SunglassReplicas.com Review

If you're a mom that loves to be fashionable but you don't want to pay top dollar for brand name sunglasses, what do you do? Well, you could head to SunglassReplicas.com and pick out a cool pair of shades like I did.

I had the chance to review the sunglasses seen in the photo above. When they first arrived, my husband was shocked! "You bought Dolce and Gabbana sunglasses?" he asked. Of course not! But they sure do look like it.

Beyond the name brands, the selection was great. They had all the big, oversized glasses I prefer. They even had a "celebrity" section, so you could find pairs just like the one's you've probably seen on celebrities.

But the best part is that all of their sunglasses have UVA/UVB protection! And there are a lot of pairs under $20!

I'm happy with my new sunglasses. And if the neighbors think I spent a fortune, that's they're problem.

*This is a Mamabuzz review. I was not compensated for this review but did receive a free pair of sunglasses for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

Getting Organized: I finally own a purse!

This year, I'm going to get organized. No, it's not a New Year's resolution. I just finally feel like I'm coming back alive. I finally have regular breaks from my kids and housework and I feel like I'm starting to be me again. No more space-out moments, lost paperwork, and pockets full of keys.

I went out of my "norm" and bought a purse. It's small, it's red, and it cost $4.24 (75% off clearance at Target.) I've been carrying the purse for about 2 weeks now and it's still intact. Nothing extra has been added, and I actually felt weird when I left it at home to go to my daughter's swim meet tonight! Yay!

It's one of many steps I'm taking to organization. What's in the purse? Lip gloss, a few credit cards, my license, 2 vinyl coupon packets, my cell phone, and my car key. Woo! That's all I ever needed and as long as I can keep everything else out.....this carrying a purse thing just might work out well for me.

**In case you were wondering, I've also put myself on a cleaning "schedule." I've done a great job of sticking to my fitness schedule and I thought I might as well try to schedule the yuck stuff. Menu planning is still eluding me and I'm working hard to make grocery shopping a once-a-week only chore. But by the time my daughter is off to Kindergarten, I hope to be one organized machine. ;)

Zquiet Review

If your loved one is a snorer, than you'll want to take a look at ZQuiet. It's a natural, eco-friendly way to stop snoring.

Basically, it's a mouthpiece that gently widens the airspace in the back of your throat - allowing you to breathe easier (and quieter.) Read more about how it works here. 

What did we think of it? First of all, what a great idea. My husband snores (sorry!) and as an insomniac, it can really take a toll on me. He's had a lot of success with the nasal strips but isn't really a fan of wearing (or buying) them.

So we were excited to give this a try. But that's as far as we got. The ZQuiet holds your mouth slightly open and I couldn't take it. I couldn't stare at him with his mouth "slightly ajar" and he felt uncomfortable staying in that position.

He probably could have gotten used to it and we may have had a snore free existence from here on out, but there was one other hindrance to his wearing the device. The box had a small warning about the mouthpiece having the potential to move your teeth out of alignment.

Who knows if it would have ever moved his teeth, but having wore braces and retainers for years, my husband is ultra sensitive about teeth shifting. So we decided not to use the ZQuiet again. It may work great for you though. It's definitely something different and if it works, you'll keep it for a long time.

*This is not a compensated review. I did receive a complimentary ZQuiet for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own.

Need a unique Valentine's gift? DeOdor Works Review

Looking for something unique this Valentine's day? Well...unique would definitely describe product I recently had the chance to review. The product is De Odor Works.

To tell you the truth, I love this product and had been wishing for something like it for quite some time. What is it? It's a stainless steel, bar shaped piece that naturally removes odors.

I really like it for use in the kitchen after chopping garlic and onions (it works amazing!) but it's also great for cleaning up after working hard in the gym or garden.

It uses no chemicals or soaps - just water. And it removes odors wonderfully! It's also long lasting. Aside from losing it, I don't really see how you'd ever need to replace it. I'd give this gift to any fitness junkie, foodie, or eco-friendly person. I'd also think about giving De Odor Works as a gift for teachers or for Mother's day. What mom couldn't use a high quality (chemical-free) answer to removing garlic, onions, and sweat smells.

*This is not a compensated review. I did receive a complimentary  De Odor Works for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own.

Granola Gourmet Review

As a mother, I'm constantly frustrated by the sugar loaded snacks offered to children (and the rest of us!) I've been cleaning up our diets for quite some time and I'm always open to trying new things.

Recently, I started buying protein bars for my husband to eat while he's traveling. They may be processed, but they sure beat fast food! And since I'm the primary shopper, I get to pick the ingredients.

He loves having portable snacks that fill him up on the road, so a new interest in trying out energy bars began.

I was sent a sample of Granola Gourmet energy bars. They were created by a Diabetic and his family, looking for snacks that didn't cause blood sugar spikes.

Granola Gourmet bars are physician endorsed and made from 100% natural, vegan friendly ingredients. They contain no wheat, no dairy,no refined sugars, and very low sodium. They also contain 391-590 mg of Omega-3's and they're kosher.

But how do they taste? We had the opportunity to try each of their 4 flavors: Ultimate Berry, Ultimate Cran-Orange, Ultimate Fudge Brownie, and Ultimate Mocha Fudge.

My favorite was the Ultimate Berry (big shocker!) and I wasn't a huge fan of the of the fudge flavors. Let me put that into perspective for you. I don't like chocolate energy bars. I've tried the "yummy" organic chocolate energy bars my husband likes and I think they're ick. Like a dry brownie. With that being said, these fudge energy bars tasted exactly like the energy bars I buy for my husband. Just like the other name brand, high quality energy bars.

I do like "granola" bars though and the Ultimate Berry and Ultimate Cran-Orange are more like the granola bars I'm used to. I liked them.  If I were buying these for myself, those are the flavors I'd buy. If I were buying for my husband, I'd get the fudge ones.

Want to learn more for yourself? Visit the Granola Gourmet website, check them out on Facebook, and connect with them on Twitter.I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Apothederm Stretch Mark Cream Review

So you want to get rid of your stretch marks? Me too. This month I had a chance to try the new Apothederm Stretch Mark Cream. As of this writing, it isn't even for sale yet! 

I've been using the product for a little over 2 weeks on my stomach. Guess what? My stomach looks 20 times better! I wouldn't have believed it if it weren't my own body! Now, is my tummy perfect? Sadly, no. But my skin is less saggy, ripply, and wavy. Make sense? 

This is the first time a stretch mark cream or lotion has even made a dent in my tummy scars. 

According to the companies studies, 70% of people saw results in 2 weeks and 90% saw results in 12 weeks. I'm excited to see if the results keep getting better and better.

Besides the fact that it's actually working, I also like that it's made with quality ingredients (shea butter, cocoa butter, olive oil, heptapeptide-7 with resveratrol (SmartPeptide), sodium hyaluronate, licorice and algae extracts) without some of the bad (parabens & fragrances.)

It's not tested on animals either! 

Apothederm Stretch Mark cream is a lot different than I expected. It goes on really thick! Be careful when you squeeze it out and start with a very small amount. I initially used the amount I use with other lotions and ended up with way too much. 

It also takes some rubbing to get it absorbed in your skin. But it's worth it and I count the rubbing as lymphatic massage and feel like I'm knocking out two jobs in one. 

I've been very happy with the results I've received from Apothederm, and I'd gladly use it again. I'm looking forward to seeing the long term results and am ruing the day when my bottle runs out....

*This is not a compensated review. I received a bottle of Apothederm for review purposes and all opinions expressed are my own.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Want Flat or Six Pack Abs?

Okay, so if you're a mom like me, then you know how hard it is to get your body back after having kids. What's worse, is getting your abs back in shape. Recently, I've been researching alls sorts of dvds, web videos, books and fitness advice to find the perfect ab workout. 


What is the key to a flat stomach? The answer I've found comes down to two simple things: low body fat and well developed muscles. And we all know how to achieve this. But is there as simpler way?


If your body fat percentage is high, can you build enough muscle (i.e. crunch your way to extreme ab muscles) to make up for your higher than desired body fat? After all, increasing muscle mass does, in effect, lower your body fat percentage. Even if it doesn't decrease the overall fat content of your body, you'd have a higher percentage of lean body mass, and that's what really matters, right?


Or do you diet and do extreme cardio to lose the fat and hope whatever muscle you have finally "shows" through your skin? 


Both seem to make sense. But I doubt most people are willing or able to commit to the amount of exercise (and possible calorie limitation) that comes with it. 


I've seen countless before and after stories for extreme diet and exercise programs, liposuction, tummy tucks, weight training and laser fat removal. All of them seem to work. 


You could also try something like the Flex Belt, an Ab Toning system cleared by the FDA for toning, firming, and strengthening the stomach muscles. It seems like an easy way to tone without having to put in the usual work.

For me, I'm willing to try it all (minus the plastic surgery.) It took a while for my body to turn to mush and I've got plenty of time to improve it. Trying new exercises and equipment keeps it fun, and sometimes you find the one thing that makes all the difference.



Best of luck to all of you that are searching for a flat stomach or a solid six pack. 

Can you Hula Hoop Yourself Fit?

Hula Hooping - It's not just for kids! In fact, I love to spin a hoop. If you haven't added it to your exercise routine, I'd highly recommend it. 

Is it a great workout? Sadly, I'm going to have to say....No. Or at least it's not a sweaty workout. But it is a lot of fun. I could hoop for hours (if the music is thumping). It does help tighten your core and improve your balance.

The reasons to add it... Fun and variety. 

I've found hooping to be a great activity to do between weight sets. Between sets, I either sprint, hoop, dance, or vacuum (**be advised that vacuuming can lead to more vacuuming and forgetting to get back to your workout - I don't recommend it!) Hula hooping is way better than "sitting down" and it's a great way to pass the time between sets. Just don't hoop yourself past 1 song or you'll have "rested" for a little too long. 

The other huge benefits: you can do this with your kids. You can set up a "dance party" with your kids and hoop to your favorite songs. You can also create obstacle courses with your hoop and have all sorts of fun with it.

You can spin it on your arms, legs, or neck to work those areas. And you can often find hula hoops for less than $10. Mine cost $6 and is silvery, sparkling fun. 

I've been thinking about getting a weighted hoop (to up the benefits). Anyone have any thoughts about weighted hoops or hula hoop workouts in general? I'm always looking for more ways to add fun and efficiency to my workouts. I appreciate your suggestions.

How do you repair a Diastasis Recti? Bounce Back Fast DVD review

If you've recently had a baby (or even not so recently) then you are most likely familiar with the term: Diastasis Recti.  During my second pregnancy, the doctor's told me that I had a severe diastasis recti. Already being a mother at the time (read: to tired to notice my own problems), I never gave the doctor's comments much thought.

In fact, I never even focused on getting back into pre-baby shape until my second child was 4 years old. So sad, right? Well....so many of us put our children first in everything and in the end we really lose out.

So around that four year mark, I ran my butt off (literally) but even when I made it back to my pre-pregnancy weight, my tummy was in rough shape. My body building friend said never "work your ab muscles because it would just make your tummy bigger." So I didn't!

I recently learned that I still have separation in my abdominal muscles. How could that be? It turns out that you actually need to work at healing your abs after pregnancy. And that crunches and other stomach exercises can actually make the separation worse.

Was I in such a brain fog that I completely missed all this information? Probably. And maybe you've been in a fog too.

It wasn't until I started reading up on post-partum bellies that I came across  BeFitMom.com. Helene Byrne is a personal trainer and author focusing on healing the post-partum body. Even the post, post partum bodies.

Helene was generous enough to send me her award winning video "Bounce Back Fast!" She warned me that the video was not fast paced and that it's highly focused on the abdominals. She was right.

The video has a very yoga-like feel to it. It's not rushed and Helene's instructions and tone are calming and quiet. At first, I had a hard time with this. Then I thought to myself - "NO! Why can't I take 30 minutes to myself and just enjoy the moment? Why does everything I do have to be rush, rush, rush?" I know the answer. They were running around me as I watched (and performed the video).

They even stole the green resistance band from me just before I needed it in the video. Grrr.... Once I let myself enjoy the slower pace (and busied the kids upstairs!) I really enjoyed the workout.

I wish I had started it right after delivery. What were my favorite parts? I really like that the video came with a resistance band - the same one used in the dvd so you really felt like you had everything to complete the exercises just as they were on the screen.

I appreciated her section on kegels and strengthening the pelvic floor. While we all "know" this info; we really don't, and I certainly don't focus enough attention strengthening that area. And that area gets hit hard during pregnancy and delivery!

I liked that the dvd was ab focused and REALLY showed how to activate the transverse abdominals.  She showed how to detect and heal a diastais recti. The entire dvd was really focused on healing your body (your whole body) after pregnancy.

It was all solid advice. I wish I had watched it (& performed it) after delivering my babies, but in all honesty I would have probably shelfed it and thought I'd get back to it later. Tsk, tsk. Don't let that be you!

And I'm learning (as we speak!) that it's not too late to heal. It's been 6 1/2 years since my first child was born and almost 5 since my second. I let my body go for way too long, but it's still not too late. Not for me and not for you! Get out there and make it happen!

*This is not a compensated review. I did receive a complimentary DVD  for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own.

Good Bye Long Hair!

Imagine my surprise when I look in the garbage and see all this hair! Considering the length and color there are only two possible sources - me or my daughter.

I knew it was hers immediately because she had mentioned that she wanted to cut some ice cream out of her hair. Apparently, washing it out was not an option!

I was so angry that she disobeyed me but also really sad because she was going to need a serious haircut.  Four  year olds have the tendency to cut their hair to the scalp.  Many tears were shed as she learned that she'd be getting a short haircut. So many that I think she missed the part about being grounded from scissors....

There's never a dull moment.....

Hello PR professionals,

I am open to text and icon linked advertisements as well as paid and unpaid product reviews. Please contact me at thesuburbanjungle @gmail.com to discuss rates and opportunities.

I always post honest, but never hurtful reviews. If I find that I can't find anything nice to say about your product, I will let you know and you can decide if you want me to pull the review.

My rates are reasonable and open to negotiation.

I look forward to working with you,
Angela

Tropical Traditions Organic Golden Flaxseed: Review & Giveaway!

What can I say about Tropical Traditions Organic Golden Flax Seed? I love it! I know what you're thinking - flax seed is flax seed, right? Well...no. Since I've been buying flax seed for a few years, I can tell you that the quality of flax seed does vary.

When I received this flax seed from Tropical Traditions, I checked it over well. I'm picky like that. What I found was a good quality product. Very minimal amount of what I call "yucky seeds". You know, the little burnt looking brownish ones. In the grocery store bulk bins, they can be quite prolific.

I smelled it, tasted it, and then ate it as usual. It was all good. I've found Tropical Traditions to be a reliable supplier of organic foods and they pay attention to packaging things correctly. My package of flax seed appeared to be vacuum sealed and light impermeable. That's the kind of care and attention that I love to see.

In case your'e wondering why I eat flax seed (and why I think you should consider it) here is some health information taken from Tropical Traditions website:

• Flaxseed has a high ratio of Linolenic (Omega-3) to Linoleic (omega-6) fatty acids. While many other plant seeds contain a higher ratio of omega-6 fats, flaxseed is the one of the few seeds that contains a much higher ratio of the essential omega-3 fats.
• Flaxseed oil is one of the richest sources of OMEGA-3 fatty acid, Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) an ESSENTIAL FATTY ACID (EFA). This fatty acid is considered essential, meaning that your body cannot make it but requires it and so must derive all of it from the diet. The average American diet is lacking in this fat. Supportive but not conclusive research shows that consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. One serving of Organic Whole Flaxseed provides 9 grms of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids.
• Golden Flaxseed is unique in that 48% of its total fat content is omega-3 fatty acids.
• Flaxseed contains very high amounts of DIETARY FIBER, both SOLUBLE and INSOLUBLE. Golden Flaxseed is 28%-35% fiber, 1/3 of which is soluble, and the other 2/3 insoluble. Soluble fiber also plays an important role in maintaining the “good bacteria” in our bowel, like Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Bifidobacteria. Insoluble fiber increases the bulk of stools.
• Flaxseed is an outstanding source of many essential nutrients, including: proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, folate, vitamin B-6, pantothenic acid, magnesium, potassium, iron, thiamine, copper, zinc, calcium and phosphorus.

Would you like a chance to try Tropical Traditions Organic Golden Flaxseed for yourself? One lucky Suburban Jungle reader will win a free 1lb bag of flaxseed.

To Enter:

Subscribe to the Tropical Traditions Sales Newsletter. Come back and leave me a comment that you did.

Extra Entries:

5 Extra Entries for blogging about this contest - Leave 5 comments & your link

3 Extra Entries for tweeting about this contest (include @suburbanjung in your tweet - 1 extra/day for daily tweets)

1 Extra Entry for following on google friend connect

1 Extra Entry for following @TropTraditions on Twitter

1 Extra Entry for following @suburbanjung on twitter

2 Extra Entries for liking Tropical Tradition on Facebook 

*This contest will end on 1/28/11 at 9:00 PM EST. The winner will be selected by random.org and will be notified by email.  

Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

ToiletTree Fogless Shower Mirror Review & Giveaway

Reviewing products is really fun, especially when you find a product you never knew you really needed. That happened for me this week when I had the chance to review the Fogless Shower Mirror from ToiletTree Products. 

This product is wonderful! And I never knew we needed it....until we tried it. I never do face related things in the shower. I'm a get in and get out kind of girl. But my husband shaves in the shower. He uses a broken little mirror and somehow manages to make it out of the shower alive. 

So I was hopeful that this product might make his life a little easier. First of all, it's an amazing size! You can see everything you need to see in this mirror (and nothing more, if you know what I mean!) It really doesn't fog up. It comes with silicone for attaching to your shower wall and even has a shelf to hold you razor, tweezers, sponges, whatever. 

So the broken little mirror is out of our shower (all future hazards avoided!) and my husband can now shave with 2 hands. Now, here's hoping it gets him out of the bathroom quicker. 

Want a chance to try the ToiletTree Fogless Shower Mirror for yourself?  You can buy one for only $29.95at  Amazon and it's eligible for free shipping.  Or you can win one here! One lucky Suburban Jungle reader will receive a free Fogless Shower Mirror!

To Enter: Check out the mirror here and tell me what you'd most like about it. 

Extra Entries:

5 Extra Entries for blogging about this contest. (leave 5 comments + link)

3 Extra Entries for tweeting about this contest (include @suburbanjung in your tweets, 1 extra/day for daily tweets)

2 Extra Entries for liking ToiletTree products on Facebook and leaving a comment on their wall

1 Extra Entry for following @ToiletTreeProd on Twitter

1 Extra Entry for following @suburbanjung on twitter

1 Extra Entry for following this blog on Google Friend Connect

5 Extra Entries if you buy a ToiletTree Fogless Mirror for someone (be honest) :)

*No compensation was received for this review post. All products were provided by ToiletTree Products for review and giveaway purposes. The contest will end on 1/27/11 at 9:00 PM EST. The winner will be selected by random.org and notified by email. This contest is open to US and Canadian residents.

How many Calories are in a Banana?

How many calories does a banana have? How many calories are in 6 blackberries? I have been asking myself crazy questions like this for the last few days. Last week, I started to count calories for the first time in my life. It's was exhausting and horrible. **In case you're wondering - a medium banana has about 105 calories**

I survived the 6 days of calorie counting. I tried my best to only eat when I was hungry, to eat the correct portion size, and to say no to candy. Most days I averaged just under 2000 calories.  My lowest calorie day was 1837. I felt like I was starving on that day. Literally, starving! On all the other days, I was hyper-focused on food and was easily agitated.

To be fair - I did lose 3 pounds in those 6 days and it was mostly fat (judging by my body fat calculating scale and by appearance). I also didn't lose any strength gains in the gym.

But I still don't get it. An active 110 pound woman should eat between 1400-1800 calories (based on most internet calculators; the range is based on activity levels.) I don't think I could have survived in the 1400's, and in talking to most of my friends, they told me they routinely eat in the 1200 calorie range. NOOooooooo!

And so I have quit calorie counting.

NaturalSkinShop.com Review coming soon!

I'm excited to announce an upcoming review for NaturalSkinShop.com. I will be reviewing the glycolic 40 medium strength kit and I'm so excited to share the results with you! Most women love to try new skincare products and I'm no different. I love AHAs and I'm thrilled to have found an online source of glycolic peels. The results will be posted soon!


*No compensation will be received for this review. NaturalSkinShop.com will be providing all review products.

Decorating your home with Clocks

I can't tell you why, but I am attracted to clocks. We have a big clock right above our kitchen pantry. I have artwork depicting Wall Clocks, I look at antique clocks at garage sales, I check them out at home stores.

When we finished our remodeling project this year, the first thing I thought was - what kind of clock am I going to put in this space. It took everything in me to settle for the timer on the oven. Not the same, I know!

Large Wall clocks are a favorite in my home. They look elegant; regal even. And clocks are great for any decorating style. I prefer traditional styling, but there are even amazing looking contemporary Kitchen wall clocks and really great old grandfather clocks.

I think they add class to your home (much better than the oven timers and digital alarm clocks most of us have around our homes). Oh bother, now I'm thinking about other places to decorate with clocks. Somebody stop me!

60 Day SlimDown System with Lindsay Brin - Review and coupon code!

Are you a mom that wants to get her body back? Um...yeah! Then it's going to take work, and Lindsay Brin is the one to help you figure it all out.

Commit to getting healthier and follow her 60 Day SlimDown System.

The 60 Day SlimDown system includes 4 fitness DVDs, a fitness calendar, a Progress tracker, and a 3-phase nutrition plan.

I had the chance to review the 60 Day SlimDown and here are my thoughts:

First of all - let me just say that Lindsay's videos are fun and easy to follow. She really focuses on ab work and let's be honest, we all need it.

I previously reviewed Lindsay's Shed 5 Fast and Postnatal Bootcamp 2. You can read those reviews here. Both are great DVDs, but The 60 Day SlimDown system contains other great videos too. The 4 DVDs included are The Core Firing Sequence Method, Post Natal Boot Camp, Shed 5 Fast, and Core Metabolic Jumpstart.

So, I know what you're thinking. 4 Great DVDs - but can I do them and how do I get started? Let me assure you that you can probably do the videos easily. They are not "super hard." But probably the best part of the whole system is that everything - and I MEAN EVERYTHING - is laid out for you.

There is a calendar that tells you exactly what to do each day -which video, which toning, and when to rest. The menu plan gives you a detailed meal plan - full of variety, convenience and recipes. Unlike me, Lindsay doesn't stress (force?) the need to eat only whole/real/natural foods. Her plan is all about food tasting good and being low calorie. She even includes fast food options! To me that's an OMG - but if it's what people need to make the plan work, then roll with it.

For visual people, you'll love the way the plan is set up. You cross off  each food group once you've eaten it and can visually see exactly what workouts you will be doing for the next 60+ days. She includes a  fitness test and regular progress tracker (that tracks more than just weight!)

I have used each of the videos in this series and I like them.  She has a great way of teaching. The moves are fun and they are effective. I have been modifying my eating patterns and have adopted a lot of the tips in the nutrition plan and have been using the meal plan to schedule/plan our weekly eating. The eating plan is realistic and simple.

I haven't stuck to the exercise calendar yet. It's not because I don't think it will work. I received the 60 Day SlimDown system just a few weeks ago (smack dab in the middle of the crazy holidays) and haven't had the quiet time to alter my schedule. I already workout on a 4-5 day a week plan and instead of chucking it and starting anew, I've substituted some of the videos for my usual cardio days.

I do like the idea of having it all set out on a calendar, and I'll try to rework my schedule soon.

In the meantime, if you're looking to get your body back after baby (or babies!) then check out Lindsay's blog. You can see her go from immediately post-partum to completely svelte. She has had 2 babies, 4 IVFs and is currently pregnant with #3. Trust me, you'll like her. She tells it like it is, shares pictures, videos, and exercise tips.


You can also find all of her DVDs at www.momsintofitness.com. From now until January 31st - you can even save 30% on the 4-dvd set by using the coupon code "60daydvd30". The set is normally $49.99 and is a great deal for the videos and information you receive.


*This a MamaBuzz review. I was not compensated for this posting but did receive the 60 Day SlimDown System for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

Counting Calories - WTF!?!?

In all of my thirty something years, I have never counted calories and I've never been on a "diet." For the most part, I've always eaten what I wanted when I wanted it. I've always thought that strategy was working for me, but maybe not.

I had always had an affinity for "whole foods" but 2 years ago I let myself get sucked into the coupon world and bought all sorts of horrible items. Then I found The Omnivore's Dilemma and I started back on a journey toward being my real self.

We started eating better than ever, but like always I ate as much as I wanted. Recently, I thought I'd take a look at how much I was eating. For the first time in my life: I measured, calculated, and wrote down what I ate.

HOLY CRAP! What I found out about myself was mind blowing. First of all, I said yes to candy (and chocolate!) more often than I care to admit. And even though I was eating super healthy foods 90% of the time, I was eating way too much of it.

Just eating when I was hungry, being selective about portions and snacks, I was coming up with around 2000 calories a day. My god!  Usually, I take bigger portions and eat snacks whenever I see them. What must my normal calorie counts be??

Plus I don't always make such "light" meals either. I haven't counted any lasagna days, almond butter pig-outs, or fajitas topped with gobs of yummy avocado goodness yet.

Honestly, I'm afraid to know. All BMR calculators say that someone my weight should eat between 1400-1800 calories (depending on how active I am that day) but at 2000-ish, I feel like I'm starving. What the hell?

I'm going to keep track of this calorie nonsense for a month - max. It's been 2 days so far. I'm hoping to make it at least a week, but I am not living my life this way. OMG! No wonder people HATE dieting.

The Results of 4 Months of Regular Exercise

I started exercising again on September 12, 2010. That was after a 9 month self-imposed hiatus. Arguably one of the dumbest decisions in my life, but that's how it goes sometimes. I started on September 12th because that was the first day that both of my children were in school.

I was finally going to have regular "me time" and I knew that exercising was how I wanted to spend that time. I started out exercising just 3 days a week. Pretty low intensity. In fact, I was outraged by how much strength and endurance I had lost.

After a month or so, I kicked my routine up to 4 or 5 days of exercise. And except for vacations and a nasty sinus infection, I have been consistently hitting the gym at least 4 days a week. Sometimes it's an intense workout, sometimes it's a moderate workout, and sometimes it's an all out ass kicking.

I took "before" pictures and measurements. I haven't taken any "after" shots yet (since I can see the results in the mirror, lol) and because I don't consider myself "finished." But I have taken monthly measurements and kept detailed records on each workout's progress. I'm going to post the results here:

All-in-all, I'm happy to see progress, but I'm kind of wishing for more. It's not that I expected to be Ms Olympia after 4 months, but but I was hoping to lose a lot more body fat and maybe a few more inches.

My thought is that it's going to take time. I basically ignored my body for the last 7 years (since first becoming pregnant) and went on total crap-out for the 9 months leading up to this newest exercise endeavor, so I can't expect all to be perfect after only 4 months.

It's finally starting to "sink in" that it's not all about exercise. That's just the fun part. As much as I fight it out in the gym, I still say yes to candy and treats more often than I should. And so for the next few months, I'm going to be looking closer at what (and how much) I'm eating.

In the next 4-6 months I hope to finally reach my goals. What are they again? Be able to complete a few unassisted pullups (no cheating), run at least 5 miles, and lose another 4-5% body fat. No significant change in weight.

I'm thinking about adding "one arm" and handstand pushups to my goals. But not just yet. ;) In my next update, I'll revise my goals and add pictures (yikes!)