Productivity...

So I need to share something with you.

I absolutely love social media.  

I pick everything out of social media that uplifts me, drives me, inspires me, and gives me a more meaningful purpose, which I believe is the true power of social media.

This is a perfect example: (of which I have many to share...some other post though k?)
I found this certain photographer's blog somewhere between 3-4 years ago (and I don't exactly remember how I came across her blog).  BUT, I immediately knew I had a "viral" connection (for lack of better words) with this photographer!  She was living in Hawaii at the time and I loved her work, and her posts were inspiring to me.  I have always LOVED photography so I found a lot of interest checking her blog and her work as often as I could find time. This viral "friend's" name is Natalie Norton.

I was especially interested in her morals and values and how she wasn't afraid to share them in her own way with the world.  She was open and REAL, and it was very refreshing to me.
So you will imagine my SHOCK when I opened up her blog one morning and it said...
"I will be in SALT LAKE CITY, UT to do some mini shoots.  If you are interested contact me ASAP"
So I immediately contacted her and set up a family session photoshoot.

Here are some pictures from that shoot (taken in 2008):

These pictures are some of my most prized possessions and looking back I am so grateful that on a whim I contacted her.

I continued to follow her and the next year or so she had her 4th child, a baby boy.  She named him Gavin after her brother who she lost a few years back.  Come to find out she has some family who lives in the next city over from me and she was coming over Christmas to spend time here in Utah.  At the complete dismay and disbelief of her and her family, while she was here, her little baby contracted Pertussis and passed away all within a week.  She was incredibly open about this experience and it truly was her faith that got her through that hard time.  And she continued to be open and very poetic through her following posts.  Absolutely amazing strength I tell ya.

Anywho, she came back to Utah 2 summers ago and I had her do our family shoot again.
(I do not have digital files of those however, but they were awesome as well!)

She also (in her spare time right??) does business mentoring and holds workshops on improving your own business and personal life and balancing family at the same time (which I know I could use some mentoring on!) And the whole purpose of this post is to share this video post that she posted a few days ago.
It's Real. And I love the message.

Watch the video here:  
 http://natalienortonblog.com/2012/03/06/thoughts-on-proactivity/

P.S @thinkproducts just sent me some thinkThin Protein bars to giveaway...so watch for that next week!!

Loves,
Jill

Can I hear you say...Smoooooothie!

Hello!

I have been slightly obsessed with my latest green smoothie creation, and the energy that I feel from drinking this every morning!  

 

So I had to share and pass along the recipe. This is the BEST way to get your greens and some fruit in one easy, delicious, quick, way!

Jill's Green Smoothie Recipe:

1 1/2 or 2 handfuls of spinach
4 or 5 frozen strawberries
1/2 of a banana
1 tsp of Chia Seeds
1 scoop of Vanilla Protein Powder
7 ice cubes
1/4 cup (or as needed) of water

Turn your blender on and get rid of all the chunks!

Here are some pictures of the products I use.

Spinach that I bought from Wal-mart:

Strawberries 

(again purchased at Wal-mart, but I looove the Costco strawberries cause they are bigger and I only need 4)

  

Protein powder (again purchased at Wal-mart)

Chia Seeds

(Click on the link to learn more about them. Great source of protein etc)

1/2 of banana (you all know what that looks like)

Ice, and water!

Put it in the Blender: and blend!

Give this a try, you will love it!

Oh and have you ever heard of Kid History? 

This goes right along with this post and you will laugh your pants off! 

(click on the link below!)

Kid History 6 

Loves,

Jill

BOOTCAMP!

If you missed out on the January session of Bootcamp, its OK! 

The next session starts on  

February 13th 

and its just in time for you to reclaim your 2012 fitness goals!

Details on the next session:

Monday/Wednesday nights

8:00pm-9:00pm

1 month long

BMI/Body Fat testing included

Nutrition plan included

Caloric plan per meal included (based off fitness goals)

Co-Ed

All Levels Welcome

Fun atmosphere and motivating environment

New and unique workouts 

Contact me to reserve your spot.  Only 4 spots left!

Loves,

Jill

My new FAV...TRX!

I have been busy with my bootcamps this month and lovin' it.  Yes, it is somewhat stressful and I get slightly sleep deprived, but it is worth it on final measurement day when I see all the improvements and success that these 19 people will feel as we chart their hardwork.

Now onto my new favorite piece of equipment.

I bought a TRX system in December and I am LOVING it!  It is amazing what you can do with these two pieces of nylon and your own body weight.
You can hit every part of your body and do pretty much anything that you could do with a universal all in the comfort of your own home.  It has an attachment that you can easily throw over a door and then shut the door, so you can use the system from anywhere; hotel rooms, small spaces, closets etc.


I am opening up a couple of sessions for whoever is interested in trying out this kick hynie workout.  Call me or text if your interested.

I will be posting more info and workouts with the TRX soon :)

Loves,
Jill

Endorphins...We all have them!

 Have you ever experienced that "runner's high" feeling post workout?  

What about the feeling, when your workout is done, and you feel like you are ready to conquer the day and no one can stop you?  

 

You can thank your very own, natural, built-in, endorphins for those awesome natural feelings!

 

What are Endorphins?

Endorphins are small, protein molecules that are produced by cells in your nervous system and other parts of your body.

Endorphins have been shown to . . .

• Control persistent pain
• Control the craving for chocolate and potentially addictive substances
• Control feelings of stress and frustration
• Regulate the production of growth and sex hormones
• Reduce symptoms associated with eating disorders

Although more research needs to be done, endorphins are believed to produce four key effects on the bodymind:
they enhance the immune system,
they relieve pain,
they reduce stress,
and postpone the aging process.

Endorphins may also contribute to what some athletes call a "second wind." Rather than feeling pain and exhaustion while running, endorphins may help us actually feel limber and energized towards the end of a race. According to William Straw, M.D., a team physician for the San Jose Sharks, "at some point you may feel a little more energetic and you can kick-in when you did not feel like you could kick-in before."
Endorphins release varies according to the individual: one runner may have an endorphin rush (experienced as a second wind) after running for ten minutes, while another may need to run for thirty minutes before feeling a second wind.

Music has always exerted powerful physical and psychological effects on humans, but scientists have only recently made the connection of different types of music with the production of endorphins. Although music affects each individual differently, research has shown that classical, rock, heavy metal, and even the music in elevators produces specific physical and psychological effects. By judiciously choosing the types (and pieces) of music we most enjoy, we can enhance endorphin production in our everyday lives.

Scientists have recently found that in addition to calming the nerves and reducing blood pressure, the regular practice of meditation (as well as the ancient Chinese practice of Qigong and yogic breathing) help the body produce endorphins for a feeling of well being.

Recent studies have shown that chronic stress, anger and depression cause the body to manufacture chemicals that can inhibit the healing process and shorten life expectancy, while euphoria protects us from stress, illness and premature death. While apparently unscientific, these findings are promoted by Candace Pert and other neuroscientists. Some of the major ways that we can experience a greater sense of joy and well being in our lives: becoming conscious, daily relaxation, enjoyable exercise, "pointless" recreational activities, tapping into our dreams, guiltless goofing off, experiencing pleasure in little things, public and private displays of affection, sex without guilt, greater laughter and additional sources of merriment.

Recent studies have found that nutritional and biochemical imbalances, rather than lack of will power or character, may increase the potential for substance abuse. Specifically, alcohol and drugs give temporary relief for a depleted endorphin level, which is one reason why they produce addiction.
 (great information that I found here)

In easier terms:
Endorphins are your own bodies way of lifting your spirits and creating a natural high!  Exercise makes you feel better, it's statistically, scientifically, and absolutely guaranteed!

It's worth it! Go have a great workout :)
Jill

 

TREATS and SWEETS free every Wednesday in 2012!

I'm offering up a challenge to you,

It has to do with every Wednesday in 2012

And it goes something like this...

NO TREATS OR SWEETS

Every Wednesday in 2012!

And by the end of the year you will have 

52 days treats and sweets free!

          No Syrup's                          No Candy                                                     And definitely no soda!

Starts today (or whenever you read this) and go for 24 hours...then join us again next Wednesday!

Let's do this!

xoxo

Jill

Time for BOOTCAMP

Bootcampers!

Notice the Recipe tabs up on the menu bar.  Click through the recipes and if you have any questions leave them in the comments and I will be checking and answering your questions there.

Session 1 starts January 2nd!