It's an exciting prospect--getting so much feedback from women about their sizes, their questions, their support for our heart&core brand! Yes, we've heard a lot, and now our company resolutions are set--to grow and to support women truly of all shapes and sizes! Like our resolution to continue growing our selection, improving our customer service and streamlining our business processes, we need to do it one step at a time...much like all of our personal resolutions.

What are your resolutions for 2011? Are you getting specific enough so that you can stick to a goal--not impossible but not boring?! I want to try the Pure Barre classes, to buy more organic foods, to meditate and stretch more often (also called yoga, I suppose!). I need to put specific times and expectations with these goals, as I do with my next steps for heart&core.

I looked on a couple of sites that talked about setting realistic goals and found these ideas to be helpful:

www.solveyourproblem.com:

• Keep operational goals small
• Set performance goals, not outcome goals

www.grandtimes.com:

• Discover what you want--not what you think you should do or what others expect, but what you enjoy
  
• Journal to commitment--keep a record to hold yourself accountable and celebrate your accomplishments
• Follow the S.U.R.E. system:

S: Is your goal specific?

U: Do you understand the work involved in your goal?

R: Is your goal realistic?

E: Are you enthusiastic about your program?

These are just some positive thoughts I wanted to share and will review myself. Happy fresh start!

Easier said than done, right? When we last blogged, we were knee-deep in orders due to a wonderful newspaper article about our award to outfit female troops with a sports bra. And we had no complaints about that busy time! However, as it is that busy holiday time of year anyway, we're trying to figure out gifts, outfits, plans and more! On that note, I started looking at easy ways to shop for gifts...starting with lists from magazines and blogs that I respect:

This Daily Candy Guys' Gift Guide entertained me, reminding me that guys like unique drinking glasses and funky tools that they can use once a year to measure or fix something. Plus I love their Stylish Gifts That Give Back list with a range of prices and causes to support while giving a little something to family and friends.

The Fun Fashion Gifts for Your Best Friend from Self magazine reminded me of the silliness of gift-giving from fredflare.com, an awesome site with goofy, memorable gadgets and accessories! Similarly, Fitness magazine grouped some great beauty gifts that you can give to others--or yourself--like a new set of makeup brushes to help keep skin breakout-free during this stressful season!

Oprah's Home Design Gifts were like Pottery Barn's list of gifts under $25 that are perfect for hostesses and others where stylish yet practical fits--and the price is right!

Know an athlete? Road ID from active.com is a great gift for your active family and friends, and there are different styles, colors and price points--plenty of options! And of course, this one brand called heart&core is offering everything on site for $20 right now in a range of sizes to support women (sorry for the shameless self-promotion, but...)

The other gift that feels good to give? The one to those we don't know, who we might hear about not having food, clothes or shelter during this season. You can give anonymous gifts at the grocery store, where you can usually buy a pre-packaged bag or toss some change in the Salvation Army's bucket. Although I read that it's business as usual for many people who are spending on lingerie (good for us in the sports bra business!) and lattes, it's important to remember that your $4 drink could pay for something extra for those going without this season. Donating money or hand-picked gifts go a long way for those who count on Toys for Tots to spread holiday cheer.

I hope this helps simplify your gift-giving plans or gives you an idea for that hard-to-shop-for person. Next, I'm seeking out simple additions to the wardrobe to keep us going from day to night fashionably...I'll be back with that soon. Happy shopping!

My sister Jen and I spent the past 19 months learning and talking, laughing and crying as we worked to build heart&core Athletic Apparel to what we knew it could be. Let it be said here, if you ever start a company--or even have a passion to learn/find/discover anything (venues for your wedding, job openings in your field, stores that carry the perfect black shoe, schools in your district to send your child)--start talking! Talk to everyone. Ask questions. Brainstorm. Answer questions. And listen. We did--and we learned about the possibilities of women's business networks, of women in university sports, of a military contract.

What Jen and I discovered this year is that entrepreneurship has quite a learning curve. In what you're doing, where you're going, who you're working with and really--why you're doing all of this?! We launched, we celebrated, we sold, we waited, we lived and we learned. Laughing and crying requires a great team (and some great family, friends and people who've become family/friends in the process), and I was personally thankful for the yin and the yang that balanced my sister and I: Jen was excited, I was panicked. Jen was exhausted, I was energized. No matter what, we were a team. Between my sister and I, we were open to each other's thoughts and ideas, to each other's sense of humor--lots of laughter--and each other's shoulders--some tears too.

Which brings us to this past Sunday, November 28, 2010. The Star Tribune in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area published an article that changed our lives... "Defense Contract Gives Sisters' Firm a Lift." Not only were we proud, seeing it in print, reading the words of a writer about what we had accomplished...we were getting people interested in our product, making sales and fielding questions--all of which pumped us up to keep moving forward and making good decisions for the women out there who want and need our products.

I was personally surveying what we'd learned, about fabrics, designs, money and people. By learning, we mean factors to make better products, mistakes we've made, and interpersonal relationships we've experienced. OK, so it was all about us. And then I started reading and responding to each e-mail--and one of the many messages that changed my thought for this post--to the reality of the contract. A woman talked about our support of the troops, her family members who were currently serving and her involvement with the Landstuhl Hospital Care Project (LHCP), a non-profit organization that provides comfort and relief items for military members who become sick, injured or wounded from service in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan, and in Germany, where some service members go before they head home. It was a reality check. We have the opportunity, as we change, grow and prosper, to help these true heroes. All of a sudden, our challenges and our successes were put in perspective. Life's lessons were a little different than numbers, contacts and projections.

This contract was exciting for us as a company; the article about the contract was amazing. But the fact that the contract and article led to feedback from customers--those with personal knowledge of the military, police force, breast cancer survivors and other women who took the time to talk to us about their needs--was the true success. The true win for Jen and I is that we can keep aiming for what's important in our lives: family, friends, military heroes, health, freedom, opportunity...and so much more. Thank you--from our heart (and core) for your time, your thoughts, your opinions, your service and your support. We will keep working to give you our time, thoughts, products, service and support in return.

At the end of our heart&core Tees for Ta-Tas promotion, we felt happy we could support an important cause. October was a month filled with pink--referred to as "pink fatigue" by some reporters--and it brought up the importance of other causes. However, the power of pink remains important to us at heart&core, as our mother is a two-time breast cancer survivor, along with our aunt and both grandmothers who have lived with--and survived!--the same diagnosis. Although it's frightening for us, we model ourselves after the strong women who endure, who live life to the fullest and who make a difference in the lives of others. While we celebrate the survivors in our family, October also brought news of a loss--our first babysitter, at only 40 years old, passed away after her 10-year battle with breast cancer. This is when we're reminded of the hard truth: We have not cured this disease. We are still losing our family and friends, and we still have a fight ahead of us. We were proud to contribute to the Breast Cancer Fund, as they look at environmental causes and work to change our lifestyles and prevent this disease. Until then, money for research is invaluable. We thank you for your support!

As for November, we have exciting news! We are working to develop a new bra in more colors, more sizes and more features that will support you in a whole new way! That means, new products are coming our way, so are offering a close-out special to you, our fans, our friends, the active women in the world. Starting today, you can purchase our amazing Ultimate Support Sports Bra, Active Fit Ruched Tee and Active Fit Foldover Capri for just $20 each, plus shipping and handling. We believe in the quality of these products to perform with the super-soft, quick-drying Core-Wick Fabric and fabulously flattering fit. Stay active in style and take advantage of this special offer now!

We're also thankful to WomenVenture and KARE-11 television in the Twin Cities for featuring us on a news segment today. We will be at WomenVenture's Fall Leadership Event, next Friday, November 12. We're happy to be a part of this positive organization bringing new opportunities to entrepreneurs like ourselves.

We can't wait to show you what's next... Happiness and health to all of you! xoxo

October is the month of pink--pink products are being sold everywhere to benefit breast cancer research. And while this cause is near and dear to our hearts, we have put together a deal for heart&core fans like you to save you money and support the Breast Cancer Fund. Simply purchase one of our comfy, fabulous, flattering Active Fit Ruched Tees (OK, this is a bit self-promotional) which are usually $49, for the sale price of just $25 during the month of October. The tee comes in a pink that's perfect for every skintone, a design that flatters your body and a range of sizes (XS-3X). Plus, $5 from each tee purchased will go to the Breast Cancer Fund, which exposes and eliminates the environment causes of breast cancer. Shop now and you'll lend a hand to this important cause!

Sales pitch over...we also have some health information to share. Thinking about pink, it's also a fave color in nailpolish. But while getting a manicure recently, I learned that MANY of the lacquers on the market contain formaldehyde. You know how women are discouraged from certain chemicals and hair dyes while pregnant? Well, this information is of the same level of importance--to moms-to-be and to everyone else who's polishing up! My manicurist uses a soy-based line called Zoya, which was created by a couple who saw these chemicals going on our nails--our nails breathe!--and were concerned because they are so harsh and harmful. She told me that there are other options on the market too, as other countries only sell formaldehyde-free formulas. In this safe group are Nicole by OPI, Nubar and butter LONDON, plus more brands are changing over and taking our health in consideration. Be sure to read the labels next time you pick out your new color and bring it in to your manicurist to use--many still use the polishes full of chemicals.

Be pink, be charitable, be healthy! We support you!

What does your spice cabinet look like right now? A hodgepodge of flavors? A carefully organized library of everything under the sun? Salt and pepper? I hadn't thought about my spices much until trying out new recipes, but it got me to refresh the spice rack some. However, would you be even more inclined to purchase new spices if you knew that just eating them was good for you? I know I would! Adding a little pizazz to your food is easy--and it can benefit your health.

I've long heard that tumeric helps in the fight against cancer. If you're a curry lover, be sure to stock up on this healthy seasoning.

Cinnamon makes food a sweet and spicy treat, but did you know it slows the rate at which your stomach empties after meals? That would mean you are satisfied longer, and last I checked, that's a good feeling.

Garlic and vampires may not get along, but by adding it to your food, it lowers blood pressure, insulin and triglycerides, and also is shown to prevent weight gain.

Ginger ale was always the drink of choice when I had a stomach ache as a child--come to find out ginger has a ton of properties that help to fight nausea. But as we learn more about cancer and other diseases, and the fact that inflammation is related to these afflictions, it's important to note that ginger can be an anti-inflammatory.

In addition to your workouts, vitamins and managed stress, your food choices can have a positive impact on your health. And just by adding a little spice here or there, you can reap the benefits! Want to see more ideas of healthy spices? Self magazine lists their four faves, and other sites spill their secrets on spicier, healthier living. Need a new menu for your new spices? Try these yummy, easy-to-do recipes on my friend's site, Working Moms Can Cook.

It's a simple way to add a little kick to your day...bon appetit!

Last weekend I did something I absolutely despise--sorting through my closet, being honest about whether I've worn something recently, trying on the maybe pile, forcing myself to turn maybe into no! My motivation--warm clothes that I haven't worn in a year or so would probably go unworn again and would probably mean the world to someone who needs truly needs them! So to Goodwill I went and delivered three large bags of clothes. Now I didn't just toss away everything...I'm not made of money! So I had to be careful and understand what could be kept and turned into something new with the right accessory or layering. Enter the 5 items that you will love:

Belts--Although it's not quite my style to belt a fancy dress, designers are doing it everywhere--and it's growing on me! H&M stocks a ton of belts and other fun accessories that will spice up your dress or chunky sweater. Wrap and go!

The new boots--They are everywhere and can change the look of an outfit in an instant. From day into night, the boot works for work and play. I just got a gray pair that will get a lot of wear this season at Arden B.

The bright bag--I've seen a lot of satchels and hobos this season, and it's a fun thought to add a burst of color this way to the basic jeans and white tee. So simple yet so colorful! I got a green leather hobo that I love at Fossil.

The shirtdress--Always a classic and perfect with a fun little belt to switch into other outfits, I picked up this Calvin Klein shirtdress at Macy's and got 100 (or so) compliments the first day.

Military trends--I said it before, and the trend continues. Jackets, shirts, even watches! You can't go wrong. This weekend I'm hitting up Urban Outfitters to check into the casual watch shown here.

After all, I have cleared some space in my closet, so I'm shopping guilt free. Take some time, clean out the unnecessary, hold on to the basics and fill in the spaces with some new bursts of energy. Happy fall shopping!

A friend of mine showed me this website and it made me laugh and feel sick to my stomach!  It shows what the ads for fast food look like vs. the reality...not a pretty picture.  If you are ever having a craving for fast food or are trying to break the habit of eating there often, check this out...it will disgust you.

thewvsr.com/adsvsreality.htm

I think I'll just have a water, thanks.

The title of my blog today actually makes me sad because I can't believe we even need to have something like this! I'm happy that it is being done because it is an epidemic, but it is unbelievable that it has become such an issue. I was recently at the state fair, and between my sister, myself, my mom and my two kids, we split a cone of cookies. Oh yes, I could've eaten a bucket of them...and being that my kids have inherited my lovely sweet tooth, I'm sure they could've too, but I don't let myself or my kids actually HAVE the bucket! At the table next to us was an obese family, and a girl, who couldn't have been more than 12 years old, could barely push herself up out of her seat as she got up. Once she did however, she picked up her bucket of cookies. 

So many thoughts ran through my mind...this poor girl...I'm sure she gets made fun of at school, I'm sure it's hard for her to find fun, cute clothes, and what are her parents thinking? Feeding your child healthy food does have to be hard, believe me, I can't cook, but even I can come up with a decent meal with fruits and vegetables and some kind of protein. It's not to say we don't have our treats, but the good stuff needs to be eaten first. It's not rocket science either as to what is healthy. We all know that a fast food cheeseburger, fries and a soft drink have no nutritional value. Parents letting their children eat like crap because they are too busy, tired, etc. are lazy and truly it is a form of abuse and neglect to let their child get obese from poor nutritional habits.

I try not to get too serious on my blogs, but this is an issue that just gets me angry because it can be controlled. Parents need to take control and responsibility for their actions so their children can have the best opportunities in life! My statement is about awareness and leading people to solutions, like this website, which has some good links and resources: www.healthierkidsbrighterfutures.org.

Getting kids to eat well will give them the energy to play more too--and I don't mean video games! Here are more ideas from First Lady MIchelle Obama and her "Let's Move" program to help combat childhood obesity. Not even cold weather can be an excuse with indoor playgrounds and Fitness magazine's list of kid-friendly DVDs for activities inside. Please share these resources with your others. Healthy habits that begin in childhood help create healthy habits for a lifetime!

I hear people talk about the really tough classes they do at the gym and I think "Great, good for you!" Then they start to tell me about what they did and sometimes I think, "No, not so good." Here's why...my beef with classes is that most of the time (not all of the time, so if you are an instructor please don't be offended!) there are two things going on that I don't agree with:

1. The instructor is doing the workout--how can they be checking the form of their participants? I understand doing a few as examples, but then they should be moving around the room and watching people. The smallest corrections/adjustments can make a world of difference--not only in its effectiveness, but preventing injury as well. 
2. Chest work--especially for most women is not going to benefit you! Push-ups are always a big one I hear about--not so good for the majority of women. Most of us ladies (men too!) have developed weak or poor posture for many reasons--sitting in front of a computer all day, bad chairs, gravity, driving, being tall and hunching over to talk, and for women, a larger chest, and nursing or cuddling a baby can do it too. I would prefer back work, low back work, shoulder work for the rear deltoids, upper back, etc. Working those muscles will help improve poor posture and you will feel better! When you go into a class from now on, when they are doing chest presses, do reverse flies instead, so pulling back instead of pushing forward, keeping those shoulders back and down and squeezing between your shoulder blades. Instead of push-ups, do small reverse circles with your thumbs pointed to the ceiling and as you rotate your shoulders back and down. Hold them in that position for a moment so you are pushing your shoulder blades down towards the floor. Or simply lay on the floor face up with your knees bent, and pull your shoulders back and down and pull your abs in--it will be harder than you think!

I will try and post some videos of some of these exercises, but please be patient. I recently switched from a PC to a Mac, and I am still trying to figure it all out! I'm not exactly tech savvy!!