mamachallenge | Real Solutions for Real Parents | Dallas Blog

Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

Yank Those Yoga Pants: Get Fit Looks Fast and Cheap with Ellie {Special Discount}

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Want-it Wednesdays:

As a mom, it’s almost a requirement that if you don’t work in a “traditional” office, your “uniform” is yoga pants. Whether you actually got up to work out, have the best of intentions to go work out or just upgraded from the PJs you changed out of, workout wear is THE look of the SAHM (and apparently the seat of power in Dallas.) For me, at least these last two months of trying yoga, pilates and even pole dancing, I feel like I’ve been nothing but workout pants – and basically combinations of the same three outfits. 

Not me and not my pants. But it is the uniform! (Photo: The Chive.) 


But never fear, mamachallenge is ready to find the new way to look fabulous while looking fit. That’s why I was so excited when I found a new company that makes it easy to look good in your workout wear, cheaply and easily every month. 

A look at February’s selection. Each month it changes, so you don’t get bored!

Ellie mixes essential fashion-forward looks with high-tech performance activewear for the most stylish fitness experience you’ve ever had!

Basically, you take a quick quiz about your style and needs and then gives you personalized looks just for you. And for $50 bucks a month you can have 2 pieces of workout wear from the top brands sent to your doorstep with free shipping. (Can’t beat that, can you?) 


In case you aren’t the type to make a commitment, you can still purchase the items you like at price, but being a part of the VIP club really saves you money, especially when workout wear doesn’t come cheap!

So, if you’re going to wear them every day, why don’t you make life easier with a personalized package that is made to make you look great and is sent straight to you monthly at a great price.

If you use this link, you can get 20% off your first purchase when you click here or this banner!

Disclaimer: I am an affiliate of Ellie. 


5 Ways to Make Your Home Safer

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When I moved into my neighborhood several years ago, it looked much like the perfect scene out of a movie – nice houses, beautiful wooded area and a great place to begin my family…

Now as a parent of two children, I’m much more alert to hearing about crime issues, especially when it’s happening close to my zip code and when it’s too close for comfort. Between changes in the area as well as social media allowing me to stay on top of all the crime happening around me, my picture-perfect neighborhood doesn’t seem to be the place it once was… Especially when families I know just like mine were becoming the victims of burglary.
So began my research into safety precautions I can do to create a safer home for my family. Did you know that according to the FBI, a home burglary happens every 13 seconds? While thankfully my home hasn’t been broken into, I have had things taken from my car in just a matter of minutes. Crime happens so quickly, we have to do what we can to either prevent it or at least deter it.
While there are countless ways to proactively TRY to create a safer home, here are 5 simple ways to creating a safer home while still living life (since living in a bubble is not possible.)
BE INFORMED!
Stay on top of crime in your area with crime reports with online sites like CRIMEMAPPING, an online system that tells you what type of crime are happening at a certain address in a specific time frame. I’m also signed up to text alerts from my city police department and am informed about programs that my city offers to help prevent crime.  Make sure you’re alert to what is happening around you, so you can make decisions to prevent them from happening to you.

GET A SECURITY ALARM!
This should be a no brainer. While the thought of someone breaking into your home while you’re home should be alarming enough, most robberies actually happen during the day when you aren’t home. And now with today’s technology, not only can you get alarm system for as low as $30, you can also get one with access on your IPhone (so you can make sure you’ve turned it on) and even take a peek at your home while you’re away with cameras. I also learned many insurances companies will provide a discount for having an alarm system, so you may actually save some money by installing one.
Most importantly, make sure you put the sign in the front yard that says you have an alarm system. Time and time again, both criminals and cops say that sign is a huge deterrent for people looking to break into a home.
CREATE A NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH!
My neighborhood is not in a HOA, so I don’t have the luxury of having a gated community or a security team to watch my home. But we do have a community watch group that daily patrols the neighborhood for suspicious activity through volunteers. It’s easy to work with the police department to form one and the benefit is you get to take control of your safety.
CLEAN OUT YOUR CAR.
I hate this one honestly, but it works. While yes a car is stolen in Texas about every 5 minutes, many times it’s not the car they want, but the stuff inside it. I know my car is like my office with laptops, purses, and other valuables, it doesn’t take long for a criminal to see you either walk out of your car without a purse for a quick trip into daycare to break in your window and take it. And at home, it may be easy to leave your stuff in the car for the next day, but it just invites criminals to break into your car and nab the things you need most!
CONSIDER A BODYGUARD?
Seriously, a bodyguard? Yes, what may have seemed only something for the rich and famous, bodyguards are becoming a convenient way to take charge of your safety – especially when you’re hosting a party or event at your home. Unfortunately, some friends of mine were victim to a burglary and the thief left with their gun. Afterwards, the family didn’t feel safe for many weeks and wondering if the thief would return to their home to get more goods. A bodyguard would have been an easy way to keep watch over the home when they were there or not and also watch for any suspicious activity that might help them find clues to getting their stuff returned. While the police department can assist, there’s just no way they can plant their car in front of your house. With a company like guardNOW residential services are possible to feel safe wherever you go, you can have the peace of mind that comes from having someone watching your home when you can’t and feel safe sleeping at night. 



While nothing can guarantee your safety, this is a great place to begin to create a plan that might be able to prevent your family from a crime in the future.

More about guardNOW
guardNOW is an easy to way to get security guards to your front door, nationwide. Whether it be a wedding, party, or an eviction, guardNOW is you one stop shop for security personnel and patrol. You no longer have to worry about how you are going to get hold of someone when you need security because guardNOW will be there. Call 877-guardNOW to book a guard today.
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of guardNOW. The opinions and text are all mine.

 This blog post also appears on the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Mom2Mom.

Why I Give My Heart to CHDs (Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week)

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I’m often asked why I started blogging.

Like many moms, it was a way to document my feelings as a mom and all the “things” that come with it. For me, it was actually a therapeutic band-aid/call-to-action and I felt like I was obligated to share my story and experience as a new mother of a beautiful son that also was born with a congenital heart defect.

That was almost five years ago — and today I have an even more beautiful son with an amazing, caring and relatively healthy heart. And I’m still blogging.Thankfully, it wasn’t the worst thing ever written and it resonated with other moms who like me, felt overwhelmed, undereducated and totally alone. Somehow, our story helped us connect so we could feel like we weren’t the only ones together. 


It’s not as healthy as yours or mine, but no longer do I fair daily that he is turning blue. No longer do I have to keep him home in “a bubble” to shield him from illnesses like the flu. No longer do I have to think that he could stop breathing at night. My worries for the most part, thankfully, are just like any other parents, for now. 

But I certainly don’t take that for granted. Each year since my little man was born I’ve tried to make sure to do what I can to educated others about congenital heart defects (CHDs). Sometimes I’ve gone big with ceremonies, mayoral proclamations or TV segments. Sometimes I’ve written an article. But it’s hard no matter what. It’s like opening a wound that I wish would heal and go away. Unfortunately, it doesn’t “go away.”

I’m reminded each time I take off his shirt or give him a bath. It will never go away. And neither should my efforts.

But I’m not the only mom of a child with a CHD. What I thought was such a rare thing since I had never heard of it until Jackson, actually is more common than most people think with 1 in 100 babies born every year with a CHD. And thankfully with new technology and awareness, more of those children, like my son, are born and live a wonderful life with their CHD. But that’s not enough. There still could be more children saved – as infants in utero and as teens with undetected CHDs with a simple screening.

Unfortunately, these screenings haven’t made the priority list for many state governments or there isn’t enough funding to make this possible for the public. Thankfully, committed parents and organizations have banded together to offer these screenings and awareness as much as possible, but that’s not enough.

So now as my little baby turns into a boy, I’m faced with new adventures as a mom. And there will be many other adventures as a mom of a CHD kiddo. Just recently I asked my son if he knew what the mark on his chest was.

Of course, Mama,” he said. “It’s because so many people love me, my heart got too big.”

While one day I’ll need to explain that a little more, his explanation is better than anything I could ever explain.

That’s today’s challenge. And as he gets older there will be more. I can only hope I can continue to carry the mama challenge torch in efforts to reach one more child and one more mom affected by CHD.

To learn more about CHDs, please see: http://tchin.org/aware.

Looking for more stories of families affecting by CHDs, just take a look here. 

Look Good FAST with Your New Handy “Trainer”

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Sharing Saturdays:

The last of this month’s focus on diet and exercise, The High Intensity Fitness Revolution for Women claims it can make your look good, fast. 

“If you’re the kind of woman who spends an average weekday lounging around, then feel free to put this book back on the shelf. This is a fitness regimen for women who don’t have an hour or more to work out each day.” 


The High Intensity Fitness Revolution for Women: A Fast and Easy Workout with Amazing Results leads you through a revolutionary workout routine by Pete Cerqua, one of New York City’s most applauded fitness trainers.
Cerqua owns and operates the 90-Second Fitness flagship studio in New York City. One of New York’s most respected and in-demand fitness trainers, he has been helping people lose weight for more than 20 years.
Cerqua claims he knows the secret that will change the way you see exercise forever: short periods of high intensity workout are much more productive and effective than lengthy periods of “overtraining.” This book is about getting the best possible result for your body in the shortest amount of time— at home. It focuses on toning your muscles, increasing your metabolism, strengthening your bones, preventing arthritis, achieving great legs, and all around looking and feeling better. 

What I like most about it: there’s pictures on how to do the exercises on the machines. While I’ve downloaded plenty of workout apps on my phone, I still spend most of workout time looking on my Iphone and not on actually doing the exercises. This way I have not only a list of my workout, but how to do it and on what machine. It’s the next best thing to the trainer. 

Best of all, if you and your honey are looking to lose some pounds together, there’s actually a book just for the hubby, too –The High Intensity Fitness Revolution for Men.
The High Intensity Fitness Revolution for Women
A Fast and Easy Workout with Amazing Results
By Pete Cerqua
Skyhorse Publishing paperback, also available as an ebook
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.”)

Can Cookies Make You Lose Weight? The Magic Cookie Can

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Food Fridays: 

As a mom that is always on the go, I’ve been known to make some pretty bad choices about food.
“Have you found yourself at McDonald’s with the idea of ordering a yogurt parfait and getting a cheeseburger instead?”
“Ordering Chick-Fil-A for the kids and then eating 3-4 of your own, along with a couple of French fries and a half the cookie before you hand it to them?”
Between running through the drive-in or ordering dinner to go, the crazy schedule that families like mine try to deal with everyday is hard…especially on a mom who needs to lose around 20, 30…well I need to lose some weight!
So you can imagine my surprise when I was told that a COOKIE could make me lose weight. This was definitely a plan for me!
While I could have told you that an Oreo cookie doesn’t make you skinny, I was all for a “magic cookie” (even if it wasn’t an Oreo) that could. Especially if it was made from other busy moms who were facing the same dilemmas I was.

The Magic Cookie was created by Dallas mom/daughter duo Nanci Masso and Faryn Clark. In addition to being successful business women, both are busy moms – Nanci is a mother of five ranging from 40 to 14 years of age and Faryn is a mother of three boys ages 5,3, and 22 months.  Wow…and a few lucrative businesses to boot!)

Dallas mom/daughter duo Nanci Masso and Faryn Clark of Biosanes.
Biosanes, the maker of the “magic cookie,” evolved from more than 25 years of research and development in the nutrition industry. The local Dallas company offers health and weight loss products that are good for the whole family.  The “magic” (as called by Biosanes) is Arabinogalactan, which is 100% soluble fiber derived from the Western Larch tree, has been found to be more powerful than echinacea in its immune enhancing abilities.  What really makes it work like magic is that it encapsulates fat and removes it from the body before it turns into unwanted pounds, supports healthy glucose and cholesterol and aids in digestion.
While some of that went over my head, I understood a couple things very plainly: “remove” and “unwanted pounds.” So l was all about trying these babies out.
So I armed myself with two boxes of cookies, stuck them in some convenient areas in efforts to fend off the times when I start to roll into the drive through…like in between meetings, doing errands, etc. Here’s how I faired:



And even more than just being a weight loss supplement, these cookies are also good for maintaining a healthy living by boosting immunity because it meets 1/3 of your daily nutritional needs while supressing hunger. 

I’ll admit I favored the Oatmeal Raisin cookie to the Granola Cranberry and so did my kids:). Many times we shared the cookies to keep us all from eating sugary crap we could be eating.  While I ate the Cranberry cookie, it tasted a lot more like a nutritional supplement than the Oatmeal Raisin recipe. Additionally, I always made sure I had something on my lap as I ate the cookie so it wouldn’t get all over me and the car (the cookie does have a crumbly texture, but was still soft like a cookie should be. Thankfully Biosanes is already working on perfecting that part too!)
If only they would come out with a chocolate chip cookie or an Oreo, I’ll stock up my whole pantry.

Biosanes
Individual: Oatmeal Raisin: $3.25and Granola Cranberry with Chia Seeds: $3.49
Pickup: Facelogic Spa in Highland Park
4516 Lovers Ln., Ste. 375, Dallas, Texas

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.”)

Burn Your Spanx: Done in a Day, Mini-Mommy Tuck Gets You to Life in 24 Hours

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Want-it Wednesdays: 

The last 30 days I’ve done A LOT of exercise and diet to try to shed some serious weightage. Unfortunately, no matter how much you workout and eat the right things, it doesn’t go back or come off. A little of me, a little of the kids and a little of pregnancy does a little number on your body. That’s where the term “mommy makeover” or “mommy tuck” comes into the picture and I don’t mean a little red lipstick and a haircut, but a plastic surgery procedure that includes a breast lift and tummy tuck.

For most moms, these procedures aren’t practical because of costs and/or recovery time. But when I was researching the newest trends in facial treatments for last week’s post, I came across Rejuve Med Spa. In addition to photofacials, Fraxel and Botox, they also listed Tummy Tuck and Mini-TummyTucks as services. While I was familiar with a Tummy Tuck, the idea of a Mini-Tummy Tuck” intrigued me. (And maybe a little hair removal, too.)

Could you use a little Mini-Mommy Tuck? No downtown and reasonable cheap.
This inquiring mind wanted to know more.

And if this place is good enough for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders as their “official med spa,” it was good enough for this Dallas Mom Blogger (who like the cheerleaders, is based actually in Arlington, not Dallas, but I deter.)

My Visit:
My visit to the med spa was nice from the first moment I arrived and the sound of the entrance chime gave me a warm feeling like I was at someone’s house. It was comfortable beginning to my experience. 

I checked in with the receptionist and she walked me to the waiting room area that resembled a nice living room environment with a TV, couches and a K-cup machine to help yourself to (and so I did.) With my mug in hand, I completed my paperwork on a laptop and quickly I was ushered to my consultation.

My consult was thorough and included explanations of everything I wanted to know including photos and a Q&A session. Of course, she was beautiful and young, but very educated about the procedures and made me feel at ease. Even when it was time to flop out my cellulite, she made me feel comfortable. 

What is LaserLipo?
Rejuve Med-Spa’s LaserLipo and Body Sculpting treatment is a FDA-approved advanced medical procedure that destroys and removes fat.  This minimally invasive fat removal procedure utilizes a CoolLipo laser to liquefy and eliminate areas of unwanted fat and tighten the skin of the area being treated. Popular areas for fat removal and skin tightening include the abdomen, arms, bra rolls, back, buttocks, chest (male), flanks (love handles), hips, neck chin & jowls, thighs and waist. 

Wow Factors:
  • Lose inches permanently in one visit
  • Extremely affordable (around $1500 an area, but differs with specials)
  • Local anesthesia (Tumescent) used with the CoolLipo Laser
  • The treatment is done at Rejuve and is performed solely by their team of board certified surgeons.


How it Works:
First, the area being treated is numbed by a local anesthetic (Tumescent). Next, the surgeon makes a very tiny incision and inserts a small probe (cannula) containing the laser fiber beneath the skin and photo-acoustically destroys the fat cells while simultaneously promoting the production of collagen which results in tightening of the skin from the inside out (an effect not seen with standard liposuction). Finally, the liquefied fat is suctioned out through the same incision using a small suctioning cannula. A bandage is applied to the small incision and the treated area is wrapped with a compression garment. You’re awake during the procedure and considered not painful and does not leave any unsightly scars.

Since this procedure is performed under local anesthesia, you’re able to walk out after the treatment and perform light activities and return to work/daily life in one-to-two days depending on the area being treated.


For real.

While it can’t get rid of the loose skin, there is something to say for a procedure that is reasonably priced and can let you get back to business after a weekend!

While I was there I also had to talk laser hair removal. In the past, I’d actually tried hair removal; it was painful and actually burned my skin, so I had written that off completely. But when she told me it wouldn’t hurt and she would test a spot so I could feel it, I took her up on it. I threw out my underarm and said let’s have it. I clenched up my hiney and waited for the deep pain to set in.

Pause. Pause. Pause.

No pain and done in no time. Like lunch break time – in and out and I could have my underarms, bikini area and face done with time to grab something to eat or pick up the kids. That’s amazing.

What’s really amazing is that they were offering a  special for “buy one area, get two areas free.” I couldn’t resist – especially if that meant I wouldn’t feel like Chewbacca anymore and “shave off” some time to boot (pun intended.)

I may not come out a DCC, but I was made a cheerleader out of this place.


Rejuve Med Spa
The Arbors at Preston, 18220A
(Frankfurt & Preston)
Preston Road, Dallas, TX 75252
972.265.1590

Yoga Pose: Passing Wind

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This week’s challenge to make a BETTER ME was to try a hot yoga at a place I’ve been meaning to attend for way too long. I was so excited to get to finally go…And as I’ll share here, it was one of the best (and embarrassing) experiences ever. Read on to find out why.

I’ve done yoga in a lot of places for a many years…Don’t be fooled though. I’m not any good at it; I just can’t call myself a beginner anymore (but maybe a beginner II.) Since I was exploring fun ways to lose weight, it was time to finally take a “hot” yoga class. Lucky for me, they were also running an unlimited yoga for $25 introductory offer, so I signed up. 
 
The next day, I was so blooming excited; I put on my best yoga outfit and showed up for my 8:45 AM class (6 AM was too early to try something new.) When I arrived I was greeted by my a woman who was friendly and made me feel at ease about my *first time.* It seemed so yoga-riffic!
 
The room itself was also very warm, apparently more than 9 5degrees warm. The floor was made of cork and felt soft, yet firm on the soles of my bare feet. The interior was simple with clean lines, fixtures, and minimal décor. Yet, different than other studios, there were no mirrors. No music and no instructor at the front of the room. 
 
Oh, this was going to be different.
 
But I was already in this saddle, so I had to ride it out, no matter what.
 
The hour and half we spent practicing was amazing. While I had no one in the front to look at for demonstration or a mirror to try to copy the other students in the room, I was able to listen to the instructor on what to do with my body and how. I had to rely, listen and trust myself and my breathing to do each pose. It was kinda magical…(or maybe I was starting to hallucinate?) Either way, it was great.  
 
Did I mention by doing this you lose up to 600 calories an hour?  (Photo courtesy www.theyogaproject.net.)
But then after about 25 minutes of upward-downward dog, warrior 1 & 2 – it happened.
My bliss suddenly turned to embarrassment when I totally ripped one in the quiet classroom with no music and I knew no one. Well, not really ripped one, as passed one, as I would come to find out in my future research.
Lucky me. 
Thankfully, no one in the classroom snickered, so I was able to finish the class. While totally red-faced, I was able to blame it on the heat, so I could escape without making an issue.
Refuge.
When I got home, I went straight to one of my best friends, Google, for answers.
 
I couldn’t believe what I found!
 
First, I certainly wasn’t the only woman who ever did the Passed Wind “pose” in class. It actually seemed quite common, especially for women who have had children. This passing of air happens because of the loosening of the pelvic floor that happens during pregnancy and childbirth. I even found a story of a pharmacist who would see swarms of women come into his drugstore before a yoga class and consume large amounts of anti-this and-that in hopes to try to keep the “vart” (as AuntYoga described it) from happening.
 
While this made me feel better at home, I still had to faceup to the challenge: returning to the class that I was so excited and embarrassed to attend again.  
I’ll be happy to report I haven’t had any more embarrassing issues happen since the first one, but perhaps it looks like I was able to conquer “Passing Wind” for now. I’ve returned around four times now, upgraded my yoga mat and purchased my first yogitoes. 
 
Never heard of a yogitoes? I hadn’t either, but you better learn. For this class, you’re gonna need it. It helps to contain the euphoria and the other pose I’m trying to avoid: the falling on my face.  
 
The Yoga Project
2745 N Collins St #109, Arlington, TX 76001
817.548.0080
###

Ready to Get Your Fit On? 


A Little Box of Skin Miracles?

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Me Mondays:

Like most women, when it comes to your skin, you don’t take care of it until it’s already too late. Then of course, you feel like you are barraged with tons of expensive products and complicated routines to try to hold on to your 16-year-old skin. Last week I shared 5 practical tips for taking care of your skin that don’t have to cost a lot. However, this week it was time I felt it was time to admit to something.

A few weeks ago I couldn’t sleep, so I turned on the TV to see what was on. Of course, all I could find was every kind of infomercial possible. While I was looking through the channel guide I somehow got sucked into one of them.  After about 10 minutes of watching it through the little window, I finally succumbed to watch: 


As you can see, there wasn’t anything terribly exciting or compelling about the video, but I still found myself ready to call and order. Perhaps it was because I already like Philosophy’s products, perhaps it was because it was a really good deal for what would retail as twice as much if I purchased them separately at Sephora, or perhaps it was because it was 4 am in the morning and I was convinced I could take 10 years off my skin. Maybe it’s because they said they would give me back my money if it didn’t like it.


With this big of a promise as well as the results that could happen in less than 12 weeks, I’ve been pretty happy with the results. While not dramatic enough to warrant a BEFORE and AFTER photo as good as the ones they show on the site, I can tell you this: The steps are easy to do both morning and night.
The cleanser is already an award-winning favorite from tons of places. It smells great and makes my face feel soft, but not greasy. While it says it can be used to clean eye makeup, I still use my drugstore kind to assist in the cleanup, but it does the job. I wish that it was either in a pump or an upright bottle so I can squeeze it easily to moderate the amount.

I’m really picky about my moisturizers so I love that this one isn’t heavy or feels thick on my skin although I prefer a gel or serum to a cream. I also like that it has a nice scent, but isn’t too overbearing, just clean.
The best part though is what they refer to as the TREAT – the anti-aging retinoid pads. This “miracle worker” features Philosophy’s own high-performance retinoid called HPR to deliver all of the skin benefits of a retinoid, with less potential for irritation. Bottom line: it reduces skin discoloration, restores a healthy-looking glow, and improves the look of wrinkles and pores. With my pores, my dull skin and all my discoloration, I was all about this HPR that you mix yourself. When it comes in the cute little box, you actually pour the potion over what looks like a container of “Stridex pads.” Each night you just wipe it over your face. No irritation and this nice layer of moisture.
Are you ready to buy your own box of miracles? You can buy it online too — and you get two free gifts too (my favorite part!)


[Putting on my best TV voice]: With your purchase you also get the All-Over Brightener and Dark Spot Corrector as well as a Sunscreen. I’m using the Brightener religiously and hope, while they really can’t get rid of freckles, all the special gifts that pregnancy did to my face can be remedied. If this stuff works the way others have claimed it has, then I’m buying this in bulk. 

So far so good at one week. I haven’t had breakouts, reactions and it seems like things are looking a lot brighter. Hopefully, soon I’ll see some miraculous work!
Looking for other ways to take care of your skin? Check these posts out, too:

Do you have a skin product you think I should try? Let me know! 

Diets Don’t Work For You? Then Think About Your Thyroid

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Sharing Sundays:

When I was pregnant with my son, I was lucky enough to be diagnosed with gestational diabetes (joke, well kinda, actually.) 

For several months I had to learn how to eat a low glycemic diet as well as prick my figure several times a day and take medication to get track my blood sugar to make sure both the baby and I were healthy. While at the time it seemed like the meanest thing that could happen to a pregnant lady with a craving for strawberry cupcakes, it actually did me a world of good. So much so that when I found out was pregnant with my second, I immediately made sure I ate healthily and tracked my blood sugar from day one.
Thankfully by eating a low glycemic diet, I didn’t have gestational diabetes again and I was probably healthier than I had been in a long time (I only gained 12 pounds with that pregnancy.)

While eating a low glycemic diet has long been the solution for those with diabetes, it’s now become the solution to how to break through obesity as well as boosting your metabolism by understating how to balance your thyroid. Unfortunately, it’s not just a quick diet that you can do for a week or two; it is a life change for real long-term health and weight control. Just get ready for 300+ pages…


The Thyroid Solution Diet is written by Ridha Arem, M.D., an endocrinologist, clinical professor of medicine at Baylor College of Medicine and director of the Texas Thyroid Institute in Houston. He served as chief of endocrinology and metabolism at Ben Taub General Hospital in Houston, so he does have all the cred to understand how the body and your thyroid should work together. By combining the best elements of the Mediterranean Diet and low in high-glycemic index foods, he gives you everything you need to know including:
  • Over 50 recipes and meal plans
  • A comprehensive list of favorite foods that make the diet unique
  • Detailed exercise programs with 100 step-by-step photos
  • Personalized advice for a total lifestyle revolution
  • The 15 common causes of metabolic problems that lead to weight gain
  • The hidden factors and toxins in your environment that lead to weigh gain, and how to eliminate them
  • Techniques to control cravings
  • Mind-body relaxation methods for counteracting environmental stresses
  • Compared to some of the other “diets” I’ve done, this one is not easy to follow on a first-round, but much more inclusive on both diet, exercise and how (and why) it all works together.


This book is less a diet and more a way of living. So if you’re one of those who say diets don’t work for you…then don’t diet – just do this. 
The Thyroid Solution Diet
Ridha Arem
Ballantine Books
Buy from Amazon for around $15

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.”)

To-Do: Iphone Dieting, Gluten-Free Baking and Soup Fairies for the NTFB

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To-Do Thursday: 

This weekend I was hoping to enjoy the weather…however, since today is supposed to be sensational and then starting tonight it all goes to crap again, I’ve decided to enjoy the weather today!

 And…I’ve decided to surprise my kids and take them somewhere they will love. Interested in our journey? Then follow us on Facebook and Twitter to see where we end up!

 However, if you can’t enjoy the weather either or are looking for something else to do in DFW, let me make some suggestions (for this weekend or to get your tickets NOW!) 

 This Weekend:


Does your child have Celiac Disease or do you have a family history of diabetes or looking to lose weight? Baking instructor and best-selling author Peter Reinhart offers a new take on gluten-free baking for four nights at local Central Market locations. 

Schedule for the Future: 
Every little boy and girl (and their mother) dreams about to be a princess or a warrior and now it is possible with Enchanted Fairies studios and the 2014 Enchanted Fairies Calendar and a donation to the North Texas Food Bank.
Buy Your Tickets:
One of my favorite annual charity events in Dallas and Fort Worth is Empty Bowls! The unique event is a fantastic fundraiser for each area’s food banks, North Texas Food Bank in Dallas and Tarrant Area Food Bank in Fort Worth. With admission, patrons are invited enjoy any of the soups, breads and desserts provided by several of your favorite local restaurants and go home with a hand crafted bowl created by an area artisan. 

A part of my “Empty Bowls” collection from over the years! Don’t miss this one!
In Your Downtime: 
Are you on a diet like everyone else is this month? Since I’m all about SHREDDING the weight, I’m craving everything I’m NOT supposed to be eating like pizza, cake balls and Chinese food. So in efforts to satisfy my urges without caving, here’s this fabulous list of fun food apps made for kids, but will keep you (and your waistline) happy.

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