my newest addiction!

Heard of GSP RUSHFIT?!

I think it's my newest addiction and I love it! I think I've finally found the workout I've been searching for! I love to sweat, I love to know my body is burning calories and fat! Since getting rid of my gym membership when I decided to stay at home with my boys, I find it hard to get a truly GREAT workout from home. Yes I run, cycle, do various workout DVD's, but after being introduced to this new workout program, I feel as though I'm in the workout zone again! WOOO and it feels good :) I will be honest, when asked to review this workout series I had never heard of it before. My cousin, who owns a karate/MMA studio had to inform me of this workout and tell me a little about it! So when it came in the mail, I decided to give it a try with no prior knowledge about it!

Day 1 was intense! I was sweating, feeling muscles burn that I hadn't felt in years...seriously! After that one hour workout, I was HOOKED!
I am on Day 4 today and the workout is Strength and Endurance: A high-intensity Five Round, Full Body Conditioning Circuit.
When I was asked to review this workout series, I thought I could do this two ways- 1. Just tell you about these workouts and my experience and be done with it! But nah, I wanted to bring my readers MORE! So, I am taking the 8 week challenge! RUSHFIT is an 8 week program designed to "build muscle, cut weight and get in shape!" and that's just what I'm going to do! And what better time than right before bathing suits and shorts season...YUCK! I will keep in mind that nutrition plays a HUGE role in succeeding with any workout program and share with you my progress, struggles and everything in between!

When I truly believe that a workout program is great, I will promote it like crazy! I want others to share the excitement with me and see results, the way I have already seen in just three days! Yep, THREE DAYS! Even my husband sees a difference in me! Amazing :) Even my four year old jumped in for a set yesterday, he said "Momma, you're doing a great job!" LOVE IT!
If you have specific questions about this program, feel free to email me at rissarose80@yahoo.com, I'd love to help you understand the program even more or visit, www.gsprushfit.com

What workout is really working for you right now? I'd love to know!

disclosure: I received a copy of the RUSHFIT series in exchange for my honest review of the products. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% mine!

I think we've found what we're looking for...

Happy Monday!! Hope you all had a fabulous weekend :)

My husband and I have been talking about some outdoor lighting for a while now, and with so many options to choose from, I think we'll be going with CSN stores for their wide selection of lighting and much more! Who knows, after outdoor lighting we just might get that swimming pool we've been wishing for??! Hmmmm? If you haven't been to their sites, you're missin' out! I ordered an indoor cycling bike from them a few months ago and I couldn't have asked for a better product and experience! It was delivered quickly, no hassle with my order and the bike was MORE than I could have asked for. It gives me a great workout without a costly gym membership!

I encourage you to check it out!

disclosure: I received a CSN discount code in exchange for my honest review of the product provided. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% mine!

I'm NOT perfect!

So, there are TOTALLY days where I don't feel like whipping something up homemade and healthy, so there's a little secret I'd like to share:

* I take packaged blueberry muffins(preferably the kind with "real" blueberries not imitation), add 2 tbs flaxseed and 2tbs wheat germ! For an extra twist, smash one ripe banana in there too!! Makes them taste even more delicious while giving my kiddos a LITTLE better nutrition than straight from the box! Keep in mind serving size because they'll taste so delicious, you'll forget to check how MUCH we should be eating...that is key, so watch out!

Other than that, ENJOY!

Oh and sometimes I add a splash of water if batter becomes TOO thick!

Yea, like I said I am NOT perfect and some days I don't quite feel like supermom(Ha!),

so for those days...USE THIS TRICK!!!

**Don't forget to enter my Bob Harper WORKOUT GIVEAWAY ending 3/2/11!!

Click HERE to enter :)

Bob Harper: Ultimate Cardio Body review and GIVEAWAY!!!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED! I am so excited to share this review and giveaway with all of my readers. Partly because I LOVE BOB, also I am addicted to the Biggest Loser, which is in its 11th season, can you believe it?! When I was asked to review his latest workout DVD, Ultimate Cardio Body-I was beyond excited! Plus, it was just released on his website, http://www.mytrainerbob.com/ but will not be available nationwide until March 15th! Let me start by telling you,

this workout does not disappoint!

About the workouts:

It features two, extreme workouts: "Extreme Cardio Challenge" and then the "10 minute Glute Challenge". Let's start with the "Extreme Cardio Challenge" shall we?!

Extreme Cardio Challenge:

Contains one full hour of high-level cardio and weight training. He focuses on key muscle groups, leaving no muscle untouched! I enjoyed this workout because I felt like it was a workout I'd perform in a gym with a trainer. I felt that BOB was there pushing me every step of the way, which gave me the motivation to keep going! He designed this workout with each fitness level in mind, so it was easy to see how to modify each movement. I was sweating within the first 15 minutes and by the end, my body was feeling the BURN!

10 Minute Glute Challenge:

In this workout, he isolates the lower half and you sure can feel it from beginning to end! It's a 10 minute workout but you can feel it working in the first 2! I did this workout after Cardio Challenge each day and my bottom was on FIRE!

"My experience working with a wide range of body types has given me the opportunity to develop unique cardio strategies that lead to REAL weight loss. I've incorporated this knowledge into my new program to help you achieve results you can see and feel"

-Bob Harper

I have enjoyed these workouts and will continue to incorporate both into my weekly routines! I encourage all of you to find workouts that work for YOU and this just might be one of those workouts. With this DVD, I was able to exercise in my own home, which I often do, and still get a workout that was intense and helped me tone while burning hundreds of calories!

...and now its time for the fun stuff!

How would YOU like to win a copy of Bob's new DVD??!

To Buy, Ultimate Cardio Body:

Head over to Bob Harper's website, http://www.mytrainerbob.com/ or visit retail stores on March 15th to get your very own copy of these amazing workouts!

To Win, Ultimate Cardio Body:

MANDATORY ENTRY:

1. Tell me why you'd like to win a copy of Bob Harper's new workout?

Extra Entries:

Follow Lets Move It Mommas and leave a comment telling me that you do(1 entry)

Blog about this giveaway and comment with the link to that post(2 entry)

GOOD LUCK! Giveaway ends 3/2/11!

quick layered burrito and somethin' sweet too!!

Move It Mommas, Quick Layered Burrito

You'll Need:

carb balance tortillas

1 can black beans drained, rinsed

1/2 cup corn

1 lb ground turkey

1/2 cup salsa

1 tbs garlic salt

1 tbs chili powder

2 tbs flaxseed meal

Brown turkey meat and add all other ingredients, simmer until heated through.

Layer pyrex with one, carb balance tortilla(I pull apart in pieces and spread in dish) then turkey mixture, then 2% cheese, repeat twice and bake in oven at 400 degrees for 20 minutes!

Serve with sliced avocado and plain greek yogurt to substitute sour cream...promise you won't taste the difference! Sooo good!!!

As for dessert:

Frozen bananas with peanut butter! Oh YES!

Peel banana and spread 1 tbs natural peanut butter around it!

Place on parchment paper, then put in freezer for about 20 minutes!

ENJOY :)

What a great dinner that's super kid-friendly and HEALTHY too!

Wednesday Workout Blog Hop, a recipe and an upcoming giveaway!

Hosted By: My Fitness World , Lets Move It Mamma's & Living Smart Girl

This is a workout blog hop for Wednesdays! You will receive workout tips, exercise ideas and healthy food ideas from My Fitness World , Lets Move It Momma's & Living Smart Girl,

HERE ARE THE RULES:
1. Follow My Fitness World, Lets Move It Mamma's & Living Smart Girl
2. Leave us a comment letting us know you follow so we can follow back.
3. Grab our button and post it up on your blog, linking back to our hop.
Leave your linky below! YES, I finally figured out the linky :)

Tell us your favorite exercise and why?
Follow as many blogs as you like
And Have Fun!!!

Wednesday Workout Recipe:
*Move It Momma's Baked Salmon with Broccoli*

You'll Need:

2 salmon fillets

1/4 cup Light Zesty Italian Dressing

3 cloves garlic-chopped

3 tbs grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 400.

Place fillets in 8x8 dish covered with foil, cover fillets with chopped garlic and drizzle with Italian dressing. Bake at 400 for 12-15 minutes or until fish flakes with fork.

Remove from oven and top with Parmesan cheese.

Serve with steamed broccoli, I sprinkle broccoli with fresh lemon and pepper! So good!

When you taste this salmon, you are NOT going to believe that it's this simple to make!

Your family will love it and will be asking for this all of the time :)

My husband even pan-seared the salmon before we baked. He seared it with no seasoning, then we added garlic and dressing and popped in the oven! YUM! ENJOY!!!

*Now, are ya ready for a giveaway? I said, ARE YA READY FOR A GIVEAWAY??

It's one you're gonna LOVE! I promise you'll wanna stop by tomorrow

to check it out!!! Ahhh, I'm so excited I can hardly stand it :)

Nutrition for your KIDS!

I've always loved the American Heart Association and what they do to help kids stay healthy! I found these Nutrition Flash Cards on their website HERE. I try to incorporate these healthy flash cards when we're eating dinner and show the food groups that apply to each card! If you want to really step it up, have these cards laminated for easy use,

cut foods from magazines and have your child place the food with the nutrient!

Team Fonda Workout review!

If you're looking for a great workout series, I think I've found just the one for YOU!
I remember my mom working out to Jane Fonda many years ago, and lucky for all of US she's created a new series with some young, fitness leaders that know how to give you a great workout and burn some serious calories! I'd recommend this workout series to people at all fitness levels, they are designed to help the beginners and improve the advanced!
If you're interested in learning more about these women, visit Jane Fonda's website HERE.

My thoughts:

I was so happy to check my mail and see all of these workouts for me to try out for myself and then share with all of YOU! I was also fortunate enough to receive her "Minibands" for extra toning in all of my problem areas! I was ready to get started right away and bring my thoughts on these products straight to my readers...so here we go!

1. The first DVD I tried was "Sculpt and Tone" and let me tell you...it's a great workout! She produced this video series with all fitness levels in mind. Karena Dawn and Katrina Hodgson show you step by step moves, put them all together and really make your muscles burn! There was one point in this DVD where I had to stop, which tells me they were definitely working!
2. The second DVD that I tried was "Daily Yoga" with Tara Stiles. I am a huge fan of Yoga and I believe that compared to other Yoga workouts I have tried, this one is right there at the top! A great workout, stress relief, and I was able to focus on my breathing and flexibility throughout.

3. "Ultra Bootcamp" with Jeanette Jenkins was definitely my FAVORITE! I love to sweat and this workout gives it to you! Its one hour of high energy cardio with strength training mixed in there as well. If you LOVE to burn some calories while having fun, this workout is a must-try!

4. "Fast Abs Sculpt" with all of the fitness leaders was beyond AMAZING! It's four circuits all in one and and my tummy was on FIRE after doing this 45 minute video designed to tighten and strengthen your stomach and give your mid-section a killer workout!

I combined Jane's workout "minibands" with each video for an extra workout and they worked great. The package includes 1 light resistance band, 1 medium resistance band, and 1 heavy resistance band...perfect for any fitness level! The flip booklet shows step by step pictures and descriptions to make these exercises simple, easy and effective!

I tried the heavy bands after doing "Sculpt and Tone" video and I admit,

I had to drop to the medium resistance because my legs were on FIRE!!!

"I originally created WORKOUT thirty years ago, and I am excited to bring it to the next generation. What I started then, can now be continued by the best of today's rising fitness stars. My hope is that through these new faces, handpicked by me for their individuality and unique styles, I can continue to make the pursuit of fitness relevant for years to come"

-Jane Fonda

For more information on this WORKOUT series and more,

please visit Jane Fonda's Official website

Disclosure: I received a copy of these videos and bands in exchange for my honest review. No other compensation was given. All opinions and thoughts are 100% mine.

some excitement coming your way...

I'm super excited because I am in the process of testing A LOT of new fitness DVD's and some healthy foods for YOU

and guess what? reviews/giveaways are soon to come your way :)

Stay tuned...

Move It Momma's Healthy Tip:

Jazz up your oatmeal with pumpkin puree or even sweet potato puree

...adds flavor without the added calories/sugar!

It's SOOO good!

*I cheat with pumpkin and used canned, but my sweet potato is made by ME.

I boil the sweet potato until tender, puree in my Magic Bullet-remember I love that thing! and it's done! I put what I don't use of both purees in freezer bags in small portions, pop 'em in the freezer, and when I'm ready to use, I thaw my small serving and add to my oatmeal!!

Wednesday Workout Blog Hop!

Hosted By: My Fitness World and Lets Move It Mommas

You will find great workout tips and healthy recipes each week!

Here are the Rules:

1. Follow My Fitness World and Lets Move It Mommas,

leave a comment that you did so we can follow back :)

2. Grab our button and post to your blog

3. Have fun and find great, new workout ideas!!

...and for Wednesday Workout,

I thought I'd share my own, personal weight-loss story HERE.

*and a personal tip from my house to yours...

add 2 tbs flaxseed to ALL of your meals,

it'll give you added omega-3's and fiber that your body needs!

I add it to my kids homemade macaroni, soups, breads, muffins, and MORE!

Have a great Wednesday and HAVE FUN :)

Link up for the hop HERE,

as you can see this is the second week I'm having linky issues...help??

Happy Valentine's Day!

Taking care of our hearts this year, in memory of my grandmother...

we miss you MORE THAN WORDS! Valentine's Day last year was the last time my boys saw their great-grandmother. She was very sick, had congestive heart failure and was admitted to the hospital after complications and unfortunately never got out of the hospital. So, this Valentine's Day means SO much to us because this picture above was taken the day we dressed the boys up, Feb 14th to go and visit her in rehab. She was so happy to see them dressed in their "heart-breaker" t-shirts and they smiled so big when they walked into her room. Makes me smile just thinking about it...

So, this Valentine's Day we are going to take a long walk tomorrow morning as a family and remember my beautiful grandmother and the great time we had with her on this day, last year!

Keys to a HEART-HEALTHY Valentine's Day:

heart-shaped fruits and cheese...a great snack that is festive AND healthy!

heart-shaped JELLO! a great sugar-free, fat-free food!

...any other healthy snack turned heart-shaped :) the possibilities are endless!!

Swap candy and chocolate for bubbles, stickers...

Start a tradition to exercise together as a family to take care of your hearts!

Remember, a Healthy Heart is a Happy Heart, on this day and ALWAYS!!!

Happy Valentine's Day to all of my wonderful readers!!!

dinner deliciousness!!!

Thanks for your support with our new blog hop, if you didn't join us this week...make sure you link up next week :) Welcome new followers!!!

now back to this DELICIOUS recipe...

Move It Mommas Crunchy Oven-Fried Fish

You'll Need:

4 oz. fish fillets, I used tilapia

light ranch dressing

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs

2 tbs flaxseed meal :)

garlic salt to taste

Preheat oven to 400

Mix both breadcrumbs and flaxseed, with sprinkle of garlic salt and set aside.

Dip fillet in ranch dressing, then breadcrumb mixture to coat fish. Place fillet on baking sheet.

Bake at 400 for 15 minutes or until fish flakes with fork.

Squash and Zucchini

You'll Need:

1 large zucchini, sliced

2 small yellow squash, sliced

Heat extra virgin olive oil in skillet over medium heat, add sliced veggies. Sprinkle garlic salt and pepper to taste, add 1 tbs smart balance butter, cover and simmer until veggies are tender.

Stirring occasionally.

After these are finished cooking, I sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese on top, a little goes a long way and doesn't add too many calories!

This meal was SOOOO good, you must try it! The boys loved the fish, and they at least tasted the veggies this time(they aren't crazy about zucchini)
I make squash and zucchini like this A LOT,

it makes a great side dish!!

Today's Workout:

30 minutes on cycling bike-indoors

Jillian Michael's 6 week 6 pack- my husband and I have been doing this for seven days now and I can really feel a difference. The first day was ROUGH, and I was definitely sore the next day, but I feel stronger after just one week! I'll keep you posted on our progress, but its worth a try! We are downloading it daily from our cable provider, its free ON DEMAND(if you have that)!!

Introducing...Wednesday Workout Blog Hop!

Welcome to Wednesday Workout Blog Hop!

Hosted by Lets Move It Mommas and My Fitness World!

A hop where we share workout tips, advice, healthy recipes and MUCH more!

If you're looking for motivation, you've come to the right place!

Maybe you have a fun workout that works for you, or a healthy recipe you'd love to share,

post it and link up with us this week :)

Move It Momma's Workout Tip of the Week:

*Exercise WITH your kids!

-Sounds silly, but I find on days where I have little motivation, a game of tag is so much fun and gets your kids excited about exercise!

-Have a competition with your kids, see who can do the most sit-ups, push-ups...whatever!

-Find a workout video geared toward kids(depending on age)and do it together-many of these are available through your cable provider for free usage!

A family that plays together, stays together :)

Spread the word and let's get excited about EXERCISE!!!

Wanna join in?? Here's HOW:

1. Follow both of your hostesses, Move It Momma and My Fitness World via GFC

and we'll follow back!

2. Post about a healthy tip, recipe, weight loss goal...anything health-related!

3. You are encouraged to visit the other blogs on the list and leave a comment saying hello!

4. Grab our button, link it back to our hop and HAVE FUN :)

YUMMY Bananaberry Muffins!

These are soooo good!

If you'd like your family to enjoy a healthy breakfast,

you MUST try these!

You can find the recipe on my family blog HERE!

Blog Your Heart Out with ME!

I am so passionate about fighting heart disease and ready to save lives...WILL YOU JOIN ME??!

Join The Move It Momma, the American Heart Association and Fitlosophy, inc. on friday, february 11, 2011 for the 2nd annual BLOG YOUR HEART OUT DAY! together we are asking bloggers around the globe to SPEAK UP about the # 1 killer of women -- heart disease. the good news is that by taking action here, we can beat that statistic!

How we can help save lives: Join the movement at goredforwomen.org

AND tell 5 other women the risks of heart disease and how it may be prevented!

This disease is SO very close to my heart, my grandmother battled heart disease for a long time, before her passing last year. I spend each day finding ways to raise a heart-healthy family in her memory and hope you will help fight heart disease on February 11th, right along with ME!

Will you join me?? How will you speak up about the #1 killer of women?!

get rebooted with Bally Total Fitness!

My friend, Rachel with Bally Total Fitness shared this amazing offer with me and I asked if I could pass it along to all of my fabulous readers, and she said YES so here ya go...ENJOY!!!

I just wanted to let you know that Bally Total Fitness is hosting a “Resolution Reboot” for anyone who didn’t fulfill their New Year’s fitness resolution in January.
Aside from exercise advice, Bally is offering three incentives to hit the gym between now and Valentine’s Day:
- A free 7-day guest pass
- Any member can bring a friend for a free workout
- Any member who refers a friend to join receives a free personal training session
All the details are below and please let me know if you’re interested in speaking with a Bally trainer.

A Resolution Reboot By Bally Total Fitness Provides A Second Chance For A Healthy New Year
National Fitness Chain Offers Free Fitness Incentives
Chicago, IL (February 1, 2011) – Is the pressure of New Year’s resolutions weighing you down? Resist the urge to make excuses and transform your goals into a healthy lifestyle with a boost from Bally Total Fitness.
“It’s easy to slip back into our old patterns a few weeks into January,” says Mike DiVello, Assistant Vice President of Personal Training, Bally Total Fitness. “So instead of setting broad goals, set a weekly plan and create specific, measurable goals that can eventually become a lifestyle.”
To recharge the post New Year’s resolution slump, he recommends the following fitness tips:
· Make a workout date. Don’t just set a goal of performing your workout three times per week. Instead, list the specific date and time of your workout in your calendar as you would any other appointment that you can’t miss or cancel. Schedule additional flex time around your workout so that if another meeting runs late, you still have time to hit the gym.
Bally Bonus: Non-members can download a free 7-day guest pass from Bally’s website to help jumpstart their 2011 fitness goals. Visit http://www.ballyfitness.com/.
· Get packing. Start preparing for your workout the night before by packing a gym bag. It will save the hassle the next morning and ensure you don’t have an excuse to skip the gym. Also leave the bag at your front door so you’re reminded of where you’ll be headed after the office.
· Boost your energy with a power snack. Your workout actually begins long before you get to the gym. Make sure you’re hydrated and nourished beforehand so you have enough energy during exercise. While bringing a water bottle to the gym is a smart idea, be sure to drink fluids throughout the entire day.
· Recruit a gym buddy. To prevent boredom and maintain your motivation, find a friend to adopt a similar exercise schedule. You can challenge each other to work harder and keep each other accountable.
Bally Bonus: From February 1 -13, 2011, members can bring in a friend for a free workout. Limited to 3 guests per day per member.
· Ask for help. Personal Trainers are a valuable fitness resource for exercise ideas, technique assistance and support. Working out with a Personal Trainer means burning more calories and improving all health-related aspects of fitness, including cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, body composition and flexibility.
Bally Bonus: Members can refer a friend to Bally Total Fitness between February 1 and February 13, 2011 and even if they don’t join, they will receive a complimentary 30-minute Personal Training session. Limited to one free session per member.
For more information, including Bally Total Fitness Center locations and hours of operation, please visit http://www.ballyfitness.com/.

Move It Momma's thoughts: I was a Bally member for a very long time and have nothing but positive things to say about their clubs! If you're looking for a gym to call your own, this offer might be for YOU?! Doesn't hurt to try a club near you...check out their website to find out more! Plus, my friend Rachel with Bally might be sending a giveaway item for one of my lucky readers!!!

that means one of YOU, so stay tuned...