I received a copy of Lose Weight Without Dieting or Working Out: Discover Secrets to a Slimmer, Sexier and Healthier You by JJ Smith to review (and one to give away to someone too!)

From the book cover…
Want to lose weight without counting calories, starving yourself, giving up your favorite foods, or eating bland packaged foods? Would you like to look and feel younger and healthier than you have in years without diets and exercise? If you’ve answered yes to these questions, this book is for you! JJ Smith’s revolutionary system teaches proven methods for permanent weight loss that anyone can follow, no matter her size, income level, or educational level. And the end result is a healthy, sexy, slim body.

This is your last stop on the way to a new fit and healthy you! Look and feel younger than you have in years. Create your best body–NOW!

Honestly, it almost sounds like some fad pop a pill & magically lose weight type of scheme when I first read it.
Personally, a more realistic honest title would’ve been more appropriate but I’m sure a lot of books are sold because of the title alone!
After reading the book (well almost all of the book…sorry but when perimenopause and menopause topics come up, they bore me so I skipped over that chapter and a few others chapters that didn’t pertain to me) I can say you have to take this book and glean through it for what pertains to you and what you believe.
If you’ve read other diet, weight loss books you’ll probably already have read most of what’s in this book.
There’s nothing really earth shattering in it.
Though, there is a lot of information in the book and it’s an easy to read book.

There are four parts in the book:
What Makes Us Overweight and Unhealthy
The Five Keys to Permanent Weight Loss
The DEM (Detox, Eat, Move) System for Burning Fat, Losing Weight and Getting Healthy
Issues for Women Only

There is some good information on toxic overload and detoxing in the book.
The book is full of information but a lot of it is common knowledge that we’ve heard time and time again…
While the M part of the DEM System is for move, JJ Smith isn’t saying work out (thus the title of her book) but yet does have an entire chapter on how to get moving and be physical throughout your day…basically contradicting the without working out aspect in the title.

And, on page 204 even writes about moving from physical activity to a high level of fitness…to me that’d suggest working out
(Yes, again with my not liking the title of the book-its misleading to the average person)

Overall, if you haven’t read any weight loss books or done any research then yes you’ll learn something from this book.
If you have in fact read at least a few books, then you may not really have any grand revelations but it could still be a good read for you.

You can learn more about JJ Smith here and what all she does!

One winner will win their own copy of Lose Weight Without Dieting or Working out by JJ Smith


Contest open until June 1, 2012 11:59 p.m.
Winner will be announced on June 2 2012 via email.
Winner has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.
Open to US Residents only

Mandatory Entry
Visit the site and come back and comment on something you learned.
Additional Entries:
For each thing you do here, you must put it in a new comment for it to count as an entry.
Please do not combine things you do or it’ll only count as one entry in the contest.

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Enter to win “Losing Weight Without Dieting Or Working Out” by @JJSmithOnline http://wp.me/p1XoKe-3uM @taraburner #giveaways #weightloss

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*Disclaimer*
I received the product above for the purpose of reviewing. The thoughts and opinions in this blog are mine and unbiased.

This week has gone by S L O W L Y
yet quickly
yet not quickly enough
how’s that even possible
Can it be Monday already?
How’s that for a change?!
Most people dread Monday’s…
except I guess most look forward to this Monday but regardless, I just want to get going here…

Weekly recap:
I did have everything written down but now it’s buried in a pile of papers next to my desk
so much for jotting down notes!

Monday: Physically: BallBike – 45 mins
Mentally: motivated and focused on things.

Tuesday: Physically: BallBike – 40 mins and worked arms at same time w/resistance bands
Mentally: Still motivated & standing in faith

Wednesday: Physically: RKS Kettlebell workout.
Mentally: I’m still standing & believing, positive & focused

Thursday: Physically: MostFit Suspension Strap-worked arms, Bike-45 minutes while watching Yellow Fever episode of Supernatural for the upteenth time.
Mentally: Tired of it, but gotta keep on keeping on…

Friday: Physically: Nothing-spent countless hours in traffic driving from Pembroke Pines to Sunny Isles and back to Pines then back to Sunny Isles then back to Pines!
Mentally: exhausted and tired of games and finally realizing I have zero family other than my daughter & son (and I hardly see him…) and am weeding people out of my life who are users/abusers and/or aren’t appreciative/supportive or are negative, try to tear me down.

Saturday: Today— Physically: jogged/walked 30 mins on treadmill
On a plus, I’m down to 124 pounds so closing in on my goal
down side, a lot of my workout clothes and regular clothes no longer fit and no way to get new ones that do…
Mentally: Exhausted, tired of emotional whip lash…
I want to quit! Yet, realize that’s not an option…so, keep on keeping on.
Decided not to go to nephew’s wedding…
and I had a perfectly great dress for it too

At some point in the week, I checked out Laura London’s Fit & Fab Moms contest then realized I haven’t really been training so kinda pointless…perhaps next year?

Somewhere during the week I also contemplated duathalons but realized I have no bike and haven’t been running so if I want to do that I probably need to get a bike, get running and get serious.

See, having goals is great…if you take the action to reach them!

and for the big situation/ordeal from last week’s update, I still need to come up with $2640.

Ironically this past week has been royal test after test after test and yet sooooo defining that it’s mind boggling.
Think this pretty much sums it up:
The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.
Chinese Proverb
With that said, when all’s said and done I should be one hecka shiny glimmering glistening gem…

Question of the day
How was your week?
Have any Memorial Day plans?
How do you deal with people who are in your life but don’t care about you?

Bypassing the wordless Wednesday post today and going with this.

A reminder to each and everyone of you (myself included)

This week has really been a defining one and an enlightening struggle as well.
Even though I’m still facing financial chaos and uncertainty what is going to unfold, I’m still holding strong and am encouraged daily knowing that this isn’t the end.
If you don’t know what I’m talking about, read this post and I’m still offering majorly reduced rates on promotion/advertising services as well as accepting donations of any size.
So, while I shamelessly and humbly appeal for help I’ve gotten countless emails and tweets about how I’m still an inspiration to others…
to that THANK YOU!
It’s my goal to make my mess, my message…
to live by example, to be an inspiration even going through my own battles…
and YOU can do it too.
You can get through whatever situation you’re dealing with.
Know that it’ll all be alright in the end. If it’s not good, then it’s not the end!
So, keep on keeping on people!!!

Question of the day
What are you…what 3 words describe you?

I’m loving my Lotus skirt from Bluefish Sport!

this tennis skirt combines function and fashion with a built-in lycra short and zipper pocket in rear.
It’s comfortable, stylish and great for tennis or golf.
I haven’t tried running in it yet but did some power walking and was on golf course in it and it was great!

I love their motto…
BLUEFISH SPORT® supports women who believe that Life is Movement!—because only through movement we will find our freedom to BE.

Yes, BE!

Be Fit.

Be Beautiful.

Be Happy.

Be Fierce.

BE YOU!

Going into the actual store is an experience in itself!
It’s mellow, tranquil and captivating.
There’s a relaxing water fall at the entrance (more about that in a minute)
The store and the products are based around the Elements
I apparently am Metal based on my date of birth.
Though I don’t totally agree with the Metal characteristics
controlling–ummm no
completing–?
accuracy-yes
promptness-big time yes
pursuit of excellence-maybe in some areas
aesthetics & beauty–umm no-unless its natural beauty?
designer clothes–definetely not
quality & status–umm no
refinement & culture–umm no

So perhaps I was born at the wrong time? I knew it!!!
I think I’m more a wood element – that describes me pretty much to a T (for Tara)

Ok, back to the store…
You also get a hair tie and card with information about your Element as well.

When you’re done making your purchases of these most contemporary, unique fun clothes you stop before the exit.
You pick a metal token representing one of the elements (it doesnt have to be your element) and you make a wish, throw it in the fountain and go happily expecting-ly (ok so I’m making up a new word) on your way.

It’s a complete experience when shopping at BlueFish Sport!

Oh, and you also get a ribbon that says “Be You…Be Happy…Be Kind” on in to tie around wrist or hang somewhere you can see it daily and you can follow their instructions by tying 3 knots and make a wish on each knot.

Great little reminders of what we should be daily and stay focused on moving forward in the right direction.

I also give BlueFish Sport two thumbs up for helping with different causes, and making a difference in the community.

So, not only are the clothes fab but everything about BlueFish is innovative and positive!

And, now you get the chance to experience this couture line of activewear!


One winner will win the Lotus skirt from Bluefish Sport as reviewed here.
Contest open until May 29, 2012 11:59 p.m.
Winner will be announced on May 30, 2012 via email.
Winner has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.
Open to US Residents only

Mandatory Entry
Visit the site and come back and comment on what item you’d like to try.

Additional Entries:
For each thing you do here, you must put it in a new comment for it to count as an entry.
Please do not combine things you do or it’ll only count as one entry in the contest.

Like BlueFishSportElementV on Facebook
Follow @bluefishelement on Twitter
Subscribe to their YouTube channel

Copy & paste this tweet, then when you’re done, come back and comment with the link of your tweet
Enter to #win the Lotus skirt http://wp.me/p1XoKe-3tB @bluefishelement @taraburner #giveaways #activewear

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Give @taraburner Klout
Sub to this blog via RSS Feed
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*Disclaimer*
I received the product above for the purpose of reviewing. The thoughts and opinions in this blog are mine and unbiased.
I am not responsible for shipment of giveaway item. It will be shipped from the company itself.

T Tuesday = Today
Quick visual to keep you on track Today and every Today

Question of the day
What are YOU doing today?

While this past weekend has been emotional, hard, it’s also be defining and enlightening.
It started off with a cry for help (and some great promotional offers if you need help with social media or advertising), it lead to an awesome church service reaffirming it’s ok (we’re SUPPOSED) to be happy!

I actually have had multiple people email me now (since my weekly update post even MORE have emailed me) saying that they flat out will not buy any of my services nor help with a donation because I’m too happy given my circumstances…
again..ummm ok?!
Yes, I’m in a bad place right now
Yet, at the same time I have a lot to be thankful for and I choose to focus on the positive, the blessings, the happiness opposed to all the other nonsense.
So, apparently to them I should be holed up in the corner of my room in the fetal position…
how’s that going to help?

So, here’s the deal…
Yes, I still need to get $2840 before May 30th.
Yes, I’m standing in faith and believing…
Yes, I’m working and trying to get more work…
Yes, I’m giving thanks for every blessings…no matter how small…

Meanwhile, I’m turning my back to (to stop being involved in something):
fear
hateful & negative people (though I will pray for them that they become happy and positive)
lack
nay-sayers & haters
self hate
anger
doubt
insecurity

Question of the day
What are you turning your back to?
Shameless plug in form of a question:
Do you need any promoting done of your site/business? (if so, go here tweets/pins/posts for just $1!)

Not a lot going on this week
in fact, I didn’t work out once this week
yep, you read that correctly…not once

I was too caught up in this

I need $4800 to my landlord by 5/30
I needed $3300 when I posted
I now need $2985 as of 835 a.m Sunday 5/20
I’m offering greatly discounted promotion and advertising services if you’d like to take advantage of those (and you can spread services out over time or use now) you can order yours here

Meanwhile, this week…
my daughter had to have 2 sections of her arm and one on her leg cut open to have viral infection things removed

have some good reviews & giveaways going on!

Saturday was a full day and an odd one at that…
started with a photo shoot at Haulover Beach by AFlawlessImage.com (can’t wait to see the pics)
then a little misadventure in Miami Lakes (don’t ask, just know it wasn’t pretty)
hooked up my daughters fathers girlfriend at the tanning salon (yep you read that right…my ex’s current girlfriend…and yes we all get along, ex is still my best friend here)
then some yummy hummus was given to me (if you’re local to me, you can pick yours up at Magic Tan & Massage on Taft/Douglas in Pines)

then I went to Potential Church for 6 pm service.
It was a MOST AWESOME service…
for a multitude of reasons…
I even wore the Shabby Apple dress and put on some mascara & eyeliner!
Glad I did too…some nice eye candy there last night…(hey what better place to find someone…church!)

Ok, back to the actual service though…
It was “Project 180: Part 3 — Life in a NEW Direction: Happiness”
Which is most awesome!
See, even while dealing with the fact I need $ desperately I’m still happy.
I’m not going to walk around in doom and gloom.
Like my original post said days ago, I’m trusting HIM!
So, walking around upset, pissed off, mad is not going to help anything…only hurt.
I’ve actually had emails from a few saying they would not help me by buying my services or donating because I was “too happy”
ummmm ok?!
But, in last nights message Pastor Troy hit on a verse that my bestest friend Julie (who sadly lives like 1200 miles from me) keeps reminding me of…
and that’s James 1:2 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds”.
And, Pastor Troy said “WHY?”, WHY count it pure joy?”
Answer to that…Because that means you’re going to see or experience something you’ve never seen or done before…and God gives us more JOY and wants to bless us

Some other key points from last night:
People who are happy live healthier lives and live longer!
And for those who know me, y’all know I say I’m going to live to at least 108 so I’ve gotta be happy to be able to make it that far

Intentionally enjoy life every day!!!!!

The Biology of Happiness:
10% – circumstances (big house, nice car, good job, spouse)
90%- genetics, attitude, thoughts (how we think and if we RENEW our minds, mercies every morning!)

Pastor said that IF someone has all the right circumstances and NOT the right thoughts and attitudes they’re in the negative by 80% or so
IF someone has right attitude/thoughts but perhaps not the right circumstances they’re better off than the above person because then they’re only lacking 10% unlike the other who is lacking so much more!

That REALLY spoke to me, because my circumstances right now are whacked but yet I’m still happy and focusing on Him and seeking Him and His glory daily…
I personally know others who DO have the circumstances that you would think would make them happy (retired, big houses, travel, boats, expensive cars) and yet they’re miserable, they’re not healthy, they turn to other things seeking happiness…
and yet, here I am…I do in fact love my Scion XB (respect the box haters!), while I rent a small 2/2 condo (that’s what I need financial help with) I do like it…my daughter loves it… we don’t need a huge house…I enjoy my work (what work I have) though do admit I need more! I don’t drink, smoke or do drugs–others turn to those because they lack happiness and try to find it there or fill in the holes…I’m healthy (haven’t been to a dr in yrs & yrs other than to give birth to my son and daughter 23 & 16 yrs ago!) soooooooooooooooooo really who’s experiencing more joy and happiness?

Happiness changes who you are, what you look like and the world around you.
That’s soooo true…this week while most would think I should be upset, crying, hysterical, pissed off, doom and gloom
It’s actually been kinda the opposite in some aspects…though yesterday I did get pissed off about the situation in Miami Lakes, but got over it since reality is that’s just the way it is in South Florida…
But, this week has been an eye opening week…
seeing doors that needed to be closed, changes I needed to make, courage to be 100% ME & not trying to down play my assets (just because I hit financial woes doesn’t mean I’m stupid, incompetent or less a person), realizing who some people are and acknowledging the fact they’re users and not welcome in my life any more, seeing how some online people only want to benefit from what I have to offer yet in my time of need they can’t help with even a dollar or two or to buy my service that they want me to provide for them for free on a daily basis, getting deeper in the Word, closer to God and just an overall feeling of joy even in the midst of the darkness.
So, while this is a major trial, I’m still going to count it all good and be happy because my world is improving and I’m trusting Him and also taking action to do what I can which then brings results (another key note from Pastor Troy)

So, that’s how my week has been and my daughter who’s been at a friends volleyball tournament all weekend gets back home tonight so I’m off to do some errands, clean and hopefully get on my ballbike for a workout!

Closing thoughts:

Question of the day
How was your week?
Any enlightening/defining moments?

I’m normally not a big wearer of dresses though the El Dorado from Shabby Apple was comfy and I actually could wear it and function like a normal person!

It’s soft, comfy and casual enough that high heels aren’t required (a plus for me! unless you want to see me fall on my face!)
The accent work at the hip/waist is slimming and flattering without being obnoxious. (yes sometimes clothes can be obnoxious!)
I, of course, love the color…works well with my tan.

A swath of soft jersey gathers at the hip for a twist on the comfy day dress in El Dorado.
The cayenne colored frock features a v-neckline and elbow length sleeves, with a knee-length circle skirt.
Effortlessly comfortable and chic on its own, or dolled up with a shrunken blazer and boots for cooler weather, this dress will soon be traveling with you wherever your next adventure takes you.

I decided to put on the ole’ boots and take the circle skirt for a whirl!
The skirt part really does swirl waaaay out but hard to get the timing right when you’re using a self timer and not wanting to make yourself dizzy spinning in circles in the hallway!

One thing to note, this dress does run big so you’ll want to order a size smaller than usual.
And, just my type of care…machine wash cold and hang to dry.
Whohoooooo no dry clean, no ironing…wash and hang to dry! works for me any day of the week.

One other thing, the site says the dress hits below the knees…
which it did on me so the model in the pic must be taller than normal because it shows it above her knees…just an FYI.

One winner will win the same El Dorado dress as reviewed here.
Contest open until May 26, 2012 11:59 p.m.
Winner will be announced on May 27, 2012 via email.
Winner has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.
Open to US Residents only

Mandatory Entry
Visit the site and come back and comment on what item you’d like to try.

Additional Entries:
For each thing you do here, you must put it in a new comment for it to count as an entry.
Please do not combine things you do or it’ll only count as one entry in the contest.

Like Shabby Apple on Facebook
Follow @shabbyapple on Twitter

Copy & paste this tweet, then when you’re done, come back and comment with the link of your tweet
Enter to #win the El Dorado Jersey Dress http://wp.me/p1XoKe-3t6 @shabbyapple @taraburner #dress #giveaways #fashion

Follow me on Twitter
Friend me on Facebook
Give @taraburner Klout
Sub to this blog via RSS Feed
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Follow me on Pinterest
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Sign up for the free Balancing Healthy Body, Mind, Soul online paper
Like Tara’s fitness page on Facebook
Subscribe to my YouTube channel

*Disclaimer*
I received the product above for the purpose of reviewing. The thoughts and opinions in this blog are mine and unbiased.
I am not responsible for shipment of giveaway item. It will be shipped from the company itself.

As it’s been kinda blogged about here
I am in serious need of financial help to pay my rent to stay where my daughter and I currently live.
This is very humbling and yet here I am going to pour it all out…
I fell behind on my rent because I lost 2 of my major monthly clients.
There went $2000 a month right off the bat

My rent fell behind and now my lease is almost up…
So, I now have to come up with $4800 by May 30th to stay where Christa and I live.
I have $1500 of that so I still need $3300 in under two weeks!!!

There is no place to move and it’d cost more to move since I’d have to have first/last/security plus movers
and since my credit is messed up it’s making it near impossible to find a place.

Yes, for those who aren’t in the south florida area, rent is infact expensive.
I pay $1200 and it’s not in the best area but it’s safe and usually quiet and most convenient.
Plus it’s got a nice size master bedroom for christa and room for chico and tardis.
Staying here is our only option.

I have zero family as many of you already know.
It’s myself and Christa here.
My son and his baby girl live near by but not with us.

I type this through tears…
I’ve been standing in faith, trusting God and seeking His guidance and wisdom.

You know from reading here and knowing me personally that I don’t blow money.
I’m low maintenance, I drive a SCION!
I don’t buy new clothes (anything new I have is from the reviews I do!)

We, like many others, just got hit by the economy and I have no help from anyone.
My family has disowned me and I’m here alone trying to support my daughter.

I have 2 new business ventures that I’m working on and just got a PT sales job (more on that on Monday when it becomes official)
But, in the meantime I have to get this other $3300 so I’m hoping and praying that y’all can find it in your hearts to help out (with any amount).

Few ways to help

Simple donation…of any size is most appreciated.
You can donate via Paypal by clicking the button and entering whatever amount you want to donate..
even $1 will help
If you want, I’ll list your business on another post that I’ll compile of “donators/supporters” just include your url with the donation.

Buy my services
As most of you know I do promoting and PR work for companies, people, WAHMs, etc.
I normally get anywhere from $10-50 per tweet, post or pin.
Until May 28th I am offering TWO tweets/post/pins for $2 so that’s $1 each!!!!
You can order as many as you want and schedule them now or anytime in the future.
Just change the quantity and put as many as you want and then email me
what you want posted and when…
So you could really take advantage of this by buying multiple and scheduling for now and later!
You can see my stats here and see how much coverage/exposure you’ll get!

Button Advertising
Buy one month button advertising, get one month FREE
You can see my stats here and the normal rates are $30
so now you get one month free for each month you pay for using this buy now button

Thank you so much for any help you can offer
and I’m praying, trusting that I get the $3300 by the deadline and can get back to my normal upbeat, inspiring posts here!

***NOTE***
I should also note I’ve already tried different agencies for help/assistance and to be politically correct here I’ll just say that apparently there’s something about me no agency likes since I got denied even with tons of paperwork, documentation and sitting in dirty smelly rooms for hours waiting, only to be turned down and I’ll leave it at that.
I’ve exhausted all sources for help thus the reason here crying for help and offering my services at rock bottom prices
Thanks again.