Do you Zumba?

So how many of you have heard of Zumba. I just discovered it recently and am so excited to try it. It is rapidly becoming one of the #1 top rated fitness programs out there. From dvd instructional sets to classes world wide to even concerts & conventions. With it's Latin based beginnings it has become a world wide phenomena. Here is a quote from the site directly:

"OUR STORY
Sometimes great ideas are born from accidents. In the mid-'90s, no one could have predicted the success of the Zumba® program, not even Alberto "Beto" Perez, who created the Zumba experience, after what many have called a true "happy accident."


THE ORIGINAL "FITNESS-PARTY"
As a fitness instructor in his native Cali, Colombia, Beto's life took an unexpected turn one fateful day in the mid-'90s when he darted off to teach an aerobics class and forgot his traditional aerobics music. He improvised using his own mix of music from tapes he had in his backpack (salsa and merengue music he grew up with). Spontaneously he created a new kind of dance-fitness, one that focused on letting the music move you (instead of counting reps over the music). Energy electrified the room; people couldn't stop smiling. His class loved it! And on that day, a revolutionary new fitness concept was born – the Zumba® Fitness-Party.

ZUMBA® FITNESS: THE COMPANY
In 2001, Beto brought his new dance-fitness style to Miami, Florida, and, through a student (Alberto Perlman’s mom), met entrepreneurs Alberto Perlman and Alberto Aghion. All three hailed from Colombia and all three had a vision to bring this dynamic dance-fitness class to the masses. The three Albertos formed an alliance and created a business, calling it Zumba Fitness. They trademarked the word Zumba® and set a goal to expand the brand all over the world. First came the DVDs, then the infomercial – which introduced the Zumba Fitness-Party to the public on a wide-scale basis – then came the demand for Zumba classes and Zumba Instructors. That’s when the company took off and the Zumba program expanded in a big way. By 2005, Zumba Fitness spawned a full-fledged Zumba Academy™ to license Zumba Instructors to teach Zumba classes. More expansion followed with the launch of Zumbawear™ apparel and accessories, music CDs, and in 2008, one of the best-selling at-home fitness DVD series ever – the Zumba Fitness® Total Body Transformation System – which starred Beto and introduced Zumba Fitness’ newest stars, Tanya Beardsley and Gina Grant. In 2010, Zumba shook the ground (once again) by being the first branded fitness program to launch a video game on all three major gaming platforms: Wii, Xbox, and PS3.

FROM "HAPPY ACCIDENT" TO WORLDWIDE PHENOMENON

Fast forward to today, the Zumba program is now taught in gyms and studios all over the world to millions of Zumba enthusiasts. And as the program continues to evolve – from its humble beginnings, to a global movement, to a way of life – its growth has only deepened our commitment to providing accessible fitness, without the strain, without the sacrifice, just the pure joy of a party.

So, whether it’s a life-saving drug or a new kind of dance-fitness, a "happy accident" can move you in a new direction and change your life forever. That’s what happened to us. And now we look forward to sharing the Zumba program with you."

So as you can see it is BIG and people are having fun & seeing major results :) I plan on starting my Zumba asap.

For more info you can go to Zumba.

Melatonin...Not Just A Sleep Aid Anymore.

While researching even more goodies of nature to add to my ever growing list of possibilities for the Mystic Nature line. I found out some very interesting info on Melatonin. While it is know for it's reputation in helping the sleepless sleep, it surprisingly does some very beneficial things for the skin. It can also be used to regulate women's monthly cycles. Wow, something to help us sleep and be less bitchy, lol Not to mention helping our skin...awesome :) When mixed with Vitamin C & E which helps our skin produce more natural collagen, this looks to be something amazing :)

Here is further proof from a tidbit on Drugstore.com
"Melatonin is a hormone made by the pineal gland,
retina and intestines, that can help with many
functions of the body. As we age, the amount of
melatonin our body produces decreases.

Melatonin can help with circulation, as well as
regulate the body's system of self-repair and
regeneration.

Melatonin is commonly used as a sleep aid for
those who are trying to regulate their sleep
patterns especially those who are experiencing
jet lag.

There are now studies showing that melatonin may
help regulate menstrual cycles, sexual dysfunction,
and work as an anti-depressant.

Preliminary evidence shows that the strong antioxidant
properties can help strengthen the immune system."

Source-Drugstore.com

Want to make some extra cash?

In these hard times and rough economy I think we are all looking for new ways to make some extra cash. Well here is one way to do that. Opinion Outpost has been around for quite a few years and I just recently begun doing surveys for them again. They also have a referral and affiliate program for those of you that also have blogs & websites. Their pay ratio seems very fair and with a little work it shouldn't take long to cash out. I know it won't make us rich, but every little bit helps :)

Get Paid to take Surveys!

moneysavinmomma: My thoughts on Mystic Nature

moneysavinmomma: My thoughts on Mystic Nature: " Who here likes all natural bath products? I know I do! Have you heard of mystic nature? Mystic Nature is ran by Christine Jordan and she..."

Want A Great Homemade Moisturizer...Interesting Article.

While researching new products today I found this article and wanted to share...ENJOY :)

Top 5 Ingredients For a Homemade Moisturizer
By Michael Gabriel L. Sumastre
Keeping the skin moisturized is proven to be the best way to sustain that youthful and healthy glow. It is also your preventive measure to delay the effects of natural skin aging such as the formation of wrinkles and other fine lines. Going for natural products guarantees efficient and safe use, over the application of synthetic ones. But with the numerous options available, what are the top ingredients that should make up an effective moisturizer that you can concoct at home?
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a popular component of many moisturizing agents with its natural hydrating features, affordability and availability. This oil is extracted from the meat or core of the coconut fruit which has been dried out. It has several applications, mostly to hydrate not only the skin but also the hair. Its richness results in a soft and silky lather that is safe to use everyday.
Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is effective as an intense penetrating agent with rich moisturizing features. It is loaded with vitamins and minerals, specifically A, D and E. Avocado oil is rich with proteins that augment the skin's collagen supply when applied topically on the skin. It is a rich source of vitamin E that naturally reverses the signs of skin aging. Avocado oil can be mixed with other whitening ingredients and fruit acids, and applied to fine to deep lines on the forehead.
Macadamia Extracts
Macadamia nuts, like other nuts such as almond and shea, are natural anti-oxidants that effectively combat free radicals that damage the skin. Macadamia, however, yields the most concentrated extract that contains about forty percent palmitoleic acid. Macadamia is the best choice to hydrate severely dried skin. It is a common ingredient among anti-aging products. Macadamia extracts quickly seep through the skin to moisturize irritated skin.
Cocoa Butter
Cocoa is a time tested ingredient among natural and home made moisturizers. For centuries, cocoa has been used in bathing, exfoliating and moisturizing. Its rich oil is effective in smoothening the damaging effects of the sun other external factors. Cocoa butter is safe for the use even of pregnant women to moisturize irritated skin.
Beeswax
Beeswax is one of nature's valued moisturizers. Derived from the transparent fluid that is produced by a bee from its hexagonal booths, pure beeswax is safe and compatible to the human skin. It adds to the skin's moisture by boosting the natural oil supply.
Michael Gabriel L. Sumastre believes in rejuvenating the skin naturally. He and his girlfriend only use quality skin-care products that are safe. Michael is also the freelance writer of EssentialPotions.com, an online store that manufactures the pioneering "fountain of youth" skin serum.
Article Source: ezinearticles.com/

Playtex Sport Body Wipes

 

Normally I don't review other products. However I did receive these as a sample. This is what the description reads:   

Playtex® Sport® brand would like you to be among the first to try our brand new Sport Body Wipes. Playtex® Sport Body Wipes are designed to be tough enough to remove dirt and sweat, but gentle enough to use on your entire body. The wipes can be used to clean yourself after workouts, practice, or any time you want to feel refreshed. Sport Body Wipes come as individually wrapped wipes and provide a simple way to feel fresh, clean and confident all day, every day. 

I have tried these & shared them with others and I must say they are fantastic. They also leave your skin feeling very soft. I would recommend them to anyone after a workout or even just for hot days or a quick way to freshen up if you are in a hurry. Those that I did share them with also seemed to agree about how they work and were pleased with them.

If you would like to find out more about them yourself you can check out their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/playtexsport

Round 2 Voting Top 10 Scents for April's Scent of the Month

We have our Top 10 Scents for Round 2 :) Thanks to everyone that participated so far.  

Please note a few that nominated did not vote and to be fair to those that did,
if you didn't you won't be eligible for your sample. Sorry but I have to be fair
to those that did do their part. Round 2 has started. Yes those that voted are
welcome to vote again even for a different scent.

Top 10 Scents
Pina Colada-16
Lovespell-15
Cherry Blossom-10
Lemon-10
Caribbean Escape-5
Berry Bliss-3
Gummy Bear-3
Strawberries & Cream-2
Kiwi Strawberry-2
Patchouli Rose-2

You will find a post for each scent for placing votes. Here is the link:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mystic-Nature/139311596099482

Voting will close Friday. Then tallied and we will then go on to Round 3 for the Top 5 :)

New Scents

These are some of new scents just received for Mystic Nature Products: 

Banana 
Birthday Cake 
Clean Laundry 
Coconut Lime Verbena*
Amber Romance
Green Apple
Strawberry Kiwi Swirl
Dreamsicle
Orange Pineapple Punch
Mango Tango Twist
Berried Treasure 
Lemon Ice
Fruit Punch

I also got Lye for trying to make an all natural version of the Foaming Bath Butter that everyone is raving about :)

New Contest On Facebook

Currently we have a new contest on Facebook which will decide the Scent of the Month for April. All the nominations are in and now the voting begins. So please be sure to stop by and vote for your favorite scent :) Also be sure to check back here for news of new scents as we will be updating very soon :) Here is the link for the contest: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mystic-Nature/139311596099482