mamachallenge | Real Solutions for Real Parents | Dallas Blog

Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

New Year New You with Weight Loss Helpers

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None of these are endorsed by GMT or MamaChallenge as diet remedies, but the newest trends in support that viewers and readers have shared for weight management. Check with your doctor before starting any regimen or weight loss program. 

The Cabbage Diet. The Hot Dog Diet. Or my personal favorite from The Devil Wears Prada, I Don’t Anything Diet Until I’m About to Pass Out and Eat a Cube of Cheese Diet.

diet-main-pic

PerezHilton.com


None of them sound good, but certainly have worked to help anyone have long-lasting weight loss. The reason why of course, is diets don’t work.

The last time I was on Good Morning Texas I shared the secret of a long marriage. Today I’m going to share the secret to losing weight: Eat healthy food, practice healthy lifestyle with exercise. Period.

But for many of us that’s a lot harder than it sounds!

However, people are realizing it’s about a lifestyle change; a mindset; a shift, to a healthier version of you!

So we asked our viewers and MamaChallenge.com readers to tell us what they are doing to lose or maintain weight and here’s what we found!

SKINNY STIX BY ZANTREX3

  • Actress, Host and Ex-Playboy bunny Jenny McCarthy is the spokesperson for Skinny Stix, a proprietary blend you add to 16 oz. water. 1-3 times a day.
  • SkinnyStix formula was originally designed for weight loss, but it’s been benefitting everyone for powerful appetite control, mood elevation, increased energy, fat burning, stamina, and improved focus.
  • Starting yesterday you can find Skinny Stix at Walmart for a pack of 21.

DAILY GREENS

  • Juicing is not a way to lose weight but help you to get in those fruits and vegetables you might not be getting in your regular diet. Take a look – this one bottle has 6 lbs of produce!
  • Austin-based Daily Greens is a raw, cold-pressed juicing company with products available for sale at Whole Foods and other specialty stores as well as online for nationwide, overnight delivery.
  • Shauna Martin created this company after being diagnosed with breast cancer at 33 and discovered juicing was her way to restore her health.

ADVOCARE

  • A locally based company, Advocare has a strong reach – I bet many of our viewers have tried it or know someone who sells the products.
  • It’s an overall wellness program to kick start a healthier lifestyle and designed to help you feel better, look better and perform better.
  • The 24-Day Challenge™ is a comprehensive supplementation and nutrition program. Give your body the jumpstart it needs to help you reach your goals.* There’s something for everyone: weight management, energy, overall body composition or overall wellness.

PLEXUS

  • Plexus Slim is a natural drink that contains a variety of plant extracts helpful in balancing blood sugar, hormones, cholesterol, and lipids.
  • Plexus Slim was originally designed to help patients with diabetes regulate blood sugar, but when it was noted that all test participants lost weight, it was then decided to market it as a weight loss product.
  • Many have had success with relief from auto-immune issues in addition to weight management.

PERSONAL TRAINER FOOD

Successful weight loss is about 20 what you do and 80 what you eat. So if you can’t afford to have one of those celebrity trainers to watch your every move and thing you put in your mouth, you have Personal Trainer Food!

  • Personal Trainer Food is a direct home healthy meal service based in Fort Worth!
  • It’s just real food without the processed fillers – that makes it easy for you to eat right because it’s easy to do. No grocery shopping, cooking or cleaning, no calorie counting – just a way to learn to eat right.
  • The food truly tastes great. Many people are afraid of trying the food because they’ve tried Nutrisystem, Lean Cuisine, Jenny Craig, etc. However, it really is restaurant-quality food.
  • It is realistic on this program to lose 2-4 pounds per week just by eating right and walking 15 minutes/day. They also offer weight loss coaching with all programs.

RISE

There are tons of apps that can help you stay on target, but you have to find the right one for you.

  • One of the ones that is getting a lot of praise is Rise, an app that is highly endorsed by Good Morning America contributor Tory Johnson.
  • Rise connects people with their very own nutrition coach – all registered dietitians – with one-on –one, 24/7 access.
  • She talks about how Rise helped her in her new book, Shift, a book about how she was able to find the SHIFT within in her to change her life for good to a healthier living and lose 65 lbs. in a year.
  • Just for Good Morning Texas viewers, you can visit Rise.us and use the code SHIFT for 20% off your first payment!

 Have you used any of these products? What do you do to lose or maintain a healthy weight? 

Organize and Digitize Handwritten Recipes to Your Own Online Cookbook

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Note: I was provided complimentary services for purposes of this review. 

Over the hustle and bustle of holiday cooking I became nostalgic for smells and tastes for Grandma’s banana bread and other recipes that made up my childhood. While I had written down many of them over the years, calling her at the last minute for her recipe for meatloaf or the special ingredient she put in her macaroni and cheese, I realized that most of her recipes as well as other handed-down family recipes, were all still captured in a small red metal box. 


When I had the chance to look in the box, I loved looking at the handwriting, the fragile personalized recipes cards women used before the days of home printers or even typewriters, and the other little notes on the recipes that reminded her of how grandpa liked it or that special touch that had made it her own. For a family engrained in food as much as ours, this little box was more like a piece of history over Christmases and family long gone than utility. 

As wonderful as the box was, I wanted to use recipes, too. But if I used these recipes while I cooked they would be covered in grease and flour in no time, so I needed to record them for my own use and protect their original source. And even more so, I wanted to be able to share them with the rest of my family. However, the time it would take to transcribe, input and format the recipes wasn’t something I had a lot of time for, much less where I would upload them and be searchable.



With Dish Dish, members can digitize their recipes in an online cookbook – easily accessible from any computer or mobile device (using their iPad/iPhone App – and Android app to follow soon). This allows you to store recipes, search, add photos, add notes, keep private when preferred or search other Dish Dish members’ recipes, make shopping lists, plan menus, print, share over social media or email, and access all of this while at home or on the go.


Dish Dish offers a free account that includes many great features. However, the Pro account for only $19/year includes access to the menu planner, special printing options, decorative printing templates, embedding videos with recipes (you can be your own Food Network star), adding multiple photos with recipes, and the opportunity to have 20 recipes transcribed/uploaded for the member by scanning, mailing, faxing or emailing. And Dish Dish is also including a free trial to the Dish Dish recipe importer tool so take the time out of uploading your own recipes! 

Take a look at my family cookbook here. I can’t wait to try the Greek Chicken with Pine Nut Dressing and the Bohemian Coffee Cake! I’m planning to make each of these dishes this year and upload a photo to accompany the recipe! 



What a great way to organize those recipes and then have the opportunity to share them with your family members as an online cookbook throughout the year! And even better, you could download your online cookbook as a PDF so you could print out the recipes once they’ve been uploaded for useful and thought cookbook gift for Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving or next Christmas. 

Check out http://dishdish.us to begin organizing and creating your online cookbook today! 

Lose Weight in 2014 with the Mama Challenge Diet Bet

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It’s no secret that losing weight has been one of my biggest “mama challenges.” 

It’s always been something I’ve had to work at especially since I became a mom. But after looking back at all the amazing photo moments of this year and how much I wanted to Photoshop myself out of them or at least my double chin (and a few other very specific places), I knew I had to do something. 


So rather than my normal New Year’s lose weigh bandwagon of diet + workout and maybe budge a little bit, I’ve decided I needed to up the ante. So the bet began. 

The Mama Challenge Diet Bet that is. Have you ever done a big money pot for losing weight at work? Or did you ever want to be a member of the Biggest Loser to get you going in the right direction? Are you looking for a fun way to get the challenge of weight off your 2015 New Year’s resolution list? 

Consider it the next step in social networking…social dieting. And it’s really simple: You’ve got four weeks to lose 4% of your starting weight. To begin, everyone puts money into the pot to play – $35 dollars to be exact. After four weeks, whoever’s hit their 4% goal is a winner and splits the pot. Now I bet you are wondering how you know everyone is being truthful when it comes to weigh-in time? The Diet Bet has that all figured out with referees who make sure that everyone is truthful, but never shares your actual weight (score!)

So are you ready to lose weight and gain some money with Mama Challenge? It’s easy – you just have to sign up now to the Mama Challenge Diet Bet. The game begins on Monday, January 6, so make sure to sign up now!

I’m going to be kicking off a new fitness and detox routine to get my health in the right direction, so I’ll be sharing some tips on Facebook, Instagram and my Fitness Routine and Healthy Recipes Pinterest Boards.  


And if you are looking for something to motivate you from budget-friendly healthy meal plans, adorable workout wear and even fun ways to get moving, I’ve got you covered! (If’ you’ve never read about my Hot Yoga moment or me trying out Surf Fitness those are both worth the read just for laughing-your-hiney-off-sake. 

Now what are you waiting for? 

Let’s get moving! 


The Christian Grey Workout: The PilatesBarre

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>Tried-It Tuesdays:

I have to start with this – “Pilates: I love drinking those!” 

[First off, for those of you that got that reference, give yourself two points before we begin this week’s discovery down uncharted fitness territory. My husband reminds me of that commercial anytime I mutter the word pilates, so I had to include it in this week’s post!]

Anyhow… I’m all for finding new things to keep exercise exciting, that’s the reason I created Tried-It Tuesdays. It’s given me a reason to get out there and explore while losing weight as well informed others about what other interesting things are out there and can keep you fit. From pole dancing and now to pilates, it’s been lots of fun AND I feel great.

This week I found myself at the PilatesBarre in Dallas. I had heard that Gap Fit was paying for the class and if you tried on a pair of their activewear line, you got to take it home with you for free. (Double-whammy!) So I signed up like a champ and got ready to burn some calories.

I mean, how hard could it be…

When I arrived, I realized that this place wasn’t the Pilates that my Y offered, but the real-deal holyfield with the latest and greatest REFORMER machine called the Megaformer. This was the class that stars like Jennifer Aniston do once a week to look like a million bucks. Unfortunately, since my abs look more like the Marshmallow Man, I was starting to rethink my latest challenge. Especially if I had to take on the Reformer machine. (If you haven’t seen one of these before, it resembles something I imagined out of “Shades of Grey.”) But I couldn’t back out now. I had put on the grip socks and put on the Gap pants, so I had to work for these babies.

All I can say now is Gap, thanks for the pants and thanks for making my body ache and shake like it never has before. But to be honest, isn’t that the point? I get why they call it PilatesBarre now – I felt like I needed to hit the bar when I was done. Maybe order up that ‘pilates’ they keep talking about.


Anyhow, I wish I had brought a photographer to see me do all the wild exercises we did. While relatively simple moves, they made my body burn like never before. I worked muscles I never knew I had and honestly, I now understand why people say it makes their body feel longer – because my body was stretched WAAAAAY out.

I did have to look around to figure out if I was doing things correctly. I admit many times I was so involved in making sure I was doing things right, I didn’t listen to the instructor and just let my body do what made sense. The instructor was calm, helpful and never made me feel out of place, although I know I was (I was wild on that machine!) While I wasn’t a pro from the get go, the 50-minute class included everything from core strength training, cardio, and overall body conditioning and stretching—everything I need to work to achieve a lean physique – the “Pilates Body.”

At this rate, watch out, Jennifer Aniston.

Photo from Google+

The PilatesBarre
2 locations in Dallas

University Park
6915 Hillcrest Avenue
University Park, TX 75205
214.706.9988
Preston Forest
11909 Preston Road, Suite 1412
Dallas, TX 75230
972.239.2626
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.”)

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
$14.95 (Under $10 on Amazon.com)
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
Buy Online | Facebook | More Info

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.”)

Score this SuperBowl with Kid-Friendly Recipes with Cabot Cheese {Recipes}

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To-Do Thursdays:

This Sunday is like the big daddy of Sundays with the SuperBowl in New Orleans! So for the next few days I’ve got food and football on the brain. 

A great recipe that the kids can do themselves!

Can you say, “CHEAT DAY?” 

Actually, you don’t have to with Cabot. 

Recently, I got a special opportunity to chow down on some tasty lowfat cheese (we’re talking like 50% – 75% reduced fat) from CABOT while learning some great lowfat, kid-friendly recipes including the ones included here, Cheddar Mice and Lowfat Mac n Cheese! 


Who doesn’t like mac n cheese? Here’s a delicious lowfat recipe!

While at the event I learned some great tidbits from a chef at Central Market (so you know she’s got great tips), so I thought I’d share. 

Looking for a crusty brown topping like on mac n cheese? Spray a little cooking spray on the top before you put in the oven and you’ll good nice and crispy!

Putting things in muffin tins is all the rage…make your clean up and portions easier to control with an ice cream scoop! 

While these recipes are simple, they are great ways to make your diet tastier without the fat (or the work) with Cabot Cheese. Looking for more Super Cheesy SuperBowl Recipes, check out these recipes from Cabot! 


Score this SuperBowl with CABOTs Pin It to Win It Contest! 
10 winners randomly selected. Each will win $75 Cabot Gift Box and 1 of the winners will also win an additional $75 Gift Box to gift to a friend. 50 pinners will receive a Cabot coupon for FREE cheese.


ENTER HERE

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


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
hiddenbeauty@rejuvemedspa.com
rejuvemedspa.com

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
www.theyogaproject.net
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Ready to Get Your Fit On? 


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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:

D-I-Y Scrubs and Facials
Take Care of My Skin Right for Four Weeks
Do you have a skin product you think I should try? Let me know! 

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