A seminar I attended about marketing to brides said that brides only care about one thing: their weddings. I have to say I strongly disagree. Behind every couple is not just an engaged person but a REAL person. With this in mind, I write this blog not to a bride or a groom, but to you as a whole person. Sure, I want to give you valuable advice about your wedding and you will find that here. But, I also want to share myself with you and have a real conversation, like REAL people. I am more than an officiant, and you are more than a bride or groom. If the marketers are right you might be thinking, “Why do I care about Rev. Laura’s list of Favorite Things of 2011? GIVE ME WEDDINGS!” In which case, you should probably stop reading now. But, if I am right and there is a real person in there who just wants to learn about some cool new stuff, then this is for you.
Rev. Laura’s Top 10 Favorite Things of 2011
1. Kettlebells- If you are wondering what the heck a kettlebell is, it’s a weighted bell that you swing and do various exercises with. It is great for cardio and serious strength building. Best of all, it produces serious results fast. And if you are trying to get in shape for your wedding, or for your life, this is a great option. There are plenty of classes around; just search the Internet for Kettlebells to find a class near you. I go to an awesome place called Bright Spot Wellness in Howard County, where the workouts are all just 39 minutes. Perfect if you don’t have hours to spend in the gym but want a body that looks like you did. Right now they have this awesome 21-day sprint program that you can try out. If you want results and you want them fast, check out kettlebells!
2. My Naturopath- I am surprised to find how many people don’t know what a Naturopath is. “Naturopathic Medicine is a distinct profession of primary health care that integrates the science of contemporary, evidence based medicine with the wisdom of traditional healing methods.”
Earlier this year I visited Dr. Julie Walsh, a naturopath in Ellicott City. During my consultation she looked at all of the blood work from my primary care doctor and actually listened to me when I told her what was going on. She didn’t sit there and click a computer screen and she didn’t keep me waiting for an hour. Most importantly she looked at me right in the eyes and she listened. It is incredible to be able to actually sit down and talk to a doctor instead of being rushed in and rushed out. In 30 minutes she was able to catch all of the things on my blood work that my primary care doctor had missed. She made recommendations for supplements and further testing. Long story short, within 3 months of following her advice my health improved dramatically. If you have ever just wished you could ask a doctor anything about your health, find a naturopath. She is even offering a 30 minute consultation for only $99 right now. Trust me, it is a small amount to pay to have someone who really knows her stuff!
3. Zevia Cola- For those of you who knew me way back when, you know that before I was a health nut I was a full fledged addict. My vice? Diet Coke. I seriously drank the stuff by the gallon. When it started having serious adverse effects on my health I knew I had to give it up. I was so frustrated that there wasn’t a healthy substitute. I prayed, literally prayed,”God, if they have stevia (a zero calorie healthy plant based sweetener) why can’t they use that to flavor soda instead of aspartame?” A few years later and my prayer was answered… enter Zevia. Dear God, thank you for this product. While it’s no Diet Coke, the cola flavor gets pretty darn close. Close enough that this former diet coke addict is very, very pleased. Visit their website for a $1.00 off coupon.
4. Sun Warrior Protein Powder- I had been searching for a protein powder that was vegan, raw, and wasn’t disgusting. I searched high and low at every store I could find. I had tried the most popular brand and still couldn’t figure out how anyone thought it was edible. Then, thanks to the vegan body building website I found out about Sun Warrior Protein Powder (Vanilla). Holy amazing! Only 70 calories for 15 grams of raw vegan protein, thank you! Two scoops of powder, plus water, plus a handful of frozen berries = low calorie, high protein deliciousness.
5. Crazy Sexy Diet by Kris Carr- Kris Carr, I love you. Talk about a true spiritual warrior. This woman is astounding. In her early 30′s she found out that she had an aggressive type of cancer. It totally rocked her world and instead of becoming a victim to disease, she became a champion for health. She even made a documentary about it (Crazy Sexy Cancer). This book is not a ‘diet’ but really an informational book that also offers a 21 day plan for “igniting your spark and living like you mean it.” Tim and I have done the plan 3 times this year and felt amazing every time. Some of the principles we even keep now in our normal routine, like fresh green juice every day and a day of fasting once a week. If you want to totally ignite your health, check it out.
6. Breville Ikon Multi Speed Juicer-Thanks to Kris Carr and her amazing book I realized I needed a juicer asap. I searched high and low for a juicer that would do everything I need and not cost me hundreds of dollars. I was able to score this one for under $175 with my Bed, Bath and Beyond coupon! Tim and I use it every day. It works great and cleans up fast. Before we switched to juice I argued that making my coffee was faster. Tim timed me. Turns out I can wash the produce, juice it, and clean the juicer before the coffee is even close to done. Green juice it is!
7. Ultrasonic Aromatherapy Nebulizer Diffuser- I love essential oils and yummy fragrances in general. I was pretty addicted to those plug-in scents. Then I realized how bad for you they are and sought out to find something that would still be a treat for my nose without all the chemicals. Enter the Humbar Ultrasonic Aromatherapy Nebulizer Diffuser. I have it next to my bed and fill it each night. It acts as a humidifier and an aromatherapy diffuser in one. No more lugging out my huge humidifier, this thing is less than half the size and does the trick.
8. Lululemon Athletica Reverse Groove Pants- Lululemon makes the best fitness clothes ever, hands down. Are they pricey? Well, yes. But they are totally worth every penny. I am in love with their groove pants. Ladies, if your other half gives you a hard time about the cost of these pants, just let him see your buns in them. What they do for the derriere is unbelievable. Trust me. Besides that, they last for a very long time. I run in them, do kettlebells in them, kickbox in them and teach yoga in them. I pretty much live in these pants. I have had a few of the pairs I still wear for over 7 years!!! They still look like they did when I bought them. I couldn’t live without them.
9. Spotify- Thanks to my friend Dan Smith for tipping me off on this one. “Spotify is a new way to listen to music. Millions of tracks, any time you like. Just search for it in Spotify, then play it. Just help yourself to whatever you want, whenever you want it.” That’s right people, it is FREE. “Think of Spotify as your new music collection. Your library. Only this time your collection is vast: millions of tracks and counting. Spotify comes in all shapes and sizes, available for your PC, Mac, home audio system and mobile phone. Wherever you go, your music follows you.” Sound awesome? It is. Thanks, Dan.
10. The Four Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss- What can I say? If I wasn’t married, I would be stalking Tim Ferriss. This book (well in fairness, I listened to the audio version) changed my life. This is a great read for anyone who can see the insanity of the ‘deferred lifestyle plan’. If you have always thought that it doesn’t make sense to work like a dog during your vibrant years just so you can have free time during your elder years, read this book. Find out what the “New Rich” like myself are doing. For example, I am writing this blog, planning my 2012 mini-retirement in Peru and getting paid while I do all of it. Sound good to you? Check out this book.
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OK – I LOVE your favorite things. Better than Oprah’s, hands down
Thanks, Julie. But somehow I bet more people actually READ Oprah’s list.
Great list Laura!! Thanks for posting.