TOXIC! Horrible smelling and ineffective Fever Reducer.

I was very excited about the opportunity to review this product. I have a preemie infant son who at almost 4 months is still under 7 lbs. With his general vulnerability and small stature, his father and I are uncomfortable giving him medications like Tylenol, etc, especially with the recent studies linking their use to asthma, along with the recalls.

 So I received this product, and I opened the package, and the first thing that I noticed was that it smelled. Horrible. Very plastic-y and chemical. Overwhelmingly so. I washed the product per the instructions on the label, which had several mis-spellings and poor grammar on it, and left it to air out overnight. The smell persisted, so I put it outside to try to diminish it. Sometimes things like this just need time to correct themselves.

The smell never diminished, but I'm supposed to be reviewing it, beyond just the initial impression, so I opened up the pillowcase that came with it. It also had a slight smell to it, but it came out when I tossed it in the washing machine though. It is not particularly soft, and has a rather gritty feel to it though. Definitely poor quality.

Now came time to freeze it. The catch here is that it had to be COMPLETELY flat. Its not exactly small, maybe about half the size of an average pillow. Laying it completely flat without taking everything out of my freezer was impossible. I got it mostly flat. Unfortunately, because it was not completely flat, there is now a permanent kink in the product where it will not LAY flat anymore, despite everything I've done (including large textbooks) to try to flatten it back out.

 Here are the creases from it being frozen not perfectly flat:

I cannot speak to whether or not it will actually reduce a fever, or help a child remain comfortable because I did not want to let me children lay on it due to the smell, however I figured I could at least test it out as an oversized ice-pack. Except that once it is frozen, it becomes EXTREMELY hard and inflexible. It was like putting a board on my back. I can't imagine how its supposed to be comfortable for a child to sleep on.

Thankfully this only lasted for about 30 minutes, at which point it completely lost its coolness. 1-2 hours of freezer time for 20-30 minutes of coolness. A cool wet cloth would be more effective. This is, by far, the worst product I have ever been asked to review, and while I might have had more positive things to say about it if it were not a product meant to be used by children, because it is, I can only say that I wholeheartedly do NOT recommend the purchase or use of this.

A purple dinosaur I actually like!

Elder child is more like me than I care to admit some times, and one thing she has inherited from me appears to be an EXTREME sensitivity to pretty much every earring I wear.  I have two holes now, but have historically tried repeatedly to pierce the cartilage of my upper ear. With a combined 13 attempts at piercing it without a reaction, I finally gave up. I hate that she's inherited that, but she is determined to wear earrings.

I was given the opportunity to review these gorgeous earrings from #KataraDecor for a discounted price in exchange for an honest review, but was still a little hesitant to let her wear them due to her proneness for allergic reactions to earrings.  They were made of a Zinc Alloy and hypoallergenic though, so I figured it was worth a shot.

I didn't tell her they were coming, but when the package came she opened up the perfect little white gift box that they came in, she opened it up and freaked! They are absolutely beautiful.  A deep, eggplant purple lined in silver, they are sophisticated with just enough whimsy to be fun.  I particularly loved the variety of earring BACKERS that these came with, both rubber and metal.

She absolutely loves them and hasn't taken them off yet, now almost 2 weeks later.  Want your own Purple Apatosaurus Earrings? Get them here.

New year, new me?

I've been in this spot before. We all have. Its a new year, its time to get back into shape, drop the holiday pounds, resolutions blah blah...

Same S*t different day right?

Not so much this time.

I left you all last time almost TWO YEARS ago (sorry about that) on the heels of an awful injury to my wrists.  It took about 6 months before multiple doctors were able to find the problem, which was essentially overuse combined with a mineral deficiency.  By the time it resolved, my entire life was in the process of complete upheaval.

Short story - I'm MARRIED now! And I have a SON! Crazy right? Has all that really happened in the last year?  But yes.  And in that process, I nearly died. Its still difficult for me to think about, when I realize how close it came. I developed preeclampsia - otherwise known as VERY high blood pressure - too early on in my pregnancy. My kidneys and liver were shutting down, and my blood pressure was over 240. I gained 35 lbs in less than two weeks from fluid retention. I was in a medically induced coma for a few days, all with a goal of trying to stay pregnant long enough to give my son a fighting chance to live. We finally hit a point of induce the pregnancy or die, so my beautiful boy was delivered 10 weeks early, weighing in at 3 lbs and 7 oz.

I am thankful to say that we both recovered beautifully, and Little Dude is now a thriving almost three month old (though still very small).

This was my wake up call. I almost left my children without a mother. I almost lost my son. I don't just desperately want to improve my health, I NEED to improve my health, and I have never been more serious.

This time is going to be a little different due fear of re-injuring my wrist, and also because I have gained a lot of weight and am starting quite a bit behind where I was previously. Insanity is out of the question for now. I did love the results I got with Beach Body (no I am not a coach, I just genuinely like their programs), so I am going in a new direction.

My plan this time is to jump start with a 3-Day refresh which is a cleanse of sorts, and then jump into 21-day Fix. This is with the goal of teaching me how to eat appropriately.

I've been meal planning tonight, tomorrow I'll grocery shop.  Friday? It begins......

Injuries and Recovery

I have been notably absent for a couple of weeks. Reason being? I hurt my wrist.  "Hurt" isn't necessarily the right word per se. I have had carpal tunnel issues for a few years now, but they come and go, and usually a quick little cortisone injection does the trick and sends me on my way. Unfortunately I let it go a little too long this time, in addition to throwing a ton of extra stress at it, like 10 hour work days, and spending 3-4 hours a day driving, then adding in all of the Insanity workouts and push ups and planks in on top of it.  Long story short, I crushed my median nerve and have to go see a hand surgeon to potentially get it fixed. In the meantime, it is in an immobilizing brace with instructions to rest it.  I lost two weeks of quality workout time... but have clearance to resume, but not to exert or over extend my wrist, so no push ups or planks, but at least it is SOME level of clearance.

I'm not going to lie, starting back tonight - particularly on the first night of MONTH TWO of Insanity, was such a mental struggle. Darling had to convince me to get up and do it. I was terrified.  I was definitely worried about my stamina and flexibility decreasing during the break that I took. I mean, It was half as long of a break as time I had actually been working out! No to mention that these were the MAX workouts. Bigger, harder, longer...  Was I up for it?!

There was definitely modification involved, and different exercises when there simply was no modification. I don't want to screw it my hand up more than it already is, but lets face it, I have 18 days until I go back to Canada to see Darling, and I am not letting anything derail my goals!!

I have to say though, that I am SO PROUD OF MYSELF. My stamina had not significantly diminished, and I pushed it as hard as I could through the workout. And the result? My single best calorie burn achieved to date. 

That's right people - nearly 700 calories burned in AN HOUR!!! That was me! I did that!

Seeing that was exactly what I needed to do in order to get back on track.  I have 18 days before I leave to absolutely kill it and reach my first major milestone, which is to be under 200 lbs for the first time in a DECADE.  Almost  half of my my life has been spent at this mark or over it, and I am determined to blast it out of the water.  The bright side? I'm almost there!  I may have taken two weeks off, and not lost any weight during that time, but more importantly, I didn't gain any either. Which means I am just over 4 lbs away from my goal. I should shatter it.

And even if the pounds on the scale aren't moving, my body is still changing. I am down another complete size, and hopefully the pants which are tight (aka I can wear them but not breathe so well) will fit perfectly by the time I go up there. I can't wait to show you guys my 'result' pictures. 

I feel amazing. I'm overcoming my first athletic injury, and it isn't slowing me down or stopping me. I'm working with it and still allowing myself to recoup.  No Excuses! 

I am not getting on the scale again for two weeks. I don't ever want to see it say 2-- again. And next time I get on? I'm determined to do everything in my power to make sure its no where near there.

Thanks for waiting me out guys.  I might disappear every once in a while, but I'll always be back, and I'll always be killing it!

My Journey Alone

Hey everyone! Realized I haven't posted in a while, but that does not mean I'm not still going strong! Honestly I haven't felt better in my life... So what's been going on you say?

Well work has been INSANE lately. Like more insane than Shaun T hyped up on caffeine.  My workload and hours have significantly intensified along with the girls not being super cooperative most of the time... lets just say I've been stressed. I'd say that you should try potty training a 2 year old, moderating a 5 year old acting out at school and daycare, and still trying to keep up a healthy diet, work full time and then some (averaging 55+ hours a week right now) plus try to make plans for a long-ish international trip. Except I don't really wish this on anyone.  It isn't easy, and I have found myself incredibly high-strung lately and spending quite a bit of time just in tears.

There was one night recently that I just did not want to do it. I didn't want to get up and push play. I was exhausted - mentally and physically. My body was sore, and it was a tough workout that night - Pure Cardio.  I've expressed my feelings on that certain ring of hell previously. I thought of every possible excuse I could to NOT get up and just do it. But then I decided to stop that train of thought, and think of the reasons why I should.

I was having difficulty finding the motivation on my own, so I turned to my external motivators.  My beachbody team. I have an awesome coach, and am part of an incredible team now, and as soon as I posted that I just COULDN'T possibly make it through, there they were. Pushing me on, giving me reasons to move forward, to get up and just do it.  Endorphins are a great stress reliever! The energy that comes after a workout! Pretend you're punching your source of stress! You don't want the guilt of not doing it added to your current stress... And with their encouragement, I did it, and it was probably one of the most motivating and rewarding experiences of my journey thus far. When I thought I just could not possibly do it, I did it. And I killed it.

I am not in this journey alone. It is not just MY journey. I am surrounded by people who believe in me, even when I can't believe in myself. And by them pushing me, they're helping me set examples for others around me who have similar goals, dreams, and motivators, but just aren't certain they can do it.  Well guess what? 

IF I CAN, YOU CAN!

The changes I see in me after just these first few weeks are amazing. Its little things that I might not have noticed before - I'm lasting longer through every workout, doing more and more reps each exercise, jumping higher, pushing further, digging DEEPER. I'm climbing staircases at work without being out of breath or in pain from my foot when I reach the top, and carrying boxes of files without needing to set it down because they're too heavy.  Pants that I couldn't even put on a month ago are loose on me now.  So many little accomplishments that combine to equal one amazing accomplishment - I am getting healthier. Stronger.

Every day that goes by, every giant "X" I put through my workout calendar, every step I take, is moving me that much closer to my goal.

I've been avoiding the scale, so I don't know my exact weight loss, but honestly I'm much less concerned with that now.  I know I am building a lot of muscle and starting to see definition where previously there was nothing, and I am certainly losing inches, but most importantly, I'm better.

I am now halfway through week 4.  On Monday I have my fit test again, and measurements and a weigh in. I'm no longer embarrassed to post my results. I know there are going to be improvements. I see it in every workout. Whether its pounds or inches or stamina, there are changes, and I'm embracing them, and I'm so grateful that each and every one of you are on this journey with me, because alone, I would surely fail.

I'm baaaaaack..... And with RESULTS from 2 week completion!

Aaah how I have missed my quality time with Shaun T.  It is funny how quickly something can become a part of your daily routine, and how much your body rebels.  I don't have full clearance yet to workout, not until the antibiotics are complete, but I was able to do my Fit Test which marked the first COMPLETE two weeks of Insanity, and I am absolutely amazed at my results!!!

First, I shall give you my Fit Test results, both my first day, and now, just two weeks later:

1. Switch Kicks: 23 / 35
2. Power Jacks: 20 / 31
3. Power Knees: 31 / 53
4. Power Jumps: 11 / 17
5. Globe Jumps: 4 / 6
6. Suicide Jumps: 5 / 8 (omg my LEGS!)
7. Push up Jacks: 4 / 12 (!!!)
8. Low Plank Obliques: 11 / 19

Major improvement!  Other than my legs feeling like jello by the 5th exercise, I was thrilled at my stamina throughout the fit test this week.  I am definitely improving, but not only in my performance!

I weighed in yesterday at the two week mark. I have been trying very hard to make it about more than just a "number game".  The scale is important to me, but it isn't my only focus.  That said, I'm certainly not unhappy.

In two weeks, I have gone from 212.8 to 208.2, a 4.6 lb loss!

And while the pounds alone might not be melting off (though I suspect that will come) the INCHES are. Measurements:
Left Arm:  18 / 17.25
Right Arm: 19 / 18
Chest: 42 / 40.5
Waist: 41 / 38.75
Post-baby Pooch: 47.5 / 46
Hips: 48 / 46.5
Left Thigh: 29 / 28
Right Thigh: 29 / 28
Left Calf: 17.5 / 16.5 
Right Calf: 15 / 16 (A full inch GAIN in previously atrophied muscle!)

Total, in two weeks, I have lost 10.5 inches. Unbelievable.  This program WORKS.

Over the next two weeks, my goal is to improve my STAMINA.  I would love to be able to get through the entire warm up without having to stop and gasp for oxygen, even in the final set.  I am improving, but I am definitely not there yet.  I know the warm up is intense, but if I am going to be able to move on to month 2, that is a goal I really want to meet.  I am also going to try to tighten up my diet, and cut carbs out more significantly.  I have been at my calorie goal every day, but I am admittedly allowing myself too many "cheats" and eating things that are certainly not promoting of weight loss.

These results are definitely enough to get me over the two week slump and keep me PUMPED to keep going.  Loving my journey..... and I can't wait to show you pictures at the 30 day mark.

Waylaid AGAIN!

So this will be a rather short and disheartening post, though it hopefully shall not reign in effect for long.

I have found myself on the receiving end of an extremely severe UTI, bladder infection, and inflamed kidneys, and upon doctors orders, am to abstain from participating in Insanity until I have no symptoms and am pain free, or I complete my antibiotics, 9 days from now whichever comes first, due to dehydration and muscle weakness from the side affects of the medications.

I am trying desperately to stay positive and not give in to my self imposed guilt, since my nightly workout has become something I hold very dear, and my goals are not going to wait since they are time sensitive, however I know that pushing it will just injure myself further, and perhaps take me out of the game completely.  I definitely don't want that!

Therefore, I'm finding other, less intense, ways to stay active, and modifying my diet so I remain at my projected deficit, and hopefully continue to lose and progress toward my goal. Its just a short interruption. I will beat it, and be healthier coming out of it in the long run.

I do intend to at least do my fit test on Monday, as well as weigh in and track measurements, as was the initial plan, and I'm not starting over, just resuming where I left off once I do pick it up.  I tend to recover fairly quickly, so I am hoping to continue with that trend.

In alternate happy news - I felt this hard little lump in my side which I initially thought was related to the infections, but upon further probing, its an ab! Specifically an oblique, but most importantly here - I HAVE AN AB!  Just one... and under a layer of fat, BUT ITS THERE!

Thank you Shaun T. I have never felt such a thing on my body before.