Food Fun Family

Discover How Genetics Affects Your Heart Health with Helix

Lolli — Fri, 10 Nov 2017 20:21:51 +0000

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Helix for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

Just last month, a family member unexpectedly had a heart attack. Thankfully, she’s doing great now, but the heart attack took all of us by surprise and certainly caused me to reflect on my own health and risk factors. I was recently introduced to a new sort of DNA testing. In this day and age, I’m sure most of us are familiar with DNA tests that tell us where our ancestors came from. Helix takes simple DNA tests one step further. Now, more than ever, people want to be actively involved and proactive about their health and wellness. I’m extremely grateful for the doctors that have helped me and my family members over the years. But there is also a lot we can do on our own to learn more about ourselves and make changes to live a better life. Helix believes that “by unlocking more genetic data (around 22,000 genes), every person will be able to make more informed choices and decisions about their health, lifestyle, fitness, nutrition, and more.” How cool would it be to use your DNA to uncover the best fitness and diet routine for your own body? What if your DNA could tell you which foods to avoid and which foods will help you feel the best? What if you could discover new wines tailored to your palette…based on your DNA? What if you could use your DNA to better understand your cholesterol or how your body will react to caffeine? Amazingly, you CAN find all of these answers with Helix. With Helix, you only need to get your DNA sequenced once and then over the course of your life, you can choose from a variety of unique products that use that DNA information:

Fitness Diet Pro by DNAFit
Food Sensitivity+ by EverlyWell
Wine Explorer by Vinome
Heart Optimizer by Arivale
And so many more amazing products!)

Helix uses your DNA (from a simple saliva sample sent in to their labs) as a starting point to find out SO much about your personal health and wellness profile. The results from your one sample are stored and can be used for multiple products, so if you decide you’d like to find out more in the future, you don’t have to go through the collection process again. And, yes, that includes finding out about your ancestry, too! The Heart Optimizer product is able to tell you about your predisposition for high LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, high triglycerides, and caffeine and salt’s possible effect on your blood pressure. After you get your results back, you have the opportunity to speak one-on-one with an Arivale Registered Dietitian who will go over results, listen to your goals, and make specific recommendations tailored to your optimal heart health. Another great part is that I can log in and chat with Arivale coaches and ask them questions while my DNA is being sequenced, so I can get started right away.

Getting started

I ordered the Heart Optimizer kit from the website, and received my collection kit in the mail shortly after. The first step after receiving any of the kits is to register it online (so that when they receive your kit back in the lab, they know who it belongs to!). Registration was quick and easy. I think the hardest part of the whole process (for me) was remembering to not eat or drink for 30 minutes prior to providing my saliva. Luckily, the amount of saliva needed for the test is not too much. It was easier than I thought to fill the tube up to the line! Once my saliva was collected, I added it to a plastic sealed bag and then placed it in the postage-provided box that was in the kit. I was excited to get an email a couple of days later that my collection had been received and was being processed! I’m eager to see what my Heart Optimizer test results tell me. I’ll be posting again once I get my results back! Want to try a kit from Helix out for yourself? I’ve got a discount code for 30% off any purchase for the first 25 unique users! Just enter Code Helixt4HF!

Connect with Helix:

Website: https://www.helix.com Hashtag #crackyourcode Twitter: @my_helix Facebook: @myhelix Instagram: @helixdnastore

Fitness Tips for Seasoned Moms {Plus a Mother’s Day Fitness Special}

Lolli — Tue, 02 May 2017 14:37:25 +0000

This post is sponsored by Planet Fitness but all opinions are my own.

Disclaimer: The content provided by Planet Fitness is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should consult your physician or other health care professional before following any fitness advice to determine if it is right for your needs.

It’s spring, which means that most of us have long forgotten New Year’s Resolutions to eat better and get in shape…but as the summer approaches and we start thinking about days spent at the pool or the beach with the kids (in swimming suits. Gasp!) some of us may be thinking about hitting the gym again.

I know one of the things that often holds me and other seasoned moms back from getting a gym membership is the fear of discomfort or embarrassment. (Note: by “Seasoned moms,” I mean middle aged women with a few kids and a decent leftover baby pooch).

I admit I’ve been one to think twice about heading to the gym because I very obviously NEED it (as compared to the women who are totally in shape and don’t look like they need it quite as much as I do). That’s why Planet Fitness is such a good fit for me. Each Planet Fitness gym is a Judgment Free Zone® – that means the gym is non-intimidating, hassle-free, and welcoming. Planet Fitness caters to “everyday people” – like the first timers or the every-once-in-a-while gym goers, rather than just the fitness fanatics and body builders.

Well, luckily for me (and moms like me), Planet Fitness is having a new membership sale starting today! Between May 1 and 12, new members can join any Planet Fitness location for just $5 down and then $10 a month with no commitment. That includes access to the Planet Fitness club near you, but also unlimited access to small-group fitness training.

Planet Fitness also provides members access to an online community called “Planet of Triumphs,” where members can celebrate accomplishments and share inspirational stories, encourage and support each other.

There are more than 1,300 locations all over the country, many of them staffed and open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so there’s probably a club near you. To find the nearest Planet Fitness location, check out: https://planetfitness.com/local-clubs.

Fitness Tips for Seasoned Moms

Brian Zehetner, Director of Health & Fitness at Planet Fitness shared a few fitness tips for seasoned or more mature moms such as myself, and I’ve included a few of my own.
· Using the stationary bike and elliptical put less stress on the joints, making them a better option for cardio workouts.
· It’s important to remember to do weight-bearing exercises to combat osteopenia, osteoporosis (bone loss), and sarcopenia (muscle loss) as we age.
· The older we get, the longer it takes to recover between exercise sessions, so pace yourself and don’t take on too much at once.
· Focus on functional exercises which increase mobility, stability, and balance (which then reduce the risk of falls and injuries later on).
· Don’t forget to stay hydrated. Not only do I bring a water bottle to the gym, but I start off my workouts with plenty of water in my system.
· Exercising consistently is often more important than what you’re doing at the gym…but that doesn’t mean that you should skip the gym again simply because you’ve missed your last few workouts. Focus on the forward progress, not the past challenges.
· Accountability partners help so much in keeping your commitments to going to the gym. If you can, grab a friend to head to the gym with you. Even if you go alone, have a “virtual” partner that you tell about your successes.

What exercise tips would you add?

Connect with Planet Fitness:

• Website: https://www.planetfitness.com
• Facebook: @planetfitness
• Twitter: @PlanetFitness
• Instagram: @planetfitness

Three Things I Learned About Weight Loss from Jenny Craig

Lolli — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 01:54:35 +0000

Thank you Jenny Craig for sponsoring this post. — Get serious about losing weight with Jenny Craig!

Earlier this month, I wrote about my commitment to making a change for this new year. As I launch a new business this month – a business that requires me to get in front of the camera much more than I have ever done before – I am not only more conscious of the way I look.

But more importantly, I feel better about myself than I have in a long time, and that confidence is motivating me to take better care of myself, not only for how I look in pictures, but also for the way that I physically feel.

I was shocked that I dropped four pounds in two weeks on Jenny Craig – I felt great about it!

Jenny Craig members can expect to lose an average of 1-2 pounds per week, which is a healthy range of weight loss.

**Results not typical. Members following the Jenny Craig program, on average, lose 1-2 lbs. per week. I received promotional consideration.

Note: ALL of the foods pictured in this post are Jenny Craig meals, with “on-plan” veggies and fruits added by me. These are tasty meals!

I learned so much during my two weeks on Jenny Craig, but here are three things that stood out to me the most…

3 things I learned about weight loss from Jenny Craig

Be conscious of WHY you eat. So many of our eating habits are just that – HABITS. My Jenny Craig consultant helped me to identify some of the habits I had – almost all of which revolved around emotional eating. She taught me to give myself a chance to be satisfied. Eat the good things – like a big salad or a serving of veggies at dinner along with the meal – and recognize when I’ve had enough to feel full. I was in the bad habit of eating a bigger serving than I needed to, mostly because I craved that emotional response to food versus the actual physical need for food.

Maybe you eat because you’re uninformed – you’ve never been taught any better. Or you eat socially (I am certainly a victim of social OVEReating sometimes!). Other people may eat unconsciously, like the person who snacks at her desk all day.

When you’re able to recognize WHY you’re eating (or over-eating, or eating the wrong sorts of things) then it’s so much easier to change other habits that allow you to better control those bad eating habits.

Portions matter! I learned that I was not eating enough at breakfast, which caused me to get hungrier sooner, and I was eating more than I needed to at dinner. With Jenny Craig, I got pre-portioned, prepared meals and snacks that spread my eating out perfectly throughout the day. I loved that I was “allowed (ie, encouraged!) to eat snacks in between meals (from Jenny Craig) as well as allowed “unlimited free foods” from a list on the back of each weekly menu.

Those free foods include non-starchy vegetables, sugar free sweets like gum or sugar substitutes, a bunch of condiments, and several drink choices, too. I never felt like I was starving because I always had plenty to eat…I was just eating different things (ie, more veggies and less pasta and meat!).

When I’m off Jenny Craig, I can still stay on target with my dieting goals by applying the principles I learned to eat smaller portions of meats, grains, starchy vegetables, etc, and increasing my intake of the good vegetables.

I need support and hand-holding. I do better with a diet that is spelled out for me. I’ve tried counting calories and recording everything I eat on an app. I’ve tried low carb/high protein. And I’ve found that I don’t do well when I’m left on my own too much. Because I’m an emotional eater, I tend to get easily discouraged and make excuses for “cheating” on my diet. I found it very difficult to lose weight that way!

With Jenny Craig, not only did I have a menu that was already chosen for me, but I had a coach that was there to cheer me on, motivate me, and provide a TON of insight into how I could personally succeed. I loved having my meals laid out for me because it took the guess work away completely. That is exactly what I need!

With Jenny Craig, members develop a healthy relationship with food, build an active lifestyle and create a more balanced approach to living. They understand and overcome the internal/external challenges to healthy eating, identify enjoyable ways to move more, learn positive coping strategies and reframe their beliefs and attitudes to better support their weight management goals.

Have you tried Jenny Craig to lose weight? If so, what did you like most about it? If not, what appeals to you about the program?

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Light and Healthy Recipes for the New Year – Delicious Dishes

Lolli — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 12:00:04 +0000

Hi guys! It’s a full week into the New Year and I’m so excited for all that 2017 has in store. You may have seen my hints on social media that I’ll be launching my brand new LuLaRoe business (I would LOVE to have you join my VIP group. While I don’t have inventory yet, I’m going to be holding a few giveaways while I wait for my official call. Join me here!).

As the rest of the Delicious Dishes hosts and I were chatting about this week’s host favorites, we thought it would be perfect timing to feature some amazing light and healthy dishes for all of us trying to eat a little better in the New Year.

Since I’ve been stepping up my game when it comes to making better food choices, I’ve been adding salads like this one to lunch and dinner. It’s filling and delicious and so good for you!

Welcome to Delicious Dishes Recipe Party! In case you’re new to the party, here’s what you need to know:

Delicious Dishes is a weekly link party where bloggers can share their most delicious recipes while checking out the amazing recipes that other bloggers are sharing.

Each link you share here will be seen on each of the hostess’ blogs listed below >>

Food Fun Family – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

She Saved – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Walking on Sunshine Recipes – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

5 Minutes for Mom – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

This Mama Loves – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Clever Housewife – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Bunny’s Warm Oven –Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Cooking in Stilettos – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Each week we will be featuring our favorite recipes from the week before and pinning them to our Delicious Dishes Pinterest board.

We hope you’ll have fun with our party…we know we will!

The Recipes with the Most Clicks Last Week Were…

#1: Onion Patties from Totally the Bomb

#2: Homemade Shortbread Crust and TOP TEN RECIPES from Cooking with K

#3: Crouton Crusted Parmesan Chicken Recipe from A Mom’s Take

Delicious Dishes Party Favorites from Last Week:

These are the recipes that the hosts loved the most…

I loved Mexi-Chicken and Lentil Rice Bowl from Eat Move Make

Lois loved Strawberry Bruschetta Side Salad Recipe from April GoLightly

Brett loved Apple Caprese Salad from Hey Fitzy

Susan loved Classic Asian Salad from April GoLightly

Aly loved Healthy Loaded Sweet Potatoes from Chef Next Door

Keri Lyn loved Green Wake Me Up Smoothie from Hip Mama’s Place

Emily loved Weight Watchers Tortellini Soup from This Mama Loves

Mary loved Curry Chicken and Apple Salad from Just 2 Sisters

Follow us along on our NEW Pinterest board. We pin all your amazing recipes!

Now let’s get this party started!

An InLinkz Link-up

My 23andMe DNA Test #My23andMeStory

Lolli — Wed, 21 Dec 2016 17:42:07 +0000

This post about my experience using 23andMe health + ancestry test to find out more about my ancestry is sponsored by 23andMe. All thoughts and experiences are my own.

My mom and adopted dad (ie, he’s the dad who raised me, but we’re not related by blood) recently took DNA tests and sent the results around to me and my siblings. We were all interested to see what a genetic test said about our ancestry, particularly since our family has done years and years of family history research. How did our physical research compare with the scientific results of a DNA test?

The second question everyone in the family had was what differences I would see in my results since I have a different biological dad than my four other siblings.

According to the genealogical research my family has done, we can follow both my maternal and paternal lines for many generations back to England and Ireland. I love looking as far back as I can on my family tree and finding Counts and Dukes and Ladies and even a Master of the Mint (it just sounds cool!) sprinkled through my family tree. I’ve found an ancestor who was one of the original Jamestown Colonists.

Every story fascinates me and I want to learn more.

My mom and dad have been urging me to take a DNA test to see how my results compared to theirs, so when I received a 23andMe collection kit in a Babblebox kit last month, I was eager to spit in the tube and send the kit back in to be tested.

As luck would have it, I got sick right after I got my collection kit, so I delayed sending in my saliva until it was looking a little more normal, if you know what I mean. Collecting the required amount of saliva for the test was not difficult but it did take a little while. I just kept the collection tube on the counter next to me as I cooked dinner and spit as often as I could. Honestly, it sounds worse than it is!

The kit came with detailed and easy-to-follow instructions for collecting a sample to send in. Perhaps the most important part of the sample collecting process was registering the kit BEFORE sending it off in the mail. You just create your 23andMe account on their website and tell them the numbers on your box.

While I waited for my test results to be processed, I answered a bunch of health related questions to give the system a better understanding of who I am and where I’m coming from. The extra questions are voluntary and not necessary for 23andMe to process your results, but they help paint a bigger picture, not only for you, but for others who have taken and will take the DNA test.

I was excited when I got the email that my results were in! I clicked over to my account and found this, among many other things:

Here’s what I learned from the website about how they determine the numbers above:

To determine your Ancestry Composition, we use an algorithm that looks at short, non-overlapping segments of your DNA. We compare each segment of your DNA to reference DNA sequences. We have defined 31 ancestry populations from around the world using reference datasets that include over 10,000 individuals with known ancestry. When a segment of your DNA matches the reference DNA from a specific population with a high degree of certainty, the segment is assigned to that population. Sometimes the segment matches reference DNA from several populations, in which case it is assigned to a broad ancestry (e.g. Northwestern European). The results of all of these assignments are then tallied across your genome to determine your Ancestry Composition.

I was secretly hoping that I’d find some cool, mysterious result, but instead the DNA test showed me exactly what I’ve discovered through family history research. I love it!

Also included in my results were dozens of wellness and carrier reports. For instance, my DNA can actually tell me that a diet high in saturated fats is likely to make me gain weight (more than the average person).

The report also told me genetic traits that I was likely or unlikely to possess. It’s not a far stretch to predict that I will have fair skin and freckles, based on my ancestry!

I loved seeing the picture my DNA painted of me, and would highly recommend doing it for yourself! Get your kit HERE! In fact, the 23AndMe DNA Collection Kit *may* just be the perfect last-minute gift for the holidays (or birthdays, or just any day).

More About the 23andMe DNA Test

How it works: Provide your saliva sample from home. Mail it back to the 23andMe lab in the same kit it came in; the postage is prepaid.

Receive 65+ personalized genetic reports in four key areas:

1. Ancestry reports: Your DNA can tell you about your family history. 3 Reports: Ancestry Composition, Maternal & Paternal Lineage, Neanderthal.

2. Wellness reports. Your genetics can help you make more informed choices about your diet and exercise. 5+ Reports: Caffeine Consumption, Lactose Intolerance, Muscle Composition, Alcohol Flush Reaction, Deep Sleep and Sleep Movement.

3. Traits Reports. Explore what makes you unique, from food preferences to physical features. 19+ Reports. Example reports: Hair Loss, Sweet vs. Salty Preference, Unibrow.

4. Carrier Status: If you are planning to start a family, find out if you are a carrier for an inherited condition. 35+ Reports. See 23andme.com/beforeyou-buy important information about these reports.

Connect with 23andMe:

Website: https://www.23andme.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/23andMe/
Twitter: @23andMe

Sleep Well in the New Year with the Brentwood Sleep Wellness Bundle

Lolli — Tue, 20 Dec 2016 22:10:34 +0000

This giveaway is brought to you by Brentwood Home and does contain affiliate links. We were sent the same bundle that I’m giving away below, but all opinions are my own.

My husband has had trouble sleeping for years. He simply can’t find a position that keeps him feeling consistently comfortable throughout the night.

So it was pretty incredible news when he declared, after the first night sleeping with our new pillows from Brentwood Home, that he had slept more soundly and more comfortably than he could remember doing for years.

Sleep matters. A good night sleep sets you up for being productive during the day, for getting more done. When I start my day with a sufficient amount of restful sleep, then I get more done, I have a better attitude, and I am a happier person.

In contrast, a restless, short, or interrupted sleep usually sets me up for a grumpy, distracted, unproductive day.

Nobody has time for that!

As we approach another January (I’m still in denial that 2016 is over!!), I’m thinking about my goals for the coming year, as I usually do at the end of December. One of my goals, year after year, is to get better sleep. There are so many things I can do to improve my sleep – from setting a bedtime for myself and sticking with it to getting better pillows to support my neck and back.

Luckily, Brentwood Home sent us each two new pillows that are helping us with a big part of our “better sleep” goal. We each received a Helena Latex Filled Pillow and a Carmel Latex Pillow. The Carmel pillow is the perfect amount of soft firmness for my head and neck, and the Helena is ideal to support my back while laying on my side. I love that the Carmel is a firm, formed pillow and the Helena is a soft, plyable pillow. They work so well together!

Helena Latex Filled Pillows – Filled with a combination of 100% natural latex ribbons and silky-smooth kapok fibers, this pillow is both fluffy and supportive. This is my ideal cuddle up, huggable, lean-against kind of pillow!

Carmel Latex Pillows – Made with 100% natural latex, the Carmel pillow is ideal for those in need of a firm, supportive foundation through the night. This is my ideal under-the-head supportive pillow that makes my neck feel amazing!

Check out all of the bedding – from pillows, sheets, quilts and more – that Brentwood Home has to offer! Brentwood Home is committed to create the most comfortable and most natural sleep products as possible to give you your best night’s sleep.

Click HERE for a coupon for 10% off the entire store!

Enter to Win a SLEEP WELLNESS BUNDLE ($276.00 Value!)

One winner will receive FOUR new pillows: 2 (two) Helena Latex Filled Pillows and 2 (two) Carmel Latex Pillows.

Enter to win these four amazing pillows, worth a total of $276, on the giveaway widget below. This giveaway is courtesy of Brentwood Homes and will run through January 4, 2017 at 11:59 pm ET. After the giveaway is closed, a winner will be selected at random and notified via email. Residents of the US only, please.

Good luck….and good night, sleep tight!

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6 Tips for Sticking with Your Healthy Eating Goals During the Holidays

Lolli — Tue, 29 Nov 2016 21:45:34 +0000

Eating healthy can be hard around the holidays, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. I am the first one to admit that eating healthy can be that last thing I want to do (especially when there are holiday cookies and other treats sitting around the house!). However, I think it’s possible to have the best of both worlds during the holidays. Here are a few tips to stick to your healthy eating goals during the holidays.

Note: Amazon affiliate links are used within this post.

Create a Healthy Menu

When it comes down to it, I do so much better when I make a menu plan for the holidays. I like to keep a little journal for meal planning; it makes my life easier. I am also more likely to stick to the menu plan when I write it out.

Accountability is Key

Eating healthy is sometimes the last thing I want to do, which is why I have an accountability partner. We text each other what we have eaten that day and share with each other different healthy eating goals. Having someone to share success and failures with is super important, especially when trying to eat healthy over the holidays.

Don’t Get Down on Yourself

A lot of people carry guilt around with them when they don’t eat healthy around the holidays. All I can say about this is move on and eat a healthy meal next time around. Just because you eat one unhealthy meal doesn’t mean you should keep eating unhealthy!

Keep it Simple

I can tell you one way to stick with your healthy eating goals during the holidays is to keep it simple. You do not need to make elaborate meals to eat healthy. A simple salad or a protein and vegetable with do. Surprise yourself this holiday season and keep eating healthy simple!

Watch How Much You Eat

You can still overeat when you are eating healthy. This holiday season, try not to overeat…even if it is good-for-you food. Make yourself a small plate instead of overflowing it with food. You can also eat more fruits and veggies to fill yourself up.

Try to Stick to Whole Foods

I can tell you that eating things that are low fat and low calorie won’t sustain you this holiday season, and you’ll end up feeling hungry again faster (and be more likely to grab a quick snack). Stick to items that are considered whole foods. They are much better for your body and will help you stay fuller longer.

What tips do you have for someone who needs to stick to their healthy eating goals this holiday season?

Women’s Wellness Products You Are Going To Love #BabbleBoxxHealth

Lolli — Mon, 07 Nov 2016 20:45:04 +0000

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of Single Edition Media. All thoughts are my own.

As much as I love the fall, this fall has hit me kind of hard. As of tomorrow, I will have had a virus-turned-to-lingering cough for 3 weeks. That’s 3 weeks of interrupted sleep. At least I’m not feeling sick and achy any more….but this cough continues to cramp my style!

I was excited to receive the latest BabbleBoxx (did you see my first BabbleBoxx? It was incredible!) – this time with a women’s wellness theme (I know…kind of ironic, after the month that I’ve had, wouldn’t you say?). I’d say that these health-related products were exactly what I needed this month, and I’m so excited to share them with you!

23andMe Saliva Collection Kit

The first item in the #BabbleBoxxHealth delivery was something that I’ve been dying to do for quite a while. In fact, my mom was trying to convince me to get a kit a few months ago, after she and my (adopted) dad got their DNA test results back. I am eager to compare my DNA results with my mom’s to see how my dad’s side of the family will come to play. I’m especially excited about the 23AndMe test because it tells you so much more about who (and how) you are than just a simple window into your ancestry (although I do find that fascinating in and of itself).

I’ll be sharing more about 23AndMe once I get my test results back, so be sure to check back.

How it works: Provide your saliva sample from home. Mail it back to the 23AndMe lab in the same kit it came in; the postage is prepaid.

Receive 65+ personalized genetic reports in four key areas:

1. Ancestry reports: Your DNA can tell you about your family history. 3 Reports: Ancestry Composition, Maternal & Paternal Lineage, Neanderthal.

3. Traits Reports. Explore what makes you unique, from food preferences to physical features. 19+ Reports. Example reports: Hair Loss, Sweet vs. Salty Preference, Unibrow.

Connect with 23AndMe:

Website: https://www.23andme.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/23andMe/
Twitter: @23andMe

Simply Sensitive Summer’s Eve® Cleansing Cloths

Women will understand me on this one…Sometimes you just don’t feel fresh, whether it’s that time of the month, after working out, or simply during the course of a day. It’s not always possible to take a shower everytime you feel less-than-fresh, so Summer’s Eve®, has developed Cleansing Cloths, which provide an easy and discreet way to feel fresh. The individually-packaged cloths are lightly fragranced (including scents like Island Splash®, Sheer Floral®, Aloe Love, or Simple Sensitive, with no fragrance) and quickly and discreetly wipe away odor-causing bacteria. I tried Simply Sensitive and loved the fresh feeling!

Here’s what makes them so perfect to have on hand:

• Gentle formulas won’t irritate sensitive skin
• pH-balanced and dermatoligust & gynecologist tested
• Hypoallergenic and alcohol-free
• Perfect to toss in your purse, gym bag or pocket – whenever you’re on the go

To use, just open up a foil packet, unfold a cleansing cloth, and gently wipe from front to back. Use and then throw away; do not flush.

Connect with Summer’s Eve®

Website: https://www.summerseve.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/summerseve

Ultimate Flora Extra Care Probiotic Go Pack 50 Billion

After a month like I’ve had, being sick for most of October, I have been extra-diligent about taking my vitamins and supplements. Just as calcium is an important supplement for strong bones, probiotics are important for digestive health.

Here’s what makes Ultimate Flora so amazing:

Multi-Strain Formulas
Having a good balance among all of the diverse microbes in your gut is key to wellbeing. Ultimate Flora Probiotics are made with multiple, scientifically studied strains of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, the most prevalent good bacteria found in a naturally diverse and healthy gut.*

Targeted Release Delivery
Our once daily, delayed-release vegetable capsules help ensure more friendly probiotics reach your intestinal tract.*

Probiotic Support for Everyone
Ultimate Flora has a probiotic supplement for everyone in your family, from infants to seniors, to support digestive balance and immune health everyday.*

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Connect with Ultimate Flora

Website: https://www.ultimateflora.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RenewLifeFormulas/

Lancer’s Intensive Night Treatment

I celebrated a birthday a few weeks ago (luckily, the birthday was BEFORE I got sick!) and let’s just say…I’m not getting any younger! The fact that I’ve now got a married daughter and another one applying to college makes me feel so old some times. I’m determined, though, to not LOOK old, and Lancer’s Intensive Night Treatment helps me do just that.

I love the way that Lander’s Intensive Night Treatment makes my skin feel – it really does feel like luxury skin care! All you have to do to experience celebrity skin care is apply a small amount of cream to face and neck, including the eye area, in the evening, after cleansing the skin.

Features & Benefits:
· Hylaplex – combines a novel, crosslinked form of hyaluronic acid with peptides and phytocompounds; helping to plump skin’s appearance and providing long-lasting moisturization
· Marula Oil – nourishes skin with high levels of essential fatty acids
· Bio-engineered Soybean Extract – reduces skin flakiness by bolstering moisture

Discount Offer – Get 10% off your 1st order (for New Customers only) using code: bestskin at https://www.lancerskincare.com

Connect with Lancer Skin Care:

Website: a href=”https://www.lancerskincare.com” target=”_blank”>https://www.lancerskincare.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lancerskincare/
Twitter: @drlancerrx

illumai Biome Care System for Hair

I don’t know about you, but I have become increasingly aware of the harmful ingredients in so many of the personal care products that I’ve used for years and years. I love finding products that work well and DON’T contain harful ingredients, just like illumai Biome Care System for Hair.

I’ve been using the illumai 3-product ssytem (shampoo, conditioner, and finishing leave-in spray) for a couple of weeks now, and I love how it leaves my hair feeling clean, fresh, and not weighed down.

Here’s what makes illumai so amazing (for your hair and for the environment):

– illumai is a 3-product SYSTEM that helps you #DetoxYourLocks from everyday environmental toxins
– Innovative system gently cleanses, nurtures and protects your biome, the living ecosystem of scalp, follicles, hair, peptides, proteins, moisturizing oils and related microbiota
– Helps restore and retain a natural, healthy microbiome (key to maintaining balance in the face of changing environmental stresses)
– Simply 7 key ingredients. No sulfates, no silicones, no parabens, no preservatives, no plasticizers, gluten-free, nut-free, 100% vegan and cruelty-free (PETA certified)
– 100% color safe — hair color stays vibrant for longer
– #DetoxYourLocks regularly and your hair will be remarkably shiny, soft, voluminous, manageable, moisturized and healthy, and your scalp will free of dryness, flakiness, irritation or excessive oils
– If using as a #DetoxYourLocks hair cleanse treatment, other products work better afterwards
– No residue; hair stays cleaner longer
– Protects moisture balance of hair; hair dries faster
– Gentle enough for twice daily use
– Illumai is concentrated — so a little goes a long way and products last longer
– illumai works with every hair type, ideal for the whole family

illumai comes in 2 sizes:
? Travel Pack (smaller set)
? Essential System (full-sized set)

Discount Offer – Use code 87-FOODFUNFAMILY for 40% off either the travel size or the full-sized sets at checkout. Expires 11/30/2016.

Connect with illumai:

Website: https://www.illumai.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/illumai
Twitter: @illumai
Instagram: @illumai

What women’s wellness products are you most excited to try? Let me know what intrigues you in the comments below!

Your Kid Has Guts: SmartyPants Kids Probiotic Complete #YourKidHasGuts

Lolli — Thu, 03 Nov 2016 15:26:22 +0000

This post is sponsored by SmartyPants, but all thoughts and opinions about the product are my own.

As a parent, you want the best for your kids. You pack a healthy lunch for them every day. You encourage them to be active, explore, and have fun. You support them in their education and help them understand their homework.

So it just makes sense to support their gut health, too.

What are probiotics, and why are they important?

Your body is full of bacteria – both good and bad. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts – the good or helpful kind – that help to keep your gut healthy. Probiotics can help balance the good and bad bacterias in your body so that your body works the way it should. Probiotics are especially helpful after taking antibiotics to restore the balance of bacteria within the body, but they are beneficial to take as a supplement regularly, regardless of sicknesses or medications.

Here’s something I’ve learned in my nearly 20 years as a mom: as much as I want my kids to eat well, sleep enough, and take their vitamins and supplements, and no matter how good I know something is for my kids, if it’s something they don’t enjoy, it will be a constant fight for me to get them to do whatever it is I want them to do.

This past month, we’ve been taking SmartyPants Kids Probiotic Complete Strawberry Creme (also available: SmartyPants Kids Probiotic Complete Grape). They taste SO GOOD that I’ve found myself wanting to take them, too, and there’s literally no complaints when I remind the kids to take their SmartyPants. Luckily, SmartyPants has a line of probiotics for adults (available in blueberry and lemon creme!) so I’m totally covered.

SmartyPants probiotcs are sweet (with no artificial sweeteners or high fructose corn syrup, of course), incredibly soft (think melt-in-your-mouth!) and they are allergy-friendly. My kids are hooked on the taste, even if they don’t understand the overall health value of why they’re taking them. That’s ok, though. That’s why I’m here.

I know you (and your kids) are going to love them, too! Here are a few reasons why SmartyPants Kids Probiotics are so amazing for your family’s gut health:

What SmartyPants is NOT:

• No Synthetic Colors
• No Artificial Sweeteners
• No Artificial Flavors
• No Artificial Preservatives
• No High Fructose Corn Syrup
• No GMOs
• No Gluten
• No Tree Nuts
• No Peanuts
• No Dairy

What SmartyPants IS:

In each serving of SmartyPants Kids Probiotic you’ll appreciate:

• 4 billion CFUs (that’s 4x more CFUs than the leading gummy probiotics per serving. The SmartyPants Adult & Kids Probiotic Complete products offer 7x more CFUs!)
• Probiotic strains DE111® and IS2*
• Proven 99% survivability in stomach acid
• Promotes good gut bacteria and digestive health*
• Contains clinically-proven Wellmune® prebiotic immune support*
• Vegetarian and Non-GMO
• Each batch is 3rd party lab tested for purity and potency.

And here’s more technical stuff that makes me love SmartyPants even more:

Natural microencapsulation ensures that 99% of SmartyPants probiotics reach all the way to your large intestine alive, where they can flourish, multiply, and help you and your kids thrive. They specifically chose to include Bacillus subtilis DE111® and Bacillus coagulansIS2 because they are two of the most researched strains available.

Their multi-strain probiotics are reinforced by Wellmune®, 3rd party pre-biotic fiber that strengthens your immune system, and acts as an ideal food to feed the probiotic bacteria in SmartyPants Probiotic Complete products. Wellmune® does not artificially stimulate the immune system, or put immune cells into overdrive, it just prepares them to be ready for a challenge.

SmartyPants multi-strain probiotics are in spore form — the form of probiotics that can survive the test of time, changing temperature, and harsh stomach acid.

Bringing more health to more people: for every bottle sold, SmartyPants makes a one-for-one nutrient grant to Vitamin Angels. Each grant provides a child in need with life changing vitamin A supplementation for one year. So far, they’ve helped over 2 million children, and they’re hoping to make 10 million grants by 2018!

How cool is that?

Learn more about SmartyPants kids probiotics here.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Connect with SmartyPants:

Instagram (@SmartyHealth)
Twitter (@SmartyHealth)
Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SmartyPants.Vitamins)
Hashtag: #YourKidHasGuts

The Importance of Preparing for the Unexpected

Lolli — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 15:11:29 +0000

Prepare for the unexpected. You never know what’s going to happen down the road. This was a concept that was emphasized regularly as I was growing up.
When you’re growing up, you make plans for your future. Go to college. Get married. Have a family. Buy a house.

But have you noticed that life rarely goes exactly as you had planned or envisioned it?

My mom had a pretty intense personal experience that taught her the importance of preparing for the unexpected when, at 24, she found out that her husband – my dad – was dying of cancer.

They met when they were 15. Married when they were 20. I came along when they were both 22. They had a long life ahead of them. She hadn’t planned on being a young widow. A young single mom without a career to fall back on. But there she was.

When I was an older teenager, getting ready to graduate high school and head off to college in a different state, my mom started sharing things with me. Letters from my dad. Details about his sickness.

When I was a young married soon-to-be-first-time-mom, I recalled one of the things she told me about those last few months of my dad’s life. She said that one of the main things that helped her financially during that time was their Aflac policy.

Not only did their Aflac supplemental insurance help pay for many of the hospital expenses, but it provided peace of mind at a time when the last thing either of them wanted to think about was money and bills.

The fact is, illnesses, accidents, and other unexpected things could happen at any moment, but the more prepared you are for the “what-ifs,” the easier they will be to manage and get through.

We’re no longer in that new-family, new-job stage of life. Now we’re somewhere mid-career. Kids are more expensive, house payments are more expensive, and any sort of accident or illness would hit even harder at this stage.

What is supplemental insurance like Aflac?

Aflac offers supplemental insurance, which is designed to complement your major medical insurance to help fill the holes in your health care coverage. Aflac knows that major medical insurance may not cover every expense related to a serious health event – an accident or a hospital stay or an illness like cancer. Aflac is there to help cover expenses that major medical may not cover, such as deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses. Aflac pays cash directly to the insured (unless assigned), who can decide how to best use the benefits. The goal? To help policyholders maintain their current lifestyle as they recover and move on from those unexpected life events.

No matter what your life stage – whether you’re just starting a family, a middle-career family with kids and a house, or whether you’re approaching retirement, Aflac can help give you peace of mind.

Is cancer insurance right for you? Most people today know someone – a family member or a close friend – who has been touched by cancer. Even when they’re covered by major medical insurance, a cancer diagnosis can be a difficult financial challenge. A study at Duke University Medical Center found that the average monthly out-of-pocket expenses for cancer patients is $1266. And that’s for insured patients!

For more information, visit aflac.com or check out Aflac’s Benefits Estimator to calculate the amount Aflac can provide to help with out-of-pocket costs that may not be covered by your major medical insurance: aflac.com/benefitsestimator.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Policies may not be available in all states. Limitations and exclusions may apply. Benefits are determined by state and plan level selected. Coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York. WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999.

1 Clear Health Care Costs, “By the numbers: Out-of-pocket costs for cancer treatment,” accessed Oct. 4, 2016 – https://clearhealthcosts.com/blog/2011/08/by-the-numbers-out-of-pocket-costs-for-cancer-treatment/

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