And the winner is . . .

Leigh from Hines-Sight Blog is the winner of the 10-day Fall Renewal Detox Giveaway with Lisa Consiglio Ryan of Whole Health Designs. 

Congratulations, Leigh!  I will pass your contact information along to Lisa. Get ready - October 1st is nearly a week away!

5 Top Detox Tips for Fall

Early this summer I won a "detox" from a blog I frequent. But it was summer, and well, just not the right time for me to detox. But I'm on board and ready to get started on October 1st. And, here's the kicker, one lucky reader can join me for free!  You want to, right?

Well, if you don't now, you will after reading this piece by Lisa Consiglio Ryan.

Lisa is the founder of Whole Health Designs, juicy clean living advocate and mama of two. She loves her Birkram yoga practice, running, and is on a mission to spread the word, “Food is love.” She provides detox programs and private coaching for women who desire to embrace clean living. Lisa is also developing her own line of raw, cold-pressed juices. Yum!

As a Certified Health and Nutrition Coach, Lisa has worked with over 1,000 people in her Renewal 10 Day Detox programs.  Her work has been featured in TinyBuddha, Crazy Sexy Life, and Mind Body Green. You can also check out her new program, Kickin’ It Clean virtual group and meal plans for plant lovers.

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Detox.

Say this word, and some people will run for the hills.

Detox is sometimes equated to deprivation and starvation.

But it doesn’t have to be that way especially when done safely and effectively.

Detox can give you the jump start you need to lose a few pounds, reboot healthy habits, and gain tons of energy.

Think glow, radiant, clear, and focused!  Now doesn’t that sound good?

During fall, we are moving inward; slowing down from the movement of summer. In the fall, as the growth season of summer comes to a close, detox is an ideal way to prepare for winter, the holidays and hibernation.

Fall is actually the ideal time to detox. Think of purging the old …. just like the trees, you must shed your leaves and get prepared for winter. A fall detox will help stave off seasonal colds which are so prevalent this time of year, too. Bonus!

Fall is the time to get productive and finish projects for the year.   It’s about getting things done.

Back to school … back to routines … back to work.

It’s extremely important to cleanse each season to rid your body of toxins from food, the environment, and even your stress.  Each season brings different feelings and outcomes of balance.

During fall, here’s what you get when you are in balance: clarity, better communication, accomplishment, feeling light …

AND when you are not: confusion, indecision, fatigue, congestion, and overindulgence.

What sounds good to you?

If you want to go for the balance, detox can be so easy if you set your intentions and health goals ahead of time.  If you are ready to get back to healthy habits, a detox can be the perfect remedy.

Here are 5 tips for an easy, safe, and effective fall detox:

1. Eat whole Foods:  Try a gentle, clean food-based detox. The first step is to eliminate foods that have barcodes. This means avoid foods that come in a can or box- processed foods. I usually remind myself of this rule when I shop. Also, stick to organic fruits and veggies for your cleanse. You don’t want to add any toxins into your body during your detox!  In fall, you will generally eat warm stews, soups, and root vegetable dishes. And don’t forget to add those warming spices to your meals, such as cinnamon and nutmeg.  


2. Eliminate added sugar, dairy, alcohol, caffeine, wheat/gluten, and soy: These substances are allergens and even addictive.  These need to be eliminated while you are doing a detox. Try to keep things as clean as possible, and you will notice a big difference in your mood, energy and even skin. 


3. Move your body:  Of course eating foods that nourish and detoxify are necessary for your detox, but the next step is to incorporate exercise. Try gentle yoga, walking in nature, stretching. You don’t want to run a marathon during your detox.  You will be completely exhausted. Your body is working hard to get rid of toxins, and she needs to restore during the detox period.   


4. Take time to breathe and meditate:  This time is for YOU. So try sitting still for at least 10 minutes a day, breathing in and out. Have a mantra. Be still. Stress is the #1 cause of inflammation so do all you can to take a few steps back and calm your mind. 


5. Determine the length of your detox: 10 days is a perfect time period to feel and see changes in your body.  It’s just enough time to really get the full effects of a food-based detox.  It takes time to make changes, and your body needs time to adjust to eating differently, getting rid of toxins, and establishing habits. So a cleanse less than 10 days might not give you the full results. If you are new to detoxing or want a power-boost to jump start healthy living, then 10 days is a good start. 

So what do you say? Ready to get your detox on this fall?

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Giveaway details: 

Lisa Consiglio Ryan will provide one lucky reader with a free spot in the October 1st Fall Renewal 10 Day Detox! 

Mandatory Entry: 

Leave a comment below letting me know you are interested in detoxing with me in October!

Additional Entries: 

Follow Lisa on Facebook {one entry}. 

Follow Lisa on Twitter {one entry}. 

You must leave a separate comment below for each action to count as an additional entry. 

Rules (aka the fine print): You must be 18 years of age and a U.S. citizen to enter. Chances of winning are based upon number of entries received. The contest will run from Wednesday, September 19th through Friday, September 21st. A winner will be selected from all eligible entires using Random.org and announced on Saturday, September 22nd. 

Disclosure: I am joining the Fall Renewal 10 Day Detox as a winner as well. I am not otherwise being compensated for this giveaway. 

I'm so excited to have a reader join me on this journey!  

Good luck!

And the winner is . . .

The 28th comment and winner of the Lesley Evers's Giveaway is: 

Congratulations Hatton! I am certain you will adore Marley. 

Prepare yourself for oodles of compliments because she is absolutely gorgeous in person!  

Thank you,  Lesley Evers, for sharing your talent with us 

and sponsoring such an amazing giveaway!  

Lesley Evers Giveaway!

This is not the first time I have openly gushed about Lesley Evers's gorgeous dresses. Some of you may remember {and a few of you were present} that fateful October day in 2010 when the words "dress to impress" finally came to fruition in my own life.

If you are not already familiar with my Riley debut, please take a moment to get acquainted with The Dress. 

{We'll wait}.

Yes, Riley has served and continues to serve me quite well. As has Tilda and Grace and a few other friends I've collected over the past few seasons.

Clearly, I'm smitten.

But not without justification! You see, the flattery did not cease after Riley's debut. Riley was not a flash in the proverbial pan. She remains quite effective {as recently as last week, in fact}. As do her friends. Every single time I wear a Lesley Evers piece I receive numerous compliments throughout the day.

Every.

Single.

Time.

"So what exactly is so special about these pieces?" you inquire with a skeptical grin.

First off, Lesley personally designs the vast majority of her textiles. As a result, each and every Candace and Sophie and Elsie is an original work of art. 

Gorgeous, colorful, unique works of art that stand out in a crowd! 

1. Candace in Lilac Links, 2. Elsie in Silk Malibu, 

3. Sophie in Royal Fleurette, and 4. Tilda in Lilac Mendocino.

Additionally, the line is made right here in the USA! By utilizing the skills of local seamstresses Lesley can personally oversee production and manage quality control. The result: amazing construction.

And finally, Lesley's pieces are steeped in "modern nostalgia" as she calls it. The colors and graphics may lend a modern edge, but the silhouettes are absolutely timeless.

Yes, it's really that simple -- exquisite textiles, quality construction and timeless silhouettes; that is what makes a Lesley Evers piece stand out in a crowd!

And now for your opportunity to stand out in a crowd:  

To celebrate the launch of the Spring 2012 line Lesley Evers has offered to give one lucky reader a new {and quite possibly my favorite} piece from the collection:  Marley. 

Oh, isn't she just magnificent?!

Lesley's original art makes this 100% silk charmeuse poncho positively show-stopping. I have no doubt Marley will cause heads to turn and compliments to spill forth.

Absolutely no doubt.

So without further adieu . . .  

Giveaway details: 

Lesley Evers will provide one lucky reader with a free Marley poncho top in your choice of size and color {subject to availability}! 

Mandatory Entry: 

Visit Lesley Evers and leave a comment below telling me which Spring piece is your favorite.

Additional Entries:

Follow Lesley Evers on Facebook {one entry}.

Subscribe to Eat. Live. Laugh. and sometimes shop! {one entry}

Follow me on Twitter {one entry}.

Follow me on Facebook {one entry}.

Tweet or share this post via Twitter or Facebook {one entry each}.

For each action to count as an additional entry you must leave a separate comment below letting me know.

Rules (aka the fine print): You must be 18 years of age and a U.S. citizen to enter. Chances of winning are based upon number of entries received. The contest will run from Tuesday, March 27th through, Thursday, April 5th. A winner will be selected from all eligible entires using Random.org and announced on Friday, April 6th.

Disclosure: I previously purchased my own Lesley Evers pieces and extolled their virtues motivated only by my desire to share a good find. I am obliged to disclose, however, that I was provided a Marley poncho in addition to the Marley poncho provided for this giveaway. {insert picture of me smiling ear to earl!!}

 I wish you all the best of luck!

Taking care of business.

Just a few business matters to attend to today.

First off let me say the response to my Make a Difference post was absolutely dismal. I can only assume no one other than Leigh and Carolyn read the entire post. Because if you read the part about me donating cash money to help feed hungry children then I'd just assume you would be physically unable to click away without commenting.  

I understand, though. It was Sunday. And it was long. I skim too. A lot.

I should not berate you for not reading fully or clicking through to increase my charitable donation. I'm just going to assume you either (1) cleared your entire reader on Monday morning and missed the post entirely or  (2) hate hungry children.

No need to explain.

I nonetheless made a donation in an amount in excess of $10 {$5/comment was my promised response} to United Nations World Food Programme. My donation will provide more than 350 school lunches to children in need.

Next order of business was the The Spooky Scavenger Hunt Giveaway.

I'm happy to report that the lucky winner is Kir from The Kir Corner.  Congratulations! I will contact you privately to obtain mailing instructions for the book.  I hope you and your little goblins enjoy!

And finally, because it's Friday and we all need a bit of fun on Friday, I had to share this video / song Anna from Acquainted with the Night posted earlier this week. I'd heard the song on the radio but hadn't paid much attention to it. I've now downloaded it and cannot stop listening to it! Obsessed. My Adam Levine obsession {love, love, love him} may have a part to play, but that aside, I think it the song lyrics and the video are both quite clever!

I just had to share.

Consider it your reward for making it through this entire post!

Gym Class Heroes "Stereo Hearts" (ft Adam Levine) from Hiro Murai on Vimeo.

And happy Friday!!

Halloween Happenings!

I should probably make a disclosure right off the bat: I love The Muppets and everything created by Jim Henson. 

I felt it only fair for you to understand what a crucial role The Muppets, and thus, Jim Henson had in my upbringing. You see, The Muppets were a Sunday night ritual at our house. My mother refused to make dinner on Sunday nights so we were all left to fend for ourselves {I really should begin this tradition in my own home come to think of it}. 

Probably because neither of us could assemble anything resembling a meal on our own, my dad and I quickly formed an alliance. Every Sunday night we'd piece together some sort of "meal" and sit down together in time to watch The Muppets. Every Sunday night. No one else in the family joined us. It was our time. We both adored The Muppets and laughed like crazy though the entire show. My favorite, of course, was Miss Piggy. My dad felt a particular fondness for the grouchy old men in the balcony. 

It was sacred father / daughter time. 

Ten and even twenty years later, when The Muppets were no longer televised on Sunday nights and when I no longer lived at home with my dad, we would still talk every Sunday night at precisely that same time. It was still our sacred time though the medium through which we connected had changed. 

So you see, when I say Jim Henson had a crucial role in my upbringing I'm really not exaggerating.  

And now The Jim Henson Company is impacting a whole new generation through PBS Kids programming, books and more! 

I was recently provided with one free copy of The Spooky Scavenger Hunt to review and one to giveaway!


The Spooky Scavenger Hunt is a darling adventure featuring the characters from the PBS Kids series Dinosaur Train. Mr. Pteranodon takes Buddy and Tiny on a nighttime trip to the Big Pond for a spooky nature walk. The characters use their senses to navigate this nighttime scavenger hunt! Simple read-aloud fun for kids ages 3-6! 

Of course, that is not all The Jim Henson Company has to offer this Fall.  

A new episode of the Dinosaur Train - Haunted Roundhouse / Big Pond Pumpkin Patch premieres on October 20th on PBS Kids and repeats on the 24th, 28th, 30th and 31st!

In Haunted Roundhouse, dad takes the kids on a special Night Train to Troodon Town, where the Troodons have decoratedtheir Roundhouse into a “haunted house” for a spooky party. The kids end up meeting a strange new nocturnal creature – a mammal named Vlad Volaticotherium, who was hiding in the roundhouse trying to get some sleep. And in Big Pond Pumpkin Patch, the Pteranodon family learns more about the customs of their neighbors, the Lambeosaurus family, when they are invited for the first time to accompany them to the Big Pond to celebrate “Gourd Day” – a kind of Mesozoic Halloween. The kids see their first pumpkins, and Larry Lambeosaurus even shows our family how to hollow them out and carve faces into them. Too fun! 

And whether your little tike is enthralled by Buddy, the main character of Dinosaur Train, or Tiny, his little green friend, there is a Halloween costume to please even the pickiest Pteranodon!

Tiny

Buddy

You can purchase these darling costumes or, for those who are little more adventurous {read: have a crafty bone in her body} they provide patterns for a sew and a no sew option!   

Seriously - how cute is that?!

If dinosaurs aren't your thing check out the new episode of Sid the Science Kid - Spooky Science Special which premieres TODAY {and repeats on the 25th, 28th, 30th and 31st}! There is even a make-your-own Sid the Science Kid costume!


Giveaway details: 

The Jim Henson Company will provide one lucky reader with a free copy of The Spooky Scavenger Hunt book!

Mandatory Entry: 
Follow The Jim Henson Company on Facebook - www.facebook.com/hensoncompany - and Twitter - www.twitter.com/hensonparents {both actions required for valid entry}.

Leave a comment here telling me you've done both.

Additional Entries: 
Follow PBS Kids on Facebook - www.twitter.com/pbskids {one entry}.
Follow PBS Kids on Twitter - www.facebook.com/pbskids {one entry}.
Follow me on Twitter - www.twitter.com/amyeatlivelaugh {one entry}.
Follow me on Facebook - www.facebook.com/EatLiveLaughShop {one entry}.

Leave a separate comment here for each entry.

Rules (aka the fine print): 
You must be 18 years of age and a U.S. citizen to enter. Chances of winning are based upon number of entries received. The contest will run from Monday, October 17th through, Friday, October 21st at Noon CST. A winner will be selected from all eligible entires using Random.org. The winner must provide me with his or her mailing address within 48 hours of notification or another winner will be selected.