Embracing a Healthy Family

MUVE Dance/Exercise DVD Review

Dance yourself to fitness at home with MUVE the first spontaneous dance/exercise method!

MUVE is a fun, new and unusual way to dance. It's a spontaneous dance workout that is a complete break away from the current complex and heavily choreographed dance exercise videos on the market. MUVE loosens up the body and relaxes the mind. It makes you feel at ease and shake off your inhibitions on the dance floor.

There are 2 DVDs now available: Mellow MUVE #1 and Family MUVE #1 that are sold at www.muve.com.

Each DVD features 17 original spontaneous dance actions with a colorful cast of everyday people from age 7 to 87. A "MUSE" (lead dancer) and dazzling animated graphics supply guidance. The viewers follow loosely or create their own dance. All instructions are given visually only, so the music can be enjoyed to the fullest. The DVDs feature original music by top artists from Hawaii and the Pacific: John Cruz, Sister Roby Kahakalau, Sean Na'auao, Willie K. and Eric Gilliom as Barefoot Natives, Don Tiki, Te Vaka, Jroq".

The whole family can spend quality time as they MUVE together, a healthy alternative to sitting watching others perform on TV. Children to seniors can exercise together with the Family MUVE or Mellow MUVE DVDs. MUVE is never too hard or too easy, because MUVE encourages individuals to tailor their movements to fit their needs, faster or slower, bigger or smaller, to be just right for them. With MUVE people of all ages, shapes and sizes can exercise together!

Maggie Kunkel, the creator of MUVE who has been teaching the method in Hawaii for over a decade says: "No memorization is required and you can't do it wrong. MUVE is versatile, you can do it nice and easy and you can do it rough and hard. We are not striving for perfection, but for energizing the body and giving our busy minds a break. There's magic in music, it can move you beyond shyness straight into physical and mental joy. And when the dance is over, you'll suddenly realize: "Oh, I just had a workout, and it didn't feel like work at all!"

Dancing is an effective, all natural remedy in the fight against diabetes, heart disease, obesity, aches and pains, and not to forget, mental and emotional overload. As Ka'imi, a long time MUVER puts it: "I can start off feeling down, even tired or achy, and as I start dancing, all stress melts away. I surrender to the music and I feel joy. It's so easy, so simple, so fast. And afterwards, my whole being is more alive, I am breathing more deeply, I am relaxed, energy is running through my body, my mind is clear, my outlook is bright . . . and all good things are possible. All this from dancing to a song!"

See sample videos at http://www.muve.com/.

The Review:

I liked the concept of the program as it's a concentrated effort to encourage do what you want but just move.  It's nice that it's not rigid in terms of conforming to the moves required to feel like you "belong" and accomplished the task of exercising.  The casual approach is fun and light but being that I used to live in Hawaii, I'm a little partial to this!  This is an exercise program that your toddler would probably love to "help you" with since it's colorful, has playful music and again, not rigid with the moves.

My six year old did not like it and prefers the Wii games to workout to. Perhaps it's the lack of dance culture in her life that didn't allow her to like it but it is definitely a great workout and one that would appeal to dance enthusiast, the young and playful.  I also think this would be great for someone with limited ability to have stressful routines as it's more casual, at your own pace.



 
Youthful Tips

Christmas Magazine Subscription Deals & Ideas

Magazines.com has 31 titles for only $5.97 a subscription and you get 250 MyPoints points.  It seems to take awhile for a new subscription to start up so now is the perfect time to purchase the subscription so the person will start getting them in December or January.

Titles include:
  1. Time - 19 issues
  2. Sports Illustrated - 16 issues
  3. Sports Illustrated Kids - 6 issues
  4. Men's Health - 2 issues
  5. Women's Health - 4 issues
  6. Entertainment Weekly - 16 issues
  7. Field & Stream  - 6 issues
  8. Money - 5 issues
  9. InStyle - 3 issues
  10. Prevention - 4 issues
  11. Car and Driver - 5 issues
  12. Food & Wine - 5 issues
  13. Runner's World - 3 issues
  14. This Old House - 5 issues
  15. Elle - 4 issues
  16. Budget Travel - 5 issues
  17. Fortune - 5 issues
  18. Golf Magazine - 6 issues
  19. Stylewatch - 3 issues
  20. Elle Decor - 3 issues
  21. Travel & Leisure - 5 issues
  22. Road & Track - 5 issues
  23. Metro Home - 4 issues
  24. Bicycling - 3 issues
  25. Essence - 6 issues
  26. People En Espanol - 5 issues
  27. Organic Gardening - 3 issues
  28. Powder - 6 issues
  29. Running Times - 3 issues
  30. Sherman's Travel - 3 issues
  31. Street Rodder - 5 issues


Youthful Tips

Great Pre-Releases for $10 at Walmart

Walmart.com is having a great sale when you pre-purchase some new movies not yet released:
  • Star Trek XI (Widescreen)
  • Night at The Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (Widescreen)
  • Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince (Widescreen)
  • Angels & Demons (Anamorphic Widescreen)
  • Four Christmases (Widescreen, Full Frame)
  • G-Force (Widescreen)
  • My Sister's Keeper (2009) (With Digital Copy) (Widescreen)
  • Santa Buddies (Widescreen)
  • Terminator Salvation (Widescreen)
  • Julie & Julia (Anamorphic Widescreen)
 
Just click HERE to go to the page with the offers.

Youthful Tips

New Personalized Christmas Ideas

I just reviewed my regular mail from yesterday and opened a flyer from Photoworks.com announcing a new site along with free shipping using code HOLIDAYSHIP09.  I've used Photoworks before and haven't really thought about what knock out gifts I would buy this year yet but did like the inspirational ideas that I saw. 


The calendars are different from what I'm used to seeing as there are more varieties and choices to offer more of a you in each month.  They offer more than just one picture and it has a scrapbook feel to it. 


My photo card this year will be tough to decide since I have a 75% off coupon at Zazzle versus the multi-card options which I prefer.  I love these types of cards as they become keepsakes.  I've not ordered cards from them before so I have no idea on the quality. 

This is another one of my favorites that I almost bought last year but opted out.  I think I might try one this year just to see the quality.



This is a cute idea for home made baked goods:



With places like Photoworks and others, they allow us to almost look like the perfect Martha Stewart ... after all, who has to admit we didn't make it completely by ourselves??

Youthful Tips

What Do You Think?

My daughter works at a grocery store as a cashier so she's in front of hundreds of people a day.  Last Saturday, she had a high fever and was vomiting.  I called in on her behalf as she was too ill to talk.  We suspect possibly H1N1 but not for certain.  The manager insisted on speaking to her and insisted on her coming in regardless of a fever or vomiting.  He said he would send her home if too unbearable.  Having two children at risk for complications, I was appalled that this manager put aside the health of not only his employee but also the general public.

Would you be outraged if the store you frequented insisted that potentially H1N1 infected employees show up?  I'm just curious if I'm way off base even though the real news coming out is H1N1 is not nearly as bad as the media is hyping it up to be.

Youthful Tips

Day Four on The Virtual Challenge to Get in Shape with The Biggest Loser Wii Game



I'm on day four of my virtual challenge with five other of my readers.  I haven't weighed in this morning which I will do as I think it's the key to my weight loss efforts to keep me accountable.  My goal is to get in shape BEFORE the new year versus waiting to get there and justify pigging out on the great holiday food.  In the long run, it's yummy and feels good for the tiny moment of eating it but it quickly turns into regret and disappointment as you take one more bite of that pumpkin pie, chocolate cake or homemade yeast rolls. 

I just purchased The Biggest Loser for wii and tried it out this morning.  I love it but then I'm a huge fan of the show and both Jillian and Bob. For my personality, I need Jillian to yell and abuse me into compliance.  Bob, he would be too much of a distraction in working out and that's all I'll say.  The game allows me to work out with either one of my older daughters and the six year old loves to beat me.  Actually, come to think of it, the 21 year old makes it a goal to always beat me at everything!  After only six minutes, I was already sweating and loving the game.  I think I really like this type of working out because it allows you to break up the segments which is never dull or routine.

There are many other features to the game such as tracking your goals, your weight loss and time spent working out.

The con about the game is you only have eight characters to choose from and those eight are from the first shows which I did not watch so I cannot connect to them.  I prefer being able to customize them to my own preference but I can live with it.

Stay tuned for more information on the Virtual Weight Loss challenge, progress and more game information.

Want to join, have some tips, know of a better game?  Leave a comment!









Youthful Tips

KQC Professional Mini X-Heat Ceramic Styling Iron Review & Giveaway CLOSED WINNER

CONGRATULATIONS TO ....

"KELLY"!

An e-mail has been sent!  Kelly has 48 hours to respond.  If Kelly doesn't, I will use random.org to select a new winner.

Thanks to everyone who entered!



Ever heard of Flat Iron Experts?  They are a company out of Vancouver BC that researches and reviews the latest flat iron products.  They have so many different brands to choose from which include insightful feedback from customers.  Flat irons are just a segment of the products they offer to look your best.  Other products include hairdryers, hot rollers, clippers, hair care, make up and more.  They also offer free shipping to US/CAN on orders over $75 (CAD).

The KQC brand is the fastest growing manufacturer of personal care electrical appliances.  For more information on KQC, click here to read more at FlatIronExperts.com.


Flat Iron Experts provided the new KQC X-Heat Mini Ceramic Travel Flat Iron for my daughter's review.  She has ultra thick, curly hair and literally burns through other irons like nothing.  It takes a really durable hair straightener to finish her hair without spending four or five hours on it.  As the name implies, it is a travel iron so the smaller size is not suitable for big projects.  The picture I have of her below doesn't show the real depth of her hair as it's been dried with a hair dryer and brushed out.  Normally, she has really BIG hair!

Before:



After:


Here are the details on the flat iron:

X-Heat Technology by KQC is a unique system that softens hair faster, seals in cuticles and locks in hair colour. Achieve a healthy, silky professional finish without the static electricity and frizzles of conventional technology. The X-Heat Mini is a upgraded version of our popular KQC Mini, the X-Heat Mini is a more heavy duty universal voltage travel iron, heating up to 410 F compare to the 400 F the regular mini. The KQC X-Heat Mini will give you ultra fast and beautiful results.

Ceramic Technology: KQC's Ceramic Flat Iron plates are able to distribute heat across the entire surface evenly, retains heat more efficiently, and eliminates damaging hot spots. Ceramic plates radiates far-infrared heat to preserve more moisture within the hair shaft and causes less damage to the hair cuticle. It also emits negative ions, which eliminate static electricity and deliver shinier and sleeker results.

Negative Ion Technology: Negative ions are atoms that can stop the growth of bacteria, fungi, etc., resulting in healthier hair and scalp. Negative ion energy is powerful enough to break apart clusters of water molecules. The smaller water molecules penetrate into the hair shaft by slipping between the cuticles, adding plumpness/volume to hair. The bombardment of negative ions also closes the hair cuticle, which is very good for the health and appearance of the hair.

The pro's:

  1. Excellent for traveling or stashing away in a purse for those times when you might need a quick touch up.  I love this concept as there have been many times where my fine, curly hair is attacked by humidity and needed a touch up.  I have used it multiple times already on my hair and have been very happy with the results. The picture here is her after using it for a touch up.


  2. It's perfect for short or fine hair.  If you straighten your little girl's hair, this is ideal as it's small and easy to maneuver around.


  3. Dual voltages to use anywhere in the world which for me is nice as I occasionally travel internationally.


  4. Heats up fast.

Overall, I recommend the KQC Professional Mini X-Heat Ceramic Styling Iron for those with fine or short hair to include children's hair.  For those with long, full or extra curly hair, I'd stick with the bigger irons such as the KQC X-Heat Tourmaline Ceramic Flat Iron which is ranked number one and backed with 100% confidence by Flat Iron Experts.




Need some advice on choosing the right flat iron, Flat Iron Experts also has an area to help you choose the right product.

The Giveaway:

Flat Iron Experts is giving one of my readers their very own KQC X-Heat Mini Ceramic Travel Flat Iron.

To Win:
  1. Follow my blog and leave a comment AND subscribe to Flat Iron Experts' mailing list.
Extra Entries:
  1. Subsribe to my blog.
  2. Follow me on Twitter (2 comments).
  3. Follow Flat Iron Experts on Twitter (2 comments).
  4. Tweet about this giveaway (2 comments).
  5. Blog about this giveaway (2 comments).
  6. Vote for me at DivineCaroline (see widget on left side for 5 comments).
  7. Enter one of my other giveaways (5 comments).
Giveaway ends 12/05/09 at midnight (EST).

Winner will be chosen by random.org.

Good luck and thank you for participating!

 Youthful Tips


Disney’s A Christmas Carol in IMAX theaters Twitter Party Thursday (Tomorrow)



Resourceful Mommy Media is hosting a Twitter party tomorrow night from 9 pm until 10 pm (EST).  This great event is being sponsored by IMAX in celebration of this great Christmas classic in a new form!

You can join in on the fun and possibly win a prize pack of one of Disney's A Christmas Carol poster and one book, “Disney’s A Christmas Carol: Movie Storybook.”

To enter the fun, become a fan of IMAX on Facebook and leave a comment on this post that you completed that task.

Want another chance to win?  Join the Twitter party Thursday as there will be 13 lucky winners and IMAX on Facebook will be giving away prizes all weekend long.

Don't forget to use #XmasIMAX as the hashtag!

Join IMAX on Twitter HERE.




Youthful Tips

Hurry! Eden Fantasys Oil & $25 Gift Card Ending 11/07

What an easy Christmas present this would make!  Just enter by 11/07 and see if you will be the second winner in my second Eden giveaway!

Don't forget, they do have tame products such as nice candles and lotions!

Click HERE to enter!


Youthful Tips

Free Pre-Release of Book One of Witch & Wizard by James Patterson at iTunes



To celebrate the work of author James Patterson, iTunes is offering a free, iTunes-exclusive pre-release of "Book One" of Witch & Wizard — narrated by Elijah Wood and Spencer Locke — and a free, lengthy preview of detective-themed I, Alex Cross. To round out the experience, we've gathered many of Patterson's best novels including a selection available for $9.95 or less.

Youthful Tips

To Describe Myself with a Scent ...Twittermoms & Downy



I've never really thought about it nor wondered what I would I would choose if I had to define myself with a scent.  TwitterMoms, click HERE for more information, and Downy has challenged bloggers to ask "if you could define yourself with a scent, what scent would represent you and why?"

There are many scents I love and many that combined would describe my multifaceted personality.  To choose one, I would pick Jasmine as it's distinct and sweet.  It's opulent and rich and elegant. In India, it's referred to the "Queen of the Night" so it's only fitting since I'm the "Queen of the House."  Some feel the scent is comforting and calming as does my children find in me.  We won't ask my husband!

Making your own Jasmine perfume is easy: Just add a few drops of pure Jasmine oil to one teaspoon of oil such as avocado or sweet almond oil.



Youthful Tips

Right at Home Special Offer for First 200 Responders

Right at Home Special Offers

First 200 responders will receive a $100 gift card plus many coupons.

Hurry & here are the details:

This year, get more out of your home-centered special occasions—full of family and fun, treasured memories and cozy retreats—with a Right@Home™ Gift Card.

Each gift card is worth $100 and will help you give a little more, share a little more, of those unique moments that live on in the memories of family and friends.

So whether you want to create a bigger feast, add some flourishes to your home or simply ease into a new year with a little extra on hand, fill out the information below for a chance in the $100 Right@Home™ Gift Card giveaway.

Terms & Conditions:  First 200 people to respond will receive a $100 Gift Card. For your chance to receive a gift card, simply complete all required information on the offer form by November 30, 2009, 11:59:59 p.m. Central Time (CT). Offer available to U.S. residents only. Gift cards available until November 30, 2009, or while supplies last. Only 200 gift cards available. Limit: one (1) gift card per household/address. SC Johnson is not liable for any typographical errors in the offer or any illegible, lost, late, damaged, separated, misdirected, incomplete, stolen or non-delivered email or redemption requests. Gift cards will be mailed by February 15, 2010.

If you have received a gift pack from Right@Home™ in the last 180 days, you are not eligible for this month's offer.





Youthful Tips

Fisher-Price Power Wheels Jeep Rubicon Review Coming Soon





I'm excited to be able to provide a review of the Fisher-Price Power Wheels Jeep Rubicon soon!  Since many parents are choosing their Christmas presents early, I wanted to give advance notice that I will be posting a review of this as soon as I receive it. 

More details to follow!

The good news is, the reviews on Amazon are great so far.

 


Youthful Tips

All I Want for Christmas Is My ... Bedroom Makeover

VisionBedding is having this great contest for a bedroom makeover which my youngest sorely needs!  Thanks to TwitterMoms, I'm entering this great contest for her.  This is her room:

It's not even 8 am so I can assure you that I didn't prep this room for the picture and I can certainly say I'm ashamed that this is a little two year old's room!  She's sleeping in another room with her big sissy since I haven't been able to finish this room.  After three years, the curtains are still up from when we bought the house and it's a broken down twin trundle bed.

Once upon a time, there was a little girl named Danielle.  She dreamed of a beautiful bedroom fitting for a princess. No matter what she did, she had the same old ugly bedroom.  So she had a heart to heart with Blue but he couldn't help her.



She wished upon a star but that didn't help:



So she gave up and grew sadder...



...and envisioned a room just of her own:


Photobucket

The really cool part of VisionBedding.com, is you have so many choice to choose from and so many products, any room you create will be fantastic and unique.

This great princess blanket is another favorite of mine:




Please VisionBedding, make my little two year scream in excitement when she sees a beautiful room based on her unique personality!  There are over 7 million designs and images to choose from. They also have a great ideas page if you need a little help with your design.


While her sister truly does wish for her two front teeth, Dani can be sleeping sound dreaming.


Thank you!

Youthful Tips

Winner of the Mega Healthy Giveaway & Halloween Ending Giveaways Announced

Congratulations to Charity for winning the Mega Healthy Giveaway!

An e-mail was sent and she has 48 hours to respond with mailing information.

Click HERE for all the Halloween winner names.

Thanks to all that entered!


Youthful Tips