Thursday, September 30, 2010

Jump Start Your Diet


Life happens, so I was unable to blog yesterday. I ended up spending a great day with my kiddos and mom-in-law (no school day for my first grader). I was so tempted to stress out about blogging and panic about not getting a post up for the day, but (as mentioned in Tuesday's post), I have to quit sweatin' the small stuff.
Today's topic is a little bit about how I detox and prepare my body for a better diet. When I say 'diet', I am not referring to a Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers plan (Which, by the way, I am NOT knocking here. If these plans work for your lifestyle and your nutritional needs, then you go girl!!). I am talking about re-training my body to not be so hungry and to not crave the things I shouldn't be eating. My weaknesses: pasta, bread, and salty foods! I am lucky that I don't have a sweet tooth, but the carbs and sodium kill me!
I am going to be honest with y'all ... and don't hate on the skinny girl, because I have weight issues just like the rest of you! My weight fluctuates week to week from 116 pounds to 122 pounds. I know, I know ... I really shouldn't be complaining, blah, blah, BLAH! But this 6 pound weight difference makes me look like I am 5 months pregnant! I swell and I bloat, and I can't fit into my jeans! Any girl can sympathise with that!
For the last 10 years, I have always been able to lose weight by eating only one meal a day, preferably around 4pm, and wake up the next morning down a pound or three on the scale. I was never anorexic or bulimic. I would just starve until late afternoon, then binge on about 900 calories in one sitting. Being in my late 20's (I will be 30 next year, peeps!), I have learned that this method no longer works so well. In fact, it doesn't work at all.
So, I have found 2 little tricks that have helped me overcome my unhealthy dieting ways. I have not run these methods by my doctor, so please don't take these as a certified weight loss plan. When my metabolism needs a a little kick in the bootay, and my eating needs to be put into check (usually every couple of months), I will pull out my (now, not-so-secret) weapons.
First off, plan in advance 2 days (48 hours) where you know you will not be attending any such event where you will need to eat. Kim Kardashian reps a detox drink called Quick Trim (found at Walgreens and GNC stores for $30). This sweet lemonade flavored cleanse is phenomenal at flushing out your system without putting you on a toilet for 2 days. You drink this liquid, as directed, for 48 hours and can consume fruits, veggies, broths and tea. I like to fast all together and eat or drink nothing but the Quick Trim and water. Throughout the cleanse, my appetite is actually suppressed and my energy levels are great! At the end of the 48 hours, I feel amazing!! No more bloating, no more cravings, and down 4 to 6 pounds!
After the cleanse, I maintain by drinking a tablespoon of Raw Coconut Vinegar (found at New Seasons or Whole Foods) before every meal. This may sound weird, but the vinegar changes the pH levels in your stomach and helps you break down and digest foods quicker and more efficiently. This means no more swelling or bloating! Has anyone heard of the Apple Cider Vinegar Diet? This is the same concept, only coconut vinegar has more nutrients than the apple cider vinegar.
So there's how I like to get back on track with healthier eating. I am one person who has to see results pretty quickly, or I get discouraged easily. These 2 tricks will do just that for you and in just a matter of a few days.
What are some diet tricks that have worked for you?? Any tips or advice you'd like to share?

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Keep Calm and Carry On ...

Stress. A nasty little monster that creeps into our lives every. single. day! Headaches, mood swings, depression, and all out bitchiness consumes me when I get overwhelmed. Not so much fun to deal with, and I know my family doesn't like it either!
I am working on my insomnia issues, because I know that my lack of sleep definitely heightens the stress levels. I also know there are several more factors that I need to be focusing on as well.
For instance, just yesterday I started taking my vitamins again. I don't know about you all, but taking these little happy pills on a daily basis is never a priority. Why? Because I am lazy! Yep. No other good reason than that one. Studies have shown that an amino acid called L-tyrosine (1,000 mg per day) is a building block for pleasure-promoting and energizing hormones. Check to see if this amino is a part of your multi-vitamin routine, and take it on an empty stomach for best results.
I am also learning how to eat small snacks throughout the day to help keep my blood-sugar levels steady. I recently read in a magazine that a fall time snack that helps tame tension is pumpkin seeds. They store up magnesium which helps muscles relax. Chocolate also releases your serotonin and dopamine hormones (the ones that make you happy), and Hershey's Syrup has been filling my cravings lately (in small doses, of course).
Outside of supplements and diet, there are some awesome and simple ways I unwind and de-stress. Hot showers, going for a walk, taking a solo shopping trip (to Target, of course), or sneaking off to read a book are all ways I love to get-away and breathe. I always try to remind myself to keep positive. When stress is winning the sanity battle, I like to journal or talk to my hubby. It always feels great to release some of the tension, and my man always seems to know how to say the right things to calm me down and make me smile.
And when all else fails ... cocktail hour ALWAYS does the trick! Ha ha!

How do you girls keep the stress levels down and keep the positive vibes up? Please share!!

Monday, September 27, 2010

It's *All About Me* Week !!


I wanted to take some time out to focus on us girls ... giving some tips and advice on how to be our best going into a crazy time of year! School is back in session, holidays are around the corner, and the sunshine is heading south for the winter. A time when we are generally cooped up indoors, the weather is dark and gloomy, and stress creeps up even more than usual. Let's try to beat those blahs this year and fight back with some positive energy!
PLEASE NOTE ... I am not a doctor, nor a professional in any type of health or fitness field. The information I will share here on dot...dot...dot... is simply gathered through magazines, personal experience, and online research. Please be sure to use your own judgement and seek your doctor's opinion before trying anything new. Just because something has worked for me and my own lifestyle, does not always mean it will be suitable for yours.
Please feel free to add your opinions and tips in the comments and be sure to check out what others are saying as well. This may not be a live chat, but we can learn from and encourage one another! I am always excited to learn new tricks and tips and look forward to hearing from you girls!!

Read on below for today's post on Sleep ... a very important factor in our lives!
Have a wonderful week and enjoy!!

xoxo

Goooooood Morning, Ladies!!


What better way to kick off a Monday morning than to talk about sleep!

You all know that I am an insomniac (yep, my doc says so), but it has been really important to me to work on this issue of mine. There are so many health problems that can arise in women due to lack of sleep (heart problems, depression and mood disorders to name a few). I have had this sleep disease since I was about 8 years old. I truly appreciated the time I spent with my mother staying up until 2 in the morning playing Crazy Eights and drinking black tea with sugar and milk, but that little habit wreaked havoc on my sleeping patterns ever since.

Since getting a part-time job 2 months ago at a local health club in the evenings and being a stay-at-home momma by day, I have come to appreciate the sleep that I get. I am a worn out woman by the time 11pm rolls around. Waking up at the crack o'dawn (7:00am to get my first grader off to school) doubles up that exhaustion for me, although I find my brain trying to convince myself that I have better things to do in the middle of the night than sleep.
So, here are some things I am doing to help insure a good night's sleep ... getting at least 7 hours each night (recommended hours of sleep is 7-9 hours):
  • Warm Milk: Dairy foods contain tryptophan, a sleep-promoting substance. Other foods that contain this sleep-aid include poultry, oats, bananas and honey.

  • Cut caffeine out of my diet after 12pm. Yep, this means no tea at bedtime, which was a usual ritual for me.

  • Aromatherapy: I warm a lavender scent in my bedroom each night using my Scentsy warmer. Studies have shown that the scent of gardenia also has relaxing capabilities.

  • Tart Cherry Juice: This little miracle in a bottle has helped me more than prescription strength sleep aids, such as Ambien and Lunesta (both of which I have been prescribed). The melatonin levels in this juice has helped me get numerous night's sleep ... sleeping soundly and waking up refreshed. Costco carries a brand called Sweet Slumber (in liquid form).

  • Exercise: Say what?!? Yeah, working at a gym has it's benefits, and working out in the morning or afternoon hours (not too close to bedtime, preferably before 4pm), definitely makes my body ready for bedtime.

Bottom line, sleep is so very important to our health. While I am still working on my issues, I strive to get in the rest that my body and my brain needs to help me function at healthy levels throughout each day. Caffeine no longer helps pick me up when I am in a slump, and nobody likes (or deserves) my crazy mood swings. When I am rested, I feel better physically and emotionally.

Sleep ... it does the body good!

Please share some sleep advice that helps you recharge!

Friday, September 24, 2010

Fashion Friday






Told ya you'd be seeing these boots a lot! They are so comfy!!
Boots by Jessica Simpson ... got 'em at the Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale, under $100!
Off the shoulder top ... same sale at Nordstrom, BP Dept
Cami ... American Eagle
Skinny Jeans by AG ... love the outlets in California!
Necklace ... F21 and only $4.80!!!

Have a great weekend!!!

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

What's Up Wednesday ?!?


I am having one of those weeks where every day is jam packed with events, meetings, errands, and more. Oy! I am exhausted by 11pm every night now ... so incredible for this insomniac!
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First and foremost, let's announce the winner of A Sassy Glass Giveaway!!! Thank you so very much for those of you who entered and checked out A Sassy Glass. The next time you are looking for a creative and girly gift idea, please remember this fabulous company and the cute little charms and stoppers they offer!
And the winner is ... Sprinkles !!!
Congrats, girly!! Email me { aprilbaker23@yahoo.com } your shipping information and I will pass it along to A Sassy Glass!


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Next up, I wanna announce a couple events that will be launching here on dot...dot...dot... !! Next week, I will be running an All About Me series. I will be sharing tips and advice, recipes, and reviews to help us girls stay positive, stress free, and healthier during the upcoming fall season! You won't wanna miss this!
On Monday, October 4th, I kick off a month-long giveaway event!! I have had the opportunity to review some amazing products and their companies are wanting to share with all my friends and fans here on dot...dot...dot... !! Lots of fabulous gift ideas for the upcoming holidays!!



I hope everyone is having a wonderful week!!

Monday, September 20, 2010

Patience, young grasshopper ...


I know I said I was going to announce the winner of A Sassy Glass giveaway, but I am adding one more day to get your entries in. Tomorrow, the winner will be announced, as well as some exciting dot...dot...dot... news!! See y'all tomorrow!!

Friday, September 17, 2010

Fashion Friday


Fall is here and that means it is boot season!! Just be warned ... you will see these boots quite often on Fashion Fridays. They are so comfy and go with just about anything!
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Ruffle Cardigan .. Express
Tunic Sweater .. H&M
Skirt .. H&M (and only $4.95!!)
Above-Knee Socks .. Target
Jessica Simpson Capry Boots (color: Lead) .. Nordstrom
Now ... if you haven't entered the latest giveaway, please do so!! Winner will be picked and announced on Monday morning!! Happy Friday!!

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Yoga Smoga

Working at a gym, and having a friend as a co-worker, I agreed to take a yoga class.

My downward dog looked more like this.


Yoga was so boooring and long and it was so hard to keep from laughing during the eagle pose.
My personality is not meant to be zen and I even giggled a bit when the class was suppose to be in a state of ohm.
Bring on a hip hop class and watch me work it out!
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Enter the giveaway if you haven't already!!

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Fall TV

Life Unexpected * CW * 9pm * Tuesdays (starts 9.14)

Parenthood * NBC * 10pm * Tuesdays (starts 9.14)

Modern Family * ABC * 9pm * Wednesdays (starts 9.22)

The Vampire Diaries * CW * 8pm * Thursdays (started last week)

The Office * NBC * 9pm * Thursdays (starts 9.23)

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills * Bravo * 10pm * Thursdays (starts 10.14)

Sadly, Ghost Whisperer will no longer be airing, but will be greatly missed on my DVR
(insert sad face)

What are your favorites this season??
Don't forget to enter A Sassy Glass giveaway!!


Monday, September 13, 2010

A Sassy Glass Giveaway !!





How adorable are these charms?!? A Sassy Glass contacted me and offered an opportunity to review some bling for my cocktail glasses. I was so excited when a cute little pink bag arrived in the mail. Oh the sparkles!! Fun, girly, and the perfect little accessories to happy hour!
A Sassy Glass offers trendy and fun stemware charms and bottle stoppers. The charms are jeweled and shiny, and clean up easily (hand wash). There are 3 collections to choose from, or you can customize your own set. Pair them up with the bottle stoppers, and you have yourself a glamorous little gift for yourself or to share!

A Sassy Glass is offering one fabulous dot...dot...dot... follower a charm collection of choice!

  • To enter, you must have yourself in that awesome lil' box in my sidebar ... my giveaways are for my friends and fans only!
  • Next, please visit A Sassy Glass and take a look around. Come back here and tell me which collection you would choose.
  • For another entry, check out A Sassy Glass on Facebook! If you Like them, you will be updated on new items being launched and monthly giveaways!
  • I always give extra entries for shout-outs! Facebook, Twitter, and blogs ... direct your friends and family to this giveaway, and let me know by leaving a comment each time you do so!
The giveaway winner will be announced on Monday, September 20th!

Friday, September 10, 2010

Thursday, September 9, 2010

It's going to be a looooong wait ....

The Sookie Stackhouse Series will have to keep me occupied for a while ... because if something doesn't keep my mind busy for the next 9 months, I may go crazy!

Breaking Dawn (Part I) .... November 18, 2011
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Breaking Dawn (Part II) .... November 16, 2012





Want this countdown for your blog? I got it here.

A Fond Farewell ...

Wow! Is December already upon us? Good golly this year has flown right by! I have been a busy girl lately, hence the blog break. Unfortu...