinos and just flushing my money down the toilet. It's that bad!

But with the DietBet, I am in charge, and I WILL win! This can't even be considered gambling. I consider it an investment in myself.

Here is how it works:
1. Join my game: http://www.dietbet.com/games/14585
2. Two days before your games begins, you will be prompted to submit your official weigh in.  You will need a scale (preferably digital,) a camera or smart phone, and a full length mirror or someone who can take your picture. You will submit 2 photos.  One of you on a scale in "airport security attire" (I think that means they want you comfortable and appropriate... lol) and another of the scale's readout with your "secret" weigh in word. (you will do this same process when the bet ends. The secret word will be different.)  Your weight can be private, and NO ONE (not even me) sees your pictures. They WILL NOT be published.
3. Now all you need to do is lose 4% of your body weight.  So if you weigh 200 lbs, you only need to lose 8 lbs in 28 days... totally doable!!!

HOW WE PREVENT CHEATING: 
From the official DietBet site.
We have a photo review process in which players submit proof of their initial and final weights to our team of Referees. We also have algorithms that detect unusual activity within a game or across games and use an auditing system where some players may be required to submit extra proof of their weight loss using: a Skype weigh-in with one of our Referees, a video weigh-in, or an in-person weigh-in at a location pre-approved by DietBet, such as a Walgreens or CVS clinic. If requested, you will have to submit further proof of your weight within 24 hours. Since weights fluctuate naturally, we allow up to 1% of your final weight as variance for your audited weigh-in only. This variance does not apply to the standard final weigh-in. Failure to comply will result in disqualification and forfeiture of your winnings and initial bet. You may also be banned from playing again and subject to other penalties. To see the legal fine print, click here.

There is no excuse!!! Get signed up now! Ok, we have a ton of excuses, right? I am too busy, I am a single mom with no time, my son has practice, I am tired, it's raining... It goes on and on.... Give me your best excuse for not working out... Leave it in the comments here :) 

*disclosure: DietBet paid for my entry into this DietBet.

The best Mother's Day present is running with my son and giveaways!

This was our first 5K togehter in January!

The Great Mother's Day Race

What would be more fun than running a race with my favorite person on the planet on Mother's Day? I would say, NOTHING! 

I am so excited to have been offered the chance for Bryce and I to start our Mother's Day Celebration with a bang! This year on Mother's Day we will be running in The Great Mother's Day Race! 

I know some people would think I am crazy for wanting to run a race on a day of pampering for mommies, but I will tell you that I love nothing more than running with my son. There is time for pedicures and massages later! My son is only going to be young once! 

The race is Sunday, May 12 at 9 am. You will get a Tech T-shirt, chip timing, a swag bag and an awesome memory that you and your children won't soon forget! 

Strollers are welcome, and I think it would be a great thing for your child to see how active Mommy is! :) 

I have really enjoyed getting my son involved with my races. It cracks me up that he now gets upset if I race without him. I am running the IronGirl 5K on Sunday and he is NOT happy! I did surprise him this morning with news that we would be running this! He was thrilled. 

I have a discount code for you! TBBLOG is good for 10% off the race entry through Active.com 

Here is the map of the course!

Giveaways are still active!

Enter below in the rafflecopter to get your very own Allied Medal Display!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

There are still Foundation Nutrition and Just Jump It Fitness Giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fit Miss giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway

StickitStrong giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Polar Heart Rate Monitor Giveaway
  a Rafflecopter giveaway

The winners of the Shubeez have been chosen and notified. If the prizes aren't claimed in 48 hours, new winners will be chosen!  The winners of the 26.2 are Laurel Cedarblade and Maureen.
And the 13.1 goes to Dawn Rushing.

Disclosure: All of the giveaways are donations. All opinions are my own.

You Have to Join this DietBet! $13,000! and Giveaways!

Win Money and Lose Weight? 

Um, yes! Thank you, I will!! 
And there is one day left for the Polar Giveaway!

http://www.dietbet.com/games/11749

Have you joined this DietBet yet? I am seriously amazed that it is over $13,000 and still growing. Here's how it works: (this is from the DietBet site)

DietBet is a game where you've got 4 weeks to lose 4% of your starting weight. To begin, everyone puts money into the pot. After four weeks, whoever's hit their 4% goal is a winner and splits the pot

 HOW WE PREVENT CHEATING

We have a photo review process in which players submit proof of their initial and final weights to our team of Referees. We also have algorithms that detect unusual activity within a game or across games and use an auditing system where some players may be required to submit extra proof of their weight loss using: a Skype weigh-in with one of our Referees, a video weigh-in, or an in-person weigh-in at a location pre-approved by DietBet, such as a Walgreens or CVS clinic. If requested, you will have to submit further proof of your weight within 24 hours. Since weights fluctuate naturally, we allow up to 1% of your final weight as variance. Failure to comply will result in disqualification and forfeiture of your winnings and initial bet. You may also be banned from playing again and subject to other penalties. 

So that's the "skinny" on it.... go get signed up!!! Let's make this month count!

Foundation Nutrition and Just Jump It Fitness Giveaway
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Fit Miss giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Shubeez giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

StickitStrong giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Polar Heart Rate Monitor Giveaway
  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: All of the giveaways are donations. All opinions are my own.

Diet-to-Go Giveaway Extravaganza

Food Prep?? Win this giveaway and it will be done with Diet-to-Go!

Before we get to this, the winner of the LoveMichelle.net giveaway is Becky Lynn. An email has already been sent to Becky and her prize has been claimed. Thank you everyone for playing!

Do you remember a month ago when I reviewed Diet-to-Go meals? If you didn't read it, you can read it HERE. I was fortunate enough to work with them through Fitfluential, but I also knew that this company was the perfect fit for our life. I was asked to be an ambassador with them, and I jumped at the chance. I am thrilled to be affiliated with them, and a few weekends ago, I did a twitter chat throughout the weekend with them. Guess what? I won a week's worth of food! 

It was very exciting to see a cooler full of food arrive at my door! Last time I had Diet-to-Go food I ordered low fat. This time I am trying low carb. Be paying attention to my instagram and facebook page to see pictures of the delicious food.

We are very lucky because Diet-to-Go has offered a week's worth of free food to one of my readers! Yay! You can enter the Giveaway here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am also giving away a Polar FT4 Heart Rate Monitor

a Rafflecopter giveaway

** I am an ambassador to Diet-to-Go and Polar, but all opinions are my own!

My week, healthier water? and giveaway!

OMG! This is my 100th Post! Yay!
It's been a CRAZY week!

Poor little man had to travel to the doctor
with a puke bucket :(

Well, it's been a crazy and not so fun week. My best buddy, Bryce got home late Sunday from a trip with his dad for spring break. He came home with the sniffles, and I knew things would get worse. I had no idea that he would get a stomach bug on top of it! Yikes! So I was home for 4 days with a sick little man. I hated seeing him so sick. Hurts my heart!

So I would have loved to post this on Tuesday, but life kept me away!


Water... To live healthy, we MUST drink it, RIGHT???
Yes, of course! That is the first thing people tell us when we start a healthy lifestyle. Drink your water, and when you have done that, drink some more water... Well, I do that! And since I started working out, I have been searching for something that tastes good and will give me fuel and health benefits. I love drinking water, but sometimes I need something with something with taste. So why not add something that is good for your heart too! Omega Infusion Water... Hmm... Interesting...

When I heard about Omega Infusion Water, a line of water that is not enhanced with sugar, but instead nutrients.... 80 mg of Omega-3s, Vitamin B, and Vitamin C, I was excited but still unsure...

This is from their website.

Ok, so that means it's water with energy (Vitamin B) and antioxidants (vitamin C)... Wow... But Omega-3s... hmmm... What I didn't understand was what did it mean that it was Omega-infused. I found out that Omega-3 fatty acids are fats commonly found in marine and plant oils. Dr. Volker Berl, Chief Technology Officer of Oceans Omega says on their website, "Delivering heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids in enhanced water is something we've been developing for years." This piqued my interest. Recent studies have shown several potential benefits of Omega-3 including:
*Improvement in cognitive function in both children and adults
*Help with depression
*Reduced stress and mental fatigue
*Reduced macular degeneration
*Possible anti-cancer benefits
*Potential to counter inflammation
*Higher level of satiety and appetite reduction

I found out that one bottle of Omega Infusion water delivers 80 mg of essential omega-3s (EPA/DHA), 200% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C and 80 % of four B vitamins. I love the idea of healthy hydration, and even more, I love that it is zero calories.  Most of all, I love the price. It can be found for $1.99 a bottle.

Please connect with them on Facebook and Twitter.

Disclosure: I was compensated for this post, but all opinions are my own.

Happy Band Winner: 

Keri Wilston

Bracelet Giveaway!
My very good friend, Michelle is launching her new business. She sells beautiful jewelry. For those of you who have been following my facebook page, Mindy's Fitness Journey, you know that she has the most beautiful pieces. Well, she has given me the opportunity to give one away to a lucky follower of mine! Yay!

You can find more of Michelle's jewelry on her website:
http://www.lovemichelle.net/

Enter to win!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Be Safe: My Baseball Mama Drama Bootcamp and my giveaway

This is Bryce and I getting out of the car before
baseball mama bootcamp

Pay Attention!
Run or Walk with a Buddy! 

Last night, my good friend, Amanda and I were walking around the loop where our sons play baseball. We have done this a few times before. We actually call it "Baseball Mommy Bootcamp!" Our other partner in crime wasn't there (our fault because we should have told her that we were going to go early before the game.)

As we walked the loop, we saw an older man wearing a neon vest like he was a runner, but he was walking really slowly, and after I thought about it, I remembered that he wasn't even walking the path. It was odd. We did comment to each other about it. We walked around again, and we saw him. Still no big deal. I actually felt bad because I thought to myself, "At least he is here. He may not be working hard, but hey, he's here!"

This is us after our workout and the craziness! Glad to be done!

On our third and last loop, we saw him up ahead of us, and he turned to walk in the other direction. When he did this, we noticed that he had manipulated his shorts so that we could see his... okay I don't want to call it a butt or bottom, because that it was too gross to be called that. It was disgusting. We could see his backside. He walked a few steps and turned around and said, "Hi Ladies!" in a VERY creepy, knowing voice. We kept walking, and after a few steps, I think it hit us what happened. This was not a mistake. He wanted us to see his backside and he wanted us to know that he was wearing bikini black underwear that may have even been panties.

The more we discussed it, the worse we felt about it. We just felt icky!  Luckily, we were together and it wasn't dark yet (thank you Daylight Savings Time!) We immediately told Amanda's husband, who went looking for him. He didn't find him. Looking back, we should have called the police. This man was truly a predator, and I will keep my eyes open for him, and I will call the police if I see him.

It was really eye opening. There are people who are so crazy out there. It's important that we don't take our safety for granted. If you run alone, pay attention. Don't run alone in the dark. Keep your kids near you when they are at parks. Bad people are out there waiting for us good people to slip up.

What is the scariest thing that has ever happened to you when you didn't expect it? Comment below.

Don't forget about my Limitless Bracelets Giveaway!   CLICK HERE!!!!

Food Prep? Done with Diet-to-Go!

Food Prep??? No need with Diet-to-Go!!!!

If you have ever read my blog, you know that I struggle with preparing food and planning. I am a single mom with an active little boy, and I work full time. In order to do all the things that I have to do in my day to day life, I need to prep food for the week. Well, I am still struggling with that... That means that my planning meals is NOT happening. And we all know that when you have no plan, you are planning to fail.


This is why I jumped at the chance to review Diet-to-Go when I was asked. Diet-to-Go is a diet meal delivery. I was a little worried because I have the sense of adventure with food of a 5-year-old. I decided to grow up and try new things. And let me tell you that Diet-to-Go didn't disappoint!!!

This is how it came for me! Yum!

A few months ago, many of my fellow bloggers were posting pictures of these meals that were already ready and just needed to be heated up. I started to do some research and couldn't believe how great and perfect for me this seemed. I contacted Diet-to-Go and asked some questions and let them know that I was interested. Before they got back to me, I was offered the chance to review the food. This was great because I was already trying to figure out how to order some meals. I was thrilled when they arrived!

Diet-to-Go is the most inexpensive fresh diet delivery service on the market right now. They were rated by Epicurious #1! What is really nice is that there are 3 different menus of meals to choose from. They have low-fat, vegetarian, and low-carb. There are 20 different plans to choose from. 

"According to a University of Washington study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, high-quality, healthy foods cost on average $18.16 per 1,000 calories –just for the ingredients! That’s why eating healthy with Diet-to-Go is such a great value. With Diet-to-Go, you can get a delicious variety of fully prepared, healthy meals for just $17.02 per 1,000 calories. And, everything you need is included. No shopping, no complicated recipes, and no messy clean-up – It’s like having your own personal chef. Best of all, it may be less expensive than trying to do it on your own." When I read this about Diet-to-Go, I knew that I would rather not go to the trouble. How nice that it is done for me!

I love the fact that this is a diet meal delivery service. I swear that sometimes I think my grocery store wants to put out a missing persons report for me. I don't go in there enough, and when I do, it's to buy one of two things. The fact that this food is delivered to my door stops me from messing up my nutrition plan! It takes my mistakes, my lack of planning, my laziness and my being busy out of the equation.

Here is some very true and great info from Diet-to-Go:

Diet-to-Go is consistently ranked a top pick in taste tests and was recently ranked the top meal plan in a national blind taste test conducted by Epicurious.

It is not enough to be the best tasting. We believe the product must be priced to be accessible to customers who have grown accustom to cheap, processed, unhealthy foods. We have worked hard to control cost everywhere in our business other the food. This allows Diet-to-Go to deliver quality, delicious fully prepared and ready toeat meals, for as little as $6.81 per meal. This is the best price/quality value on the market, bar none.

Diet-to-Go is offering 20% off any meal plan to all of you with the coupon code "fitfluential."  This makes a great deal even better! Seriously, this stuff is DELISH! You must try!

Diet-to-Go sent me the low-fat plan. My favorite meals are pictured above. I loved my Thursday night dinner. It was blackened turkey loin with carrot chipotle puree. It was so good. It was like I was eating at a favorite restaurant! I don't cook, so you don't want to hear it tasted like a home-cooked meal :)  I also loved Wednesday's breakfast. The strawberry maple syrup made the pancakes! And I loved the french toast too. I think everything tasted great. I was impressed with the way the food held up in the microwave too. I made sure to heat up under the suggested time and add time slowly. I didn't have any problems! 

FitFluential LLC compensated me for this Campaign. All opinions are my own.

S%$& just got real! My 2012 Story!

Here is my story! 

Thanks for bearing with me through my emotions!

 

Please make sure you enter my giveaway for a Road ID. You need this!!!CLICK HERE!