A Better Tasting Prenatal + Giveaway!

UGH!  I remember being pregnant and just absolutely dreading my prenatals.  YUCK!  I have some issues with smells, so just opening the bottle was dreadful.  And if you even have the normal gag reflex like other pregnant ladies, then regular prenatals are not for you.

Do you hate taking your GIGANTIC, hard to swallow prenatal vitamins?  Well, here's the solution....BabyMamma Prenatal Vitamins.  They have this awesome, sweet coating that actually masks the odor and taste of those other prenatals.
 

VitaMamma, a company created by mothers and developed by medical experts, have products that inspire health and vitality for the baby-making, baby-growing or baby-raising and support the needs of the modern Mamma.  

BabyMamma Prenatals are loaded with folic acid, calcium, iron, vitamins A, C & E, Copper & Vitamin D...everything you need to help you & your growing baby.  They also have added B6 to control the nausea...score!  Did I mention these vitamins are made from 100% all natural ingredients?  Yup.

Well, here's your chance to win a 2 month supply of BabyMamma Prenatal Vitamins and a great reusable cloth bag.


 

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

So come on, get yourself some BabyMamma Prenatal Vitamins.  What do you have to lose besides those other gigantic, gross other vitamins!

Disclaimer: Although I was provided a sample, all opinions and thoughts are my own. VitaMamma supplied items for giveaway.

 
Alexis

Resolution Rewind: How I'm Doing So Far

So it's been exactly 2 months and 12 days since I made my New Year's resolutions.   I wanted to become a better me.  Well, here's how I've been doing so far....

1)  Drink more water.
Some days are better than others.  I keep a water bottle on hand all day, I just don't really drink.  Any ideas on how to FORCE myself to drink it? 
2)  Take better care of my skin.
This I've been doing.  Despite a mini bout of adult acne (it was really just one pimple) last month, my skin has been looking pretty good.  I know that more water will help this...I'm trying!
3)  Exercise regularly.
I've actually been doing pretty well with this.  I've found my rhythm.  Since I ran the Color Me Rad race in February, I've been keeping up with it.  I even run to my kids' baseball games instead of riding in the car with them.  

Next part of this goal is strength training...but I'm finding a harder time fitting that one in. 
4)  Family dinners.
I have to be more forceful with this one....
5)  Eat out only once a week (or less).
This has been going better.  If not for anything than for the desire to not spend the money.
6)  Reduce my sugar intake.
I have eliminated (most) sugar!  WOO HOO!  I'll have an occasional piece of dark chocolate here and there, but it's gone. 
7)  Cut the clutter.
Next....
8)  Take advantage of my city.
Once my kids' baseball season is over, I'm actually going to write this into my calendar....I know, excuses, excuses.
9)  Date night.
We have had a date so far once a month since I wrote this...it's just not a standing date.  We've just been lucky the past 2 months....
10)  Read more.
This isn't working out as planned....maybe I should cut down on the TV watching....
NAH!
11)  Stop obsessing about my weight.
Since I've cut the sugar and I'm working out more, not to mention eating better, I have lost about 8-9 lbs.  This is helping me not obsess as much. 
12)  Learn to let it go.
This is a big personality change for me...harder than it sounds....
13)  Be thankful.
I am thankful.  This is making me much more happy.


If you made New Year's resolutions, how are yours going so far?  How many did you keep?  How many did you break?

Alexis

13 Ways to Be a New Me in 2013

Well, another year is upon us.  Yup, 2012 flew by and we are officially in 2013.  Not really sure how I feel about it all.  It really is true that the older you get, the faster time flies! UGH!

Last year I decided that my resolution was no more resolutions.  This year, I'm joining the status quo and deciding to make a few changes in the new year.  13 to be exact.

So here are 13 ways that I plan to be a better me:

1)  Drink more water.

There are some days when I think back and realize that I may not have had any water at all.  GASP!!  I know I SHOULD drink water.  That's why it's my plan....

2)  Take better care of my skin.

I have always been lucky enough to have great skin.  And I don't know if it's the age or laziness, but my face has been looking like crap lately.  

3)  Exercise regularly.

At least 3 times 2 times a week.  Uh huh.  I'm trying.  

4)  Family dinners.

I'm going to make it a point to not be too busy to sit down as a family and eat dinner.  I love talking to my kids and hearing their perspectives of the day.  

5)  Eat out only once a week (or less).

We are so busy all the time that most of the time it's easier to grab something while out than to take the time to cook something.  

6)  Reduce my sugar intake.

Sounds silly?  Not for me.  I am a sugar addict.  The amount I put in my coffee in the morning would make a dentist cringe.  Don't even get me started on the fact that I feel I NEED a dessert with every meal.

7)  Cut the clutter.

I'm feeling very overwhelmed with clutter in my life (and my house).  I would probably be less exhausted if I would just put things away as they are taken out instead of waiting for one of my weekend days.

8)  Take advantage of my city.

There are a MILLION things to do in Miami....I never do any of them!  I want to pretend to be a tourist at least once a month to take full advantage of my area.

9)  Date night.

At least once a month I want a standing date with my husband.  I really feel we need alone time to be a couple.

10)  Read more.

I love reading.  I always find an excuse to not have time for it.  I'm going to substitute some TV time to read.  Key word, SOME time.

11)  Stop obsessing about my weight.

This is harder than it seems.  I'm obsessed.

12)  Learn to let it go.

I will leave my strength for things that I can change and forget the ones I can't.  In the words of Zac Brown Band, I will learn to let it go.

13)  Be thankful.

I am happy.  I truly am.  Sometimes I just overlook my happiness.  I am going to be more thankful for all that I have.  I'm very blessed.


To everyone, I wish a year of triumphs, laughs, love, health, and happiness!  Happy 2013!


Alexis

Heart Healthy Series ~ Compressions Only CPR

I can honestly say that I have never had to use the CPR training that I have had in the past.  *knock on wood*

Luckily, my friends at One Beat CPR, South Florida's premier CPR training center, are there to offer up tips and tricks to remember when the need should arise....

Tip:
Compression only CPR is CPR without mouth-to-mouth breaths.  It is recommended for use by people who see a teen or adult suddenly collapse in an "out of hospital" setting (such as at home, work, or in a park).

There are only 2 easy steps:

• Call 9-1-1 (or send some to call)
• Push hard and fast in the center of the chest.

 Check out the proper technique:

 

Now you have no excuse...you can save lives!


Alexis

Heart Health Series ~ Heart to Endure Survivor Series

October is breast cancer awareness month.  Did you know that about 1 in 8 U.S. women (just under 12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime.  For women in the U.S., breast cancer death rates are higher than those for any other cancer, besides lung cancer.  Besides skin cancer, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women.  On the bright side, in 2011, there were more than 2.6 million breast cancer survivors in the US.  

In honor or Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 
One Beat CPR is Proud to Present  
Heart to Endure-Survivor Series Providing 
Free CPR Certification 
for Breast Cancer Survivors Throughout the Month of October

One Beat CPR, South Florida’s premier CPR & First Aid Training Center, recognizes October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month with an initiative that helps cancer survivors save lives. 

Any breast cancer survivor or woman currently battling breast cancer is invited to attend one of four CPR certification classes at One Beat’s headquarters (3801 SW 47^th Avenue Suite 505, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314) for the opportunity to learn life-saving techniques and become ASHI [American Safety & Health Institute] CPR-Certified. 

The classes will be held at the following times on a first come, first serve basis:  

Wednesday, October 3^rd at 3:00pm

Saturday, October 13^th at 8:30am

Wednesday, October 17^th at 3:00pm

Friday, October 26^th at 8:30am

One Beat Founder, Lon Rosen, states, “We recognize that the women battling breast cancer or who have survived this disease are fighters, and we want to give them all of the education and tools necessary to make an even greater impact on their families and community in the event of an emergency situation. If the Heart to Endure-Survivor Series helps save even one life, it was worth it.”

Space is limited. To reserve a spot in one of the available classes, call One Beat CPR directly at 954.321.5305 or email Rhonda@onebeatcpr.com and mention “The Survivor Series.”

For more information on One Beat CPR, please visit www.onebeatcpr.com. To set up an interview with founder, Lon Rosen, please contact Sara Shake at 954.336.3275 or sara@xpsdpr.com.

One Beat CPR is Florida’s premier American Heart Association (AHA) and American Safety Health Institute (ASHI) CPR Training Center based in South Florida. Founded in 1999, One Beat CPR is a family owned company offering approachable, enjoyable and affordable lifesaving education classes that are perfect for families, schools and businesses. One Beat makes CPR training accessible, fun and informative. For more information, log onto www.onebeatcpr.com.



Alexis

Heart Healthy Series ~ CPR for Infants (Up to One Year Old)

I love my family (and all of you) with all of my heart, that is why I am partnering with One Beat CPR, Florida’s premier American Heart Association (AHA) and American Safety Health Institute (ASHI) CPR Training Center based in South Florida for a four week heart healthy series.  

One Beat CPR was founded in 1999 and continues to be a family owned company.  The company offers approachable, enjoyable and affordable lifesaving education classes that are perfect for families, schools and businesses; making CPR training accessible, fun and informative. 

When my boys were babies, I would often panic that they may choke on a toy, on something they found on the floor, or anything small that may enter their mouths.  I knew I could look on the internet for how to conduct the proper CPR techniques for infants, but in the heat of the moment, who has time?  So being prepared AHEAD OF TIME is something we all should do.

Here's a quick tip: The ABCs of CPR are Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. This acronym is used to help you remember the steps to take when performing CPR.

Airway
With infants, be careful not to tilt the head back too far. An infant’s neck is so pliable that forceful backward tilting might block breathing passages instead of opening them.

Breathing
Do not pinch the nose of an infant who is not breathing. Cover both the mouth and the nose with your mouth and breathe slowly (one to one and a half seconds per breath), using enough volume and pressure to make the chest rise.
With a small child, pinch the nose closed, cover the mouth with your mouth and breathe at the same rate as for an infant. Rescue breathing should be done in conjunction with chest compressions. (See next section.)

Chest Compressions on Infants 

• If alone with an unresponsive infant, give five cycles of CPR (compressions and ventilations) for about two minutes before calling 911 or your local emergency number.
• Use only the tips of the middle and ring fingers of one hand to compress the chest at the sternum (breastbone), just below the nipple line, as described in the table below. The other hand may be slipped under the back to provide a firm support. (However, if you can encircle your hands around the chest of the infant, using the thumbs to compress the chest, this is better than using the two-finger method.)
• Depress the sternum between a third to a half the depth of the chest at a rate of at least 100 times a minute.
• Two breaths should be given during a pause after every 30 chest compressions (a 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio or two breaths about every two minutes) on all infants (excluding newborns).
• Continue CPR until emergency medical help arrives.

Small Children (ages one to eight)

• Give five cycles of CPR (compressions and ventilations) for about two minutes before calling 911.
• Use the heel of one or two hands, as needed, and compress on the breastbone at about the nipple line.
• Depress the sternum about a third to a half the depth of the chest, depending on the size of the child. The rate should be 100 times per minute.
• Give two breaths for every 30 chest compressions (30:2 ratio) or two breaths about every two minutes.
• Continue CPR until emergency medical help arrives.

Video: One Beat CPR Founder, Lon Rosen, demonstrates how to react in an emergency situation and administer CPR.  

For more information about One Beat CPR, log onto www.onebeatcpr.com.  Like them on Facebook: Facebook.com/OneBeatCPR and follow them on Twitter: @OneBeatCPR.

Alexis

Sane Cooking ~ Tortellini Soup

This isn't a recipe really as it is just an idea.


On those days when you are so busy that dinner is not the top of your agenda, here is an idea that is both healthy and EASY!


Tortellini Soup


Ingredients:
1 package (or 2 depending on the size of your family) Buitoni Three Cheese Tortellini
6 c chicken broth
carrots diced
scallions diced
grated parmesan cheese


Directions:
Bring 6 c of chicken broth to a boil.  Add carrots for a few minutes to begin the softening process.  Add the tortellini.  Bring to a simmer.  Cook for about 10 minutes until the tortellini are tender.  Add scallions for last 2-3 minutes.  Serve hot with parmesan cheese for flavor.


You can add anything to this soup.  Some ideas are leftover chicken breast strips, celery, onions, kale, spinach.  The possibilities are ENDLESS!!




Check out more Sane Cooking ideas. 



Alexis

Pay it Forward Friday ~ Balance After Baby

Katie Moore is a stay at home mom for her daughter and an active blogger living in North Carolina.  Katie discusses the topics of, motherhood, children, fitness, health and all other things "Mommy."  She enjoys writing, blogging, and meeting new people!  To connect with Katie contact her via her blog, Moore From Katie or on twitter @moorekm26.


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After giving birth, it took me a while to get back into the rhythm of everyday life.  Everything seemed to change; however, as mothers, women can make this adjustment to having a baby quite efficiently.  Known for our innate multitasking skills, we’ll continue to add activities to our packed schedules over time—exercise and healthy eating are just two of them.

Start Slow
Soon after I came home from the hospital, I was ready to get my body moving again with some light exercise and stretching.  Based on factors such as if you’ve had a Caesarian birth or a natural birth, the intensity level of exercise will vary from mom to mom.  Before starting any exercise, I recommend talking to your doctor. It was one of my best decisions because he helped me make think realistically about my exercise plan and weight loss goals.  Just as my doctor gave me advice on options before my labor on choices like pain management, circumcision, and cord blood banking; my doctor helped significantly with my post-partum choices as well.

Exercise
Early on after my delivery, my agenda was filled with reminders to exercise to get back in shape.  Though I often felt overwhelmed by changes that my body had gone through, I soon realized that exercise was an essential element for getting back my pre-baby shape.

For women who’ve had a Caesarian birth, I recommend asking your doctor for a light exercise regimen. Picking up your baby, doing light chores, nursing, and bending are all that a mother recovering from a Caesarian section should be doing in the way of exercise.

For women who have had natural birth with no complications, walking and stretching are good exercises to begin within a week or two after coming home from the hospital.  Light chores are good exercise and so are Kegel exercises, which you can do anywhere!

Breastfeeding
Any breastfeeding is good for a new baby and a new mom. It was a tremendous help for getting back into shape because it helps burn extra calories.  Remember that if you are breastfeeding, you have to take in extra calories to support your milk production.  However, don't feel guilty if you are unable to breastfeed. Your baby will be fine, and you will get your pre-baby figure back, too.

Nutrition
Check out the food pyramid on the USDA website. This gave me information on what I needed to eat and the quantities that were appropriate for me. Based on my experience, I went heavy on veggies and lean proteins.  It seemed like more work because I preferred to prepare things fresh instead of making too many bulk meals ahead of time.  But keeping everything from the food pyramid in your diet is important, as long as it’s in moderation.

Balance
After giving birth, the best thing I did was create balance in my life that included baby time, family time, good nutrition and exercise.  These four elements of life will provide you with health, happiness and a sense of fulfillment in your new role as a mother.





As a way to share the blogging love and meet new bloggers, I have "Pay it Forward Friday."  This is where I periodically feature fellow bloggers with different interests and from new areas.  If you are interested in writing a guest post for "Pay it Forward Friday," feel free to send me a message!  I would love to feature you!!

Alexis

Sane Cooking ~ Parmesan Crusted Turkey With Sweet Potato Fries

There is no hiding the fact that I LOVE Skinnytaste.   As I've mentioned before, Gina makes yummy and healthy recipes that I ALWAYS recommend!! 


This past week, I prepared a delicious meal for my mom and kids.  It was so easy that I will DEFINITELY be making it again!!

Dinner is served!!

Turkey Cutlets with Parmesan Bread-Crumb Crust 

• 8 (4 oz) turkey breast cutlets
• 4 egg whites, beat
• 3/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
• salt and fresh pepper
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tsp olive oil
• lemon wedges for serving

Heat oven to 250°.

Season cutlets with salt and pepper. Combine bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese in a medium bowl. In another bowl beat egg whites. Dip turkey cutlets in egg whites, then breadcrumb mixture, shaking off excess.

Heat a large nonstick frying pan on medium heat. Add half of the butter and olive oil. When butter melts, add 4 cutlets and cook a few minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside on a baking sheet and keep warm in oven. Add remaining butter and oil to frying pan. Cook remaining cutlets. Serve with lemon wedges.



Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, washed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• paprika to taste
• salt and fresh pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425°.

Slice each potato into 1/2 inch thick strips. Toss with oil, salt, pepper and paprika. Place on a non-stick baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.

Turn potatoes and bake until bottom is browned, about 10-15 minutes more. Serve immediately.


You REALLY need to try these two recipes...so easy and yummy!  The fact that they are healthy are just an added bonus!


Don't forget to visit Skinnytaste for more yummy and healthy meals.


Click for more Sane Cooking ideas.


Alexis

Healthier Lunches with Foster Farms

When you think school lunches, what do you think about?

I think of the main trifecta:  pizza,  hamburger and corn dogs.  Well, at least that was what the cafeteria was serving when I was a kid.  I loved them all!  The greasy rectangle shaped pizza with ranch dressing on top (yeah, you heard me...ranch dressing on pizza!), that skinny hamburger, and the crunchy corn dog with mustard.  MMMMMM!!!


The thought of those same foods for my kids' lunches make me cringe a little.  How on earth did my mom let me eat that stuff??  But let's face it, those are the things that kids like.  

In recent times, these lunch time favorites are being threatened in our school's lunch rooms.  Due to the need for healthier eating, the days of the pizza, hamburger and corn dog will be gone.


Foster Farms, a family–owned and operated poultry company, wants to bring the corn dog back!!  Not all corn dogs are created equal, and Foster Farms is proof of that!  





Welcome Foster Farms' 100% Whole Grain Chicken Corn Dogs!  These new whole grain, low fat, reduced sodium alternative to the kid favorite corn dog is sure to please!!  (Not to mention they have more protein than a cheeseburger on a whole wheat bun!)

Little Ricky: "The best corn dogs!"

Are you worried about taste?  Well, my pickiest eater though the Foster Farms' 100% Whole Grain Chicken Corn Dogs were (and I quote) "the best corn dogs!" 







These delicious corn dogs are now available to schools across the country.  If you want to try them for yourself, you can find them at your local grocery store.



**Disclaimer:  Foster Farms provided my family with a sample of their 100% Whole Grain Chicken Corn Dogs.  As always, all opinions are my own.


Alexis

Dunkin Donuts ~ The SMART Way to Get Started {with giveaway}

What do you think of when I say Dunkin Donuts?  I think of fresh, sweet, and sinful donuts.  Oh yeah, and the delicious coffee...light and sweet for me!


Did you know that there is a new DDSmart menu at your local Dunkin Donuts to help you make healthier choices when on the "run"?  You heard me....Dunkin Donuts has healthy choices!  And they are tasty too!


Being on the go most of the time, I recently visited my local Dunkin Donuts before my son's baseball game.  My kids wanted to try the heart shaped donuts for February and my husband wanted coffee.  What better time to try the new DDSmart choices on the menu, right?

I ordered the small Latte Lite which was only 80 calories (before I put my sugar in it....sorry, not a Splenda girl!).  And I had egg white flat with turkey sausage....yummy!


There were so many other delicious and healthy choices on the menu also, but I wasn't hungry enough to eat it all (not to mention that would defeat the whole "smart" part of it all!).


I just looked for the DDSmart logo next to menu items to find the healthier side of Dunkin Donuts.

When I got home, I checked out the Dunkin Donuts website to learn more about this change in menu and I found that not only can you "Run on Dunkin" but Dunkin is helping you run...a 5K that is.  They have a link to get you to run with a plan to run from 0 to 5K  and a link to find a 5K in your area. 


Want to try the DDSmart menu?  Enter to win a $5 gift card for Dunkin Donuts.