Macy’s, one of my favorite go-to department stores for clothing, shoes, accessories, and makeup, released several new items in their women’s activewear and swimwear departments for 2012.  Since I’ll be participating in National Swimsuit Confidence Week, I decided to select an outfit from their activewear department.

Having shopped at the chic and moderately upscale department store for many many years, I know that only the most reputable brands have a presence throughout the store.  Since fashion is just as important as function, I opted for a matching white, crewneck shirt paired with lightweight bootcut pants.  When I think of a line of activewear that is flattering and performs well, Nike comes to mind, which is one of the reasons I selected these two items.

The tee features Dri-Fit fabric which was designed to keep the wearer cool and dry as it wicks away moisture.  It also offers UV protection for those who prefer to exercise outdoors.  The Jersey Bootcut pants are lightweight, stylish, and comfortable, and I definitely feel like I could go to the grocery store or run errands without having to change.

Macy’s assortment of activewear for women is expansive and includes pieces from reputable brands such as Champion, Nike, Puma, and The North Face.  Their online store is easy to navigate and shoppers can search by brand, apparel type, size, color, and price.  For more information, just visit their website.

No compensation was received for this post. The items received for review were provided by GigaSavvy.

For the last several weeks, I’ve been wearing my new glasses fitted with adaptive lenses by Transitions Optical.  As I mentioned a few weeks ago, along with finally being able to see with glasses (my prescription was way out of date), I love the fact that they double as sunglasses when I’m outside, protecting my eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Eye health is important to both children and adults, and because there is still a considerable knowledge gap, Transitions Optical developed an incredibly resourceful site called Eye Didn’t Know That, which offers content in both English and Spanish.  According to the company, one in four children have an undiagnosed vision problem which can interfere with their ability to succeed academically.  Eighty percent of what we learn is done visually and the site offers a variety of interactive, educational tools to help parents understand the importance of vision health and how to maintain it.  Here are just a few of the resources we found useful:

Games like this Memory Match Game offer quick facts on vision health

In the resource center, parents can locate an Eye-care Professional

Families can submit their eye promise, committing to care for their eyes by visiting a doctor regularly for an eye exam, choosing and wearing proper eye-wear if necessary, protecting eyes from the sun, and encouraging loved ones to take care of their own eyes.

Additionally, Transitions has partnered with the American Diabetes Association to offer free vision screenings in New York later this year at the ADA Expo (November 3rd, 2012).  Diabetes is the number one cause of blindness in the US among adults between the ages of 25 to 74 years of age.  When you take into consideration the fact that the Hispanic population has a higher incidence of diabetes, preventive vision health becomes even more important.

For more information about vision health, just visit Transitions and Eye Didn’t Know That.

This is part of a sponsored campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Transitions Optical. However, all
opinions expressed are my own.

I’m less than ten pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight (as in before my 4 year old son was born) and while I’m so proud to have gotten this far, I’ve definitely hit a plateau.  And, of course, my body does not resemble it’s former 20-something self.  I’m not always as consistent with my workout schedule and while I work very hard to eat fresh, natural, healthful foods, I can stray when I’m out, traveling, or simply just busy.

Thanks to Kristen Horler, founder of Baby Boot Camp, I have some tips to share with you on slimming down after baby.

1. Check in!  Be sure you’ve been cleared for physical activity from your physician before beginning any work out program.  While you may be cleared 6-8 weeks postpartum, allow your body time to heal and recover.

2. Breast is best! Just for doing what your body is supposed to, you’ll burn up to 30o-500 calories a day.

3.  Start now! Post-pregnancy weight gain has been linked to obesity.

4. Say “no” to dieting! Rather than “diet” strive to create lifelong, healthy eating habits by consuming well-balanced meals.

5. Get on a routine! New moms may get into the habit of eating erratically, particularly when the baby is up at 3 am. If you wouldn’t eat that bowl of ice cream at 3 am before motherhood, curb the craving.

6. Snack sensibly! Rather than snacking on your toddler’s crackers or your prechooler’s chips, opt for fruits and veggies (and while you’re at it, swap them out for your child as well).

7. Schedule your workouts! Busy schedules make it easy to forego exercise.  Even 15 minute mini-workouts can help improve your mood, help you manage weight, promote sleep, and boost your energy level.

8.  Consume nutrient dense foods! Lean proteins like legumes can help with muscle repair and recovery post workout, calcium keeps bones strong, complex carbohydrates provided extended energy, and Omega-3 fatty acids support a healthy heart and nervous system.

Speaking of nutrition, I have to admit that all too often I’ll pop into my favorite coffeehouse for an energy boost and order a blended drink that’s both filling and calorie-laden.  During the webinar, I was introduced to CalNatural Svelte, a line of all-natural protein shakes which contain 16 grams protein from organic soy milk and 20% of the recommended daily value for fiber.  These naturally-sweetened shakes are dairy, lactose, and gluten-free and can provide sustained energy throughout the day. They’re available in French Vanilla, Chocolate, Spiced Chai, and Cappuccino. Blend it with some ice and you’ve got a smoothie that packs more nutrition than that ice blended drink I’m craving right now.

As I’m learning, it takes time to lose the weight. But I have to be persistent about doing my part.  My daughter is 20 months old and there is no reason why I can’t lose those last 10 pounds.  As a mom, I know that taking care of myself is as important as taking care of my children…for them…for myself.

How have you succeeded with your weight management and fitness goals this year?  I’d love to hear your ideas and tips.

Win It! One of you will win a Post-Pregnancy Slim Down Gift Pack (ARV $500) which will include the following:

1 Wahoo Fitness Run Pack
1 Pair of FILA Toning Pants
1 Case of CalNaturale Svelte shakes
1 CalNaturale Svelte Gym Tote
1 Copy of Kristen Horler’s Book
1 First Baby Boot Camp Class Free Coupon
Goody Workout Headbands

Simply leave your answer to my question above in a comment and you’re entered to win.  Comments will close on August 27th at 11:59 PM PST.

US Residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one. Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Like me on Facebook

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

No compensation was received for this post. I attended a webinar hosted by CalNaturale and Baby Boot Camp and received information and a gift pack.

Photo Credit: johnnyberg

Because I strive to obtain all of the required nutrients from foods, I am looking for supplements that compliment my diet.  I decided to use Stater Bros. Online Vitamin Finder to glean some insight as to which vitamins and supplements I would benefit most from.

As I stated on Whrrl, I found the online survey to be quick, easy to complete, and beneficial in guiding my purchasing decisions.  Some of the types of questions that are used to determine the appropriate recommendations include age, gender, personal and family medical history, environmental exposure, and emotional health.  While the recommendations provided include Stater Bros. brand vitamins and supplements, you could use this as a guide to those nutrients you may be in need of.

If you’re looking to boost your health by taking supplements, check out Stater Bros. free Online Vitamin Finder. Once you complete the survey, you’ll receive a coupon for $5 off your purchase of 3 Top Care Vitamins.

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias.

A few weeks ago, I sat in on an online webinar with registered dietitians and personal trainers Lyssie and Tammy Lakatos (aka The Nutrition Twins) who authored the book The Secret To Skinny and serve as the exclusive nutritionists for celebrities and employees at the Rockefeller Center NBC Fitness Center.  During the online webinar, they offered several nutrition tips in conjunction with their partnership with the US Potato Board.

Before I share their tips (which I think are fabulous), I wanted to talk a little bit about potatoes and their role in a healthy diet.  These starchy vegetables are free from cholesterol, fat, and sodium and provide 45% of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin C and more potassium than a banana.  At just 110 calories,  you can top potatoes with veggies and a protein for a complete meal while still keeping your caloric intake in check.

The US Potato Board has come up with a variety of  new potato recipes.  Here is one of the recipes I’d like to try (think I can make it Vegan?):

Photo Credit: US Potato Board

Quick and Healthy Greek Potato Salad
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds red potatoes
1 cup low-fat 2% Greek yogurt (such as Chobani, FAGE, Oikos or YoPlait)
1/3 cup minced red onion
1/4 cup sliced Kalamata olives
1/4 cup peeled, chopped cucumber
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup crumbled Feta cheese
Chopped fresh oregano (optional)

Directions
Place whole potatoes (do not poke) into microwave-safe dish. Cover dish. (If covering dish with plastic wrap, poke small hole in plastic). Microwave on high for 10 to 12 minutes depending on strength of microwave. Use oven mitts to remove dish from microwave; carefully remove cover from dish due to steam build-up and let cool. Cut potatoes into bite-size pieces and place in a large bowl with remaining ingredients; stir well to mix. Sprinkle with cheese and oregano. This salad may be served right away, but is best if refrigerated for at least one hour to allow flavors to blend.

So how do The Nutrition Twins manage to keep fit, stay active, and eat healthy? Here are their best tips for a healthy lifestyle:

1.  Always include vegetables in your meal.

Vegetables are packed with nutrients and fill you up without contributing significant fat, calories, or sodium to your diet.  Make it a point to include vegetables at each meal.

Tip:  Include yogurt or cottage cheese and vegetables on your baked potato or serve up a spinach, mushroom, and potato omelet.

2.  Exercise

Physical activity helps blood move through your body, releases endorphins, maintains weight and generally assists in physical and emotional wellness.

Tips:  Do something you enjoy.  Make an appointment for yourself to exercise (particularly in the morning) so it doesn’t get pushed aside. Include cardio and weights since muscle mass is metabolically more active and helps to burn calories.

3.  Include a fibrous carbohydrate and a protein with each meal.  `

The body digests glucose in 1-2 hours.  When you combine a carbohydrate with a protein, you slow down the process of digestion and boost energy levels.

4.  Water

Every process in body needs and uses water. Aim for 9-12 cups of water.

Tip:  Water can come from food and is included in the 9-12 cups.  Put fruit in the water to flavor it.

Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post.  I attended an online webinar and received a gift.

Kathy has been training celebrity clients for over 13 years, is the author of six books, and a mother.  Her philosophy is that simple daily choices about fitness and nutrition promote a healthier and more productive lifestyle.  Knowing that the fitness and health bloggers in attendance lead busy lives, she coordinated a circuit training session which included a series of one minute exercises designed to get our hearts pumping and our muscles performing.  One minute exercises seem like nothing.  But when you combine 10 of them and repeat the sequence 3 times, the result is a very intense workout.  Some of my favorite exercises include jumping on a trampoline (which apparently helps clear your lymphatic system) and the mini step aerobics sessions.  It was interesting to learn a series of exercises that can be done at home with items I already have. For example, we worked our triceps by simply holding our own bodyweight in front of a chair and worked our thighs by picking up a deck of cards, one-by-one.  The most difficult exercise was the plank…one minute feels like an eternity.  After 3 rounds through all ten exercises, I was tired…but energized.

Here are some of the exercises we participated in:

• Step Ups (with and without knees)
• Bicep Curls with Bands
• Chair squats
• Plank
• Tricep Dips
• Trampoline
• Reverse Leg slides
• Lateral Raises
• Squats

Ironically, the sponsor of the event was Salonpas, the perfect end to a vigorous workout. Salonpas is an FDA-approved, over-the-counter pain relief patch. I thought I was going to be sore enough to try one of the patches, but I wasn’t (apparently I didn’t work out hard enough).  So I tucked them away and vow to work out harder next time.

Generally, I prefer not to take medicine.  I like the concept of the patch which works directly on the site where the pain is located for up to 12 hours.  The patch is thin and stretchy so that users can still engage in their normal activities.  Salonpas patches are relatively affordable and sold at retailers nationwide.

If you’d like to read more about the event, visit these fitness and wellness bloggers:

• Kelocity
• Run, Eat, Repeat
• Eat, Drink and Be Meiri
• Skinny Runner
• Kaitlin With Honey
• Mommy Warriors
• Healthy Coconut
• The Balanced Bean
• Two Boos Who Eat

No compensation was received for this post. I attended a media event and received a gift bag.

Photo Credit: Rose from Eat, Drink, and Be Meiri and Monica from Run, Eat, Repeat (for some reason I forgot to bring a camera…gasp!)

Despite the fact that Southern California has been experiencing a rather mild winter, illness is still rampant.  One of the things I don’t like about winter is the prevalence of viruses and bacteria that cause everything from the common cold and flu to ear infections and strep throat.

So how do we stay well during this time?  Here are some of my best tips:

1. Know when to wash your hands.  I know it sounds too easy. But handwashing is the number one way to prevent the spread of germs. So why does illness still abound in the winter?  People are simply not cognizant of when they should wash their hands.  If you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth, you should wash your hands.  Before you eat and after you use the restroom are appropriate times to wash your hands.  When you’re ill, you should be extremely vigilant about handwashing after sneezing and blowing your nose.

2.  When you can’t wash your hands, antibac!  A waterless antibacterial is very beneficial, particularly with children.  Clean’s Anti-bacterial Moisturizing Hand Cream kills 99.9% of germs for up to 4 hours.  The cream is moisturizing, rather than drying and suspends germs using it’s Safety-Derm technology.   It’s available in Original, Ultimate, Shower Fresh, and Unscented varieties and free from alcohol, and triclosan.

3.  Get enough R & R: It is during relaxation and sleep that our bodies rejuvenate. Our immune system, in particular, needs this time of rest to repair itself so that it can fight off illness.

4.  Become a pro on probiotics: Whether you get them through yogurt or via supplements, probiotics can decrease the number of illnesses you get and their severity.  We like GoodBelly because it’s dairy free and helps with my son’s GI issues.

5.  Get a breath of fresh air:  One of the reasons illness is so prevalent during the winter months is that everyone congregates inside due to the weather.  This is the time when we avoid crowded, indoor spaces and opt for the outdoors.

What are your best tips for staying healthy this winter?

No compensation was received for this post

Photo Credit: davidlat.  All rights reserved.

Did you know that children should get at least 30 minutes of physical activity in every day (American Heart Association)?  During the warm and dry months, it’s easy to head to our local park to get moving.  It’s much more difficult to stay motivated on cold and rainy winter days.  Here are some of my favorite ways for keeping my kids active, regardless what the weather may bring:

Make it a family affair: Whether it’s tossing a ball around, taking a walk around our neighborhood, or playing a game of tag, I strive to get the entire family moving together.  Not only does it set a great example for our children, it promotes interaction and communication.

Make it a habit: We strive to make physical activity a part of our day to day livelihood. After work and school and before dinner is our time to get moving. Scheduling regular time for physical activity ensures that it doesn’t get overlooked. It takes about a month to form a habit…why not start today!

Make it a part of your everyday lives: Walk or ride a bike…take a hike or a nature walk in your community as a family.  If you’re planning on going somewhere fun (i.e. museum, etc.), include bursts of activity along the way.  Sometimes we’ll race to the entrance or hop or jump to the car.  Striving to incorporate activity organically into your family routine will ensure that it’s a lifelong change, rather than just a temporary resolution.

Make a game of it: It doesn’t have to be organized to be exercise.  Whether it’s an indoor game of hide and seek (my son loves this), tossing around the ball with daddy or fitness gaming with mommy, teaming up for a little working out is much more fun that going at it alone.

Make it fun: This is my top tip for getting kids to enjoy being active and to continue to be active as they get older.  I introduced physical activity early on by placing my son in a local playgroup where he ran, jumped, danced, and played with other kids his age.  Bubbles, ribbons, music and instruments are just a few supplies you might want to have on hand at home to get kids dancing and moving at home if you don’t live near an indoor play space.

With the new year upon us, why not commit to ensuring your children get in daily physical activity? Not only will you be helping your children live a healthier lifestyle, you may just reap some benefits along the way.  Physical activity helps to curb weight gain, boosts your energy and mood, and help you feel better overall.

The first five years of a child’s life are crucial.  BabyCenter has teamed up with First 5 California to help prevent childhood obesity by promoting the importance of regular physical activity.  I took the pledge to reserve 30 minutes of physical activity a day for my son, to be active as a family on the weekends, and to limit the time my son spends watching television.  Will you join me? Simply join The First 5 California Community on BabyCenter.

This post was part of a campaign sponsored by BabyCenter.

I have heard a lot about Murad’s skin care products and even have samples at home. However, I’ve never actually spent time researching the company or the founder and it would be very easy to assume that Murad was “just another skin-care line.”

I had an opportunity to experience Murad first hand with a visit to their Inclusive Health Spa in the South Bay.  The company was founded by Howard Murad, one of the world’s foremost authorities on skin health and aims to “create topical skin-care products, dietary supplements, and signature skin and body care services that transform lives.”  One of the things that makes Murad vastly different from other skin-care companies is his inclusive health approach to skin care.  Dr. Murad practices under the belief that “the ability of cell membranes to hold water within the cells is the fundamental marker of youthful health.” In other words, the way my skin looks and feels is directly related to the health of my body as a whole and is not limited to the skin.  Dr. Murad’s inclusive health approach “looks at all systems in the body as integrated and strives to optimize health globally by maximizing cellular strength and integrity.”  This holistic approach to skin care is one I’ve not encountered and I was eager to learn more.  Here is a quick video that talks about Inclusive Health:

The visit began with a tour of the spa and then proceeded into the inclusive health consultation. During that hour, I received a wellness assessment of my skin health, my sense of self, and my cellular health.  The practitioner conducted a skin analysis and showed me what my skin would look like several years down the road if I were to continue with my same regimen.  The analysis included the number of age spots, blemishes and areas of pigmentation, redness, wrinkles (ack!), smoothness, and pores.  Let’s just say I was ready for a new skin care regimen after seeing those results!  Next, the practitioner performed a series of physical health measurements to determine my cellular health and I completed a questionnaire so that the practitioner could get a sense of my emotional health.

The practitioner then took the results and came up with my overall Murad Inclusive Health Index.  This is used to create a 10 week Inclusive Prescription for Health.  One of the things I like about “my” prescription was that the practitioner empowered me to take control of my own health and wellness.  She armed me with lots of information and products to achieve a healthier me!  So what was my personalized prescription for wellness?

Some of my main skin concerns are cellulite and stretch marks.  Since we can never get rid of cellulite completely, Dr. Murad developed internal and topical products to reduce the appearance of cellulite.  Murad offers a Firm and Tone Dietary Supplement Pack which was formulated to support skin strength.  After taking the supplements for eight weeks, skin should look firmer and the visual texture of stretch marks should be improved.  I was also given the Body Firming Cream and the Firm and Tone Serum to improve skin resiliency and tone.  It took me some time to get into the habit of taking the supplements every day because there are a total of 11 pills (6 in the morning, 5 in the evening).  However, after the first week or so, it becomes a habit and you don’t really think much about it.

To address the age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles on my face, I was given the Sun Undone package which includes a cleanser, serum, lightening gel, and moisturizer. Because I live in Southern California, my skin is exposed to the sun most days out of the year.  This line is wonderful for addressing sun damage.

Additionally, the practitioner suggested that I eat based on Dr. Murad’s Pitcher of Health.  I’m hearing more and more about the benefits of eating raw foods and raw fruits and veggies can help increase our cellular water (rather than just drinking plain water).

One of the most beneficial parts of my visit to the spa was my conversation with Dr. Murad.  Dr. Murad didn’t make a special trip for me…he actually still practices, which I found quite impressive!  Dr. Murad sat down with me and we talked about everything from my stretch marks to the time (or lack of) with my husband.  He suggested that I ask for help (which I have a hard time doing), steel moments of sleep (even just catnaps), take aromatherapy baths, and have “safe time” talks with my husband.  I was honored that he spent time talking to me…it was invaluable!

I took away so much from Dr. Murad and my Inclusive Health Consultation.  I learned about the importance of self-care and holistic wellness.  I have changed some of my habits including how I eat and how I treat my skin.  I’m still working on getting more sleep and more time with the hubby.  This is definitely a process, but one I can take ownership of.

Dr. Murad recently released The Water Secret: The Cellular Breakthrough To Look and Feel 10 Years Younger.

From Amazon.com:

The Water Secret will:

• Reveal groundbreaking secrets to help you take years off your looks, feel better and healthier
• Debunk health myths through cutting-edge research and tell the truth about how inflammation, hydration, and other factors really affect your health
• Explain how damaged cells that leak water can sabotage your looks
• Introduces an integrated, multidisciplinary “Inclusive Health” approach to help optimize cellular strength
• Give you a complete 10-step action plan with recipes and meal plans to start you on the path to clear skin, fewer wrinkles, more energy, and better overall health

I haven’t read the book, but I’m excited to learn more about improving my emotional, physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

An Inclusive Health Consultation is just the beginning of a 10 week program to take control of your health and the aging process.  The body replaces most of it’s cells on a 10-week cycle and the programs Dr. Murad developed are based on that physiology.  Choose from their anti-aging, skin restoration, acne, weight management and cellulite solution and total transformation packages.

For more information, just visit their website.

No compensation was received for this post.  A consultation and products were provided which helped facilitate this review.

This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by.  The winner is Linda K. Congrats.

Don’t you just love feeding babies? We just started our little girl on solids and I think we’ve enjoyed it more than she has.  When my son was a baby, we attempted (unsuccessfully) to make his baby food. Perhaps if I would have followed Dra. Aliza’s advice I may have been more successful.

Each week, Dra. Aliza offers education and advice to new and expectant parents.  If you have a question for Dra. Aliza, be sure to post it on their Facebook page.  You can read more about the program in my initial post.

Be sure to check out their Facebook page which includes links to important tips and information.

And since this is the sixth week of the program’s launch, I have another Looney Tunes’ themed giveaway for you!  And don’t forget you still have time to enter to win an entire crib makeover.

Win It! One of you will win a Baby Looney Tunes Gift Set (including bottles, bib, rattle). Simply visit their Facebook/Twitter page to find the key word of the week (there will be one each week, announced on each Tuesday).  Then send an email to giveaways@rockinmama.net to let me know what the word is (be sure to include the number of the week you’re entering….that’s 6 this week!).  This contest will run until next Tuesday.  US residents only.  Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn. Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow Baby Looney Tunes on Twitter and tweet about the contest (weekly entries via Twitter)

Like Baby Looney Tunes on Facebook

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

No compensation was received for this post.  I am participating in an 8 week campaign with Warner Bros. and Baby Looney Tunes.