Food Fun Family

My Heart Optimizer Results from Helix

Lolli — Sat, 16 Dec 2017 19:19:09 +0000

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

Last month, I sent a DNA sample in to Helix. Who knew that spitting in a tube could be so revealing?

One simple DNA sample with Helix opens the doors to a world of discovery about your personal health and wellness. Check out what you can discover with Helix (with no need to submit multiple DNA samples):

Fitness Diet Pro by DNAFit
Food Sensitivity+ by EverlyWell
Wine Explorer by Vinome
Heart Optimizer by Arivale
CarrierCheck by Sema4
And so many more amazing products….like those that will tell you about your ancestry!)

How Helix Works

The first step is to order any of the products Helix offers. They’ll send you a DNA collection kit (plus easy-to-follow instructions) in the mail. You provide a small saliva sample in the provided tube (remember, the instructions will walk you through each step), and send it back to their lab. Helix then sequences your DNA by reading the millions of letters of your genetic code. Helix then stores your genetic data so you can access it later should you choose to utilize another one of the products they offer.

Heart Optimizer

One of the wellness products offered on the Helix Store is Arivale’s Heart Optimizer. This is the service that I tried out first. Heart Optimizer helps users gain an in-depth understanding of how genetics could increase the likelihood of:

High LDL (bad) cholesterol
Low HDL (good) cholesterol
High triglycerides (can cause heart disease)
Caffeine and salt’s impact on blood pressure

After I got my results back, I scheduled a one-on-one phone conversation with an Arivale Registered Dietitian, who I just spoke with a few days ago. She went over results, helped me understand what everything meant, listened to my goals, and made specific diet and exercise recommendations tailored to my DNA predisposition to improve my heart health.

The first thing that my coach asked me when we started talking was my “why.” Why did I choose Heart Optimizer? My reason is fairly simple. First, I was born with a heart condition. While it’s not serious, it can be very annoying – even distracting at times. And mostly, I worry that years of irregular heart function will leave my heart weaker as I get older.

My second “why” involved a family member who recently had an unexpected heart attack. I want to proactively take lifestyle changes NOW to try to lower the risk of heart attacks in the near future.

But, really, my biggest “why” is my family. I want to be around for them (and with them!) for many, many years!

Here are just a few things I learned on my call:

Genetics is all about potential, NOT destiny. DNA tests like the Heart Optimizer look at possibilities and predispositions.
It’s important to get blood pressure, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels checked regularly. It’s been too long since I’ve checked! Again, DNA can tell you about predisposition, but it’s not a replacement for visiting a doctor regularly and having those levels monitored. As with any health issues, early detection is key.
My results were able to tell me areas that I have a higher predisposition. This doesn’t mean I HAVE problems now. But knowing about predispositions (like my predisposition for salt to have a negative effect on my blood pressure) help me make better decisions now, before there is an issue.
My Arivale coach sent me away with a goal to incorporate more Omega 3s into my diets (salmon, walnuts, and homemade salad dressings with walnut or flax oil, for instance).
I learned a TON about LDL and HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, and more. I felt very comfortable asking questions (or admitting that I didn’t know much).

Here’s what my coach sent to me in my action plan after our call. I think this is great advice for anyone!

Eat a food source of omega 3 fats: Omega 3 fats are heart healthy fats that should be included regularly in a healthy, balanced diet. The best sources are oily fish, like salmon, as well as walnuts, flax, hemp, and chia. A few simple ideas for incorporating more of these foods in your diet include: – Substitute wild salmon for meat one night per week – Top a rice cake or whole grain toast with avocado and tuna – Add walnuts to oatmeal or yogurt – Try small fish, like sardines and anchovies, in pasta dishes. – Make your own salad dressing using flax or walnut oil – Add hemp seeds to a smoothie – Use chia seeds to make a fiber-rich pudding – Make your own pesto using walnuts.

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 HelixlwiE!

Which product would you like to try first?

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

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.

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

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!

Five Easy Lifestyle Changes for a Healthy Balance #IAmBiotic

Lolli — Mon, 17 Oct 2016 13:12:29 +0000

Thank you Florastor® Daily Probiotics for sponsoring this post. Visit your local retailer to pick up your bottle of Florastor® Daily Probiotics to complement your active lifestyle!

I’ve never been a big fan of New Year’s Resolutions. But when the kids head back to school each fall, I feel an increased drive to improve my health and find the balance that seems to go missing each summer.

Call this the season of new school year resolutions, if you will. I love re-focusing my habits for a healthier balance once the kids are back to school.

My favorite tip for feeling good, having energy, and staying healthy is finding balance. It makes such a difference when I’m able to establish balance between sleep, good foods, and exercise.

Here are a few easy changes that you can make to maintain a healthy balance in your life

Increase the amount of water you drink. I have a tumbler full of water with me at all times during the day. One of my favorite times to fill up on water is first thing in the morning. Because you’ve been sleeping for several hours when you wake up (or at least I hope you have been!), your body is dehydrated and craving water. When you fill up with water before eating breakfast or drinking other beverages, you’re setting your body up for a stronger day.

Be more active. I spend a lot of time sitting at a desk….which is obviously not great for my health. Exercise, in any form, takes time and commitment, but it doesn’t have to be complicated, difficult, or expensive. My favorite form of exercise is putting my head phones in, turning on an audio book, and walking for a few miles. I can’t tell you how much of a difference it makes to get up off my chair and move for a while. I love this quote that I pass by on my regular walking path. It’s a great reminder to me!

Get enough sleep. This is a lifestyle habit that I know and believe in but have a hard time sticking to. Getting the right amount of sleep effects so many aspects of your life and health. Getting enough sleep improves memory and concentration. Sleep and metabolism seem to go hand in hand, too….so if one of your healthy living goals is to lose weight, you can start by getting more sleep.

Choose healthy snacks. Yes, it’s important to eat well all day long, but snacks are what seem to trip me up more often than anything else. When I reach for a handful of nuts or a cup of cottage cheese instead of a bowl of ice cream or candy, I fill my belly so that I’m not hungry again in 30 minutes.

Take daily probiotics. Did you know that taking a probiotic supplement like Florastor strengthens your digestive balance and supports a healthy immune system?
What are probiotics? Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are keep your gut healthy. Your body is full of bacteria, both good and bad. Probiotics are good bacteria that keep your digestive system running smoothly.

A few other cool facts about Florastor Probiotics:

Florastor is the only probiotic brand with Saccharomyces boulardii lyo CNCM I-745 which helps restore your natural flora
Florastor, which is naturally resistant to antibiotics, can help maintain flora balance while taking antibiotics
Florastor helps break down carbs and fiber
Florastor helps your body naturally absorb water and nutrients
Florastor is vegetarian, gluten-free, and contains non-GMO ingredients
Appropriate for the whole family ages 2 months and up

Find out more about Florastor Daily Probiotics here!

What are your best tips for establishing a healthy balance in your life?

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

Take Control of Your Breast Health and Comfort

Lolli — Mon, 30 Nov 2015 16:13:16 +0000

This post about taking control of your breast health and comfort – and my experience using Violet Iodine Supplements – is sponsored by Violet. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own. Note: I am not a medical professional and this is simply my personal experience taking this supplement. Please talk to your doctor with any health questions or concerns.

Take Control Of Your Breast Health & Comfort

I’m sure you’ve heard the concept “you don’t appreciate something til it’s gone.” That phrase has been going through my mind the last 2 months as I’ve taken Violet – a daily non-prescription molecular iodine supplement that addresses menstrual-related breast discomfort and alleviates the symptoms associated with fibrocystic breast condition (FBC) including tenderness, swelling, aches and heaviness. Before starting Violet, I never would have said that I had a huge problem with period-related breast tenderness. It was just something that happened before I started my period. It wasn’t a “problem.”

I was curious to see if I’d notice a difference since, in my mind, the problem I was addressing wasn’t huge. Imagine my surprise, then, when I started my period unexpectedly. My first clue that Violet was working was that one of my normal “warning signs” that my period was coming – tender, achy, swollen breasts – was completely and totally absent. I was actually kind of surprised last month. My first reaction was, “Wow. Maybe this was a bigger problem than I thought.” Why? Because it’s a background symptom that I’ve gotten used to. It’s not so painful to be debilitating, but it’s definitely not comfortable.

My period came and went, as it has a tendency to do, and I was even more determined to continue taking Violet – particularly to see if I had the same result the second month. I did. Wow. I am sold and totally hooked. I didn’t appreciate the pain and discomfort until it was gone…and now I never want it back again. I’ve decided to take control of my breast health AND comfort with Violet.

What is Fibrocystic Breast Condition?

Did you know that up to 50% of women experience fibrocystic breast condition? FBC is a benign condition, but the discomfort is very real.

Symptoms vary from woman to woman, but here are a few common symptoms. Can you relate?

Your breasts become tender to the touch when your period is coming.
Your breasts may feel heavy, swollen and lumpy or even dense and hard. You cringe at the thought of hugging and avoid intimacy.
You forego certain types of exercise and change sleeping positions because it hurts or feels uncomfortable.
You have to upsize your bra and wear non-restrictive clothing or wear a sports bra all day!

In women with FBC, the relationship between cell growth and cell death is out of balance, which leads to excess breast tissue resulting in breast discomfort. Molecular iodine has been demonstrated to normalize this imbalance and consequently alleviate the associated symptoms of breast tenderness, swelling, heaviness and aches, while promoting breast health.(1)

The unique, patented molecular iodine formula targets breast tissue (2) and can reduce the breast cell build-up that results in breast discomfort.(1) With consistent daily use, Violet iodine has been shown to help maintain healthy breast tissue.

(1) 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.
(2) Iodine is also delivered to other tissues in the body.

A Few Words About Breast Health (And Why You Should Take Control!)

Diet, exercise, self screenings and mammograms are all important ways that women – at any age – can take care of their breast health.
Violet iodine is an easy, non-hormone daily supplement that can also help promote breast health by proactively helping to restore the natural, healthy balance of breast cells. Additionally, when maintaining a daily regimen, it helps to reduce the symptoms associated with menstrual-related breast discomfort, so women know it’s working each month!
Breast tissue is composed of milk ducts, milk glands, connective and fatty tissue.
Women with dense breasts have more fibrous tissue than fatty tissue. Having dense breasts affects women in two ways:
- Dense breast tissue makes it harder for radiologists to see cancer so mammograms can be less accurate in women with this condition.
- Having dense breast tissue might also increase your risk of getting breast cancer, although it’s unclear at this time why dense breast tissue is linked to breast cancer risk.
For some women, the menstrual-related breast discomfort can be moderate-to-severe and the majority of women think that there is nothing that can be done and as a result, do not seek treatment.
- A recent survey revealed that 87 percent of women think this discomfort is normal.
- Eighty-one percent have not consulted a doctor about their breast discomfort or tenderness.

Where to Buy Violet Daily Molecular Iodine

You can find Violet for $19.99 at select CVS stores; Click here for CVS store near you as well as other retailers.

For more information about Violet, visit their website at https://www.violetdaily.com/ or on their social channels: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Why Violet Is My New Favorite Color #VioletDaily

Lolli — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 00:18:03 +0000

This post is sponsored by Violet. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was always a very petite girl growing up…and that held true for my bra size, too. I remember hearing my friends complain about how much their breasts hurt around their periods. They couldn’t run. They couldn’t play sports. They had to wear a softer or bigger bra for a few days. And they avoided hugs like the plague.
I felt sorry for them, but I didn’t really get it.

And then I had kids. I had five kids. And, I swear, with each pregnancy I understood their pain more and more. Don’t you just love how your body changes after having babies?

Now, I can almost always predict when I’m going to start my period based on the sensitivity in my chest.

Do you experience monthly breast discomfort?

Breast discomfort during that time of the month affects millions of women – in fact, an estimated 50 percent of all women experience this during their childbearing years – yet many do not seek out treatment because they think it’s something normal and something they can’t do anything about. For some women, the menstrual-related pain and discomfort can get so severe that it affects routine, everyday activities like exercising, work, and intimacy.

Just yesterday, I cried out in pain because my son elbowed me while he was trying to snuggle up next to me on the couch. Ouch! Snuggling shouldn’t hurt.

A few words about breast health:

Breast tissue is composed of milk ducts, milk glands, connective and fatty tissue. Women with dense breasts have more fibrous tissue than fatty tissue. Having dense breasts affects women in two ways:
Dense breast tissue makes it harder for radiologists to see cancer so mammograms can be less accurate in women with this condition.
Having dense breast tissue might also increase your risk of getting breast cancer, although it’s unclear at this time why dense breast tissue is linked to breast cancer risk.
Diet, exercise, self screenings and mammograms are all important ways that women can take care of their breast health at any age.
Violet® iodine is an easy, non-hormone daily supplement that can also help promote breast health by proactively helping to restore the natural, healthy balance of breast cells.
When using Violet® regularly, you can reduce the symptoms associated with menstrual-related breast discomfort.

About Violet® Iodine:

Violet® iodine is a new, once-daily, non-hormone supplement (that’s a huge deal for me!) that is made specifically for women to promote breast health and alleviate menstrual-related breast discomfort.
Menstrual-related breast discomfort is thought to be caused by hormonal changes that occur during a woman’s menstrual cycle. These changes can lead to the buildup of breast tissue, resulting in breast lumps, tenderness, swelling, heaviness and aches.

Where to Buy Violet® Iodine

You can find Violet® at CVS, Vitamin Shoppe and Drugstore.com, and it’s currently on sale for 30% normal retail prices:

CVS – in select stores (not online)
The Vitamin Shoppe – online and in store
Drugstore.com

Connect With Violet®:

Violet® Website
Violet® on Twitter
Violet® on Facebook
Violet® FAQ

Teen Girls and Calcium (And Why Calcium Is So Important) #BeActiv

Lolli — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 14:00:43 +0000

This is a product-provided, sponsored conversation that contains affiliate links. I received Viactiv products for my own personal use. All opinions, text and experiences are my own.

As a mother of three teenage daughters, I can attest to the fact that there are about a million and one things to worry about. Am I teaching them to be strong women? I’m I preparing them for life on their own? Whether or not they’re getting enough calcium for their growing bodies should not be one of those things moms need to worry about, but the fact is, 86% of teenage girls are not getting enough calcium in their daily diets. (Source: 2010 study published in The Journal of Nutrition)

The scary thing is, 95% of peak bone mass is present by age 20, so it’s critical that teen girls are banking calcium now before they start slowly losing it later in life. Yes, calcium is important at every age, but it is even more important while their bones are still developing. Why is it so important? If your body is not getting enough calcium it will take it from the bones, decreasing bone mineral density which can eventually lead to osteopenia and osteoporosis.

You can see how much calcium is recommended daily by age on this handy chart chart at viactiv.com/why-calcuim

In a recent federal study, it was found that only 15% of high school students drink milk. The number is even lower for girls in high school, with only 9% reporting that they drank milk regularly.

Did you know? The recommended amount of calcium for a girl 9-18 years old is 1300 milligrams (mg). To compare, it is 1000 mg for women 19-50 years of age.

I’ve been fairly lucky, since all of my kids love milk and yogurt and cheese…but I’ve noticed as the kids have gotten older that I don’t have as much control over what they eat. Yes, I cook dinner and I shop for the food that they pack in their school lunches every day. But since I’m no longer hand-feeding them it’s tough to keep track of whether or not they’re getting all of their nutrition needs met. My job has shifted to teaching them good, healthy eating habits and why things like calcium are important in their diet so that they can make the right choices as they continue to grow.

Did you know? Many multivitamins provide only 20-30% of the recommended amount of daily calcium. While a multivitamin is great (and encouraged) it may not be enough.

Another important thing to teach girls is to avoid calcium zappers, such as sodas and salty snacks like pretzels and chips. Even healthy foods like peanut butter, corn, sunflower seeds, and garlic can make it harder for the body to absorb calcium due to their lack of vitamin D.

Did you know? Vitamin D is needed to absorb calcium and vitamin K helps aid in the formation of bone proteins. Vitamins D and K, found in VIACTIV® Calcium Soft Chews, work synergistically to increase bone mineral density and modulate bone metabolism while positively affecting calcium balance.

Viactiv Calcium Soft Chews provide teens with almost 80% of their daily value of calcium (500 mg each/1000 mg total), plus vitamins D and K. And because they come in flavors that teens (and their moms…) love – chocolate and caramel – and because they are individually wrapped, they are perfect for adding into a lunch box. And they’re WAY more fun to eat than a big pill you have to swallow (which just means that my girls and I will be more likely to be motivated to take them daily).

Viactiv is part of the three keys to healthy bones:

Obtaining an adequate daily dose of calcium from your diet
Regular bone strengthening exercises (Remember to #BeActiv)
Calcium supplements when diet is not enough

Learn more about teen calcium needs at viactiv.com/teens.

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Connect With Viactiv

Viactiv Calcium Soft Chews are available in milk chocolate and caramel flavors at major retailers including CVS, Rite Aid, Target, Walgreens and Walmart, as well as supermarkets nationwide. Save $2 on your next in-store purchase with the Viactiv printable coupon.

Learn more about Viactiv at www.Viactiv.com and enter their current prize promotions on Viactiv’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/Viactiv and new Instagram channel https://instagram.com/viactiv/.

This is a product-provided, sponsored conversation on behalf of Viactiv that contains affiliate links. I received Viactiv products for my own personal use. All opinions, text and experiences are my own.

Believing I Can…Starting My Journey With Weight Watchers #WeightWatchers #WWsponsored

Lolli — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 13:00:39 +0000

This post was created as part of a relationship in which I was sponsored by Weight Watchers and given a free three month subscription to try their new Personal Coaching product and write about my experience. Though I was compensated for my time and commitment, all views, positive and negative, are my own. #WeightWatchers #WWsponsored

My journey to a healthier me

When I was invited to work with Weight Watchers this month and read through the blogging instructions, I had a funny reaction. I cried. I teared up and I cried. I have so many emotions tied to food – I love food – and I realized that I had spent the last several years convincing myself that I couldn’t lose weight…that I loved food too much to make any changes….that my body had changed and there was nothing I could do about it….that losing weight would be too hard….that I was too busy and stressed to focus the energy it would take to make a real difference in my weight.

The snacking decision…

I wanted to try to document my journey – what has brought me to this point of needing Weight Watchers – and why I am so thrilled to be partnering with them for the first 3 months of the new year. Your journey to a healthier you may be totally different, but hopefully you can see a little bit of yourself in my journey, too.

When I was growing up, and even well into my adulthood, I was blessed with fantastic metabolism. I never had to worry about what I ate and I never had a problem with weight. In fact, if anything, I had to watch that I didn’t let myself stay under weight. I thought I had it made.

As a young mom, I was grateful for the few pounds that I kept on after having kids because I thought that I looked more healthy. (I chuckle when I think back on those days. And how I wish those were my challenges now!)

That all changed shortly after my 5th son was born. I had spent the bulk of my 20s either pregnant or breast feeding, and suddenly, at about 32, my body was finally my own again. But my body didn’t know how to react, and I lacked the knowledge and the discipline to make any changes. Not only was I no longer a teen or young college student, but I had spent 10 years supporting growing babies (which meant I had spent 10 years getting used to eating a lot more than I was used to before).

Ten years is a long time to let a habit form (and honestly, my habits before those 10 child-bearing years were not all that great, either). Life-long habits are hard to break. I didn’t believe that I could do it.

I recently celebrated my 40th birthday. Instead of a house full of climbing, crawling, needy babies and toddlers, I’m surrounded by busy, demanding, hungry teens and older kids. And instead of chasing babies around all day, I spend my days sitting in front of a computer. With each passing year, I’ve added a few more pounds to the scale, and I’ve gotten more and more discouraged about my hopes of being able to take the weight off. The challenge seemed too big and so I avoided dealing with it.

Losing it with Weight Watchers

The time has come for a change. The thing that hit me so hard when I started reading about Weight Watchers – and one of the reasons that I cried – was the realization that I didn’t have to do it alone. Not only can I begin this journey to a healthier me with support and resources (I love that the Weight Watchers resources and tools are as close at hand as my smart phone, which is always with me, anyway), but I can lean on my personal coach, a person who has been in my shoes and who has successfully lost and kept off weight. She might not have come from the same starting point, but she understands the challenges that I face…and I can’t tell you how good it feels to know that I am losing weight with a support system and with tools in hand.

I finally allowed myself to believe that I CAN do it.

It’s not easy to lose weight. I know that sacrifices and lifestyle changes will need to be made. I love that Weight Watchers understands that, and that their flexible plans can be tailored to fit anyone’s needs. I love that I can still eat my favorite foods, but that I am starting to be more aware of the choices that I make throughout the day. I am arming myself with better eating options and I’m more aware of what I’m putting into my body because I’m tracking the foods that I eat. I can’t wait to start getting healthy with the help and support of Weight Watchers Personal Coaching!

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in your journey to a healthier you?

How could Weight Watchers help you achieve your goals?

Connect with Weight Watchers:

Website: Weightwatchers.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/weightwatchers
Twitter: @weightwatchers
Pinterest: Pinterest.com/weightwatchers
Instagram: www.instagram.com/weightwatchers

10 Ways to Boost Your Confidence #InvisalignBeConfident

Lolli — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 19:42:26 +0000

This is a sponsored post. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

In honor of Self Improvement Month in September, I did something drastic during the month to give myself a little boost. If you’ve been following any of my social channels, you might recall seeing me go from this….

…to this:

Sometimes as women we need a little self-confidence boost, and as I was approaching a few back-to-back trips as well as a pretty HUGE birthday (I turned 40 today!), I realized that it was time for me to do something for myself.

It has always amazed me how something as simple as a new haircut – or some new highlights – or a new outfit – will make ALL the difference in how I feel about myself. Self Improvement month may be over, but that doesn’t mean that self-improvement should ever end (or even slow down).

Here are just a few things that I’ve used over the years to boost my confidence and remind myself that I am a pretty amazing person (do you hear that positive self-talk there??).

10 Ways to Boost Your Confidence:

Set small goals and remember that self-confidence is a process. Reward yourself for your small victories and improvements.
Stop comparing yourself to others. If you in search of true self-improvement, then remember that your only measuring standard should be yourself, not someone else.
Be grateful. Gratitude (both recognizing what you’re grateful for and expressing that gratitude to others) will help focus your mind on your successes and what you’ve got going for you.
Dress for success. As a stay-at-home mom for more than a decade, and now as a work-at-home mom, it would be very easy for me to wear sweats and t-shirts every day. However, I’ve realized that the better I dress (and the earlier I get dressed) the better I feel about myself and what I can accomplish that day.
Maintain good posture. Good posture exudes confidence. Even if you’re not feeling confident, show confidence in your body language and people will believe it.
Compliment others – this goes along with recognizing and expressing gratitude. Look for the good in other people and tell them what you observe. It makes them feel amazing, and you’ll feel pretty good, too.
Make a change. Anytime I’m feeling a little blah, I’ve found that changing my hairstyle, getting some new clothes, or buying some new make-up makes a huge difference.
Be prepared. There’s nothing more discouraging than feeling like you can’t do something well. Beat those feelings by preparing and planning ahead as much as possible. Set yourself up for success instead of failure.
Be active. Exercise will certainly boost your self confidence as well as your energy levels, but that’s not where being active ends. Get out of the house, get together with friends, volunteer and be active in your community. Put yourself out there.
Smile. This one is both easy to do and contagious. And putting a smile on your face might just help you achieve everything else on this list without even trying very hard.

What confidence-building tips would you add to the list?

In honor of Self Improvement month, Invisalign® would like each of you to do something that makes you feel more confident…or share something you’ve done to boost your self confidence lately. Leave a comment below and let’s see how we can all work together to boost each other’s confidence!

As important as showing off your confident smile is, did you know that Invisalign is a discreet alternative to braces that allows you to perfect your smile without sacrificing your busy life? My oldest daughter, Kimberly, had Invisalign a few years ago and still raves about how amazing it was. You can read her own words on her experience HERE.

About Invisalign: Invisalign clear aligners discreetly straighten teeth while providing the confidence of a great smile from the first day of treatment. No more wires and brackets required – Invisalign is a series of virtually invisible, removable aligners made of lightweight plastic that gradually move teeth over time. With Invisalign, an improving smile is on display every day without the hassle and embarrassment associated with traditional wire and bracket braces. The benefits include no food restrictions, ability to easily maintain healthy dental brushing habits, and the freedom to smile without most people knowing you are in treatment. Visit the Invisalign website for more information about the clear alternative to braces. To find an Invisalign provider is to visit the Invisalign Doctor Locator.

Invisalign Countdown to Confidence sweepstakes

The Invisalign Countdown to Confidence Sweepstakes is happening NOW through November 1. Invisalign is awarding one winner $100 EVERY DAY for 60 days, plus a chance to win the grand prize, which includes free Invisalign treatment and $1,000! Enter daily to increase your chances of winning!

Connect with Invisalign

Invisalign Website
Invisalign on Twitter
Invisalign on Facebook
Invisalign on Pinterest
Invisalign Countdown to Confidence Daily Instant Win Sweepstakes

Drop Your Pants for #Underwareness #DropYourPants

Lolli — Thu, 07 Aug 2014 23:50:04 +0000

Thank you to Depend for sponsoring today’s post!

Last week, my mom and I went out to lunch with my daughters to one of our favorite places in mom’s area. After lunch, we stepped in to the cute little adjoining store to window shop.

One of the very first things we saw was a wooden sign that my mom and I could really relate with….

And we practically did.

I don’t know a mother out there who can’t relate with bladder leakage. But did you know that bladder leakage is not limited to women who have had a bunch of kids or people who need canes to get around. One in four Americans deal with bladder leakage – it’s a lot more common than you might think, probably because no one wants to admit that they experience bladder leakage, too!

Well, it’s time admit it and join the 65 million Americans who experience bladder leakage. If that number surprises you, get this – 23 million Americans with bladder leakage are under 50 and about 12 million are under the age of 35. These are people just like you and me!

What can you do about it?

Tips to fight bladder leakage:

Avoid or limit consumption of caffeine and alcohol, which are both diuretics and will cause your bladder to fill faster.
Visit the restroom more often. The more full the bladder, the more likely you are to have leaking problems.
Lose some weight – excessive weight puts pressure on the bladder and can make leakage worse.
Do your Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor. Kegels aren’t only for women who have recently had babies!
Avoid lifting, since the act of lifting puts strain on the pelvic floor muscles.
Treat constipation and eat more fiber. Straining to have a bowel movement can actually weaken the pelvic floor muscles, too.
Keep some protection, like Depend undergarments, on hand!

Depend provides a variety of discreet products that help people regain their freedom and get their lives back, regardless of age, including:

Depend Real Fit for Men and Silhouette for Women briefs: Look, fit and feel like real underwear and feature a cloth-like fabric for a sleek, ultra-smooth fit.
Depend Underwear with Fit-Flex protection: Features more Lycra stands for a smooth and comfortable close-to-the-body fit.

Drop Your Pants for Underwareness

Depend is raising awareness and breaking down the stigma of bladder leakage with their new Drop Your Pants for Underwareness social movement and charitable cause. Depend will be donating $1 (up to $3 million!!) over the next three years to charities that advance the research, education and awareness of bladder leakage when you do any of the following:

Every pant drop, photo and video shared using #Underwareness and #DropYourPants
Every personal video about what Underwareness means to you that is uploaded to YouTube and tagged #Underwareness and #DropYourPants

Now, go! Visit the Underwareness landing page to join the movement and to get free samples of Depend.