the only person you are hurting is yourself...

How many of you have a specific brand  that you love? Nike, Adidas, Under Armour ? 

Don't lie-- most of us get caught up in one brand and stick to it. Thats awesome, and I don't judge you if you do! I LOVE Nike. I buy Nike, shorts, shirts, sports bras and SHOES. I'm going to be 100% honest when I say that I've never owned a brand of athletic shoe, other than Nike. 

You are welcome Nike, I am sure I contribute to your annual income. 

BUT-- there is a problem with this. Myself, like I'm sure many others of you out there always goes for the cutest shoe. I like to think I have a very specific style, and even when it comes to athletic-wear I try to let it shine through. 

This is where the problem lies. The "cutest-shoes-ever" that I have been running in, are not right for my feet. And the super cute shoes YOU are running in, are probably wrong for your feet as well. There is no type of running shoe out there that is right for every single person; and unless you are a running expert I highly doubt that you know what type of shoe you need! 

I WAS running in these: 

Nike Free 2 

Before that, these were my go-to shoes...

Nike Dual Fusion 

Cute, fashionable, and lightweight. I love lightweight shoes. However, there was a problem. Once I began running more frequently-- about 12-15 miles per week, I began to see bruising all over my toes. Yeah, not attractive. I knew that if I had the intention of taking running more seriously that I needed to be fitted for proper shoes for ME! Not just the cutest Nike's out there. 

pronate.

So this past week I headed to a local running store, hoping they'd just point me in the right direction. Not only did they point me in the right direction, the pointed me toward a treadmill and told me to get running (for about 1 minute). UGH. This was called a Gait Analysis. A Gait Analysis simply analyzes the way you run, and if you pronate or supinate. 

Pronate: rolling inward of the foot 

Supinate:  rolling outward 

via. 

Symptoms of excessive supination and pronation? 

• Arch pain
• Heel pain
• Flat feet
• Corns and calluses
• Ankle sprains
• Shin Splints
• Achilles tendonitis
• Knee pain
• Hip pain
• Back pain

Almost EVERYONE has a slight pronation or supination on their foot -- you just may not know it yet! Personally for me, I have a very slight pronation which means I need shoes with a little more support to straighten my ankle/foot out. People with severe pronation need more support, and less of a pronation can go with a more barefoot-feel shoe.

So after my FREE Gait Analysis, I got 3 different shoes to try on. They were all, so different looking from anything I would ever, ever pick out... and none of them were Nike... what?!

To save your time and make a long story short, about an hour after deliberating and trying/re-trying on shoes after shoes, I came to a decision! 

Brooks Pure Cadence 

I had literally never heard of Brooks before, but in the running world, they are 'legit'. 

I ran with them for the first time last night, and my feet are SO happy. These shoes will be crossing the finish line, in my first half marathon in August! I am beyond excited. 

So after reading this short novel I hope that you realize a few things: 

• You are probably wearing the wrong type of shoes for your feet. 
• It is important to go to a running store and get fitted. 
• Buy shoes 1/2 size bigger than your normal street shoe size-- feet swell when you run. 
• Gait Analysis's aren't just for people who run a lot-- it's important to get analyzed to correct current problems early before you do serious damage. 
• There is a shoe specifically out there for you! 
• Sometimes you have to choose "function over fashion" ... I quote my dad on that one (; 

Sponsor Spotlight: Robin, Lindsay, Lesley

Phew-- and just like that, it's the last Wednesday in May! 

Time has FLOWN by! 

Here are the last two sponsors for May! Lets give them a big welcome by showing their blogs some love! 

First up is Robin from Stories to Tell 

Hey, friends :)
I'm Robin and I blog over at Stories To Tell.  I'm fairly new to the blogging
world but I love it so far!  It's an awesome way to keep in touch with friends
and family and I've loved meeting some lovely women along with
reading some awesome daily reads!
I'm a twenty-something girl who loves life and everything it has to
offer!  I work full time and go to school full time for elementary
edcuation so I have a very busy life but it's all I know :)
Life can get so hectic sometimes but I really try hard to take a few moments
to just blog my little heart out and keep up with lovely women and their blogs.
The number one reason I started blogging was because of my New Year's
resolution: to take one picture a day for a whole year.  I wanted a
cool place to put the pictures, and had just started to read blogs and
I thought it sounded like a wonderful idea!
So, if you come over and say hey, you'll see a picture a day for every
day this year!
Hope to hear from you all and come over and stay awhile! :)
And thank you again, Leigh Anne, for allowing me to say hey!

Next is Lindsay from Every Day Life 

Hey everyone! I'm Lindsay from Every Day Life! I'm a college student studying Mass Communications with a heart for the Lord. I'm into everything I can possibly be in and I stay active and busy all the time. I had a beautiful family and fabulous friends. God has placed so many blessings in my life and I thank Him daily for all this He is doing for me and will continue to do. I love life and remember that each day that I have I can never get back so I better take all the chances and opportunities that I have. I'm spunky and outgoing, I don't want life to pass me by without my living it as much as I can."

about the blog:

Every Day Life is a place for me to share my thoughts, ideas, and sometimes craziness! I post about DIY craft projects, makeup, fashion, clothes, hair, and everything that could possibly be in between. I like to keep it fresh and new and down to earth. I love sharing my ideas with others and hearing about theirs as well. Every Day Life would love to have you come over and take a peek, even become a follower if you're up to it :) I promise you won't be disappointed!"

Lesley 

Homecoming Recap

2 Weeks disconnected from reality and you really get behind on .... well, everything! 

I know I'm slacking so today I thought I'd share some photos with you all from the past two weeks. 
We had such a blast, and in our opinion... literally the best two weeks of our lives. 

Only 4 more months until another Welcome Home... but this time it will be for good (: 

Welcome Back

AH! I'm back in blog land/ reunited with technology. 

The past 2 weeks I haven't been blogging/reading blogs at all because my husband had his 2 weeks of leave from Afghanistan! As sad as I am to be apart yet AGAIN, I am glad that now I can count down the days until deployment is finally over. I am beyond excited to know that the next time I see him will be in Alaska, in our new home, getting ready to actually live our lives as a married couple for more than 4 months. 

On another note, happy Memorial Day. Words cannot describe how much appreciation, respect, and gratitude I have for those who have served and are serving our country now. If I could name all of my friends and family to thank them all, I would. Please remember the reason you have this long weekend and why you have the freedom to be doing the things you do! 

I have some major e-mail catching up to do and I will be getting that done TODAY! So, if you haven't heard from me by Wednesday, please send me another e-mail asking me why the heck I haven't responded (: 

Over the past 2 weeks, I ate total garbage. And quite honestly I have no shame in it. It was my 2 week break from reality and I was not going to count calories and worry about what I was eating. We totally indulged for the whole 16 days and quite frankly, I think we kept Chipotle in business (; 

With that said-- I have some major catching up to do, when it comes to working out and eating right. I am starting some new things for myself come June 1st, and I will be sure to tell you all about them! 

I hope you all have a fantastic and safe Memorial day! I will be catching up on life for the next couple days-- back to reality! Thank you all for your patience during my two week hiatus! 

Clean Eating Week: Clean Eating Club

Day #4 of Clean Eating Week and I am so thankful for all these lovely guest bloggers! 

Today I bring you the Clean Eating Club-- Jennifer and Jennifer! How fun is that ?

I'll let them tell you a little more about their blog and what they're all about! 

Thanks so much!

xo  Leigh Anne 

---------------------------------------------------

Clean Eating Club is a blog dedicated to helping others live the clean
eating lifestyle.  Jennifer Esposito and Jennifer Murray are both busy,
30-something moms determined to give their families the most nutritious
foods in the simplest ways possible. Both are passionate about the
benefits of eating a clean diet and the changes eating clean has made in
their lives, they hope to not only spread the word about what a clean
diet can do for others, but also inspire people to take charge of their
own health by embracing this simple, wholesome way of life.

Jenn’s Clean Eating Green Smoothie

One way we love ensuring that we (and our kids) get in those much needed servings of fruits and vegetables every day is by experimenting with and coming up with new smoothie recipes.  Not only are smoothies quick and easy to make and take few ingredients, but it is very difficult to make a smoothie that doesn’t fall under the concept of clean eating.

For those of you who aren’t a fan of spinach, don’t let the ingredients in this recipe deter you from trying this because you can’t even taste the spinach in it.

Ingredients:

8 oz. unsweetened coconut milk

1 large banana, chunked and frozen

1/3 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

1 tbsp. natural peanut butter

1 cup baby spinach

Directions:

Starting with the coconut milk, add the first 4 ingredients to your blender and blend until almost smooth.  Add 1 cup of baby spinach and blend again until completely smooth or desired consistency.

Sponsor Spotlight: Between The Lines //Along The Way With Rae// My Green Pen

Happy Happy Happy Wednesday... Friday is only 2 days away (: 

Today we have  3 fantastic blog friends of mine, for some sponsor spotlight action!

Go show their blogs some love and tell them I sent you! 

First is Laura from Between the Lines 

Hello, Hart to Heart readers! I'm Laura. I post over at Between the Lines, a little blog that's grown so much since it began in 2009. I started as an Army girlfriend in 2004, became an Army fiancee in 2007, and finally an Army wife in 2008. My husband and I have a 15-month-old named Ethan, and you'll likely see more of him on my blog than of me. :) I am a part-time student, and I dabble in lots: I'm a part-time pharmacy technician, I have my own photography business, and I'm a Scentsy Director. I blog about my life and my faith, with lots of photos, and a touch of recipes and crafts from time to time. You can also find me on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram (name: laurabarndt) and Pinterest. Hope you'll stop by for a visit. :)

Next up is Rachel from Along the Way With Rae 

My name is Rachel, and I blog over at Along The Way With Rae. My parents call me "Rae" all the time and I love that nickname, but no one else calls me that, so hence my use of "Rae" in my blog name :) I am a 20-something, college student, new to the blogging world. I've had my blog for about 3 months now, and I must say that I LOVE BLOGGING and all of the wonderful bloggers out there. Blogging is my outlet. It's my way to express myself and get my thoughts out there. I am a Christian gal, and God is, and always will be at the center of my life and at the core of my blog. I love being encouraged by other Christian bloggers and wanted to do the same! You will also find the musings and randoms of my every day life and experiences, fitness tips, wedding inspiration {I'm not engaged or married, but I LOVE weddings!}, style inspiration, or anything else that may be on my mind or heart. Now come on over and say hi, I love meeting new people, and it would make my day if you were one of them! :) 


Last but not least is Laura from My Green Pen 

Hello! Let me introduce myself, I'm Laura and I have a simple lifestyle blog called my green pen. I started my blog on the spur of the moment. I didn't plan on writing a blog. In fact, I never thought anyone would be interested in what I have to say. I'm so excited because I have actual followers!! I have made so many connections through my blog. When I started my blog (on the spur of the moment) I never imagined I would make  friends through it but, I have. I'm very thankful for all of the gals that take time to read what I have to say and comment. Anywho, enough about my blog! Here's a little about me.

I am married to a guy I never imagined would be "my type," we are not having children, I love children and work with them everyday, we have a cat named Whidbey (after where we went on our honeymoon), I'm recently into sci-fi everything, would love to have an endless budget for clothes, I read every night before I go to bed, I love routine and being organized, I caught a creative bug last summer and started an Etsy shop...I'd really love to tell you more about myself but I'm afraid you'd get bored. If you'd like to get to know me more come on over and visit me at www.mygreenpen.blogspot.com.

Do you like to wear your hair in a pony? If so, you're in luck! Visit poppyandpippa.com. For any purchase over $15 in my Etsy shop you will get THREE FREE HAIR TIES! Just mention you read this blog during check out.

Clean Eating Week: He and She Eat Clean

Day# 3 of Clean Eating Week! I hope you are all loving this as much as I am! I am so excited for todays guest blogger, Tiffany from He and She Eat Clean. They have an awesome blog with fantastic recipes as well as health and fitness tips! Thank you so much for participating in Clean Eating Week! 

xo Leigh Anne 

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Hi Everyone! I am so glad to be joining you today – when Leigh Anne contacted us about guest posting, I was thrilled! Here’s a little introduction: I’m Tiffany, a Co-Editor and one of the “Shes” from HeandSheEatClean.com and an aspiring fitness model (as is our other “She”, Whitney).  We started blogging as an outlet to connect with others and really share our love of Clean Eating!

Today, I wanted to share with you our version of “The Belly Buster” Protein Shake – Mango Crush, originally posted in Oxygen Magazine in May 2012. With a few slight variations from their original recipe, we have really kicked up the protein and lowered the sugars!  Here goes….

“The Belly Buster” Protein Shake – Mango Crush

Ingredients:

1 medium mango – peeled and cut into slices/cubes (Can also substitute ¾ cup frozen mango pieces)

½ cup 2% plain Greek Yogurt (I used Fage brand)

1 scoop Vanilla Whey Protein (My favorite is Champion Nutrition Pure Whey Protein Stack)

4 oz water

1 cup ice

Directions:

Blend all ingredients together!

Mets:

Calories: 290

Carbs: 28g

Sugars: 24g

Protein: 39g

Fat: 2g

Hope you enjoy the recipe!

Tiffany

Clean Eating Week: 100 Days of Real Food

Today is day #2 of Clean Eating week and I have a wonderful recipe to share with you from Lisa, at 100 Days of Real Food! Lisa was kind enough to allow me to raid her blog and pick a recipe that I thought you all would love! So... I did, and I think you all will enjoy! 

First, a little bit about Lisa and 100 Days of Real Food. Lisa's blog is packed full of information that is great for those of us new to clean eating/ cutting out processed foods. I use her blog as a daily resource. Whats started her blog was a 100 day challenge for her family of four. Their challenge began in May of 2010 and it entailed 100 full days without ANY processed or refined foods. WOW! You can even go back and read the 100 days of posts from 2010, which is something that was very motivational to me. Beyond their initial 100 day challenge they also had mini chalenges such as 100 days of real food on a budget, 100 days of real food mini-pledge, and the 10 days of real food pledge. 

She is lovely, her blog is beyond motivational and I highly recommend you check it out! 

Blog// Twitter// Facebook// 

Homemade Sushi (with brown rice)

Ingredients

• 3 cups short-grain brown rice (Some packages of white rice specifically say “sushi rice” on them, but you don’t see this label as often on brown rice.  I’ve found that any short-grain variety is adequate.)
• 4 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
  
• ½ pound raw shrimp (or cooked real crab…please do not buy anything labeled as an imitation!)
• ½ pound raw sushi-grade tuna or salmon
• 2 carrots, peeled
• 1 cucumber, peeled
• 1 or 2 avocados (depending on how much you like them)
• 1 package of Nori (seaweed sheets)
• Necessary supplies: bamboo rolling mats, saran wrap, cutting boards, a very sharp knife, soy sauce (and little dishes for dipping), chopsticks (which can be modified with a rubber band and piece of paper for the little ones), and a flat wooden or bamboo spoon
• Optional supplies: toasted sesame seeds, wasabi, pickled ginger, toothpicks or skewers, and a bowl of water (to dip your fingers and spoon in to keep the rice from sticking)

Directions

1. Cook the brown rice according to the package directions.
2. Before cooking the shrimp stick a skewer or toothpick through each one from end-to-end so they will be “straight” after they are done cooking and will therefore be easy to cut into strips. Boil the skewered shrimp in the water for 3 – 5 minutes or until they are firm.
3. Chop the cooked shrimp, raw fish, peeled carrots, and peeled cucumber into little julienned strips (pictured above). Similarly, slice the avocado(s), but save them for last since they could start to turn brown.
4. Once the rice is done stir in the rice wine vinegar. Some sushi recipes also call for sugar to be added to the rice, but we think it tastes just fine without it. Also, it is best to use a wooden or bamboo spoon when handling the rice.
   
5. Cut the sheets of nori in half long ways.
6. Cover the bamboo mats with plastic wrap.
7. Now it is time to get started (see pictures to the right and below)!
   • We think it is best for each person to either have their own cutting board and bamboo mat or at least only have to share their items with one other person.
   • Lay 1 of the half sheets of nori along the bottom of the plastic covered bamboo mat.
   • Completely cover the top of nori with a thin, uniform layer of rice.
   • If you prefer the nori to be on the outside of your sushi roll then leave it the way it is with the rice on top.  If you like the rice to be on the outside (like me) then flip it over like I did in the picture.
     
   • Make a nice and neat row along the very bottom edge of the nori with whatever ingredients you’d like on the inside.
   • Using the bamboo mat as an aide roll it over as tightly as you can and keep rolling until it is closed up completely. Then squeeze down on the roll with a little force to really secure it together.
   • If the rice is on the outside (like the picture) we think it is best to lay a little piece of saran wrap over the top of the roll before cutting it. Using a sharp knife cut through the plastic and the roll until you have the desired number of pieces of sushi.
   • We believe in eating as we go when we have to work this hard for our food so enjoy!

Yield: 4 – 6 Servings

Information and recipes used with permission from Lisa Leake: http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/

Clean Eating Week! Tiffany McCauley

I am beyond thrilled about this week of blog posts I have in store for you all!

Back in April I decided that I wanted to dedicate a majority of a week to "clean eating"! 

A while back I blogged about Clean Eating, you can read it here. 

I am not perfect at practicing clean eating, nor am I an old pro at clean eating recipes --but I contacted some real clean eating pro's to share their recipes specifically for Hart to Heart readers! 

I truly hope you all get a little something out of this week and realize how wonderful clean eating is! 

Today Tiffany is sharing a recipe with you all-- she has a beyond amazing blog and she is also a cookbook author! 

 You can buy her cookbook here on Amazon -- this is my latest purchase and I have no regrets, I cannot wait to get moved into my new house, bust out my kitchen supplies and put this to use! 

Without further ado... here's Miss. Tiffany! 

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I'd like to give a big thank you to Leigh Anne for allowing me to guest post today! Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Tiffany McCauley and I publish a blog about clean eating recipes, TheGraciousPantry.com. I'm also a cookbook author and full time Mama to one very active four year old boy who I like to call Mini Chef.

Cooking is my passion and I especially enjoy converting unhealthy favorites to something clean, delicious and just as comforting as the original.

I also create many original recipes right in my home kitchen and can spend an entire day cooking if my schedule permits. This recipe is a case in point.

Barley is not something we eat a lot of in our house, and for no particular reason other than I just don't think to cook it very often. But a bag of barley caught my eye at the store the other day, so I brought it home and got to work. I ended up with this delicious side dish. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as my family and I did.

Garlic and Sage Barley

•  4 cups low sodium chicken broth, no sugar added
•  1 cup pearl barley
•  1 tsp. garlic powder
•  1/2 tsp. ground sage
•  1/4 tsp. poultry seasoning

Bring broth and spices to a boil and pour in barly. Cook for about 

35-40 minutes or until the barley is cooked through.

*Cooking times may vary. Cook until the broth is nearly completely cooked out.

Serve with chicken or turkey and a side of veggies.