AdvoCare Spark® Energy Drink

What: AdvoCare Spark® Energy Drink
Why it's my one of my favorite things:  I love to get that boost of energy in the morning, but don't enjoy the taste of coffee. I also don't like the crash of other energy drinks, and soda is high in calories and sugar. This drink gives me that energy boost with no crash. 
Pros: This drink will give you a kick of energy and best of all it is sugar free, only 45 calories and great tasting. Comes in packets or a canister, Grape is my favorite flavor. Includes 21 vitamins, minerals and nutrients.  Unpaid endorsers such as Drew Brees love spark!
Cons: Can only be ordered online.
How: Visit my AdvoCare website! 
 * please note that I enjoy this product thoroughly, however I must inform you that I do distribute the product for a profit. 

Portillio's Hot Dogs and Fries

What: Portillio's Hot Dogs and Fries
Why it's my one of my favorite things:  In my many moves, I have searched and searched for place to buy a "real" Chicago hot dog like Portillio's, however I have been unsuccessful. A real Chicago hot dog includes: poppy seed bun, mustard, tomato, peppers, pickle, onion, and relish. While many have tried by topping a hot dog with all the correct ingredients, the key to the best Chicago style hot dog is the DOG! At Portillo's you will find the dog is perfectly prepared and is slender. The fries are outstanding!  A taste you will not forget!

Pros: Tastes great. Excellent price and filling.
Cons: Mostly in the Chicagoland areas. Dogs can be shipped and they are good, but not the same as the actual dogs at the restaurant.
How: Visit one of the Chicagoland (a few stores in IN and CA) locations or visit http://www.portillos.com/ to find a location near you.

Angels & Demons

What: Angels & Demons, movie starring Tom Hanks, book by Dan Brown. The book was a prequel to the Da Vinci Code, however the movies were released in reverse. 
Why it's my one of my favorite things:  The book is an outstanding read. I recommend the illustrated version so you can see the photos and symbols they are referring to while reading.  The plot is well developed and provides the reader with a great action packed suspense story.  Set in Vatican City the movie provides a glimpse into the Catholic church and the ceremonial process of electing a pope.  This provides not only an interesting story, but a look back historically.


The movie stays true to the story in the book. Tom Hanks does an excellent job in the film.  A very well made movie with all the bells and whistles.
Pros: Great action packed suspense story and very true to the book. 
Cons: For people that are very religious it does show conspiracy in the church and can be offensive to those with strong religious beliefs.
How: Now out on DVD for your renting pleasure. 

Cocktail Rings from Pier One Imports

What: Cocktail rings from Pier One Imports
Why it's my one of my favorite things:  The photos do not do these rings justice, they truly are the BLING! They are really dazzling! My two favorites are the purple and white circular ring, and the pink five tiered ring. 
Pros: Shiny, adjustable, fun and only $12!
Cons: None that I know of!
How: Go to the Pier One website to check them out and find a store near you.

Participate in a Light the Night Walk

What: Participate in the Light the Night walk. Take a short stroll with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society under the night sky as red and white balloons light up the sky.  The event is a short walk and is suitable for all fitness levels and kids.  The participants are charged a registration fee and receive a t-shirt and balloon. Survivors receive a survivors balloon. It truly is a beautiful walk and inspiring to see all the people in support of the cause and the survivors. Teams can be formed and there are awards for top fundraisers. 
Why it's my one of my favorite things:  It is a somber event, but really has an emotional impact on participants.  I cannot tell you how inspiring it is to see everyone come together for a cause.
Pros: Short commitment, inspiring, all fitness levels can participate, kid friendly, fun.
Cons: A short distance and many people walking are not there for fitness so if you are a walker or runner you may find the crowds to hinder your exercise.
How: Go to the Light the Night website to find an event near you. You will hear from the chapter after completing the form.

DO IT, you will not regret it!

Event with Team in Training

What: Participate in an endurance event with Team In Training. Train with a team and complete an endurance event while raising money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. You can hike, run, walk, cycle, or do a triathlon. Even if you have never done any of the events before, they provide training, support and a great life changing experience.
Why it's my one of my favorite things:  This is a life changing experience, the energy, support and people are amazing. They have become some of my greatest friends. They truly care about the cause and are so positive and upbeat about the program. I was able to complete something that only 3% of the population can say they have done; a marathon. Now I have done over 30 endurance events and I am addicted. I have raised over $20,000 for blood cancer and truly feel I have made a difference.
Pros: The program is designed to take a person from start to finish, regardless of fitness level. The fundraising support is also very helpful. The event is so amazing and is truly life changing.
Cons: This is a several month commitment, over 5 months for some seasons. And early morning trainings on a weekend.
How: Go to the Team In Training website to find an event near you. You will hear from the chapter after completing the form.

DO IT, you will not regret it!