Friday, February 24, 2012

Week Eight Update - Total Pounds Lost 19!!!!

I have finished my eighth week on Nutrisystem.  I have lost a total of 19 pounds.  I am feeling energized and so proud of myself for my accomplishment so far.  This is just the beginning.  I was hoping to drop 10 pounds a month and I'm pretty close to my personal goal.  As with any diet program 1-2 pounds per week is an average weight loss goal for healthy weight loss.  So I doing well above average.  I have stuck to this longer than anything else I have ever tried. 

I am really happy with Nutrisystem.  I love the foods and I love the flexibility.  I am able to move the food around to fit my needs each day.  I like having my lunch power fuel later in the afternoon for a snack and that's totally okay.  I just make sure that I eat everything I have to eat throughout the day.  The order doesn't really matter.  I have been logging my food each day and my exercise.  I can really tell a difference in my physical fitness from working out every day for the past two months. 

I am so happy to be a part of #NSNation and I am thankful for this opportunity.  Even when my review is over I will continue with Nutrisystem.  I love being a part of the Nutrisystem family and I can't wait to be another Nutrisystem SUCCESS story!  I know that I will be successful and that this is the right way for me to achieve my goals.

If you want to try out Nutrisystem leave a comment or email me and I'll send you a $30 off coupon for your first order.  

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689
or by visiting http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog

FTC Disclosure: Nutrisystem is providing their program to me at no charge in exchange for my participation in the program and review of the program.  The opinions expressed are my own.
 

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Clorox® Clean-Up® Recipes For Fun Site

I just discovered the Clorox Clean-Up Recipes for Fun Site.  Whether you are looking for Wacky Science, Arts and Crafts, Kiddie Cooking, or Creative Cooking ideas this site has what you are looking for.  They have several examples of activities in each category.  I just browsed through and there are a ton of great ideas for us to try.  I know that we will enjoy them all.  I love when I find a new site full of fun activities for us to do that we can also learn from and work together as a family on.

One fun recipe that I found is cream cheese play dough.  I would have never thought of it on my own but with the help of this website we have found our activity for Saturday afternoon this weekend.  Here are the instructions for Cream Cheese Play Dough:

The Masterpiece:

The only thing more fun than shaping an edible sculpture is biting into it while making monstrous munching sounds.

Ingredients For Fun:


  • 8 oz. package of cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup nonfat dry milk
  • 1 tablespoon honey crackers or bread slices

How To Make It:


  1. Allow cream cheese to warm up to room temperature.
  2. Combine cream cheese, milk and honey in a bowl and mix until well blended.
  3. Mold sculptures on wax paper.
NOTE: Molded shapes can then be placed on crackers or bread slices and decorated with edibles, such as celery or carrot slivers, raisins, dried fruit pieces, nuts, or seeds, for a healthy snack. Unused portions MUST BE STORED in an airtight container and kept refrigerated.
 
Then they also give you instructions for cleaning up.  We will also clean up together.  This is going to be a fun activity for the whole family.  I can't wait for the weekend so we can try it out.  I am excited and I know we will have a blast.  

 
When you go check out the site make sure you enter the Ultimate Mess Party Contest for your chance to win $10,000.  I entered a fun kiddie recipe that we enjoy.  It's a simple registration and entry and it would be amazing if you won! 

Also just by logging in and viewing the recipes you could be chosen to win a $100 gift card as well.  I am going to bookmark the site and view recipes regularly.  You can also enter multiple recipes for a chance to win the Ultimate Mess Party!

For more information visit: cloroxrecipesforfun.com


I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Clorox Clean-Up Recipes for Fun blogging program, for 8,000 My SocialMoms Rewards Points. For more information on this program, click here and see the Terms link.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Week Seven Update - #NSNation 16 Pounds Lost

I am so happy to tell you that I lost another pound this week.  At first I was disappointed that it was only one pound lost but I have come to the conclusion that one pound lost is better than none.  I have had a wonderful week.  I ran into TJ Maxx one day on my lunch break and I found a pair of Calvin Klein Jeans that I really liked so I tried them on.  They were a size smaller than the smallest jeans I have been wearing so I wasn't sure that they were going to fit.  Also they are a slim fit which has always been hard for me to get even in the current size I wear.  As soon as I pulled them on I was so excited.  They fit, actually they are sort of loose.  At this rate of weight loss I will not be wearing them long.

Here's a picture of the jeans from their website.  They are cute aren't they?  Granted I am in the plus sizes still but they do look good on me if I do say so myself.  I feel great and I look great too.  Nutrisystem is really the perfect plan for me.  I enjoy the convenience.  I have been steadily losing weight and feeling better with each and every day that goes by.  It's hard to believe that I have been consistently following the plan for almost two full months.  This has got to be a record for me when it comes to eating healthy and working out daily.  I am still going strong and it's actually not hard for me to resist food temptations any more.

I made it through Valentine's Day without indulging in anything that is not on my plan.  That is a wonderful thing.  I haven't been weak or starving either.  I feel energetic and alive.  I feel as though I can do anything I put my mind to.  The food is good.  I get a lot more fruits and vegetables than I was eating before I started and I am losing weight.  What more can you ask for in a healthy living lifestyle plan?  If you want to try out Nutrisystem leave a comment or email me and I'll send you a $30 off coupon for your first order.  

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling1-888-853-4689  or by visiting http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog

FTC Disclosure: Nutrisystem is providing their program to me at no charge in exchange for my participation in the program and review of the program.  The opinions expressed are my own.

Monday, February 13, 2012

Wholly Guacamole Check N Win Challenge

Wholly Guacamole has a fun new giveaway on their facebook fan page.  You can enter each week.  Here's how it works:

  • Every week, we will present a new challenge.
    It is simple enough to do in a week! Watch the Video!
  • Perform the challenge and tell us how you did in the comment box provided.
  • Our panel of judges will select the best answer or answers and award prizes every week.
  • Your answer must be submitted by Sunday, 11:59 PM CST.
Have fun, be creative and Check Your Choice.
For more information check the Official Rules.


Friday, February 10, 2012

#NSNation Week Six Update - 2 Pounds Lost for a Total of 15




I cannot believe that I have been doing Nutrisystem for six weeks now.  Today is the first day of my 7th week on Nutrisystem.  I feel like a new woman.  I have lost a total of fifteen pounds since I started on 12/29/11.  I have been active for at least 30 minutes each and every day since I began.  I feel strong and healthy for the first time in a really long time.

This morning I had the ham and cheese omelet and vanilla protein shake for breakfast.  They are both delicious.  After I eat I log the food in the online food log on their website.  I keep track of every thing that I put into my mouth. 

Doesn't this look good:?  It's easy to prepare also, just heat in the microwave for 2 to 2 1/2 minutes and enjoy! 


Ham and Cheese Omelet
Treat yourself to a breakfast classic! This tender, fluffy omelet is generously filled with a perfect blend of smoky ham and a combination of Swiss and creamy cheddar cheese. Your omelet is ready in just minutes in the microwave, or it can be prepared in a conventional oven.

I really enjoy this program and am excited about the results of next weeks weigh in.  I am proud of myself for sticking to it and doing the work to get the results.  Nutrisystem really has it all planned out and I just have to do the plan and the plan works.  You can count on them they took the guess work out for those of us who have trouble figuring out what to eat on our own.

If you would like to try Nutrisystem there is a Buddy Bucks program where you can save $30 on your first order.  Also they have a 40th Anniversary special right now with 40% off your first order.  Combined this would be a tremendous savings.  If you want the $30 off coupon just let me know what email address to send it to and I'll get one to you right away.


Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling1-888-853-4689  or by visiting http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog


FTC Disclosure: Nutrisystem is providing their program to me at no charge in exchange for my participation in the program and review of the program.  The opinions expressed are my own.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Ellen Barrett Fitness DVDs Review

Ellen Barrett has a nice website with a large selection of fitness DVDs.  I was lucky enough to receive three of those DVDs to review for my blog.  I first learned about Ellen from a 10 Minute Solutions Pilates Choose Your Level workout I was using.  I love her style of teaching.  It's calm and focused.  I really enjoy working out with her.

I found a little information about Ellen from her website:



"My goal is to inspire."
Ellen Barrett, M.A. is "...the country's top fitness instructor," says SELF magazine because she personifies 21st century fitness, where the mind, body and spirit converge for more intelligent, efficient workouts. As a best-selling DVD creator and book author,  she's a go-to-expert specifically regarding women and weight loss, Pilates, Fusion fitness, pre- and post-natal exercise and inspired wellness.
"Fitness is physical AND spiritual."
Sure exercise tones your tush but when it's done right it also makes the spirit soar! That's why Ellen began teaching group exercise while in college and never stopped, teaching all over the globe for Club Med in the Carribean, Crunch Gym in Los Angeles and NYC, Corporate America, the Kripalu Center and eventually at her very own studio in Connecticut.
"Exercise should always feel good."
 Weight Watcher's hired Ellen as their fitness walking spokeswoman. Lifetime TV selected Ellen as their resident Fit Pro. Family Circle Magazine elected Ellen to their advisory board. FIT TV cast Ellen as lead instructor on All Star Workouts. Her most recent launches have been ELLEN BARRETT LIVE DVD series, Prevention magazine's FLAT BELLY WORKOUT DVD's, and her wellness site Sneak In Some Skinny. To view Ellen's reel, click here. 
Ellen currently resides in Connecticut with her husband and son.  She travels extensively for workshops, retreats and media events - click here to view her calendar.

 
The Yogini Workout DVD is the first one that I tried.  I love it!  It's not exactly easy but it is a wonderful workout and I feel amazing when I am finished with it.  My thighs were burning the first time I did it, but each time I put it in and watch it I get stronger.
Burn fat, firm up & de-stress with ab targeting fusion fitness. The teeny bit of yoga sprinkled into this routine helps us get a long & lean yoga physique without the torture. Barefoot, no equipment necessary, 45minutes duration.


Next I tried the Grace + Gusto DVD.  This one is so much fun!  I love the way it incorporates many styles of workouts for a total body workout.  I feel energized and strong after I do this workout.  I really enjoy it.

The second release in the ELLEN BARRETT LIVE series, Grace+Gusto is a real class, with real class regulars, filmed exclusively in Ellen's studio. Like the other DVDs, it's cardio, stretch and strength all rolled into one for total body conditioning and total person wellness. 

The last DVD I tried was the Power Fusion.   I love how she works out with her class regulars.  It is a great workout.  


 Ellen presents you with "fitness reality" where she works out with class regulars, in her actual studio in one uncut take. It's barefoot cardio, strength and stretch all rolled into one with 30minutes of standing flow followed by 15 minutes of mat work.


I love working out with Ellen Barrett.  Please check her out on twitter and on her website.

Monday, February 6, 2012

Walgreens Special Discount Prescription Savings Club

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walgreens for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Did you know that Walgreens has a Prescription Savings Club?  I am so happy that I have found it.  I have discovered this amazing way to save money at Walgreens.

 

About the Prescription Savings Club

If you lack or have insufficient drug coverage, then join our 2 million members for discount pricing on your medications.*

Prescription Savings Club membership is risk free. If you don't save more than the cost of your membership during the course of the year of your membership, then we'll refund the difference.

For $35 a year, a family membership covers everyone in your immediate family, including a spouse, dependents 22 and younger and pets. Individuals may join for $20.

Join and receive discount prices on your prescriptions. Other benefits include:

  • Savings on more than 8,000 brand-name and all generic medications
  • Discounts on flu shots, pet prescriptions, nebulizers and diabetic supplies
  • Bonuses when you purchase Walgreens and Nice! brand products and photofinishing services**

Right now you can get a discount on your membership.

Walgreens Prescription Savings Club

1.) Walgreens is offering a special discount on annual membership for its Prescription Savings Club:
http://www.walgreens.com/pharm…
For $35 a year, a family membership covers everyone in your immediate family, including a spouse, dependents 22 and younger and pets. Join and receive discount prices on your prescriptions. $20 for individuals.

Other benefits include:
-Savings on more than 8,000 brand-name and all generic medications
-Discounts on flu shots, pet prescriptions, nebulizers and diabetic supplies
-Bonuses when you purchase Walgreens brand products and photofinishing services

2.) Support Walgreens and stay updated by liking them on Facebook and following them on Twitter @Walgreens. Encourage your readers to do the same.

Walgreens on Twitter

Walgreens on Facebook

Visit Sponsor's Site

Friday, February 3, 2012

Tips For Cooking At Home

     I have recently started eating healthier and exercising.  I want to set an example for my children that I can be proud of.  Cooking at home is part of my family's normal everyday routine.  Home cooking gives me and my family complete control over what goes into our recipes and the way we cook it.  Eating healthy at home is so much easier and cheaper than eating out. 

Here are some facts about cooking at home for you to consider.

  • Buying food and cooking it at home saves you money.
  • You can plan your menus to include all the food groups and the correct servings of each of the food groups.
  • You can season your meals as you like it and control the amount of processed foods your family eats.
  • You can accommodate each member of your family's eating preferences when you cook for them at home.
  • You can keep your children away from foods that contain chemicals and additives that are found in some foods from restaurants.
  • When you cook at home it's so much easier to control portion sizes.  
  • Eating out is considered to be a major cause of obesity in America, according to a recent report by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
  • Preparing meals at home gives your family quality time together, it's fun and a learning experience for all involved.
Here's a recipe you may want to try.

Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry with
Whole Grain Brown Rice

Yield: 4
Total cook time: 30min
Ingredients:
  • 1 cup UNCLE BEN'S® Fast & Natural Whole Grain Brown Rice, dry
  • 1 3/4 cup water
  • Non-stick cooking spray
  • 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced (approximately 2 tablespoons minced garlic)
  • 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
  • 4 whole green onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cups broccoli florets (approximately 1 head), blanched or partially steamed

Instructions Kid Friendly Step

  1. Gather all equipment and ingredients.
  2. Prepare and measure all ingredients. Tip: cut all vegetables before cutting meat to maintain proper sanitation, or wash cutting board in between tasks.
  3. Prepare rice according to package directions.
  4. While rice is cooking, heat a large (10") sauté pan with just enough non-stick cooking spray to coat. Add beef, and sauté until browned.
  5. Carefully add garlic, green onion, blanched broccoli, and soy sauce to sauté pan.
  6. Mix well and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  7. Once rice is cooked, serve beef & broccoli over rice.

Tips

  • For crispy beef, coat beef strips in about 1 tablespoon of corn starch before sautéing. Prepare remainder of recipe as listed.
  • For saucier recipe, consider finishing dish with a commercially prepared teriyaki glaze or stir fry sauce.
  • For a spicier recipe, sprinkle 1/2 - 1 teaspoon red chili flakes as garnish.
  • For a sweeter recipe, add 1 tablespoon orange juice with soy sauce, and garnish with 1 tablespoon orange zest.

To empower and encourage parents to connect with their kids, one meal at a time, Uncle Ben’s has launched an exciting national contest called Ben’s Beginners! By entering the contest, you could win $20,000, along with a $50,000 grant towards a cafeteria makeover for your child’s school. In addition, you will have a chance to appear on The Rachael Ray show! Uncle Ben’s is calling for parents with children ages 5-12 to submit a 2-3 minute video of you cooking a rice-based dish with your children. For more info on the contest, please check out Ben’s Beginners on Facebook!


About Uncle Ben’s
Uncle Ben’s®, the number one rice brand in America, is proud to offer a wide range of rice dishes with flavors and textures that will help bring more to your meals, both for convenient side dishes and savory main courses. Uncle Ben’s® offers a wide variety of white, whole grain brown, and flavored rices in cook times ranging from 30 minutes to 90 seconds, as well as rice for food service operations such as restaurants, schools and hospitals. The first mass-produced parboiled rice, Uncle Ben’s® is the top-selling branded rice in the United States and products can be found in more than 100 countries worldwide. Uncle Ben’s® Brand products are manufactured by Mars Food NA, part of Mars, Incorporated. For more information, visit www.UncleBens.com.

More info on Uncle Ben’s: http://www.unclebens.com/

Uncle Ben’s on Facebook

Check out recipe ideas from Uncle Ben’s.
I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Uncle Ben’s blogging program, for 6,000 My SocialMoms Rewards Points. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

#NSNation Week Five Update - Lost Another Three Pounds - Total 13 Pounds GONE!

I am so happy to report that I have lost another three pounds in week five.  This is a total weight loss for me of thirteen pounds since I started this journey.  I stepped on the scale early in the week and was already down three pounds so I though maybe I would lose more like five pounds for the week, but no such luck.  Nutrisystem says 1-2 pounds per week is average so I am above average and I am moving in the right direction. 

I have been doing amazing with sticking to the plan and working out.  I can't believe how fast the time is going.  It seems like just yesterday I got the huge packages from Nutrisystem and began eating healthier and working out.  I am still trying to find my inner athlete.  I am trying a variety of workout dvds on weekdays early in the morning and then on the weekends I am walking. 

This morning I did a Yoga DVD and it was such a challenge.  My legs are sore right now as I type but I feel energized and awake.  My body is starting to wake up and get moving.  It's been years since I was active and I can't expect to just be in shape overnight.  These things take time.  I am feeling stronger each and every day that goes by.

I am so happy that I have started this journey with Nutrisystem.  I plan to continue until I am no longer considered overweight.  I have quite a ways to go, but I am making the right choice for me and choosing health.

Right now Nutrisystem is celebrating their 40th Anniversary.  They have a promotion going on that gives you 40% off your first delivery.  This is an amazing price to get started.  Also you can get a $30 Buddy Bucks coupon from me and use that as well.  This would really help get that first month's order delivered at a great price.  If you are interested in the Buddy Bucks just let me know and I'll send you the $30 off.

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog

FTC Disclosure: Nutrisystem is providing their program to me at no charge in exchange for my participation in the program and review of the program.


Valentine's Day Six-Bag Sampler Dale and Thomas Popcorn Review and Giveaway Ends 2/9/12 at 7 PM EST

Have you decided what to get your loved ones for Valentine's Day yet?  Dale and Thomas Popcorn has an amazing Six-Bag Popcorn Sampler for Valentine's Day.  I was lucky enough to get one to review and they have offered one for me to giveaway to a reader of my blog as well. 
There are three options for this six-bag sampler and the one I received is the Chocolate Delight.  I am on Nutrisystem so I didn't get to try these, but my family did and they devoured each of the six bags.  Everyone enjoyed all the different flavors.  I have had Dale and Thomas Popcorn in the past and it is simply amazing.  I know when I order Dale and Thomas Popcorn that my loved ones will get great tasting quality popcorn.  I really love this company.

The chocolate delight includes the following flavors, don't they look amazing?  It was hard for me to resist, but I am proud to say that I did.

Giveaway: (you must publicly follow my blog to enter, leave your email address in your comment if it's not visible on your blogger profile, contiguous US only, no PO Boxes, leave a separate comment for each entry you complete, giveaway ends 2/9/12 at 7 PM EST)

Mandatory Entry:  Go to the Dale and Thomas Popcorn website and select another item that you would like to try, leave a comment with the name of that product.

Extra Entries:
Like Dale and Thomas on facebook, leave a comment with your username and let me know that you are their fan.


Like Let's Eat 2 Day on facebook, leave a comment with your username letting me know you are my fan on facebook.

Follow me on twitter https://twitter.com/#!/fdp4life leave a comment with your twitter name letting me know you follow me.

Sign up for their newsletter http://dandt.p0.com/signup.jsp leave a comment with your email address letting me know you are a subscriber.

You can enter up to five times.  Giveaway ends 2/9/12 at 7 PM EST. I will use random.org to select the winner.  Winner will be notified via email and have 72 hours to respond to the notification with mailing address.  If I do not get a response in time I will have to use random.org to select another winner.  Thanks for reading, following and participating.

Disclosure:  I received a sample in exchange for my review, the opinions expressed are my own.

Winner selected and emailed:

Marianna said... 73
follow you on twitter 0- @mannabsn mannasweeps (At) gmail DOT com