Voxbox Cosmo review from Influenster

Okay pardon me if I am not 100% on my game. Have you ever heard of Influenster? Yeah neither had I until a friend of mine had told me about it. Anyway it’s an online site that allows trend setters (such as you and I) to try out new and upcoming products, or products that area already out in the store. I’ve seen the voxbox’s all over you tube, but I’m not really into the video recording and posting on youtube. So my clever little blog will have to suffice for my review.

In my little white box, I got the following products;

Ghirardelli Sea salt Chocolate (I’ll save this one for my last review)
Venus Razor and Cartridge
Forever Red perfume
2 Piolt FriXion ball point pens

My first review is based on the pens, These days it seems like it’s so hard to find a good ball point pen that writes smoothly. I of all things attempted to use this pen on the most important piece of paper (can’t you sense my sarcasm)? My rent check!

I’ll admit it, I was a little skeptical to be using it especially not had used it on anything else. But let me be the first to say this is one of those pens someone will barrow and steal from you!!

My second review is based on the Forever Red perfume, I’m not really into perfumes as they tend to be too strong and give me a headache. But this one wasn’t too bad; it was more of a mild musk smell. With that being said it still wasn’t for me.

Third review is on the Venus Razor and Cartridge. First before I give you the low down on the razor, I want to know what woman likes to actually shave their legs and underarms?? I know it’s one of the most annoying task I have being a women. It seems like I do this every other day! I told you it was an annoying task. Not to mention the necessities that ones to get a nice smooth leg. So I went out and bought my favorite shaving gel. Shaved and honestly I wasn’t impressed with the Venus Embrace razor. I felt ashy after shaving and felt like I didn’t get that close of a shave. You know the feeling when you use a dual blade? That’s exactly how I felt for days after. So I waited about 3-4 days and used the Venus & Olay cartridge that was sent as well. Let’s just say it was heavenly!! My legs felt so soft after (and I forgot to use the shaving gel too) It was like a bit of lotion was rubbed on my leg with each stroke of shaving! I’ve actually just switched my razors now to the Venus & Olay!!

Oh and the best part of Venus razors are….They is interchangeable!! That means you can use ANY Venus BLADE with any Venus Handle!! AMAZING; RIGHT?

Lastly, My review is on the Ghirardelli Sea salt Chocolate. My oh my, I don’t know exactly how to put into words to describe this chocolate bar. I’m not really a fan of salt period! But this was delightful! The almonds and touch of sea salt were just right, it was a smooth and creamy chocolate. My loving husband who is a Chocolate nut gave me the word as Yummy to describe it, and asked if there was more. The only downside to this chocolate is the price! It’s a tad expensive considering the taste though it’s well worth the extra cash.

Well there is my review, looking forward to doing many more voxbox’s!!  Thanks to Influsenster for such a great box.

 

The Honest Company

Okay, It’s no surprise that I love super cute things…as does any mama, so when I seen a super cute disposable diaper with skulls on a Facebook friends daughter I got a little stoked! You know the conversation of “that’s super cute, where did you find it?” Yeah I had one of those and it lead me to a site called ‘The Honest Company’.

I went on over to check it out and I get to get a free trail of their products, Not only the diapers but also a bunch of home care products. You pay shipping but big deal; you get to try a product before you buy it! I filled out their little form and too their 2 second survey (literally it was like 2 seconds). and within like 4-5 days I got the sample pack delivered right to front door.

You’re probably wondering why I was excited to get diapers in the mail, right. Well here is the big deal there diapers are free of chemicals and have super cute prints! Why should a baby have to have a generic plain disposable diaper with Elmo and friends on it, when they could have some cute ice cream cones, stars and flowers and for boys anchors, plaid and skulls (or for girls too). I know I know you could go out and buy cloth diapers with all the cute fabric they have these days. But honestly between you and me, I hate washing clothes. I would have to wash an extra load every 3 days!! Ekk!

So when I went to the site and see all the chemicals that were not in the diaper but in my leading brand it made me want to try them even more.

Well let’s get down to the real deal. When I received them last Friday I was excited to try them out right away. They looked adorable with the little patterns on them that I was sure I was going to be buying a monthly supply every month. However the first diaper I put on my daughter (Amelia) who is about 20 pounds now (Size 3 according to their chart) it was HUGE and by huge I mean I couldn’t even use the diaper, because it would fall right down off her.  So I went onto a different pattern after all they were samples right?  Well this time the tab tore right off the diaper. Well the 3^rd time was a charm, I finally got a diaper that she fit into that didn’t rip apart, now the question was would it hold up? Amelia his a heavy out putter when it comes to going pee, so I was nervous to go anywhere with her wearing the diaper. But I sucked it up put her clothes on her and went out anyway. Looking back no it wasn’t the best choice I had made. I should have just put her in something I knew would hold her urine.  Well I went through all 7 of the diapers and out of the 7 I had 1 that was way too big for her 1 that tore and 4 that she leaked though and 1 that she was perfectly fine in (the plain white one). The funny thing about it all was that single plain white diaper held the most urine and she wore it while asleep. Overall the diapers were okay, the somewhat reminded me of Luvs (which I hate the paper feeling) but these were decent.

As for the home body care items I got the following in the mail.
1 honest laundry detergent
1 honest shampoo and body wash
1 honest healing balm
1 honest face and body lotion 1 honest hand soap

Overall these products were my favorite over diapers. I hate MORE than anything using abrasive chemicals on my families’ bodies and clothes. So when I used the detergent I was worried about fading of the colors. It didn’t happen at all, if anything it actually made them brighter!  The Shampoo made my hair feel light and airy. The healing balm believe it or not is AMAZING! I used it on a rash Liljana had, from her swim suit and it went away within a few hours. The lotion was silky with not oily residue and the hand soap was perfect for on the go, and didn’t leave the hospital smell to your hands.

I guess it’s safe to say where my new detergent and other hygiene products are going to come from!

 

By Angela on Facebook

You ever want to find that perfect bag or something that just shows off your style that you will just love? Something that suites your personality? If so I suggest checking out the By Angela page on Facebook. This is a local Michigan native mother who in her free time finds a way to help others express their personality with homemade items made from fabric.

Recently I bought a bag made from fabric that carries the name of my second born daughter. What I like to call my ‘Amelia’ bag. I bought this bag from Angela Lorenzetti. And I am beyond pleased with the product. It’s cute and yet versatile to use for just about anything. Currently I am using it as my diaper bag. But I have used it as a beach bag, a book bag and so much more. So what’s so great about this bag? Well the fact that it’s MADE IN MICHIGAN is a huge plus, but the fact that I can wash it; if I get it dirty so easily, and that I can use it for multiple purposes.

Oh a side note the By Angela page doesn’t only make bags, but she carries things such as reusable sandwich and snack bags, quilts and so much more. So what are you waiting for? Go check out her page. I’ve even provided you with the link for easy access. Help support a local working at home Michigan mom!

by: angela (Facebook Link)

JCP Salon (AKA JC Penny Salon)

Today I took Liljana to   JC Penny Salon, Honestly I shouldn’t complain because it was a free haircut. However I feel compelled to let the world know how horrible the service was! Liljana is far from perfect when getting her hair cut, she likes to fidget and look down when they want her to look up. But the service I received from Meryl (the stylist) was just flat out horrible!

My appointment was for 10 a.m. I was spouse to be the first person to be seen, which was nice considering I had to take Amelia with me. I arrived at exactly at 10:00 and Liljana was ready and excited. I signed in like they had requested and waited for the lady whom I thought was the receptionist, It wasn’t it was in fact the stylist who was going to be cutting Liljana’s hairs. I got a bad vibe instantly because not only did she not acknowledge us standing there she was also short with the people who were calling. After about five minutes went by she finally asked my name and if I had an appointment. I gave her my name and she proceeded to take the rest of the calls, never once informing me of how long I would be waiting and such. I waited about ten more minutes and finally she stood up, I politely asked if it was going to be much longer as I couldn’t see Amelia waiting much longer if we had to wait another fifteen minutes plus time to cut hair. Meryl proceeded to tell me that she was taking us back right then and there, and that she was the person who would be cutting the hair.

I was a tad nervous and disturbed because she had already lacked good customer service and good communication skills. Although Liljana desperately needed a haircut like no one would believe, so we proceeded all the way in the back of the store. I’ll admit I am a picky person when it comes to my hair and for that matters my families hair period! I asked Meryl if she had ever done ‘crescent bangs’ she looked at me as if I was asking her a stupid question, and of all the remarks she could have made she said and this is a direct quote “NO”. Puzzled I said well then I don’t know if it’s a great idea if you cut her hair. That’s when she gave me the line of “each person calls them something different”, “I call them face frame bangs”. I explained how I wanted them done and told her there was NO room for error when cutting her hair that if she didn’t think she could do it correctly to not even bother. At this point I was given her the same attitude that she had been given me the entire time.

She began parting Liljana’s hair and was moving her face around like it was a ragged doll, as I attempted to tell Liljana to hold her head still. I could tell she was getting annoyed with Liljana, perhaps she isn’t used to cutting little kid’s hair, I don’t quite know what crawled up her butt.

The hair cut lasted maybe 7 minutes of me telling Liljana to sit still and not move, because if she did the lady would mess up her hair. Sad part was Liljana wasn’t moving, sure she dropped her head down from time to time; but that’s normal for a 4.5 year old child. The bangs look terrible and no matter how much I attempted to point it out to the lady, she kept saying “It’s just the way her hair is laying” or “when her hair dries it will look different”. Sorry Meryl it’s has not changed, you have no business cutting little kids hair! No I won’t be going back; to JC Penny and I chalk this one up to be a lesson learned. The haircut was free yes, but that doesn’t mean the service and the cut its self should have been so poorly done!

**Side note and Disclaimer**
Please be advised that I do not do business with JCP Salon often, I looked at the free cut as a way to get a trial on a place before I continue to go. I am always looking for a good place to get my child’s haircut. With that said I was not paid nor have I received anything from JCP Salon in liu of writing this review.

I will keep everyone updated as to what the outcome is. I have to contact the manager of the salon on Monday.

Domino's Pizza..Good food or not?

I know I shouldn’t be eating this, but I had the worst craving for a Philly Cheese Steak pizza from Dominos so I caved! It’s been about 8 years since I have had anything from Dominos, Not because I didn’t like the food back then but because it wasn’t that close to me and I hate delivery. So let’s get down to the nitty-gritty.

I was going to call in an order but I seen a coupon on their site for 50% off, and let’s face it who don’t like saving money?  My intentions were to order only the Philly Cheese Steak and be done, but with the savings I couldn’t resist but ordering another pepperoni pizza and some bread bites. Here is the rundown of my order.

1 Large Philly Steak
1 Pepperoni Pizza (with lite sauce)
1 Parmesan Bites

My total came out to $19.58 (No delivery because I wanted to see the store and all that jive.)

I placed my order at 5:12 and it said the wait time was between 9-15 minutes. I arrived at the store at 5:36 and was told my order was not complete just yet. It should have already been done given the time they told me on their online site (where I ordered). I waited for about 3 minutes and received my order. I asked for the manager’s name so I could credit or not for his store.

So do you want to know how the food and service really was??
The food overall was was fantastic!

Philly Steak I am not a fan of mushrooms too much but the overall taste and spreading of the items was fabulous!!  I wish I could have eaten the entire pizza.

The regular pepperoni pizza was okay, I wasn’t used to the very lite sauce as when I tell most places “lite sauce” It’s never this lite. So it was a pleasant surprise to see that it was actually honored!

The Parmesan bites were not that great, (and this was the item I waited for) It was still really doughy and the parmesan bites were not exactly what I thought they would be. I thought they would have some cheese in the middle and not just sprinkled on top. It was something new to try, however I won’t order them again.

The service was well. The employees were very friendly given the time of hour (dinner) and the number of orders coming in and out. The store was very clean and had a great layout. All in all the service I received from the store was great and that’s including the food.

With that said, Good Job Dominos of Troy, You excelled in all services provided and I look forward to doing business again!

3843 Rochester Road Troy, MI 48083
(248) 689-8800

**Disclaimer** I know people out there write reviews for products and such. I have been in no way employed by Dominos during this review. This is just an honest consumer review of a product I purchased and think the company needs some good kickbacks for.***

update about life

I will openly admit I have fallen off the ban wagon! I haven’t been working out, not because I don’t want to but because I don’t have the energy to. I wish I could say that it was because I have a 4 month old who didn’t sleep but that’s just the opposite, She sleeps like a little angel for 7 to 10 hours a night. It’s mommy who has a hard time sleeping. I think it may be the house buying bit, It’s a stressful process putting an offer in waiting two to three days to hear if you got it or not. I’m not much of a waiter to begin with and to have your offer shot down is the WORST feeling ever. Anyway there has been a lot going on in my life as of the last few months anyway.

My husband is on the path to become a U.S. citizen (that’s not as easy as most would like to believe). Liljana will be starting school here in September, and I am not sure if I am ready for that. I mean after all; my little girl is growing up. Amelia appears to be cutting a tooth, while she isn’t too moody with it, she is gnawing on her hands like you wouldn’t believe. Our nursing relationship is going strong; I can honestly say this time around has been a godsend!

On other news, anyone that knows my sister and I’s relationship knows that I am not the kind to help her out. Well this time it proved to be the right path that I have always chosen. I helped her out, allowed her to stay in my place and even helped her get an apartment and it proved to be the wrong choice. She up and left her apartment and decided that she didn’t want to stay in Michigan any longer. NO surprise! She is a compulsive liar and who’s a drug addict! Just because she isn’t using street drugs she doesn’t think she is an addict. I’ve said it before and I will say it again, she best not ask me for help at all!

Well off to enjoy another fun day with my two beautiful girls!

True Beauty

True Beauty

Some point in our lives we have all felt ugly. But now days I hear more and more young girls saying they are ugly or they don’t feel beautiful. This past weekend my niece Jenni stayed the night. I took her up to Wal-Mart to get hygiene things (per her mom’s request). And we began talking about her becoming a cheerleader and the girl she considers a step-sister.

My heart truly broke when I heard her say that she was ugly!! I asked her why she felt this way and why she would say such a thing. Well she informed me that she thought she was ugly because she gets the occasional pimple or acne breakout. I informed her that EVERYONE at some point or another has that problem. She went on to say that she wants to be like her some-what of a step-sister because she is popular because she is pretty. I attempted to inform her that popularity isn’t by being pretty. Although I do know more than anyone that a group of popular girls are not going to reach out to someone they don’t think is pretty and make them a part of their social group.

I honestly wonder when things will change. Why do we divide ourselves into social groups and belittle others to make them feel ugly and/or worthless?  

Great Mood Boosters

Great Mood Boosters

People often find it hard to get in a better state of mind, So I have come up with some ways that help me boost my mood and relax my mind.

I choose foods that are high in phytochemicals (these also have disease-fighting properties, and nutrients including folate, vitamins B and D and Omega-3) They help me deal with the trials of everyday anxiety.

OATMEAL: Fiber-rich carbs, particularly oatmeal or whole-wheat or whole-grain bread, increase the feel-good chemical serotonin but don’t break down as easily in your bloodstream as the refined sugar in desserts does. As a result they don’t cause as much of a roller-coaster effect as sweets, which give you energy. But then make you lethargic. You can crunch on fiber-filled carbs that may alleviate tension, such as carrot sticks or apples instead of chips or even pretzels.

Mixed Nuts
Peanuts, Cashews and almonds have an impressive amount of selenium, a mineral that’s been found to help elevate mood. Other high-in-selenium is egg yolks, fish (including tuna water) shellfish, and poultry. You should get 55 micrograms each day. A Brazil nut has 100 percent of your daily needs. *Don’t eat too many though because they are higher in fat than most other nuts.

Fortified Cereal
Start your day off with a whole-grain cereal such as Cheerios or Raisin Bran. Those are especially good sources of B vitamins including folate, thiamin, B6, and B12, all of which help the brain produce serotonin. Other B filled choices include bananas, poultry and spinach.

Green Tea
Green tea contains an amino acid, theanine, which has been found to reduce tension and anxiety. Drinking two cups of brewed green tea during the day can promote relaxed alertness. However, because of the high caffeine its best to drink it in the morning or early afternoon.

Fit It In

Before you cross exercise off your to-do list. You can sneak in mini-fitness bursts throughout the day-without carving extra time out of your overloaded schedule. Try these sample days of fitness, which combines easy 2 minutes moves with everyday activities.

7 A.M. When you get out of bed                               Do a total body stretch.
Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Interlock fingers and raise your hands above your head, palms facing up. Lift yourself up onto your toes and feel the stretch throughout your body; hold for 10 counts. Repeat 2 more times.

7:15 A.M. While Making Coffee                                 Do Heel Raises
Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, arms at side (or hands on counter). Raise heels about 2 inches off floor; slowly lower yourself, Repeat 20 times for a set.

7:30 A.M. After Making the Bed                                Do Standing Squats
Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, hands on a dresser for balance. Bend knees to 90 degrees, as if sitting in a chair; hold for 2 counts. Repeat 10 times.

8 A.M. While Showering                               Do Biceps Curls
In the shower stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Hold bottle in each hand at chest level, elbows bent at 90 degrees and palms facing up. Bring bottles towards shoulders, keeping elbows close to y our body; return to start. Repeat 10 times.

12 Noon After Reading E-Mail                    Do Push-Ups at Desk
Stand about 12 inches from a desk. Rest palms shoulder-width apart on desk. Keeping legs and back straight; return to start. Repeat 10 times.

1 P.M. Before Doing Errands or Meetings             Do Wall Sits
Stand with back against a wall. Bend knees about 90 degrees; hold for 30 seconds. Return to start and rest for 30 seconds. Do 1 more time.

2 P.M. On Your Way to Restroom             Do Calf Raises
Head to a higher floor. After every 3 steps you take, Stop and do a calf raises: At the edge of a step, stand up on the balls of your feet and then lower you heels just below step height; hold for 2 counts. Repeat 10 times.

5:30 P.M. At the Market                               Burn Extra Calories
Alternate your pace at the grocery store: Increase your speed walking up one aisle: then decrease your speed going down the next aisle.

6 P.M. Preparing Dinner                                Do Single-Leg Bakances
Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Raise left leg about 3 inches; hold for 30 seconds and release. Rest for 30 seconds; Switch legs. Repeat 1 more time.

Is knowledge everything?

What difference knowledge can make. When I had Liljana I was uneducated about the process of breastfeeding. Sure it was my responsibility to look into it myself, but one would have thought the doctors would have attempted to educate a first time mother a little more.

So as I was pumping this morning, (Amelia didn’t want to wake up) I began thinking about the day Liljana was born and my nursing experience with her. If I knew the things I know now how long our nursing relationship would have lasted?

I feel like the hospital set me up for failure when she was born. They didn’t have a lactation consultant come in at all, they didn’t help me latch her one after my C-section for that matter they almost promoted formula feeding.

Four years isn’t that long for things to change so much is it? I look back to when I was pregnant with Liljana the type of care I got with her, the information that wasn’t pushed at me, the whole nine yards of ass backwards medical treatment.

Don’t get me wrong I had an horrible pregnancy with Liljana, I knew almost instantly that I was pregnant, and boy oh boy, that made the pregnancy seem even longer! I had four bouts of bleeding with her to where the doctors and I both didn’t think she would have made it. I actually almost hemorrhaged with her the second time. But they said it was something to do with the placenta and put me on bed rest. NOT AS FUN AS ONE MIGHT THINK!!

It was a very scary ride that’s for sure! Then to be told I had to have a C-section because she was breech kind of disappointed me a tad. Sure I opted to try a version, something I would NEVER recommend to anyone! OUCH!

But she arrived a beautiful 6 pounds 14 ounces and 21 inches long. And she is definitely my miracle baby! Now she is a healthy four year old, who is the light of my life. It amazes me how loving and caring she really is.

Anyway it brings me back to my topic, of the hospital setting me up for failure to nurse her longer.  When she was born they gave her a pacifier which I requested not to happen, a bottle of formula before they gave her a Hepatitis B shot (that I didn’t know about until after it was given). Then told me if I were going to nurse her I had to nurse her and then pump right after.

Now when Amelia was born, it was the exact opposite. My Ob/Gyn provider didn’t give formula or anything like that. They gave me a packet on breastfeeding and offered me plenty of classes to educate expectant mothers. That’s an A+ service in my book.  

So when going in to have my repeat C-section, (Yes, totally opted for this one; I figured I was done having kids so why not kill two birds with one stone. Have baby and get tubes tied). I made a birthing plan yet again but put in big bold capital letters “NO BOTTLES, NO SHOTS, NO BATHS, BABY DOES NOT LEAVE MY SIDE” It seemed to work. Amelia NEVER left my side, From the OR to the recovery room to my actual room the girl was with me. I nursed her the entire time while I was in recovery all the way up to my room.

So what was so different? Did the hospitals finally get educated on breastfeeding? I was surprised that’s for sure, Although the hospital could have stepped it up a notch and had the lactation consultant come visit be before I was about to leave. I mean why send someone in 5 minutes before they are going to walk out the door. You would think that they would want them to come in the first or second day to make sure everything was going okay. I don’t know, but hopefully they will keep improving the service. KNOWLEDGE is EVERYTHING!

Encouragement and a rant

It appears that I am not as committed to my blog as I am to getting fit. I guess for me that’s a good thing. So every morning I wake up and use my Wii fit, It weighs me and gives me an age. I have to openly admit that I get VERY excited when it tells me I am younger that I actually am. But after that I eat a banana (it has energy proteins in it) and then I do my work out. For the last month almost I have only been working out for 15 to 30 minutes because I don’t want to overdo it.

Some may say that breastfeeding Amelia is helping me, and it may or may not be. But I can say that I have seen a great amount of difference from not working out and having no energy to working out and having a ton of energy.  With the crazy warm weather we have been having I have been spending a LOT of time at the zoo. Which going with a 4 year old and carrying a 2 month old is a workout in its self.

Anyway, my point is get moving; even if it is for 15 minutes a day!

And now for my rant…I have heard someone complain about being pregnant. I have come to the conclusion this person is a hypochondriac! You can NOT have gestational diabetes with a blood sugar level of 98, And NO doctor will take a baby before 39 weeks unless there is an absolute medical necessary. Swelling feet does not construe as a medical necessary.

I can honestly say that with Liljana I had all the reasons in the world to be terrified with my pregnancy, But I NEVER had as many excuses as some people come up with to NOT work. Yes, I am a stay at home mom; I may have what you call an easy day. But it truly isn’t as easy as one would think. My day isn’t filled with sitting on my ass eating bonbons.

I wake up work out, wake Liljana up, feed her breakfast, make sure she is clothed and start her school work. (sure she isn’t in school but she isn’t going to get smart sitting around watching cartoons.) I make sure my home is cleaned daily; the laundry is washed, dried and folded. And most of all I make sure dinner is READY AND ON THE TABLE for when my husband gets home. I don’t expect him to come home after working 10-12 hours to clean or cook. If you think you could handle a day in my house, please feel free to try!

I don’t depend on ANYONE for ANYTHING! I pay my own bills and don’t ask people for anything unless I absolutely need to. This is very rare! I take my children to my doctor’s appointments with me and they are with me 24/7.

I contact my mother almost on a daily base, why because she is my mom and I love her and want to know that she is okay. I don’t have time for the drama so I withdraw myself from it. I love my friends just as equally and if you don’t like it that , I am sorry I don’t know what to tell you. Wait I do. How about get a life!

So the next time someone offers to do something NICE for you, and they keep repeatedly asking you to do something to help them out. Get off your lazy ass and do it. This is crazy world and you’re not going to get anywhere sitting on your ass. My husband works VERY hard to support this family and as soon as both my girls are in school full-time I will be working too. Why because that’s how you get ahead in life!

Again; sorry about my rant just tired of the bull shit drama that you tend to cause. Maybe it’s not drama but it’s still bullshit!

I lost weight!!

Wow it’s been a few days since I wrote anything on my blog. It’s not because I didn’t have anything to say; but because I have been enjoying our super nice March weather. I have to admit I am a little skeptical I mean after al it is March in Michigan.

Anyway, so the purpose of starting this blog was to help my friend shed the pounds off. I am not saying that I am a weight loss professional.  But I have been there; I had to work my butt off to lose the 67 pounds! Yes that’s right I said 67 pounds. I started my weight loss in March 2010 and by October I had lost 67 pounds. Had it not been for my grandmother passing way that October I would have kept going on with my weight loss, but I became depressed and stressed because I wasn’t prepared to lose my grandma or have to clean out her apartment.  

From October 2010 to March 2011 I gained back 12 pounds, I ate what I wanted and didn’t exercise. I didn’t get very much sleep but at the same time I felt good about my body, I wasn’t obese and was just slightly overweight. So when I found out I was pregnant in April I knew that my dieting days were over until I had Amelia.

I started to eat healthy and attempted to work out, but I was DEAD tired. So as my pregnancy progressed I did what I could without exerting myself. I walked daily, sometimes two or three times a day with Liljana. I finished up most of my schooling and most of all I took advantage of the one on one time I had with Liljana, but I put on weight. I put on 38 pounds with Amelia, so the doctor says but I felt like I put on a lot more. At every appointment I was terrified to see the sale numbers and though I was reassured by my doctor that he wasn’t worried about it the fact still remained that I was.

So the day came when she was born and while I loved her squishy  little cheeks, All I could think about was how long it would take me to get back into shape and wear my old clothes. I know they say give yourself as long as it took to put on so in reality I should think at least a year to lose the 65 pounds I want to lose.

Well in order for me to help others I have to be honest with myself. Same as they do! The key to my weight loss before I got pregnant with Amelia was to eat what I wanted, but within limits of healthiness.

In order to start eating properly I had to figure out what proper servings were. And let me be the first to say it was hard to stick to proper serving sizes. But as the weeks went on and I see the weight loss I began to become more and more determined.

Okay so what is a serving you may ask. Well the easiest way for me to figure it out was my the use of my hand.

Closed fist = 1 cup
Open palm = 3 oz. of meat or fish.
Handful= about one oz.

So what were some of my favorite foods and how did I determine a proper serving?

Item:                                                     Servings               Calories                               
Cereal – Mutli grain Cheerois               1 Cup                     110
Pasta                                                     1/3 Cup                       62
Rice (white)                                         1/3 Cup                       69
Tortilla (flour)                                        1 med                     112 (corn= 52)
Broccoli (cooked)                                  ½ Cup                        33
Carrots (raw)                                         2 med                         50
Potato’s (Baked)                                   3 oz.                            79 (Mashed with milk =85)
Tomato’s                                            1 tomato                        32
Zucchini (cooked)                             1/2 Cup                           14
Apples                                                1 small                  54 (applesauce unsweetened ½ cup =54)
Banana                                               1 xsmall                            72
Grapes                                                 17 grapes                        60

That’s only to name a few. Now think about it when you eat grapes or an apple are you wondering if the size/amount is a healthy amount for you? Are you wondering if you the calories are based on the normal daily values? Do you even know how many calories you should consume daily?

So how did I actually start my weight loss program? I woke up one more and said this is it, I need to lose weight and I need to do it now. My next step was cleaning out my refrigerator and replacing it with healthy foods. From there I began working out on a daily base with Sunday being my day of rest. I didn’t have time to work out of long periods of time. I started out with 15 minutes a day for 1 month. When month 2 came I bumped that up to 30 minutes for 2 months and by the fourth month I was working out 60 minutes a day!

But the most important key was buying a scale and a measuring tape. I wanted to see results and I wanted to see them other than by looking in a mirror. I goggled what someone my height should be by the BMI (Although I don’t agree that its correct) I found a website that allowed me to configure my measurement sizes and then I looked at what mine were and was determined to work on every area of my body not just the belly fat!

I hope that helps most of you getting started, for me I am proud of myself because I have lost 12 pounds since I had Amelia 2 months ago!!  I’ll keep you posted and PLEASE feel free to ask for any suggestions. Even if you want someone to encourage you to keep it up!

I NIP...and who really cares if I do!

I will openly admit that I didn’t nurse Liljana as long as I would have liked to. But there were many reasons as to why I didn’t. Most women will use the excuse of ‘I didn’t produce enough milk”. In reality only 1% of women don’t produce enough milk for their babies.

So yes I have some guilt for not nursing Liljana for more than 3 months, and my reasons were because I was uneducated! I felt as if my husband didn’t approve and I was stressed out to the max!

Now with Amelia I have made it to the two month mark! YES I am beyond excited, and now that I know what it’s like and what to expect it brings my guilt with Liljana even harder to understand why I didn’t seek out resources to start with.

See Liljana is truly my miracle baby. I had endured several miscarriages before I became pregnant with her. So when I became pregnant with her I was beyond scared and I didn’t educate myself about anything else. I was put on bed rest and that’s exactly what I did, I rested. I slept almost all day long and most of the night. I became very lazy so to speak and didn’t have anyone to connect with. The exact opposite with Amelia. I had previous experience and researched everything. I became determined!  

So when I began nursing Amelia I decided that it didn’t matter when or where I was going to nurse her. If she became hungry I would nurse at the drop of the dime.

As we all know breastfeeding in public has become such a taboo topic and I honestly don’t understand why! It’s no different than a obese woman or man eating. No one really wants to see it yet no one says anything about it. Why, because it would be RUDE!

So what gives people the right to make rude or snide comments to a nursing mother? Well so far I have yet to meet anyone say something or do something really rude.

I have had one semi rude comment directed to me while nursing my baby, but in the end I thought it was rather perverted and funny at the same time.

This man at Walmart said “I’m hungry too” as I was nursing Amelia, But my darling daughter  went off on him about his rude comment and put him in his place. YEAH, for my 4 year old understanding.

Well tonight I had the waitress at a local family restaurant peek under my cover and pat me on the back and say good job! I was semi embarrassed that she peaked, but was proud that she acknowledged that she knew what was best and that was breast!

Please share your stories too!

Parenting and thier choices

I was going to write today’s blog post about a post that was on facebook today. The post was in regards to co-sleeping. But after carefully thinking about it and discussing it with some good friends I have decided not to. I am looking at it from the views of everyone and agreeing to disagree.

So onward we shall go. Today’s topic is in regards to the actions of parents. I don’t tend to criticize parents and their parenting skills. But it seems like more and more parents are not truly paying attention to their actions.

I took the girls to the Detroit Zoo today, we had a fantastic time but the actions of some of the parents there was unbelievable! My first issue deals with how parents dress their children. Why in the world would you dress your child in a pair of shorts and tang top on the first nice day of the year, yet dress yourself in sweats and a coat?

Or better yet let’s top that one off by a parent riding a double bike with her child on the back. (Sounds fun) but while mom is in front with a helmet, and child is in back without the helmet and mom is driving through traffic. Really! Is the safety of your child not that important?

These are just two of my problems with parents, but my biggest problem with parents is their lack of respect of other parents! How do you expect your child/ren to treat others with respect when you don’t show others respect? I am just going to keep my rant to those two posts. God knows I don’t need anyone spatting out some negative comment with no evidence to back it up.

Weight Loss Goals, and Breakfast Smoothie!

In order for one to lose weight they need to set goals. I had 3 major goals that I wanted to complete and maintain this year. For me it was simple, I knew what I wanted and I am holding myself accountable for the outcome of the goals I have set.

So what are my goals?
1) Lose weight
2) Lower stress
3) Improve my eating habits

In order to achieve these goals I used several task to knock them out one by one, simple enough right? Wrong! It’s hard to break a old dog of bad habits and that’s exactly what these were bad habits that need to be broke. So If you have these goal; Which I think you should because we all know that stress and poor eating habits lead to weight gain, but if you control stress level and eat better than you get the weight loss.

Task #1
DUMP the Fridge
Read the labels of everything in the kitchen, If something has one of the following ingredients in the first 5 ingredients throw it out! Simple sugars, syrups, white flour, saturated fats, and trans fats.

Task #2
Eat a Healthy Breakfast Every Day
A high-fiber cereal with a banana for potassium and 1% milk is a good start (you could also use soy milk) * When I don’t have time to sit and eat breakfast I make a breakfast smoothie. (Recipe below)

Task #3
Hydrate
Don’t just drink water when you are thirsty, 80% of people mistake hunger for thirst! Have a glass of water or green tea when feeling hungry. Wait 15 minutes, if still hungry, grab a handful of walnuts. And always be mindful of hydration while exercising, during strenuous activity and extreme heat!

Task #4
Ditch the Salt Shaker
Salt is the single biggest preventable reason for high blood pressure. The maximum daily intake of salt for a healthy individual is 2,300 mg. ( I have great tips on how to replace salt and to cook without Let me know if you want the recipes)

Task #5
LIMIT RED MEAT!
Only eat red meat once per week! By cutting saturated fats and high-cholesterol foods from your diet, you’re guaranteed to increase your overall health. Saturated fats are most commonly found in animal products like meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, dairy products, lard and butter. Ditch preserved meats all together. If you must have red meat, choose lean cuts like sirloin or tenderloin.

Magical Breakfast Blaster
 Can also be found in “You on a Diet, The Owner’s manual for waist management”
Ingredients: Makes 2 servings
½ large ripe banana, broken into chunks (or fruit of your choice)
1 scoop (1/3 cup) soy protein
½ tbsp. flaxseed oil
¼ cup frozen blueberries
½ tbsp. apple juice concentrate or honey (use one or the other)
1 tsp. psyllium seed husks
8 oz. water

Directions
Combine all ingredients in a blender. (You can add a few cubes of ice, as well as powdered vitamins) Cover and blend until fairly smooth.

Nutrition Facts
136 calories per serving
2.6g total fat
0.3g Saturated fat
2.4g Healthy fats
6.3g Fiber
16.8g Carbohydrates
11.1 sugar
29g protein
380 mg. sodium
93.5 mg. calcium
33.1mg. Magnesium
1.8 mcg selenium
195 mg potassium

Italian Sausage Rigatoni

Thought we would try something different again for dinner. Like I said I am not one to try too many different foods so this is a big stepping stone for me. I found a recipe in my coupon paper and the picture looked amazingly yummy, so I thought what the heck let’s give it’s a shot. It’s called Italian Sausage Rigatoni sounds good enough right??  Well here is the recipe….

Italian Sausage Rigatoni
Serves 6
Ready in 35 minutes (give or take)

Ingredients
1 pkg. (19 oz) Johnsonville Italian Mild Sausage Links (you could use hot or sweet too)
1 Jar (24 oz) Classico Tomato & Basil Pasta Sauce
1 Pkg (1 lb.) Rigatoni Pasta (I used Barilla Whole Grain Penne instead of the rigatoni)
3 Tbsp. Olive Oil
2 Cloves garlic, minced (or you can use 2 tsp. of Pre-minced Garlic)
1 lg. sweet red pepper, Chopped
2 Tbsp. Italian parsley, Chopped

Preparation:
1) Cook sausage according to package directions.
2) Meanwhile, cook pasta according to directions on package; drain and set aside.
3) In large skillet, heat olive oil until hot. Add garlic; sauté for 30 seconds or until golden. Add red peppers; sauté for 2 minutes or until crisp-tender. Cut sausage into 1/4-inch coin slices; add to skillet. Stir in Classico pasta sauce; heat through. Add pasta; toss to combine and sprinkle with parsley.

Combine with:
For those of you who may be in a rush you can use the New York Texas Toast and follow directions.
I made my own garlic toast by buying a loaf of the Michigan Big Italian bread, Some garlic spread and I added monetary jack and mozzarella cheese. In order to do these spread the garlic spread on the bread and sprinkle cheese on bread cook until cheese is melted.

To drink:
I had a small (very small because of nursing) glass of wine My two favorite wines are relatively cheap (or so I think) but you could get  Cabernet Sauvignon of your choice and the taste matches perfectly.

ENJOY and let me know what you thought of it!!
Oh and my personal review..I LOVED IT!

                                                                      

Just 10 Challenge

How would you like to lose 10 pounds by changing a few things in your everyday life? Not only is a 10 pound weight loss going to make you feel better but it will also help lower your blood pressure, reduce the risk of a stroke, as well as lower your risk for uterine and breast cancer as well as lower your cholesterol up to 10%.

When done regularly, even moderate amounts of exercise will result in weight loss. While most doctors suggest taking at least 10, 000 steps daily, if you move for just 10 minutes a day it will help you lose weight.

Believe me when I say these steps do work, When I began my weight loss program before I got pregnant with Amelia I followed each and every one of them. Don’t get me wrong they are not easy at all! But once you get used to it, you will notice more results.

TASK #1
Rule #1 Cut out all Soda Pop
Period. Soda pop is full of caffeine and high fructose corn syrup. It contributes to weight gain, and increases your risk of diabetes, as well as bone weakening and tooth decay. (I suggest swapping out one can of soda for a bottle of water a day.)

Rule #2 Stop Eating at Least 3 Hours Before Bed
You must close  your kitchen 3 hours before bedtime, Schedule your dinners and eat at the dinner table where you can be conscious of what, and how much you’re eating.

Rule #3 Move for 10 Minutes Each Day
Studies indicate that moving for just 10 minutes a day can improve your cardiovascular fitness and your heart health; It also true that you can drop 10 pounds by exercising just 10 minutes a day.

Here are 3 moves to help you lose those 10 pounds:
1) Cart Cleanup: After you are done grocery shopping, take your cart to the farthest cart stand, this walk should take you about 10 minutes.

2) The 10-Minute Walk: This should be self-explanatory, but go for a walk, take your dog, neighbor, husband, and friend. You could also turn this into

3) Convert Your Couch: During commercial breaks, Convert your couch into a piece of exercise equipment, Such as doing squats over the couch, Do raises with your legs, the dip (pull bottom off couch and do like a squat)

Rule #4 Exercise Portion Control
This doesn’t ban your favorite foods, but you MUST exercise portion control in order to lose any weight at all. Instead of eating straight from a bag or box, portion your favorite snacks into a small bag or bowl.  Don’t eat any snacks larger than the size of your fist. (Helpful Hint: Change your flatware; Most dinner plates are 12.5 to 13 inches. In order to create portion controls switch to using a 9-inch dinner plate).

Rule #5 Weigh yourself Every Day
Everyday pull out the scale and be courageous, because knowing what you weigh will enable the change.  Studies show that those who track their progress and stay accountable will hold you to your weight loss goals. (and they key to this is to weigh yourself at the same time every day)

Doctor Oz...

I am not the person to typically watch talk shows, but as of late the Dr. OZ show has sparked my interest. I don’t know if it’s because they talk about your health, but I can honestly say that’s what made me watch the tail end of the last episode.

Now I am not the person to believe everything someone says, especially that of a talk show host. But I have noticed that he seems to be right on in regards to some of the information talks about. And he in fact does have some interesting topics and tips that he discuss therefore I will use some of the information as long as I back it up with my own research as should any person.

So the last episode I seen showed five exercises to do in five minutes each, and while everyone in the world is too busy with life to do a full thirty to sixity minute workout I thought I would give it a try. OMG it really does work, you almost feel the results (the burn) within the first few days. What is it that everyone wants to see….results?

Well here it is, Doctor Oz’s Transformation Nation work out! The work out if from Jorge Cruise and I highly suggest that everyone do this for five minutes each day!

Sorry I can’t find the straight up video to post her, but please follow the link attached and it will take you to Dr. Oz’s direct website and to the video!

Good Luck and Get moving!
Doctor Oz with Jorge Cruise 5 minute work out

What's for dinner??

So in my quest to become healthy yet again, I have modified mine and my family’s diet yet again. During my pregnancy I ate and allowed them to eat whatever we wanted. But that fun and games are over, time for mama to lose the weight and for the family to eat healthy again.

Which let me be the first to say isn’t an easy task, My husband will eat just about anything I cook him, Liljana on the other hand is just about as picky as I am when it comes to food.  I have never been a fan of onions, green peppers, tomatoes and such. So eating healthy isn’t that easy when everything requires eating a multiple number of fruits and veggies.

 But I will force myself to eat healthy and I will attempt to follow the food pyramid to a T. So for my first entry regarding the healthy eating aspect of my life here is the recipe as follows.

Avocado and Cilantro Chicken 3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Pinch of basil
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (I used 2 )
1 avocado, sliced into thin slices
Few sprigs cilantro
Monterey jack cheese, sliced thin (I buy this brick)

Combine the olive oil, lime juice and spices. Marinate the chicken breasts at least 20 minutes.

Broil chicken until done, turning once. Remove from oven and top with a few leaves of cilantro, avocado and cheese. Return to oven and broil until cheese melts. (You may also grill the chicken)

Sleep deprived...

Today was a very long day for me, It started by getting very little sleep as Amelia had a horrible rash on her bottom, All in all I got 5 hours of sleep total!

So I finally caved in and brought her into bed with me, which is where I got most of my sleep from, her laying on my chest able to nurse whenever she pleased. So when nine o’clock rolled around I was able to call the pediatrician and was able to get in. Upon getting there they inform me that she has had an allergic reaction to the A&D ointment I have been putting on her and gave me something to help clear up the rash in case it’s a yeast infection on her bum.

 I was pleasantly surprised when they told me that she is 12 pound 1 ounce! Most people wouldn’t understand why hearing such news is surprising unless they are a nursing mother. Breastfeeding is NO easy task and as of lately it seems more taboo than anything. And quite honestly I was ready to give up, But I have thrown the thought of given up out the window and I am trusting my body to do this, I mean that’s the way nature intended it, So when I get the news my body is doing what it should I got a little surprised and overly excited.

Overall it wasn’t a bad day, I squeezed in a nap with my two beautiful daughters and we enjoyed watching the little mermaid together.  Next post is a recipe and what was for dinner!

What is Zap-it??

Are you guessing why my blog is called Zap-it?

Here is the low down as to why my blog is called Zap-it. So as many of my friends know I lost a LOT of weight before I got pregnant with my youngest daughter. I love the little bundle of joy, but I don’t love the extra weight I put on, therefore my blog being named zap-it is about the excess weight (fat) I have gained.

Don’t get me wrong I don’t think I look disgusting or anything, but according to my BMI I am obese! So I figured that my blog could help me vent my frustration about my weight loss progress and possibly help others to achieve their weight loss goals in the process.

I am by no means a fitness professional but after my first weight loss of 63 pounds I would like to say I know how to lose the weight again.

My weight loss goals are not as excessive as they were before I got pregnant as I only gained 32 pounds but that in its self is going to be a battle with everyday life and an infant.

I’ve already began my exercise routine and while I haven’t seen any results yet, I don’t expect to see them anytime soon either.

With that said let’s get on the ball rolling!!

About Me

So I have never written a blog before, I guess I didn’t feel the need to, but this is a new year and for sure there is going to be a new me.

For those of you, who don’t know me; I’ll give you a little background about be in hopes that you will get to know the true me a little better.

I am a woman on the edge…. Not to plunge to my death but to open my arms wide and dive into and enjoy what life has to offer. I have seen things I only ever dreamed of, been places I never thought I would go, and done things with an open mind and open heart and have never looked back.

I have loved, and lost and loved again and lost it again…Funny I keep better track of my keys. I love my life, everyone in it and everyone who has passed though it for whatever reasons.

I am the type of person who lives life by intuition. I can read people easily and see things about that most others cannot and do not see or realize until later.

I try not to always follow my gut instinct but most of the time it proves to be the better path. As silly as it may sound I THRIVE on challenges, and so often feel that I have to battle my way through life, depending on no one and nothing but my own strength, intelligence and courage.

I believe in being totally honest and true to oneself and one’s own vision and convictions, even if it means standing alone. I am a firm believer that if people were authentically themselves, this world would be a much better place.

Honesty, Integrity, Personal Honor and Authenticity are my mottos in life!

I have found the love of my life and we have been married since May 17, 2004. We have two gorgeous daughters Liljana (4 years) and Amelia (a month and half) that are our WHOLE world. I never imagined how wonderful being a mother could be. Yet my children teach me more about life every day then I could have ever learned on my own.

I have learned something from every experience I have ever had in my life be it good or bad and I will continue to do so. I only hope that my life stays as delightful as it is now… If not I will sit back and enjoy the ride either way, because I don’t have time to look at the negative in life.