Music for My Mood - Mat Kearney

I'm seventeen again . . . driving in my car, an old sea monster green Oldsmobile Omega . . . on my way home from work . . . without a care in the world . . . singing along to my favorite cassette - Counting Crows August and Everything After.  I'm relaxed.  I'm happy.  Life is good!

Every time I listen to Mat Kearney's Young Love, I'm taken back to that time, that feeling.  While the music isn't the same, it elicits the same emotions.  It is an album that I could listen to over and over.  In fact, I've listened to it as background music several times each day since I received the download from One2One.  The music is easy to listen to.  It isn't too loud, too peppy, too slow, too depressing.  It is a good, relaxed, soundtrack of life.  Each song tells a story.  They are the stories of love, loss, and struggle.  They feel like experiences we've all had or will have in life.  The entire album feels very relatable. 

Are you curious what my favorite song is?  Cue up Hey Mama.  With a little bounce in my step I vacuum, put away the dishes, fold laundry, cook dinner and dance around the house.  Work seems to get done a bit more quickly when I hear that song.  It is perky, happy, and really lightens my mood.



I definitely recommend that you take a moment to listen to the music of Mat Kearney and see if it is a good fit for you.  Too often, I find a song or artist I like, but when I listen to the music I find that it is inappropriate for my children to listen to.  With Mat Kearney, that isn't the case.  I don't have to skip through songs or words because I don't want my children to hear it.   I can simply click "play all" and go on about the business of life.

*Disclaimer:  I was provided with a download of the album from One2One in exchange for my honest review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.  Others may have different experiences.

Cinch! by Cynthia Sass, MPH, RD (Review)

First, a bit about the book . . .

Cynthia Sass, the creator and co-author of the New York Times Bestselling Flat Belly Diet presents her new break-through, 30-day weight loss program Cinch! targeted to end overeating, leaving dieters feeling full and satisfied while enjoying the best food combinations to burn fat and boost metabolism.

The program starts with the 5-day Fast Forward plan that ends erratic eating by focusing on five simple foods—spinach, almonds, raspberries, eggs, and yogurt (or vegan-friendly alternatives) - eaten in a variety of combinations. These first 5 days promise up to 8 pounds of weight loss. Each of the five foods is low in calories yet loaded with nutrients and natural satiety-boosters, which allows you to “detox” from junk foods without feeling deprived.

The remaining 25 days of the program are packed with foods that offer maximum fat-burning, improving metabolism while unlocking the secret to the body’s satiety center with foods that the latest research shows turn on the body’s “I’m full” signal. As in Flat Belly Diet, all of the meals for the full 30-day program are created for you and are fully interchangeable. As an added feature, vegan and vegetarian options are covered so the plan can be adapted to fit any lifestyle.

Cynthia is also the Weight Loss Blogger for Shape magazine.

What I liked:

After reading the first three chapters, I was completely on board.  I was committed.  I went out and purchased spinach, eggs, yogurt, raspberries and almonds.  Her logic and explanations made sense.  Cynthia states that you need to eat four evenly spaced meals every that that each contain all of her five food groups - a lean protein, produce, whole grain, plant based fat and SASS (seasonings).  If you do that, you will remain full longer, you will lose weight, and you will be getting all the nutrients that you need.  She also provided evidence by referencing studies to back up her claims.   The book was thorough.  It included references, recipes, and detailed explanations so that you knew why you were making the changes you were.

What I didn't like:

After chapter 3, the book gets into the meat and potatoes of the diet.  This is where specific recipes are listed.  While I love that the recipes are provided, unfortunately, many of the recipes are not for me.  I can eat fairly clean (I stuck to the Power 90 diet and exercise plan for the full 90 days), but not as clean as Cynthia recommends.  I come from a family of meat eaters.  While I don't think that we overindulge in red meats, I am not willing to eliminate all red meats and pork products from our diet, as she suggests.  In addition, Cynthia rarely makes any reference to exercise.  She briefly mentions walking, but nothing else.  When making a lifestyle change to lose weight, my goal is not just to be thinner, but to be healthier overall.  I think that by eliminating this aspect of weight loss from her book, she is doing a bit of a disservice to many of her readers. 

Overall:

This is a great book for the right person.  With the detailed information and recipes provided, you could definitely be on your way to living a healthier, thinner life.  Unfortunately, I am not that person.  If one of my readers thinks they would enjoy reading this book and giving it a try, let me know.  I'd be happy to pass my copy on to you.  (*Note - I received an uncorrected proof that has a significant number of noticeable omissions and notes to the author/editor within the text of the book)

*Disclaimer - I received a copy of this book from One2One in exchange for my honest review.  I did not receive any other compensation.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Any Novice Wine Drinkers Among Us?

Personally, I'm not a wine drinker.  For some reason, the taste of wine makes me think of church rather than fun, relaxation, or a good time.  However, that doesn't mean that wine doesn't intrigue me.  I live in an area that is full of wineries.  I've toured several and taken part in wine tastings as well.  I think it is interesting to hear which food accentuates a particular wine (or vise versa) and why.   It is also great to know when entertaining, since wine seems to be more and more popular in my circle of friends lately.  As such, I was eager to learn about a site called Pair Savvy from One2One.   

Both a site and a mobile app, Pair Savvy allows you to pair wine (or even beer) with an appropriate cheese.  You can select the pairing by choosing a particular wine, beer, or cheese that you are interested in, and the site will tell you what else you should have to go with it.   Does that make sense?  If not, check out the site, it really is a simple concept, but I'm having a hard time making it sound just right. 

The site is rather fun to play with.  I actually had no idea that so many varieties of beer, wine or cheese actually existed until I started goofing around with it.   I also love that you are able to save your pairings.  That way, if I find a pair I really like, I know I'll be able to find it again. 

I was disappointed in one aspect of the site.  There wasn't an explanation for the pairings or a description of the wine, beer or cheese.  For example, I was expected to read something like, "This intensely flavored semi-soft cheese distinctly contradicts the soft earthy flavor of this red wine . . . "  so that I would know more of what to expect with the wine and/or cheese.  

Overall, it is definitely a site/app with a purpose.  For the right person, it could easily provide you with an option when looking to choose a wine for yourself or to entertain.

*Disclaimer:  I am introducing and reviewing this site through One2One.  I did not receive any compensation in exchange for my post.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Do You Know An Amazingly Energized Woman?

We all have a friend or family member that seems to have it all together.  You know the one.   She has a job, an immaculate house, cooks healthy dinners every night, and loves craft time with the kiddos.  Every time you see her, you're in awe (and a little annoyed), wondering how it is possible to be so perfect.  Personally, I like to tell myself that she's not really as perfect as she seems.  She must have some flaw, right?  Well, now is not the time to look for her flaws.  Now is the time to toot her horn (or your own if you're the person all your friends are in awe of).  Centrum and Molly Shannon are currently searching for America's Most Amazingly Energized Woman.  Between now and January 3, 2011, you can nominate yourself or someone you love that is an example of an amazingly energized woman.

The makers of Centrum® multivitamins are celebrating women who live life and love to the fullest by staying healthy and energized, even during the busiest time of the year. Tell us her (your) secret on maintaining healthy energy levels so she can enjoy the great things the holiday season brings – including friends and family time, giving gifts, hosting parties, and so much more!

The form is short.  Submissions must be 300 words or less.  So, even if you're not the one full of energy, you should be able to find sufficient time to get the essay done.   A panel of judges will select five finalists.  The five finalists will then be voted on by the public to choose a winner (which is why I won't be entering).  The winner will receive a $3000 XPERIENCE DAYS gift certificate.   Each of the four runners up will receive a $400 XPERIENCE DAYS gift certificate.   So, check out the prizes, write an essay, and cross your fingers.  If one of my readers is selected as a finalist, please come back and let me know and I'll be sure to vote for you.  Good Luck!

Disclaimer:  I am a member of One2One Network and this post is part of a member project where I am eligible to win prizing.  I make no claims about Centrum as a product or it's effectiveness. 

Review - NBC's Community - Abed's Uncontrollable Christmas

I was recently contacted by One2One to participate in a project where I was able to get a sneak peek at this week's Community on NBC. In exchange, I was asked to give my honest review.  To give you a bit of background about myself, I have watched Community in the past and enjoyed it.  However it is not one of my "must-see" shows.  Now, before I give you my review, here's a bit about the episode:

When Abed (Danny Pudi) wakes up in stop-motion animation, he takes it as a sign that he and the group must re-discover the meaning of Christmas. Meanwhile, Jeff (Joel McHale) and Britta (Gillian Jacobs) become growingly concerned about Abed's mental health and enlist the help of Professor Duncan (John Oliver). The group undergoes hypnosis to explore Abed's winter wonderland and soon unravel the truth behind Abed’s madness. Chevy Chase, Yvette Nicole Brown, Donald Glover, and Ken Jeong also star.

To be completely honest, within the first few minutes I was bored and even a little confused.  I didn't really like the intro to the show.  I didn't enjoy or appreciate some of the inappropriate (in my opinion) humor. I didn't like that they described themselves as being in stop-motion.  Having watched the entire program I understand that the explanation was important to the plot.  Only Abed saw them in stop-motion which is why the group sought the help of Professor Duncan.   That being said, by the first commercial break I was hooked.   While I could have done without some of the sarcasm, I just love Shirley in the show.  I found myself laughing out loud during a couple of her lines.  In addition to the humor, I also appreciated the message.  As you may have read here, for me Christmas is about new and old traditions.  It is about family, friends, and opportunities.  The magic of Christmas is not in the gifts, it is in the experiences we all share.  I personally love the idea that no matter what you believe, Christmas can be a time when we all come together to create our own magic!

*Disclaimer - I reviewed this episode through One2One.  I did not receive any compensation in exchange for my review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Norah Jones - Featuring

The new Norah Jones CD, ...Featuring, is being released today, November 16, 2010.  Norah Jones is one of my favorite artists, so I am extremely grateful to One2One for providing me with an advance copy to listen to and review.   Before I get into my review, I'll give you a little taste of some of the songs as they are described in the trailer for this new CD.



In this little tidbit from Norah Jones's YouTube Channel, you can hear what I love most about this CD - it has tremendous variety.  From Outkast to Dolly Parton, Norah sings with artists from just about every genre of music.  While I can't say that I loved all the songs, I can say that a few of them are pretty high up on my current list of favorites.  I think I could listen to Norah and Willie Nelson crooning Baby It's Cold Outside for the rest of the winter.  Each time it plays, I want to curl up in front of the fireplace with Doc and a mug of coffee and Irish cream.  It is just that relaxing.   If you're looking for a good CD, with a bit of everything, then I definitely recommend you check out ...Featuring on Amazon.    While you're there, take a minute to preview each of the songs and see what you think. 

*Disclaimer - One2One provided me with a copy of the CD for review purposes.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Sweetness of Life - Milano Moments

Life is sweet in so many ways. My Thankful Thursday posts are evidence of all the ways that I enjoy and appreciate my life. From a surprise nap to the most sincere smile, my kids are full of sweetness that is often unexpected and always a joy to behold.   One of my favorite moments of sweetness from this summer occurred when I was dropping my girls off at my parents for a short summer vacation.  As I was giving hugs and saying goodbye, each girl said to me separately, "I'll take care of my sister if she gets sad and misses you."  I've always encouraged the girls to look after each other.  My sister and I are amazing friends, and I want the same for them as they get older.  Apparently they are on the right track - and nothing is sweeter than that!





*Disclaimer - Some information from this post came from One2One network.  I did not receive any compensation in exchange for this post, but am eligible to win a gift card.  If you want to experience a Milano Moment, you can go here to get a coupon for $1.00 off.  Also, be sure to check out the Pepperidge Farm Facebook page to read about and perhaps share your own Milano Moments.

One2One and the WNBA

As a One2One member, I often receive information about products, programs, discounts, and websites.  Currently One2One and the WNBA are offering discounted tickets to One2One members, family and friends.  This is a great opportunity to do something unique with your family at an affordable price.  Unfortunately, I don't live near a WNBA team, but you might.  If you do, check out the discounts available here.  The offers are good through the end of the regular season.

*Disclaimer:  By sharing this information with you, I am now eligible to win a $50 gift card from One2One.