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Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

Hit Me with Your Best (B12) Shot!

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There’s nothing longer than a Woman’s Want List.

From having the perfect bedroom, to the the coolest outfit or the most popular purse and now as I’ve rounded over the 30 hill – the latest treatments to make me look and feel more youthful. Most opportunities to talk to other moms on something besides kids are filled with the current diet plan, procedure or plan in hopes to roll back the hands of time.  

One of my most recent methods to feel like I was <30 is through B-12 injections with MIC. After hearing from friends that B-12 shots could help lose weight and get a boost of energy, I decided after a Groupon, to go ahead and take a shot (pun intended.)

 
But how does B-12 affect your body and how does it make you lose weight? 

According to the Mayo Clinic, B12 is an essential water-soluable vitamin found in foods like fish, shellfish, meat, eggs and dairy that helps the body make DNA for new cells, form healthy red blood cells and turn food into energy. Bottom line: it helps boost your metabolism. However, before you start storing this stuff by the bottle, the human body stores several years’ worth of vitamin B12 in the liver, so deficiency is rare. 
Dr. Oz is once again to the rescue with research that says 15-40 percent of Americans don’t have adequate levels of B12 for optimal health, hence the current surge in B-12 shots (what’s good enough for Oprah, is good enough for America.) But many clinics offering B12 injections also suggest that other benefits include: 

  • Increased energy
  • Boost metabolism
  • Improved skin texture and tone
  • Improved mental cognition
  • Decreased headaches
  • Improved mood, balanced hormones and decreased symptoms of PMS
  • Reduced stress
  • Boost immune system
  • Encourage detoxification

But let’s not forget forget the MIC…According to the Live Well Blog, MIC stands for Methionine, Insolitol and Choline and play a role in fat metabolism, liver function and fat excretion. 

After my learning lesson, I signed up for a six-session series for B12 with MIC in hopes to get things moving along and do what ever I can to remove the fat from my body. While I’m still in process of the injections, I can report that I have seen a fluctuation -10 pounds over the duration of a few months.

Unfortunately, a bout of pneumonia, bronchitis and several holidays may have hindered additional progress, but I’ll never know exactly. However, I do plan to continue getting additional shots as I work to create a more IMPROVED ME!

Get Your Ticket to Ride…Flywheel is Moms’ Dream to Nightclub + Fitness

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Try-It Tuesday:

 One of my favorite parts of our IMPROVED YOU series is our new “Try-It Tuesday.” We all need to exercise, but goodness knows it does get boring running, stepping on the climber or doing your Jane Fonda in front of the boob tube. So I’m taking a look at some of the newer, cooler ways to burn calories and get fit in 2013. 

 My first look is at my latest obsession, FLYWHEEL. First of all, I love spin so I knew I would enjoy this new concept of spin plus a lot, lot more, but I wasn’t sure what to expect. Oh baby, it was a kick-butt kinda time, but I loved every part of it!


My normal basic spin class at my local gym includes a stationery bike with a torque (think a knob with a gear shift) to change you tension as you ride with music, a class full of other riders and your instructor.  You bring your own shoes and ride out for around an hour at your own speed — sweating your hiney off together. (You just better get there on time or you might not get a spot.) 



The Dallas FLYWHEEL class takes places at the FLYWHEEL location in Highland Park. The best way to describe the experience was like a spin class meets a nightclub at a spa. You’re provided your bike shoes and then your off to the “disco room” – a room set up stadium style, that goes dark when the class starts, an instructor seated in the front of the room and a BMW of spin cycles. 

The spin cycle not only included comfortable handles to help you hold on in different postures, but also a torque with a screen to allow you to see exactly what you were (or weren’t doing) in class. That torque made sure you were pulling your weight, but that’s not all. The board really made you work it, especially if you’re a competitive type. If you choose, you can choose a name to “compete” on the board so you know exactly where you rank with the rest of the class. (I loved this and because I chose an anonymous name, no one knew who I was, but I still was able to “race.”)



And just about the time you thought you couldn’t go anymore, the weight bars came out to get those arms in for a full-body workout. However, I did survive and burned around 850 calories in the process! 

WOW! And I had fun. A lot of fun. Did I mention the part about a nightclub? The music in the class was amazing (crafted by a DJ) and made me feel less like I was working out and more like I was dancing – and best of all, I was able to throw down and no one could see me (since the lights were out!)


Best of all, you get to keep track of all your progress on your own portal. Each time you spin, your cycle records your instructor, your speed, your distance and your CALORIES BURNED! This way you can always work for improvement and schedule out your next class. 

 So are you ready to ride? 

 You should be. FLYWHEEL makes burning fat fun – and your first class is free! What a great way to get 2013 going…with me at FLYWHEEL! 


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.”)

Diet Review: Dr. Salerno’s Silver Cloud Diet

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Sharing Saturdays: 



As part of my IMPROVED ME series this month, I’m taking a look at a topic that many of us take on in January: diets. Each Saturday I’ll review one of the latest diet book trends and see how easy it is to follow and if you lose weight.

Our first look is at Dr. Salerno’s Silver Cloud Diet: The Sustainable Diet for the 21st Century. Written by Internationally acclaimed medical expert on aging and weight loss and James Beard Award-Winning cookbook author Linda Eckhardt, the Silver Cloud Diet t is first a quick plan to drop weight and then ultimately a lifestyle changing system. “This three-step proactive approach to nutrition is based on organic unprocessed foods, high protein, natural fat, and low-carbohydrate, low-glycemic choices, fortified with pure natural nutritional supplements targeted to strengthen your immune system, reduce inflammation, and destroy free radicals.”


Since Salerno studied under the creator of the Atkins diet, so the diet plan seems very similar to the little-to-no-carb plan that was all the rage in the late 90s. However, a majority of the book also explains how the toxins and poisoned food supply is affecting our health. Once to the plan itself, several delicious recipes are included to make your two weeks tolerable. Baseline: if you don’t like meat, eggs and nuts, this diet isn’t for you. But if you can survive the two-week detox, this plan might be a great way to jump off the way to healthier eating, living and even stop the effects of aging.

While I haven’t decided whether this plan works for my lifestyle, it is in consideration. The benefits of the diet are amazing; normalizing weight and eliminating prediabetic conditions, but the use of several supplements that makes me a little aprehensive. However, the overall benefits of regulating body function, controling hunger and stopping hunger without counting calories, but through portion control is an excellent learning tool for any healthy eating plan. 

Dr. Salerno’s Silver Cloud Diet: The Sustainable Diet for the 21st Century
Madison Lexington Books
                                

Creating the Not New, but IMPROVED YOU in 2013

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To-Do Thursdays:

It’s quite fitting that this “To-Do Thursday,” I’m putting together a plan for a new better me. (That’s like the biggest to-do, right?)


For many people, New Year’s becomes the impetus for creating resolutions to be a “New You” and unfortunately, after about 90 days, are miserably forgotten, thrown aside, etc.  

However, this year I’ve decided that I won’t set myself up failure to be a “new me,” but instead to be a better me. And maybe my little adventure will entertain, educate or maybe even help you, too. 

So over the next month, I’m planning to explore all things in the name of being a better me…


  • the newest diet plan? I’m trying it (or at least reading it)
  • the healthy recipe plan? I’m making it (I hope I can taste it if it’s edible)
  • the latest skin care product or procedure? I’m putting it on (if I can afford it) 
  • the trendiest fitness craze? I’m there! (Spandex here we go!)
Whether you are looking for real ideas or something just to make you laugh, stay tuned for “Better Me 2013!” 

What plans do you have for 2013? 

NYE 2013: What’s Your Resolution?

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Me Mondays:

It’s that magical end of the holiday season day where I decide to be better at…, do better at…and of course, eat better to lose…

Are you resolving this year to make any changes? You’re in good company; so are a lot of other people as you can see below. 

However, this year it’s going to be easier to be better because we’re gonna do it together. Yep – the whole reason I created this baby was to help me be better and share my experiences with others so they could be better – hence the name MAMACHALLENGE! 

So be ready this January to start the challenge of being the best we can be in 2013! I have lots of surprises in store for us! However, ff course, like any good southern girl…I’m going to think about that tomorrow! Until then, take a look at the top resolutions and how can start to create your plan for betterness tomorrow as well! 

Until then, HAPPY NEW YEAR’S!

Thanks to CalorieCount.com for this greeat graphic.



Looking Forward to 2013: Look Fab While Getting Fit with pvBody

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Me Mondays:

I’m excited to report that everyone on my Christmas list is checked off!  However, when you are the gift buyer, you also are normally the one who doesn’t get a lot of gifts. However, I decided that there was one thing I really wanted (and needed) since next month I’ll kick my body and this blog into health and fitness central… it was time to replace the workout gear of yesteryear…(and you know what I’m talking about!)

Ever wondered when you’re hitting the stair climber or dying in spin class how come that gal across from you always has the cutest workout gear and you still sit in the same black and gray sweats from college? If that’s not enough to make you stay at home, at least the need to work off two children (and then some) normally motivates me to at least go. But looking cute while trying to get to my “cute” is hard although it is one of the tips fitness experts tell you to do so you can stick with your fitness goals.

Unfortunately, even when you’re buying at discount stores the magic of spandex doesn’t come cheap and time to shop comes at an even greater cost. But thankfully,  has made looking good while you workout actually something possible and even easier than going shopping!

How does it work?

  1. Take the quick quiz and create a personal pv.body style profile.
  2. Our experts will put together a personalized outfit for you (from some of the best fitness apparel companies like lululemon – one of my favorites) and at their special price of $49.95.
  3. Then they ship your outfit to your door for free each month! 



It is that easy and just like Christmas, there was a nice little box sitting on my doorstep with a lovely outfit inside, based on my size, color and the kind of gear I was looking for (not quite there with the boy shorts, but soon.) Now isn’t that so much more carpool workout appropriate?




Wondering what your box might have in it, then check out this video about what your box of goodies could look like once you take the profile test.



Best of all, just in time for the holidays, they are giving my readers a special little holiday gift, too!

Just for you: 

A little special for you just when you need it most:  gets you a $15 Lululemon gift card, plus 25% off your first month subscription.

More about : 



Easy peasy lemon squeezy: pvBody is easy. Take the quiz, sign up and boom, an awesome package arrives at your door each month with a hand picked outfit for you!

Every outfit is styled just for you by a pvBody expert. Each month you receive an outfit worth $150, but you pay just $49.95. You’re getting great, quality pieces for a fraction of the retail cost thanks to the relationships pvBody has built.

pvBody is not just another clothing company, but a lifestyle brand. Their blog is a great place to check out tips and tricks for healthy, delicious meals and at home workouts.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of pv.body. The opinions and text are all mine.

Kitchen Facials and DIY Sugar Scrub for Gifts

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With fall weather in full gear, with that comes dry skin from the cooler air and winds. You can take care of your skin with all-natural treatments and products that are free of harsh chemicals. These skin care ideas, that can be made with stuff you have around the house  are easier, cheapier, healthier and ecofriendly, too. 


Try these spa ideas for fresh fall skin with common kitchen ingredients:
  • Dark circles and puffiness: Use leftover green tea bags and place on eyes to remove dark circles and puffiness. 
  • Dry Skin: Lemon oil is known to have a calming effect on the body. Mix Pure Lemon Extract with water for a beneficial skin treatment for dry skin. 
  • Hydrate for smooth skin: Hydrate skin with a honey face mask – spread raw honey on face, leave for 20 minutes, rise off for smooth skin. 
  • Heal small bumps and bruises: Coconut oil moisturizes skin and is known to help heal small bumps and bruises. 
  • Fresh skin: Combine a splash of Rose Water with water and put into a spritzer bottle – keep it in the car or purse for a fresh scent (or leave it in the refrigerator for a cooling morning mist)
For smooth skin, try this Vanilla Body Scrub or use as a gift.

Vanilla Body Scrub

Ingredients
1 cup Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Sugar 
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 or 2 drops of an essential oil such as lavender, eucalyptus, etc.
Decorative, waterproof container

1. Mix ingredients together in a bowl.
2. Spoon into a decorative, waterproof container
3. Wrap in decorative paper.

Instructions for use: Apply a small amount to damp skin while in shower or bath. Gently scrub skin with a soft washcloth. Rinse thoroughly. 



Now go make Martha Stewart proud. 

Thanksgiving: Did You Know?

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To NOT Do Thursdays:

It’s Thanksgiving, so that’s the to do this Thursday (and of course, online shop!) 
So today I’m thankful to Caloriecount.com for this great set of stats about Turkey Day, so I can enjoy mine. (Now do yourself a favor and wait to read these AFTER you eat.)

Thank you so much for following mamachallenge.com!

Now go spend some time just not doing anything…(now that’s a challenge!)


Save Those Leftovers: Make Your Skin Merry & Bright with Pumpkin and Yams

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Me Mondays:

Remember when Samantha Jones, the outspoken and sexual socialite from “Sex in the City” rubs yams all over her face in efforts to keep from “ricocheting back into menopause?” While Suzanne Sommers might try to tell you something different, yams can’t keep the clock from moving forward, but it can help your skin look like it has.

So bring on the yams I did with a holiday facial treatment from Highland Park’s Facelogic called the Merry and Bright. The space, located perfectly off the Tollway and Lovers Lane, keeps your skin in tip-top shape with affordable treatments and membership programs for facials, massages, waxing, spray tanning and more. The Merry and Bright is a limited-edition facial includes a yam and pumpkin peel designed to make your skin look its best as you celebrate the holidays with parties and get-togethers. Too bad they haven’t come up with a treatment yet called the Merry and Light (but they do have a weight management program that I also can’t wait to share in a few weeks!)

This facial/peel treatment gently takes away the aging layers of dead skin cells leaving the skin soft, refreshed and looking bright. The yam & pumpkin peel from Eminence Organics produces a dramatic yet natural skin lightening effect, which is great when you aren’t as good as you should be like me about exfoliating your skin. The peel uses nurturing stone crops and a natural hydroquinone alternative to lighten up the skin without photo-sensitivity as well as other fruits and natural products to help you put your face forward! 

Key Ingredients of Yam & Pumpkin Peel from Eminence Organics:
  • Yam Pulp Purée: high in beta-carotene and vitamins to fight the signs of aging
  • Pumpkin Pulp Purée: rich in enzymes, beta-carotene, amino acids, and antioxidants to fight the signs of aging
  • Pineapple: purifies skin by removing dirt and proteins
  • Papaya: contains vitamins and fruit enzymes to improve the appearance of skin
  • Glycolic Acid: soothing and smoothing agent
  • Lactic Acid: sloughs off dead skin cells to improve texture of skin
  • Willowbark Extract: natural beta-hydroxy to minimize the appearance of pores
  • Phyto-Hyaluronic Acid (Phytocollagen): deeply hydrating; natural substance that smoothes and plumps skin to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
  • Green Tea Extract: high in antioxidants, polyphenols, flavonoids, and vitamins for youthful looking skin
The Merry & Bright treatment options for $75: 60 minute facial with a 5% peel or 20 minute facial with a 20% peel (for more dramatic results). While I didn’t take a before and after photo, I can tell you my skin did look smoother, healthier and brighter, which made my day just merry!

And even better, now until the end of the year, when you purchase this treatment you’ll be doing something good for others, too. The Merry & Bright facial will not only help brighten the face and mood for the holidays but literally brighten the overall lives of those in Zambia living in the dark. For every Merry & Bright facial purchased in November & December a solar-powered LED light is given to a family in Zambia who are in the dark after the sun sets. These lights provide a means to study, eat and enjoy their families well after the sun sets on them (visit http://empoweredbylight.org for more information about this program.) Facelogic is hoping to provide at least 100 lights to Zambia by the New Year. 


Call Facelogic Highland Park at 214-696-3223 today to book your appointment and to get your skin looking merry and bright. 

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.”)


Let’s Go Brazilian…

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Me Mondays:



No, we aren’t talking that (but if you want to, I’ve gone there, too.)
However, we are talking about Brazilian blowouts. They’ve been around for a while, but basically after this special treatment from your stylist, you can have straight, beautiful hair and minimize your blow drying time to boot. Seemed like the perfect solution to those of us that look like Tina Turner without a blowdryer, flat iron and tons of products, however, the $200-$500 plus price tag and the drama about formaldehyde, has made it a little harder than just making an appointment to your local salon.
So I took it into my own hands and considered two at-home treatments.
Two totally different lines and different price points both promising to make my long locks light, shiny and smooth as well as:
  • Works with all hair types
  • Repairs cuticle damage
  • Regenerates and strengthens hair fibers
  • Restores natural shine and softness
  • Seals hair cuticles
  • Reduces volume and frizz
  • Makes hair resilient and healthy
  • Formaldehyde and sodium chloride free
Best of all, my 30 minute blowdry routine could be minimized to $15 minutes AND no flat iron/curling iron time. With the holidays sucking up all my extra time outside of work and dealing with the kiddos, I needed to get back all the time I could get as well as give me shortcut to look like a million without making me spend that much time to do my hair (or pay someone else to do it.)


The original, the Brazilian Blowout is the line of products that started it all. While you can still can get the treatment professionally administered, the line has provided an at-home product that’s meant to provide at-home users a way to take it into their own hands.   This Brazilian Blowout hair care kit thoroughly cleanses the hair while maintaining vital moisture for increased strength and radiant shine. Combining these hair care products results in smooth, frizz-free and radiant hair.
Approximately $125 and available online at brazilianblowout.com, drugstore.comand others.


Made for every day use. Also recommended for those who have professionally relaxed/straightened hair to keep hair at its best between touch-ups. From the instructions, it looked like an actual treatment that could take up to an hour or longer and a couple of trips to the shower, but the site had lots of instructions and videos to not mess anything up.
Approximately $25 and available at local Walgreens, Walgreens.comand drugstore.com.
Now off to my bathroom to see what I can do to make my hair shiny and beautiful…maybe.

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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