Sexy or So They Think They Know It!

My 2 boys are in those early teen years. The oldest is at the point where he has moments of feeling ever so full of himself. He's the hottest thing on two legs and no one can tell him otherwise. Except maybe his dad... Since we have a big back yard, I've been making him and his siblings go out for a least twenty minutes a day. Fresh air and some motion will do them all some good. I should join them more often, but I find myself trying to get projects done that I can't do with them around. Mostly because I hear that "Mom, Mom, Mom" like from Family Guy. My husband shared it with me.

Yeah, I get you Lois. It feels like we never get a break. My kids often wait for those moments when I'm the busiest to ask me questions or say random things. 

But that isn't what I wanted to tell you guys about. 

*Disclaimer:  I was sent this product in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed.*

Lately, my boys, and sometimes my husband, have talked about wanting to work out more. My sons wanted one of the pull up bars installed in their closet doorway. Unfortunately, the one my husband tried putting there didn't fit. So they do sit ups instead. But they wanted other things. I have smaller weights they goof off with. And now, a push up board! 

This comes from Amazon. My husband took very little time or effort in putting it together. There are instructions on the color coded circles all around the board. Each color is for a different muscle that will be worked out as you push up. 

You can even take it apart to store it. And it can withstand up to 600 pounds.  

Right now it is $42.99, but there is a 20% off coupon - which is a high value. Perfect for the holiday shipping season.

Why a push up board? 

As my husband explained to me, it is the proper and natural posture on the hands and wrist for push ups. It lessens the amount of stress you will put on them while working out. 

It is also better for knowing what you are working out. To switch it up. All you have to do is move the handles to the position you want and begin the motion. 

And lastly, you don't have to count. The machine does it for you. It also tracks the time it takes you.

My boys enjoyed using it. Even the youngest kid tried to do her own push ups. I have never been good at doing them, but this board definitely made it easier! So if you know someone wanting to get into shape, this just might be the perfect Christmas gift for them. 

What do you think of it? Is this something you see being useful? Let me know in the comments below!

Getting Fit With Karviva Ace Drinks By Karuna!!

As you know (if you read my blog), I've struggled with getting into shape and even just losing weight. Working out has been difficult with my back fighting me every part of the way. Keeping to a clean diet is also a problem. I love food. But I have hit my limit! We joined the local YMCA, going 2 days a week so far. I do swimming one day and walking  the treadmill on the other day. As far as my diet goes, I'm pushing myself harder than before. Starting with more smoothies and salads! That is where I come to Karviva Ace drinks by Karuna. I've worked with them before. You can check out the other review HERE.

*Disclaimer: I was sent a party pack through my association with Tryazon in exchange for hosting a party and sharing my honest review. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed.*

Who is Karuna?

Karuna is a company that believes "Food is Better Medicine". They have researched ancient medicinal remedies from the Far East. You can learn more about their company by going HERE. These drinks are plant-based for clean protein intakes. You won't find additives and chemicals in them. I can read each of the ingredients in it. And I love to mix them in the smoothies we make. Although, you can drink them straight up. 

Surprised myself by being able to hold this pose...

The Karviva Ace ones are specifically designed to help re-hydrate after you work out, with added collagen. There are currently 4 flavors to try - Watermelon Rush and Bold Berry Lemonade being two that came in our pack. They have also added Sunny Orange and Mango Splash to the ACE line. My favorite, that I have tried, is the Bold Berry Lemonade one.Watermelon Rush did not get a very high approval rating in my party goers. My husband described them as having a container flavor aftertaste. I'm hoping it was just an old batch. We picked up some more at the local HEB. Bold Berry Lemonade was a lot easier on the palate. 

You can drink them straight up, or even add them into smoothies. That is what we especially prefer to do for the Watermelon Rush ones. Really looking forward to seeing what they come out with as far as new flavors in the future. And even more if we can try the other two flavors here soon.

You can check out all their different drinks HERE. They back the ancient remedies with modern science to make sure each one fulfills a purpose. Sadly, we weren't able to find the new ACE drinks at our local stores. And they haven't updated the search option on their website. BUT, I would still suggest checking. Texas can be a little weird when it comes to getting new products out. The website says none are available here in my town, but we have a lot! You can find them a lot easier on Amazon. 

What interests you most about them? Would you drink them?? Leave me a comment below!

Feeling Blue, and it is Only Week 2...

We have been working out (consistently) daily for a week and a half now. About 10-15 minutes of the Just Dance 'Sweat' function, followed by 3-4 exercises from this list that I took from my insanely athletic sister-in-law. In addition, I do extra squats when I'm brushing my teeth, jumping jacks while doing the mouthwash rinse, and situps in bed before I sleep. I. Am. Motivated!

However, in just that first weeks time, I was both overjoyed and depressed all at once. How is that even possible?! 

I CAN do this! 

I am pumped to have a goal. I plan to lose 45 pounds by November. In November, we are taking an international trip. My first time leaving the United States! I'm way past excited. So I want to look my best. Additionally, we are going somewhere that will require about 9 miles worth of walking per day for the 2 weeks we are there. So I need to be in shape for this! No slowing down, no heavy breathing, no sore legs. I'm done with being overweight. Of worrying that I'm due for a heart attack at any time. My husband is right there with me. My home cooking has added some weight to him as well. And diabetes is a real concern for him. 

With all this, however, I knew that soreness would be a part of the equation. I knew that with my broken back, I would have to suffer a little more than normal people would. After all, the saying is, "No pain, no gain". Alright. I accept that. Heating pad, Excedrin, and Ibuprofen are on hand! What I didn't plan for was how much pain. The first 3 days were so hard! I had jelly legs, for starters. Those thighs of mine were so sore! But then the skin on my arm started with the burning sensation from the nerve damage in my back. Every time something touched me there, I felt like I was being burned. I also made a mistake in doing 50 situps on the floor of our living room. I have been doing them in bed for a long time now. But I figured I needed to step it up a notch. Big mistake. I have just barely gotten over the bruised lower back. Even laying back in bed caused pain. My husband says we need to invest in an exercise mat for me to use. On top of all that, for those first 3 days, I lost feeling in my lower arms and hands that still isn't fully back. Cut myself on the finger towards the end of week one, actually, and I can't for the life of me tell you how or when. Then my toes went numb. Again, the darn nerve damage was flaring. When I went to bed, the pain was so bad I had to try hard not to cry out. I lay completely still, thinking for sure that the nerve was officially calling it quits and that I was about to learn what it will be like when I finally lose my legs. 

But I refuse to quit!

Through all this, I refuse to give up. I can't quit. I won't! I will see this through. No matter what. Doesn't mean I won't cry from time to time when no one is looking. Doesn't mean I also won't be jealous of my sister-in-law from time to time. That woman gets up at 4:45 AM, works out, goes to work, comes home and does wife/mom stuff, works out and THEN goes to bed. She looks like a million bucks and acts like it isn't no big thing. She can already dead lift her own body weight! And I thought of myself as Wonder Em.... 

Then came the dreaded shopping trip. My in laws gave my husband and I each a gift card to Khols for Christmas. I'm not much for Khols, but I figured I should be able to at least find a new shirt. Or get super lucky and find jeans. No such luck. First of all, their shelves and floor space was more bare than I have EVER seen it. That was problem numero uno. Then comes the fact that my style isn't things that are trending. Or, I suppose, common? I could not find a single thing for myself. We ended up buying 2 shirts and a pair of jeans for my husband. I told him he can take my gift card and we will go back again and hope they have new stock for him to choose from. It sucked so bad. Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful for the gift cards. My husband needed those clothes. Most of his shirts are so old they are either threadbare or  several have holes where they catch on his belt or near the tag. But they are comfy and he's a guy - so he doesn't really care. But they bug me! I just let myself hope that I would find something else so that I wasn't still wearing jeans and a T-shirt all the time. You know those memes of what people look like after the quarantine?  I feel like they may as well use my photo for them. I rarely wear anything but my pajama pants and a tee. 

Done with the comparisons...

I wanted to quit. The pain and disappointment was just so strong. What is the point? Why bother? I'm not the me I want to be. But that is the answer, isn't it? I'm not who I WANT to be. That is why I'm doing this. Why I'm fighting so hard. I want to be different. Better. I want to travel the world. I want to have better endurance. No matter the pain that comes with it. To get there, I have to push harder. I have to keep moving forward. Even if I have to crawl through some days. I have to believe that I can do this. That means I need a whole lot more prayer! And coffee.... I used to hate it. Hated the smell of it. The bitterness of it. And now I'm drinking it. Iced coffee. Sweetened coffee. My Dad would be proud, I think. It gives me a short-lived jolt that energy drinks can't match. Without the jitters! I digress. But I'm also not going to allow myself to start up the comparisons. My sister-in-law is great. But she isn't the kind of woman I want to be. I don't want to lift my own weight. I don't want to wear athletic clothes all the time. And I don't want my husband to look like Conan the Barbarian without hair. I have a different vision for the perfect me.

So here goes. Pushing myself through this second week. The numbness is still giving me trouble. My skin still burns on some days. But! I'm giving it my best effort! And begging for the strength of God to keep at it. 2021, you better be ready!

Working Out in 2021 - With Zyia!

 My husband and I have agreed that in 2021, we are working out more. No excuses. No more putting it off. Together, we will push and keep to our goal. For me, personally, 40 pounds is the minimum I plan on losing next year. I know it is possible and I'm not giving up this time!

(We might not have a lot of space, but we make it work for our needs.)

And to get me started, my sister-in-law gave me a serious piece of athletic wear. She has been a rep for Zyia for a while now. She lives and breathes her belief in their products. I've been a part of her Facebook Group and watching how it works. Zyia releases products, but once they sell out, you have to wait for another release or they might just sell out for good. Her What is Zyia post sums up all you need to know to get started:

"Zyia is a quality active wear brand that can be dressed up or down and be worn in many ways! Items are sold directly off my website that I post all the time! They ship directly to you in about a week or less via USPS! Items are limited, so if you like it, order it now! Some items restock and some don’t! It says on the bottom right corner of each photo on the website if it is restocking or not! Items are newly released each Wednesday! They are posted about 11am and posted on the front page under new and favorites!"

I'm not one for athletic wear...

But I admit, her enthusiasm is contagious. This lady wears their products ALL THE TIME. She reviews them, she updates her followers on their new releases, and loves to talk about staying fit. At first, I only joined to show support for her as my sister-in-law. However, as time went by, I started to find I had more interest in what everything was. Normally, I'm a pajama pants and tee shirt girl. Buuuuut... I want to be more motivated this year. I've been working on changing up the closet. My husband likes to laugh at women who wear yoga pants all day, every day. Even when you know they aren't working out. And I tend to agree. Most of them look like they are trying too hard. I didn't want to be one of those.

HOWEVER, have you worn yoga pants?? Those things are so comfortable! Even Tim Hawkins created a song for them.

So, here's my thoughts. 

These clothes need to satisfy certain needs.

Athletic clothing needs to do something for me. Something meaningful. Something practical. Otherwise, I don't see them as a needful item, taking up space in my closet. I'm not a fitness nut. I'm a Nerd. As my blog name implies. I'm not getting fit so that I can take this blog into a new direction or to impress my audience. No. I'm doing this so that I look better in those cosplay outfits and so that I'm healthier throughout this new year.

So what do I need from athletic clothing? They need to be comfortable. I have a broken back. Literally. Jeans are excruciating for me. But I wear them when I know I will be around other people for two reasons. I do so to show that I am putting in an effort to look presentable and because I want to look good. Pajama pants aren't flattering, after all. I can't wear a sports bra. Not if I want to keep any feeling in my hands and arms. So that is one thing I won't have in my collection, but a comfortable, breathable tank top to work out in, will be. 

They need to make me feel beautiful. Hear me out on this! If I wear a shirt that makes me feel sexy, I will feel confident. And if I'm feeling confident, I'm less likely to quit and grab that chocolate bar. I'm more likely to put the hard effort in. So that I will look even sexier in this shirt. 

Love at first feel.

I currently only own the one tank top from Zyia. But it is enough to understand why my sister-in-law is in love with them. It hugs me where I want to be hugged, and hangs where I want to be loose. I'm a curvy woman, but not all my curves are where I want them to be. I might joke about having handles for my husband to hold in the bedroom, but I don't want to show them off to the outside world. This is called the Black Havana Tank.

It is so soft! I love clothing that is soft enough to wear in bed, yet is meant to be worn for anything but! The material is light, breathable and moves easily. Yet, it is also sturdy. I love the stripes! I'm able to layer it and add color. Technically, you should layeDr it with a sports bra, but as I've mentioned before that is a negative for this woman. Made from a mix of polyester and spandex to give it stretch and smooth feeling. I love it!

Getting your own.

Amanda is the rep you need to go through. She knows the products, and loves to share the joy. Her link to shop is right HERE. If she doesn't know the answer, she will find out for you. Not sure how something will look? No only does she show off the styles on herself, but she finds photos of women, men and children to share. One thing I appreciate about this, is the variety in women's sizing photos. Like I mentioned Dobefore, I'm a curvy size 12. I got a belly and wider hips. And plenty of booty in the trunk. I hate buying online for the simple fact that what looks good on the blonde bimbo models, most likely won't look remotely attractive on me. So seeing other women of larger sizes, with their weight distributed less in the chest and more in the love handles, puts me more at ease when buying without trying.

Do leave me a comment below and let me know your thoughts!

Diet Changes and Exercise for the New Year

Another year is approaching. 2020 has been draining in so many ways. Physically, with all the health problems. Emotionally, with all the distance that came with "social distancing".  Mentally, with trying to keep everything together and running smoothly. I would love to say I juggled everything in perfect harmony, however, the truth was I tripped and rolled through the goal posts often. Now, it is time to take action and make some changes.

Dietary changes take center stage

I had to make some serious adjustments to my diet after they removed my rotten gallbladder. Full of stones, that thing was causing pain for months. However, a gallbladder stores extra bile that assists in breaking down fatty foods that are ingested. Without it, my liver hasn't been able to keep up with that job. The list of things we have removed from my daily diet has been growing ever since.

All but mozzarella cheese

Fried or greasy foods - fries, onion rings, egg rolls, fried chicken

Tomato sauces

Bacon

Ground beef

Peanut butter

Then, for a while after I had 3 wisdom teeth pulled and couldn't eat anything too hard so pudding, yogurt and soups became my staples. Even then, eating or drinking cold things triggered pain. (Still do.) Especially when I developed dry socket. Around this time, my husband started having severe heartburn issues. Indigestion and heartburn can make an overnight stocking job extremely difficult. It is like having fire in your chest that tries to spill out every time he bends over. We both had to start taking the generic for Prilosec to treat GERD symptoms. 

It was at this point that we decided to substitute some things while taking out the carbs that are more dangerous. Instead of regular rice, we are now trying to add in cauliflower rice as often as possible. We make smoothies for one of the meals we have instead of eating a full meal. Most days, neither of us eat breakfast. I'm not much of a breakfast person. And since he works overnight, when he comes home - he just wants a shower and bed. If he has breakfast, it is typically granola cereal. I scoured Pinterest for ideas and decided that we needed to start having protein and veggies a lot more. My favorites are the variations on taco bowls. Super simple to put together, easy to make ahead, and tasty to boot! We have even started adding spinach to both smoothies and these veggie bowls I make. Doesn't seem like a big change, but I think it is taking off really well for us. 

Drink until you feel bloated!

I had a doctor tell me that I needed to drink until I felt bloated. Or until I felt like I was drowning. I don't suggest the latter phrase. But you should never feel thirsty. I once heard it as, "When you feel thirsty, your body is already dehydrating." So we have a new way to gauge how much water we are drinking. I have 3 water bottles that are 16.9 ounces each. I have labeled them E1, E2, E3. I also made a set for him. This way, I know I'm getting at least 6 of those8 - 8 ounce water glasses that are suggested to stay truly hydrated. Sadly, my husband has seen that he may have an electrolyte imbalance as he drinks until he feels bloated and still feels thirsty. If that is the case for you, you need to add in electrolyte drinks (something like Gatorade, just find lower sugar ones).

Physical activity is a must!

Our biggest problem comes in working out. Or should I say, the lack of working out. We invested in a pull up bar. Not the best one on the market, but it has worked. My husband has some amazing upper body strength, whereas my strength has always been in the legs. He can pull himself up fully with his arms. I have to do it with my legs already propped up... 

My sister-in-law shared a downloadable book with me. Now, I'm not as tough as her. She can work all day, come home and work out for at least an hour, and then deal with her family. And I thought I was Wonder Woman! But as much as that makes me feel inferior sometimes, it can also push me to work harder. I start small. But I plan to finish big. 

Starting small, ending big! 

You know what I keep hearing? That you need to change something a little at a time to work up to the big change. What does that mean? Take my diet, for instance. I had an internal organ removed. After doing so, I learned which foods messed me up. Mostly by eating those things and paying the price afterwards.  I like to think of myself as an intelligent person, however, that doesn't mean my stubborn streak stays under control. I don't like being told what I can or can't do, eat, etc.. So of course I had to try to eat those foods and suffer the painful consequences after to realize that was a stupid decision. Now, I leave those things out. But it is trial and error. 

So my advice to you is to start small. Cut out one food at a time. Or two. Do one kind of workout, or two, per day. Fill up your 15 minutes a day with those until you get a routine started. Then add something else. If you try to start big, I can almost guarantee that you will fail. You will give up. Why? Because it feels impossible. I should know. I've been trying for 4 years to get back on track. Time and again, I've quit. I've walked away. Now, I don't have a choice. The pain has gotten stronger, the back has gotten weaker and now I'm having to deal with other health problems growing.

Dancing our way to health

We have decided to turn on a Just Dance game for our daily workout. You want to talk about working out? Dancers are fit for the one reason that their movements are often strenuous. We get our hearts pumping, start sweating and it only takes about 4-5 songs to fill 15 minutes. We also are both competitive, so it pushes us to work harder to beat each other in fun.  It goes by so much quicker than we thought. We love it! Even the toddler will join in. Once we are ready, I have a fit game that does simple, but deep workouts and keeps counts for us. But for you? Do what you love. Walking make your day? Then do it! It is low impact, but you can go at your pace. If you have access to a pool (YMCA has them indoors), do laps. I told my husband I want to try to get a membership with them so that I can workout without tearing up my back more. Water aerobics are great for that. You don't feel the strain. And remember, 15 minutes a day is what you need. Every thing over that is just a bonus accomplishment.

Waiting is the Hardest Game

Hey guys! I haven't been writing much. Too much going on, and can I be frank for a moment? I've been working through so much in my life these days. It's a new year, so new me, right? Except, the new me thing isn't what I hoped for. This year started off great, and don't get me wrong, is still going great! But I'm struggling with some heavy personal changes. For starters, who I am. I'd love to say that I'm still the sexy, biker chic who knows what she wants from life that I was 14 years ago. But I'm not. Nor will I ever be again. Heck, even the me of 2016 isn't here anymore! My life has changed so drastically and quickly that sometimes I don't know who I am outside of Mom and Wife. Those zones are totally outlined. No questions there. But who am I when I'm alone? Better yet, who do I want to be? Hmm, now there is the enigma. 

Who am I? 

First and foremost, I'm a Christian. A follower of Christ. And I try to be the best in that area as I can be. And let me tell you something... God is truly testing my patience. Okay, not testing it. He is working on it to make it stronger. How? Through my medical condition. Want to know if you have the "patience of a saint"? I wish I'd never been described as having that... Have your health fail on you. Long term. You will meet a whole new you. A side of you that cries yourself to sleep. A side of you that hates looking in the mirror. A side of you that feels lost. A side of you that can't stand being around other people no matter how much your heart loves them. Oh yeah, that side is there. You just can't see it until something forces it out in the open. And it is ugly.

Well, God decided my patience needed some more work. Let me back up a second here though, I'm moving ahead of the context. I'm in pain. All day, every day. For most days, I can get by. I smile, I laugh, I talk. The only person in my life who sees me cringe is my husband. He sees me when I'm trying not to pass out. He sees me when I grab my side or back and wince. When my migraines strike, more than once a week. He's the only person I can't, and really don't want to, hide from. Hard enough hiding from everyone else. Even my kids rarely see my struggle. And I do everything I can to keep it that way. For as long as I can. Lately, I've been avoiding going to the doctor. After all, the last time I went I was told that I would not get better. That surgery wasn't an option. That I needed to "learn to live with the pain". After that, I became legally disabled. And my husband permanently took away my car keys. I will not be allowed to drive. Ever. At 32, that is not what you want to hear. Not when you are insanely independent. Some days I feel like I'm going crazy. Shut in my home. May as well have bars on the windows and doors. So you can imagine my frustration at finding that feeling of something being terribly wrong hitting my gut. Somehow, I just know something isn't right. 

Sickness that just won't go away.

We started the year with a visit to the ER for a severe migraine. There was the flu. A sinus infection. Some allergies. More sinus infection. I haven't been 100% for the entirety of this new year. So I guess I shouldn't be so surprised that the doctor diagnosed me with bronchitis today. Yep. Inflamed lungs. She said it usually fully recovers in about 3 months, providing I don't get sick again. Yay me. The reason I made the appointment was to diagnose rib pain. A fizzy feeling in the left lung when I breathe in and severe pressure in the right ribs, usually when I'm sitting. Sometimes a stabbing feeling. And she finds bronchitis right off. That was just the x-ray. She's running a liver enzymes test and I have to go for scans to see if my gall bladder is to blame. If there is a malfunction there. But those scans aren't happening until the end of this month, so.... waiting game anyone? Shall we take bets on what body part will fail me next? (My husband hates that joke.) I didn't even get to ask her what is causing the daily headaches-migraines. That will have to wait until my next appointment. 

In the meantime...

She also says other things have to change. I have to take a high dose Prilosec daily while changing my diet. No more tomato sauces. No more fatty foods. No more fried foods. There goes my homemade pizza. Burgers are out. Mmm, hash browns on breakfast night! Spaghetti and meatballs has been banned to me as well as meatball subs. Egg rolls on Chinese night. Just a few of my favorite things that I will no longer be eating. I take this as a sign from God that I wasn't losing those extra pounds fast enough. He's thrown me a way to do that. A way that I can't talk myself out of anymore. 

So how do I wait?

Not easily. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. (Matthew 26:41) One of my favorite verses to go to is:
Psalms 27:14 - Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Waiting is not easy. It is hard. The hardest. I know I'm not the only one feeling that way. Someone I love dearly is waiting for an important test result that will determine... well, life or death. And to think that they have had a longer wait than I do. So, I wait. I have kids to tend to. A husband to love. Some editing work to complete. And I need to figure out the new me. Who am I? What more do I want from this life? And how do I accomplish it? These questions used to be so easy to answer. Now, they need time. Patience. Prayer.

Journey to Pain Relief: Chiropractor Care

Speaking of chiropractic care, that is another option found to assist in pain relief and treatment of the causes themselves. For me, my main issues that has caused all these others is scoliosis. I've been told, that there is a chance that it can be slightly repaired by chiropractic adjustments. And I'm not the only one. My supervisor at my last job, had some of the same problems I have. She lives in pain like I do. She was referred to a chiropractor. They can be pricey, even with insurance. So be careful. 

By the way, if you are in the San Antonio area and need an amazing house-call chiropractor - Dr. Alexandra (Alex) Sweeney and her husband are the ones you want to call! They were fantastic. They came after work, so I didn't have to miss work. I served them dinner one night. We even had a blast talking about nerdy things! My kids loved having them over. Highly recommend them. Plus, you get serviced for half an hour at $75. Deep tissue massage and adjustments. They bring their equipment to you. You can also split this price and time with others. Make it party! Save money and feel great at the same time. 

I would suggest checking your insurance to see what is covered. Then call around and see what they have to offer and pricing. There are some great options, but as I mentioned, they can be very pricey. Know what you need. You don't have to be a doctor, but at least have an idea of what is wrong with you or causing you pain. You don't want to be given a run for your money (because sometimes, that's all they are after!) so get an idea of what you are looking for. 

Discount Offer from healtop!

One of the founders was quite generous and offered a 20% off code for my readers. You can use this for the next week. Read my review of the Moms Bundle here. Let me know what you think! 

Use this code when you go to order to get your 20% off discount. Enjoy!
emily’s friends

Some tips to make your savings even better. Look at the bundles. They are priced much cheaper than individual items. These also make wonderful gifts. 
And as the one of the founders pointed out: 
One comment – since the skin care products are 100% natural you only need to use a quarter of the regular amount you usually use. Remember it is 100% active ingredients and not 25% active ingredients and 75% water like in regular water based creams.  

This makes every bit useful. healthy and worth the money! There are 20 coupons available for the next week only. So get yours now!

Swim Suit for the Mom Bod

I'm no longer eager to play dress up in the fitting rooms and test out styles. Okay. Correction. I was never fond of clothes shopping.
Swim suits are the most difficult. Followed closely by pants. I feel awkward. Which translates to me thinking I look awkward too. It takes forever to find something that accentuates my curves satisfactorily. Everything is typically too loose/tight in the waist, but perfect length. Or too short. I usually have my kids in tow as well. They don't like waiting for mommy to try on clothes. Its considered boring. And now that I have quite the mom bod going on, these things are intensified. I'm not so well toned. Or tanned. Not like I used to be. My hips and thighs need toning, my belly is flabby with an extra 30 lbs that needs to go. But the most I seem able to do is sit ups in bed and squats while holding the baby and trying to bounce her to sleep. 

Let me just explain something before any of you decide to go heavyweight on me about size. I don't think of this as beautiful:

Or even this:

I'm sorry, but that is just ugly. Someone please donate cellulite to fix what they are missing. And I'm not just referring to a lack of cleavage. Ribs are showing. Angles are pointy. That is not beautiful. That is emaciation. However, I don't think of this as pretty either:

This and larger is a death wish, no matter who you are. It's one reason I couldn't stand Mama June.

They used her gross obesity and lack of good manners from her and her daughter to turn them into celebrities. That, to me, is a gross way to entertain. 

I believe that women are beautiful in their own way. Size doesn't matter, so long as you are healthy and happy for yourself. The above examples are sitting on the extreme ends of the spectrum. Everyone else has their place in between. I look at all the women I know and think each of them are beautiful. I don't judge them at all. 

So where am I going with this? I don't feel beautiful. I'm 5'10" (ish - the scoliosis and spinal deterioration might have shortened me a little), and weigh in at 170-ish pounds. I wear a Large now. I'm the girl who was forever tall and lanky. My friends joked about setting up a fat bank to donate to me so I could have curves. My best attribute was a toss up between my long legs and my eyes. Everything else was flat and sharp. Then I had kids. I started to soften up. My rock hard abs went, came and went again in between pregnancies. I worked out and started eating less. Not so much healthy, just less. Now I'm nearly 30, have 4 children, and am 30 pounds over my healthy weight. My OCD screams at me when I sit and the side that is most crumpled from curvature in the spine has rolls. I look down and there is a roundness in the belly that makes my filter-less children ask if I'm having another baby or just fat. My reply, "I'm just fat." I don't want to be a super model. I don't want to look like a celebrity. I just want to lose 30 pounds and flatten the stomach a bit. Thanks to the back pain, as well as my age catching up to me, I'm finding that is easier said than done! I put off getting new clothes because I believed that I could get back into my pre-pregnancy clothes by the time my daughter turns 1. She's 8 months and I haven't lost a single pound... *head slap here* 

What am I to do? Well, I'm setting new rules. I'm moving to plan B. I've told my husband how I feel. I'm getting him to realize that even though I love the fact he will always see me as beautiful, regardless of how I look, I need the support to lose the unhealthy weight. He has been very good at it! We make fresh smoothies almost every day. I've been buying healthy snacks. We gave up Pop Tarts and Doritos. I stopped buying cinnamon rolls, except for a once-in-a-blue-moon breakfast treat for the kids only. Laying off the pizza and cooking more foods that incorporate veggies. Cookies or ice cream are for special treats only. And are mostly given to the kids. Which reminds me... Side note: we tried a couple new ones. Hostess Twinkie version and Halo Top chocolate.

Can you believe that both were not to the adults liking, but the kids seemed to think they were okay? The Twinkie one tasted like birthday cake and the Chocolate one... tasted awful. Bland. Sugarless maybe? I barely withstood one spoon. Gave it all to the kids. They didn't seem to mind it. So much for the "better for you" ice cream. Its a lie! Guilt-free zone? Only because you are eating tasteless ice shavings.

Back to my journey of losing weight. I've been eating more salads. And to make them interesting, we added chicken. The one we really enjoyed was chicken cooked in balsamic dressing. It makes eating salads easier for my husband. He's not big on the greens. 

We drink lots of water. Doing these things has made me feel better about myself. Then I checked the scale. Nothing. My husband weighs himself. Guess who lost 10 pounds? Uh huh. Then came a real test. With summer, comes the possibility of pool time or river fun. I had to get a swim suit for my 4 year old daughter and who else? Yes, me. I no longer fit into the ones I had. One of them hadn't been used in so long that the straps dry rotted. Who knew they could do that?! So the mom who hates shopping for clothes, let alone a bathing suit, heads to Wally World. All 4 kids in tow while my husband sleeps off a night of working. You know how much I dreaded trying them on? And there weren't many left to choose from. Its so late in the season, they had the crappy ones no one wants anymore. 

I finally came across this two piece set.

I love the color. Its light weight. And the design was decent. I tried it on. But the fitting rooms don't have mirrors inside. What is wrong with that store?! No, you have to walk outside the dressing room to the corner where the sales floor starts to use a full-length mirror. This is where my children were stationed and waiting for me. The lady attending the fitting station gave me the look over as I came out. I was asking my kids what they thought. She says, "Lady, with 4 kids, you look amazing! I've seen women come in here with no kids, looking terrible and fat. You got it, so flaunt it, honey!" Walmart is not known for its amazing customer service. They are known for having Wal-Martians. People who look so awful, there is a website dedicated to pictures of them. People who shouldn't be allowed to leave their homes. Don't believe me? Look at this website and try not to wet yourself laughing or be careful. You might want to bleach your eyes at some of them.  So to have her so openly complimenting me, gave me courage that I do have some of my good looks left.

Another way I find myself being reminded that I'm still pretty high on the hotness scale, would be the fact that my husband still gets excited when he catches me undressing. If you are in a relationship and don't have that kind of romance, I feel sorry for you. Doesn't matter how old you are. It's great having that physical attraction. I even put on the lingerie that was given to me at the bridal shower. As my mother-in-law said, sometimes it's good to just feel pretty in them.

Now don't get me wrong, I've accepted and even embraced my Mom Bod. I have better defined hips and a bigger booty. And I love it. Heck, as of right now, I can actually say I have boobs. I just can't stand a muffin top. Or a spare tire. It drives me insane. Especially when I work out as often as I can. Just holding my daughter and doing squats while trying to get her to sleep is a workout.

So here goes. I'm embarking on a new trend. I'm going to love my Large(r) self. I'm going to teach myself to see it as beautiful. I won't give up on my desire to lose the extra pounds. I need that for my back issues. But I'm going to start investing in bigger clothes. Its time to get out of the rut of wearing the same handful of t-shirts and 2 skirts. I bought a skort and pair of shorts for the summer. I'm finding a style that will flatter my curves a little more. And I'm going to "flaunt it"!

March Bulu Box review

This months box had a lot more samples than the two previous boxes I've gotten.

The ad included had a scratch off for a discount towards ordering from Bulu.
The first thing I tried was Bean Fields Bean and Rice Chips. I got the ranch flavor.

They are a vegan snack, corn free, gluten free, all natural and a great source for fiber and protein. They have an interesting texture. Really love the flavoring. It's not overbearing. These chips are high in protein and fiber with less fat than leading brands. The beans used are farmed here in the United States. No sugar, gluten, dairy, peanuts, seeds  or corn. So whether you are a vegan or have peanut allergies, they make a great snack.
There is something called E-Hydrate packs that are supposed to provide natural energy. I tried using the orange flavor one but it just fizzed right out the bottle as it made contact with the water.

So the second try, I had to pour it slowly while letting it settle in between pours. It's made here in the US. On top of providing energy, it adds minerals and vitamins to your diet. They also donate 5% of their profits to benefit veterans and their families through IAVA (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America). I liked the lemon lime flavor. It does have a strong sweet taste though and feels slightly carbonated.

Then I started using these capsules that were included. Vivioptal capsules are a multivitamin and multi mineral supplement.  The good thing is, they are gluten free. The bad thing is, they have a bad smell at first with an aftertaste. 

There were a few other things in the box that I don't have a personal interest in. Not everything in every box is for everyone. But they do have some great things to try out before you buy.  

February's Bulu Box review

My February Bulu Box arrived. Forgive my delay at finishing the review, but I wasn't all that thrilled this time. This one contained; 28 heart healthy tips, trubrain THINK DRINK, MET-Rx PRIME peanut butter banana bar, 2 packs of VITA PERK, Sant kickstarter, and a Balance Bare bar. 

Since February was National Health Month, we should be taking time to increase our healthy living activities. Heart disease runs strong, so I like having this guide with tips that I can easily hang on the fridge and glance over often. On the back, they included a few coupons as well. Though don't think February is the only month to be heart conscious!

The MET-Rx Prime bar has 20g of protein, 12g of fiber and only 210 calories.

It's great for your metabolism. They are free of artificial sweeteners, colors and flavors. They are also gluten-free with 300mg of Omega-3's from flaxseed. I am happy that they are free of artificial growth hormones. This makes it safer to give my kids some when they want a bite. It's recommended that you eat one with 8 ounces of water for best results. It's thick and chewy.

You can taste the hint of banana amidst the peanut butter. You're definitely going to need to drink water with it. Not too bad overall. 

Balance bare bar was delicious. It was chewy and crunchy all at once with well defined fruit mixed in. It's a nutritional energy bar. Non-gmo, soy free, gluten free and even dairy free.

It makes a good source of fiber in your diet while helping you feel a little full in between meals. 

TruBRAIN think drink tasted like a super sweet fruit punch.

Like Koolaid on sweet steroids. It had a tangy kick to it. It's supposed to help you "access your brains full potential". I had to look it up as there was no information on the sample I'd received. 

"Why did we reinvent energy drinks?

Our team of UCLA trained neuroscientists set out to solve the problem that energy drinks do not genuine focus.

• Crafted with the perfect amounts of active nootropics
• Loaded with amino acids to fuel the thinking process
• Flavored with all natural ingredients like blue agave and monk fruit
• Provides direct support for concentration and focus
• Validated with the latest wearable technology"

I don't drink coffee, so I'll be sending the Vita Perk packs home with my dad to try in his coffee. They are packets that add vitamins and minerals to your coffee. I will try the Sant Kickstarter. Its a dried super fruit that you infuse in water. 

You can check out Bulu Box subscriptions here. They are good for those who want to try unusual but healthy things to get life into better habits. 

Living with the pain in my head

Headaches are, in my personal opinion, the worst pains anyone can suffer. Your mind is your center. It controls your thoughts, your motor functions, and everything that makes you, you! So when your head hurts, you don’t function to the best of your ability. All the information I provide is based on personal knowledge and experience. I'm not a doctor or medical professional. This information is NOT meant to diagnose or treat anything you have. Its meant to help you cope and maybe give you insight on things you can discuss with your doctor.

Headaches take form in various degrees of pain. Something from a light pain to a tension headache or even a full blown migraine. They can be a slight annoyance to completely debilitating. They can have a plethora of side effects that come along with them. Side effects may include vomiting, dizziness/lightheadedness, blackouts, blurry vision, disorientation, shaking, and even chills.

Headaches are triggered. Not just randomly sprung as one might think. If you can figure out your triggers, you can control them to some degree. Light headaches are typically caused by lack of sleep and hunger. Easy to fix, even in a busy life. Tension headaches and migraines are trickier. Things like caffeine, sugar, light, sounds, or random foods can turn the switch of pain on. Sometimes you are able to feel one coming on while other times it’s sudden.

I’ve been reading up on migraines a lot in the past couple years. This week in particular I found an old article my mom had given me on head pain in general. About 1/5 women suffer from migraines. Yet, barely half will be diagnosed with a cause. As a matter of fact, most of us “endure” the pain because we know what happens when we “check out”, even for a short time. Moms in particular don’t like taking time for themselves when there is so much to do. But suffering in silence won’t do you any good in the long run. Here are some things to take into account when dealing with headaches…

Here are four types of headaches that you can identify:

1.       Sinus headaches – these are accompanied by sinus swelling and pain or pressure in the cheeks and/or forehead. Many people misdiagnose themselves as having a migraine which can have similar symptoms, but taking a decongestant can make you feel worse.

2.       Migraine – these are largely genetic. Common symptoms include nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. Ladies, the week of your period is the worse time for attacks because your estrogen levels are at their lowest. (I've been dealing with them daily myself since my cycle started.)

3.      Tension – These are often set off by stress and anxiety. The pain is typically dull and located on both sides of the head, around the forehead, temples or back of the head and neck. It could also be caused by changes in brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.

4.     Cluster – The exact cause for this type is still undetermined. It’s rare and more common in men though. Pain centralizes around the eyes, can happen a few times in a single day or can last weeks to months.

I've been gathering information on dealing with the different levels of pain. Since migraines are my worse problem, you might read a lot more on them....

Migraines can be a centered pain in the temples, stretched down one side of the face and head, or centered at the base of the skull and top of the neck. It may make your eyes feel swollen or give a burning sensation. They can be as brief as under 30 minutes to as long as several tormenting hours.

My personal experience with migraines has had me struggling to keep it together and renders me inoperable as a functioning human being. I can't tell you how often I've had to slip away to a dark room, seeking silence and relief from the mind-numbing pain that has taken over. Some things I've found useful for relieving the pain are the following.

 

• Let your hair down at the onset of pain. Having my hair in a ponytail not only causes breakage up top, but can start the throbbing. Letting it down can release the added pressure. 
• Dim the lights. Being in a dimly to no light room can take the stress off your eyes which in turn knocks the pain down in your head. 
• Turn off the noise. Take out the headphones, shut the door, and relax in the silence. This is extremely difficult for me. Silence is truly deafening. So if you must, put on soft music at a low volume. Whether you like it or not, classical is probably your best option.
• Lay down! Again, I struggle with this. Being a mom, I have kids who won't hesitate to barge in if I actually try to relax and beg for a drink or snack or complain about something a sibling did.
• Take a shower or bubble bath. Make it warm but don't overdo it in the heat. That can make you quite lightheaded and possibly lead to passing out.
•  Get those eyes checked! Especially if you wear corrective lenses, but even if you haven't before, maybe it's time you did. And keep updating that prescription yearly. Mine has changed every time I've gone in. As a matter of fact, this last time I found out I have a stigmatism. Plain English? One eye is shaped like a golfball while the other is ovoid like a football. Yes, one more feature that adds to my freak of nature status. Just can't catch a break. Also, invest in transitions. Otherwise, get prescription sunglasses. They make a world of difference in the light. I've been buying transitions for the past several years and I refuse to go back to being without them. 
• Take time out for yourself. Stress is a leading cause for a lot of the head pains we get. It's not easy, I know. The last doctor that told me to relax and get more rest... I laughed at her. As moms, it's hard to catch a break. Especially single moms. But if you can manage to get a sitter, go for it! Take a walk on the beach, see a movie you've been wanting to (but couldn't with the kids around), or call up your friends for a few hours of adult time. Whatever brings you joy, make time for it. I'd say a minimum of twice a month. 
• Take a bite... or two. You might not feel hungry especially if you're so far into the pain zone that it's making you nauseous. So grab a light snack and give it a chance to settle. Sometimes that's all it takes to bring the pain level down.
• Lay off or lower your caffeine intake. This is another huge trigger for some people. Try to come off the addiction to sodas and coffee. Instead of energy drinks, get up 30 minutes earlier and do some brisk cardio. Yes, you'll have to make a sacrifice and sleep earlier at night, but it will pay off. It helps lower your stress levels as well as jump starts your metabolism. That could lead to weight loss as well. Win-win if you ask me.
• Drink until you're clear. Did you know that the more water you drink, the lighter your urine will be? This not only insures you'll keep properly hydrated, but helps steer you clear of urinary tract infections. As an added benefit for the ladies, the more water you drink the easier your cramping will be while on your menstrual cycles. Staying hydrated helps ward off so many things, but headaches are the one I'm mentioning right now.
• If you have to take something, try Excedrin Extra Strength or Excedrin Migraine (both are the same). They seem to work the best for me in speed and in ridding the pain. However, this is mostly caffeine and will possibly give you the shakes. Or try another anti-inflammatory medicine. Remember this, you can only take them constantly for so long before they don't work or you start damaging your organs....
• Sometimes you might be able to find holistic oils that can relieve the muscle pain in your temples. I know my mothers friend mixed oils that worked wonders. But the original company that sold those hasn't had them in stock for quite some time.

I found some other interesting things on keeping headaches at bay. Avoiding strong scents and going fragrance-free. If caffeine isn't your trigger - drink a cup of coffee. Its a stimulant so if you're already a regular, don't stop cold turkey. Withdrawals will give you migraines. Eat a better breakfast! Aged cheeses, citrus fruits, and processed meats typically contain nitrates which can set you off. So consume them with caution and in moderation. Make time for every meal. Whether you eat small meals throughout or three large meals daily, don't skip! Hunger and lower blood sugar levels can alert your brain to send those signals of missing out. Beware though - dairy, wheat, nuts, chocolate, deli meat and even fermented foods, like pickles, can also be triggers. Stay cool. Not temperature, but attitude. Life can drag you down and stress you out. Don't let it get out of control! Take a moment to look at pictures of good times, watch a funny video on YouTube or try out some yoga poses. Drinking while you cook might not be as good as you think. Red wine in particular has been linked to migraines in some women, but drinking on an empty stomach just exacerbates its effects. Check the weather. At least 30% of sufferers are linked to weather induced pain. Maybe try takings an anti-inflammatory before the front rolls in.

I hope this is helpful to someone out there. Migraines are a personal battle that you don't have to fight completely alone. Speak up and don't let others give you that eye roll for "just a headache". Especially moms. If you don't care for yourself, how can you care for your loved ones? So when you feel so bad you want to take a drill to your temple, take a breath and find your comfort zone.