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Nutrisystem Week 2: Challenges & Successes

Nutrisystem, diet, lunch

“It’s not that some people have willpower and some don’t. It’s that some people are ready to change and others are not.” – James Gordon

I told you guys about my big news the other day – I am officially a member of the Nutrisystem Nation! I could not be more excited about this – I know that this is the solution that I’ve been needing for quite awhile now. I shared the basics of the program with you last time, and now I’ll catch you up on my progress so far, since I’ve gotten just a bit behind on posting the past 2 weeks.

“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. Don’t complain.” – Maya Angelou

I have never had much trouble with my weight. Yes, it’s crept over the years after turning 21, but was still in a healthy range. Then it happened – I found out I was having a baby! I had dealt with 3 previous miscarriages over the previous 3 years, so I was – as you can imagine – very nervous. I wanted to make sure I was making choices to be as healthy as I possibly could! I started a prenatal yoga program, and was eating the healthiest foods I’d ever eaten. I even – GASP!! – stopped drinking coffee, cold turkey, the day I found out. But even with all of my new changes to my life – at about 6 months I had a checkup, and learned that I had already gained over FIFTY pounds. Ohmyheck. They had me tested for gestational diabetes and a few other lovely things, but all was negative. I was just going to be a big ol’ momma!! My own mom gained over 60 pounds during all 4 pregnancies, and she’s a tiny little thing. So I guess it’s just in our genes. But now – that baby weight is still filling out my JEANS!! Abby is 19 months old, and I still have 40 pounds of baby weight to lose. Yikes.

Nutrisystem

“Little by little does the trick.” – Aesop

During my first week of Nutrisystem, I’ll admit – I was pretty hungry. Mostly it was because it was a big change for me to eat smaller meals much more often – and it took awhile for me to really find a pattern of when to eat those meals, so that I’d feel full. You get a great little book to help you track everything that you eat – so I also marked down each day which times I was feeling super hungry. By week 2, I was into a good rhythm, and finding it much easier to stick to the plan. These are the pieces of the program that are easiest for me:

  1. Drinking enough water. I don’t drink soda, and am used to chugging down tons of water. Nutrisystem provides you with a big 32 oz. water bottle, and you’re encouraged to drink at least two of those a day. I drink 4 :)
  2. Eating the mini-meals. I have IBS, so I often suffer from tummy troubles. Switching to the smaller meals, spaced throughout the day, has done wonders to help me manage this. I feel SO much better.
  3. Dessert is included. Without this, I’d probably end up cheating! But, with a perfectly portioned dessert choice each night, I don’t feel deprived. Love it!

There are also a few areas of the plan that challenge me a bit. I can tell that it’s going to get easier to follow the longer I stick with it, and build better habits. But these are my current trouble spots:

  1. Portion Control. I had NO idea that I was eating such oversize portions! No wonder I have taken off more weight. It’s been kind of tough to get used to the smaller portion sizes, but I love that it’s teaching me what a realistic meal should look like.
  2. Dinner time. I do fine on the plan all day – But dinner does get a little tough. I live in a big household filled with people – And when my brother is cooking a big taco night dinner, or my Mister is grilling up his amazing steaks, it is SO tough to not have a bite!

I admit it, I did fall off track, just a little bit, a couple nights. But – I was honest with myself, wrote it down in my tracking notebook, and tried to make up with it the next day by having one less snack. I know next week will be even better!

My starting weight“Every day, in every way, I am getting better and better.” – Emilie Coue 

Here’s that moment of truth I talked about…. Yep, I got brave enough to post my starting weight on the internet. Wow. {No mean comments!!} But, I feel like sharing this super embarrassing weight will help keep me motivated to stay on track! Our scale isn’t exactly the most accurate, so I’m going to buy a new one this weekend – {suggestions welcome in the comments!.} But I did take full measurements, and am tracking those in the totally amazing online support system from Nutrisystem, so I’ll be able to see if there are big changes. Wait – Not “If”, “WHEN” I see big changes!! I can do this.

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visitingNutrisystem.com!

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DIY Design It Yourself Tutu Shirts

DIY tutu

“I wanted so badly to study ballet, but it was really all about wearing the tutu.” – Elle Macpherson

Doesn’t every little girl love a tutu?? There’s just something special, and magical, and so super fun about them. You no longer walk when you put on a tutu – You prance, you dance, you twirl around. Heck, I’m a {mostly} grown-up girl, and I still love tutus! So – When I learned about Tutu Pour Mon Deux, I was instantly hooked. Their site gives you some easy peasy tools to build your own totally custom-made tutu-style shirt for the special little lady in your life. How cool is that, right?

They don’t just look good – They DO good, too!

You can read the full story behind Tutu Pour Mon Deux on their site – I totally connected with it. My brother suffered from a major heart defect as a child too, and underwent several surgeries as a kid, ending with a major open-heart surgery at Seattle Children’s Hospital to replace a defective valve. So, learning that they donate a portion of proceeds to the hospital that helped their family – Children’s Hospital Boston – made me proud to support their already awesome business!

Our tutu t-shirts aren’t just for ballerinas.  Girls everywhere are pirouetting in the hippest tutu t-shirt out there. With every tutu sold, Tutu Pour Mon Deux has pledged to donate one-third of the proceeds to Children’s Hospital Boston.

What a creative way to give back to the people who helped her family through a difficult time! When Abby was born, she was taken away right away, to the NICU for a week. I remember vividly how very scary that was, and what a difference the kindness of the doctors and nurses there made. I think that what Tutu Pour Mon Deux is doing is amazing.

DIY tutu

Tutu Pour Mon Deux’s DIY Tutu Shirts

When you visit their site, you can first browse their gallery full of adorable tutu ideas, or get started right away using the cool online tools to create and customize your very own DIY Tutu design. You can choose from sleeveless or long sleeve top, and pick your favorite colors for the top and the tutu skirt. Then pick from dozens of pretty ribbons and fun patches to embellish it, and BAM! – You’ve got your own one of a kind Tutu Shirt that is as original and unique as the special girl wearing it!

Make sure to follow Tutu Pour Mon Deux on Facebook & Twitter, to stay updated on new products and promotions!

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Get Glam Quick: Tips & Products to Help Busy Moms Get Fab Fast!

Get Glam, Awards Season, Prep Kit

Get Glam Quick Prep Kit 

It’s that time of year – we’re transitioning from summer into fall. From casual summer BBQ’s to more formal winter parties and events. You’re seeing SO much amazing fashion inspiration for fall already. But – if you’re anything like me, you don’t have a ton of time to get glam for events, right? I mean heck – I’m lucky to get 5 minutes to take a shower, let alone find enough time for getting done up. But with all the fun events that the holidays bring, you definitely need a few “secret weapons” to help you get fabulous fast. So keep reading for some pretty awesome new products that will totally make your life easier!

Mary Alice Stephenson to the Rescue!

One of my favorite fashionistas – the amazing Mary Alice Stephenson – has put together this rockin’ Get Glam Quick Prep Kit, to share some of her favorite products that she’s discovered during her years in the fashion and beauty industry. She even pairs these awesome products and tools with some helpful tips and tricks to help any busy mom look red carpet ready in a snap too!

  1. Rembrandt Deeply White 2-Hour Whitening Kit: If you haven’t used this kit for easy teeth whitening, and the totally great Deeply White Whitening Paste – You’re missing out! This is a much cheaper option that seriously works! You can definitely see a noticeable difference – I’m in love.
  2. Reach Total Care + Whitening Floss: To keep that new smile as bright as can be, use the new Reach floss to keep stains away!
  3. Visine Maximum Redbess Relief Formula: If you’ve been up all night with a baby – you don’t want everyone to know it! Grab a bottle of to sooth and protect your tired, irritated eyes in seconds. Bam! You look rested and refreshed.
  4. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Towelettes: This is the quickest solution to prepping for cosmetics – they remove stubborn makeup in one fast swipe! Then you have a perfect canvas for your favorite foundation or powder.
  5. Band-Aid Brand by Cynthia Rowley: Ok, these rock my socks. Seriously. Not only are they absolutely adorable with their sequined, runway, or other fashion prints – but they stay on like crazy! I have a toddler, so I wash my hands A LOT. These are the best that I’ve ever used, and totally stayed on all day.
  6. Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Spray: Mary Alice Stephenson uses this on all of her clients before they hit the red carpet, to hide any imperfections – and gives legs a beautiful, toned sheen. If it’s good enough for celebs, it’s good enough for me!
  7. Fashion Saverz Stain Removers: These little sponges are SUCH a great solution for busy moms! They work quickly and easily to erase stains off of fine fabrics – even deodorant! You don’t have to get them wet, so you can do a quick clean and go. And they’re small enough to fit one right in your clutch to catch any accidents during the night!
  8. Hollywood Tape: Oh.My.Heck. If you’ve never used this stuff – it is a MUST-HAVE! No more slipping straps, gaping necklines or buttons, no more twisted seams or hems. This is one of my favorite products ever.
  9. Living Proof Full Thickening Mousse: Getting glam means big, sexy hair with tons of volume. My hair is really fine, and tends to fall flat really easily. But this did make a big difference in helping my blowout stay bouncy all night long!
  10. Smashbox Photo Finish Primer: This is another goodie included in this big prize package that is already on my must-have list. A little goes a LONG way, and I swear, you will be surprised by the compliments on how good your skin looks.

Look for these great products at your favorite local store, or grab most of them on Amazon – and use Mary Alice’s great tips to help you get glam quick too!

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Turning Leaves Giveaway: Win a New Baby Prize Pack and More!

turning leaves, giveaway

Great Giveaway & a Great Cause!

Turning Leaves Foundation’s mission is to provide support to children with chronic illness and their families. They provide both educational and emotional group support to enable them to cope better. Their focus is on building confidence, learning from past mistakes and moving past the negative feelings associated with chronic illness.

baby gift package prize

Enter the Giveaway:

  1. First, enter here on my site, for a chance to win a totally amazing Baby Gift Basket Prize Package – Valued at almost $100!! {Picture will be posted soon – stay tuned to check out all the goodies included.}
  2. Next, enter to win the Grand Prize – a Kindle Fire! Hosted by Simply Stacie Sassy Mama in LA, and you can enter on either site. And the Grand Prize is open to US and Canada!
  3. Finally – check out the rest of the great giveaways in this event, for more chances to win! You’ll find the linky at the bottom of the page, to make it easy peasy to hop around and enter them all.

Be sure to take a minute to check out the Turning Leaves Foundation, and help support the great things that they do. Then hop around and get your entries in for all of these great prizes!

Leg Warmers for Babies

Big Thank You to one of my Amazing Giveaway Sponsors!

Gentry’s Closet has been one of my favorite shops for buying super cute baby and toddler fashions and accessories for a long time now! And one lucky winner will get a super cute pair of leg warmers from her new spring collection – The colors are bright and fun – but neutral enough to work for a little boy or a little girl! You’ll love ’em!

Have fun & Good Luck!

[Read more…]

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Family Game Night: Super Mario Bros Wii #CouchCritics #CBias

Super Mario Bros

Super Mario Bros Family Game Night

These are my nephews – Mario and Luigi. I mean, Cade and Cole :) For this weekend’s family game night, we rented the new Super Mario Bros game for the Wii from Redbox, and the boys really got into character. They are BIG fans of Super Mario Bros! And I admit, so am I. I’m a child of the 80’s, and you just can’t help but think of your childhood when you play this new version of Super Mario Bros – So much fun! It was a perfect choice to bring the kids AND adults together.

Shopping with toddler, shopping at Walmart

Shopping for Game Night Goodies

I was super excited about this week’s game night – My dad moved to Seattle a few months ago, so the kids haven’t seen him since last November. He had a really serious surgery recently, and is finally feeling better again. He was coming over to stay with my brother and I for the weekend, and I was SUPER excited to see him! So, Abby and I headed to Walmart on Friday afternoon, to pick up some great goodies for our game night with Grandpa. Here’s what I had on my list – and you can see our whole shopping trip on Google+ for more pictures too:

  1. Lasagna, garlic bread, and salad for dinner: Because, you know, Mario is Italian and all. I also got some mini-pizza rolls for appetizers, and drew little mustaches on them with tinted sour cream :)
  2. Star Cookies: Sugar cookies cut into stars, frosted yellow, with little faces drawn on. To look like the stars in the game. Um – ended in disaster. I’m not sure how to get the cookies to stay really pointy and sharp – mine turned into puffballs, and looked NOTHING like the stars on the game, lol.
  3. Mushroom Cupcakes: I planned to make yellow cupcakes, frost them red, and then add little white polka dots – like the mushrooms on the game. Another disaster! I could NOT get the frosting for the spots to set. I made little dots on waxed paper, and put them in the freezer, so I could have great disks to place on the frosted cakes. Nope – they wouldn’t set. I made totally sloppy looking mushrooms. They were yummy, but not pretty. I get an A for effort, right??

Candy Bowl

How can you mess up a candy bowl?

I figured I’d also make a big Mario-themed candy bowl too, for everyone to much on through the night. You’d think that there is no WAY to mess this up, right? But – we couldn’t find ANY of the candies I wanted! The holiday candy we were shopping in above, had been switched out to only Easter – but I’d been hoping to find gold coin candies in with St. Patrick’s Day supplies. Then we headed to the “regular” candy section, for Fireballs and bright M&M’s, but no Fireballs either! So, I settled for the mixture below – M&M’s to feature the Super Mario Bros bright colors, gold-wrapped Rolos instead of coins, and Cinnamon Disks instead of Fireballs.

Game Over for Game Night??

Well, even though most of my desserts didn’t work out the way I planned – they did all still taste good! And everyone had a BLAST. I even went to Amazon later that night and ordered the new Super Mario Bros Wii game for the kids – it was that fun. Like I said – it’s such a great game for kids AND adults, since pretty much all of use remember playing this as a kid. This brand new version for the Wii is similar enough to make you feel nostalgic, but new enough to feel fresh and fun.

Redbox Rental Kiosk

Redbox Makes Family Nights Easy!

You can find a Redbox Rental Kiosk at just about any grocery store these days. That makes it super easy to put together a family game or movie night – Head to the store to pick up supplies for dinner and snacks, and then grab your favorite movies and games on your way out. You can even check out the selection online from home, and reserve your favorites before you shop – if you want to plan a theme night like we did! I used to think that Redbox was only for movies, but lately we’ve been changing up family night to include games too, and it’s a blast.

Love Redbox? Follow them on Twitter and Facebook to get updates on cool new products and promotions – even free rental codes!

{Disclaimer: This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. #CBias. All photos, opinions, and kitchen catastrophes are totally my own.}

 

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Smart Solutions for Teaching Kids Independence & Responsibilty #Giveaway

Mompact Giveaway, Mom Invented products, mom entrepreneurs

Meet the Moms – & Big Giveaway!

This weeks giveaway gives you a chance to check out some great Mom-Invented products that help guide your children into independence. From Easy Daysies, one of my favorite tools for helping kids complete their daily tasks on their own – to the Amazing TOYconomy toy rental service, which allows your children to check out fun new learning toys every single month – you’ll find some perfect solutions for YOUR busy mom-life in this big prize bundle!

This giveaway ends tomorrow – so get your entries in now, so you have a chance to win!! {Feelin’ lucky? Check out the rest of the prizes you can win from me, over in the sidebar!}

Have Fun & Good Luck!

[Read more…]

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Trendy Mealtimes for Tots with Embelle Baby Bibs

Baby Bibs, Funny Bibs, funny gifts for babies

Makin’ Mealtimes Fun!

Ok, mealtime with a baby is already fun, right? Who doesn’t love some mashed potatoes in their hair? The baby obviously thinks it’s hilarious. Don’t you? Maybe a green bean up the nose? Woah baby, we’re havin’ fun now! – Ok, but seriously. When you’ve got a baby or a toddler – {maybe you’re super lucky, and have both at the same time} – you deal with a lot of stressful, messy situations during your day. So – why not get some gear to make it at least a little bit more fashionable and fun, right?

Baby Bibs, Designer baby bibs

Embelle Bibs from Target!

Check out these super fun bibs from Embelle – Are these super fun, or what? They look like a designer bib – but they’re available for a totally non-designer price at your local Target. Or Tar-jaaaay if you want to get fancy about it. And, since we all know that it’s not possible to go into Target and walk out again without somehow spending over $100 on pretty, trendy, sparkly things – I’ve got a coupon to save you some cash on these adorable bibs – Embelle Baby Bib Coupon – from Coupons.com. Type in your zipcode, and if these sweet bibs are available at your local Target, then you’ll see the coupon to save!

{Disclaimer: This post is part of a sponsored campaign with Global Influence. Coupon may not be available in all zipcodes.}

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