mamachallenge | Real Solutions for Real Parents | Dallas Blog

Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

The Not-Com Shift: Why companies are moving from .com to not-com

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Tracking Pixel
For the last 30 years that people have been using email (yes, it’s already been that long), we’ve already programmed ourselves to say “our email provider.COM” as the way to reach us online.  When you get a web address to check out, your brain already adds the .com before it’s even uttered. But have you ever stopped to think what’s the point of using a dot.com? We’ve partnered with to take a look at why companies are moving from .com to not-com. 

So first of all, why does a dot.com hold more distinction than a .org, .net, or even a .coffee? Well, honestly, it doesn’t. Especially in a world that now thinks how to share it’s message in no more than 140 characters. It’s just extra time, money and space that you could be using to describe your business, to be more distinctive, and for many companies, including international organizations, it’s part of the big shift from .com to the new not-com. 

According to the Domain Name Industry Brief survey in 2014, there are about 284 million registered domain names. And it’s been approximated that there are almost 1 billion websites on the Internet. 


When you are a business trying to stand out in a crowd, you have to do something innovative, but that makes sense…like opting for a not-com instead a dot.com. 

A New Branding Tool

While picking a company name is a hard enough process within itself, with so many other websites and domains, the likelyhood your name is already in use is pretty high. So in the past, we’ve gotten creative, but adding a hyphen or spelling out the dot.com. These solutions may have worked to get your company on the web, but it didn’t do any favors to help potential customers to find you or your website. However, by using a not-com., you’ve opened your business up to a whole new set of branding rules.

Picking-the-Right-Name-For-Business

Still deciding on your business name? Get tips to Picking the Right Name for Your Business.

For Icarus Photography (www.icarus.photos), business owner Katy Lengacher made the switch because she wanted to amplify her brand and carve out a niche in wedding photography. 

Having a unique domain that describes what I’m thinking about, doing and breathing all day was a no-brainer,” Lengacher says. “It’s the perfect new branding identity tool. ” 

Read more about why Lengacher picked her name and why a not-com.

Start a Buzz

These “not-com” options like .photos or .photography have obvious benefits, including memorability, meaning and availability. Choices like .COFFEE, .FLORIST, and .STYLE  immediately conjure images to the consumer, while words like .COMPANY, .BUSINESS and .MEDIA have broader appeal. And let’s just consider the SEO opportunity for you here, as well. If you’re a coffee company, then let’s just say you’re coffee company, not a coffee company.com.

Photo Driftaway Coffee

And that’s exactly what Driftaway Coffee (www.driftaway.coffee) did when NY owners Suyog Mody and Anu Menon made the jump not just from corporate America but to a coffee subscription service that that delivers personalized fresh-roasted coffee to your door. The ‘dot-coffee (.coffee) has provided them a obvious digital storefront and been a great conversation starter. 

We are an online business exclusively selling online,” says Mody. “It’s a URL that implies what we do.”

Read more about Driftaway Coffee’s choice for a not-com.

Bring Your Business to the Customer

When you’re trying to not just teach people about a topic, but also stir up sales from your business, you have double the work for marketing your business and the subject matter.

Photo Fermentista Kitchen

For authors Kirsten and Christopher Shockey, they wanted to educate people about fermentation as a culinary art and hopefully, point people to buy their book. So The Fermista’s Kitchen (www.ferminista.kitchen) was born. 

People like to be in their kitchen, and we want it to bring this idea that fermentation is really easy and really accessible into your life.” says Kirsten Shockey.

Read more about why the Shockeys picked their name and why a not-com. 

Choosing a great name for your business is one of the most important decisions. advice and inspiration to help you jump-start the name brainstorm. By taking a 360-degree approach to naming, Name.Kitchen blends business, human interest and pop culture to help create your business success story. Name. Kitchen is, helps entrepreneurs (“business chefs”) to create the perfect recipe.

Ready to get cooking with Name.Kitchen?

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of

Three Camera Must-Haves for a New Photographer

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Disclaimer

I achieved a big milestone a few months ago…I purchased a “big girl camera.”

AKA a DSLR, I finally made it a priority to purchase a camera that wasn’t something to be handy and quick, but instead had the capability to capture those beautiful, Pinterest-ready shots for the blog AND even click a few of the family for those perfect opportunities between Christmas and Easter family portraits.  Since I had made the choice to make the purchase, I bought everything I THOUGHT I needed to be the best photographer in the world…or at least begin to try.


Mod-Straps-mamachallenge

After the  first full photo card and a long day of taking shots, I realized I needed not one, not two but MANY memory cards. One of the best tips I had heard from well-seasoned photographers is that you just keeping taking photos and eventually when you get back to your computer you’ll find that magic one that’s just the right angle, the right lighting and the right look for your perfect shot. But to do that you need lots of space on a card and you never want to get stuck when you’re just about to get that great shot and then you the “CARD FULL” come up. So bottom line, get big memory cards and many of them.

mamachallenge-mod-straps

The other thing I learned was a must-have was a good camera strap. Sure, I had the one sent with the camera. But one hour after you have that hanging around your neck with your camera attached, you’ll feel exactly what I’m talking about. That uncomfortable and raw feeling of the not-so-soft strap. So consider one that’s cute, comfortable and so useful, like the straps from mod. Not only are there tons of designs to choose from, but you also can get this strap wrap attachment that allows you to insert additional photo cards, ID, money, batteries and more so it’s not in your pocket (or later lost on the ground.)

ModStraps

And the last thing was a lens-cap saver. That’s right…I needed something to help me keep up with my lens cap. I would put it in my pocket and then kneel down and it would roll out every time. Then I would scour the world, in grass, dirt, wherever, to find it. While it may seem kinda silly, a lens-cap saver saved me HUGE on keeping my camera lens clean of scratches and me from having to keep buying more each time I lost mine. Mod’s lens savers are adorable and have tons of personality…and why can’t you have fun while being functional?

Mod-lens-cover

Dallas-based mod is a mom-daughter company that I’m proud to say I worked with a few years ago when they just began their business. Now this USA-made business is not just online but distributed and sold in several stores you may *even have heard of *like Target, Nebraska Furniture Mart and Amazon. While I would love to tell you more, I think they both do a better job…

AND NOW YOU CAN HAVE ONE TOO! Thanks to mod we’re giving away a special bundle with a strap, lens saver, and drop-in pouch ($79.00 value). 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Why Is SoFabUOTR So Fab?

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I am writing this post in exchange for a discounted conference ticket; however, all opinions are mine and mine alone. #SoFabUOTR #cbias

So the other day a friend asked me, “What is SoFabU on the Road?” and “why are you going?”

Interesting question, but even more interesting is the answer.


Just like when you went to school, it was to become more educated. However, for most people who blog, there wasn’t a “school,” it something we continue to learn every day…making each post a little better by studying our peers. At SoFabU, I get to learn from my peers and from the brands that want me to work with them – all in one place.

That’s just for starters why I’m going to SoFabU on the Road – Dallas on May 30 at the Gaylord Texan.

SoFabUOTR

That and a whole lot more.

Sponsored by Johnny Rockets, Müller, Kraft and iBlog, SoFabUOTR is a unique event that allows influencers to take advantage of educational opportunities that will help set them a part from the rest. SoFabU on the Road features hands-on, interactive sessions for influencers to implement what they’re learning on the spot. The sessions are paired with fun city-specific adventures where attendees get to practice their newly learned skills. Just check out the packed schedule
 for this one-day conference!

Events are open to all bloggers and influencers!

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Featured Sessions

How to Use Social Media to Drive Blog Traffic

Attendees will learn the secrets of using social media platforms {Facebook, twitter, google plus, pinterest, and instagram} to build an audience and drive traffic to their site. Whether a brand new blogger or a proficient user of social media, you’ll learn tips and tricks for branding your social media platforms, finding your voice, increasing social media followers, enhancing engagement, and forming a lasting social media strategy and presence on all platforms.

Best of all my friend Randi from Dukes and Duchesses is the speaker! 

Randi Dukes is the founder and creator of Dukes and Duchesses, a craft and DIY blog that has grown from a hobby into a business over the last few years. Randi loves creating sponsored content for companies and has worked with many large brands including Better Homes and Gardens, Michaels, and The Home Depot. Randi is passionate about using social media to promote and monetize her site and has developed strategies that have brought consistent growth in her social media platforms and steady, increasing traffic to her site. She has over half a million combined followers on her various social media channels. Randi has previously spoken at Haven Conference and loves sharing with and encouraging other bloggers. Regularly featured on sites such as Today, Country Living, and Buzzfeed, Randi enjoys inspiring people with simple seasonal and everyday projects. Randi lives in Dallas with her husband, five kids, and a very dirty dog.

Gaylord Chefs Tour with Photography/Video instruction

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The Gaylord Texan is known for it’s world-class restaurants that offer everything from barbecue to Tex-Mex. SoFabU on the Road attendees will be given an exclusive tour through three of their award-winning restaurants to learn from three of their top chefs. From recipe creation, to food trends, to creative ways to style and plate food, we’ll learn from the best of the best! Each group will by lead by a photography or video pro to continue the education as they highlight tips and tricks for making your content and photos/videos stand out. During the walk between venues, we’ll explore this resort’s 4.5 acres of lush indoor gardens and winding waterways. (Note: the walking will be minimal but please let us know if you are concerned about this so we can make adjustments.) We’re going to learn so much from these amazing chefs and top-notch photography/video pros!

About SoFabU on the Road

Meet me at Dallas or one of these other SoFabUOTR events:

May – Dallas
June – NYC
July – Chicago
Aug. – Minneapolis
Sept. – Atlanta
Oct. – Bentonville

For more information, please visit SoFabUOTR visit http://ontheroad.socialfabric.us.

 

4 Apps For Organizing Your Business Cards

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Want-it Wednesday: 

 Normally, if attend an event or meeting, more than likely you are going to collect some business cards. If you are going to a conference (like I am this week), you are bound to get a pile of business cards. Over the years I have tested several systems to minimize, organize and digitize business cards. Some of been good and taken forever to maintain while others have been bad, useless and left in a pile never to be looked at again. It’s an endless cycle, so it’s time to take control and put that technology to work by utilizing your smart phone to do a lot more than just tweeting and texting. 


So here’s four apps that I can put my thumbs up on to help you put those valuable contacts to work for you! While none of them do everything I want, it certainly beats hand entering business cards or adding them to my pile-that-never-gets-done box (see above.) 


Probably my favorite, this one let’s your scan the card, add it to an online “rolodex,” export it to your regular contacts and then throw it away (no more piles!) While there’s a free edition it limits the number of cards you can upload at a time. For just a few dollars, you can have the access to the app full-time (which is the way you’ll want it after a conference and motivated.)



When the iPhone launched, everyone was into “Bumping…” when they meet someone. However, this app has so many other things it does as well like sharing documents and even works with your laptop now (haven’t tried that!) I really think this makes it super easy to share contact information, but you’ll have to rely on the other person having the app, which may take too long. Honestly, every conference should require you have a QSR code on your nametag and it will take care of everything – you’d just scan them all and have them in your database immediately. (Hint, hint #BlissDom!)

While this one doesn’t have the clout that the other apps included in this list have, I can tell you, I’d wish it would. One of my favorite parts of business cards is getting to see the design and personality of the company or person I am speaking with. CardFlick allows you to have a digitally designed business card that you can “flick” (like Bump) with others. Unfortunately this app hasn’t taken off yet, but if it does, I’ll definitely have my business card ready for flicking! 

Until CamCard this was the way I uploaded my business cards. It works reasonably well although like any scanner, specific fonts and sizes are difficult to read and don’t always convert easily. Available as both a free and paid version (with more options), this is a great app for you to organize your business cards with a few different options than CamCard. What I liked about CamCard is that it made it easier to export each contact immediately to my phone book as well as the user layout. 


What’s your favorite business card app? Please share! 

Food Fridays: Celebrate St. Pat’s with Irish Street Tacos {Recipe}

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Food Fridays: 

Today’s Food Friday is actually from one of my favorite places to eat (and drink) in Dallas, the BBC! I’ve been working with them for a couple of months and they truly have a great team and know how to have fun – especially on St. Pat’s. So since this weekend is St. Patrick’s Day, I’m sharing this great and SUPER EASY dish for Irish Street Tacos shown today on today’s D: Living! 



IRISH STREET TACOS

This dish is easy to make and has a southern twist, it consists of corned beef, sauerkraut, Russian dressing and tortillas.

For the Meat you will need:
Corned beef 3#
Water 3 Quarts
Spice packet 1 Each
In a medium stock pot add your corned beef and water. If the corned beef comes with a spice packet add it to the water. Bring to simmer and let cook until meat is tender but not falling apart, (about 2 hours) you want to be able to cut it into strips. If your corned beef doesn’t come with a spice packet, you can add your own spices. I recommend: 6 peppercorns, 3 bay leaves, and about 2 tablespoons of salt.

For the Russian dressing you will need:
Mayo 2 Cups
Ketchup 1 Cup
Dill relish ½ Cup
Hard boiled eggs 3 Each
In a mixing bowl add all ingredients and mix well, and then chill before serving.

For the Sauerkraut you will need:
Sauerkraut 2 cans (about 16oz)
Bacon 6 strips
Yellow Onion (Medium Size) 1 Each
Oil 2 Tablespoons

To start open the sauerkraut and drain off juice, set aside. Next cut the bacon into about ½ inch chunks, set aside. Next dice the onion (small to medium dice), set aside. In a medium sauce pot add the oil (medium high heat), when oil is hot add the bacon to the pan and let render till it is almost crispy, then add the onion and cook till translucent. Turn down heat to a simmer so not to burn the bacon. Once the onions are translucent, add the sauerkraut and stir till well incorporated. Turn off the heat, and cover.

To serve:
4” corn Tortillas 24 ea
When the beef is tender, place on a cutting board and slice into 4 inch long strips, if the meat is really thick, cut the strip in half. Lay out the tortillas and place the corned beef down the middle and then top with sauerkraut (as much as you like, me personally I like a lot). Then top with a dollop of Russian dressing and serve. You may serve this with some chopped cilantro and diced raw yellow onion, just for some extra flavor. Serve with Green beer. Delicious!

Garnish with swiss cheese.

Looking for something fun today in DFW for St. Pat’s Day? Make sure you check out all the fun they are having at the BBC — with a bagpiper, green beer, brunch, balloon drop and whole bunch more! 


I See Your Epidermis! Newest Trends in Med Spa Treatments for the Face

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Want-it Wednesdays:

In Dallas where there’s just as many med spas as there are Starbucks and McDonalds (want proof, look here), I’ll take a look at the newest options for making you look like a million bucks (or at least take a few years off your face.)
I had no idea that most of these existed!  After researching all these procedures, I needed a graph to remember what each one was, what it did and to what. 
So to break it down even easier, I’ve got it down to the basics, starting out with the easiest and minor procedures until the more intensive. 

DISCLAIMER: This list is what I was able to research; it’s not by any means a complete list and none of the information here is medically approved as I’ve researched using each of the individaul websites, blind interviews over the phone with local med spas, and general knowledge.
First, before you consider going head first into making a BETTER YOU, remember, you are already beautiful just the way you’re made. However, I’ll admit, I think there are some things that were created to make you shine just a little brighter! Just remember there are some limits. REALLY. LIMITS PEOPLE!

Looking to get rid of some dark pigment on your skin, minor acne scars and just brighten up your complexion?  First, let’s talk about microdermabrasion treatments, dermaplaning and chemical peels.  (No needles here.)
IPL Photofacials:
Did you ever sunbathe on the trampoline or use Crisco oil to suntan like I did? Well that’s where photofacials come in to the picture. For those of us with sun damage, sun spots and rosacea, a program of photofacials give your skin an overhaul by using Intense Pulsed Light in a series of 4-6 sessions.
Results: Depends on each person and how you treat your skin.
Microdermabrasion:
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive exfoliation treatment that repairs the skin by reducing the appearance of acne scars, cleaning clogged pores, and smoothing skin while helping to fight signs of aging and hyperpigmentation. Normally its recommended to have around five treatments at least a week apart. THINK: A big scrub down on your face.
Results: Can last around 2-3 months
Dermaplaning:
Sometimes Dermaplaning is a gentle, superficial exfoliation process that removes the outer layer of dead skin cells, and as an added bonus, it also removes the fine facial hair often referred to as “peach fuzz”. This is a safe and effective technique that leaves your skin with a smooth fresh look.
Results: Around 3-4 weeks (the hair cycle)
Chemical peels:
While they may tingle a little upon application, peels can produce even more dramatic improvement in skin texture, tone, skin tightness and wrinkles. It improves sun damage and brown spots as well.
Results: From immediate to 5-10 days after application and can last according to how you treat your skin.
Are crow’s feet tracking all over your face? Then let’s look at Injectables. (Yep, I said Injectable.)
Oh, reliable and what I considered to be the gateway medical treatment for many women. Botox is used to temporarily smoothen moderate to severe facial lines and wrinkles. Also, Botox is FDA-approved for the treatment of severe underarm sweating (hyperhidrosis)!
Results: Can last up to five months.
Botox now has a competitor…maybe that’s why “sport” is in the name?” Anyhow, similar to Botox, Prescription Dysport®is an injection used to temporarily improve the look of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines) in adults under 65 years old.
Results: Lasts around 90 days.

Xeomin, just like Botox and Dysport, is used for the treatment of wrinkles, lines, and the aging face. Xeomin is a highly purified, naturally occurring protein which has the ability to very precisely relax the muscles to which it is applied. This reduces muscle activity that causes moderate to severe lines to form between the brows.
Results: Lasts around 90 days.
Need some more help to give your face more volume and create smoother skin while getting rid of those wrinkles for now? Then let’s move on to injectable gels.
Juvederm™ injectable gel is the first hyaluronic acid dermal filler that has been FDA approved and is proven to be safe and effective for persons of color. This smooth consistency gel aids in restoring your skin’s volume and smoothens facial wrinkles and folds. It helps get rid of “smile lines” and “parentheses.”
Results: Lasts around 3-4 months.
Using a clear gel formulation of hyaluronic acid, this family of cosmetic dermal fillers (there’s more where this comes from) adds volume and fullness to the skin to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth (nasolabial folds.)
Results: Lasts around 3-4 months.
This one was so new I actually got info on it today from one of the only places in town that performs the procedure. Belotero is a soft, dermal filler, comprised of hyaluronic acid-based cohesive gel made to assist in the correction of fine lines and wrinkles.
Results: Lasts around 3-4 months.
This “volumizing filler” is an injectable gel that works by immediately restoring facial volume to smooth out the signs of aging found in the smile lines, marionette lines, corners of the mouth, pre-jowl and chin wrinkles.  By acting like scaffolding under the skin, providing structure and stimulating your own natural collagen to grow, Radiesse is a long-term solution to consider.  
Results: Lasts around 12 months.

*While this one seems a little different than the others, it’s still an injectable and I couldn’t find anything that competes with this result time.

Are you scared to have instant results and everyone will know that you had work done? Then definitely look into aptly named Sculptra. However, if you are looking for a longer lasting solution for more intense aging and wrinkling solution, there are many options like ARTEFILL and AquaDerma.

Then there was more! Yep, there’s more and more, but I have to admit, I’m not a doctor so after a while, I just felt like it was SO over my head! Don’t consider any of these as recommendations for what you should have done; consider this a starter – a list of what’s out there and to learn more with someone with a license!


The last thing I must say, which should go without saying is TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR and know all the facts before making any choices about your skin! There are certainly downfalls to anything you do to your body or your skin, so make sure you know before you go under the needle, laser or light! 

Move over Pilates, Pole Dancing Builds a HARD CORE!

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Try-It Tuesdays: 

I’m all about trying to get off the weight, but I’m sure you’ll agree the idea of being on a treadmill day after day makes it hard to get motivated enough to get your hiney moving beyond all the other things you have to do every day. So in my pursuit of creating a BETTER ME in 2013, I decided to jump off the normal exercise routine and look at some unique options for working off the inches while keeping my interest peaked. 

Oh, mama, did I. 

This week’s Try-It Tuesday brought me to pole dancing. *blush*

Yes, I did folks, I walked right on in to that class and rocked that pole…actually, that pole rocked me in ways I didn’t even expect! 


I wasn’t sure actually what to expect, so in hindsight I probably should have done a few shots before going, but in the name of blogging I was committed to finding out how this could make me fit and not just feel fabulous. 

Once again, a Groupon caught my eye and I decided to buy a package for POLEITICIANS. Close to home in Arlington (with other locations in Richardson and Rockwall), I threw on my leggings and tank top and womaned up to whatever I was asked to TRY to do. 

After circling the parking lot for 20 minutes, I found myself in a small room with six poles, a group of ladies (including 3 newbies + myself) and a powerful professional pole teacher, all ready for Level 1. We didn’t waste anytime getting into working our bodies; only five-minutes into the class for the warm-up, I could feel my poor core and thighs just shaking. 

Man, move over pilates, pole dancing is where it is at to work that core!


I was able to continue to the actually routine portion of the class to learn how to do the Martini and a Rockstar…

Oh, my again I thought again after seeing Rashinda demonstrate the moves. There’s NO way I can do that. Between pointing my toes all the time (think ballerina), holding out my arms appropriately and then swinging my legs close to the pole, but not around the pole, I wasn’t even going to be able to complete my first class much less graduate to Level 2 in a few weeks. 

Well I’m glad to report, I did. Maybe not very well and let’s just say, if you paid to come see me at BabyDolls, you’d ask for your money back, but I felt like a Rockstar (which was good since that was supposed to be performing.) 

Now, I’m sure you are looking for that photo of me mid pole, but let’s just say: 

Hell, no. It ain’t happenin’…at least not at this point. 

This photo is one of the instructors showing how to do the pose properly, but I promise if I can actually make it to the last class, I will be happy to take a photo since my body, especially my abs, will look amazing. Now I know why people contunue to do this workout and lose mega pounds like 10-100 lbs. 

Now if that’s not enough reason to take to the pole, then consider it for your next girlfriend get together. And make sure you have socks, shorts and a little pole wax! Not only do you get an out-of-this-world workout, you do feel like a stronger, more confident and sexier you. 

Can’t beat that, right? 

Let’s Shake It Up: Advocare Shake vs. Vi-Shape Shake

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It’s hard to think that by drinking a shake you could better your health, but for decades with products like Slimfast, Advocare and Vi-Shake, you can now drink your meal while lose weight. Additional, some of these companies also allow you to make money while changing your lifestyle. Since this month I’ve really concentrated on losing some much needed weight, I decided to take a look at the two shakes I’ve had a chance to sample, AdvoCare Meal Replacement Shake and ViSalus Vi-Shape Nutritional Shake to see which one was better.



But before going any further, I am adding the disclaimer: I am receiving no financial gain for this post and do not sell either of these products. However, if you choose to purchase either of these brands, I am supplying two friends’ links, so you can easily purchase your meal replacement shake choice!

BUY AdvoCare Meal:  Replacement Shake     BUY ViSalus Vi-Shape Nutritional Shake

 
Taste:
 
Plano-based AdvoCare Meal Replacement Shake is available in three flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, and Berry. The basic recipe calls for water and then if you like, you can add fruit, ice, etc.
 
Vi-Shape Nutritional Shake Mix is available in Sweet Cream flavor. By adding milk, Almond milk or water, you can add your own ingredients to create a special recipe.  You can also get ViSalus Health Flavor Mix Ins like chocolate, banana and strawberry are also an option for a quick variation or base.
 
I enjoyed both of these shakes’ flavors, especially the Almond Joy Vi-shake recipe I found (along with the more than 100 other recipes.) While I didn’t try it with the Advocare chocolate base, I’m sure it would work similarly to the Vi-Shake recipe. The Advocare shake, as directed, and the Vi-Shake blend I concocted (the basic recipe with Almond Milk and a provided Chocolate Mix in) tasted like a Carnation Instant Breakfast and didn’t seem like I was skipping out or having a “diet” shake.
 
Nutrition:
 
While both shakes taste good, we are talking meal replacement shakes that most people drink in efforts to LOSE or manage weight. So let’s get straight to the point.

Advocare Chocolate Flavor
Vi-Shape Shake
Total Calories: 220
Total Fat: 3 g
Total Cholesterol: 40 mg
Total Sodium: 80 mg
Total Carbohydrates: 24g
Total Dietary Fiber: 6 g
Total Sugars: 12g
Total Protein: 24g
Total Calories: 90
Total Fat: 1 g
Total Cholesterol: 15 mg
Total Sodium: 75 mg
Total Carbohydrates: 7g
Total Dietary Fiber: 5 g
Total Sugars: <1 g
Total Protein: 12 g

 


 
In addition to the list of minerals and vitamins each of the meal replacement shakes contains, Advocare utilizes a combination of whey protein concentrate, calcium caseinate, milk protein isolate and an amino acid blend while Vi-Shape Nutritional Shake comprises a blend of Tri-sorb protein, non-GMO soy protein, fibersol, pro-biotics and aminogen.
 
Now before looking at the list to see the obvious, consider what exactly we are comparing. For instance, ViSalus Vi-Shape Nutritional Shake may seem like it has fewer calories, less fat, cholesterol, sodium, sugars and carbohydrates, the label is only for the basic cream flavor (smells like birthday cake) recipe using water. Unfortunately, I’ve rarely heard of people (including myself), using water, but rather milk as well as mix-ins like fruit, extracts, etc. So actually, you need to add these additional products like milk (which adds additional carbs, sugars and protein) to the mix as well as any other flavors. So make sure you are looking at apples to apples before making your meal replacement option!  
 
Cost:
 
 
AdvoCare Meal Replacement Shakes are $39.95 for 14 individual pouches so each shake is approximately $2.85.
 
Vi-Shape Nutritional Shake is $59 for a 30-serving supply sack or $49 if you choose to get join their auto-ship program, so each Vi-Shape is $1.63. (However, if you are adding other items to the shake, the bottom like cost is more than $1.63.) Additionally, if you refer 3 customers to buy the Vi-shake mix via your link, you get yours free the next month.
 
So what’s the best option? I’ll admit, it’s a hard to look at just taste, nutrition and cost to make the best choice. I know I couldn’t based on these facts. Both made me full, tasted good and provided my daily vitamins and minerals. I loved the fact that with the Advocare I could dump water, ice and the envelope into the blender and I had a delicious breakfast rather than to put together a special recipe with mixins and milk from Vi-Shake. However, late at night when I craved something bad, the Vi-Shakes are what I craved to fight off the bad things I wanted to eat, but shouldn’t.
 
So unfortunately, like many diet and nutrition programs, you have to make the best choice for your and your body. I’ve seen and heard many success stories for both products and I know I’ve tried both programs and certainly will continue with both challenges to see what works best for me.
 
Have you tried Advocare or the Vi-Shake?

The Carb Cycle That ‘s Good For Your Thighs

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Sharing Sundays: 

While I’ve been working on a rather low-carb diet for a week now (except today), I don’t mind telling you that sometimes I wish the Susan Powter high-carb diet of the early 90s actually did work. Wouldn’t it be lovely to have a diet where you could eat spaghetti and baked potatoes and not feel like you were committing espionage or something?
Purchase Franco Carlotto’s Carb Cycle on Amazon.com.
Actually there is a way, according six−time Mr. World FitnessFranco Carlotto called the Carb Cycle.This simple but effective method allows you to eat your favorite meals and carbs regularly by constantly filling and depleting your body’s natural carb storage system with his special revolutionary method.

The short book is powerful, logical, and practical so you can understand what to eat and what not to eat and most importantly, why and when as well as to make notes, etc. Franco explains how to properly consume carbs as a tool for fat burning and not to overeat. Not only does this book make it easy to understand but also teaches what to eat, at what time and on what days. Following the guidelines outlined from Franco, you don’t have to count carbs, but just follow The Carb Cycle.

Thankfully, this diet isn’t complicated or restrictive. And it’s not a plan, but a way to eat without feeling like you’re missing out (which is normally one of my problems with diet plans.) And ultimately, you’ll maximize your fat−burning, speed up your metabolism, and increase your energy levels when you follow the cycle.

The Carb Cycle
Franco Carlotto

DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)


Give It a Squeeze: Fresh Juice {Recipes}

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Food Fridays:

 Disclaimer:
I received an Omega juicer for purposes of this review. Links to affiliate links may also be included. However, the opinions are all my own.

 Special Note:
With my current mamachallenge, the Shred diet, one of my daily beverage options is fresh juice. So when I needed to look up some juicing recipes, I went back to a post from April 2012 and my first experience with a juicer. So I’m sharing this post again with some tasty juice recipes along with a special offer of a whole month’s offering of new juice recipes when you LIKE Omega Juicers! 


 With spring time in full swing, I enjoy everything Mother Nature offers like al fresco dining, working in the yard and consuming fresh fruit. Unfortunately, my vegetable intake is not exactly what it should be, although I have very good intentions when I purchase produce for my family. Undoubtedly, I end up throwing some of it away since I can’t always get to cooking something with it before it goes south. It’s a never-ending cycle that many times the cost outweighs my want for fresh vegetables and fruit, and I end up with frozen and canned versions instead (despite the flavor, color and quality.) 


Trying to provide some suggestions to my “taste it vs. trash it” conundrum, someone suggested I juice my produce. Of course, I immediately struck down the idea. All I needed was another huge appliance to take up space that would be hard to clean and from what I had heard in the past, would probably not work well anyways. But when I got my hands on the Omega juicer, the size of the juicer surprised me – it was small although was little heavy (due to the amazing motor I would find out later). Now ready to juice, I purchased several different fruits and vegetables and waited for the “right time” to make it and then clean up the mess.

So when my husband asked for some orange juice, I immediately thought this was a good opportunity to test it out. The kitchen was already a mess from Saturday breakfast preparation, so it wouldn’t be a big deal. And since the kids were all up, I didn’t have to worry the loud sound from the juicer would wake anyone up. Best of all, I had some help if I couldn’t figure out how to put it all together. So I decided to take the plunge.

In only three minutes I was able to put it all together without any instructions, I was pleasantly surprised.

Not bad.

Next I turned it on ready to have the kids look at me in horror of the noise, but there was no real noise. Just a little hum of the motor.

Even better.

Then I let my son put in the fruit and in just a few moments, we had fresh, delicious orange juice that was amazing. So being huge fans of strawberries, we opted to try another. Again, in just a short bit, we were all sharing our version of a Blushing OJ with strawberries, raspberries, apples and oranges.


Fresh and fantastic.

With the small amount of leftover juice, as requested by my three year-old, we put them in ice cubes and made popsicles.

Healthy and delicious treat for later.

But knowing that there wasn’t a secret maid button on the juicer, I knew the clean up was going to take forever. I “womaned” up to the sink and only five minutes later, everything was clean and drying.

Excellent.

I definitely am now one of those people that appreciates what a good, quality juicer can do. For instance my juicer is the Omega Vert VRT330 Juicer– equipped with a 2-horsepower equivalent single-phase induction motor. This masticating juicer thoroughly chews up plant fibers to extract vitamins, enzymes, and minerals from fruits and vegetables, including wheatgrass and leafy greens. The Vert VRT330 Juicer dual-stage juicing system ensures maximum juice and extremely dry pulp, the first crushing stage extracts and the second pressing stage squeezes. Its Low Speed Technology System (LSTS) and low rotation speed of 80 RPMs result in minimal heat build up and oxidation which means higher quality juice, flavor, and nutrients. Best of all, the automatic pulp-ejection function allows for continuous juicing – compost the pulp, or better yet, use it to flavor soups, cakes, and more.

The Vert VRT330 Juicer also features an Automatic Wiping System that utilizes a silicone wiping blade, similar to a car’s windshield wiper, to help keep the juicing screen free of excess pulp. Other highlights include built-in reverse mode to prevent food from getting stuck, heavy-duty construction, and quiet operation due to squeezing slowly rather than grinding at high speed like centrifugal juicers.

I’ve included the recipe we made as well as my next conquest, Sweet Spring Mix, which is a lot like the Dr. Oz’s Green Drink.

Blushing Orange Juice
3 oranges
1 apple
1 handful raspberries

Juice together in the order given; stir the juice to mix the flavors.

Sweet Spring Mix 
1 cucumber
1 carrot
1 green apple
¼ cup parsley
¼ cup mint
1 stalk of celery
½ inch of fresh ginger
½ lemon (peeled)

Sweet Spring Mix 


I also have posted several juice recipes on Pinterest!


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