Here’s a great “Friend’s Find”: Marcia posted about a new FREE program called Thrive Forward developed by Canadian plant-based endurance athlete, and VEGA foods creator, Brendan Brazier. I think Marcia’s description is spot on, “It’s a treasure trove of great nutrition and lifestyle information too good to miss.” You start by taking a quick survey and then the program is tailored for you or you can see all of the lessons which include: clean eating 101, digestion, energy, immune function, aging, mood, sport edition, weight, sex, sleep and sustainability.
If you sign up you’ll receive 12 chapters, 40+ video lessons, and a personalized learn-at-your-own-pace lesson plan to help you navigate a wealth of ideas. I am going to start with “Sleep” this weekend! I need that one.
Each lesson shows you how to act on what you have learned. Like this:
You also receive:
- Emailed tips: helpful take-away tips reinforce what you’re learning, and encourage you to make changes that work with your life
- Action items: apply what you learn in each lesson, and share tips and tricks with others in this adventure with you
- Supplemental materials: including recipes, meal plans, shopping lists, charts, printable reference guides, in-depth articles, and more
Pretty awesome, huh? And you don’t have to be “plant-based” to learn great stuff that you can apply to improve your diet and lifestyle. And it’s all FREE! Even more reason to love Brendan and VEGA foods. Also, if you share articles and tips, you can be entered to win awesome prizes. Check it out HERE.
Amy for Strong Inside Out had a tip that really helped me this week:
I am generally outgoing, and not scared to ask for help or try new things, but I can be anxious about taking on new roles. Amy’s reminder to “Just give YOU” helped me to say an emphatic, “yes, of course”, when Katie and Kelly from the Chicago Running Bloggers asked me to be on the sponsorship committee for the new Run for Boston 5k that they (I mean WE) are planning for June 15th. Our goal is to raise funds from sponsors so that 100% of race entry fees can benefit the Who Says I Can’t Foundation and directly to support the rehabilitation of those who lost limbs as a result of the terrorist attack at the Boston Marathon.
Those are big shoes to fill and I have not always had the easiest time asking for money/things from others. Well, it has gotten easier for me asking for goods to give away here. I just have to remind myself that the worst thing that can happen is that someone will say “no”. Then, I can ask the next potential sponsor – right? I may need some pep talks! But, I also got some great news from Katie – lots of people are already contacting us!
Well, this is a great cause and an awesome grassroots effort. You can learn more HERE and enter to run in Chicago or virtually (wherever you are) HERE. Great motivation for avid runners or newbies. Want to do that Couch to 5k program once and for all? Get to it and join us!
And if you work for a company that may be interested in sponsoring or donating goods for the race, please do let me know at erica@ericafinds.com! I will find out all of the details soon and keep you all posted.
I found a lot of great deals this week, too, because like lipstick, good deals make me feel a little bit better:
> I mentioned the great prices at the Tarte Cosmetics Sample Sale yesterday. Lots of great cosmetics still available!
> My most popular post ever was about Chicago Area Runners Association Discounts. Check out the discounts and join for $5 off with the code CARAFIVE.
> In the “I am sure I would not want to do this, but someone must want to” category, Living Social has $25 for the Tomato Blast event at Soldier Field on 7/27 (normally $55)
> Get 2 years Travel and Leisure for $18 – one year free! (Includes online access to this great magazine!)
> In Chicago, try Peeled 3 day cleanse for $97 (normally $195) from Google offers.
> Rue La La is back with one of my favorite deals – 2 nights at Canyon Ranch Spa in Miami for 2 includes $100 spa credit and breakfast for 2 and all fitness classes, beach, pool, etc. for $739. It’s a great deal! I am about to take advantage of this with my RU gals for the third year in a row!
> As usual, great stuff from Gilt City:
- Check out 50% off vouchers for Cureeo – a website that offers a wide variety of one of a kind art pieces for a wide range of budgets. Cool!
- Get 50% off on supplements from eBoost
- Getting married? Save 69% on name change services from I’m a Mrs. (Only $15!) Who knew?
- Also – free – click HERE to get a 25% off coupon for J. Crew Outlet (in store or online)
- This looks fun! Check out 40-45% off on Love is Art Kits for couples. Be creative, have fun and show your work. I like it!
- In Chicago, check out 56% off on a closet cleanse and shopping with KS Style Consulting (I can vouch for Katie!), $85 for 30 days at the Bar Method (60% off!) and other great Chicago deals.
- In NYC, get 40% off on prepped local, gourmet meals to prepare from Chefday, 40 – 50% off on Plyo/Kangoo classes with Mario Godiva or other great NYC deals.
- In LA, get great deals at the Charleston in Santa Monica and more great LA deals.
> Healthy Chic has a bunch of great curated sales including Pro Compression Socks, Miir bottles, Click Protein, Precise Portions, Anjali Yoga and more. Check it out. A portion of every sale goes to feed a hungry child.
> Lifebooker Loot also has KS Style Consulting in Chicago – $39 for a Two Hour Closet Cleanse! Great deal.
That’s all I have for now. I hope that you all have a good weekend. Let me know if you find anything new!