WINNER of the Empower Fitness Boxing Bootcamp Giveaway!!

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Winner is comment number 19 which was:

 

Christine MarchJune 15, 2013 at 4:56 PM

Liked empower fitness of FB, as well! Awesome weight loss progress, btw! That's amazing!

 

 

Thanks for entering everyone!!

and be on the lookout for more giveaways and product reviews!!

Schwarzkopf Professional OSiS+ Rough Rubber product review and pictures

Benefits:

• Innovative rubber consistency provides you with outstanding texturizing effects
• Versatile, moldable texture
• Separates, defines and shapes as you wish
• No shine, subtle matte effect
• Strong style control for thick hair, but not overburdening for fine hair

Ingredients:
Innovative microsponge technology to keep the hair moldable at any time

Application:

• Take a small amount and rub it between the palm of your hands
• Apply it on dry or damp hair and work it throughout the hair
• Roughen up your style as you wish
• Countrol Level 3/1.69 fl.oz

http://www.schwarzkopf-professionalusa.com/

I typically don't use hair products in my hair other than light hairspray because my hair is so straight and fine. I decided to use the rough rubber today along with my crimper iron-both for the first time. I loved the texture and feel of the rough rubber. and it didn't smell weird which was good!! My hair feels good but next time I will try the rough rubber with a curling iron because I didn't like how the crimpy waves came out. Not sure how long my hair will keep it shape. I'm still learning on how to use this product. Any suggestions would be helpful!! :-)

**I received this product complimentary for testing and review purposes from Influenster**

Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-on Manicure product review and pictures!

Introducing imPRESS Press-On Manicure by Broadway Nails, the revolutionary way to apply polish! Featuring advanced nail technology, you can get a salon-perfect manicure in seconds – simply peel off, press on, and you're done. There's no drying, a killer shine and a manicure that lasts up to a week! And, imPRESS is so easy to remove, you can change it up to match your mood as often as you want. Check out all colors and patterns, including trendy brights, classic darks and animal prints. With imPRESS, your nails will always be your best accessory.

imPress Manicure retails for $5.99 for colors and $7.99 for patterns, and is available at CVS, Rite Aid, Duane Reade, KMart, Walgreens, Walmart and more. For a full list of online and in-store retailers, visit imPressManicure.com, where you can download an exclusive coupon and virtually try on all the colors and patterns!

I got this press on manicure set to review from my Influenster spring vox box. I haven't tried press on nails in several years, but it looked really easy and I LOVED the pattern they set me!! Fromt start to finish it probably took less than 30 mins. I only messed up on one nail (which I did remove and put a new one on) because I didn't see the part where the adhesive tab shows what end to place the press on to the nail.
I love that its the perfect nail length for me. Not too long or too short. I have two kids and work in an office so I still need my fingers and nails to be functional. :-)
Just follow the directions, making sure you take the time to press the nail down on each finger for a couple minutes otherwise they may not stay on very long.
I put mine on last night and so far so good! I have a race tomorrow so we will see how many days this press on manicure will last.

Here are my pictures:

Get $1 coupon from off their website!
http://impressmanicure.com/

Let me know in the comments below if you've ever tried this brand of nails and what pattern you got!

**I received this product complimentary for testing and review purposes from Influenster**

Empower Fitness Boxing Boot Camp product review and giveaway!!

Boxing Boot Camp

With 12 Rounds Workout DVD

Get hooked on a workout that will burn fat, tone your entire body & knockout stress!

Strengthen your entire body, release everyday stress, and improve your self confidence! Fight to be fit with this first-of-its-kind, authentic, boxing inspired workout. Get into the zone with a heart pumping jump rope warm-up, use the medicine ball in ways you’ve never dreamed of, and harness the power of your body as you learn how to throw punches and combinations. Maximize your workout in minimum time! Gain strength and power while burning calories, toning your entire body, and diminishing stress Maximize your workout in minimal time! Quick and effective 12 rounds + 30 minutes = amazing results! Convenient workout options for beginner, intermediate and advanced levels Let Jaime “The Hurricane” Clampitt, four-time world boxing champion, guide you through this workout so you can train like one of the most well-conditioned athletes in the world Empower Boxing Boot Camp includes comfort fit jump rope, 6lb sand filled toning ball, 2lb neoprene weighted gloves (1lb each), 12 Rounds DVD, and workout guide.

12 Rounds™ Boxing Bootcamp Go 12 rounds and get lightning fast results with our 30-minute boxing boot camp workout that is unlike anything you have ever experienced. Train like the most well-conditioned athletes in the world with this exclusive video created by Striking Beauties Boxing Gym for Women™, and Jaime “The Hurricane” Clampitt, four-time World Champion Boxer!

Mother. Fighter. Champion. Professional boxer Jaime Clampitt has spent her life working hard for her many titles. But before she was fighting in the ring, she had to fight against the odds to prove she had what it takes to participate in a sport that barely had any women. Now a nationally and internationally renowned and respected boxer, Jaime has more than 17 years of expertise competing, teaching, and training. Jaime is a 4 time World Champion Professional Female Boxer, a World Amateur Female Boxer, a Canadian National Female Boxer, a USA Boxing coach, and personal trainer. You can find these specifics and where to buy here:

http://empowerfitness.com/boxing-boot-camp-12-rounds

 MY THOUGHTS:

I just finished up 3 months of Turbofire which is a dancy boxing style workout so I was very familiar with the boxing moves. Jaime demonstrates how to do all the moves properly with good form and what each move is called in the intro part of the dvd. Then during the actual workout dvd (12 rounds) she has two other girls assisting her, with one of them doing modifications. 

You start with a 2 minute warm up, then on to 3 mins of jump rope which is also part of the warm up. Then you begin Round 1 and go to Round 12 with each round being 2 minutes each. Then there is a cool down for 4 minutes. You will use the jump rope, hand weights and weighted ball which are all provided in this package. Each round progressively gets harder. I was definitely sweating by round 12!! This was a great workout to try and I loved the "tough no nonsense" style of boxing. She was serious but wasn't mean or yelling during the rounds. I've never done a workout like this and I'm glad I tried it!!  

MY PICTURES:

Click on the link below for the free workout guide:
http://empowerfitness.com/images/june-2012-emp-b2c-make-your-move/Boxing-Boot-Camp-Workout-Guide.pdf

*I won two boxing kits last month from Empower Fitness facebook page-one for myself and one to give away to a blog reader. All opinions are my own.

WANT TO WIN 

AN EMPOWER FITNESS BOXING BOOT CAMP 

OF YOUR OWN?? 

Open to USA addresses only-sorry!! 

*For mandatory entry: make a comment in the comments section below and tell me if you've ever tried boxing before. Make sure to include your email address so I can contact you if you win! 

*For an second entry: Become a follower of my blog and then make a separate comment telling me you did it. 

*For a third entry: Follow me on instagram (rdevaughn4) and repost the picture of the Boxing Boot Camp DVD and then make a separate comment telling me you did it. 

*For a fourth entry: Like Empower Fitness on facebook and make a separate comment telling me you did it. https://www.facebook.com/EmpowerFitness4Women?fref=ts

GOOD LUCK!!! 

Winner will be drawn next Sunday June 16th!! 

Race for Open Space-5K Recap (#7 out of 13 races in 2013)

This past Saturday I had the opportunity to do my 7th race this year. Its called "Race for Open Space" and the funds went to the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy. The race was about 30 minutes away from me in Salem at Green Hill Park. It is such a beautiful huge park!! I've done this particular race two previous years and it's one of my favorites because of the location and cause.
I was able to get a free race entry for myself in exchange for a blog posts and facebook postings about the upcoming event. The race event website is here:
http://blueridgelandconservancy.org/events-news/race/

My 11 year old son and I got there about 8:00am to check in. The lines were short so it went fast. We had time to go to the bathroom, take pictures, and stretch before they started at 8:30.
They started the 5k race at 8:30 and then the 3K family race at 9:00.

My son wanted to run ahead and stay at his own pace but unfortunately he misunderstood the end lap of the race and didn't know to do a second lap. It clocked him out at the 3k mark, not the 5k so he was so upset and disappointed about being disqualified. I also found the end of the race confusing and the only reason I knew to do a second lap as because someone had told me they messed up last year too. I hope they will put signs up and have their volunteers do a better job letting people know. :-(

About half of the race was on a narrow trail in the woods and the other part was running thru open grass and trails. It was so beautiful but hot!! It was 74 by the time we finished running that morning. I tried to keep up with a running/walking ratio, but honestly I do better with speed walking with light bursts of jogging because of my breathing and lungs. I just can't seem to get stronger with my breathing. I ended up staying with this woman named Sherry throughout the whole race towards the back of the line. It was alot of fun to talk and run with her. We both kept each other going and made it to the end of the race together.  (I did not post a picture of us together to respect her privacy but it was nice to meet a new friend!)

I always have two goals with running a race: to finish the race and not be last! I was pleased with my time-under 45 minutes and I placed 89/96 people. So I wasn't last-woot woot!! :-)

At the end of the race they had snacks, water and homestead creamery ice cream which was AWESOME!! They did a really good job with providing nice snacks and hydration for the runners. We didn't stay for the ending ceremonies because my son had to get ready for his baseball game.

I really enjoyed the opportunity to run this race and will probably do it again next year. It's a cheap race and for a good cause, so hopefully every year they will get bigger and better to help them with their funding!!

Enjoy the pictures below!!  

Checking in

 READY TO RACE!! 

After the race!! 

The finish line

Table of snacks, water and ice cream!! 

My personal stats from Polar heart rate monitor 

My runkeeper app stats

My medium shirt I got for running this race

April Bulu weight loss box and May Bulu box product reviews

April Bulu weight loss Box 

(got free box code from Chris Freytag facebook page)

*Chris Freytag 30 min today body HIIT workout dvd

"Fitness Pro and fellow Bulugan Chris Freytag leads you through his high intensity interval training (HIIT) workout. Melt away the pounds and improve your cardiovascular fitness with this 30 min workout." 

My thoughts: I have many and love all of Chris Freytag's workouts!! That was the sole reason I got this box!! Tough but doable workout! I love her enthusiasm!! 

*Click espresso protein drink

"Your morning coffee will wallow in shame. Click contains appetitute curbing protein, 23 essential vitamins and minerals and two shots of espresso. It's the perfect combo of flavor, protein and energy to ensure a healthy start to a productive day."

My thoughts: I don't use anything with caffeine, so I gave this product away without trying it. 

*Real Good Barre

"Created by two pro dancers searching for energy and substance to get through recital days. Real Barre is made with all natural ingredients-none of those additives we can't pronounce. At about 200 calories per bar, Real Barre is sure to be your guilt free, go to snack!"

My thoughts: I tried the dark chocolate cherry kind and it was really good! Alot thicker than I'm use to, but really good for a protein bar!! I will probably order a box online. 

*EBoost natural energy

"If you'd rather stick your hand in a tarantula cage than drink a calorie and sugar loaded energy drink, that EBoost is your solution! EBoost Natural Energy has no sugar and provides lasting energy with a vitamin boost for a healthy immune system. 

My thoughts: Gave this to my husband to try. Haven't heard back on how he liked it, so thats not promising. 

*ONNIT shroom tech sport

"Utilized by professional athletes in many disciplines, Shroom Tech Sport is a great way to get natural, clean ATP energy with no jitters or crash. A revolutionary pre workout sure to get you fired so you can burn more calories and shed pounds." 

My thoughts: Again, this product has caffeine, so I gave it to my husband to try this week. He said he didn't notice any difference with taking it two different times. 

*Dr Denese self tanning glove

"Give yourself a natural looking tan and look instantly slimmer with these self tanning gloves. unlike other self tan products, theses no yucky smell or stickiness!"

My thoughts: Still haven't used this yet. I'm not big on self tanners because my legs look "dirty". 

OVERALL THOUGHTS:

FAIL!! 

I'm glad I only paid shipping for this box since I only got 2 things I can use from this box-the Barre and Dvd!! 

May Bulu Box

 (got free code from girls gone sporty facebook)

*Fit n crisp bar

“Make a healthy snack decision-reach for a Fit N’ Crisp by Promax. Only 140 calories, 13g of protein and 0 artificial sweeteners or high fructose corn syrup, it’s your perfect quell to the sugar craving storm inside.”

My thoughts: Tried a couple bites-it has the texture and feel of a rice crispy treat but very weird after taste. Couldn't bring myself to even eat half of it! ugh! 

*Plantiva AllerDx

"Boost your immune systems’ tolerance to the environment around you. By strengthening kidney health and calming over-active liver function, AllerDX calms histamine reactions and improves nasal airflow. Best part, it works in minutes!”

My thoughts: Gave this to my husband to try this week because he has worse allergy problems than me. Said he didn't notice any difference with taking these pills. Won't be trying them again. 

*Fitmixer Amino

“ Give your muscles fuel to burn longer and build stronger. By increasing nitric oxide production, the delicious Tri-Flow Amino Blend reduces fatigue and improves your muscle recovery.”

My thoughts: Will be trying this tomorrow before my 5k race. Will let you know how I like it! 

*Neocell beauty bursts

“A burst of nutrients with a gush of flavor. Collagen Types 1 and 3, found in NeoCell Beauty Bursts, promote smoother, more radiant skin, hair & nails. Try both super fruit punch and fresh mint chocolate. Treat yourself t0 delicious taste AND beautiful skin.”

My thoughts: Will be trying this tomorrow after my 5k race. Will let you know how I like it! 

*Artisana superfood nut butter

“Already love the delicious and nutritious taste of cashew butter? Now with 5 different superfood additives, Artissana Superfood Nut Butter is a perfect appetite suppressing snack for your taste buds and your body. Take control of your appetite and feel full longer.”

My thoughts: Haven't tried this yet. Hoping to try soon as a snack. 

*Online JCORE workout (20 mins)

"Join Jay Cardiello, celebrity fitness trainer and Shape Fitness Editor at Large, on this 40 day journey based on Rapid Muscle Response training to get in the best shape of your life in just 20 min/day, 4 days/week, using no weights or equipment. Try one workout free at jcorebody.com/video .

My thoughts: I would rather have a dvd than an upload. I tried to watch this tonight, and my computer connection kept freezing! I can't do a workout properly if the video stream doesn't flow continuously. 

OVERALL THOUGHTS:

FAIL!! 

I'm glad I only paid shipping for this box also. 

I had decided to try two different Bulu Boxes with two different months so I could hopefully do a more positive product review. 

As you can see, I am SO not impressed!! Cancelled both subscriptions and not looking back.

Turbofire day 1-90 pictures, my thoughts and product review!

I successfully completed 3 months of an intense high impact cardio program at home called TURBOFIRE!!

 

 

TurboFire^® is the intense 90-day cardio conditioning program that will help you get leaner with exercises that burn up to 9x more fat and calories than regular cardio.

Getting started with your first TurboFire workout is easy.
In the included Fire Starter Class, Chalene Johnson shows you the right form for every move you'll make. To help you get up to speed, TurboFire also includes two low-impact (but intense) workouts. Then, it will keep you moving with more than 20 smoking-hot music remixes through all 12 fat-sizzling classes.
So forget the excuses. Forget the gym. Now the hottest fitness classes come to you.

http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/turbofire.do?code=TURBOFIREDOTCOM

About 2 years ago when I started my fitness journey, I did 30 days of the TurboJam dvd program which is made by Chalene Johnson. I love her!! She has such great positive energy!! My goal was to someday do TurboFire but I knew I needed to work up to it in order to have the stamina and ability and not get injured!!

I started the end of January and then joined the facebook TurboFire group called "Smokin hot in 90 days". Because I have been submitting my pictures I have now earned a TurboFire Water bottle!! When I submit my pictures to beachbody fitness I will also get a Turbofire Tank!! I can't wait!!!

I was very proud of myself that I didn't need to do any "new to class" options on the Turbfore dvds. The new to class option breaks the moves down slower and then gets back to the regular workout. It's like putting pause on the dvd, going thru the moves, then pressing play again. Because I've done 2 round of TurboJam, I was pretty familiar with the TurboFire moves-only they are more intense and longer workouts.

For the first 30 days, I did and felt awesome!! I wasn't sore, I got up every morning, DID NOT MISS A SINGLE WORKOUT ANY OF THE FIRST 30 DAYS!! That was HUGE for me!! There were some days that I was so tired that I didn't want to do my workout, but I had set a personal "prize" for myself that I would get if I completed the full 30 days exactly to the schedule and I did!! and then I weighed and measured myself. I did not lose anything. Nothing. I was sooooooo bummed!! I took my pictures and could see a little bit of progress in my stomach area but thats it.

Started month 2 very discouraged. Now keep in mind, I have't lost any weight in the last 6 months. Previous to this workout I did almost 4 months of Les Mills Body Pump. Didn't lose weight during the program but I lost inches and went from size 12 to 10. So I had high expectations starting the TurboFire program because I've been working up to doing it for at least a year, and I kept seeing amazing weight loss stories online. I've been trying to lose the same 3 pounds to get under 150 which would put me at "normal" weight for my height and my goal of 100 pounds lost since birth of baby number 2 almost three years ago.
So I totally slacked off in month 2 because I was so upset about lack of progress in month 1. I missed alot of workouts and I stopped doing the resistence band TF workouts because the band was irritating my neck. By the end of month 2, I felt terrible with myself for not putting 100% into my workouts. I actually gained inches back by NOT doing strength training and couldn't wear my size 10 jeans for about 2 weeks because they felt so tight. Again no weight loss for month 2.

Started month 3 with new determination to finish strong no matter what. I did miss a couple workouts but very few this time. I added the strength training back in, along with some family walks at the park a couple times a week. I lost the inches and was able to wear my jeans again. I cut back on my bread products and sugar. I continued to count my calories and log my food into "myfitnesspal".

So I finished up about 2 weeks ago, took picures and measurements to review my progress.
No weight loss or inches lost. seriously!! In 3 months how is that even possible??!?!!
In looking at my pictures, I can see more stomach definition but I feel like I lost some of my arm strength I got from doing Body Pump. I was SO tempted several times during this program to start dong supplement shakes or pills or something because I hate I haven't made any weight loss progress!! ARGH!! I did Love this program even though after 90 days I'm so sick of doing the same things over and over again!! I prefer 30 or 60 day programs. But I would definitely do Turbfore again but do a Body Pump Hybrid schedule with it so I get the intense cardio as well as weight listing.  My favorite TF dvd workouts are Fire 45 and Fire 55ez. I also have the advanced set that I will be trying in the next couple of weeks.

So I would give this workout and my experience a grade B.
I'm so proud of myself for starting and completing this intense 90 days program! I'm proud of myself that I stayed within 1600-1800 calories every day and logged my food. I'm proud of myself that I'm currently wearing size 8 capris (NEVER been in size 8 before, but still in size 10 jeans). And I'm proud of myself that I stuck with it even though I didn't see the results I expected.

This is the healthiest and most fit that I've ever been in my life. Yes, I still have more weight to lose and alot more toning before I'm really pleased with my body, but overall when I look at my weight loss journey since the summer of 2011 I'm really pleased with how strong physically and mentally I have become!!

So below are the dreaded pictures!!
Please excuse the day 60 pictures-my 11 year old son took them right when I got up that morning. ugh.

Oh-If you would like to check out more of my turbofire workout pictures/HRM pictures of calories burned, I posted collages almost every day on my Instagram account. (rdevaughn4)


Front pictures

Day 1 / 30

 Day 60/ 90

Side pictures

 Day 1 / 30

Day 60 / 90

Back pictures

Day 1 /30

Day 60 / 90

Side pictures

Day 1 /30

Day 60 / 90

Front pictures

Day 1 / 30

Day 60 /90