Lights for Life - help kids with cancer

My sweet little niece just turned 3 in October.  The entire family gathered for this very important birthday.  You see, our angel Sophie was diagnosed last Thanksgiving with a brain tumor.  If you would like to read more details you can read her parents beautifully written BLOG HERE.  She has been through a lot.

She is still struggling and the doctors have said she is now terminal.  Her parents are desperately seeking trials with new treatments with the hopes of simply stopping the new growth of the tumor.

If you would like to help KIDS FIGHT CANCER I stumbled upon a very simple way anyone can help.  Its called LIGHTS FOR LIFE.  You find a donation center and take all those pesky string of lights that have stopped working.  READ MORE ABOUT LIGHTS FOR LIFE HERE.  We appreciate your being willing to help in this simple yet important way.  Every little thing can help.

5 Mental Strategies all Runners Need to Know

When it comes to training for—then crossing the finish line at a marathon (or your first 5 or 10K)—you need your brain as much as you need your legs.

(Photo: Flickr/Joe in SD)

“You face a lot of fatigue mentally and physically, and it gets very, very challenging,” says Joe Taravella, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist with offices in Manhattan, Staten Island, and New Jersey. And he should know. Dr. Taravella is also a marathoner who’s set to run the ING New York City Marathon on November 3.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE.

9 Foods for Amazing Skin

9 foods for amazing skin

We may not be able to change our DNA or completely alleviate blemish-inducing stress, but we all can eat foods that contribute to amazing skin, says Kimberly Snyder, celebrity nutritionist and author of the best-selling The Beauty Detox Solution. Snyder shares with us nine foods—from cucumbers to kale and sauerkraut (surprise!)—that can seriously impact the look and health of your skin. —Sharon Feiereisen

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE.

7 Workout Habits You Should Drop Now

October 15, 2013 | By Jennifer Cohen

Are you spending hours working out every week, and not getting the results you want? Chances are you might have a bad habit or two when it comes to exercising. Never fear, there’s a quick fix for even the most ingrained workout no-nos. Check out these 7 workout habits you should drop: Not only will ditching these help you lose the pounds, they will help you become a more efficient exerciser.

1) The elliptical. I’m not a fan of the elliptical. Not only is it the most boring piece of equipment in the gym, it is also extremely ineffective. First off, the elliptical doesn’t use a natural body motion to work your body. Workouts that use natural motions like running, bending, or jumping are much more effective at toning muscles. Sure, the gliding motion of the elliptical burns calories, but that’s about it. It is also easy to slack off on the elliptical. With the treadmill you at least have to keep up with the pace you set. On the elliptical you start off with guns blazing, and 10 minutes later you are crawling along like a turtle. You are much better off doing a 20-minute cross training circuit (burpees, jumping rope, jumping squats, etc.) than 45 minutes of slogging along on the elliptical. If you are looking for another low impact exercise, try the rowing machine. This will get your heart rate up, and also work your upper body and back.

2) Working out for long periods of time at a moderate pace. When it comes to working out, slow and steady does NOT win the race. Maximize your time, people! Instead of working out for an hour at an easy-to-moderate intensity level, step it up a notch. Challenge yourself to 30 minutes of nonstop, intense exercise. You can take 15- to 30-second breaks, but move quickly from one workout to the next. Give it 100% for 30 minutes, instead of 75% for an hour. Need ideas for shorter, high intensity workouts? Check out 15 Minutes to Change Fat to Muscle.

3) Lollygagging. You know that girl at the gym who’s always fixing her hair in the mirror? Don’t be her. Come to the gym with a time frame and a plan. This means no wandering around, no texting your boyfriend in between reps. Come with a set workout to complete, limiting your water breaks to specific points in your circuit for a designated amount of seconds. If this means writing down your regimen, great! Tattoo it to your arm! Whatever! Make the most of your time. Get in, get out. No one likes a gym rat.

4) Too much cardio. Too little strength training. But cardio burns more calories, right? Not so fast, lady. Sure, an hour on the treadmill gives you that instant satisfaction of burning 400 calories. Or so that little blinking screen says. A quick strength training or cross training session, however, will get your heart rate up, burn calories, and develop your lean muscle mass. Building muscle means that those muscles are able to work throughout the day burning more calories when you aren’t working out.

5) Hydrating with sports drinks. Sports drinks may give you a boost, but are full of sugar and calories. During any given daily workout, hydrating with plain ol’ water should do the trick just fine. If you feel tired during your workout, try fueling before. Eating a healthy snack 45 minutes before your workout can give you more energy, and allow you to skip the Gatorade. Try some almond butter on toast.

6) Doing the same exercises over and over again. When you do the same workout routine over and over, your body gets used to it and it becomes easier. The Stairmaster might have been challenging at one point, but pretty soon your muscles become familiar with that motion. Your body only uses half the energy to complete this task that at one point had you huffing and puffing your way to the locker room. Mix it up. By changing your workouts daily you will trick your body into working harder and burning more calories. It will also save you from boredom! Take that new kickboxing class or try one of my workouts!

7) Going it alone. Working out alone can be great. It gives you time to clear your mind, listen to music, and feel the burn. However, sometimes it takes a workout buddy to hold you accountable. Working out with a partner not only makes it more likely that you’ll work out, it makes most people try harder than they would on their own. Your partner can cheer you on to finish that last half mile or to finish those last four deadlifts. And let’s not forget the power of good old-fashioned competition. If your friend is doing 50 lunges, don’t you suddenly feel inspired to do 51?

Now that you’ve dropped those pesky habits, try a new workout: 4 Fitness Trends You Need to Know About.

Jennifer Cohen is a leading fitness authority, TV personality, best-selling author, and entrepreneur. With her signature, straight-talking approach to wellness, Jennifer was the featured trainer on The CW’s Shedding for the Wedding, mentoring the contestants’ to lose hundreds of pounds before their big day, and she appears regularly on NBC’s Today Show, Extra, The Doctors and Good Morning America. Connect with Jennifer on Facebook, Twitter, G+and on Pinterest.

$29 for The Ultimate 7-Disc Work Out Experience Set - Shipping Included ($79 Value)

I've been wanting to try ZUMBA for a while now.  But I'm one of those people that prefers trying new workouts in the privacy of my own home before I plunk down a ton of money for classes.  So I found this perfect deal to introduce anyone to ZUMBA and find out for yourself how coordinated (or uncoordinated) you truly are in the comfort of your own living room!!  $29 for The Ultimate 7-Disc Work Out Experience Set - Shipping Included ($79 Value)

Print Your Famous Footwear Coupon for an Extra 15% Off & Combine it with the BOGO Sale!

Print your coupon now for an extra 15% off your purchase at Famous Footwear. The coupon will be good in stores August 8th through the 17th. Rewards members get 20% off!

If you're shopping online, you can use coupon code SCHOOL54 to get the discount on those same dates. Rewards members can take 20% off with code SCHOOLS57 plus your rewards number.

Use your coupon or coupon code on along with Famous Footwear's buy one, get one 1/2 off sale for extra big savings!

Note: This coupon's only available to print for a limited time, so if you think you may use it, don't wait!

__________________________________________________________

For more deals and coupons, check out my homepage at MomsWhoSave.com.

You can also find me on Facebook and join me on Twitter, along with more than 116,000 other bargain hunters for daily deal updates!

Don't miss a freebie, deal, or giveaway! Subscribe to MomsWhoSave's blog posts! Then be sure to confirm your subscription when you get the confirmation email.

Disclosure: MomsWhoSave posts may contain affiliate links. See full disclosure policy here.

Drink Cold Water To Burn Incremental Calories

Not sure if I actually believe this or not.  Do you??  It makes some sense.  Good thing I like my water icy cold anyway!  Drink Cold Water To Burn Incremental Calories

A Solution For Grease Stains

I love this site!  They send simple little solutions and tips via email weekly.  This one is amazingly simple.  CHALK!  A Solution For Grease Stains

$39 for Five Dance Classes of Your Choice ($90 Value) - Global Music Academy

$39 for Five Dance Classes of Your Choice ($90 Value) - Global Music Academy

Just signed up me and the girlies for a Bollywood class using this voucher!!!  So excited!  If you are local - come join us!!  New Bollywood class forming on Wednesdays 7pm - all ages.

Father Running Pittsburgh Marathon Blindfolded

My new hero!  This dedicated father is running to race money for his daughter who was born blind.  Not only that, but he is running the entire Pittsburgh Marathon blindfolded!  Read his story here.

Boston Marathon 2013

For all of those who trained so hard for Boston...for those who waited hours for a glimpse of their loved ones crossing the finish...for those tireless volunteers working the race our hearts and prayers go out to all of you. As runners, we are all in this together.  Our passion for running binds us together, drives us to go that extra mile, and makes us grateful for every breath of fresh air.  We all feel the sadness and confusion with you.

Eating Gluten-Free? Try Taste Guru -- Extra Month FREE With Coupon Code

If you're eating gluten-free and have been on the lookout for more more food options, check out the Taste Guru Gluten-Free Box of the Month Club. They deliver only the best-tasting gluten-free food on the market -- guaranteed!

Sign-up and get ready for new goodies every month. Your shipment is delivered right to your door--always with free shipping.

Choose a three, six, or 12-month subscription--plus for a limited time, you'll get a bonus month FREE with coupon code: 1Free making this an even better deal.

If you have food sensitivities, are trying a gluten-free diet for a child with autism, or just want to give gluten-free eating a try, this is a great way to discover some new foods. 

_____________________________________________________

For more deals and coupons, check out my main deals page at MomsWhoSave.com

You can also find me on Facebook and on join me on Twitter, along with more than 113,000 other bargain hunters for daily deal updates!

FREE Online Account & Bill Organizer

• One login for all of your bills and online accounts
• Reminders about when bills are due
• Unlimited storage for your bills and statements

I pay almost all of my bills online, book travel online, and sign up for new services online whenever possible. That makes for a lot of passwords, payments, and due dates to keep track of!

Luckily, there's a FREE service to help you keep all of your online accounts organized. Manilla is a free web-based service that helps you better manage all of your household accounts, including financial accounts, utilities, subscriptions, travel rewards programs, and more in one secure place. With just one password, Manilla provides you with an automated, organized view of all of your account information, text and/or email reminders to pay bills and unlimited storage of account documents.

Most people have more than 20 different household accounts, including three or four credit cards, several travel and hotel rewards accounts, magazine and newspaper subscriptions, plus cable, phone, and other assorted utility bills. How do you keep up with all this? You get paper mail, you have to remember all kinds of online usernames, passwords, and websites.

Manilla will retrieve all your account information – current balances, previous payments, upcoming bills due – and store it for you in one secure place. Best of all, you only need  one password to view, manage, and organize it all--and of course, it's FREE!

Oh, and if you're still unsure -- Manilla's been recommended by The Wall Street Journal, CNNMoney, Forbes, Time, and too many more places to mention. Check it out for yourself!

______________________________________________________

Click to see more FREE budgeting tools from MomsWhoSave. 

______________________________________________________  

 

For deals and coupons, check out my main deals page at MomsWhoSave.com 

You can also find me on Facebook and join me on Twitter, along with more than 113,000 other bargain hunters for daily deal updates!

The F Word

That is the headline that caught my eye on MyYogaOnline today.  The F Word.

FUN!  It made me stop and realize that the F word is what I've been missing in my workouts!!

I remember when running was FUN.

Bootcamp drills were FUN.

Core work was FUN.

Yoga was FUN.

Cycling was FUN.

Walking the beast - I mean, dog - was FUN.

What happened?  Have I been too exhausted from having a newborn / baby?  Do I save the FUN for rollerblading with the kids, chasing them on bikes, and crafting?  

This is how I have decided to re-motivate myself to enjoy running again!  Put the FUN back in my RUN.  I am desperately longing to get back out there and start logging more miles.  I am trying to squeeze it in between baby nap times, homeschooling, and kids' activities.  If I could simply get excited to get out there and do it!!!!!  So FUN here I come!  

No more dragging my feet out the door when the temperature is optimal that day.  No more saving it for the weekends.  No more choosing my route based on the fewest uphill climbs and the turn-around points to shorten it if I feel like it!!!!!

FUN!  Sprints, speedwork, hill repeats, maybe even competing with random people through Map My Run.  I have downloaded Broadway tunes from SMASH my absolute favorite show on TV, and other broadway musicals.

I have officially signed up for 2 FUN races:

The Glo Run - Washington, DC - April 2013

Run or Dye - Washington, DC - June 2013

The Glo Run is a nighttime 5K. You run wearing glow-in-the-dark gear through lasers and strobes, DJs pump the tunes, etc.

Run or Dye is an untimed 5K with 3 different routes.  You are sprayed with washable dyes at the end of each course.

What's your idea of FUN on a RUN?

Style Challenge - Week 10 - Red Nail Polish

How hard can this challenge be?  Paint your nails RED for no reason!  No special event.  No special person.  

Whip out that bottle of red you bought for special occasions (nail polish, not wine -- or nail polish AND wine) and paint something....toes...fingernails...kids' toes...dogs' nails.  Unfortunately, my most recent purchase of nail polish was TEAL (thanks Amity).  So I might have to cheat a bit this week and do teal.  Do I dare paint my actual fingernails for the first time since high school?????  Actually, I got a french manicure for my wedding.  But that doesn't count as painting my own nails some BIG color.  Or do I stick to my toes?  Hmmmm...

Week 9 Style Challenge: BRAID

Another super duper easy peasy Style Challenge this week!  BRAID!  Even if you simply braid your bangs or quickly add one tiny braid somewhere in your hair - that counts!!

Here is some inspiration.  Good luck and Happy Braiding!!!!

Kids RollerSkate FREE

You can sign up each of your children for 2 FREE skate passes every week for 2013!!
They have a list of participating rinks.  What a cool way to spend a snowy, rainy or super hot day!
My kids love to roller skate and rollerblade.  Here is the link!

Week 8 Style Challenge: Necklace Stack

Thank goodness last week's challenge is O-V-E-R.  Dresses + Homeschool Mom + 5 month old = NO NEED TO WEAR A FREAKING DRESS.  I tried, I really did.  I searched for an occasion to wear a dress.  Then the cold crept in and I got even MORE lazy about working a dress into my wardrobe.  Had it been a SWEATS challenge - I would have nailed it!

On to this week....
Tra la la la la....

I'm a crafter.  I have necklaces.  Lots of necklaces.  Half of which I have crafted myself.  Or my crafty queen  friend AMY has crafted for me.  Or my jewelry design extraordinaire VAL has gifted me.  

So this week's challenge is NECKLACE STACKING.  Not just one petite little pearl on a strand kind of necklace.  Oh no!  Grab a few...blindfolded if you dare...and wear them around your neck.

This I can do.  I have a few outings planned this week.  I THINK I CAN.  NO....I WILL SUCCEED.

Dirty Ovens

I think I will post this sign on my front door...kind of like a "enter at your own risk AND don't judge me" warning.

Watch this video about love, life, hope, and courage. Amazing!

I just came across this lovely web site. It brought tears to my eyes and love swelled in my heart.

Pray For Ian: our story: we met in college in 2005. we started dating then, too. love came quickly and how fun it was. in september of 2006, on his way...

Week 7: Style Challenge: Dress

Alrighty then.  How are we doing on our Style Challenges??  Anyone??
This week you need to try to wear a DRESS each day for 7 days.  So your assignment this evening is to dig around in your closet and pull out a few dresses you haven't worn in forever.  Dust them off, don't blink, pull out some tights or leggings to wear beneath them.  And make a pinkie promise with yourself (or your child if they are in the closet with you this very moment putting on mommy's shoes) to wear a dress a day this week.  Feel free to repeat a dress and switch up the accessories. 

Now, be gone with you.  Go play dress up!

Here is a bit of inspiration...

Style Challenge - Week 6 - BOOTS

It seems a BOOTS style dare might be a bit more fun in the summer time.  But we'll go with it.  Winter = Boots.  This should be a truly simple challenge week.  Tall boots, short boots, brown boots, black boots, cowboy boots, snow boots, dress boots, furry boots....you get the idea.

To add a little spice this week - try a boot and dress combo you've never tried.  Or boots that don't match your outfit.  

Whatever your style, boots are for every-booty.

Week 5 Style Challenge: Brooch

Does the word BROOCH invoke visions of antique jewelry and black & white photos?  Well, it shouldn't!  Brooches can be very NOW.  If you happen to have a brooch tucked away that is a family heirloom - get it out, dust it off, and wear it this week.  Otherwise, you can easily create a brooch from a fancy earring, a silk flower, even tiny artwork from your kids and some ribbon.

I think the key to this week's challenge of wearing a BROOCH each day is finding new ways to wear them.  Brooches don't have to lay sweetly on a lapel.  Pin one to your winter hat.  Use one to define your waist on a dress.  Pin it to your bag, your boot, or attach one to a necklace.  Think outside the brooch box.

Click here for brooch inspiration.

Run This Year: 2,013 Miles

That’s right, run 2,013 miles in 2013.
We’re inviting all of you to join in on the challenge. 2,013 sounds like a lot of miles, because it is. But that’s part of the fun, right? You can break it up like this:

2,013 miles:

• 5.516 miles per day
• 38.72 miles per week
• 167.75 miles per month
• 76.84 marathons per year
• 671 runs to Starbucks (if your Starbucks is 3 miles away)

There are tons of ways to get started at reaching your goal. Tiffany and I will be hosting monthly challenges and chats to help motivate you and encourage you to RUN THIS YEAR.

Let's see I'm already approximately 60 miles behind :(  
How about you???? 

Style Dare - Week 4 - On Your Head

ON YOUR HEAD!  Huh?  Stand on my head?  No....

Wear something on your head!

A cool barrette, a hip hat,  a do rag, a hair band, bunny ears...whatever strikes your fancy.

No rules.  Anything goes.

Style Challenge for this week should be fairly simple.

I will try to post a few of my ON YOUR HEAD days.

And because I love, love, love making barrettes, etc. I will try my motherly best to post a DIY hair clip project this week.

I made these retro hair bands for the girlies in December 2012 using felt for the "leaves" and foldover elastic in beautiful colors found on Etsy.com.

Snowflake Poem

Stumbled across this lovely little poem...

Whenever a snowflake leaves the sky,
It turns and turns to say goodbye.
"Goodbye, dear cloud, cool and grey."
Then lightly travels on its way.

And when a snowflake finds a tree
"Good day," it says, "good day to thee."
Thou art so bare and lonely here
I'll call my friends to settle near."
- anonymous

Disney World Marathon Weekend 2013 - Arrival

This past Wednesday the "fam" and I jumped on a plane and headed to Orlando for Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend (WDW Marathon).  Being Disney newbies my family (me, husband, 8yo, 6yo, and 3-month old) had no prior knowledge about the theme parks and no idea what to expect.  As a matter of fact, I assumed this would be another stressful family vacation of "best vacation ever" expectations withering away with each argument among the children, exhaustion, and indecision about what to do next.  Would this be another crowded amusement park with really bad food?  Would we spend the entire weekend trying to figure out directions to the expo, the race, a decent place to eat?  Boy, was I ever WRONG!

From the time we stepped off the plane Disney treated us like royalty.  Actually, Disney treated EVERY guest like royalty, taking care of each detail and alleviating all of the highest stressors (i.e. luggage, transportation, and most importantly addressing the needs of our children).  They are a well-oiled machine with friendly, knowledgeable employees everywhere.  The most impressive part being the huge percentage of Disney employees who were disabled or above the age of 60. We stepped aboard the Disney's Magical Express (complimentary transportation to all Disney resorts) and were dropped off at the front door to Disney's Yacht Club Resort.  No rental car, no bad directions, no worries.

Because we were there for the WDW Half Marathon runDisney had a complete marathon weekend itinerary waiting in our room, along with a hospitality suite for all runners and their guests to grab snacks, drinks, continental breakfast items, and incidentals throughout the weekend.  The hospitality suite was their way of supporting all runners at each Disney resort -- keeping us hydrated, nourished, and stress-free.

From the moment we arrived I knew that this would truly come to be a "magical" weekend.  Yes, I was already sipping the Disney kool-aid (wink, wink).

We arrived late the first night - grabbed some grub and went to bed.  

Next post:  Blogger 6am run around the boardwalk, race expo at ESPN, Epcot, and more.

Week 3 Style Challenge: Scarves

Do you where scarves?  Do you want to wear scarves but have never tried?  Do have some cool scarves tucked away in a drawer unworn and in need of some love?  I do!  This week's Style Challenge is SCARVES.  

Any kind of scarf will do.  
Wrapped around your head.  
Tied around your neck.  
Worn as a belt.  
Twisted into a necklace.  
Tied onto your purse.  

How will you incorporate scarves into your wardrobe this week?  Will they sparkle?  Will you choose retro patterns?  Do you prefer rectangular scarves or small square scarves?  

I will check in with you with a taste of how I will wear scarves this week. 

Here is some inspiration:  http://pinterest.com/bestbibtucker/scarf-tying/
 

Week 2 Style Dare - Denim - update

I haven't heard how my Style Dare buddies are doing this week, but I'm a big cheater! I made a cool little denim flower brooch and have been wearing it this week.

Just proves that anything counts... Get a little creative.

Challenge Week 2 - Denim

Whew!  This week's challenge I can handle!!!  Denim!  Well, its sort of easy.  I will still have 2 hurdles this week: 1) I homeschool and work at home and, therefore, spend a lot of time in sweats and workout clothes, 2) I still can't fit into my pre-pregnancy jeans after having my 3rd child 3 months ago (NONE of them).  So its time to get a bit creative.  At the very least I'm going to head upstairs, grab an old pair of jeans, and create a denim flower pin to wear all week as a fall-back.  I might even attempt making a denim collar and embellishing it with rhinestones (in my dreams).

I hope it turns out looking something like this!

What will YOU do for the WEAR DENIM ALL WEEK challenge?????
I will post photos later!

Crafty Christmas 2012

We were up to a ton of crafty goodness this holiday season. We made:
-pine cone fire starters dipped in wax
-book pages folded into trees and painted
-bourbon sugared cranberries
-wine cork trees
And many many other awesome things.

Day 2 pink lipstick challenge

Here's a quick update on our 2013 challenge. Week 1 is a short week (thank goodness) and is probably my biggest challenge of all. I mean, I like fashion but makeup really isn't my thing. And even when I wear a bit of makeup I rarely wear lipstick.

Making rambling excuses?

You betcha!

So far I have failed this challenge miserably!!! I can't even find my old stash of lipstick!! I did, however go on a way too long run and my entire face turned hot pink! Might very well be the first time that has ever happened. Getting old stinks.

Amy, on the other hand, painted her lips hot pink and set out on a neighborhood walk Day 1. Not only that....her 2 precious daughters wore pink lipstick too! How cute is that!?!

Tomorrow is another day.