Health Archives - Page 5 of 16 - mamachallenge | Real Solutions for Real Parents

The Secret To Getting it All Done

September 21, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 75 Comments

When was the last time you got a good night’s sleep?

I don’t just mean slept for eight hours. I mean went to bed, waking up and actually feeling rested.

I know, it almost seems like a contradiction….moms who sleep?

As a working mom, wife and blogger, sleep is not at the top of my to-do list, but I know it’s a necessity. However, it seems impossible in the fight to getting it all done, right?

Doctors have connected so many illness and ailments to a lack of sleep. Your body can simply not function to its highest capacity if you are exhausted. Now, I believe that moms have some superpowers that overtakes our bodies during childbirth, giving us the ability to do things we were never able to do before. Still, it isn’t a bad thing to have a help from two little friends from the CVS radiance PLATINUM B12 & Melatonin.

You’ve may heard that B12 can be helpful for weight loss and energy. Sometimes it’s given as a shot to give you a boost of energy to help with workouts, but honestly it’s required for proper function and development of the brain, nerves and blood cells. The B vitamins have a role in the energy and metabolism in our body. It’s very common for individuals to a B12 deficiency which has all sorts of side effects including autoimmune diseases, mental illnesses and cancer.

But by taking one pill daily, you boost your body’s systems and gives them a jolt to function at their highest capacity.

Melatonin is a natural hormone made by your body’s pineal gland. During the day, the gland is inactive, but when the sun goes down and darkness occurs, the gland “turns on” and the melatonin in our body rises making our bodies less alert and active. Melatonin is a vampire. It only comes out when you’re in a dark or dimly lit area. It’s perfect for individuals who are trying to switch their sleep schedule or who may need a little help falling asleep each night.

You should take 0.3 – 1 mg of melatonin 90 minutes before you to go sleep. If you’re needing more than 1 mg of melatonin, speak with your physician first. Melatonin is a powerful aid and may actually disrupt your sleeping pattern and leave your more tired and groggy.

DISCLAIMER:

Please consult your physician and speak with the pharmacy team at CVS to learn more about what vitamins, supplements, etc. are ideal for you.

As parents, we don’t complain about the lack of sleep we get on a daily and weekly basis. There are so many people, activities and responsibilities pulling us in a million directions. We just got to get it done. Not sleeping, however, is not only detrimental to our health, but could also impact the safety of our families as well.

Sleep deprivations decreases a range of cognitive abilities such as reaction time, alertness and (ironically) working memory or the ability to juggle multiple tasks. Hello that’s what we do every day. The National Institutes of Health found that two weeks of six hours of sleep per night caused declines in many ways – similar to those found after a full 24-48 hours of sleep deprivation.

Another study by NIH found that cognitive performance of people who had been awake for 18-19 hours was comparable to those with a blood alcohol content of 0.10. We know the legal limit for driving in most U.S. states is 0.08. And the study found that more 1,500 people die every year from fatigue-related vehicle crashes.

[Tweet “NIH found cognitive performance of people awake for 18+ hours was comparable to BAC of 0.10. “]

Sure you don’t want to drive your kids around after a few glasses of wine, but shuffling them from school to extracurricular activities with minimal sleep is just as dangerous. Chew on that for a second.

Don’t be too prideful to admit that you need sleep or that you’re exhausted. No one is going to think less of you if you find ways (good ones that is) to get a good night’s sleep. B12 and Melatonin are simple supplements that will help you get the necessary rest you need to be the best person you can be for your family, friends and employers. As parents, our needs become secondary to the needs of our children. Don’t wait until the new year comes to make a resolution, make a decision now to make better lifestyle choices for you and your family.

MORE HELPFUL HEALTHY TIPS FOR PARENTS

Clean Your Skin and Your House with Tea Tree Oil

September 1, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 26 Comments

I’m always looking for cost-effective ways to keep my family happy, healthy and in the most natural way possible.

But with so many warnings, disclaimers and recalls on medication today, I am leery of giving them anything that may have long-time side effects. Essential oils, like coconut oil, fish oil and tea tree oil, have swept the nation as an alternative to relieve body woes. But does they REALLY work?

We’ve already shared about the benefits of adding fish oil to your daily regimen, but this product in the CVS/pharmacy radiance PLATINUM line is a staple for under my sink, my medicine cabinet, and even my makeup bag.

Tea Tree Oil Plantation

Tea tree oil is an essential oil with a fresh scent and color that ranges from pale yellow to sometimes colorless and clear. This pleasant oil is an “Aussie,” taken from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree, which is native to Southeast Queensland and the Northeast coast of Australia. Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties is best known as a treatment for acne and other skin conditions such as impetigo, fungal infections and dandruff. It seeps into your pores to remove the blockage, disinfects the pores and dries out whiteheads and blackheads. A small drop of it mixed with jojoba oil, which is an oil very close in character to the sebum your body naturally makes, can be a great makeup remover.

“Hello clear skin!”

Have you ever shampooed your hair with product that had tea tree oil in it? It leaves a tingly sensation in your scalp which helps loosen dirt and build up, stimulates growth and honestly feels very relaxing. You can DIY your own tea tree shampoo by simply adding five drops of oil to every eight ounces of shampoo. WALAH – a spa-like experience right at home and it’s like aromatherapy, too!

Tea tree oil is also 100% preservative free, natural, vegetarian and vegan – and makes it great for other household uses like:

A multi-purpose cleaner – Add a teaspoon of oil to a gallon of water to get your windows, floors and kitchen surfaces squeaky clean.
Pest control – Say bye bye to those pesky ants and other creepy crawly things. Wipe your surfaces with an oil and water solution at various points of entry, and the bugs are less likely to slide through.
Mold & stain remover –Add two teaspoons of oil to two cups of water, spray on the mold or stain and wipe clean.
Laundry freshener – Give your laundry detergent a little help by adding two teaspoons of oil to your clothes during the wash cycle. It will keep your washing machine clean and free of build up as well which means it will operate more efficiently.
Diaper duty – Keep your diaper pail smelling fresh by spraying of solution tea tree oil right into the pail. It’s a natural way to keep your nursery odor free and your baby away from toxins.

The radiance PLATINUM tea tree oil comes in a 2 oz. bottle, but it’s highly encouraged to dilute the product with carrier oil to test sensitivity, so the bottle should last a while. Start with a 4:1 ration of carrier oil such as olive or almond to tea tree oil in the initial application to see if your skin and scalp can handle it.

Disclaimer

Under no circumstance should you ever swallow tea tree oil. The side effects include severe rashes, stomach ache, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, drowsiness and possible coma. Unlike olive oil and coconut oil, keep it far away from your pantry where small children might possibly mistake it for an afternoon snack.

Like aloe vera, olive oil and avocado, tea tree oil occurs naturally and has several multi-use health benefits, so give this mate from “downunder” a try at your nearby CVS/pharmacy. AND…an additional way to ensure you get the best price for you, download the free CVS/pharmacy app today. Save time by looking online and the weekly ad to find out what is on sale so you can save the most money.

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How Fish and Chocolate Can Help You Lose Weight

August 28, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 20 Comments

I’ve been chasing the same 20 pounds(or more) for what feels like 20 years.

You’d think that after running, they would have fallen off…

One could only hope.

I’ve done a lot of different things to lose weight, but it ain’t easy. It is hard work. It’s a lifestyle change. BUT I know enough REAL people who have to know that if you put your mind to it, anything IS POSSIBLE!

But before going all P90X on me, the first and most important step is taking a look at what it is you are doing and aren’t doing. Like what are you putting in your body and what vital nutrients, vitamins and such do YOU need. That answer alone can be a key into your first step into really making a lifestyle change.

CVS/pharmacy recently released radiance PLATINUM, a line of vitamins, supplements and nutritional drinks designed to provide the support and necessary resources to help reach your optimal health and fitness goals. These products include options that are certified non-GMO, gluten free and certified organic. The line includes several categories including herbals like tumeric, minerals, supplements like vitamin e oil, fish oil, folic acid, and vitamins from A to Z.

DISCLAIMER:

Please consult your physician and speak with the pharmacy team at CVS to learn more about what vitamins, supplements, etc. are ideal for you.

After a daily multivitamin (yes, you need one no matter how good of shape you’re in), fish oil is another highly beneficial supplement to add to your regimen. Whether you are dieting or not, fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, nutrients that our bodies don’t produce naturally, but are critical to heart health. NOTE TO SELF: It should tell you something that OBGYNOs have pregnant women take fish oil with their prenatals as well to assist with the development of your growing baby to make them smarter.

Despite its lovely name, radiance PLATINUM fish oil comes in a gel capsule and is easy to take with eight ounces of water, not with your morning coffee if at all possible. It’s probably not best for small children to take them, but teenagers should have no problem. Warning – if for some reason, you crack the capsule, fish oil will ooze out…well basically there’s a reason it’s in a capsule. So moral of the story – swallow quickly.

Like the actual protein that is life changing in tacos, fish oil has been shown to lower triglycerides (bad fats that are dangerous at high levels and can possibly lead to high cholesterol), prevents heart diseases, decreases the build-up of fat around the arteries and can reduce blood pressure.

In addition to the popular heart benefits, researchers have found fish oil to help with depression, ADD, Alzheimer’s disease, Schizophrenia and other brain disorders. And it has also been known to make hair shinier and skin more luminous and dewy. If shiny hair, smooth skin and the possibility that you won’t lose your sanity doesn’t convince you to try fish oil, I don’t know what will.

Another fitness lesson sometimes forgotten is the importance of consuming enough protein. As women, we are afraid to eat or drink anything, especially protein, that may make the scary number of the scale rise. In reality, we’re actually causing our bodies more harm and risking serious injury. If you increase your intake of protein and nutrients with something like the All-In-One Superfood Chocolate Flavored Nutritional Drink Mix, you’ll receive the energy you need to not only complete your workout, but also not pass out once you leave the gym.

The mix is vegetarian, preservative and gluten free and has 30 servings in each container, so it should last you about a month. You can mix one scoop per day with two ounces of water, blend it with a cup of milk for a cold drink, or add it to your protein shake/smoothie. Your immune system will receive a much-needed jolt, and you’ll find that your workouts are more productive because you’ve given your body the fuel it needs to operate. (I also highly suggest blending a 1/2 banana for a great way to change it up and to add a little fruit to your diet.) And it can make a great “treat” when you are craving a milkshake or iced drink, but without the negative impact to your waistline.

Starting out a new healthy lifestyle regime can be intimidating, but something as simple as taking your vitamins will really have a lasting impact on your health.

Stay tuned for more tips on how radiance PLATINUM can be beneficial to your mind and body including this:

5 Must-Haves for Your Gym Bag

June 28, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 15 Comments

We’ve 5 must-haves for your gym bag – everything you need to make use of your time burning calories and staying fit.Motivation and time to get to the gym is the hard part; having everything you need to finish a successful workout in one place shouldn’t be.

The Right Bag: Fitmark Namaste Bag

You know it’s a good bag when you take it to the gym and you’re asked “where’d you get that?” With a place for your yoga mat, a separate bag for shoes, pockets for your wallet, keys, your water, and everything in between, this is the bag you’ve been looking for – even though you didn’t know it existed until now!

Right Water Bottle: Thermos Nissan Intak Hydration Water Bottle with Meter

The Thermos Nissan Intak Hydration Water Bottle with Meter is made from BPA free, impact- resistant, dishwasher durable Eastman Tritan copolyester. Ideal for water, iced tea, juices and sports drinks with 24-ounce capacity, it has a locking leak-proof lid with one-hand push-button operation. There’s a flip up loop for easy carrying; ergonomic design for comfortable usage. You can monitor your intake with the rotating intake meter- perfect if you are trying to get those eight glasses of water in everyday.

The Right Towel: Sports Towel

These sport towels are light, soft, compact, highly absorbent, resistant to odors and machine washable. They come in 9 different colors all with one purpose: Keep You Ahead. The elastic band attached makes them easy to fold and carry. You can take them with you anywhere… in your Backpack, Bag, Luggage and even your pockets.

The Right Headwear: Dri Sweat Edge Women’s Headband

This is the band you’ve been looking for…The Firstline Dri Sweat Headband keeps the hair and sweat off your face. Plus it doesn’t tangle your hair in the process or make you sweat more. Designed

Right Bra: Champion Women’s Great Divide Sports Bra
$23.34

Built to support you through high-intensity activities, the Champion® Women’s Great Divide Sports Bra offers the best fit and performance comfort. Double Dry™ technology wicks moisture and mesh panels deliver maximum ventilation to keep you cool. A contoured under-bust channel and wide bottom band ensure no-bounce security as well as a flattering shape. Power through your cardio sessions worry-free in the Great Divide bra.

And maybe there’s one more…

While technically it’s not actually in the bag, it should always be a part of your daily routine to being healthy…a Fitbit. It’s too easy to keep you on track with the Fitbit Charge, a high-performance wristband that shows your steps taken, distance traveled, calories burned, stairs climbed and active minutes AND even more importantly, monitors the sleep you aren’t getting (which is as equally important.)

Don’t miss any of these fun ways to fitness…

Five Ways to Make Giving Kids Medicine Easier

June 15, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 23 Comments

If having a sick kid is not enough, it’s giving them the medicine to make them feel better that sometimes is the worst mamachallenge. When my oldest was born, we had all kinds of meds to give him and most the time he was a trooper. But when he decided he was NOT going to take it, I’d end up with more of the expensive stuff on my shirt than in him. (And that pink crap doesn’t look good on me or the rest of my kitchen.)

So after years of practice with two kids and lots of great advice from other parents, here are five ways to make giving kids medicine easier.

1.Change Up How You Give It

There’s a reason that your medicine may have a dropper and a measured spoon when you finally get to the front of the line in the drive thru to pick it up from the pharmacy. Different strokes for different folks and with medicine that’s definitely the case. For my son, he’s a big fan of the dropper, while my daughter prefers to take hers with the measured cup. Some pills can also be crushed or chopped up to make it easier to take, so just make sure to ask your doctor and/or pharmacist before deciding to sprinkle the pill on their breakfast. That pill may need to be whole, chewed or directly swallowed. And definitely see if you should or shouldn’t have a drink before or after taking. Some meds are water only so don’t tell the kid to batten down the hatches with a glass of milk or juice until you know it’s safe.

2. Change the Flavor

The flavor of medicine can make a huge difference and it’s so easy to do! When your doctor sends of the prescription to your pharmacy, ask your pharmacy for FLAVORx. With 15 flavors to choose from, one of them is bound to be the “sugar that helps the medicine go down.” However, FLAVORx is sugar free, dye free, casein free and gluten free! You can find FLAVORx products in 45,000 pharmacies including Wal-Mart (which is $1.88 vs. 2.99 at other places), Target, Walgreens, and CVS. And you can even download the FLAVORx app for iPhone to find out if your pharmacy carries the product and what flavors are recommended for a specific medicine. Wanna learn more about FLAVORx, check out this video how it works.

3. Go Around It

This technique takes a little work from you, but it can be successful for some kids. If the taste or feel of the medicine is just too much for your tot to bare, then use a dropper to slowly let the medicine slide down the back of their throat by placing it towards the side of the tongue. This secret gets better with time (believe me), but you just need to have a kiddo that can sit still for about two seconds why you do it and will swallow it immediately. When kids are sick this one seems to work better since they are much more lethargic than a regular med and they know what’s coming. Again, each method is going to be different based on your kid and experience.

4. Let them Do It

Role playing can go a long way with children to help them understand what is happening and why. Using a doll or stuffed animal (preferably one you don’t mind getting wet), let your kid give medicine (I use water for these scenarios) to their doll and how it will make their doll feel better. Many times just going through the practice helps them to see that it won’t hurt their doll or them. This method is great for the first time you give medicine to help alleviate any fears they may have and allow you to talk about the medicine, their illness and how it’s going to make them feel better.

5. Diversion

This trick isn’t as 007 as you think, but more about getting your child in a state that isn’t anxious, scared or bouncing off the walls. While having the medicine handy (like already in the dropper, cup or nearby with a glass of water), just play with your child without any news of medicine. Let them be in a state of happiness and in their own element. After a little while when you’ve been playing, then just say or ask your child to give them the medicine. Because they haven’t had the built-up anxiety of medicine time and they’ve been doing something they like to do, the administering portion of your day just kinda slides into playing Barbies or creating a new LEGO car with no problems. The secret here is to be quick and then go back to playing so they see medicine taking isn’t a big deal and just part of the day.

Here’s to hoping it gets better and they feel better!

Love it While You Lose it: Medifast Meal Makeovers

June 8, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 18 Comments

When I’ve shared with friends and family I’m using Medifast plan to help me lose weight, I get a lot of “isn’t that just shakes and bars?” Just like I shared last month there are 85 different meal options with Medifast, but I admit every once and while I still want some of those familiar meals like chicken strips, mashed potatoes, and cupcakes with cream cheese icing…

Luckily I found a way to stay on the plan AND satisfy those southern comfort dishes that got me into this whole mess in the first place – just modified with healthy ingredients from Medifast! That’s right I’ve created Medifast meal makeovers that you will want to eat AND can eat! Before you start firing up the oven, make sure you talk with your counselor first at Medifast to show how recipes like this fit into your personalized Medifast plan.

The key for the chicken strips was using a bag of Medifast Parmesan Cheese Puffss!

Keeping them in the bag, I let out a little stress from my day until the puffs were beat to the pits (a fine texture) and then dipped the strips straight into the crumbs on a plate. Blended with a little chicken salt and pepper, I covered the chicken in the crumbs and then laid them on a cookie sheet. With a little cooking spray, on each strip, bake them in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 30 minutes until brown. That was SO easy, right?

While eating crispy chicken strips, creamy mashed potatoes , and steamed greens was pretty heavenly that night as part of my “Lean and Green” meal for the day, it was that I was able to bite into a pumpkin cupcake with a cinnamon cream cheese icing that kinda took me over the edge…thankfully that was just figuratively not over the scales.

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Icing

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

2 packages Medifast Spiced Pancakes
1 package Medifast Original Style Eggs
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice, divided
1 Tbsp canola oil
1/4 – 1/2 cup water
2 Tbsp low-fat cream cheese
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1 packet calorie-free sweetener
Cooking spray

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Combine pancake mixture, egg mixture, baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin spice in a medium bowl. Add oil and water, and mix until a batter consistency.
Lightly great a muffin tin (must do), divide batter into three portion, and full three muffin cups.
Bake for about 15 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in center until it comes out clean.
Beat cream cheese with vanilla, cinnamon, and calorie-free sweetener until blended. Spread over cupcakes.
Enjoy!

The most important thing to remember with this recipe is to know your conversions! For instance one cupcake is a serving of 1 Medifast Meal, 2 Condiments, and 1 Healthy Fat. There are tons of ways to create a healthy way to create a meal makeover that will still keep you on the Medifast plan!

Medifast: More than Bars and Shakes

May 19, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 12 Comments

One of the biggest issues that many parents have is being overweight. (I’m holding my hand up high, here.)

Not because we eat horribly all the time, but with the stresses of having food for the family, the stresses of everything at work, and the stresses of getting it all done, somehow makes it hard to have three, healthy balanced meals and snacks throughout the day. And let’s be honest, goldfish crackers and chicken nuggets are hard not put into your mouth when the kids have left them on their plate or it’s hours until dinner time.

But when you approach your 20-year high school reunion or get that invite for a big wedding or just hear your kiddo say “mama you got a fat belly,” you somehow get this overwhelming feeling of guilt as you start to think how you wish’d you look and that those 20 lbs. (or more) can’t ever come off so why try…

Always looking to find a solution, I’ve discovered Medifast...actually rediscovered it.

I often pass the sign along the road, but thought the program was nothing but bars and shakes so for this foodie, it wasn’t even a consideration. But after my grandfather had passed, I just let my healthy eating go to the wayside. I had fallen off the horse and I needed a big jump start towards my goal to finally lose weight.

What is Medifast Really?

Walking into the appointment, I was very interested to figure out really”what is Medifast?” Is it bars and shakes, would I never taste real food again, or was it something totally different? Getting to the bottom of things, I met with the counselor to find out that Medifast is a low-glycemic plan that’s personalized to your health and lifestyle. While my lifestyle until this point has included a few too many pizzas and pastas, she goes into discussing my eating habits and finding a way to help me get a plan in place to start making real changes.

After taking my blood pressure and receiving a real breakdown of my resting metabolic rate, my body mass index, etc. I had a full workup to learn where my body is today and how we are going to get it to a healthier state.

Here Comes the Toolkit

That’s right, they arm you with not only a plan of action, but also several tools to measure, weigh and portion out your food responsibly. For me, it’s not that I don’t know what to eat or that I eat the wrong stuff (we’ll at least most the time), it’s that I eat too much of some and not enough of others.

So instead the plan includes a scale, measuring cups, a handheld blender/mixer, microwavable cup and shaker. While I needed all of these items, I learned that you can modify your plan (and price) to only receive what you need. (However, I don’t advise you try that because I’m kinda in love with the blender/mixer and I would have normally said “I have one…” but this way is pretty great.)

Food Time

The most popular of the personalized programs is the 5-in-1. Giving you five small, 100-calorie meals throughout the deal and an open meal called the “Lean and Green,” you set an individual plan how to make better decisions regarding food, what you’re going to eat (or not eat) at your business lunch, weigh in to check your progress and of course, pick the Medifast meals and snacks you’ll be using to support your weight loss plan.

With 85 different items to choose from, I can vouch that you don’t HAVE to even choose a bar or shake as part of your plan. However, both of these items (which are available in different flavors) make it very convenient for someone is on the run (like everyone.) Then for the times you want a sit-down something you can choose mashed potatoes, soups, chili, rigatoni, etc. For snacks choose popcorn, chips and even chocolate chip bake (think chocolate chip cookies and cake made a baby.) All of the items are shelf stable so they don’t require refrigeration and can be easily stored in your purse, car or desk drawer. But watch out especially for the popcorn – my kids asked for a bite and then when I went back to get a bite, they had eaten it all.

Next week we’ll talk more about the Medifast meals.

Does it Work?

Every program is different and everyone will have different results. For the first few days I’ll admit it wasn’t easy adjusting to eating every two hours and making my snack or meal at the desired time. But you have to remember you’re learning something new and changing a habit (a bad one at that) you’ve created for many years (like my 30+) and change doesn’t come easy. But after a few days and a few alarms set (I had to remind myself to eat), you get a rhythm that works for you.

Normally the first week Medifast patients will have 4-5 lb. weight loss and then steady loss at 1-2 lbs. going forward.However, atypical of Medifast patients, I lost almost 7 lbs. Pretty excited with the results so far…but like many times before I have to keep going!

Want to get your weight loss goals going? Schedule your FREE consultation and find out if Medifast is right for you.

Wish me luck as I try to hit that weight before the kids were born!

Get Whisked Away: Family Spa Day at Spa Castle {Giveaway}

May 12, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 15 Comments

When I think of a spa day it NEVER has included one thought about the kids except who was watching them while I was there…however, in Carrollton, right outside of Dallas, there’s not only a day spa that you will love with three floors committed to recharging your mind, body and spirit, but a spa that’s created amenities for the kids. Spa Castle is the name of the fantasyland spa property right off George Bush Tollway and Josey Lane. For just $35 bucks you can live it up with the girls for a daycation just like you’d have at a resort (swim up pool with a bartender included), or just a quiet weekend with added Eastern-style spa services and an overnight stay at the on-premise hotel, or even a fun getaway for the family for a relaxing day of water fun and dining. Too good to be true? That’s probably why they called it a castle…I mean that is where we all think magical fairy tales come alive, right? But I have evidence it’s the real deal and one of my favorite Dallas places to spend a few hours (or maybe a few days if I’m lucky). With hydrotherapy pools, saunas, dining, spas and more, you will find relaxation at Spa Castle. However, I did need a little 101 to figure out what to do once I entered the doors. But the very friendly staff led me in the right direction and ensured I was enjoying myself all day long. (You didn’t expect me to bring the kids this time, right? A mom has to scope things out first…)

Just a few things to know:

Wristband: After claiming my magical “wristband” at the front desk, I was able to open and lock my locker, check in for spa appointments and even order a meal with my a show of my wrist (that’s attached to your credit card.)
Shoes: Because this is a spa built on Eastern practices, you’ll be leaving your shoes literally at the door in a special shoes only locker upon arrival. Then yoou will have another locker for your other clothes and belongings. You won’t be wearing shoes all day, but don’t worry, you’ll see them clean the floors more times in the day than I did my entire kitchen last year.
Clothes: You’ll be provided a spa outfit while you’re there of what seems like pink scrubs. You will wear those in the spa areas, a bathing suit in the pool areas and if you choose nothing in the hot tubs. But don’t worry, no pressure!
Pace Yourself: Like Disney World, you just can’t do everything in one day. Just enjoy things a little at a time and remember, that at only $35 you can afford to come back again and again.
Tips: Your gratuity is included in your spa service, so you really don’t have anything to worry about!

Featured as part of your $35-day pass, Spa Castle’s signature Sauna Valley features ten different saunas that help promote relaxation and detoxification. Each room has a different theme and purpose for you to find the best service for exactly what your body needs. From 24-karat gold, almost 200-degree temperatures and even a room that Elsa would be envious of, they’ve options if you have the time. I didn’t get to try them all out, but I was able to sneak in most of them for just long enough to take a shot. To learn more about the benefits of the sauanas, visit the website.

: Welcome to Sauna Valley

: Roman Sauna

: Golden Pyramid

: The door way to Color Therapy

: LED Sauna

: Infrared Lounge

: Far-Infrared Sauna

: Far-Infrared Sauna

: Loess Tower

: Loess Tower

: Is Elsa Here?

: Ice Land

: Charcoal Tower

: Need a break? Sit down and rest awhile, recharge your phone or get a bite from the sushi or coffee car!

In addition to my sauna time, I also snuck in a few spa services (there are tons to choose from) including the luxurious caviar facial. I wasn’t sure exactly what caviar was doing on my face, but whatever it was, it did it well since my skin has felt and looked radiant every since. My facial also included a little shoulder massage as well so after I was done, I was almost too relaxed to do anything else…However, I didn’t want to leave Spa Castle without seeing a few of the places I planned to enjoy the next time when I bring the girls next month for a resort-type day only a few moments from home!

Outdoor Mystic Pool

Experience the same refreshing rush of water and pressure treatment on your head, shoulders, and back under the “deep mountain” waterfall. The evening sets an enchanting setting, enhanced by panoramic views to add to the peaceful ambiance of the pool area.

Hinoki Bath

Modeled after the famous Japanese baths of the past, the Hinoki Bath is built with ancient pine woods aged over 300 years old. Combined with minerals, the fragrant aroma of pine surrounds you as soon as you step into the heated waters. (It’s hot!) There’s so much to see and do at Spa Castle, I know I’ll be coming back with friends, the family and hopefully a few times just me. And just because you aren’t in Texas, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy Spa Castle with several locations in the U.S. visit the website for more info.

Do you want to enjoy a Spa Castle experience?

You can win a day pass (value $35!) Just share by commenting below what has been your biggest “MAMACHALLENGE” lately and you can win!

Urgent Care For Kids at Your Door in an Hour

May 6, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 18 Comments

Ever been thrown up on by your kid?

Funny how it never happens during the day when the pediatrician’s office is open, but rather after hours when you have little to no option to take them anywhere. AND after cleaning them up, you up and everything else up, you then get to go to some dodgy after hours care place and wait your turn all while holding your sick kid in your arms in the middle of the night. Not to mention if you have more than one kid and a single parent, you’re loading up the whole gang for the trip – and we aren’t talking about a vacation.

Those are the days (and nights, actually) that put the CHALLENGE in www.mamachallenge.com.

But we’ve got a solution and it comes at the click of your finger. Already in North Dallas and expanding into other areas of DFW soon, PediaQ is the on-demand urgent kids care house call service that comes to you and your kiddo. Founded and funded in October 2014 by Jon O’Sullivan, PediaQ is the first and only on-demand service focused solely on the pediatric market, 4 pm – 8 am on weekdays and 24 hours per day on weekends.

When your child is in need of urgent care, with PediaQ you have the comfort and security of knowing that your child has the highest quality care at your fingertips. By using the app, you not only request an appointment, but are able to see the credentials and reviews of the staff, have your medical information safely and securely shared with your pediatrician and have a pediatric nurse practitioner at your door in about an hour. Plus electronically connect to your pharmacy for fast, convenient prescriptions!

At around $150 for standard hours and $250 for after hours care, many insurance providers may reimburse you for your PediaQ visit. And HSA credit card may be used to pay for the services.

Not to mention they won’t judge you if you are covered in vomit. Just don’t reach out to shake their hand when they come to the door.

And for a limited time, PediaQ is offering a special discount to try their service. (Make sure to confirm the discount to ensure it’s still valid.)

For more information visit their website (www.pediaq.care) and follow them on Facebook.

Get Walked All Over and Like it: Relax with Felax

April 30, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Relax. You should do it. Even if some Frankie in Hollywood says don’t.

However, it’s not a word most of us get to hear, do or even really understand what it means, right?

For me, when I relax, I don’t feel like I’m managing things at work, at home or anywhere…However, my “management style” has now caused the rest of my body to look and feel like something out of “Hunchback of Notre Dame.” (And just in case yours looks the same; it’s not supposed to look that way no matter how long you’ve looked like it.)

Funny enough it’s not always a long day at the spa that can help you to “get right.” Actually it’s amazing what 30 minutes of “felaxing” can do for you and your well being.

Massage Felax specializes in the ancient art of reflexology and other massage modalities including Swedish, Prenatal, Lomi Lomi, Deep Tissue, Sports, Trigger Point and Ashiatsu.

Each reflexologist has been through a rigorous reflexology traning program to ensure proper technique of the 50 reflex points. Whether you’ve got only 30 minutes for a reflexology session at just $29 (lunch break) or you can spare 60 minutes for a $79 massage, Felax creates the comfortable environment you need, but also allows you to be able to work through it (with my mobile phone still in hand for a few email check ins while I was checked out!)

While I ~~enjoyed~~ loved the ample attention to my feet (I always say you have to be good to the things that keep you upright), it’s the ashiatsu (don’t forget the A in that word) that really will take you to a new world. Like a member of Cirque de Soleil, my Massage Felax therapist leaped onto the table I was laying on, grabbed the bars above her head, and began to really work through the pressure I was holding in my back. It was an intense experience, but if you deal with stress in your shoulders, back or neck, you know that the ongoing pain from that is much worse. She worked through my trouble areas and I began to be able to work through mine, too.

Not up for trying things alone, bring a friend and the spouse. Special features such as a couple’s therapy room is available at the Park Cities and Dyer Street locations and oxygen therapy, ashiatsu massage and accommodations for group spa treatments are offered at the Addison venue. If you have the time, it’s totally worth the $85 seventy minute signature combo (reflexology and full body massage) for the complete head-to-toe treatment. And now until May 29, to honor our veterans, Felax is offering a free massage when you call and make an appointment and show your VA card.

This is the happy ending that they really meant for us all to have.

Locations

Addison: 4943 Beltline Road; 972.385.7109; Mon.-Sat. 10:30 am – 9:30 pm, Sun. 11 am – 8 pm
Allen: 824 W Stacy Rd., Suite 101; 469.500.9913; Mon.- Sat. 10 am – 8 pm, Sun. 10 am – 6 pm
Dallas: 6911 Dyer St.; 469.941.4388; Mon.- Sat. 10 am – 8 pm, Sun. 11 am – 6 pm
Park Cities: 8611 Hillcrest Avenue; 214.363.3529; Mon.- Sat. 10 am – 6 pm, Sun. 11 am – 6 pm

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