Apple Cider Vinegar

We always had some of this in our fridge and I never really knew why. My grandmother is a big believer in trying to prevent, and cure, illnesses and such with homeopathic medicine versus taking pharmaceutical medicine. Mostly because of the expense I think. I was reading Tosca Reno's blog one day and she mentioned ACV helping with stomach issues and bloat. I have had some stomach problems the last few years *probably from too many soft drinks* and decided to give it a shot. First off, it's disgusting taken alone, don't bother. So here are my steps to making it somewhat tolerable and when/how to take it.

1. Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar is by far touted as the best. And I noticed a definite difference when I used it compared to other brands.
2. Shake it! The stuff in the bottom is called the "Mother" and I'm not sure why, but it's supposed to make a big difference because of bacterias and nutrients.
3. Take about a tablespoon before a meal ideally. May be taken once to three times a day. I wouldn't do more.
4. Always use a straw! It's vinegar, so it's acidic and tooth damage is not something anyone needs.
5. I personally put a tablespoon of ACV into a cup, half a packet of Stevia (could use drops or sweetener of your choice) and about a quarter cup to half a cup of water. Shake it around and drink it.
6. Give it a few days, but I definitely noticed my stomach had less discomfort after using it. Even my boyfriend a few friends noticed and I had not changed anything else. 

Here is a link to Tosca Reno's blog where she discusses ACV.

Raw Apple Cider Vinegar

Also, if you are interested in Bragg's products, go to their website and there are several recipes and articles on them. Sometimes they have free samples but the link wasn't working a few minutes ago. You can find it at almost any natural food stores and most grocery stores as well. 

Deals I've found today!

Shirataki Noodles 24 packs for $39

I love Shirataki noodles and will be doing a review, as well as a few recipes, on them soon. They are zero calories "Miracle" noodles and can be used in place of any pastas or rice.

Immersion Blender for $20
I have one similar to this that I use for my protein smoothies instead of a messy blender. It's fantastic!

Shutterfly
50% off photobooks with code BIGBOOK and new members get 50 free prints. I've been using Shutterfly for years and have yet to actually pay full price for books or prints.

Sneakpeeq *
Has some amazing deals on home stuff, and fitness! Right now they have the UGI ball (BodyRock uses this a lot) for $114 instead of 199. They also have a huge thing of spices. New deals arrive daily. I've ordered workout gear, trinkets and instagram stickers and have loved all of them.

These are just a few I found today! If I find any great ones, I'll be sure to post.



*Disclosure: Affiliate link used. Can't join this one without an invite and it helps both of us! If more than 5 people use it, I will do giveaways with product from the affiliate. 

Coursera

Coursera
This link will take you to the Coursera website where you can register to take classes online, by some of nation's (and world's!) top university professors. Examples of some of the classes are based on Personal Finance, Human Physiology, Math, programming and literature. It sounds really interesting and I have signed myself up for three starting in the next few months. If you like learning, and there are topics of interest there for you, might want to consider it! Above are the categories and some of the universities affiliated with this program. And you get a certificate of completion when the course is done.

Bally sale through Groupon

Bally Total Fitness Sale

If you like their gear, this is a great deal. They have sports bras 3 for $39, 2 for $34 pants, 2 for $32 capris , and tummy control shirts 2 for $32, on sale with Groupon right now.

Kashi Soft baked review

It was pretty yummy! A Kashi Soft Baked square I received in the mail. It’s made from black beans, whole wheat flour, sweet potatoes, agave and other stuff. It was pretty good. Taste was in between a brownie and cake. 160 cals, 4 g fiber, 2 g protein, 1.5 g each of saturated/polyunsaturated fat, and 3 g monounsaturated fat, 24 g carbs. Not sure I would buy it but wasn’t bad.

Melatonin

I have had chronic insomnia for years and most nights, the only way I can sleep is with a dose of melatonin. I know your body is supposed to produce it when you're tired, and does, but mine, I've been told, doesn't produce enough in a 24 hour period. I've had the best luck with dissolvable melatonin supplements, but regular pills work well too. Plus, no sleep aid hangover feeling most give you. Of course with my crazy insomnia, even that doesn't always work for me but if it's just random and not every night, it's worth a shot! My favorite brand is by Now! and are dissolvable.

Glucosamine supplement

I have been taking Glucosamine + MSM by Schiff but for about six months. I have has a couple of broken bones, and I have issues with my knee (on the same leg I broke my ankle...) so I've been taking this. It has done an incredible job at alleviating a lot of the pain I've had over the years.