Johnny English (DVD)

 

I've never been a big fan of Rowan Atkinson in his role as the famous mime: Mr. Bean.

 

But on a recent trip to a local thrift store, I found a VHS version of the movie: Johnny English and I am so glad I decided to buy it!

 

 

What a treat this movie was, from start to finish.

 

Rowan Atkinson is soooo funny. I can't remember laughing that much, in a long, long time.

 

I felt great afterwards too. Laughter really is good medicine, isn't it? ;<)

 

Here's a bit about the story, from the Amazon product page:

 

He knows no fear. He knows no danger. He knows... nothing! When the priceless Crown Jewels are stolen, bumbling Johnny English (Rowan Atkinson) is the only Secret Agent in the country (literally!) who can solve the crime. His prime suspects: a sinister businessman (John Malkovich) and a beautiful woman (Natalie Imbruglia) with a mysterious interest in Johnny's top-secret mission. Can the clueless super spy save the day without denting the nation's pride... or his super-cool Aston Martin spy car? Your whole family will howl with laughter as the clumsiest secret agent ever unleashes an onslaught of outlandish stunts, hair-brained heroics and outrageous goof-ups in this hilarious spy spoof!

***

---

Many years ago, I enjoyed Peter Seller's in the Pink Panther series but at times I found these movies a bit "over the top" and just too silly to watch, especially for a second or third time.

 

 Not the case with Johnny English. Rowan Atkinson has such a great sense of timing and keeps the pace of this movie fast and funny, right to the end. Silly yes, but just right!

 

There are also some interesting special effects, beautiful locations and a cast that are the perfect compliment to Atkinson's hilarious performance, in this movie. John Malkovich as the sinister businessman with goals to take over Johnny's beloved UK for his own evil business plans, is brilliant too.

 

I liked this movie so much that I ordered the sequel: Johnny English: Reborn.

 

Can't wait to get that one, this time on DVD and fresh from Amazon. Not that there was anything wrong with the VHS copy I got of Johnny English at the thrift store, but our VCR only has so many weeks left...I'm guessing. They don't last forever, do they?

 

Whatever format you can find, if you are in need of some great family entertainment that will have everyone laughing, long and loud; pick up a copy of Johnny English. You won't be sorry!

 

Overall rating for this product: Excellent. 5 out of 5.

 

 

 



On My Own at 107 by Sarah L. Delany with Amy Hill Hearth

We have a large "free box" at our local library and on many a visit, I've found a good book to take home from there. Sometimes better than what I found while browsing the library shelves. ;<)

 

Yesterday, the library free box contained a real gem!

 

On My Own at 107 is a small but extraordinary book. I read the complete book in one session last night and loved every page.

 

On My Own at 107 is the story of Sarah (Sweet Sadie) Delany, the surviving sister of the well-known Delany sisters who was left "on her own" at the amazing age of 107, after her beloved sister Annie Elizabeth (Bessie) died (at home) in the autumn of 1995 at the age of 104.

 

In this beautifully-written diary/memoir, Sadie must come to terms with the profound loss of her beloved sister's passing; sharing the heart-wrenching absence she feels on a daily basis in the house they shared together in Mount Vernon, NY since 1957, where Sadie continued to reside.

 

Both of these amazing women led long, healthy and inspiring lives.

 

 Bessie (Annie Elizabeth) graduated from Columbia University's School of Dental and Oral Surgery in 1923 and was the second black woman licensed to practise dentistry in New York. For many years, she had a thriving dental practise in Harlem and was known as Dr. Bessie to her patients and throughout the black community.

 

Sadie (Sarah) attended the Pratt Institute and later Columbia University and earned a bachelor and masters degree. Sadie was the first black woman to teach domestic science at a high school level, in New York city.

 

They faced many challenges along the way as single,  black career women in a time when discrimination and segregation were still the norm, rather than the exception. Neither of the sisters ever married, although they both enjoyed the company and friendship of many suitors throughout the years. But most of all, it was their bonds of sisterhood and family that saw them through the storms and also the good times in life.

 

On My Own at 107 is a touching, unique, at times humorous and unforgettable story to read.
And the only book I have ever noted at Amazon with all 5 star reviews!

 

For me, it was also a book filled with wisdom and inspiration as Sadie reminisced about the 104  years she shared with her sister Bessie. The good times, the lean years, the triumphs...all lovingly recalled and shared.

 

This is a beautiful book, in every way.

 

Not only does it share an amazing story, it also has a lovely presentation, with floral illustrations by Brian M. Kotsy featured throughout the pages. The beautiful flowers depicted in these illustrations were to showcase those grown by Bessie year after year, in her lovingly-tended garden that she cared for on her own, until her 98th year!

 

I did some checking and found this Wiki page for Sadie (Sarah) Delany. She lived two more years after Bessie's passing, to the age of 109! A life, very well lived. That of course goes for Bessie too. And it's nice to picture them together again now!

 

 

I'm so glad I stopped to take a look in the free box yesterday.

 But unlike most of the books I find there, this won't be one that I'll be passing along, any time soon. I'm looking forward to a re-read already!

 

Overall rating for this book: Excellent. 5 out of 5.

A Mr. Cheddar Review: Arm & Hammer Ultra Last Clumping Litter

Mr. Cheddar here!

 

Yes, I'm finally back to blogging.

 

It's been a long, hot summer here in BC and I just didn't have the time or energy to post any reviews.

Spent most of my time wowing the gals (feline and human) at the lakefront with my purrfect feline physique.

Those bikini-clad vixens were "putty in my paws" I'll tell you!

 

I really must get Meowmie to post a photo of me in my furry "au naturale" swim trunks!

 

Now that's a treat you won't want to miss! ;<)

 

 

 I'll be discussing a rather indelicate topic today but I promise to make it entertaining from start to finish. And as you can see from the caption in the photo above, I certainly have NOT lost my talent for turning a humorous phrase, during my long blog hiatus.

 

 If anything, I think I'm even more scintillating and witty now, if that's possible? Snort!

 

 

Anyhoo....on to the topic at paw.

 

Getting down to the basics, the nitty-gritty, the down and dirty...

 

We've all "got to go" and when I do, I want my litter to be the real deal.

 

Plain and simple: NO... perfumes, additives, weird shiny pellets, chips from the forest or corn from the fields.

 

In a word, I want CLAY litter, straight up, or flat down...depending on how you look at it.

 

***

 

To backtrack a bit, Meowmie and Pawmie were in a conundrum a while back, on a trip to the mall. That happens a lot with those two, but I won't go into further details right now. I do have a rather extensive shopping list prepared for them, still awaiting approval; so no time like the present to stay in their "good books".

 

So staying on topic and back to that particular conundrum.

 

Lo and behold, litter was on the shopping list that day and the situation here at home was:

 

CODE BROWN!!!

 

 No litter at all.

 

Danger, danger!!!

 

Bells ringing, lights flashing, fire department on the way...you get the picture.

 

The humans were in deep "do-do" for not keeping the litter supply up to acceptable levels and they knew it!!!

 

 

But after trying to purchase my usual fav choice for toilette duties, none of the "plain jane" brands/types of litter I prefer, could be found. Not a one!

 

We live in a rather small city and running out of even the basics at several stores is not that uncommon.

 

What to do, what to do!

 

Without my expert input close at paw, the humans were all but lost. :<(

 

They commiserated on the problem at hand (probably for hours!)  and finally picked up a box of: Arm & Hammer Ultra Last Clumping Cat Litter as the best of the choice they did have that day.

 

On the plus side:

 

It wasn't highly scented, which is a big pet peeve in my books.

 

Cats don't like perfumes and strong chemical scents.

 

When people buy scented, chemically-laden cat litter and expect their felines to be happy about their rather misguided choices in that respect...well it's just another example of why we felines DO rule the world when it comes to be intellectually superior!!! I mean this one is definitely a "no brainer".

 

Next plus, the litter did stay fresher longer than some of the other brands I've tried.

 

It also had an OK texture, not too fine or dusty but with no heavy, gravelly bits either.

 

Now for the negatives:

 

There was no ingredient list on the box and this is a big no-no in my books. We felines want to know what we are using, when it comes to all the products we require, including cat litter.

 

Next, when I had a longer than usual PEE!!! There, I've said it, the P word, snort...

 

...the litter did clump up but also gave off a rather weird, unpleasant smell. Kind of like a watermelon that's been left out in a damp basement for a month or two. Not pleasant, for felines or humans either. With other plain ol' basic types of cat litter, this doesn't happen.

 

Soooo, bottom line (no pun intended. OK yes pun intended).

 

Will we be buying this brand of cat litter again?

 

Not likely. It was better than nothing, in a crunch but definitely not my first or second or third...choice.

 

My paw is half-way down on this one.

 

and Meowmie says:

 

Overall rating for this product: Fair: 2 out of 5.

 

 

 

 

Beanfields: Bean & Rice Chips

I'm always on the look-out for healthier, preferably gluten-free snacks to try.

And I've tried a lot of them, in the past few months.
Some good, some ho-hum and some just plain bad!

 

On a recent trip to our local food co-op, I noted: Beanfields Bean & Rice Chips and decided to give them a try. I'm glad I did!

 

Of all the rice, veggie, gluten-free... chip snacks I've tried, these are the closest in taste/texture to actual potato chips.

So if you've been dismayed by the bad rap that most potato chips are getting these days and have been looking for a healthier alternative that still tastes like your old favs, give Beanfields Bean & Rice Chips a try. They really do taste like "the real deal".

 

I started with a bag of the Pico De Gallo and they were soooo good!

A nice spicy kick to them but not overly hot.

I've also tried the Salt n Pepper flavor. A bit milder taste for these but also good and not overly "peppery".

 

With both flavors I tried, it was that "potato-chip like" taste and texture that kept me reaching for more. And with a salsa dip, yummm...even better.

And not an overly crispy/hard texture like some of the healthier chip choices available; these were just right!
 

 

Here are some additional "good things" about these chips:

 

-29% less fat and twice the protein and fiber of most tortilla-type chips

 

-Non GMO project verified

 

-No gluten OR corn

 

-No peanuts or seeds

 

-Vegan

 

-4 grams of complete protein in a 28 gram serving

 

-Only 140 calories in a 28 gram serving

 

-No saturated or trans-fats

 

***

 

The only term that I didn't see on their ingredient list that I would have appreciated was CERTIFIED ORGANIC. Hopefully that's something that will be a consideration for future production.

 

And if you're thinking these might have an overly "beany" flavor that's unappealing, think again. I don't think I would have even known there were beans in these chips, if I had tasted them out of a sampler bowl instead of out of the bag. :<)

 

And speaking of beans, do you know just how good they are for you? You can read more about the many health benefits of beans here. I'm already a bean-lover so I didn't need to be convinced. LOL

 

 

 

Available in these flavors:

  

 

You can read more about the Beanfields company: their story, values and all products at their attractive and informative website.

 

 

Overall rating for this product: Very Good. 4 out of 5.

 

 

 



Upcoming Free Kindle Book Promos!

 

 

 

 

 

Just to let you know about some upcoming free Kindle book promotions! :<)

 

 

On Saturday Sept. 7th, my novel: Third Chapter, Second Chance will be available as a free download at Amazon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Sunday, Sept. 8th, my new cookbook: The Groovy Green Kitchen: Weeknight Veggie Slow-Cooker will be available as a free download at Amazon.

 

 

 

 

 

This Saturday and Sunday, my poetry book: My Poetic Path (revised August 2013) will be available as a free download at Amazon.

 

 

These downloads are also available at Amazon.ca, UK, de....etc, in addition to Amazon.com.

 

***

 

 

Thanks to everyone who have already purchased and/or downloaded any of my new eBooks and books. 

 

And if you enjoy any (hopefully all) of my books; reviews would be appreciated too. :<)

 

 

Do spread the word and hope to see you there!

 

 

HAPPY READING AND COOKING!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



How I Made Over $42,000 in 1 Month, Selling My Kindle eBooks by Cheryl Kaye Tardif

 

 

During the past few months, I've read a LOT of ebook marketing guides. Some good and some not so good. And all too often, guides that were just an excuse for an author's own self-promotion.

 

The best eBook marketing guide that I've found to date is by Canadian novelist extraordinaire:

 

Cheryl Kaye Tardif:

 

How I Made Over $42,000 in 1 Month, Selling My Kindle eBooks.

 

 

Cheryl is a best-selling author with a large and loyal international following of readers. She knows what works and what doesn't, when it comes to eBook marketing. And there is a lot to learn. I'm finding that out, as I continue along with my own eBook journey.  

 

 

Her guide is filled with practical and doable suggestions, how indie authors can best use their time, to get their eBooks noticed online and moving up the charts.

 

The information is provided in a concise and well-organized manner; not just a lot of rambling tips and tidbits that can be found all too often in other eBook marketing guides.

 

 

Cheryl has been an author for many years, first with traditional, print publishing and now as a best-selling eBook author. She has published 12 eBooks and 9 print books, to date.

 

Stop by Cheryl's site to find out more about all her books and her amazing rise to the top of the eBook publishing lists at Amazon and other major book sites. I'm currently reading her beautiful novel: Whale Song and just love it so far!

 

 

What a appreciate most about this guide is that Cheryl's personality comes through ever word.

She is a down-to-earth, gutsy and outspoken woman who shares her own publishing story in an honest and upfront way. She not only talks about her many successes in eBook publishing but also the lean years and the countless hours spent on tweaking her own marketing plans and coming up with what worked and what didn't.

 

This guide cuts through so much of the "fluff" out there on the topic of eBook marketing and gives the reader realistic and not too time-consuming suggestions to get their own books launched and moving forward.

 

 

Some of the chapters in this eBook include:

 

-Chapter 2: Fake It 'til You Make It!

 

-Chapter 6: My KDP Select Experiment

 (FYI: KDP stands for Kindle Direct Publishing)

 

-Chapter 19: Do You Know Where Your Readers Are?

 

-Chapter 21: All the World's A-twitter

 

to name but a few of the topics discussed in this guide.

 

 

 

If you are an indie author just starting out or perhaps are further along in your publishing journey but still in need of some marketing ideas that REALLY work; check Cheryl Tardif's wonderful eBook marketing guide out today.

 

 

Overall rating for this book: Excellent. 5 out of 5.

 





The Spice House (and another free promo too!) :<)

Don't you just love when you unexpectedly find something exceptional online? :<)

A few weeks ago, I was doing an online search for "organic file powder" to add to a vegetable gumbo recipe that I was working on.

Not only was file powder not available anywhere I looked locally; but finding organic file powder (organic always being my preference) was just another bonus, when I clicked through to:

The Spice House.

Established in 1957, The Spice House carries a wide variety of:

Top-quality herbs, spices, unique seasoning blends, kitchen accessories, gluten-free products, books and lots of great gift ideas too.

In addition to their attractive site, they also have 5 retail locations in the US in: Milwaukee and Illinois.

To backtrack a minute re: the file powder, in case you are not familiar with this product, it is an essential ingredient in true southern style gumbo.

Gumbo file powder is an essential ingredient when cooking authentic Creole or Cajun cuisine. Gumbo file powder is the powdered leaves of the sassafras tree. When ground, they have a rich, cooling smell, reminiscent of eucalyptus crossed with juicy fruit gum. 

A little goes a long way and file powder should be added to gumbo close to the end of the cooking process, for best results. A 1/2 C. shaker jar of Organic File Powder is only $4.49 at the Spice House, so very reasonably priced too.

I took a good long browse over at their site, after finding the file powder and was amazed and delighted to find all kinds of culinary treats, that I wasn't expecting, including this amazing mixed herb blend:

 Sunny Paris

Sunny Paris is an unique seasoning blend that's rich in very expensive freeze-dried shallots, which provides a "salt-like satisfaction" to the taste buds. Add in the Mysore green peppercorns, top-quality French herbs and a blend of premium seasonings and it's no surprise that this blend has a loyal following with many of their customers.

Ingredients: Hand mixed from: freeze-dried shallots, ground Mysore green peppercorns, dill weed, freeze-dried scallions, French basil, French tarragon, French chervil, finely minced parsley flakes.

This is a seasoning blend that can be used on all kinds of savory dishes.

 I tried it recently on my Toaster Oven Focaccia and loved it!

If you like shallots and/or onions and scallions, you will love this versatile seasoning blend!

 In addition to adding it to main and vegetable dishes, I like to add a sprinkle of Sunny Paris to top omelettes. Looks so nice too, it has a vivid green color.

Spices and herbs can add so much to all kinds of recipes.

I love to experiment with all kinds of spice and herb combos. It's great to come up with something new, that adds that "just right finish" to a recipe.

Using premium spices and herbs like those available at The Spice House can make a big difference how a recipe turns out. You can take an ordinary dish and turn it into something special, just by adding the right combination of quality spices and herbs.

Keep in mind that any spice or dried herb loses it's flavor in a relatively short period of time. If you don't use a particular spice or herb on a regular basis, buy small quantities to insure optimal flavor.

And if you haven't used a particular herb or spice in a 12 month period, it's probably time to discard it and buy fresh.

 I use a LOT of herbs and spices in my cooking, so that is a problem I seldom encounter. :<)

If it's time to give your own spice/herb collection a purge, perhaps time to restock a particular spice/herb or if you are looking for a new seasoning blend to perk up your meals, check out:

 The Spice House. 

I am so happy I found them via my initial file powder search. Their products are top-quality and reasonably priced too.

Another perk, excellent customer service too. All my questions were answered promptly and completely, by their knowledgeable and friendly staff.

***

As for the FREE PROMO, coming up this weekend: August 31-Sept. 1,  my new cookbook:

The Groovy Green Kitchen (Volume 1) Weeknight Veggie Slow Cooker

will be available as a free Kindle download at Amazon.com!

Stop by then to get a free copy and do share this free promo with your friends and family too.

And if you were tempted by the photo above for the Toaster Oven Focaccia, it's one of many side dish recipes that are included in this book.

Quality spices and herbs go hand in hand with superior cooking results. You really can't have one without the other. ;<)

Stop by The Spice House if you love (or even just like) to cook! You'll be glad you did.

Overall rating for this company: Excellent. 5 out of 5.  



Late Summer Book Launch and Free Promotion!

 

 

My new novel:

 

Third Chapter, Second Chance

 

 

 My new cookbook (first in the series):

 

 The Groovy Green Slow Cooker

 Weeknight Veggie Slow Cooker

Taaaa...daaa!!

 

As many of my regular readers already know, I've been working on several book projects during the past couple of years.

 

 I'm happy to say that my two newest books are now available at Amazon.com. :<)

 

Both are available in Kindle and print formats.

 

You can read more about both of these books by clicking the links above.

 

I will be having ongoing promotions for all of my books, starting with a free promotion for Third Chapter, Second Chance on August 24- 25 (this coming weekend).

 

Stop in at Amazon this weekend, to download a free copy of Third Chapter, Second Chance!

 

And do check back on a regular basis at my Amazon Author's page for a upcoming promotions, for all my books. 

 

 

I am also reissuing Kindle editions of my two poetry books:

 

 

 

Haiku Reflections: The Four Seasons

 

 

 

 

My Poetic Path

 

 

If you enjoy poetry, these books will now be available in Kindle versions too.

 

I've also added some photos to Haiku Reflections for the Kindle version.

 

Both of these poetry eBooks will be available before the end of August at Amazon.

 

***

 

If you'd like to be notified by email about my upcoming new books and some of the future promotions I'll be having, send an email to:

 

mypoeticpath @ my way . com  

 

 (spaces removed)

 

subject line: SUBSCRIBE

 

and I'll add you to my mailing list.

 

Note: my email mailing list is currently sent via a telus.com account as I have several email addresses, that I'm combining contacts from, for my book promotions.

 

But I will have my name in the subject line so you'll know it's from me! :<)

 

And I promise, you won't be inundated with tons of emails!

 

***

 

I hope you enjoy my two new books, my reissued poetry kindle editions and future work too.

 

I have several new book projects in progress, including the second volume of The Groovy Green Kitchen and an Ebook formatting guide for Word 2013.

 

 

It's all been a lot of work but so rewarding too.

 

And I've had a lot of help and encouragement along the way.

 

My sincere thanks to: my novel beta readers, recipe testers, friends, family and blog-readers at all my blogs. And a special thanks to the established authors I've been fortunate to correspond with over the past few months, who have helped me tremendously.

 

 You all know who you are and I've thanked you personally already.

But just to say again: all of the help, encouragement, constructive criticism and good wishes have been most appreciated.

 

 

If you do enjoy my books and eBooks, reviews at Amazon.com would be great! :<)

 

And do share this post with your blog, Facebook, Twitter readers, family and friends too.

 

Thanks so much!

 

 

Happy Reading and Cooking!

 

 

Colora Henna Powder

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I've been experimenting with more natural alternatives to hair coloring for the last couple of years. I refuse to use the chemically-laden "nightmare" mainstream hair coloring products that I did years ago, now that I've become more knowledgeable about the many health concerns re: their long-term use.

 

I used henna many years ago when my hair was still all an even light-brown color and only for conditioning purposes at that time. That type of henna is colorless and leaves no color on the hair, it only conditions. But now I need something to even out my "patchwork" color of hair: brown, white, grey- so I decided to revisit henna, this time using one that would add color.

 

I had read a lot of pros and cons about henna use.

 

Yes, it can be messy but so are regular mainstream hair color products, especially if you apply them yourself at home.

 

I also read that henna doesn't cover grey or white hair very well but I found a solution to that problem too. By mixing the henna powder with regular coffee instead of water, and allowing it to stand for 24 hours before use, I've been able to use it on my own mix of  hair colors with good results and not too much reddish tinge either, another complaint of some users.

 

Colora Henna Powder is a natural organic hair color that does not contain any added chemicals or questionable ingredients. Some henna products out there do, so it pays to read the ingredient and information about any henna product you might decide to try, carefully. 

 

The only ingredients that Colora Henna Powder contains are: henna, and may also contain indigo, centaurea, rhubarb and beetroot- depending on the shade you chose.

 

Here's a close-up pic of the top of my head, without any hair coloring on it

 

 and before using Colora Henna Powder:

 

 

 

and here's an after picture:

 

 

One of the many things I like about using Colora Henna Powder is that it leaves highlights in your hair, not just one flat color, like some other hair color products do.

 

My hair in the front has always been quite a bit lighter, than the back of my head and the henna picks up the different shades, making for more natural finished results.

 

In the picture, I've used Colora Henna Powder in Ash Brown (mixed with coffee) but I've also used the Brown previously, with good results.

 

I leave it on my hair for 2 hours, covered with a plastic bag,  before shampooing it out.

 

This product comes in 14 different shades including various blonde, red and brown shades and black.

 

Colora Henna Powder is very reasonably priced at less than $10. for a 2 oz. package.

 

I have thick, medium-length hair and I get two applications from one box.

 

 I noted at Amazon that it's on sale for only $4.99 right now so a great time to give it a try.

 

And what a relief it's been not to have to worry about getting any hair coloring product in my eyes or on my skin or scalp. Mainstream hair coloring products can be very dangerous in this respect and something that always made me cringe when I used them years ago.

 

Here's an interesting article from the Truth in Aging site about henna. As they also explain, it's important to read what's in a henna product as they aren't all the same.

 

And the henna pastes that some people apply to their skin (as a tattoo effect) can contain harmful ingredients too. Not that I have any interest in tattoos, the henna type of otherwise!

 

If you've been looking for an alternative to mainstream hair coloring products, you might want to give Colora Henna Powder a try. I'm glad I did!

 

Overall rating for this product: Excellent. 5 out of 5.

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Face Yoga DVD

After sharing my thoughts on the Prime of Life Yoga series a few days ago (click to read review) I thought it would be a great time to tell you about another exercise program I recently found out about:

 

Happy Face Yoga with Gary Sikorski. 

 

This is another winner! :<)

 

 

The Happy Face Yoga DVD is a facial-exercise training program that really works.

 

I must admit, for a long time I was (very) skeptical about any facial toning/strengthening exercises. My mom often talked about trying facial exercises years ago and I would laugh and tell her not to waste her time (sorry mom!!!) But I've changed my mind and in a big way since I tried:

 Happy Face Yoga.

 

 

I've been doing the exercises on a 6 day a week basis, for less than 3 months.

 Already, I think there's been quite a significant change in my facial tone.

 

You be the judge:

 

 

Here's a photo from a couple of years ago:

 

 

 

 

 

and one taken a couple of days ago:

 

 

 

-My chin line is firmer already.

 

-My cheekbones are more defined, giving my "jowls" quite a nice lift too.

 

-Forehead lines above my nose are less noticeable.

 

 

I've also been getting a lot of compliments recently about how good I'm looking and that's always nice. ;< )

 

And as I've said already, this is after less than 3 months of doing these exercises!

 

The DVD includes complete instructions for 18 exercises.

 

 No, you don't need to do them all to see results but you do need to do them on a regular basis (daily if at all possible).

 

  I worked through all of the exercises to begin with to try them out and then picked out ones specifically for my own "problem areas".

 

Now, I do these 8 exercises from the DVD:

 

-The Lion

 

-Happy Face Lifter

 

-Forehead Smoother

 

-Furrow Remover

 

-Neck Smoother

 

-The Joker

 

-Lower Face Firmer

 

-Lower Face Lifter

 

and it takes about 30 minutes to complete them. A small investment of time for something that's this worthwhile. They're kind of fun too.

 

The DVD comes with suggestions how to get the most out of the program along with nutritional and lifestyle tips to improve your overall health.

 

When I look at some of the horror stories about plastic surgery online, I'm amazed that more people (including those celebs with oodles of $$) don't give facial exercises a try first, before taking such drastic steps. The changes with: Happy Face Yoga are gradual but significant in only a short period of time, with none of the dangers or expense of surgery. And IMO, a lot of those celebs look worse after they've gone under the knife, not better. How can that be a good thing?

 

Gary does a great job of demonstrating and explaining each exercise, along with a couple of his students. I would suggest though, if you try this DVD to focus mainly on Gary. At times one of the woman on the DVD (sitting behind Gary, on the left of the screen) is not in synch with what he is doing and that's rather distracting. But this is a small complaint about this DVD and one that can be easily ignored.

 

Gary recently moved to Chicago and teaches classes in the area. He is knowledgeable and passionate about his work and provides a wealth of information at his website, including a video clip explaining more about the program and why it's different and more beneficial than a lot of other facial exercise programs that are available.

 

If you're tired of looking at sagging jowls, lines on your forehead, maybe the start of a double chin... Or if you just want to keep your face looking toned and prevent/slow-down the pull of gravity on your face (and it happens to everyone eventually!) give Happy Face Yoga a try.

 

You'll be glad you did!   

 

Overall rating for this product: Very Good. 4 out of 5

 

 

 



 

 



Larry Payne's Prime of Life Yoga DVD series

 

 

 

As any of my regular blog readers already know, I love yoga!

 

I've been practising hatha yoga (the physical branch) on and off for over 20 years. Yoga has helped me in so many ways and continues to do so.

 

In addition to the significant physical benefits of a regular yoga practise including: increased flexibility, better breathing, improved balance and overall fitness; yoga also makes me feel calmer, more focused and even more creative. Big benefits and for such a small commitment of time.

 

I took yoga classes for many years and practised on my own at home, doing the same routines. But sometimes it's nice to have a DVD to follow along with and recently I found out about a wonderful yoga series:

 

 Larry Payne's Prime of Life Yoga.

 

Prime of Life Yoga was developed with people over 40 to 70ish in mind. As Larry Payne says, this is a large group of the population that is under served in so many ways, including when it comes to fitness.

But IMO, this series is for everyone at any age, who want to explore all the long-term benefits of a regular yoga practise. So many people still think that yoga is only for the young and flexible and not something to even consider starting to do, later in life. NOT true!

 

Yoga is a great way to improve your overall fitness and sense of well-being at any age. Yes, if you've never practised yoga before, if you have physical issues....you need to be careful, especially when you begin. Check with a trusted health care professional if you have any concerns. 

 

And don't expect headstands that first week. ;<)

 

On the plus side it is amazing what can be accomplished, if you stick with it.

 

After a long hiatus, I got back to yoga practise a few months ago and to begin with, it was hard to do even simple poses. I felt stiff, had some aches and pains...I was discouraged how much "ground" I had lost when it came to my overall flexibility.

 

But after a few weeks of perseverance, I not only got back to where I was previously with my yoga practise, I started to progress too. And a big part of that continued improvement is thanks to Larry Payne's excellent yoga DVD series.

 

I use the Immune Booster Level One DVD on an almost daily basis and it is so enjoyable and rewarding.

 

• Larry does a great job explaining each yoga pose thoroughly and in an easy to understand way.

 

• The pace is slow and relaxed throughout.

 

• The woman who demonstrates the poses in the DVD has a lovely, peaceful countenance and moves through the poses with grace and expertise.

 

•  Background music is soothing and calming and believe me, this is an important consideration when choosing a yoga DVD. Some of them leave a lot to be desired in this respect.

 

• Larry narrates the DVD and again, gentle and soothing, when it comes to his voice and how he speaks.

 

 

 

The Immune Booster Level Two DVD is more advanced. I've used it a couple of times already and found it a bit challenging right now. But  I am working towards using this one on a regular basis too.

 

Yoga is not about being competitive. As Larry so wisely says: "challenge yourself, don't strain yourself". 

 

 But I do like to feel like I'm progressing when it comes to all my fitness pursuits and to be able to follow the Level Two DVD is one of my goals.

 

 

If you've never practised yoga before or perhaps like me, have been on a hiatus from it for a long time, I recommend starting with The Classic Beginner's Program from the Prime of Life series.

 

This is a gentle and easy way to ease into yoga practise and again, each pose is explained in a clear and concise way.

 

Dr. Larry Payne is a renowned yoga expert and has been an inspiration to thousands of people wanting to improve their overall fitness and well-being with yoga, for many years. You can read more about Larry's work, including classes, DVD's and watch several excellent informational videos at his website: Samata.Yoga. 

 

Yoga means union.

 

If you've been feeling a lack of harmony and well-being in your life, you might want to give yoga a try. The overall benefits might astound you.

 

Yoga really is like nothing else. It's had a profound and positive long-term impact in my life.

  

Namaste!

 

Overall rating for these products: Excellent. 5 out of 5.