Want to win a Bondi Band?

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I recently did a review on an awesome product called the embRACE band, but my friend Shelley over at Slightly Off Kilter has done an awesome review and giveaway for Bondi Band! I will be training, okay, I am officially training for a 5K race. So the "run like a mother" Bondi Band would suit me fine right now! Shelley is giving away 3 Bondi Bands, but if you are going to enter, you must hurry! The giveaway ends tonight 1/31!

My life as a #Mamavation Mom

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I figured I would give you all an overview of a normal day in the life of a Mamavation Mom! Most days are strategically planned out since I have to work late evenings. Mostly, it goes like this...

Between 9:00 am and 10:00 am - Wake up! Breakfast for myself and the boys! Hugs, kisses and diaper changes! lol

10:30am - Noon - Check in with Facebook, Twitter, E-mail and Skype, allow kids TV time

Sometime between Noon and 2:30 pm - workout and snack, wash clothes or do other household cleaning if needed, kids do whatever kids do

2:30 pm - 3:30 pm Get ready for work, pack boys stuff to go to grandma's house and prepare or pack supper

4:30 - 11:30 - Work! I get two breaks, on the first I usually eat "lunch" or sometimes I eat "lunch" on the way to work, I also try to get in extra steps on breaks. I often eat my snacks at my desk.

I get home around midnight, finish filling out my daily food and activity journal, and hit the sack!

On the days in which I am off, like today, I take a little more time to spend online and the boys get to do whatever they want. Today this has consisted of turning their room into a jungle, watching Blues Clues, taking a nap, and enjoying the sunshine! I also use my days off to get caught up on household chores, plan out meals for the week, and reassess my goals for the week!

I figure this is probably boring to most people, but I figure one day, long after my reign as Mamavation Mom I will need to look back to see how in the world I ever did this!

Have a great week and don't forget about our British Invasion on Mamavation TV at 10pm EST tonight! Tracey Mallet and Pete Cohen will be joining us! Also tune in to hear the latest from myself, and the other super motivational Mamavation Moms!

You can see my weekly blog post at mamavation.com here and my bookieboo.com food and activity journal here.

embRACE Fitness Headbands - A review

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I recently had the opportunity to review an awesome product called embRACE bands! 

What are embRACE bands?

embRACE band are fitness headbands that keep hair and sweat off your face AND stay in place!

Straight from the embRACE Website:

The RACE
Life is not a race, but it often feels like one. Including exercise in your daily life can help you go the distance. An active lifestyle can positively support you both emotionally and physically.  For me, staying active has given me the strength to weather the toughest stages of this race. 


Comfort
Whether your goal is to walk to the bustop and stretch or to run your first race, embRACE bands can help make embracing an active lifestyle easier and exciting. Let’s face it, things that fit well make exercise much more enjoyable. 

Beauty
For many, we spend more time at the gym than we do out on the town. We should invest in our clothes and accessories to reflect that. I actually get more excited about going to the gym after making a new bag or band.

embRACE an active lifestyle
We all know that the gym won’t pay off if we only go once or twice, so don’t fight it, embrace it. Just like a hug, hold exercise close to you.  Make it a priority.  Make it a lifestyle. Let embRACE bands help!

Who is embRACE?
I am a blessed mother of two who has taught group fitness on and off for the last 18 years.  I grew up playing many sports and learned (the hard way!) that I need to stay active in order to keep the weight off.   But, over time, I learned a more important lesson, keeping active helps me feel better physically and emotionally.   After having kids, it was easier to get back on the treadmill and shed the baby weight.  During tough challenges in my daily life, I sweat away my frustration.

Unlike some die-hards, I can't workout all the time.  I also enjoy sewing and being creative and with embRACE bands I do just that.    I make all of the embRACE products by hand and love to play around with new ideas, colors, and patterns so keep them coming!

I was very excited when CarolLynn agreed to send me an embRACE band to review! I will admit, with the holidays, etc, etc, I did not get the chance to use enough to really give an accurate review. Until now. Since I became a Mamavation Mom over a week ago, I have had my share of sweaty walks and workouts. I have used the embRACE band many times in the past couple weeks, and what can I say? It does it's job! I did not have to worry about sweat dripping into my face, and when I took the band off, it was completely soaked! The bands are very absorbent. I did have a little slipping, and had to adjust the band a couple times during each workout, but I wear it further back on my head than I believe it is intended. On the underside of these bands is a soft, absorbent layer of velour which not only keeps the band from slipping, but provides that extra layer to keep the sweat out of your face. There are so many different styles and patterns to choose from. I absolutely love the band that CarolLynn sent me, pink and brown happen to be two of my favorite colors! 

Here are some pictures of the product in use by me!

My preferred way of wearing the embRACE band

Very cute logo on the inside of the band, it seems to be ironed on, so it causes no irritation and doesn't catch in your hair!

For extremely sweaty workouts, I wear the embRACE band closer to my forehead for maximum sweat absorption! It also does a great job of keeping my bangs out of my eyes.

Overall I give the embRACE bands an A! Very affordable, many styles to choose from, and does what it is supposed to do. 

Check out CarolLynn's full line of embBrace bands at her website, www.embraceactivewear.com

Thank You CarolLynn for being patient with me and for allowing me to review your product!


I was provided an embRACE band absolutely free with no compensation for my review.

#Mamavation Monday - One week down...

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And 6 more to go! 

This past week, my first week as a Mamavation Mom has been awesome! The first couple of days were a little hard, I was struggling a bit getting my 10k steps in and getting enough water in. I was also working day shift this past week, which was different for me since I normally work evening shift. I am not a morning person at all. I got my nutrition plan from Alysa, and went grocery shopping on Saturday night for all the fresh, new goodies. Truthfully, it felt awesome having all of those fresh items in my cart. The ratio of fresh to processed foods was definitely in favor of fresh this time! I admitted on twitter that I had never actually tasted fresh pineapple before, and I LOVE pineapple. Turns out the fresh tastes much better than the canned! I even like the texture of the fruit better when it's fresh as opposed to canned. 

My first weigh in as a Mamavation Mom is Sunday morning. You won't get to see my progress, but make sure to attend Mamavation TV Monday night to hear how much weight I have lost! My starting weight for this campaign is 276. Wow, what a number!

I am super excited for this week's blogging carnival which is being sponsored by, Fiber Plus. Make sure to visit the Mamavation Monday post this week to sign up to get your free box of these awesome bars! They are very tasty and chock full of Fiber!  

How are you getting more fiber in your diet this New Year? More fiber packed fruits and veggies! With my bowel disease I have to be careful of fiber, but fruits are my favorite way to get fiber!

Congrats to our sista of the week, Lena! @elenka29 

See my blog post from this past week on Mamavation.com here

Check out my daily food and activity log on bookieboo.com here

If you are participating in the Move It and Lose it challenge be sure to post your weight, scale pic on your blog this week! 

Thanks to Mamavation's sponsors, Earth Footwear, Sears Fitness, EA SPORTS Active, and Chefs Requested. We appreciate your support! Also thanks to our coaching team, Pete Cohen,  Alysa Bajenaru, RD and Tracey Mallett.

“I’m writing this post as an entry to a blogging carnival sponsored by Fiber Plus. I will be receiving free product in return.”

Winners of the Fitness Giveaway!

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First of all, thank you for voting for me! I was voted in as a Mamavation Mom! Please feel free to visit often to watch my progress as I become healthier!

Winners have been emailed and will have 48 hours to get back to me or new winners will be chosen!

Package #1: 

The Frugal Foodie Cookbook 

10 Minute Solution 5 Day Get Fit Mix DVD

Sadie said...
I voted for you

sadiebeery at hotmail dot com

January 12, 2011 7:03 PM

Package #2:

Yoga Tune up Quick Fix RX with Jill Miller (2 DVDs)

Shapely Girl Walking Fit and Fabulous DVD

Fix it Make it Grow it Bake it Book

$10 Target Giftcard

 ElizaBeth said...
Shared on my FB
eabivens at gmail.com

January 16, 2011 12:25 AM

Package #3:

Playful Planet Storyland Yoga DVD

$10 Subway Giftcard

Ashley said... I voted for you!

hewella1 at gmail dot com

January 13, 2011 1:07 AM

#Mamavation Monday - It's time to part-ay!

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Wow. Time flies when you're having fun, huh? On the day I submitted my application for Campaign 7 I remember thinking that January 17th seemed so far away! It's here!

Campaigning is rough stuff. I tweeted earlier this week that I would never be a politician, because campaigning is hard work! You would think it would be easy-peasy getting someone to click a few times for you! But wow, it takes some coaxing (and even a giveaway!) I have, however, been surprised by some of the people who have arisen out of the shadows of my past to support me! An old Sunday school teacher, an old friend from school, and even some new friends I made at work! I have been awestruck with the support I have received at work by people whom I barely know! How can I not succeed with this kind of atmosphere!

And here we are, not only at the beginning of a new campaign, but a new MILI challenge! I am so excited that Leah has offered a little incentive for us applicants! I have watched too many campaigns where applicants fade away if they were not chosen for Mamavation Mom! Odds are, if you stick around, you are more likely to get chosen in the next campaign! So if you were an applicant, and don't get chosen as Mamavation Mom, stick around and post all 7 weeks, earn an extra $100 and maybe even get a head start on the next campaign!

So back to campaigning. I want to be the next Mamavation Mom. Not only for my family and for my health but for the sisterhood. I want to make you all proud and be an inspiration that will draw more moms in. I want to show every mom out there that healthiness can be attained. I want to make Leah and our sponsors proud. I want all of this, but can only have it if you vote for me! The two new Mamavation Moms will be announced Monday 1/17 during the twitter party! Make sure to RSVP, and join us for a chance to win some groovy swag!

On to the stats for the Move it and Lose it challenge:

Bust - 49 1/2''

Waist - 45''

Hips - 60"

L Arm - 17''

R Arm - 16''

L Thigh - 32''

R Thigh - 32''

Weight - 270.0

Before pictures - (yikes! again)

Win One of Three Fitness Packages! Easy Entry! I want to be the next #Mamavation Mom!

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I was chosen as a Mamavation Mom finalist!

I have wanted to become a Mamavation Mom for many months, and only with your vote can that happen! So, in exchange for your vote I am giving you a chance to win one of 3 awesome fitness packages below!

Package #1:

The Frugal Foodie Cookbook

10 Minute Solution 5 Day Get Fit Mix DVD

Package #2:

Yoga Tune up Quick Fix RX with Jill Miller (2 DVDs)

Shapely Girl Walking Fit and Fabulous DVD

Fix it Make it Grow it Bake it Book

$10 Target Giftcard

Package #3:

Playful Planet Storyland Yoga DVD

$10 Subway Giftcard

To enter:

Mandatory entry: 

Go to the "Vote for Mamavation Mom" post and vote for me, @christlikemommy (1 entry per vote, you can vote once per computer, or device!)

(if you have already voted, please feel free to enter!)

Additional entries:

- Share this giveaway on your facebook page (1 entry)

-Tweet this giveaway (1 entry per tweet up to 5 tweets)

"Vote Kimberly, @christlikemommy for Mamavation Mom and enter to win one of THREE fitness packages! http://ow.ly/3CIMJ " 

Giveaway ends 1/17 at midnight EST. Open to US and Canada. Winners will be chosen 1/18 after the Mamavation Moms are announced at the Mamavation Twitter Party on 1/17!

Thanks for your vote!

And special thanks to Greta, @MiddleAgedJock, for helping out with this giveaway! Find out more about MiddleAgedJock at her blog,  http://www.middleagedjock.com/

Will you take a moment to vote for me?

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I was chosen as one of twelve finalists for Mamavation Mom! If I win, I will get to go through 7 weeks of a great weight loss bootcamp, lots of great workout gear, including a treadmill, and unimaginable support! It will only take a minute to vote! 

Please visit this post to vote, click the box beside my name (christlikemommy) then scroll to the bottom and click vote! Simple! 

Thanks for your support!

#Mamavation Monday - Why you should support me

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UPDATE! I am a finalist! Vote for me here! @christlikemommy

Happy Monday! This week is going to be one of excitement, emotions, and more. I am a Mamavation Mom applicant and hopefully a finalist. I have dreamed of this, literally, since July of this past year. This is something I want, but most of all-it is something I need. I am totally responsible for how much I weigh today, I did it all on my own. The help and support from the Mamavation Coaching team would be a great addition to my already improving healthy lifestyle. I need the tools and advice to help me stay on track. I have already started that change. I am eating healthier foods, getting more activity, and making sure my family is involved. I am pushing myself to do things that I was once too lazy to do. I am out of my comfort zone. That zone where I sat around inactive, and eating foods that were not meant to be eaten in the amounts I was eating them.

If I am chosen as a finalist, I need your vote. You vote is the only thing that is going to help me become the next Mamavation Mom. If I become Mamavation Mom, I will submit myself to Leah, and the coaching team, I will do what is asked of me in the campaign. After the campaign, I will be there. I will be there to support the sisters and others. Those who may think they would never have a fighting chance at losing weight and getting healthy. Those who could be inspired by my story. Because if I become the next Mamavation Mom my story will be inspiring and motivating. My story will be one that will live in the Mamavation annals for months, even years to come. I have the desire, the drive I just need the support. Your support. Your vote.

I have a game plan. Sad to say, but it has taken a bad report from the doctor to get my family on board with my weight loss goals. I have a husband who is ready to take charge of the household in order for me to devote time to my fitness goals. I have other family members who are encouraging me and  lifting me up as I pursue this healthy goal. My doctor is incredibly supportive, always offering suggestions, advice and more.

In the event that I am not chosen as the next Mamavation Mom, I am still changing. No more unhealthy me. I will make sure that my family knows that I still need their support and encouragement, I will seek out the help that I need with nutrition. If I am not chosen as the next Mamavation Mom, I will win the Move it & Lose it challenge. Watch out world. Here I come!

If you want to show your support in my quest to become a Mamavation Mom, please tweet the following, or head on over to the Mamavation Facebook page and let Leah, @bookieboo know that I inspire you!

"Hey @bookieboo! I want @christlikemommy to be the next #Mamavation" Mom. She has my support! http://bit.ly/zqUxa"

See why I NEED to be a #Mamavation Mom...

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These photos are worth a thousand words. Most of those words, probably aren't great. This is why I want and need to be the next #Mamavation Mom.

Obese

High Cholesterol

No energy

No confidence

Enlarged Spleen

Heart Disease

Fat

Morbidly Obese

Got to get healthy

For my kids

For my family

For me.

#Mamavation Monday - Gonna be MIA one more time...

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Hi ladies! Did you enjoy yourself this past weekend? I did! I spent the whole weekend with my guys and we did not do a thing! (Besides some fun cardio!) I didn't make any "resolutions" for this year but I did makes some goals! Check out my Goals, Hopes and Aspirations for 2011 here.

This is the last Monday that I have to work the evening shift due to school starting soon, so I am not going to be at Mamavation TV this week. I just saw Kia post our Mamavation Monday post this week, and our guests are us Mamavation Applicants. Since I won't be there to plead my case, I am going to vlog it in my post today! (It's a little long, but please hang out and bear with me! Thanks!)

Thanks once again for hanging out and watching my video. 

Don't forget to tweet out your support! I really, truly appreciate it! 

Have a great week!

If you want to show your support in my quest to become a Mamavation Mom, please tweet the following, or head on over to the Mamavation Facebook page and let Leah, @bookieboo know that I inspire you!

"Hey @bookieboo! I want @christlikemommy to be the next #Mamavation" Mom. She has my support! http://bit.ly/zqUxa"