Reviews

  1. Book Review: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck Journal by Mark Manson
  2. Jeff Galloway Run/Walk/Run App
  3. Franks Red Hot Dill Pickle Sauce
  4. Pepper Palace Energy Drink
  5. Imperfect Foods
  6. Longevity Dietary Pattern
  7. YF Activewear Review Part II
  8. Yes.Fit Activewear Review

Book Review: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck Journal by Mark Manson

Let’s be honest—most self-help journals feel like they were designed by a unicorn on a juice cleanse. But The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck Journal? It’s more like a slap in the face from your brutally honest best friend who’s tired of your excuses and just wants you to get your life together. This isn’t about pastel pages and daily gratitude quotes. It’s about digging deep, getting uncomfortable, and finally admitting that maybe—just maybe—you’ve been giving way too many fcks about things that don’t matter. Mark Manson’s journal is here to help you stop that nonsense and start focusing on what actually counts.


Each section is built around a theme—such as responsibility, failure, uncertainty, and values—and includes a mix of short readings, blunt advice, and writing prompts. The tone is direct, often humorous, and occasionally confrontational—but always with the goal of pushing you toward clarity and growth.
The journal is divided into several themed sections, each with:

  • Short essays or reflections from Manson that expand on ideas from the original book.
  • Guided prompts that ask you to reflect on your past decisions, current mindset, and future goals.
  • Exercises that challenge your assumptions and encourage you to reframe your thinking.
    Examples of prompts include:
    • “What are you pretending not to know?”
    • “What’s a failure you’re still ashamed of—and what did it teach you?”
    • “What are you currently giving too many fcks about?” These aren’t surface-level questions. They’re designed to make you uncomfortable—in a good way. So, what makes The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck Journal stand out from the sea of self-help workbooks? It’s not just the edgy title—it’s the unapologetic tone, the depth of the prompts, and the way it keeps you laughing while forcing you to face some uncomfortable truths. Let’s break down what makes this journal a bold companion for anyone ready to get real with themselves
  • Authenticity: Manson’s voice is consistent and unapologetically real. It feels like he’s in the room with you, calling you out and cheering you on.
  • Depth: The prompts go beyond typical journaling fare. They’re philosophical, psychological, and often existential.
  • Engagement: The mix of humor and hard truths keeps the experience engaging, even when the questions get tough.
  • Design: The layout is clean and modern, with enough space to write (though some may want more).
    Of course, no journal is perfect—even one that drops truth bombs with every page. While The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck Journal* delivers plenty of punch, there are a few things to keep in mind before diving in headfirst. Let’s talk about where this bold little book might not be everyone’s cup of brutally honest tea-
  • Tone Sensitivity: The blunt, profanity-laced tone won’t be for everyone. If you’re looking for a gentle, nurturing journaling experience, this isn’t it.
  • Limited Writing Space: Some prompts deserve more room for reflection than the journal provides. You may need a separate notebook.
  • Repetition: A few prompts feel slightly redundant, especially if you’re already familiar with the book’s core ideas.

So, who’s this journal actually for? If you’re someone who’s tired of sugar-coated advice and ready to face the messy, uncomfortable truths that lead to real growth—this one’s for you. Whether you’re a fan of Mark Manson’s original book or just looking for a no-nonsense guide to self-reflection, here’s who will get the most out of this bold journaling experience:

  • Fans of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck who want to apply its lessons in a practical, hands-on way.
  • People tired of traditional self-help fluff and looking for a more grounded, honest approach.

Anyone ready to face uncomfortable truths and take responsibility for their life.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck Journal is a powerful tool for self-reflection and personal growth—if you’re ready for it. It’s not about feeling better; it’s about getting better. And sometimes, that means asking the hard questions and sitting with the uncomfortable answers. Highly recommended for those who appreciate tough love, deep introspection, and a little profanity along the way.

Jeff Galloway Run/Walk/Run App

Time for a new review- I am a huge fan of Jeff Galloway and the coaching he provides to the running community.  I have used a number of his training plans in the past and found success, as I am re-entering the world of running after being forced to take 6 weeks off, I decided to try his Run/Walk/Run app, and here is what I have found:

The features of this app include-

  • Custom Training Plans: Programs for 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon distances.
  • Run-Walk-Run Timer: Set personalized intervals for running and walking.
  • Audio Coaching: Real-time guidance and motivation from Jeff Galloway (BEST PART OF THE APP).
  • Progress Tools: Includes the “Magic Mile” to track pace and improvement.
  • Drills & Nutrition: Access to cadence drills, strength workouts, and meal plans.

Pros:

  • Effective training methods are backed by decades of coaching experience.
  • Motivational audio from Jeff Galloway himself.
  • Good for beginners and injury-prone runners, so good for someone who took 6 weeks off for health reasons.

 Cons

  • Buggy Performance: App crashed on numerous occasions and as of today I couldn’t even open it.
  • Poor Syncing: Voice prompts often don’t align with scheduled intervals or distances. And it would sometimes reset on itself
  • Lack of Updates: Haven’t seen any updates since I started using it

As of today, I have deleted the app and will continue to search for the best Run/Walk/Run app for me.

Franks Red Hot Dill Pickle Sauce

As you know last week, we looked at the facts of dill pickle juice.  This week, I want to review Frank’s Red Hot Dill Pickle sauce. 

The sauce itself is pretty much Original Frank’s Red Hot mixed with pickle seasons, and it is zero calories. I spent the last couple of weeks since it came out trying it on various foods to see if there are any differences and like Original Frank’s Red Hot, it is very good on everything that I can find so far. My only caveat is that it could use a little more spice, as the dill pickle taste is very strong (not there is anything wrong with that).

If you like spice foods and love dill pickles and don’t mind the strong pickle taste than this is the sauce for you.  If you can’t take too much of a pickle taste, I would not recommend this sauce. 

However, in my book, Franks Red Hot sauce has a win with this sauce and should take it to many of the various pickle festivals and events this summer to promote it.

Pepper Palace Energy Drink

Background: As you know I frequently study capsicum on the human body. However, while completing my MS in Nutrition, I did participate in a Research Forum with a group and we did a study on energy drinks on student athletes.

As we know from previous posts and reviews, I love spice, it’s healthy and just very flavorful to me. A few months ago, I took a trip back to Pepper Palace with my husband and we found that they have created an energy drink.  I do not drink coffee as you know from my Matcha vs Coffee post, so if I need a caffeine boost I need to get it from somewhere, in the past I was a huge energy drink fanatic.  However over the years I have stepped away from drinking a lot of energy drinks because the taste was all the same and it was BORING. 

Needless to say I was happy that there was an energy drink in the market with spice AND low in calories, in theory, the perfect energy drink for me. As a result of this find, we bought two to see if I would even like it or would want more in the future (why buy a whole case if you do not even know if you will like it). I was also set to record my tasting of it for you, similar to “Taffer’s Tries” on Instagram and TikTok.  But as you can see there is no video, and that alone is the review itself, no video because I drank them both very quickly.  This drink does not have the typical energy drink flavor and you can taste the spice, so it is a good overall flavor and low calorie as I mentioned before. My only issue is, I wish it had slightly more spice, but hey that is just me.

I think my energy drink companies should take a similar venture into the spice energy drinks; there may be more of a calling for this than everyone thinks.

Disclaimer: We did not receive any monetary funds or kickbacks from Pepper Palace; we wrote this article on our own free will. THIS IS ALSO NO LONGER AVAILABLE

Imperfect Foods

Imperfect Foods is an ugly produce/sustainable delivery grocery company. This company has a lot of positives, the try and recycle their packaging and re-use, they do their own deliveries, and they even make their own products, out of ugly produce. VERY SUSTAINABLE!

Now this week, we received a delivery from Imperfect Foods, it isn’t a normal larger delivery, but something smaller and more simple. First, being a hot sauce fan, they provided me a chance to try a sauce I haven’t yet, it was NEW for this week. But we recieved some good produce from the company, and on top of it, everything was packed perfectly! Nothing broken or missing and it stayed cold while we were at work.

These items will provide with a few meals, and snacks for us to grab readily. They have been a huge lifesaver when trying to be more sustainable, I highly recommend trying them and there is a discount link on the Links page. AND COACH THOR APPROVES!

Longevity Dietary Pattern

The Longevity diet is a vegan; there are some fish and chicken options, but no pork or beef. The diet is mostly, made up of leafy greens, fiber-rich vegetables, fresh fruits, legumes, and nuts.  Avoiding, all high saturated fat foods.  The overall look at the diet, its suppose to help you live a longer and healthier life, as eating this way, which is essentially a Blue Zone diet, you increase your life expectancy and can supposedly prevent diseases.

The populations and dietary patterns that this would fit best with first is the Blue Zones population,  you eat what you can take and/or harvest, that is too the area.  The second a lot of this diet is Vegan (there are fish and chicken options), so it would fit into that pattern.

I am against fasting-mimicking diets, unless for religious reasons.  As a fitness enthusiast, you need food for energy and fasting-mimicking diets are not the best options. As for the sustainability issues, fasting-mimicking diets would work.  I see the pluses health wise, but the studies he has is for mice, not for humans.  Therefore, I am not convinced, and I think regular diet and exercise are the best options for a body to combat cancer, as proper research with the foods you eat and having a strong body can help combat and/or control any cancer.

In addition, has he consulted with cancer patients? You need to maintain your energy and you get that through a proper diet, not fasting mimicking diet.  In addition, there is a flaw in his research, what about cancer patients or those at high risk to genetics; you cannot stop the genetics (i.e. PTEN disorder), eating this diet does not change your genetics.

YF Activewear Review Part II


Today’s and Yesterday’s Workouts: HIIT
Activewear: Shorts and Long Sports Bra (Take 2)

Only two reviews today, a second round with the sports bra and the shorts (as seen in photo).

Unfortunately, no running in either yet, it’s too cold for the shorts and by the time the bra was clean, I could only wear it to the gym.

Starting with the sports bra, same issues and plus’ as Monday’s review. HOWEVER, I have been looking for a good sports bra to wear there and secure my heart rate monitor (keep it from going under the heart rate monitor) and success! I’m considering buy more due to that and no side boob…BUT one more test/ review, does it fair up on a run????

Now for the shorts, I usually don’t go for these types of shorts, but I had them on all day working from home and at the gym. Surprisingly, I like them a lot. I think for me I don’t like them too tight and these weren’t too tight. I imagine they will be great for my long runs in the Spring…. till then these are gym only or whenever I stop fighting the need to put down the treadmill and use it. I however would love a pair of these under the YF running shorts (keep all pockets on both) to make a long distance running short. I had similar shorts to what I am describing when I used to run 1/2 and full marathons and with the comfort of the YF Activewear, I think they would be better than what I used to have.

Yes.Fit Activewear Review


Today’s workout: Full body low- impact
Today’s Activewear: Tie Dye Leggings, Long Sports Bra, and Tie Back Performance Tank

Today is the first of my many reviews on the all new YF Activewear from @yesfitchallenges, this is where I do a number of distance challenges in lieu of racing.

I am a very active person, I run, row, and do HIIT on a regular basis, so I need good quality activewear. So a fitness challenge company should have good activewear in theory, right? So far, YES!

The Tie Dye Leggings, were super comfortable throughout the whole workout, they didn’t slide down in me, or were too tight. They were ideal for the workout today or any other workout I would do. I love the high waist!

The Sports Bra, was good for today, it fit perfect, and more importantly no side-boob. However, the long part of it kept flipping up and I needed to readjust myself constantly, but I’ll take that over no side-boob. I have a feeling this is good for high impact, so the jury is still out as I want to review wearing it to the gym and out on a run.

The Tie Back Shirt, I had this for a bit, only used this once or twice, not that I didn’t want too, it’s just hard to wear a lot of tanks this time of the year for me. I like it, I just wish it was a little longer or had more material to tie, it just felt a little uncomfortable. So it’s good with room for improvement. Maybe in the spring when I can wear it out, I will think differently.