eShakti Special $20 Savings Code Until 9/15/11

Have you heard of eShakti?  It's a unique boutique or clothing store for women where you get to customize features of the clothing to fit your unique body shape or size.  I know that I usually have to buy various sizes due to parts of my body not being in proportion to the "fashion industry" which is why I love what eShakti offers.

I've written about eShakti before and you can read more:

eShakti Where You Decide the Size to Fit Your Proportions

eShakti Special 15% Off Code: Customized Clothing to Fit You

eShakti New Spring Jackets

Right now, you can use promo code TIPS0811 to get $20 off when you shop at eShakti until September 15, 2011.

Note: 


The discount code is not case sensitive. Only one gift certificate can be used per order. The code can be used any number of times until the validity period. This discount code is not applicable on our Overstock category. This cannot be clubbed with any other offer / discount that may be active during this period.

WB's Gossip Girl's Fourth Season Coming Soon: Pre-Order Now

Relationships play a huge role in Gossip Girl. Chuck & Blair, the show’s most popular couple, have been on-and-off throughout the Gossip Girl series. They are consistently at ends with each other, but their love seems to have no bounds. However, as the season progresses, Blair begins to have feelings for her best friend Serena’s ex, Dan. In Season Four, Episode 18, The Kids Stay in the Picture, Chuck comes to the realization that he wants to win Blair back after she and Dan share a kiss.


I want to see Blair wait for her fairytale romance with Prince Louis as what girl doesn't dream of their happily ever after?   Blair should call it off with Chuck since they can't get it right.  I know they have the chemistry but something is off since they can't make it work.  There are enough dysfunctional relationships so how about a nice ending?   


If you are a Gossip Girl fan, what do you think?



So much relationship drama unfolds in the fourth season, available for pre-order here: http://bit.ly/r4GTe8! 

10 healthy tips to get your kids ready for back-to-school

It's back to school time and are you ready?  I am homeschooling this year so my getting ready is a bit different this year but nonetheless, I cannot ignore the health factor.  Being healthy is an issue we all need to be concerned about and when children are younger, it's best to get them started early to adopt good habits. I have to admit that I'm not the ideal role model in this department but I am learning and am making baby steps in ensuring I put them on a better path.  I used to run to McDonald's after school nearly every day because it was easier until I started seeing the pooch appear on my then seven year old.  I stopped that immediately as it wasn't only adding calories but it was adding bad ones.  Now, I do different things to ensure I'm getting them healthier for the school year regardless if they leave the house or I teach them.  These are the ways I'm working and hope you can incorporate some of them into your children's lives:

1. Instead of the chips or other salty snack foods, reach for something like Pirates Booty or Pop Chips.  They are much better for your kids and they still get the snack they are craving.  They aren't very expensive either which is good for our budgets now a day.  As you can see from the picture above, today's picnic wasn't exactly healthy (smirk).
2. Incorporate exercise when they least expect it.  Have an Xbox or wii?  Have family fun competition once a week and then practice during the week.  You'd be surprised at how much hoola hooping can wear you out and the minutes rack up quickly.
3. Establish outings three to four times a week but this is if your child isn't already racked up with a million activities.  Taking the family out for biking is fun and gives you some great times and memories with the kids while establishing those good health habits.
4. Have your kids help prepare the meals.  When you can fix a salad where they get to help arrange it or a fruit tray, they might be more apt to eating it versus giving them a plate of peas.  Kids love to cook and it lets their imaginations have fun too.
5. Getting in a routine at night will make it easier to get the homework done, baths accomplished and on time bedtimes.  It's important to get those eight hours of sleep so instilling that is big winner for them.
6. Start planning the breakfasts ahead of time so you aren't running late and throwing Pop Tarts on the table.  Serve up some delicious fruit on their cereal, give them a glass of juice and make sure they eat as a child on an empty stomach has a hard time focusing.
7. Get those physical exams done especially for those that are into sports.  Too many children are dying due to not having proper exams.  Preventive care is something we all should do and teaching kids young is ideal.
8. Make sure they have a good lunch packed.  Give them veggies with dip if you have one of those lunch bags with an ice pack.  Fruits and veggies are a must and try to switch over to whole wheat bread to eliminate some of the processed sugars and flour products.
9. For us, I have two children with chronic medical conditions so ensuring I have a medical plan with the school is essential.  My eight year old knows exactly what to do the first moment a headache is coming on.  She has a routine and that will help keep her healthy along with ensuring they wash their hands to prevent spreading germs.
10. Last but not least, get those eyes checked!   I waited well over a year to get my now eight year old checked and come to find out, she has an optic pit and probably needed glasses for some time.  Being able to see really affects their ability to perform well.  

Whatever you do, it's not too hard to incorporate some good habits into our children's lives.  A life lesson can carry over through generations so the earlier we start, the better.  I hope I'm giving my kids good lessons to learn from and I hope they understand I'm still learning myself!

About Transitions Optical, Inc.Transitions Optical is a joint venture of PPG Industries, Inc. and Essilor International.  The first to successfully commercialize a plastic photochromic lens in 1990, today the company is a leading provider of photochromics to optical manufacturers worldwide.  Transitions Optical offers the most advanced photochromic technology in the widest selection of lens designs, materials and brand names.

Transitions® lenses are the ideal everyday choice for healthy sight.  They are clear indoors and at night.  Outdoors, they automatically darken as light conditions change.  Transitions lenses provide visual comfort, and enhance visual quality by reducing glare and enhancing contrast, helping you to see better today.  Transitions lenses block 100 percent of harmful UVA and UVB rays – helping to protect the health and wellness of your eyes – so you can see better tomorrow as well. More info on Transitions Lenses: www.transitions.comAbout Eye Didn’t Know That!Transitions Optical created the Eye Didn’t Know That! program to help people of all ages learn more about healthy vision.  The program was developed by a team that includes eyecare professionals, science and education experts, and Transitions Optical, Inc.  The Eye Didn’t Know That! website offers materials for children, parents, teachers and eyecare professionals to use to teach and learn more about eyecare basics and the importance of eye health and regular comprehensive eye exams.  The information includes fact sheets, games, quizzes, lesson plans and free downloadable materials.  To learn more and to find out what makes your friends and family say “Eye Didn’t Know That!” visit www.eyedidntknowthat.com. Transitions Lenses on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/transitionsslenses
Follow @transitions on Twitter

Transitions Lenses on YouTube

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Transitions Lenses blogging program, for a gift card worth $50. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Diana Nyad's Journey Across the Ocean

Women rock and most people know that!  It's been passed down from generation after generation that men are the stronger sex but after my life's experience, they may be physically stronger but women are all around stronger.  I support strong women especially those that are role models and show that the impossible can be done.  In the news lately is a story of Diana Nyad who is going to swim across the ocean and with those stories are a brand tied in.  Secret Deodorant has always been a brand that supports fearless women, which is why they’re sponsoring legendary long-distance swimmer, Diana Nyad, in her courageous journey of swimming 103 miles from Cuba to the Florida Keys for the first time without a shark cage.  I can barely swim across my pool let alone an ocean with sharks!  

Diana just began her fearless, record-breaking swim last night, at the age of 61 and you can follow her journey here.   You can also support Diana by sending her encouragement, water, shark repellant, energy and warmth on Secret’s Facebook Page.  

iAgeSmart Launches New Multivitamin to Fight Against Aging with Nine Special Ingredients

I'm into the latest on being healthier and since I don't always eat well, I like to have a supplement to make up for what I'm missing by eating properly.  It's so hard to get in what I want with such an active schedule coupled with children with chronic medical conditions.  I am currently reviewing a complimentary bottle of a new multivitamin from iAgeSmart which is aimed to fight against aging with nine special ingredients.  Although I realize that I won't be able to post a quick review as vitamins don't typically provide a big immediate difference, I can post on what I know so far which is the multivitamin is easy to take and has no foul odor as some do.  I also like that there is no after taste.


What has drawn me to the iAgeSmart multivitamin is the formula of nine powerful antioxidants -- rosemary extract; green tea extract (EGCG); CoQ10 enzyme; an OPC blend of grape seed, grape skin, and pine bark; turmeric; alpha lipoid acid; astaxanthin; gotu kola extract; and N-acetyl cysteine.  I am sold on the whole prevention versus treatment mentality and would rather offset something before it hits me.


iAgeSmart creator is Jessica Williams who responded to her father's prostate diagnosis and a desire to find an aid in preventive care.  Her quest for healthy aging drove her to creating something that was missing on the market.  If you have read much about cancer, antioxidants are reported to be keys to arm yourself against some cancers.  Our body "rusts" as some state and without proper maintenance, it continues to decline which is where our body can be aided by antioxidants.  


Stay tuned for another review in a couple of weeks.


To read more about iAgeSmart, click here.


To purchase or to find out more, click here.






*Disclosure:  I did receive a complimentary bottle and the statements made about iAGeSmart have not yet been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Post Fruity Pebbles New Addition: Pebbles Boulders Review

Calling all kids and those adults that love a good kid's cereal!  Post has a new limited edition cereal as part of the Fruity Pebbles cereal:  Pebbles Boulder - Stone Age Caramel Apple.  You might be surprised to learn that it has more grain than Honey Nut Cheerios (you can read more here at Post).  New Pebbles Boulders has new shapes and new flavors into the morning routine.  It also has only 110 calories per serving and when served up with an apple or a banana and a glass of juice, you have a pretty good breakfast.  It's reported to be an excellent source of vitamin D and contains 10 essentials vitamins and minerals.



For all of us in my age range, we all grew up with Fred and Barney so it's a little part of our childhood.  I still like the classic Fruity Pebbles and so did my kids but for those of you who like caramel apples, this is it!  


Keep in mind that the dinosaurs went extinct and so will Pebbles Boulder as it's only available for a limited time!


Have you tried it yet?  If so, give me your opinon!


Want some change to the ordinary day?  Check out these Post recipes for some great ideas.



About Post Foods, LLC


Post Foods, LLC, a subsidiary of Ralcorp Holdings, is the manufacturer of iconic ready-to-eat cereal brands including Pebbles, Honey Bunches of Oats, Post Grape-Nuts, Post Shredded Wheat, Honeycomb, Post Great Grains, as well as Pebbles Treats cereal bars. For more information, please visit www.postcereals.com.








Disclosure:  I received a free sample.  I did not have to write a post but chose to.

Fijit Friend's by Mattel Review

What do you get when you cross children with a cute, playful and animated new friend?  Fijits!  Never heard of them?  Neither had I until I was able to host a cute party with them.  Unfortunately, we had some technical difficulties and missed out on the video taping of our party and had to redo the recording which you can see below.  I had never heard so many squealing children before and I've hosted a few product parties in the past.  Our theme was a dance party!  The order of business was loud, flashy clothes with an order to boogy!


Meet our friends:

Willa, Sage, Serafina and Logan

 

Aren't they cute?  These cute and soft scientific experiment gone wrong loves to dance, play and laugh.  What's more, they include sonic chirps which means you can go online here and your Fijit, when in chirp mode, will be able to hear and respond to the hidden codes in the sonic chirps. Isn't that cool?


How they Work:


Upon turning on your new friend, the response will be, "What do you want to do now?"  You respond to a series of commands such as "dance with me."  Your Fijit will talk and tell jokes too.  When you want to go to sleep, all you do is say "good night." 


One thing they do note in the instructions is you have to talk clearly to her and slowly.  If you shout or speak fast, it won't respond.  This was hard for my littlest one to understand as she doesn't speak very clearly so she had issues with getting the Fijit to respond.  My eight year old did fine once I reinforced she had to talk slowly.  You also can't have a lot of background noise at it will interfere with what she's hearing.

Sorry it's sideways

My Review:


The kids at the party had a hard time at first because they were so excited that the noise level confused our Fijit.  It took awhile to actually get a dance a down and by the time we were waiting to record a video, most of our guests had to depart.  It was a bit frustrating but one lucky girl went home with her own Fijit and she was beyond happy!  I felt bad because the other kids were sad that they didn't win.  Overall, it was a great party and the thing that is nice, they encourage the kids to get up and dance which means exercise!


Since the party, my two girls have been playing with the Fijit which is where the video was recorded.  I think it takes some patience to get used to how it functions and it's definitely not for little kids.  Overall, I think it's a fun toy and it will probably become one's little buddy for quite some time given the interaction it provides, possibility of updates from Mattel and how cool it is.


The face is cute with how it lights up, the random phrases it will say and the glowing tummy.  My eight year old was tickled when it told her she was cute.  


I'm looking forward to what else Mattel will bring forward in the future.  I think your child will have hours of fun with the Fijit Friends.  





I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Mattel Fijit Friends and received product samples, a party kit, and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Nickelodeon's Monkey Quest Review and Giveaway 8/24

I'm sure you have heard of Massive Multi-player Online Role Playing Games or also known as MMORPGs.  These are the things that any die hard gamer knows all about.  My oldest was addicted to a couple of these and for awhile, this was her social life until she got it under wrap.  The cool thing about MMORPGs is if you have family or friends that play, you can all play together and that can be a lot of fun.  Now Nickelodeon has taken a part in the realm of MMORPGs with their new kid game called Monkey Quest.  One of the biggest differences in this MMORPG is that you can control what they can do with their parental controls which is wonderful.  MMORPGs provide an opportunity to chat and interact with others via game play and chat.  Nick has even considered the different modes of chat with standard chat and easy chat to provide parents more control on what their little one can see or type.

Another nice feature of Nick's Monkey Quest is you can choose the membership and since times are tough, there is a free option or a paid option with extra benefits.  It seems Nick has thought of it all with this one!  From July 30th until August 8th, Toys-R-Us is having a special promotion where if you purchase a $25 card, you get a bonus $15 of game play but the card does have to be redeemed by August 8th.  It's really a great deal as you get so many great extras with a paid membership.

I was able to have two levels of players try it out.  First, my eight year old who has played WoW so she wasn't new to gaming.  My four year old is still a novice and they both play other little kiddie games online so they do know how to get around.  They had fun checking out the land of Monkey Quest, being a monkey of course and killing the ugly monsters.  They did have some trouble with the controls and intensity of the levels but I feel with practice, they would learn how to best maneuver as this is how most games are.  If it were too easy, they would lose interest.  I think it's a good game to help them learn more about functions and using different aspects of a computer program.  Overall, they did like it and I feel in time, they will grow to love it.

__________________________

The Giveaway

One lucky winner will receive a Monkey Quest prize pack, including a Monkey Quest tote bag, t-shirt and hat along with an insider’s guide to best navigate the land of Ook.

To Enter:

Follow my blog and tell me if you have played an MMORPG or heard of Nick's Monkey Quest.

Bonus Entries:

• Sign up for a Monkey Quest account and leave a comment that you did
• Subscribe to my blog
• Follow me on Twitter
• Like me on Facebook
• Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily for two entries)
• Blog about this giveaway (can be done once for five entries)
• Add this giveaway to other linky giveaways (can be done up to 10 times for two entries each - please leave URL)

Check out the home page here for EXTRA BONUS entry opportunity!

Giveaway ends 8/24 at midnight (MST) - Winner selected via random.org - US Only Please

*Disclaimer:   I received a complimentary product for the purposes of this review as part of my participation with MomSelect.

RoC® RETINOL CORREXION® Deep Wrinkle Night Cream Review

I took the challenge and I survived!  I did more than survive as my skin feels and looks better.  I tried the RoC® RETINOL CORREXION® Deep Wrinkle Night Cream challenge from my participation with SheSpeaks.  It was a 12 week challenge where I gave up my other product for the sole sue of RoC and I can honestly say that I liked the product.  I didn't care for the fragrance but I liked that it was light weight and didn't require a lot to give me the coverage I wanted.


I have read so many reviews on RoC in that dermatologists recommend it and in other surveys I read, women like RoC so I wanted to try it.  The tubes are simple screw off tops so application is easy.  It goes on smooth and not sticky like my previous anti-aging product did.  


It claims to diminish the appearance of expression lines while leaving the skin smoother and young looking.  I was curious so I stopped using the product and low and behold, they started coming back!  I started using it again needless to say.


Here is a RoC before and after photo:





In case you are wondering, it works by use of a combination of magnesium, zinc and copper that is formulate to work at night.  To see all the ingredients, click here.


Overall, I liked the product and would recommend it for effectiveness, ease of use, price and availability.

Marley & Me: The Puppy Years DVD Giveaway 8/18 (US/Canada) - Winner Closed

Congratulations to ...

Hotsnotty2 said...

Follower, yes I did, loved it!

Hotsnotty2@hotmail.com

August 17, 2011 4:07 AM

An e-mail has been sent and she has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected via random.org.  Thanks to all those who entered!

In this all new adventure, Marley is back and you can hear him speak for the first time arriving on Blu-ray and DVD on August 16th exclusively at Walmart, Sam's Club and online at Walmart.  If you watched Marley & Me, you know all about this lovable puppy's adventure.  The upcoming Blu-ray and DVD are full of bonus materials to go behind the scenes.  I'm sure this will be a hit with my little ones since they love movies with dogs and when they talk, it offers them a whole new experience of fun and laughter.

 

Check out my other post on Doggies Professions here.

____________________________

The Giveaway:


One lucky reader will win their own copy of Marley & Me:  The Puppy Years DVD


To Enter: 


Follow my blog and let me know if you watched the first Marley & Me.

Extra Entries:

• Like me Facebook
• Follow me on Twitter
• Subscribe to my blog
• Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily for two entries)
• Blog about this giveaway (can be done once for five entries)
• Post this giveaway on another contest linky (can be done up to 10 times for two entries each)

Giveaway ends 8/18 at midnight (MST) - Winner will be selected via random.org

US and Canada Only Please

*Disclaimer:  I was provided a chance to giveaway this product in exchange for the post.

Costume Discounters Asian Princess Costume Review

My little ones love to play dress up and even before it becomes Halloween, they have many ideas as to who they will be when that little pumpkin in the sky comes around.  My oldest is grown and not as interested in Halloween other than for her baby so now I have my petite four year old and eight year old to shop for.  When the opportunity rose for a complimentary costume at CostumeDiscounters.com, I jumped and I had to order one in addition because I can't have one happy without the other, right?  My four year old picked the Asian Princess Costume for Toddler since she's so tiny, I luck out as I get to buy toddler Halloween costumes unlike my eight year old.

I bet you are wondering what my eight year old chose?  She wanted to be Padme from Star Wars.  In the past, I have had trouble with costumes stating they were one size but were too small upon receipt.  Not with the costumes at Costume Discounters.  Both costumes fit as I expected and ordered as nothing is more disappointing then to go to the trouble of ordering only to have to return it.  I prefer online shopping because all the costume stores locally are either swamped making shopping miserable or they are all out of the good costumes.  Having an entire store at my disposal is wonderful! The shipping was even lightening speed which made my children EXTREMELY happy as they were all over the packages when they arrived.

One thing I also noticed about these costumes were the quality.  I remember ordering costumes and purchasing them in-person only to find cheap, thin material poorly assembled.  These costumes will withhold over time which is also a bonus since they love to role play and I can pass them on.  I really liked both costumes but I have to say that the Asian Princess was my favorite.  It's so cute and pretty and the fit is perfect on Danielle.  The hair accessory tops it off and she'll be able to play many times over.  They both were glowing with their new costumes so they are the ultimate testimony to beloved costumes.

I, as a parent, recommend the costumes from CostumeDiscounters.com due to the quality, selection, accuracy of the products, speed of shipping, return policy and customer service.



*Disclaimer:  I did receive a complimentary product for the purposes of this review.  I also purchased a product.  My opinions are of my own.

Duckle Dance Sweepstakes Presented by Capezio & Wisharoo Park AND Cool Giveaway 8/21 - Winner Closed

Congratulations to ...

tamiv said...

Voted Today! #5

geauxtami@yahoo.com

August 17, 2011 9:55 PM

An e-mail has been sent and Tamiv has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected via random.org.  Thanks to all those who entered!

I know all kids love to dance and although some may be shy, they love to get up and shake their booties!  Have you heard of the Duckle Dance?  Now you can have a chance to show off your little one's abilities in the Duckle Dance Sweepstakes Presented by Capezio and Wisharoo Park!  All you have to do is video your preschool children doing the Duckle Dance, enter via downloading to your Facebook or YouTube accounts for a chance to win one of twenty Capezio and Wisharoo Prize packages or one of five $500 Dance Scholarships!  

If you aren't familiar with Wisharoo Park, you are missing out as they are full of cute characters and subtle lessons to learn.  The Duckle Dance promotional video features favorite Wisharoo Park characters Ranger Rosey and DanDan and Della Duckle dancing along with real life kids at Wisharoopark.com.  Are you excited yet?  Here is all you need to know:

• Grab your little ones and watch the Duckle Dance on my blog or at http://www.wisharoopark.com/duckledance.  Once your kids have it down or even if they want to create their own version, get ready to record!  It's Lights, Camera and Action to dance your way to a $500 scholarship!
• The Duckle Dance consists of a little bit of ballet and a little bit of tap and a whole bunch of personality!  Your little one can just have some fun as you are delighted in watching their creativity.  There are no rules to the dance so just have fun!
• Once captured on video you can enter your child’s performance in the Duckle Dance Sweepstakes Presented by Capezio and Wisharoo Park for a chance to win the special prizes and/or dance scholarships provided by Capezio and Wisharoo Park.  
• To enter, simply upload the video to your facebook or YouTube account, and then visit www.wisharoopark.com/duckledance where you can submit the facebook or YouTube video link as part of the easy entry process.
• Enter anywhere from now until September 1st.

NOTE:

Wisharoo Park is dedicated to promoting positive self-image and self-esteem in preschool age children. It was originally introduced by airing as a children’s TV series on PBS stations across the country and is now rolling out as a dynamic multimedia program which includes the interactive website WisharooPark.com, DVDs and more! .

Unique among preschool programs, Wisharoo Park is designed to help children age 3 – 6 recognize and appreciate their individuality. With its groundbreaking technology-based curriculum, Wisharoo Park helps children discover and understand their personal strengths and put them on the road to developing greater self-esteem.  The Wisharoopark.com enchanting online community stars a whimsical cast of loveable animated, puppet and human characters who are featured in games, videos, music and more!  Each week exciting new activities and content are added that are sure to keep parents and their kids coming back again and again.

Wisharoo Park is proud to partner with Capezio.  Dedicated to the art of dance since 1887, Capezio revolutionized the dance world with dancewear and footwear products for every dancer from beginner to professional. Capezio operates retail stores carrying the full lines of all Capezio/Ballet Maker Inc. brands in New York City and several major cities nationwide. For more information, visithttp://www.capeziodance.com/.

Full Official Rules for the sweepstakes are posted at www.wisharoopark.com/duckledance

Stay tuned for our own video!

_____________________________

The Giveaway:

One reader will win this wonderful gift pack:

• One Pair Capezio Daisy ballet Shoes.  Retail Value: $18.00
• One Pair Capezio Jr. Tyette Tap Shoes.  Retail Value: $25.00
• One Capezio Logo Drawstring Backpack.  Retail Value: $8.50
• One Limited Edition Do the Duckle Commemorative T-Shirt.  Retail Value:  $12.99
• One Wisharoo Park 2-Disc 13 Episode DVD Set.   Retail Value:  $19.99
• Six Wisharoo Park Wish Star finger puppets.  Retail Vaile: 19.98

To Enter:

Follow my blog and tell me if you will enter a video.

Extra Entries:

• Send a tweet out to all your twitter followers encouraging them to enter the sweepstakes, include the www.wisharoopark.com/duckledance link, and ask all their followers to do the same.
• Post information about the Duckle Dance Sweepstakes Presented by Capezio and Wisharoo Park on your personal and/or blog facebook page, tell their friends to enter, and ask their friends to do the same
• Send out an email to your entire email and/or RSS lists asking all your friends to enter the sweepstakes and include the http://www.wisharoopark.com/duckledance , and ask your friends to do the same
• Send a message to all your followers on Google Connect encouraging all your friends to enter the sweepstakes and include the http://www.wisharoopark.com/duckledance , and ask your friends to do the same
• Visit and like Wisharoo Park's facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/Wisharoopark and post your video of their child doing the Duckle Dance  (also as a bonus if they "like" Wisharoo Park on facebook they can still get three free songs -- a $2.97 value) , and ask their friends to do the same - FIVE entries

Giveaway ends 8/21 at midnight (Mountain Standard Time) - Open to US only please

*Disclosure:  I will receive a product in exchange for this post.

Mamavation Monday

Ohhh nooooooo!  I can hear myself screaming inside as I lost my mamavation to lose weight.  I thought I had tackled the burden of stress eating but I failed.  I had to take my oldest daughter and her baby back to her fiance since we moved from Georgia to Texas.  After spending 23 years together, it was hard.  I am lucky that I have a four and an eight year old at home to keep me busy and my mind off of the sadness but I know it's what is best for her.  Needless to say, when I embarked on my 45+ hour roundtrip drive to Indiana, I failed miserably at eating properly.  I picked up some pounds but nothing that put me back to the end again.  So, I'm back on the saddle and back in ol' El Paso to pick up where I left off.

First step was to get back in the pool and exercise and then I moved my exercise bike into the living room to get some extra time on it for when the girls are fighting and need a constant eye watching them.  Tomorrow is Monday.....Mamavation Monday to be exact so it's Mamavation ME Monday as I'm kicking my butt back into gear.  I have a goal to meet and although it's not until May of 2012, I'm going to get there by being in the best health I can be in.  Dreams lost will be picked up then and I'm going to be ready for i.

I have to take my two to their specialists on Monday and Tuesday but I plan on squeezing the exercising in and eating healthier and for all those that told me I had to do it, I will be adding weights ... yeah!!!

So at the end of the day, I seem to be running a scene from Ground Hog's Day as I keep going back and forth but as long as I keep trying, that is what matters.

Happy Mamavation Monday!