Look Good FAST with Your New Handy "Trainer"

Sharing Saturdays:

The last of this month's focus on diet and exercise, The High Intensity Fitness Revolution for Women claims it can make your look good, fast. 

"If you’re the kind of woman who spends an average weekday lounging around, then feel free to put this book back on the shelf. This is a fitness regimen for women who don’t have an hour or more to work out each day." 

The High Intensity Fitness Revolution for Women: A Fast and Easy Workout with Amazing Results leads you through a revolutionary workout routine by Pete Cerqua, one of New York City’s most applauded fitness trainers.

Cerqua owns and operates the 90-Second Fitness flagship studio in New York City. One of New York’s most respected and in-demand fitness trainers, he has been helping people lose weight for more than 20 years.

Cerqua claims he knows the secret that will change the way you see exercise forever: short periods of high intensity workout are much more productive and effective than lengthy periods of “overtraining.” This book is about getting the best possible result for your body in the shortest amount of time— at home. It focuses on toning your muscles, increasing your metabolism, strengthening your bones, preventing arthritis, achieving great legs, and all around looking and feeling better. 

What I like most about it: there's pictures on how to do the exercises on the machines. While I've downloaded plenty of workout apps on my phone, I still spend most of workout time looking on my Iphone and not on actually doing the exercises. This way I have not only a list of my workout, but how to do it and on what machine. It's the next best thing to the trainer. 

Best of all, if you and your honey are looking to lose some pounds together, there's actually a book just for the hubby, too -The High Intensity Fitness Revolution for Men.

The High Intensity Fitness Revolution for Women

A Fast and Easy Workout with Amazing Results

By Pete Cerqua

Skyhorse Publishing paperback, also available as an ebook

$14.95 (Under $10 on Amazon.com)

DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC's 16 CFR Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.")

The Carb Cycle That 's Good For Your Thighs

Sharing Sundays: 

While I’ve been working on a rather low-carb diet for a week now (except today), I don’t mind telling you that sometimes I wish the Susan Powter high-carb diet of the early 90s actually did work. Wouldn’t it be lovely to have a diet where you could eat spaghetti and baked potatoes and not feel like you were committing espionage or something?

Purchase Franco Carlotto's Carb Cycle on Amazon.com.

Actually there is a way, according six−time Mr. World FitnessFranco Carlotto called the Carb Cycle.This simple but effective method allows you to eat your favorite meals and carbs regularly by constantly filling and depleting your body's natural carb storage system with his special revolutionary method.

The short book is powerful, logical, and practical so you can understand what to eat and what not to eat and most importantly, why and when as well as to make notes, etc. Franco explains how to properly consume carbs as a tool for fat burning and not to overeat. Not only does this book make it easy to understand but also teaches what to eat, at what time and on what days. Following the guidelines outlined from Franco, you don’t have to count carbs, but just follow The Carb Cycle.

Thankfully, this diet isn’t complicated or restrictive. And it’s not a plan, but a way to eat without feeling like you’re missing out (which is normally one of my problems with diet plans.) And ultimately, you’ll maximize your fat−burning, speed up your metabolism, and increase your energy levels when you follow the cycle.

The Carb Cycle

Franco Carlotto

Buy It

DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC's 16 CFR Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.")

Ready to Join ShredderNation? 6 Weeks, 4 inches, 2 sizes

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review.

Each weekend I'm concentrating on a new diet plan in efforts to create a BETTER ME in 2013...While my first diet review of the year, "The Silver Cloud Diet" had some great benefits, I just couldn't just stick to only meats, nuts and eggs for a week. So this week I'm looking at a plan that promises in 6 weeks you can lose 4 inches and/or 2 sizes if you follow his plan of food and exercise.

Dr. Ian Smith's SHRED: The Revolutionary Diet has some pretty big follwers already...with a Facebook page with more than 13,000 likes, appearances on Dr. Oz and locally on WFAA's Good Morning Texas, and the #1 selling diet book in the country, I figured it was time to open this baby up and see what all the fuss is all about.

"ShredderNation" as he refers to his following of those who are participating on the plan or have completed the diet plan (100,000 people and growing), is all about eating...all the time, with a low-glycemic diet plan of four meals and three snacks in order to introduce your body to "diet confusion" (basically eating different kinds of foods to boose your metabolism and increase weight loss.)  Sounds like magic, right?  With a six-part program, the book outlines flexible choices for every meal, snack and exercise throughout the plan. And then once you've completed the plan, you shouldn't need the program since you've learned how to eat appropriately. I was impressed, but it's all in the food for me, so I wanted to share a part of the Day 1, so you can see if this plan is for you:

SHRED© Week 1 Day #1

Note: 1 cup of coffee is allowed each day. Please put minimal amounts sugar and milk in the coffee.

Definitely stay away from those coffee concoctions that are full of calories–caramel macchiato, cinnamon dolce latte, caffé latte, etc.

**If you choose the diet soda as your beverage, you are only allowed to have one 12 oz can per day maximum. The hope is that you will choose beverages that are more nutritious.

**2 slices of 100% whole grain or 100% whole wheat can be consumed at any point throughout the day at any time; however, ONLY 2 slices

Meal 1

1 piece of fruit

Choose only one of the following.

1 small bowl of oatmeal

2 egg whites

1 egg white omelet (made with two egg whites max. with diced veggies)

1 small bowl of sugar-free cereal with fat-free, skim, or 1% fat milk

1 container of low-fat or fat-free yogurt

1 cup of fresh juice not from concentrate(grapefruit, apple, orange juice, tomato, carrot)

Snack 1

100 calories or less

Meal 2

Choose one of the following. Remember, your choice must not exceed 300 calories and must not have any added sugars.

1 fruit smoothie

1 protein shake

1 bowl of soup (no potatoes, no cream sauces, no meat) -good examples: vegetable, lentil, chickpea, split pea, black bean, tomato bisque, etc. Be careful of sodium content!

1 piece of fruit or 1 serving of veggies

Beverage Choices. Choose one of the following.

1 12-oz can of diet soda

1 cup of lemonade (freshly squeezed preferred)

Unlimited plain water (flat or fizzy)

1 cup of flavored watered

1 cup of juice (not from concentrate)

1 cup of unsweetened iced tea or any other type of tea

1 cup of low-fat, reduced fat, fat free, unsweetened soy, or unsweetened almond milk

Snack 2

150 calories or less

Meal 3

1 small salad (no bacon, croutons); 3 tbsp fat free dressing only

Choose one of the following.

1 piece of chicken (4-6 oz, no skin, no frying)

1 piece of turkey (4-6 oz, no skin, no frying)

1 piece of fish (4-6 oz, no skin, no frying)

(you can have 1 slice of cheese if desired)

1 serving of veggies

Beverage Choices. Choose one of the following. Make a choice different than the one you made in meal 2.

1 12-oz can of diet soda

1 cup of lemonade (freshly squeezed preferred)

Unlimited plain water (flat or fizzy)

1 cup of flavored watered

1 cup of juice (not from concentrate)

1 cup of unsweetened iced tea or any other type of tea

1 cup of low-fat, reduced fat, fat free, unsweetened soy, or unsweetened almond milk

Click here to see the rest of your meals and snacks for the first day. 

Exercise

Amount of Exercise Today: Minimum 30 minutes. If you want to do more, all the better! Work as hard as you can from this list of cardiovascular exercises.

So I've decided that with a promise of eating constantly and reasonable exercise I can lose 20 pounds, I'm willing to try it at least for a week. 

Want to join me on this mamachallenge? Then buy your copy and let's get going together. 

What do we have to lose?  I have baby #2 weight gain and hopefully baby #1, too, so it's worth it to try. 

Shred: The Revolutionary Diet

Ian K. Smith

St. Martin's Press

Buy It

Capturing the Year with The World Almanac for Kids 2013

Sharing Saturdays:

Do you need a reminder that Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift are two of the most interesting people in 2012? Probably not since they may own the title in 2013, but it is amazing so many other people,  little-known facts and stats  comprised 2012 in a nutshell. The World Almanac® for Kids 2013 provides timely and timeless information on popular subjects such as animals, science, sports, music, U.S. history, and more. Readers will find out what's hot in 2012 with full-color photographs and facts about favorite sports and entertainment superstars. 

What a great staple volume to talk about current events and capture 2012 for your family as you step through 2013 this NYE! 

The World Almanac for Kids 2013

Sarah Janssen

World Almanac

Buy It

DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC's 16 CFR Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.")

Five Free Christmas Apps to Entertain Them (and Save You)

Sharing Saturdays:

For all of you that will be traveling like our family this holiday, cartime togetherness may be wonderful one minute and whoa-is-me another. While talking and sharing time together may be a more positive option, sometimes it's ok just to turn around and hand them your Iphone. So prepare yourself just in case with these 5 free apps to entertain your kids and save your sanity this holiday season!

Hungry Santa
Fatten up Santa before Christmas. Tilt the device to move Santa’s mouth under falling treats, but watch out for the healthy broccoli. Santa gets fatter and fatter as he chomps on all the goodies. Give him some fatty bonuses by bouncing the treats off his belly before he eats them, or eating long strings of treats all in a row. Go for the elusive “Crazy Chomp” bonus. You can’t play this one without laughing out loud.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hungry-santa/id476208269?mt=8

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tegtap.hungrysanta

Gingerbread Crazy Chef Cookie Maker
The tradition of leaving cookies for Santa has never been as fun and no-fuss as this. Gingerbread Crazy Chef is an innovative app that kids and parents can use together to create the most colorful, playful and crazy holiday cookies to leave for the Jolly Old Elf on Christmas Eve. Choose the shape, mix the ingredients and make “digital cookies” for Santa. Best of all? No mess and no clean-up! Great for kids, families and parents with children.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/gingerbread-crazy-chef-cookie/id569863692?mt=8

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tabtale.christmasgingerbreadcookiemaker

Cut the Rope: Holiday Gift
From the creators of Cut the Rope, comes the Special Holiday Gift game, which combines all the outstanding physics, devilishly tricky levels, and bright colorful visuals of the original — with a festive winter feel. SHAKE your iPhone for a special surprise! Swipe your finger to cut the ropes and feed Om Nom candy. Don’t forget to collect stars as you play. Think before you cut, and be sure to avoid spiders, spikes and other obstacles … getting that candy to Om Nom won’t be easy!

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cut-the-rope-holiday-gift/id406513121?mt=8

Santa’s Village
The perfect game for the whole family. Help Santa by building a bigger and better village, and save Christmas from being ruined by the Grumpkins. Start by building homes for Santa's elves, create a toy factory and make lots of toys, teach reindeer how to fly, and meet magical neighbors like Yobo the Yeti. Unlock special buildings and colorful decorations to make your village even merrier.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/santasvillage/id457724319?mt=8

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.makingfun.santasvillage

Snowman Maker Plus
The weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful … and since we’ve no place to go, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. Yes, you can sit by the fire AND build an adorable, realistic looking snowman when you play Snowman Maker.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/snowman-maker-plus/id405388005?mt=8

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sunstorm.android.snowman

Sharing a Real Tradition with a New Look: Quentin Blake’s A Christmas Carol

Sharing Saturdays & Sundays:  Books and info worth sharing

A charming new edition of Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale, Quentin Blake’s A Christmas Carol is a large-bound edition that will last your family for years to come. Quinten Blake, who was made famous by his legendary illustrations for Roald Dahl, vividly brings this story alive with drawings of the jolly Ghost of Christmas Present, the bleak street children Want and Ignorance, Ali Baba with his donkey, and others with his unique droll ink-and-watercolor illustrations.  

The story which is a little complex for younger readers, Blake’s rendition tells the story for ages 7 and above using his iconic artwork. Reminding children everywhere about the true spirit of Christmas, Quentin Blake’s A Christmas Carol is sure to be incorporated into holiday traditions for many years to come.

Quentin Blake’s A Christmas Carol

By Charles Dickens; Illustrated by Quentin Blake

Pavilion Children’s

October 2012, ages 7–9

Buy It

DISCLAIMER:

I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC's 16 CFR Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.")

Sharing How the Holidays REALLY Happen with A Bit of Applause for Mrs. Claus

Sharing Sundays - Books and info worth sharing

I love reading books at the holidays and with this year's incredibly long holiday season, trying to keep the little ones at bay when Christmas is all around them is much easier if you can read a book daily to maintain the Christmas spirit.  

One of my favorite new finds to helping explain how Christmas happens is A Bit of Applause for Mrs. Claus.  Patterned after 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, this book tells the story that hasn't been told before; how Mrs. Claus helps to make Christmas happen. 

Looking back on history, Mrs. Claus is often a part of the holiday tradition, but you never hear what Mrs. Claus does as the most important person at Christmas #2 (sounds like a lot of stories to me...) However, this story, written by a family team of women, shares the backstory of when Santa falls ill how Mrs. Claus gets everything ready from reading children's letters, wrapping the gifts and even preparing the reindeer for flight to make Christmas possible. 

Honestly, in our house this story is exactly how Christmas happens. Thankfully these ladies find a much more fun way to tell it. 

A Bit of Applause for Mrs. Claus

By Jeannie Schick-Jacobowitz & Muffin Drake-Policastro

Illustrated by Wendy Wallin Malinow

Sourcebooks Jannerwocky

Ages 4-8

Buy It

DISCLAIMER:

I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC's 16 CFR Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.")

Stuff the Stocking with I See Me Personalized Books

Sharing Saturdays:

Just as important as the gifts under the tree are the gifts in the stocking. Working to find the right things that are fun and perfectly priced, this is traditionally where a small trinkets like Matchbox cars, Thomas accessories and holiday candy and of course, dog bones for Birddie, the family dog. Now with a little girl in the mix, I’ve got to expand my ideas of what goes into the cute stockings on the mantle, while also being “even” so the older one doesn’t think the younger one is getting anything cooler than he has.

Enter one of my favorite stocking stuffer finds this year: customized books. I See Me! personalized children’s books are a great way to spark a child’s imagination this holiday season. With every book, the child’s name and other personal details are inserted into stories that can help teach learning lessons like how to be a big sister/brother, the importance of a name, and most appropriately for now: the story of Christmas and Hannukah. Each of the books selected for both children included a great story, beautiful illustrations and will also make them feel special since every page including something specific just for them.

While I opted for color activity book options for both children, you can also choose for beautiful hardbound/board book editions for a little longer shelf time. And with a starting price of $9.99, these personalized books are affordable, memorable and educational all at the same time – making them an idea stocking stuffer. If my recommendation is enough, see what the Today Show, People and DailyCandy had to say about I See Me! Books.

I See Me!

Personalized Books

$9.95 - $39.95

http://www.iseeme.com

DISCLAIMER:

I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC's 16 CFR Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.")

Sharing the Spirit of Santa: The Next Level of the Santa Letter

Sharing Saturdays

Remember writing out your Santa letter in hopes he would get your wish list and one of your wants would be under the tree or even better, Santa would write back? Whether you want your child to experience Christmas via "snail mail" or through "e-mail" with a video, you've got options to keep the spirit alive. And even better, by just believing you can also help others in need. 

Letters from the North Pole - Kids Will Truly Believe When Santa Writes Back

The U.S. Postal Service is helping keep the enchantment of Santa Claus alive with its “Letters From Santa” program. “Letters From Santa” allows you to mail a letter to their child “From Santa,” postmarked from the North Pole.

Here’s how “Letters From Santa” works:

1. Write a letter to your child from Santa Claus and sign it “From Santa.”

2. Insert the letter into an envelope addressed to your child with the return address:

SANTA, NORTH POLE.

3. Ensure a First-Class Mail stamp is affixed to the envelope.

4. Place the envelope into a larger envelope, with appropriate postage, and address the larger envelope to:

NORTH POLE POSTMARK

POSTMASTER

4141 POSTMARK DR

ANCHORAGE AK 99530-9998

5. Your letter “From Santa” will be mailed back to your child, postmarked from the North Pole.

“Letters From Santa” must be mailed to the Anchorage, AK, postmaster no later than Dec. 10, 2012.

Santa’s helpers in Anchorage will take care of the rest!

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

E-mailed Video by North Pole Videos
NorthPoleVideos.com offers personalized videos from Santa. Each video includes your desired name, their age and a few special requests like "Be a good boy" from Santa. The videos are free to make and view for 48 hours. If you choose to buy the video to keep all year it’s only $3.99 and you can enjoy 10 additional videos to remind kids to be good to stay on the nice list all year round. 

Believe in Santa with Macy's: Write a Santa Letter, Make a Wish Come True

with Macy's As part of its fifth annual Macy's "Believe" campaign, Macy's is inviting kids all across the country to believe by writing a letter to Santa. For each and every stamped letter dropped off in a Santa Mail letter box through Christmas Eve, Macy's will donate $1 to Make-A-Wish, up to $1 million, to help grant wishes for children who have life-threatening diseases.

To participate, bring a stamped letter, addressed to "Santa At The North Pole," to your local Macy's store and drop it in a special Santa Mail letterbox.

For each letter received through Dec. 24, Macy's will donate $1, up to $1 million, to Make-A-Wish. Macy's will count up the letters and deliver them to the Post Office.

You can even make do a letter online with their Santa letter builder and then print the letter and take it to your nearest Macy’s. Click here to locate a letterbox near you.

See what happens when you BELIEVE?

Sharing Saturdays: Hanzell Vineyard

Instead of taking a look at a must-read book, this week I'm sharing my trip to Napa & Sonoma. Today's look is up a very tall hill overlooking the Hanzell Vineyard.

I've included 10 facts about the winery and some amazing views. And of course, delicious wine.

Giving it to You Down and Dirty: The Gross-O-Pedia

Sharing Sundays: 

When I was growing up, I looked forward to watching Saturday cartoons including a show called Beakman's World. It was full of tons of information about real stuff and demonstrated in a way that kids could easily understand. Actually the best way to describe it was a "kid-version of Dr. Oz." I distinctly remember how one episode showed you how scabs formed by using red and white balloons to symbolize red and white blood cells. But it didn't stop there - he talked about all the things that make you go "huh?"

Don't have a clue what I'm talking about or remember Beakman fondly? Check out YouTube or you can order him on Netflix.)

Anyhow, my point of this was he did some amazing explaining about things no one wants to talk about but does" like farts, scabs and other gross stuff. While as adults we do our best to be appropriate about the topics, but as kids they don't categorize it as gross, nasty or whatever. They just want to know "WHY." 

The Gruesome, Disgusting, and Absolutely Vile Gross-o-Pedia by Rachel Federman is the perfect treat for anyone with an interest in the bizarre or an offbeat sense of humor. There’s a chapter on every subject that you might want to know a little too much about, like bugs, the human body, science, festivals, and even an entire section devoted to farts. (yes, I've mentioned that word like three times already.) 

So with Halloween just around the corner and a four-year-old who asks "why" at least a million times a day, this book gives me a reference to explain things to him as well as some great factoids that Beakman would be proud of - 20 years later. 

The Gruesome, Disgusting, and Absolutely Vile Gross-O-Pedia: A Startling Collection of Repulsive Trivia You Won't Want to Know! 
Rachel Federman 
Skyhorse Publishing

DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC's 16 CFR Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.")

Show Your Kids that Storytelling is Fun and Important

Sharing Saturdays & Sundays:
While most parents intend to spend time teaching and enjoying quality time with their children learning through arts and crafts, unfortunately, it don't always happen. Too often life gets in front of us and too often we're too quick to hand them an Ipad (which is hard when you love yours), turn on the TV or tell them to go play. I know I am guilty...not because I don't love my kids, but that "spending time" seems like it has to be a big ordeal, project or outing and after all the "stuff" that has to be done, you just don't have anything left.

Author Emily K. Neuburger of Thanks to Show Me a Story: 40 Craft Projects and Activities to Spark Children's Storytelling makes sharing, learning moments easy for both parents and kids to enjoy with her award-wining book. This guide provides a plethora of easy ways to create a project or game with things you can find around your home in an easy-to-follow format. While many of the suggested ideas may seem as simple as building a list based on word association, it makes it possible for families to have a "moment" without putting much into the prep time and all your time into making a memory together.

Amazon.com describes the book as:

Children love to make up stories, and these 40 creative projects and activities encourage them to free their storytelling instincts. Younger children will love making story stones and a storytelling jar and then using them to create stories of their own, while older kids will enjoy word grab bags, story walks, and journaling exercises. For everyone ages 5 to 12, whatever their reading level, this book has everything needed to spark an infinite number of child-created stories.

While I have children ages 4 and 1, this book is something we can begin to use sparingly at this age and grow into as we head past our toddler years and even into young adults.

I loved the artwork and the format as it reads like a recipe book - which is may favorite guide to read.

Spend this weekend and even those 20 minutes breaks between one appointment to another with this great reference book for your family library.

DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC's 16 CFR Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.")m

Chase the monsters out of your kids room with "Marlow and the Monster"

Weekend Whatever

With a four-year old and a one-year old, thankfully, we haven’t entered the phase of “monsters,” YET. However, it’s nice to prepare myself with something as easy to have as a book to add to our staple “parenting” kit.

Marlow and the Monster by Sharon Cramer

Monsters hide under beds, in closets and lurk outside closed doors. No matter where these creatures take up residence, most children go through a phase when they worry about monsters, ghosts and other creepy-crawlies being in their room at night. So how can parents help them cope?

   

Author and mom of three, Sharon Cramer, has dealt with her fair share of monsters with her own sons. She tackles the subject in her latest children’s book Marlow and the Monster, a book for parents to keep on hand for those spooky nights. Cramer takes the intimidation factor away from monsters and helps children and their parents form a more lighthearted view of these creatures.

  

Illustrated with quill pen and ink, the only splash of color is reserved for the monster to depict that only the children can see him. (It's a cool concept, however, I'll admit it makes it a little harder to read.)

And just in case reading this book doesn’t take the monsters out of your kid’s closet, then consider these tips from the author, Sharon Cramer.

  

About the author

Sharon Cramer is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist and avid competitive equestrian. She is also the author of Cougar Cub Tales, an award winning children’s picture book series that follows the adventures of a brother and sister cougar cub, and is working on a new young adult series called The Cerulean Star.

Marlow and the Monster

Sharon Cramer

Talking Bird Books

Buy It

DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC's 16 CFR Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.")