Join the September Challenge to Move Every Day #MoveEveryDay

Today is Day 1 of the Move Every Day September Challenge. I am hosting a small private group which you are welcome to be apart of. Just leave a comment with your email address or send me an email at cafescrapper @ gmail . com and I will add you to the group. I will post daily here on my blog with the challenge so feel free to leave comments here as well. I will also update my Facebook page and other social media sites to set reminders that I have posted.

Welcome to the Challenge. I originally advertised this challenge group as Move 1 Mile a Day. I changed the name to Move Every Day for a reason.  Below I explain the start of my healthier lifestyle journey and the reasoning for the change of name! 

In the spring of 2012 I had had enough of feeling yucky, achy, depressed, restricted, isolated, etc. I stepped on a scale and I had never seen that weight on a scale. Instead of crying and eating more I started walking. I told myself that every day for 4 weeks I would just walk around the track at my gym. I had a free month trial and if I did that then I would try something else. To put the track in perspective, it took 18 times around for 1 mile. could barely walk 2 laps at a time and I would have to sit down. My heart was racing and sweat was pouring off of me. A baby could have crawled faster than I walked. After 6 months of this I could then could walk and run it over 3 miles at a time and I'd even go outside and walk/run 5+ miles at a time. So I'm here to tell you that if YOU want to feel better and if YOU want to build up strength & endurance and if YOU want to drops some pounds and build muscle then YOU can do this. Start today. If you already exercise then please participate by walking, running or exercising every day for the month. 

Soooooo I changed the name of the challenge because you don't have to start at a mile....you just need to start. I planned on changing the name all along once the group got started. I had it at a mile just to see what type of responses aka excuses I would get. So many of us were quitting before even starting because the goal was not their own. Does that make sense? If it isn't your goal it isn't going to happen. If it isn't your why it won't happen. 

I ask 2 things from you today----- 

#1 What is your WHY? Why do you want to do the challenge to move every day? 

#2 Set a goal. Goals can change, be broken, modified but you have to give your mind a goal to work on this month of September. It is a goal for the next 30 days. Just like I said my goal was to walk every day. That is all I did. I walked. I didn't count steps, miles or time. After that I set a new goal. You make your own goal. ****Only requirement is that the goal be something that moves your body more than you have been moving it. So think about it and write it down. I can help you with ideas but just write something down! 

So- write your 2 goals below. This will be done so we can help each other achieve it and makes us accountable! 
Have a great day and I'm happy that each and everyone of you took a chance to read this and to participate. If you want in the private group, email me at cafescrapper @ gmail. com or leave an email below in the comments. You can also follow my other social media sites to keep up with the challenge. 

Little Fit Athletes Support Local Special Olympian #spon #JustAKidFrom

This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks/POWERADE and my own honest opinions & photos are shared.

This past spring my little club fitness athletes from our local Health Center got together with their families and participated in the Special Olympics Torch Relay with local Special Olympian athlete, Melissa. We were given a course to run with the Special Olympics Torch. The torch was passed to us and we ran with it until it was time to pass off to the next leg. All of the little ones throughly enjoyed participating in this event. Not only did we do it to show that we are a physically active group but we did it to support our local athlete on her journey to the Special Olympics, where she participated in the Softball Throw Event.

We learned that everyone can be an athlete when they try their best at something that they enjoy. All the athletes in our club have the potential to be happy, healthy, and fit. Not only for themselves but they can also inspire others along the way. By participating in such an event, these little fit athletes inspired their community and Special Olympian Melissa to go compete in her sport and be the best she can be. It is amazing that "just a kid" can do all of this!

As parents, we can support our athletes in a lot of ways including:

• Carpool them to events.
• Cheer for them.
• Help them practice their sport.
• Provide fuel by preparing healthy meals, snacks and keeping them hydrated.
• Support the coach and other adults involved in the sport.

Companies do support young athletes, too! POWERED believes with the right motivation, our everyday athletes can realize their potential and inspire others around them just like our little fit athletes did with Melissa. Sports do have a major impact on communities. Just look at how much time & money is dedicated to sports programs. Sometimes we think that too much money can be spent on such programs but that thinking is offset by the need for our youth to be "just a kid" in the community, keep active & fit, and bring a community together. For sporting events, all ages get together to support local athletes no matter if it is t-ball, summer swimming, youth club basketball, high school football, dance team or Tae Kwon Doe. Every athlete counts and they will have stories to tell of experiences for years to come. 

"Just A Kid" apparel can be purchased for local athletes where all net proceeds go to Boys & Girls Club of America. This completes the circle of "just a kid" from our community inspiring and helping "just a kid" from somewhere else! 

For hydration, check out this Walmart/POWERADE offer for a FREE "Just a Kid" Sports Bottle.

• When shoppers purchase two 8-packs of 20 oz. POWERADE at Walmart, they'll be able to go online, submit their receipt, and order a FREE custom "Just a Kid" reusable sports bottle!
• Go to http://www.us.powerade.com/walmart/#pov2 to learn more about this offer. It is good until April 4, 2016 or while supplies last.

Set Goals & Get Healthy - Bye Bye Funky Town 2015 and Hello Fab Town 2016

For my regular readers, you know that I've been on a healthier lifestyle journey for well over 3 1/2 years. During this time I learned about eating healthier, exercising and taking care of my entire body, mind and spirit. With that information I lost 100 lbs. The past year of my journey I got stuck in FUNKY TOWN due to letting life beat me down. I let mental games and struggles take over my strong mind and body. Can you relate? I've gained back some of my weight and I'm not as mentally strong as I was going into 2015. NO MORE! I'm getting out of FUNKY TOWN! Who else is stuck in funky town? 

Make sure you really read the photo below! It took me reading it twice to get the whole message!! Time to get on it! Who is ready?

To kick off 2016 I will be saying "No more Funky Town" and leading a healthier lifestyle group for the new year to get me and you to FAB TOWN 2016! Who wants more info?? 

Fill out the Google Doc so that I can get you more information! 

I'm ready to leave funky town and head to 🏎🏎🏎🏎🏎FAB TOWN!!!  How about you? Share this post with others who you think would like to join us. Let's not keep our trip a secret :) 

Now Enjoy McCafé Packaged Coffee Any Time of the Day! ad #McCafeAtHome #IC

I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for McCafé packaged coffee. I received product samples as well as a monetary promotional incentive to thank me for my participation.

I'm a huge fan of McDonalds coffee. I love just their regular coffee with some added creamer. So you can only imagine how over the moon excited I was to find out that you can now purchase McCafé packaged coffee in local stores! Have you seen them or tried any of the varieties? Do you have any favorites?

I am excited to report that I have tried the following McCafé packaged coffees:

• Breakfast Blend- K-Cup & Roast and Ground
• Hazelnut- K-Cup & Roast and Ground
• Espresso Roast - Roast and Ground

BONUS brew video of the Breakfast Blend. Doesn't this make you want to brew a cup of McCafé packaged K-Cup coffee right now? 

I love having them in my home to be enjoyed anytime of the day. I have found that I enjoy the Breakfast Blend anytime of the day. It has the perfect flavor that I'm used to at my local McDonald's restaurant. I do not know if that is what they use for their all day coffee but to me, it taste jut like McDonalds. I have become a fan of the Hazelnut and since it is Christmas time, I do enjoy it in the afternoon with 1-2 tsp of my homemade hot cocoa mixed in. The Espresso Roast is perfect anytime, especially after dinner. 

Here is my favorite holiday cup filled with Hazelnut McCafé packaged coffee, 1 tsp of homemade hot cocoa mix and topped with whipped cream, peppermint stick & chocolate shavings. 

Here is the Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe

Ingredients

2 c. powdered non-dairy creamer
1 1/2 c. baking cocoa
1 1/2 c. instant coffee granules
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 t. cinnamon
1/2 t. nutmeg

Directions

In a bowl, combine all ingredients, mixing well. 
Store in an airtight container. 
To serve, add 1-3 tablespoons to a mug and add boiling water to fill or add to a cup of hot Hazelnut McCafé cup of coffee. 
Top with whipped cream, candy cane, or chocolate shavings.
Makes about 30 servings.

I have a coffee Christmas tree in my kitchen. Doesn't it look beautiful with all the packages of McCafé around it? I'm a serious coffee lover and my kitchen is called Susie's Cafe. I don't just have any coffee in my cafe. Now I can carry McCafé packaged coffee in my home cafe by just picking up K-Cups at my local grocery store. The coffee is made with 100% Arabica beans. Please do stop in for a cup of McCafé coffee when you are in town! 

If you are on twitter, follow McCafé to keep updated on all of their packaged coffee. Right now they have 7 varieties including Espresso Roast, Premium Roast, French Roast, Breakfast Blend, Colombian, French Vanilla and Hazelnut. I'm a huge fan of K-cups and I can't wait for more flavors to be released. Merry Christmas! 

Little Fitness Hush Hush Secret by Moms ad #Underwareness #IC

I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Depend. I received product samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

Today I'm sharing with you the little fitness hush hush secret moms don't want you to know about when working out. From one mom to another, I know the secret. It really isn't something you need to keep to yourself. By seeking out help you can have a more enjoyable workout. So what is this little secret? 

I'm a health coach and one of the biggest hush hush after class secret whispers I get is from other moms asking me if I know of anyone with bladder control issues like leakage when working out. I share over and over with moms that bladder leakage is a very common issue in pregnant ladies, childbirth and even those with diabetes. Over 51 million American women experience bladder leakage which is 1 in 3 American women! So as a health coach I love that those in my class feel comfortable enough to talk to me about this issue and I gladly share this Underwareness by helping them see they are not alone.

I work out daily (well almost daily) as a health coach and wear Depend Silhouette Active Fit briefs which are a moderate absorbency brief that are thin, low rise, comes in black or beige, stylish, comfortable and trusted protection from the very well known brand, Depend. I have on several occasions told the "hush hush" moms to look at my tush and see if they can tell that I'm wearing a Depend brief. No one has ever noticed. I carry several samples in my gym bag and have given them away for moms to try out at the next class. They all have come back to class and in turn told me to look at their tush to see if I notice their Depend silhouette Active Fit brief! 

From my experience, the Depend Silhouette Active Fit briefs are an essential part of my daily life and workout routine. I have been on a healthier lifestyle journey for well over 3 years. A few times at the beginning of my journey I dealt with the embarrassment of bladder leakage. I sought out products to help this because no way was I going to let a bit of leakage keep me from working out and getting in the best shape of my life. I didn't have time for sitting on the sideline. No way am I going to let a little bit of leakage keep me or others from working out!

I'm so excited to share my bladder leakage experience as a mom, woman and health coach with all of you and those in my fitness classes. I'm honored to share my Underwareness efforts and do give support of the Depend brand. This is a trusted brand who supports women. 

Did you know that for every photo and video shared using #Underwareness, the Depend brand donates $1, up to $3 million through 2016 to fund charities and advance the research and education of bladder leakage! YES ladies, you can truly get in and behind this product and brand with me!

Here is a little quick hush hush video of my support of the Depend brand. Please watch and share this post with others. You can also follow Depend brand on Facebook and Twitter. Do search for the hashtag #Underwareness to see what others are saying and doing. 

Don't just trust my words, click over and get a your very own Depend coupon and purchase your own pack. You will be totally amazed at how smooth the briefs fit under your workout clothes or any outfit you wear. Add bonus, they briefs do not ride up north or slide down south when working out. I know that some undies have that issue! 

Click over and read more on my essential workout items!

Libra Tea at Home or On-The-Go

My family is always on the go. We do enjoy tea at home but it is nice to have the option to take it on the go especially with holiday travels. We all want to lead healthy, active lives and inspire our families and friends - enjoy a tea moment anywhere anytime with the stylish and convenient solution for teas, herbs and fruit infusions 'on the go'.

The Libre tea glass is a pretty and practical choice for convenient leaf tea 'on the go'. Its removable filter keeps all the leaves, or the bag, in the glass away from your mouth - great for fruits or soothing herbal elixirs. You can create your own flavorful beverage and enjoy. Wonderful herbal teas are a great way to wind down at the end of a long day. Our 'how to video' shows 3 ways to use and brew tea.

The 100% BPA free, Libre tea glasses keep drinks hot or cold, are very durable and ensure a fresh taste every time due to their easy wash glass interior - its the only to go thermos you'll need at the soccer field, yoga class, on a hike, the morning dog walk or curled up on the couch. We love to inspire tea moments anywhere, anytime - take a sip, watch your tea leaves dance and enjoy relaxing tea moment for yourself.

This holiday give your friends and family an inspired and unique gift you can use all year round. Choose from our Classic Collection - sophisticated metal trim with gold detailed lids, or our Libre Life Collection - bright, joyful patterns - and watch the leaves dance. We have great deals on 6pcs Holiday Gift Paks for all the tea lovers on your list.

Guess what?? My readers get to save! Great for Holiday Gifts, Calm moments and Traveling!

Here is the pretty 'n practical tea glass infuser! Libra Tea does have amazing color choices! Enjoy a tea moment @libretea with 10% off till Nov15 and do use the code USAMoms10 @usfg

You can follow them on Instagram or Twitter and do check out their blog. 

Healthy Holiday Gift Guide for Active Adults

I'm so excited to kick of the holidays this year with a healthy guide for active adults. I am on a healthier lifestyle journey and I know a lot of you are as well. So I will be sharing my favorites this year and include any coupons, discounts codes, deals that I can find to go along with them. Check in frequently as I plan on keeping it updated as well as adding/changing codes & offers.

1- Get fashionable and active boots at Lugz this year! I ordered a pair and will show my boots, soon. In the mean time, check out my Lugz review here and grab the 30% off discount code! You will find boots for all occasions and especially for those who love to be in the outdoors hiking or trail walking.

2- Libra Tea Practical Tea Glass Infuser. This is the bomb diggity bomb for tea lovers for at home or on the go! I have a 10% off offer from Libra tea over here at my blog post. Go check it out! 

Send me a message cafescrapper at gmail dot com, tag me @susieqtpies or #susieqtpiescafe on any of your social media sites/post so that I can see what you purchased or to ask me any questions. You can find me on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.