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Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

Pure Results with NEW Pure Barre Arlington

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Disclaimer: I received a trial class in exchange for this review. However, the opinions expressed here are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

Try-it Tuesday:

I’ve tried a LOT of workouts in my journey to be healthy. Some of them, like my trip to CitySurf Fitness and Politicians Pole Dancing took a lot of coordination. So I was relieved when I found out that there was a Pure Barre opening in my neck of the woods. (The same of the neck of the woods that is home to every major restaurant chain in the universe all down one road and scored in the top 20 as one of the Fatest Cities in America.) 

And the thought of moving like a ballerina and flexing my leg looked pretty easy, so I was gonna be like the next Black Swan. 


Oh, did I have a lot to learn. 

 While Pure Barre does mirror many movements used by ballerinas with the use of the barre, it is so much more. Considered an “intelligent exercise” (because smart women like me do it…not really, but the idea made me laugh), the PBT is a total body workout using small isometric movements set to contemporary music to keep you paced while you burn. 

 Oh, yes, you will feel the burn. But in a good way. (Like the you-know-change-is-happening-kind-of-way!)

Best of all, results are said to happen within 10 classes. (Now that’s good enough for me!) 

…Read more about my Pure Barre Arlington experience here!

 Pure Barre Arlington
2500 NE Green Oaks, Suite 128
Arlington, Texas 76006
817.652.2920
Website


Ready to can the old sweat shirt before you workout? 
No problems, I’ve got a suggestion for you and it comes straight to your door!

I am an affiliate of Ellie.

Surf’s Up: How To Get Your Pamela Anderson Beach-Ready Body at NEW CitySurf Fitness {video}

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Try-it Tuesdays:

Cowabunga, what a workout!

I recently went on a total adventure with CitySurf Fitness in Dallas. Always ready to try out a new fitness disclipine in efforts to get fit while having fun, this new studio in Uptown seemed right up my alley! I have never surfed and certainly need all the core work I can get, so I was excited to “ride the waves” at this new concept (backed by entreprenuer/Shark Tank’s Mark Cuban for Surfset Fitness). 
I’ll admit I’m not a terribly coordinated gal, but I’m flexible, have balance and am willing to make a total dork of myself in the name of fitness (and a good blog post.) So I quickly went online to book my class:

  • City Surfing: fat burn, lean muscle build, extreme balance (signature class with the most time on the board)
  • Beach Body Bootcamp: strength building/cardio fitness (on the floor and on the board)
  • Buddha Board: increased flexibility and strength (think yoga on the board)
  • Big Kahuna: increased strength and size of skeletal muscles (the pros)
For my first time, I decided to try the signature class option, City Surfing. Registration was easy, but unfortunately, parking wasn’t, so I was a little late (I recommend getting there at least 10 minutes before class to ensure your parking space and time to choose your board.)

Thankfully the class wasn’t running too far behind, so I quickly jumped on. 

Dude…what a change I experienced just becoming acquainted with the board. It was actually a little surreal. Like being on the water without the salt in my face and the sharks at my toes. 


Then the sounds of hip hop, rock and a little Bob Marley flooded the room along with a buge slideshow of surfers on the wall to give you the feeling you too were riding the waves (and not just shaking like I was as my legs continued to become stronger with each move.)
But my instructor made it look so easy and with a smile, so ever onward! I really wanted to glide as smooth as she did with each move although I know I probably looked more like a beached whale than a surfer…but I didn’t let it get me down.  So with a little motivation from a memory of Pamela Anderson running down the beach on Baywatch, I was willing to continue in hopes I could hang ten (actually more like hang on to the end of the 50-minute workout.) 

What can I say from my CitySurf Fitness? RICT (for those of you non-surfers that means awesome!)

The afterburn was amazing – body parts hurt the next day that I didn’t even know I had. Burning around 800 calories is totally awesome. And the experience overall totally beats a day on the treadmill. It’s definitely a great way to get your body ready for your bikini (or in my case get it out of your coverup and maybe into a tankini by the end of the summer!) 

Class packages are available at all different ranges, but I definitely suggest the $10 “Try It” class. After attending you receive a 15% discount when you buy your first package! 
City Surf Fitness
2805 Allen Street, Suite 113 (look for the surf board) 
214.880.7433
###

DISCLAIMER: I received a trial class 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.”)

Want-It Wednesday: 5 Moves to a Perfect Bikini Body

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Want-it Wednesdays:

What is it I want this Want-It Wednesday? Yep, it’s a body that looks good enough in a bathing suit that it doesn’t resemble Shamu strung up in net! I’ve been working for several months, but not without a few ups and downs. So when I had the chance to speak with a woman who literally lives in a bikini all-year long, I figured she’d have some great tips to get me (and you) ready! 

National bikini competitor Angeles Burke shares  her secret workouts that keep her bikini-ready throughout the year! A member of the National Physique Committee (NPC), A.F.A.A. certified fitness instructor and Celsius sponsored athlete, Angeles knows the importance of staying fit and healthy. Her experience competing has taught her workouts that pinpoint and tone areas of the body that will make that swimsuit look great – and have you look your best, as well. Her workouts are great to sneak in anywhere, whether you’re at the gym, on the beach mid-vacation or on the go that will lead to a fitter, more sculpted you this vacation.

Photo credit: angelesburke.wordpress.com

Angeles’ Beach Body Workout:

Crab Squat Walks: 
Just because you’re on vacation does NOT mean the workouts are over! Whether you’re lounging by the beach or at the gym, this workout will help give you the legs you’ve always wanted! If you’re on the beach, don’t give up until you reach the lifeguard chair – this is a pretty silly looking move, but it will get your booty burning!
  1. Stand with your feet in a wide stance.
  2. Drop your glutes down so that your thigh is parallel to the ground.
  3. Hold that position and then take 12 steps forward and 12 steps back. You must remain as low as possible, keeping all the weight in your heels.

Seashell Reaches: 
While you’re walking on the beach, why not kick it up a notch and make it a workout? Every few steps, practice this workout to pick up shells or rocks. If you’re at home, use a dumbbell for an intensified workout!
  1. Stand on your left foot.
  2. Lift your right foot behind you and bend your knee so your right lower leg is parallel to the floor.
  3. Bend forward at your hips, and slowly lower your body as far as you can. Pause, then push your body back to the starting position.
  4. As you come up, think about using your glutes to push your hips forward instead of lifting from your back.
  5. Keep core engaged and chest up during the entire movement.

Towel Side Planks: 
While you and your friends are lying pool or ocean-side, why not get an ab workout in while you tan? These side planks are a great way to tone up – and you can do them on your towel!
  1. Lie on your left side with your knees straight.
  2. Prop your upper body up on your left elbow and forearm.
  3. Raise your hips until your body forms a straight line from your ankles to your shoulders.
  4. Hold this position for 30 seconds.
  5. Turn around so that you’re lying on your right side and repeat.

Surf-Climbers: 
This workout takes the mountain climber exercise and revamps it! Before running into the water or off to the pool, take a runner’s stance on the ground and get revved up to run into the surf. This will make the waves more fun – and let you burn a few calories before your swim!
  1. Get into push-up position with arms straight and hands directly under shoulders.
  2. Walk feet forward, staggering them so your right knee is bent under your chest while your left foot is behind your with knee slightly bent.
  3. Pushing powerfully into your legs, switch your foot positions, bringing the left knee in and extending the right leg.
  4. Continue alternating for 1 minute, and then take off with a final burst of energy and sprint into the waves! If at home, do a small sprint!
Need a better visual? Then check out Angeles’ workout routine here!

Me Mondays: Save Time with a Whole Meal in the Microwave {Recipes}

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Every Monday I bring you things on mamachallenge.com that really matter to mom (at least to me!) This morning “Me Monday” took on a whole new meaning because this Monday I (me) was on WFAA’s Good Morning Texas making a whole meal in the microwave – and in only 4:30 minutes! Not only was it easy and healthy, but it also was quick so you can spend more time with your family and spend less time cooking in your kitchen!

 Check out my debut: 

Are you ready to take on this challenge yourself at home? Then here are the recipes!
Ham & Swiss Stuffed Chicken
2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (6 – 8 ounces each)
Salt and pepper
1 slice of Swiss cheese (about 1 ounce) or use Provolone
1 slice of deli ham (about 1/2 ounce each)
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
Steam bags (Ziplock, Glad, etc.)
Mustard Sauce
2 tablespoons regular or light mayonnaise
2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
1 teaspoon honey
Pinch of salt (about 1/16 teaspoon)
1. Cut 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (6 – 8 ounces each) in half horizontally almost all the way through leaving far edge intact and open up like a book. Cover with plastic wrap and pound opened breasts gently to even thickness (about 1/4 inch), being careful not to tear chicken. Sprinkle open (cut-side) of chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Cut 1 slice of Swiss cheese (about 1 ounce) in half. Wrap each half of cheese in 1 slice of deli ham (about 1/2 ounce each), folding ham over cheese on all sides to fully surround cheese. Place one ham and cheese bundle on each chicken breast.
4. Put stuffed chicken breasts into steam bag with thickest part of chicken breasts toward outer edge of bag.
5. Seal bag and place in microwave. Cook on full power for 5 – 5 1/2 minutes, until chicken is cooked through, with no trace of pink. If needed, continue microwaving at 30-second intervals until chicken is done.
6. Allow bag to stand 1 minute before handling. Carefully open bag. Use spatula to remove chicken from bag. Serve with mustard sauce.

Glazed Carrots
1 pound baby-cut carrots
1 Tablespoon brown sugar
1 Tablespoon butter
1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Steam bag

1. Combine baby-cut carrots, brown sugar, butter, cornstarch and salt in a steam bag.
2. Seal bag and shake gently to combine ingredients. Pat carrots into a single layer. Place bag in microwave.
3. Cook on full power for 6 minutes for crisp-tender carrots. If needed, continue microwaving at 30-second intervals until carrots have reached desired level of tenderness.
4. Allow bag to stand for 1 minute before handling. Shake gently to coat carrots with glaze. Carefully open bag.
5. Garnish with 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve.

Herbed New Potatoes
1 1/2 pounds small red boiling potatoes, cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning blend
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Steam bag

1. Combine all ingredients in a steam bag.
2. Seal bag and shake gently to distribute seasonings. Place bag in microwave
3. Cook on full power for 7 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender. If needed, continue microwaving at 30-second intervals until all potatoes are done.
4. Allow bag to stand 1 minute before handling. Carefully open bag and pour out potatoes.

Chocolate Mug Cake
Recipe: Makes 1 mug cake (adapted from www.babble.com)
Mug!
4 tablespoons all purpose flour
4 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg – beaten
3 tablespoons skim milk
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 salted caramels, chocolate chips, or anything else you want to throw in there!

1. Into a small bowl add: flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, salt, egg, milk, and vegetable oil. Mix to combine.
2. Pour mixture into a regular sized coffee mug. Drop caramels/candies into center of mixture one at a time.
3. Microwave on high for one minute and 30 seconds. If needed (if cake batter is still gooey), microwave on high for up to an additional 30 seconds. 

What did you think? 

Food Friday: Texas Turkey Club Burger {Recipe} and {Giveaway}

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Food Fridays:

On Fridays our family normally likes to go out to eat together to celebrate the end of the week and the start of the weekend. Unfortunately, going out with a 4-year-old and an 18-month-old to a restaurant can sometimes be more work than I’m willing to take on, especially if it’s been a LONG week. So mama has opted a few Fridays to bring the “going out” experience home with quick and tasty meals that my kids love and still feel like they are “Friday night dinner appropriate!” 

 Since burgers are a win-win at my house, this tasty recipe I put together seemed to marry all the favorite ingredients in the family together and all with a little kick from Jennie-O! 


Jennie-O Texas Turkey Club Burger

Serving Note: A package of Jennie-O Turkey Store Jalapeno Jack Burgers contains six patties, so choose your serving size based on your family size! For our family, we do 4 patties. Also, the only place you can purchase these burgers is WalMart until the end of March!

 1 package of Jennie-O Turkey Store Jalapeno Jack Burgers 
1 package of Jennie-O Turkey Bacon
1 package of Wholly Guacamole Classic 100 calorie Snack Pack Dip
4 tablespoons of mayonnaise (optional)
4 slices of cheese: provolone or swiss 
8 slices of Texas Toast 
3 tablespoons butter
Optional: sliced tomatoes and lettuce

 Fry turkey bacon according to package directions. 

 Cook turkey patties according to package directions by cooking well done, 165 degrees F (takes around 5-6 minutes on both sides.) 

Spread butter on bread and use skillet to toast until golden brown. 

 Spread mayo/mustard on slices of toast. Add turkey pattie, 3 slices of bacon, cheese and then add guacamole on the top to taste (I like a lot!) Also in complete club style, you can add tomotoes and lettuce if you choose. Even without the vegetables, this is a very tasty and healthy “burger.” 


Want more Jennie-O and Wholly Guacamole fun with me?  Check out these posts: 

Wholly Moly! Making Healthy & Quick Dinners Possible with Dips?


Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/11/27/4443121/stuff-dads-stocking-with-this.html#storylink=
Connect: 
Find Wholly Guacamole and Jennie-O on Facebook or follow Twitter at @EatWholly and @SwitchToTurkey. Also find recipes on the Wholly Guacamole and Jennie-O website! 

GIVEAWAY ALERT!
Want to win a Wholly Guacamole and Jennie-O giveaway prize pack? 
You can win: 
Wholly Guacamole FREE coupons (valued at $24)
Jennie-O FREE coupons (valued up to $10)
Turkey meat thermometer and other fun promotional items 

*ENTER NOW*


The opinions expressed above are 100% my own. I received product in exchange for this review and post. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

To-Do Thursdays: DFW Fun Runs with Zombies to Zebras

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To-Do Thursdays:

 Many moms are working on things to do with Spring Break coming up next week, but I know a lot of moms are also revving up for the huge number of runs that are coming up – including this weekend. Just know that running is no longer a race, but a fun activity with everything from zombies to zebras. 

 So get on your running gear and check out this rundown of fun runs happening in DFW: 

 Zombie Run
March 9, 2013
Forney, Texas 

Logo from DFWZombieRun.com

Are you a Walking Dead fan or obsessed with zombies, but now you’ve got a run to get primed in case we the world gets taken over by them! 

  • Before the race, you will be given a belt with 4 flags attached to it. These flags represent your health. During the race, zombies will be scattered across the course to eat your brains… err get those flags. One zombie can only get one flag from you.
  • No hitting, throwing or real biting allowed.
  • Upon crossing the finish line, you need at least one health flag intact in order to be eligible for prizes. Should you lose all your health flags, you are still allowed to finish the race and your time will be recorded but you shall be considered “dead” and no longer be eligible for a cash prize. Turn in your belt and get tickets for the non-cash prizes.
  • If you find yourself out of health flags, you are not considered a zombie and are not allowed to start pulling at other runner’s flags.

Survive the challenge? You can score money, glow sticks, medals, music and free beer. 

 The Color Run
April 6, 2013

SOLD OUT

(Photo credit: from The Color Run 5K)

The Color Run™ event is a unique experience focused less on speed and more on crazy color fun with friends and family. Color runners come from all different ages, shapes, sizes, and speeds; but everyone toeing the start line has a blast. Whether you are a casual morning mall walker or an Olympic athlete, the 3 miles of The Color Run™ course will be the most memorable and colorful run of your life! 

 Since you can’t register for this one, you’re in in luck – there’s another fun “color-themed” fun with Color Fun Fest 5K, May 11 and you can sign up now for more than 50% off! 

 Fort Worth Zoo Run
April 20, 2013

 Early registration guarantees a Zoo admission ticket, a race bag, a T-shirt, as well as a timing chip, if desired. T-shirt sizes based upon availability. Strollers are invited to attend at the back of the line! Then of course, visit the zoo when you get to the end of the line!


The Survival Race
April 27, 2013

(Photo Credit: The Survival Race website)


The Survival Race is designed for fun and although you’re going to be running, jumping, climbing, crawling and working hard, it’s more like exercise in disguise…You’ll be having too much fun to think of the challenge, plus the crowds, which may include your own friends and family, are going to be rooting you on! 

  • The Official Survival Race T-Shirt
  • The Energetic and Awesome Live Tunes From Our Race Band, The Pulse!
  • Free Digital Picture Suite – Our professional photographers will be dispersed throughout the 5k-race course, waiting to capture the essence of you and your awesome adventure…this is our gift to you, for being a Survival Racer.
  • Official Survival Race Post-Race Dog Tag – You must finish the race to earn your right of passage.
  • Chip Timing: Every participant will be provided with a chip timer. You will be able to check your results online or live at the event. Not everyone wants to compete…no worries, simply have fun, take your time and complete the race!


 Right now you can get registration for this event at half off, with this link (for a limited time only.)
Tasty Run 5K & Fun Run
May 18, 2013

Are your taste buds up for a challenge?  If so, get ready for the 1st Annual Tasty Run located at the food and fun festival, Taste Addison 2013.  The Tasty Run will feature a 5K and Fun Run with Tasting Stations from Addison’s restaurants along the route.  Bite size samples will keep runners satisfied and entertained as they race through the streets of Addison.  Individuals, teams and costumes welcome!  Restaurant booths along the course will have a Best Theme competition and the winner will be announced during the Awards Ceremony. Registration includes food, shirts and admission to Taste Addison! 

Rolling in the Deep: Jiu Jitsu Done Family Style

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Try-It Tuesday:

Being pinned down on the ground is normally not the way I like to workout (at least not most the time). However, when it involves burning up to 600-800 calories, teaching discipline AND spending time with my kids, I can definitely be convinced.
Don’t worry, that’s not me in the middle since someone had to
take the photo.

And that’s exactly how I found myself at the Independent Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy in south Arlington. Surrounded by people of all ages, I was able to explore the whole new world of jiu jitsu. Opening its doors last October, the staff (who also work as firemen and other community roles by day) has more than 60 years of combined experience that allow them to focus on not just the sport of jiu jitsu, but also how it can arm women with self-defense skills and help children deal with the ever-growing issue of bullying.

The guy on top? It was his first day and his first class, too. 
While I was very hesitant to get into the thick of things, I quickly learned you just had to get in there and do it. From the moment you give respect to the mat (which you do every time you enter the mat area), I felt immediately comfortable and safe as I listened intently to the instructors about how to perform the proper techniques to defend myself by taking the “fight to the ground.” I also learned that the focus of the practice wasn’t just the technique, but also by empowering its students to build confidence, discipline and awareness, I was also arming myself with skills that could prevent me from being put in compromising situations as well as how to protect myself if I was.

Be careful if you see me in a dark alley…I can take care of my own
(with some more practice, of course.)
But what I was most impressed about at the studio was the environment and opportunity it provided not only me, but also for my kids. Bullying isn’t necessarily a new issue for kids to have to deal with, but it certainly is a growing one as kids find new ways to hurt their peers like through texting and internet. As a mom of two young children, it’s definitely a topic I have to deal with; teaching to not bully as well as how to handle themselves appropriately in the case that they are a victim. And just like any parent, I’d like to provide them all the skills necessary to make good decisions and to be the best that they could be. That is also the same mission as the Independent Brazilian Jiu Jitsu studio’s family classes.

Learning jiu jitsu as a family can teach your kids how to take care of themselves
(and you if you don’t attend with them…just kidding.)
That’s right, game night has changed in 2013 – now we have family jiu jitsu! It’s actually such an incredible concept, as parents are allowed to take classes with their children to not just understand what their child is learning, but also to engage with their child as they learn and grow together in their practice. With parents working so hard to juggle family time, workout time, and the other fuss of the day, Independent Brazilian Jiu Jitsu allows the entire family to benefit without adding one more tasks you need to try to fit into those already crammed-backed schedules.
If you’re still scared that “fighting” is not your thing, first, understand – it’s all about protection! Second, I invite you to go into any of their classes (see schedule below) and see exactly how comfortable, fun and empowering the experience can be. And if you’re ready to get your grapple on, then give them a call to set up your membership. Best of all, if you mention this article, you get half off membership when you sign up.

Independent Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
7201 South Cooper Street Ste 111
Arlington, Texas 76001
817.475.0500
IBJJA Class Schedule 

 Monday:
Kids/Family 5:45-6:30pm
Adult Basic 6:45-7:45pm
Adult Advanced 7:45-8:45pm

Tuesday:
Adult Basic 6:45-7:45pm
Krav Maga 7:45-9:00pm

Wednesday:
Kids/Family 5:45-6:30pm
Adult Basic 6:45-7:45pm
Adult Advanced 7:45-8:45pm

Thursday:
Adult Basic 6:45-7:45pm
Adult advanced 
No Gi 7:45-8:45pm

Saturday:
Kids/Family 10:30-11:30am
Adult Basic 11:30-12:30pm
Open Mat 12:30-2:00pm

You Got the Look: New Gym Staples You Need

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Me Mondays:

When it comes to going to going to the gym, there are only a few things you need to score a great workout:

  • A great pair of shoes

  • Comfortable and cute workout wear

  • A sports bra with the right amount of support

  • And for me, an upbeat workout list


    • But what do you do with all those other things you have to keep up with like a towel, water, your id, keys and your phone? I’ve gone through a myriad of bags to keep up with everything, but when it comes down to it, I don’t need a big gym bag. However, I do need something to hold all my stuff, especially when you don’t have any pockets. Presenting the Go Caddy. 


    Designed to minimize what you carry, the Go Caddy is the ideal bag to accompany you to the gym, a long walk, going to the park, a bike ride, a ball game and even when traveling. It holds just what you need with a comfortable strap and allows you to carry the bare essentials – handsfree, so you are able to do what you need without a big bag or backpack to keep up with. 


     Buy the Go Caddy online and at some retail locations across the U.S. 

     Water is also one of the staple items that you should have with you no matter where you are, but especially when you are doing hot yoga, spin, pilates or a good run. Unfortunately, depending on where you are filling up that bottle, it may not be the tastiest or cleaniest of the water. However, did you know that with the help of a special piece of charcoal, you can create some of the cleanest water imaginable? 

    Created by the innovative designers black + blum, check out the the eau good filter water bottle. The bottle uses a filter system with binchotan active charcoal, which has been used in Japan as a water purifier since the 17th century. It reduces chlorine, balances the pH and adds minerals to the water. The unique tab on the side hold the charcoal firmly in place and can be squeezed to release for easy washing. The bottle looks like glass, but is actually made of BPA-free tritan, a crystal clear and very sturdy plastic. After about 6 months, the charcoal can be recycled for many uses including removing odors from shoes, the refrigerator, etc. or sprinkled in the garden to help plants grow. 

    I’ll be honest, you’ll definitely have people looking at your water bottle trying to figure out what’s in it, but rest assured you’ll have the freshest look and taste. 

    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.”

    Taming the Ta-Tas: Best Sports Bras Do More Than Support

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    Disclaimer

    With all my adventures to find new and exciting ways to get exercise like hot yoga, pilatesbarre and spin, I needed to look fab while I looked fit. Thus also began my search for the best sports bra, which actually began as a personal quest to replace an old sports bra I had come to rely on for more than six years. It had “carried” me through a large part of my life – my new boobs after my breast reduction, marriage, several 5Ks, weight loss/weight gain and two kids… And had never let me (or the girls) down. Unfortunately, the wires had shot completely out on both sides and I figured since I couldn’t read the tag any longer to find a new one, it was time for a new one that could keep me and my girls under control for another six years. I had no idea it was going to be so hard to find a [GOOD] sports bra.

    Thus the search began.  I just didn’t know that it would take me down so many paths to get there! So while I did find some great recommendations for keeping the girls in place while running, I found SO MUCH MORE!

    Recommendations, referrals and internet searches galore. And then I found a great expert! Kim Larson, a Colorado triathlete who wears a 34E bra knew how difficult it was to find a good bra to fit her girls, so she opened her own boutique to help other women find their perfect bra.


    “There is no one sports bra that works best for everyone – or even for different people of the same size.     BoulderFields was opened to find the perfect bra for every woman regardless of her shape or size.”

     
    Of course, lululemon’s ta-ta tamer II would make it on the list for best sports bra. While it has some cute designs, has adjustble straps and works well for some, it wasn’t my favorite one I tried.
     

    Based on sales at BoulderFields, the best-selling bras are Shock Absorber bras (various styles, A – HH cups, 30 – 40 bands) and Enell (C – DDD cups, 32 – 52 bands). Shock Absorber does a lot of research behind their products at the University of Portsmouth and they show it with their BOUNCE-O-METER (you have to see this!) While the Enell bras had rave reviews all over websites, it honestly had to be one of the bras I’d run AWAY from if it was my only choice. 

     
    The Shock Absorber Ultimate Run Sports bra claims it reduces bounce up to 78% and has the research to prove it. That and the two buckles in the back tell you this bra means business. (I haven’t had a chance to try this one, but I’m going to very soon!)
     
    Lynx Sports Bras were developed for large-breasted women by a female athlete. Within the first year of their introduction, they were top rated by Runner’s World magazine. 
    The Naked Sports Bra is a racer-back style sports bra that covers the shoulders and upper torso with a tan-minimizing micromesh fabric.(No tan lines, ladies!)
    Gracie’s Gear “Short Top” provides the extra support you need and gives you a “hands free experience,” so you can stop holding your iPod, cell phone, and car keys and get going. 

     

    Available only on Etsy, TOM Girl Apparel’s Wireless Push Up Sports Bra adjusts to your changing size with Velcro brand fastener adjusts eight or more inches to adapt to weight loss and fit hard to find sizes. (While not a great high-impact bra – oh what could happen there – it is a good option for yoga or around the house.)

     

     
    The IntelliSKIN Empower Sports Bra is the first sports bra developed that supports your front from the back, providing gentle support and aligns your spine and shoulders to help you re-train your posture. 
     
    Check out this real “sports bra!” I don’t think this one will do much for your run time, but the Wine Rack allows you to bring your booze with you to sporting events and gives you a little extra sizing as well (at least until you drink it.” 
     
      
     
    My favorite I was able to test drive was the Panache Sport, a British brand specializing in lingerie for larger cup sizes. 
     

    Panache Sport offers an innovative, bra-sized sports bra for B-H cups. Panache spent three years in intensive research and design to develop a sports bra that truly works for larger cup sizes. Whereas many sports bras rely on compression (that is, flattening the bust to the chest wall to minimize movement),Panache’s sports bra uses encapsulation – separately encapsulating and supporting each breast. The result? The new Panache sports bra reduces bounce by 83%, in all directions, making it a perfect choice for any type of sport or activity. And because it also has a lovely hook so you can opt to adjust the straps, which is great for yoga. And for those runners, my girls stayed right in place! (Hallelujah!)

    I’ll be honest, I never thought I would find so many other things a bra could do! I hope a few of these can help you find one to keep your girls in place or “whatever” you might need those babies to do! 

    This post also appeared on Star-Telegram’s Mom site.

    I Want Some More Please: 4 Super Soups to Satisfy and Minimize

    By 2 Comments

    Food Fridays:

    I have a confession. 

    I’m slightly obsessed with soup. I mean really. 

    Getting the soup monkey off my back with Corn Chowder at East Hampton Sandwich Co. 

    While some women will go in the middle of the night for a preggo food fit, I’ll drive hours away to score the perfect bowl of soup. And compound that with my pregnancy there’s nothing stopping a good soup stop. At my OB/GYNO, there was this little cafe called Alonti and they served the most amazing “Italian Wedding Soup.” While not a traditional recipe, but one with chicken, cream and wonderful goodness. So much so, that when I was pregnant with my second, it continued to be a part of my routine: first go to the appointment and then followup up with a big cup of the soup. 

    And then one day, I went and it was gone. Closed down. Finito. (Good for my waistline, bad for my craving.)

    So I went to the internet to scour for the recipe, but I quickly discovered this was going to be like trying to find the formula for Coca-Cola. I did get close with the photo below from a blog called “Cookinginflipflops.com,” but unfortunately, the website doesn’t work anymore. I was able to find a photo and filed it on Pinterest in hopes to at least remember what it tasted like and maybe one day get a recipe. 

    Oh woe is me as tears of chicken broth come down my cheek. But then Pinterest came and brought me a kleenex and a recipe for it. While it was a close second, it still doesn’t cure the sickness that ailed me (but it’ll work in fix.)

    While this photo is from cookinginflipflops.com, the site seems to have bit the dust, but has the most hits and photo links back to the soup. Coincidence? I think not. Alonti’s not sharing.
    While that soup will continue to be on my list of must-find must-haves, there’s another “Italian” soup that makes me happy, especially when it’s cold and gloomy (like the best day ever for soup): Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscano. With the ideal combination of greens, italian sausage, cream and spiciness, this soup is what makes their soup and salad lunch the best deal ever (for me, not them.) Again, through the magic of Pinterest, I also found a recipe for this stuff. Can’t wait to make it soon to see how close it is.
    Unfortunately, just because soup is liquid doesn’t always make it lowfat. (Have you checked out the fat count for the Tomato Basil Soup at La Madeleine?  – don’t.) However, there are some soups that can help you do exactly that – lose weight. Which is particularly good when you’ve been eating either of the soups I’ve covered, you’ll need something to help you knock off that extra few pounds you’ll gain after bowl #10. 

    And since it IS February, I’ve actually been divulging more HEALTHY soups.One of those you must look at is the Fat-Flush soup. It’s a whole diet plan, but even if you don’t care about the fat flush part, it is a great winter soup recipe!

    Source: fatflush.com via Desiree on Pinterest

    And I don’t think talk about lowfat soups without including one of the biggest soup fads, the Cabbage Soup Diet. Again, I’m a little hesistant to eat anything consistently for 1 week, no matter how good it is. But you have to admit, it’s a keeper. 


    After making up gallons of soup like the Cabbage Soup, you’ll be eating on it for days. So I was uber excited to find the ideal accessory for a soup-obsessed fan like myself: The Lunch Pot by Black+Blum. 

    It’s multifunctional and travel-handy with two bowls that come adjoined with its own little spoon. Also, if you  just want to use one of the bowls, it can fit inside each other. It’s looks kinda like something IKEA would make and it sure is conveneient and works really well. And like all their stuff at Black & Blum, everything looks as though it belongs in an art gallery. 

    Of course, with all this talk about soup, I’d be remissed to not bring up my favorite spring event, Empty Bowls, a soup fundraiser in Dallas and Fort Worth for the local food banks. It’s a must go, so learn why here!

    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.”)




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