Yep, you’ve heard the saying Don’t judge a book by the cover, same applies to people!

There’s a lot of judging going on lately…
online, offline…and why?

People judge others based on personal appearance, job choices, clothing, jewelry, cars, their own insecurities, and a slew of other aspects which simply make no sense whatsoever.
Instead of judging, why not get to know the person before coming to unwarranted opinions?

The car one drives doesn’t make one better than another, so quit looking down on those who don’t drive something as nice as you do.
(side note: there’s nothing wrong with owning a ‘box’ (Scion XB)…be proud of the box…good gas mileage, can reach speeds of 100+ (not that I advise or condone doing that lol), has a lot more space in the inside…kinda like the TARDIS on Dr Who..you know “it’s bigger on the inside”)

Ditto that with clothing and jewelry.
The same person can wear different clothing and be judged based on what they’re wearing, which is totally ridiculous.
Am I not the same person in all these pictures?
Dressed up, in Peace tank top & camo, or in Alo Sportswear, in hippie piecework skirt?!
I’m still me…Tara Burner.
The same person, the clothing does not make me.
So quit judging me on what I wear!

Things do not make a person.
Traits and mannerisms do make a person.
Being compassionate, friendly, caring, outgoing, secure, confident, true and genuine are all much better than someone who’s stuck up, snobby, insecure.

Because someone chooses to have a physical job or an outside job doesn’t make them less a person than the ones sitting in the a/c working 9-5 in their suit. Some people do really enjoy being physical out in the sun and fresh air.

If someone is overweight that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re a glutton. They could have medical issues, they could have physiological/emotional issues they’re dealing with.
Being thin also isn’t a basis for judging and assuming that the person doesn’t eat or has a disorder or anything equally illogical. Some people are blessed with high metabolisms and the ability to stay thin (though I’m not one of those).

You see a woman with short short hair or nearly no hair and think that somehow she’s butch, yet what you don’t know is she just went through chemo and her hair is growing back or perhaps she was so stressed in life that she pulled it all out strand by strand and it’s now growing back.

There’s a woman who is big chested, her boobs are bigger than yours….somehow you justify your judging and condemning her…why?
Boobs do not make a person.
Some wish theirs were bigger, some wish theirs were smaller.
Since we live in a judgmental world, those who are smaller…be glad.
There’s too much drama with being bigger (trust me on this one, I know first hand what nonsense comes from some judgmental people in this area).

Don’t judge the runner next to you…she/he may be running slower than you but they may be running the pace they set. You don’t know their goals, personal records so don’t judge.
Don’t judge the people in the gym with you…you don’t know their backgrounds, and what they’re there to accomplish.
Don’t judge the person on the yoga mat beside you…you don’t know their ambitions and desires, what they want to get out of the class (it really isn’t a contest).

Don’t judge anyone based on their children’s actions.
Don’t judge someone because of their significant other (or lack of a significant other—yes, some of us choose to be single thank you).

And, of course I’m sure most of you know the Bible verse about judging….
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Matthew 7:2 NIV

Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment
John 7:24

But, I especially like this quote about judging people…
When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself ~author unknown

I really like this too because really what you think of someone else (if that someone else is strong enough) won’t bother them, as long as they’re confident in themselves and realize that they need not be affected by your judgements!

I’m going to leave you with some food for thought, instead of immediately jumping to judge someone…get to know them, you may just find that they’re not what you thought!
Your judging could also affect people and their livelihood, their ability to provide for their family, work, and enjoy life…or if the person you’re judging is determined & strong they won’t be defeated or put on the sideline by small thinking like yours…they’ll grow, get stronger and prove who’s the better one.

Question of the day:
What do you notice about a person?
their physical appearance or their personality/character?
Have you been unjustly judged?

I met Coco on Twitter and she’s this week’s Fitspo Feature!
See how she changed her life.

Q: Have you always lived a healthy fit lifestyle?
I didn’t understand healthy living until about 10 years ago. Although I played sports as a child and took the occasional aerobics as an adult, I didn’t really understand the importance of regularly exercise or healthy eating. When I graduated from law school I was 40 lbs overweight and on the verge of having high blood pressure. That finally motivated me to lose weight, which I managed to do without exercising. I finally got on the exercise bandwagon when I realized that I needed to build muscle and burn calories to keep the weight off. I’ve been at my goal weight for over 10 years now, and really enjoy healthy nutritious food and lots of different types of exercise.

Q: What keeps you going, motivated?
I really enjoy how I feel when I am eating right and being active. I have more energy and a more positive outlook.

Q: What is your favorite workout?
Running, especially speed intervals–I love those endorphins.

Q: What are some of your goals?
To stay fit and active through my 40s and into my 50s and beyond! Next year I already have two Half Marathons on my calendar.

Q: What are some of your accomplishments or things you’re proud of?
I am proud that I have been able to adopt a healthy lifestyle and make it stick despite having a demanding, stressful and sedentary job.

Q: What is one random fact we should know about you?
My husband is my high school sweetheart.

Q: What words of advice would you like to leave the readers?
Run your own race — which means set your own goals and make your own plan to reach them, without comparing yourself to others or what you think you “should” do.

You can follow Coco on Twitter: @Got2Run4Me
Her blog is Got2Run4Me.wordpress.com

Yoga Triangle Pose
Yes, today’s Tuesday…

T word for the day- Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)

source

Stand in Tadasana. With an exhalation, step or lightly jump your feet 3 1/2 to 4 feet apart.
Raise your arms parallel to the floor and reach them actively out to the sides, shoulder blades wide, palms down.
Turn your left foot in slightly to the right and your right foot out to the right 90 degrees.
Align the right heel with the left heel.
Firm your thighs and turn your right thigh outward, so that the center of the right knee cap is in line with the center of the right ankle.
Exhale and extend your torso to the right directly over the plane of the right leg, bending from the hip joint, not the waist.
Anchor this movement by strengthening the left leg and pressing the outer heel firmly to the floor.
Rotate the torso to the left, keeping the two sides equally long.
Let the left hip come slightly forward and lengthen the tailbone toward the back heel.
Rest your right hand on your shin, ankle, or the floor outside your right foot, whatever is possible without distorting the sides of the torso.
Stretch your left arm toward the ceiling, in line with the tops of your shoulders.
Keep your head in a neutral position or turn it to the left, eyes gazing softly at the left thumb.
Stay in this pose for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Inhale to come up, strongly pressing the back heel into the floor and reaching the top arm toward the ceiling.
Reverse the feet and repeat for the same length of time to the left.

source

Question of the day
What is your favorite yoga pose?

The Fit For 2012 Challenge is under way now!

For more details and the spreadsheet to track your challenges and to turn in to be entered to win great prizes from GymBoss, Scentsy Circles from Income Wax, along with Whale Tails Chips, EndorphinWarrior.com, Flair Head Bands, Moon-Organics and Achiva Native Energy go here

What is the Fit For 2012 Challenge?
Watch the video and find out!

Sign up for the challenge NOW!

Get  in the 2012 New Year Fitness Guide.
Have your company, business, product be seen by everyone who’s interested in getting back in shape, staying in shape, eating healthy, starting the New Year off on the right foot.
They’re letting 2011 go and taking 2012 to be strong, be healthy, eat properly, exercise and to do that they’re going to need new fitness apparel, yoga wear, fitness gadgets, trainers, nutritional foods, anything that pertains to better health, fitness, body, nutritional food, etc.

There will be fitness, health & nutritional articles within the directory as well.
There are 3 different types of listings or an article submission for your business available.

The 2012 New Year Fitness Guide will be distributed online for free via this blog, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Tumblr, LinkedIn, Google+, Postereous as well as other blogs, sites and newsletters..

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Ad and Article deadline is Dec. 20 If you miss the deadline, there are no refunds, by paying below you agree to these terms.
This allows me ample time to get the guide formatted and online, distributed and people can order in time for the holidays!

If you need assistance with graphics, that can be supplied at additional charge.

If you have any questions, email tara@taraburner.com or phone 866-549-3393
After you’ve paid for your listing, email tara@taraburner.com with the information (graphics, url, description).

Ad rates

-Basic Listing: url with one sentence description $7

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-Article Submission: your article -no specific word count- (including bio) to be included in the guide $10

It’s Saturday, I’m making eclairs for a baby shower this evening.
The landlord has a new a/c unit being put in here right now (yes, remember I am in FL!)
I spent last night helping put up more Christmas lights at my daughter’s aunts & uncles (for those who will get confused by that -someone always asks- that’d be my ex’s sister & BIL just to clarify since anytime I mention anyone it confuses someone!)
And the past week I’ve blogged multiple things about my holidays, weight, fitness so I’m going to combine them all here for Santa Saturday

Look, even Santa’s looking not so bowl full of jelly-ish and he’s on the beach…perhaps on his way here to deliver on my Dear Santa letter…that was tweeted and posted on Facebook in hopes the jolly ole’ man will read and deliver (read disclaimer below)

I’ve also watched Elf once or perhaps more than once, maybe twice or three times

Then came the How To Survive The Holidays Without Gaining Weight post that has some tips on how you can get through the rest of the year without gaining weight!

To compliment the above mentioned, I put out an 25 Days Til Christmas Weight Management & Fitness ebook that you can still grab & start today

Followed up by Fit For 2012 Challenge (which I must say there are some great prizes there as well as the prize of good healthy habits!

And, here we are..22 days before Christmas, I’m loving all the people taking the Fit For 2012 Challenge and hearing their dedication and commitment to taking care of themselves this holiday season (and beyond).

So, while I was called cynical the other day because I’m not putting up a Christmas tree I’m still having fun helping others, sharing with others, doing with/for others!
Isn’t that what it’s really about?

*disclaimer* Before I get trashed by some Christian friends (yes, I am Christian…believe & love God) thought I’d mention that yes, I know Santa isn’t real (though I still wrote Santa a letter as well as prayed to God) and yes, I know it’s about Christ’s birthday but still)

Question of the day
Are you trying to maintain your weight over the holiday season?
Do you put up a Christmas tree?
For those who don’t celebrate Christmas, are you ok with my posting about Santa?
Does anyone not like Elf?

It’s almost that time!

2012 is right around the corner.

While I posted about the 25 day ebook to get you from Dec 1st thru Dec. 25th earlier this morning, this Fit for 2012 challenge goes even further.

You will be challenged to:
1)exercise daily (minimum of 20 minutes)
2)eat breakfast daily
3)drink 6-8 glasses of water daily
4)eat 6-8 servings of veggies & fruits
5)limit your sugar & processed food intake
Doing all the things in the challenge will bring you into the New Year with healthier habits.

You can download the Excel spreadsheet to track all the details of the challenge here

Comment below if you’re going to participate in the challenge.

Tweet your progress on Twitter using #fitfor2012 and @taraburner
When tweeting make sure to use #Fitfor2012 in posts so everyone can keep in touch, support you!
You can also post on Facebook fan page too.

The challenge is officially over on Dec. 31st at midnight; however, my hope is that you’ll continue on with the habits that you will learn during this month!
At the end of the challenge (12/31), email me your spreadsheet by January 7th, 2012.

There will be 3 winners chosen (though you all are winners in my eyes) from those who participate and return their spreadsheet. (you can start at any time so if you come to this after Dec 1st, still GET STARTED!)

The prizes are rolling in….

As many of you know this is my favorite piece of jewelry – UNBREAKABLE from Endorphin Warrior
They are donating a Warrior Training Bracelet (of winners choice)

Thanks to Whale Tails Chips (BTW: I’m addicted to the Hawaiian BBQ ones) they are giving a bag of each of the 3 flavors for the Fit for 2012 Challenge to one winner.

Laurie Ayers is giving 6 total (2 to each of 3 winners) Scentsy Circles that you can hang freely in cars, lockers, closets, throw in gym bag so they won’t stink!

I think most of you know I love my Gymboss Interval Timer…if not, well I do!
Now one of the winners will receive their own compliments of GymBoss

Flair Bands Headbands is giving each of the 3 winners a headband of their choice!
And, they’re also throwing in an extra for an additional lucky winner that will be chosen! Woot!

Moon-Organics is donating a gift pack…the Gift of Softness…for one of the winners!
Consisting of:
one 8 oz bottle of Satin Touch–the only pre-shower skin moisturizer with organic coconut oil that is used before you shower for intense softness after.
one bottle of Eye love This!–a make up remover and eyelash and under eye conditioner with pure apricot seed oil
one jar of Your Softer Side–a hand and body butter with powerful skin softening properties and an intoxicating lemon/lavender scent.
two Kiss Softly sticks–a lip moisturizer that works with your lip color: over or under for all day kissable lips.
All MOON’s products are derived from 100% natural ingredients, without parabens, preservatives, or petroleums. All are “no animal testing” safe.

BondiBand is giving one of their head bands for one of the winners!

Achiva Native Energy is giving a bag of their Achiva™ Native Energy Chia Chai Tea mix!

So, you ready?!

oh, if you need additional guidance and a daily plan you can get the 25 days til Christmas Fitness & Weight Management ebook for just $4.99

or the fitness motivation ebook for $1.99

I have to admit the tag line on Seasnax products is true…
Strangely addictive!

I received 3 Grab & Go Packs and 3 full size sheets packs and they are truly addictive.
I’ve seen others who said they couldn’t eat seaweed but this is really good!

I tried the Classic grab & go pack first…

It’s light and tasty yet not overwhelmingly sea-y if that makes sense!
The Classic is light roasted with a touch of olive oil and sea salt, making this simple yet delicious.

The Chipotle is made with Seaweed, Olive Oil, Sea Salt, Organic Ground Chipotle and is a bit spicy but yet not eye watering nose running type of spicy.
Again, this isn’t fishy or weird tasting either!

Next up was the Toast Onion, made with seaweed, olive oil, onion, sea salt.
The hint of onion makes this a bit different yet tasty. These are a bit salty for my liking but that’s just me.
This would be great to add to soups as well as simply snacking on straight from the bag.

What is SeaSnax
SeaSnax is a nutrient-packed roasted seaweed snack which is vegan, gluten free and Non-GMO Project verified. It is made using 100% olive oil and just a pinch of sea salt. This vegetable of the sea is all natural with no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. SeaSnax is a healthy & delicious snack for you and your family. It tastes great right out of the bag just rip it up and chomp it down!

Highlights of SeaSnax
SeaSnax is the first ever Non-GMO Project Verified roasted seaweed snack that’s vegan and gluten-Free.
There are no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives and Seasnax are ounce for ounce one of the most nutrient packed foods on earth.
They contain no trans fat
No cholesterol
No MSG
No sugar

Benefits of eating seaweed
According to Subhuti Dharmananda, Ph.D. (Director of the Institute for Traditional Medicine in Portland, Oregon), seaweed draws an extraordinary wealth of micronutrients from the sea, including iodine, calcium, sodium, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, copper, and selenium. (In fact, seaweed has a large proportion of iodine compared to dietary minimum requirements. While actual amounts per product vary, the average sheet of nori is estimated to provide 70% of the recommended daily intake of iodine.) Red algae also contains vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin B12 (although many scientists suggest algae conly ontains a close relative of B12, not the real deal our bodies need).

Finally, seaweed lipids also have a higher proportion of essential fatty acids (EFAs) than land plants. Red algae have a high EPA content, a substance mostly found in animals, especially fish. While the amount of EPA and DHA in a sheet of nori varies with the level of nutrients in the ocean while the algae grows, one sheet of nori contains about 0.5 grams of Omega-3 fatty acids.

How to use/eat SeaSnax
You can eat straight from the bag and enjoy.
Add to rice, salads, veggies, soups as well.

All the flavors I tried really were good and were not fishy like most people assume sea weed is.

Who SeaSnax is
SeaSnax is a socially conscious, kid-inspired family business. The founders are moms and dads whose kids eat seaweed like candy. So, we make SeaSnax as if our own kids eat them every day – because they do! We source only the highest quality of seaweed from Korea. We believe it is important to contribute 10% of our annual net profit to non-profit organizations committed to making the world a better and gentler place for our children and our earth.

And, y’all that those points are high in my book of standards!
So besides the fact that SeaSnax are strangely addictive, I like the foundation of their business too!

If you can’t wait to see if you win or not, you can find SeaSnax near you or order order online

The giveaway prize is:
a choice of any flavor case of SeaSnax Grab & Go’s (12/cs) or 4 packs of our full sheet singles in any flavor

Contest open until Dec 9, 2011 11:59 p.m.
Winner will be announced on Dec 10 2011 via email.

Mandatory Entry
Visit seasnax.com and comment on one thing you learned or what flavor you’d like to try.

Additional Entries:
For each thing you do here, you must put it in a new comment for it to count as an entry.
Please do not combine things you do or it’ll only count as one entry in the contest.

Like Seasnax in Facebook
Follow @seasnax on Twitter
Give Seasnax K+ on Klout
Subscribe to their mailing list on the site on right side

Copy & paste this tweet, then when you’re done come back and comment with the link of your tweet
win SeaSnax grab & go or full sheets @seasnax http://wp.me/p1XoKe-2q0 @taraburner #giveaways #seaweed #healthysnacks #vegan

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– Disclaimer: Tara Burner has personally reviewed the product(s) listed
above. Tara has not received any monetary compensation for her review on
this blog. Free product was received by Tara so she could experience it
for the review. Tara’s opinions are honest and unbiased. Tara is not responsible for shipping winning products.

It’s Friday! Fitspo Day!

(Ok so I thought it’d be pretty kewl to have a fitness font, but not sure you can easily make out it says Fitspo Friday?)

Today’s Fitspo Friday Feature is Suzanne a/k/a Workout Nirvana.
I met her on Twitter and have been inspired by her since…

Q: Have you always lived a healthy fit lifestyle?
I was first motivated to lift weights 15 years ago when I realized I had a flat butt! That’s when I taught myself to lift weights at home with a pair of dumbbells and a how-to book. When I felt comfortable with the basics, I joined a gym and fell in love with weight lifting. Prior to being a fitness nut, I smoked on and off, ate junk food, and didn’t exercise much.

Q: What keeps you going, motivated?
I’m most motivated when I’m around the energy of other people, so I love working out a gym. I’ve had to stop exercising a few times in the past, and my main motivator to get back has always been improving my appearance. But now that it’s such an integral part of my life, I’m motivated by the energy and strength working out gives me, plus the intellectual and technical aspects of weight lifting. I don’t mind the aesthetics one bit though!

Q: What is your favorite workout?
I love training my back – it’s a very powerful group of muscles and you can lift very heavy with it. A muscular back is also very attractive and contributes to that desirable “V-shape.” Although chin ups hit primarily the arms, it’s my favorite exercise. Using my own power to lift to my body off the ground is a natural high!

Q: What are some of your goals?
I’m always striving to build more lean muscle mass, particularly in my glutes, hamstrings, and shoulders. Other goals include building explosive power, increasing my set range, and defining/uncovering my abs further.

Q: What are some of your accomplishments or things you’re proud of?
So many things! I’m excited about becoming a NASM-certified Personal Trainer and changing careers at this stage of my life. I’m also proud of being able to help people through my blog – it’s been a life-changing experience that propelled me into a new career and has connected me with amazing people. One more thing: I’m happy with what I’ve accomplished physically. The muscle I’ve added through heavy lifting is really something I don’t mind showing off.

Q: What is one random fact we should know about you?
My first job was at a women’s health club at age 15. I started as the babysitter in a tiny room and then they moved me to fitness instructor. I had absolutely no training, and in fact made up some of the exercises! When I was done leading the class I walked home.

Q: What words of advice would you like to leave the readers?
Know your goals. Visualize very clearly what you want your body to look and feel like. Keep this visualization in your mind at all times and live your life based on it. All the while abandoning fitness myths and educating yourself about how to get there. The most important step? To GO – and don’t let anything stand in your way.

Certifications/Education
NASM-Certified Personal Trainer
Technical Writer with B.A. in Journalism

You can find Suzanne a/k/a Workout Nirvana at:
Twitter: @WorkoutNirvana
On Facebook – WorkoutNirvana
and her site workoutnirvana.com

This is short and sweet this morning because I’m dealing with massive migraine (yes, still)…
Was out late late bringing daughter back from Mac Miller concert (lots of double M’s today…motivation monday, massive migraine, mac miller)
And, now before she goes out of town a 10 a.m. showing of Breaking Dawn…

so here’s your motivating thought…
Make it happen…
whatever you want to achieve…
make it happen!

Stop thinking, start doing…
Stop regretting, start living…
Make things happen…

Question of the day
What are you going to make happen?