Copyright
© Copyright 2006-2010 blackbeltmama dot com ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Blueberry Acai Yo-Plus
Acai is the latest and great thing and everyone seems to be talking about it these days. My gym offers acai berry smoothies. Celebrities swear it's the best thing that ever happened to them; and now Yoplait has made acai accessible to all.
If you like yogurt, you're going to love Blueberry Acai Yo-Plus. The yogurt isn't custard-like. Instead it has more of the consistency of a nice pudding. The flavor itself is fantastic. With blueberries and acai berries circulating in the yogurt, it's an instant pleaser. Beware though, like the raspberry, acai berries have some gritty seeds to them. The yogurt itself isn't overwhelmed with them, but there are a few which could come as a surprise to new acai berry consumers.
The yogurt comes packed with probiotics and prebiotics and a healthy amount of fiber. They challenge you to try it for 10 days and not love it. I'd love to try it for 10 days straight. The only problem is that I bought it this morning and it's gone. My kids found it. for more information about Yoplait's Yo-Plus line, go here. For additional nutritional information including carb counts, etc, go here.
Perhaps the best thing about this new yogurt is that YOU, yes you, can try it for free. Not only that, but Yo-Plus is offering a great Yoplait cooler tote bag (perfect for the beach or an afternoon at the park), a great big water bottle perfect for the gym or the dojo, a small nurtritional journal, perfect for tucking in your purse or pocket to keep track of what you're eating, and a coupon to try Yo-Plus for free.
If you'd like an opportunity to get one of these fantastic gift packs, leave a comment below. Winners will be randomly selected and the gift bag will be sent out immediatey. The contest on this blog runs until Monday. Leave a comment and win! Even if you don't win? You can go here to download a coupon for $1.50 off of a 4-pack.
For being healthy and tasty, BBM gives Yo-Plus. . .
Don't forget to leave a comment for your chance to win! AND, check back because we have another give-away coming up soon!
Bella Jules Boutique
If you're tired of the stores at the mall, join the crowd. My mall, in particular, is especially yucky these days. If you're not between the ages of 14-19 or 65-100, then there's pretty much nothing there for you. I honestly don't know why I didn't make it into the Bella Jules Boutique before yesterday, but it is a trip well worthwhile if you're local in Eastern PA. And, even if you're not, you can purchase clothing and accessories directly through the web.
If you're sick of looking like everyone else, and if you like being a bit different, Bella Jules is the way to go. I started out finding a fabulous KMQ Collection handbag for only $39. Super stylish and priced right, I couldn't resist. Plus it was purchased for me as a birthday present. Bonus.
I was also able to find some great new clothes for 50% off. This top for only $39.50 is a steal when you go and realize how nicely it fits and how well it works with jeans or some nice black pants. From unique sweaters (this one is now happily residing in my closet), to jeans, to beautiful gowns, Bella Jules has it all for a girl who wants to be a bit different.
One of the nicest things about the boutique is that there are only a few of each style, so you know you're not going to have clones walking around.
My Mom and I also spent a good 20 minutes drooling in the gowns room. For a girl looking for a prom gown, Bella Jules is every girls dream! There are gowns with beautiful prints, unexpected designs and colors that will wow every time. Gowns have come a long way since I was shopping for prom!
Bella Jules also has a handful of unique accessories, like these "Blings" which are appropriately named. I got the pale yellow ones and they are extraordinary when the light hits them. I'm looking forward to blinding people with their beauty when I go out next weekend.
While the new merchandise may be a bit pricey for some, Bella Jules can't be beat for when you're looking for something unique and fun. The two rooms full of 50% off merchandise don't hurt either.
The Bella Jules Boutique is a gem of a store and I give it a. . .
Qlubb.com
Is one of your resolutions this year to get organized? Are you in charge of volunteers at your church, school, or even just the one who organizes the neighborhood playdates? Do you have a family schedule that is hectic at best and you want to make sure things run smoothly this year?
Look no further than Qlubb.com. Qlubb.com is a great place for getting organized and is a one-stop shop for sending out event emails, posting pictures of your event and getting volunteers. As I was reviewing the site, I couldn't help but think about the Home School Association at my daughter's school and what a valuable resource it would be for them!
Signing up is easy to do. Even if you just want to organize upcoming events for your own family, you can arrange for emails to go out with the click of a button. Delegating tasks to group members is really easy too and everything is conveniently all in one place.
Qlubb.com features online RSVP's, online sign-up sheets, and even sends out reminders about upcoming events to group members. I really should have used this for my birthday party invites!
BBM gives Qlubb.com. . .
Wii Fit
Filed under: Fitness, Video Games & Accessories
My daughter wanted Wii Fit for Christmas and I am so glad "Santa" was able to make one appear beneath that tree on Christmas morning. If you've been looking for a fun addicting way to get fit, look no further.
Wii Fit is divided into several different categories: strength training, balance games, yoga, and aerobic activities. Initially, you're able to unlock only a few exercises, but as you complete more activities, more open up for you.
The balance games are fun and feature things such as a ski jump that is an absolute blast, a ski slalom that will frustrate you so much that you'll find yourself playing for hours, heading soccer balls, and some other fun games where your balance on the board helps navigate you through the games. Be careful though, when heading soccer balls, as sometimes, they throw a shoe at you! Ouch.
Each participant is giving a fit test on your first day. The fit test evaluates your balance and strength. it weighs you and gives you feedback as far as whether or not you're "normal" or overweight. It also gives you your BMI and in addition to giving you this number, it also tracks it for you. Each time you log in and take the test, it places your progress on a chart so you can see your progress.
When you first start, your also given your choice of either a male or female trainer. The trainers push you and totally call you on it if you quit mid-exercise. They also offer fit tips and make sure you're using the correct form by evaluating your stance on the balance board. Do well on the strength training and you'll see higher reps unlock for you.
The yoga is also really cool and is along the same lines as the strength training. Yoga poses are demonstrated and each pose is broken down into how it works and what parts of your body each pose is targeting. I must say that yoga is a lot more challenging than I previously thought it would be. Holding those poses for as long as they make you, certainly tones and trains the body.
The best thing about Wii Fit is that it continually tracks your progress regarding exercises and weight and BMI. If you haven't played for a few days, it totally calls you out when you log in. Wii Fit also gives you your Wii Fit "age" based on how well you do on the fit tests. It can be a little scary, but it's super exciting as you awtch that age drop over time. Getting immediate feedback on how you did on the strength training is motivating and also eye-opening.
As someone recovering from an ACL reconstruction surgery, seeing the way my balance is distributed when I'm simply standing stationary was quite revealing. The Wii Fit teaches you how to have better posture, a stronger core, and it does it while having fun with you.
Another great thing about Wii Fit is that almost any age can play. Although my youngest daughter (age 3) is a little squirmy on the balance board, even she has fun trying out the yoga poses and doing jack knife sit-ups.
My only criticism is that I wish it was possible to have two players trade off and take turns doing the exercises and balance games. If two people want to take turns, it's necessary to go back to the main menu and change Mii's which can be a little annoying. Other than that though, the Wii Fit is pretty much flawless.
Wii Fit can be purchased any place that carries video games. Just be careful that you don't get ripped off. Wii Fit can be purchased for around $89 in stores. I would also recommend purchasing the Wii Starter kit that includes a silicone cover for the balance board and yoga mat. While most things can safely be purchased online, the Wii Fit is pretty much only offered in bundles online. It's best to take a drive and go to the store directly.
If you're looking for something to jumpstart your New Year's fitness resolutions or just want a fun way to get fit with your family, get the Wii Fit.
BBM gives the Wii Fit. . .
Preserve Kitchen Products
Preserve is the company that recycles old toothbrushes into decks and stuff. We tried the toothbrushes before, and now they've launched the Preserve Kitchenware line in Target stores nationwide.
The complete line features colanders, mixing bowl sets, and small and large cutting boards. They are affordable (prices range from $8.99 for a small cutting board to $21.99 for a set of three mixing bowls) and colorful.
Preserve sent me a large cutting board and I have to say that it is fantastic. One edge of the cutting board is curved upward which is nice for keeping things put on the board as I work. All of the products are made from 100% recycled #5 plastic or 100% post-consumer recycled paper. This is one company that is truly going green and helping families across the country to do the same.
Preserve also accepts #5 plastics for recycling for their products at Whole Foods stores, or if you're a local in NY, you can simply drop them off or mail them. Your used yogurt cup very well may be part of my new cutting board. For additional information about Preserve's Gimme 5 program, go here.
Another great thing about Preserve is that all of their products are BPA-free, dishwasher safe and GET THIS, made in the USA. So, you can be green and support the US economy at the same time.
If you are interested in checking out the Preserve products yourself, head to your local Target. Target carries select items from the kitchen line and the adult toothbrushes. For any other Preserve product, you can buy it directly from their website. The line debuts this month. How cool is that?
BBM gives the Preserve Kitchenware line a. . .
What's not to love?
Getting Rave Reviews
BlogHer Review
Go Shopping
Macho Warrior Sparring Gear Set
$69.99And see the rest of our Sparring Gear
at MartialArtsSupplies.com
Martial Arts Pagoda
