Embracing a Healthy Family

60 Day SlimDown System with Lindsay Brin Review

60 Day SlimDown System - Get your Body BackI think nearly every woman can relate how the new year approaches, New Year's resolutions abound with the typical one of losing weight.  I have the same one year after year but this year, I changed the resolution simply to 'getting healthier for myself and family.'  To me, this is much more sensible as losing weight is about getting healthier by eating right and exercising.  I had a chance to try out Lindsay Brin's DVD in 2010 and loved her high energy.  When given the chance to try the Lindsay Brin 60 Day SlimDown System, I couldn't pass that up.  If you don't know anything about Lindsay, you will grow to love her from her workouts to her blog.  Lindsay, to me, is a real woman who has had children and understands how difficult it is to lose the weight although you can't tell by looking at her as she's fabulous.


The beauty of the 60 Day SlimDown System is variety.  Lindsay provides the tools necessary to ensure success with a downloadable SlimDown packet.  The packets is full of everything you need such as a 60 day calendar, a 60 day meal plan and more.  They are easy to follow and for those that need more direction, this is perfect.  It's also great for anyone as studies have shown that those who log their exercise and food intake, tend to have more success.

The 60 Day SlimDown System works within the first 10 days by increasing your metabolism and shedding pounds.  When you workout with Lindsay, you will understand as the workouts our chalked full of routines that get you moving and are easy to follow.  They are not full of elaborate moves that make it difficult for the uncoordinated (i.e. me).


All of Phase 1 workouts can be done in 30 minutes which is wonderful for those that don't have a lot of time or can't get hour long blocks due to work, kids and so forth.  I'm constantly interrupted by a house full of young children so having something in 30 minutes is ideal for me.  Phase 2 increases the challenge thus increasing the loss with all workouts being under 45 minutes.  It's a nice gradual evolution into adding the challenge when you are most likely ready versus throwing in a workout too hard to complete and you feel more compelled to drop out.  Phase 3 is geared towards seeing results after the initial 60 days.  Lindsay has thought of everything to offer this comprehensive, easy to follow plan to get you healthier.  The only thing you need are a set of 1-2 pound weights.

The 60 Day SlimDown System includes four DVDs:

  1. Lindsay Brin CFS Method
  2. Lindsay Brin Core Metabolic Jumpstart
  3. Lindsay Brin Postnatal Boot Camp
  4. Lindsay Brin Shed 5 Fast
The workouts include three levels ideal for each fitness level.  This is a great feature as some movements are too advanced for some of us with little activity.  As I noted, when you find something too hard, you are probably more likely to drop out whereas Lindsay's program has it covered.  When you click here, you can view trailers of the workouts to get an ideal of how the workouts are geared.


It really is a great workout program for any woman, whether a mom or not.  Lindsay is high energy and motivational.  The fact she has had children appeals to me because she was able to end up looking like this with her program so I know it works.  The workouts left me challenged, sore and with the knowledge that when I follow the program for 60 days, I will look amazing!  I look forward to seeing my end result and definitely recommend this program to anyone wanting to feel better and look great.

You can buy Lindsay's 60 Day SlimDown System for $49.99 and if you use this special coupon code '60daydvd30', you can save 30% off but hurry as the coupon code expires January 31st!

Lindsay's site is full of great information that includes:

  • Weight Loss Tools - weight loss calculator, metabolism/bmr, goal setting, meal plan and tracker
  • Quick Recipes - kids size, family size and Lindsay's family food journal
  • Get the Skinny - food & exercise, pregnancy, post pregnancy, exercise FAQ and how to get rid of.

   


You can follow Lindsay on FacebookTwitter or her blog.  Her blog is full of great information to help you along your journey, actual photos of Lindsay's transformation from post pregnancy and much more.





I received the 60 Day SlimDown thrugh MamaBuzz for the purpose of this review

CSN Stores $45 Gift Card Giveaway 1/25 - WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ....


dvice12 said...

I follow. I like the baby and kids store.

An e-mail will be sent after I post and he/she has 48 hours to respond before a new winner has been chosen.

Thanks to all those who entered!


I managed to take down most of the Christmas decorations and after taking down everything, I noticed how bare my walls are and with getting ready to put the house on the dreary market, I realized how bad they need a make over.  I have had months of experience with CSN Stores given that they have over 200 online stores where you can find anything you need whether it be wall art and decorfitness equipment, or even cute cookware!  It's really a great place to shop for hundreds of items.


All Modern


I think the hardest part is figuring out what to purchase.  I have only one mirror and those really dress up a room's atmosphere with the right shape and size.  I also have quite a few pictures but I'm lacking a few in the dining room.  There are over 600 different types of mirrors to choose from but here are some of my favorites:


Reflecting Design Dorian 24 Convex Wall Mirror Nexxt Hollister Mirror with Frame in Dark Veneer 


The nice thing is there are so many great ways to search for the perfect mirror whether it's by price, size, style, frame and more.


There are even wall stencils that would really dress up my grandchild's room.  The variety is endless and knowing that I can decorate an entire room from one store is a bonus for me.  I love to shop but I don't want to have to order items from many stores and prefer a one stop shop like All Modern.


Dream Catcher Kids Fanciful Fairies Self-Adhesive Wall Stencil Kit Dream Catcher Kids Perfectly Princess Self-Adhesive Wall Stencil Kit


The Giveaway:


I'm sure you will find a ton of items you would like to buy at the huge array of stores by CSN Stores and now you get a chance to win a $45 gift certificate to use at any of the stores.


To Enter:


Follow my blog and leave a comment on which CSN Store you like the most or what you would do with the $45 GC.



Extra Entries:

  • Like CSN Stores on Facebook (three entries)
  • Follow CSN Stores on Twitter (two entries)
  • Follow me on Twitter (two entries)
  • Like me on Facebook (two entries)
  • Subscribe to my blog (two entries)
  • Tweet about this giveaway & leave your URL link (two entries - can be done daily)
  • Blog about this giveaway (five entries)
  • Enter any of my other giveaways (five entries)



Giveaway ends 1/25 at midnight (EST).  Open to US and Canada but international fees are not included.


Disclaimer:  I wrote this post as part of my participation in a product giveaway.  The opinions expressed in the post are true and accurate based on prior purchases.

NursingUniforms.net is a One Stop Shop for Nursing Uniforms

Nursing Uniforms

I always marvel at the nursing uniforms at the doctor offices my children go to.  I love how they are able to incorporate such great styles with those and lab coats to not only show their personalities but also to help take away some of the fear in children.  Nursing Uniforms has such a huge variety ranging from brands such as Medcouture to Stat Wear to Katherine Heigl.

Crossover Top With Bow The Kara Top


The boring old days of no prints or style are long gone.  If I had to wear them, I would want to have a little flare and personality to show through.  I'll have to show my mom this site since her occupation requires her to wear them and they are reasonably priced.  My mom is always hesitant to buy online but they also have a 30 day money back guarantee.


Disclosure:  This is a paid post.


1001PicnicBaskets.com & Family Fun Time

Family fun time can include a variety of activities whether it's with your spouse or with your children.  Every family needs time to get together and just relax, interact and have the chance to make memories. The simplest things can invoke memories and traditions that will last for generations.

One of the fun things my children like to do is have picnics.  We had many picnics this summer and the girls never tired of the fun.  My husband is in Kuwait right now but I can imagine he would like to have a picnic and enjoy some rest and relaxation.  In spite of the cold, there is always a way to enjoy a romantic time with your significant other with an indoor picnic.  When you have the right picnic basket, the possibilities are endless for some fun time no matter where you are.


Collapsible Picnic Basket for Two

A romantic getaway is a great time to just relax and enjoy some gourmet food and take in each other.  A time to listen to one another while savoring some great food put together.   I like the modern picnic baskets because they are a one place for all container.  By providing this great feature, it requires less "equipment" to pack and ensures you have all you need for a great time.


They really have a variety of items from cutting boards to lunch bags to wine baskets and more.  This cutting board set is perfect for a picnik set.

71441.jpg


Another fun activity we do is barbeque because it brings us together when making dinner.  We plan the menu and everyone has their own tasks.  Since my husband is gone, my oldest daughter is the chef outdoors and easily relies on our BBQ sets to make the job easier.  1001PicnicBaskets.com has this great set that I want to get since it has the apron and all the tools needed.  Isn't it nice?

BBQ Apron Tote - Olive

Whatever your family fun event it, as long as it's bringing your family together, it's a win-win.  We love our family fun events and can't wait for many more years to come.



*Disclaimer:  This is a paid post.

GooGooGram: Baby Announcements with a Voice

GooGooGram birth announcement phone calls

Oh the delight of a new baby and all the hustle and bustle that goes along with it.  My daughter had her baby in October and I remember her fiance calling everyone to let them know.  It's such an exciting moment and it's fun sharing in the news by spreading the word but when you have a lot of people to call, it makes for a long task that could be spent with mom and baby.  This is where this great new service called GooGooGrams was brought to my attention by Cynthia at AdorableBabyClothing.

GooGooGram sends your personalized announcement by phone and e-mail to everyone on your list.  They also let them send you a special written or voice message back that will be saved on a keepsake CD.  At only $24.95 for 25 phone calls and 50 e-mails, it's a great bargain as it will save you time, it's fast and convenient and it's personalized.

$50 Staples Gift Card Giveaway 1/25: WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...


Cynthia said...

* Subscribe to my blog

An e-mail will be sent after I post this.  She has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen.

Thanks to all those who entered and stay tuned for some Valentine's Day giveaways coming soon!




I received a $50 Staples gift card from a post on SocialMoms and wanted to pass it on to one of my readers. It's an easy contest with only one required entry and other optional entries if you like.

To Enter:

Follow my blog (this will be verified upon the winning entry per random.org)

Extra Entries:

  • Subscribe to my blog
  • Follow me on Twitter
  • Like me on Facebook
  • Tweet this giveaway (can be done once a day - worth two entries)
  • Blog about this giveaway (worth five entries)
  • Enter any of my other giveaway (worth five entries)
Giveaway ends 1/25 at midnight.  Open to US/Canada - per another reader, the gift card isn't usable in Canada but you might know someone in the US that it can be given to as a gift.

Good luck!

New Purex Complete Crystals Softener Review

Photo courtesy of EverythingChanges.com
I despise doing laundry and I can't imagine anyone enjoying it other than someone who gets paid to do it.  I want the easiest way to do the dirty task without much effort.  As part of the Purex Insider program, I was lucky to be able to try out the new Purex Complete Crystals Softener that is new and innovative.  I do have a washer that allows me to put in the detergent and softener at the same time so I never have to worry about forgetting that step but many people don't have that luxury which is where Purex's new product is a definite bonus.


Here are some facts you may not be aware of when it comes to fabric softeners:

  1. Almost all traditional liquid fabric softeners are oil-based which means they work by coating your fabric in oil.
  2. Over time, this oil builds up on your clothes allowing dirt and other debris to stick to the fabric thus decreasing the life of your fabrics.
  3. The same oily residue also interferes with the absorbency of fabrics such as towels.
  4. Oily residue can also interfere with the flame retardent process of our children's clothing making it less effective.
  5. Oily residue also interferes with the sportwear's wicking fabrics that are designed to draw moisture and perspiration away from the body.

Purex Complete Crystals Softeners are 92% natural, not oil based, so they work by penetrating the fabric and infusing fibers with freshness that lasts for weeks.  It's also the first major fabric softener that is 100% safe to use on children's sleepwear that doesn't impair the flame retardant qualities and it also does not interfere with the wicking fabrics.

I found the Purex Complete Crystals Softeners easy to use and liked how you can just pour them into the wash with the clothes at the beginning of the cycle.  The product design is also visually pleasing and although I know it doesn't make a product better, I still like a well packaged design.  The fragrance is nice and not overpowering and I like to be able to still smell the fragrance on the clothes after they are ready to wear.  It also just takes a small amount per load.  

They are available in three scents:
  • Fresh Spring Waters
  • Lavender Blossom
  • Tropical Splash
Overall, I liked it and it's becoming the replacement to my old fabric softener due to the natural qualities and not being oil based.

Check out Purex for more product information, tips and promotional opportunities here.



*Disclaimer:  I'm a member of the Purex Insiders and I received a sample for the purposes of this review.  My involvement does not impact my honest opinion of the product.


Readers Decide: $50 Hasbro or $50 Staples Gift Card Giveaway

I have two gift cards valued at $50 that I received from SocialMoms for blog posts.  I thought it would be a nice Happy New Year gift so I figured I'd ask my readers which one they would like me to post:

$50 Hasbro
$50 Staples

Thanks and Happy New Year!

Cinch! by Cynthia Sass Book Review



It's the new year and with that comes all the people wanting to lose weight including myself.  This year, I've resolved not to just lose weight but to get healthy.  I realized that it's a state of mind and an alteration of habits to promote a lifetime of healthy eating.  Fad diets are a course to losing weight while being miserable whereas changing a lifestyle is an all around great way to feeling better, having more energy and hopefully living longer.  As part of my membership with the One2One Network, I received a complimentary copy of Cynthia Sass' new book titled Cinch!: Conquer Cravings, Drop Pounds, and Lose Inches.  

Cynthia is the coauthor of the successful Flat Belly Diet and has researched further into newer ways to become even more effective in the pursuit of getting healthier.  The book features the "why" of what each component of the diet backed by research that lends credibility to the approach which I like.  It's also full of recipes that makes following the plan much easier than someone telling you which food groups are permissible and which are not.


Cynthia also promotes organic foods and provides the research to back why it's better.  She also provides  tips on how to eat organic without busting the bank account and includes a resource of many other questions that are not exclusively to the Cinch diet plan.  She covers all aspects of getting healthier from choosing the right food, how the foods work together to maximize results, the importance of exercise and getting in the right mental state to be successful.  She clearly understands that getting healthy is an all around evolution to past, bad habits.


I definitely recommend the book to get a good idea on how important food is to your body and if you are struggling to lose weight, the concept is great with the start of a 5-day, 5-food fast forward phase full of good healthy foods.  The plan offers up to a seven pound weight loss in the first five days and 15 pounds in 30 days.


Want more Cynthia, check out these links:

  • Click here for more tips and informative reading
  • Follow Cynthia on Twitter
  • Like her on Facebook
  • Click here for her site


You can pre-order at any of the sites below:


I was provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for this review.

Bejool Tiffany Inspired Floating Heart Jewelry Review & Giveaway 1/18: WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ....

michtuck said...

I follow via gfc and am a member of their newsletter.
michedt (at) gmail (dotcom)

An e-mail has been sent and she has responded.

Thanks to all those who entered!

Watch for great deals from Bejool!

Have you tried out any of the sample sites yet?  I have and I love them and have been waiting for one that promotes jewelry.  Bejool offers "spectacular jewelry incredible prices" with a daily offering of some amazing designer jewelry at great prices.  Although Bejool has not launched yet, they are coming very soon this month.  You can sign up to win one of three beautiful pieces of jewelry in which winners will be randomly selected and announced no later than January 15, 2011.



I received a beautiful Tiffany inspired floating heart necklace for review.  It was lightweight which I prefer as I don't like heavy necklaces and I love silver.  Silver is a great choice because it resembles platinum or white gold and no one will know the difference.  You never have to worry about it tarnishing or fading like some yellow gold does.  Overall, I like it and will definitely check out Bejool once they launch.


The Giveaway:

One lucky winner will receive their very own Tiffany Inspired Floating Heart necklace.

To Enter:

Follow my blog and sign up for the Bejool newsletter here.

Extra Entries:
  • Like Bejool on Facebook
  • Follow Bejool on Twitter
  • Like me on Facebook
  • Follow me on Twitter
  • Subscribe to my blog
  • Tweet this giveaway (can be done daily - two entries)
  • Blog about this giveaway (five entries)
  • Enter any of my other giveaways (five entries)


Giveaway ends 1/18 (just in time for Valentine's Day) at midnight (EST).  US only please.




*Disclaimer:  I received product in exchange for my review.

Blogmania Beautify Your Blog Contest 1/1 - 1/31

Have you hit the gym yet?! Well there is NO NEED! Besides who really cares about shedding 5 pounds or even 10 pounds? What we all really care about is looking good and feeling better in general!  Well BlogMania and Infusion Design Studios wants to help you do just that! We Want to Beautify your Blog for the New Year! Consider it a gift from me to you.  This gift requires a little challenge thought, and I'm pretty sure it's the PERFECT challenge for YOU! Yes, YOU!

Here is what we are asking YOU to do!
Starting TODAY, January 1st, at 9 am EST - January 14th at 11:59 am EST
YOU get to nominate a blog that you believe deserves and needs a makeover!
Maybe that blog is YOURS or MAYBE it isn't! We will have to wait and find out!
Please take the time to submit this form for your nomination.


What's up for grabs you might ask?
3 Ultimate Custom Blog Makeovers (WP or Blogger)
(Disclaimer: This does not include istock images/design kits.)

Who can Win?
1 Dream Team Winner
2 Winners from ANYWHERE
and there may be more, but you will just have to wait and see!
You are allowed to vote once per day!

On January 17th thru the 28th you can cast your votes for the Top 10 Finalist with Winners being announced on the 31st!  There are several promotions going on throughout the entire month of January (view calendars for details), and to get you name on the list you better act quick!


Any Questions or Concerns? Want to know more about BlogMania or about Joining the Team for 2011?! Email me at Jes.InfusionDesign@gmail.com (preferred contact)

P&G & Walmart Family Movie Night: Change of Plans


I love family movie night and we take it a step further and call it family fun night as we have a movie but we also include making dinner or something else to add to a fun filled night.  I love that P&G and Walmart are promoting family movie night and are getting ready to introduce their fourth installment of their Family Movie Night with Change of Plans on January 8th (8/7c on Fox).

change of plans

It's a touching story of how lives can change with a simple phone call.  The lead character, Sally Danville played by Brooke White from American Idol, learns her best friend was tragically killed and now her and her husband find out they are the new caretakers for the four children left behind.  It follows the trials and tribulations of a childless married couple adjusting to a full house.  I enjoyed seeing Phylicia Rashad play the social worker helping to make the transition.

It's a good family movie in spite of the death of parents that some children might not like but the overall theme overshadows the mission of the movie.  I like that they incorporated prayers and the mentioning of God within the movie.  Kids love watching other kids and each character provides a great inclusion into the entire dynamics of the family.

Check out the trailer here:


Blogmania Beautify Your Blog Contest 1/1 - 1/31

Who cares about shedding 5 pounds what about just looking better in general! Want to Beautify your Blog, but don't have the time or money to spend?! Well I have the PERFECT challenge for YOU! Yes, YOU!
More Info: http://infusiondesignstudios.com

What's up for grabs you might ask?

3 Ultimate Custom Blog Makeovers (WP or Blogger)

(Disclaimer: This does not include istock images/design kits.)

Who can Win?

1 Dream Team Winner

2 Winners from ANYWHERE

and there may be more, but you will just have to wait and see!

IMPORTANT DATES:

From January 1st thru January 14th:

Fill out a form (provided January 1st) to nominate YOUR blog or someone else's blog for a complete Makeover! You are allowed to vote once per day!

On January 17th thru January 28th :

Cast Your Votes for the Top 10 Finalist. You are allowed to vote once per day!

On January 31st:

The Winner's will be announced!

There are also many promotions going on throughout the month. (see calendar below)


Promotion is ONLY for the date listed on the Calendar!

Wall Art and Decor at AllModern.com (Part of CSN Stores)

I managed to take down most of the Christmas decorations but left the trees up as I was always told that it's bad luck to take them down before the new year.  After taking down everything, I noticed how bare my walls are and with getting ready to put the house on the dreary market, I realized how bad they need a make over.  I have had months of experience with CSN Stores given that they have over 200 online stores where you can find anything you need whether it be wall art and decorfitness equipment, or even cute cookware!  It's really a great place to shop for hundreds of items.


All Modern


I think the hardest part is figuring out what to purchase.  I have only one mirror and those really dress up a room's atmosphere with the right shape and size.  I also have quite a few pictures but I'm lacking a few in the dining room.  There are over 600 different types of mirrors to choose from but here are some of my favorites:


Reflecting Design Dorian 24 Convex Wall Mirror Nexxt Hollister Mirror with Frame in Dark Veneer 


The nice thing is there are so many great ways to search for the perfect mirror whether it's by price, size, style, frame and more.


There are even wall stencils that would really dress up my grandchild's room.  The variety is endless and knowing that I can decorate an entire room from one store is a bonus for me.  I love to shop but I don't want to have to order items from many stores and prefer a one stop shop like All Modern.


Dream Catcher Kids Fanciful Fairies Self-Adhesive Wall Stencil Kit Dream Catcher Kids Perfectly Princess Self-Adhesive Wall Stencil Kit


*Disclaimer:  This post was written as a teaser to a gift card giveaway from CSN Stores.







Want More Followers OR Want to Win $1000?

Join the party and enter to win $1,000 cash starting on the 14th! All you have to do is follow others (see information at link).  Also, want more followers to your blog, FB page and/or Twitter?  How Sweet it Is will be an event from 1/14 until 2/14 that will secure more followers to your blog, FB or Twitter account or just two or all three.  You decide how you want to participate.


Followers will be drawn to your blog, your FB page and Twitter page in an effort to win $1000 and you win by increasing your followers.



Sign up today by clicking here to add your name to the linky list. 


Please include Health, Beauty, Children & Family in the Notes section in PayPal when you sign up.


the Mrs.

PishPosh Mommy Stuff Carryall Review

Pishposh  Mommy Stuff

Just because you are a mommy or mommy-to-be doesn't mean you can't be stylish.  When I was pregnant with my first child 22 year's ago, there wasn't much choice in being fashionable or stylish.  Times have changed and now moms can look haute and organized.  Nothing is worse than having to lug around all that baby and child gear and not being able to find what you need.  Now, PishPosh Mommy Stuff has the solution with this cute, fashionable PishPosh Carryall.

The PishPosh Carryall was designed by two women who were longed for the days when they could grab their purse and go.  The PishPosh Carryall allows you to keep all the items you need in one handy carryall and it's mobile.  This means you can put it in one bag and replace in another bag with ease.  What a great idea!


I received a complimentary sample and love it!  Both my younger children have chronic medical conditions that require carrying medication anywhere we go.  I still have to worry about diapers, wipes, etc so not having a purse over all these years has not been fun.  The pull-string functionality of the Carryall makes it even more convenient to grab and go.  The choices of patterns are also fun and vibrant.  There should be a choice for any personality.


 

The Carryall consists of seven pockets of varying sizes around the perimeter of the bag with a pull-string to close the inner pockets.  Within the inner pocket is a large pocket for diapers and wipes, two smaller pockets, one secure zippered pocket and two elastic pockets to hold bottles and cups.  This is great for my children and my new grandchild as she lives with me so having the functionality to carry all ages of items within my purse is wonderful.

The Carryall is made of soft, quality material and it looks very durable.  Since it's made of 100% cotton, I can wash it.  It's 10" wide x 10" tall x 5" deep thus fitting into a variety of purse sizes.  There are also matching diaper clutches available when you just need to take a quick trip to the store without having to tote everything.

Diaper Clutch: Dolores Damask PishPosh Pad: SOMA Chic

You can purchase the Carryall here along with diaper clutches, PishPosh pads and bundle sets here.  Overall, I would recommend the PishPosh Carryall for any mom or mom-to-be as a gift.

Follow PishPosh Mommy Stuff on Facebook and on Twitter.

DYI Make Your Own Wine Labels


Every year, I like to give a bottle of wine to my parents and sister.  I used to purchase my labels until I found how easy they are to make.  It's an easy and somewhat inexpensive way to give a gift designed by you.  I used regular print sticker sheets and I downloaded an image from the net but any image can be used or you can use your digital cutter if you prefer.



After you select your wine, removing the label is easy.  Soak in hot water for about 10 minutes being careful to not let the label on the back get wet.  Some people like to read that part of the label.  I found after I scraped the label off with my finger nail, a SOS pad works perfect for removing the last sticky residue that remained.  Make sure you dry the bottle since the ink will bleed.

I use rhinestone/diamond stickers to add a final touch and it's all ready to give.

Save $150 on Alex Ready, Set, Go! Red Trike ($49.99)

Alex Ready, Set, Go! Red Trike


Amazon has this great adjustable trike on sale for $49.99!  That's $150 off!  The Alex Ready, Set, Go! Red Trike is a three in one trike that grows with your child.  Tempting to buy for my new grand baby ...
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...