I was busting out some cardio in the gym last week while the Today Show was on the television screen in front of me.

Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford were rambling on about something but I was listening to my iPod and gasping for my next breath so I have no clue what they were talking about.

What I did notice was a pink ring Hoda was wearing. As soon as my workout was over I ran drove home and Googled “Hoda pink ring” and the information magically appeared.

In honor of Today Show host and breast cancer survivor Hoda Kotb, NBC created a specially designed symbol of hope, Hoda’s Forward Ring.

Each ring is embossed with the word “forward” along with a breast cancer ribbon. If you’d like to grab one, they can be purchased online for $5 plus shipping. For each ring sold through June 2010, NBC will donate $2 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Great ring. Great message. Great cause.

Now I really must go ring in today with a really great workout!

Breast Cancer is no joke. But a company called Save 2nd Base decided to put a unique spin on the subject by creating a fun line of clothing they tag “Pink with a Wink.”

And, as you can imagine, their t-shirts (and other accessories) certainly are a conversation starter! The money from their online store is used to raise money for non-profit organizations supporting breast cancer research.

When I asked Kelly Day from Save 2nd Base what her most memorable experience has been since they began the company here’s what she said:

Every year we do the 3 day 60 mile walk for Komen.  Two years ago I could not do it for scheduling purposes…single mom, kids issues, blah blah blah.  I went down to the cheering section to thank and encourage all the walkers.

While I was standing there I struck up a conversation with two pregnant women who were waiting for their husbands to walk by.  Which, by the way, there were probably 50 men walking as opposed to 2,200 women.  When their husbands finally walked towards us I was still in the mix.  I asked them who they were walking for, bracing myself for the answer since they were all in their late 20′s.  Figuring I would hear a sister, or mother or friend, I was quite shocked by their answer.  They said both of their wives were having girls and they never wanted their babies to have to grow up and fear or tackle breast cancer.  It took my breath away.

While Breast Cancer Awareness Month is now over, sadly, the disease is not. Let’s all keep supporting organizations that give back to breast cancer research, giving our time to participate in efforts to support breast cancer awareness, and doing whatever it takes to Save 2nd Base.

Over 150 bloggers from around the world united to write an e-book to support breast cancer awareness and research. Writers were asked to submit their favorite work to be included in this collection of articles. Together we created BLOG-4-CAUSE.

Inside the e-book you will find articles that will inspire and tickle your mind, body, and spirit. Not only that, the book contains links to each and every writer so you can read more works from your favorite authors.

Please visit the Susan G. Komen foundation BLOG-4-CAUSE Web page to learn how you can support our mission to end breast cancer. In addition, you will find information on how you can receive a copy of this e-book as our gift to you.

With gratitude,

Joanna & Lance

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Wholly Guacamole and Wholly Salsa will be dressed in my favorite color, pink!

Fresherized Foods, the makers of the Wholly product suite, is donating 15 percent of proceeds from October “PINK” sales to help fight for a cure.

I love the Wholly line of products to top eggs, soups, and especially my favorite Mexican dishes like a…

Holy Fitness & Spice Tostada

• Low-carb tortilla
• Blended black beans*
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Wholly Salsa
• Wholly Guacamole (NuVal score 59! Scores for refrigerated dips range from 1 to 62)

Spray a low carb tortilla with PAM Olive Oil and place under the broiler until nice and crispy. Remove from the oven and top with beans and cheese and place back under the broiler until the cheese melts. Top with salsa and guacamole. Can I get an Amen?

Not only is Wholly Guacamole doing good for a good cause, it’s good for you, too.

“Avocados are super-foods and loaded with nutrition and even cancer-fighting power,” says nutritionist, Dr. Marcia Walker at Fresherized Foods.

I don’t know about you, but I do not mind putting great-tasting super-foods into my body, especially when they come from a company that supports breast cancer research.

If you want to do some good and spice things up this month, pick up some Wholly Guacamole, it just might have you doing the salsa!

I have never been to Kerbey Lane Cafe, but when I go to Austin to visit my friends Suzanne and Carla, I’m putting this restaurant on my list of places to eat. I mean, really, any place that makes pumpkin pancakes and has the kahunas to make a “Cakes for a Cure” t-shirt to benefit breast cancer research gets points in my book.

If you purchase a Kerbey Lane “Cakes for a Cure” T-shirt, like mine, (THANK YOU, SUZANNE!) all proceeds from the sale will benefit the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

Speaking of Cakes, I whipped up a batch of PINK PROTEIN PANCAKES in celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. You are probably wondering, “What’s the batter?” I’m glad you asked:

• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
• 2 egg whites
• 1/4 cup cottage cheese
• 1 t vanilla
• 1/2 t baking powder
• Stevia or Splenda to taste
• 1/3 cup red raspberries

Blend all ingredients in your Magic Bullet blender and bake as you would a pancake. Top with berries and your favorite sugar-free syrup. Makes 3 size C pancakes (I can’t believe I said that either).

Check out Suzanne’s recipe for protein pancakes, too. She makes her pancakes with Kerbey Lane pancake mix!

Now, I really must go toss on my new t-shirt and whip up another batch of pink pancakes! Ta-ta!

Remember when I introduced you to Heather Ray? Well, Heather and a gym full of heroes were behind bars for 4 hours on Saturday. Handle bars, that is.

The group rode for 4 hours during the Spin For the Cure fundraiser to benefit the Susan G. Komen foundation. Ready to be inspired? Take a look:

I am in awe of all of the riders and volunteers who shared their time, their sweat, and their hope all for a common goal, the cure for breast cancer.

Let’s keep their spirit moving. If you are a writer, or know a writer, please take a few minutes and learn how you can participate in Blogging for A Cause, a fundraiser to support the Susan G. Komen foundation. Because as Lance mentioned last week,

“Once you choose hope, anything’s possible.” ~ Christopher Reeve