1 Hour, 1,000 Calories. Title Boxing Club, Allen & McKinney {First Class Free}

Disclaimer: I've received complimentary classes for the purposes of learning how great Title Boxing Club is. 

Working out.

It’s good for you and necessary for relieving stress, flexibility and losing weight. But with taking care of the kids, handling work projects and dealing with home responsibilities, it’s impossible most days to find a way to fit it into the schedule. And for a lot of mamas, there’s even guilt attached to taking the time to for you (and honestly, your health), even if it’s only for an hour.

So when we have the opportunity to bust a move, you have to make it count.

That means :30 minutes on the treadmill ain’t gonna cut it. And let’s face it: it’s B-O-R-I-N-G, which is why you aren’t trying hard to work that workout into your day.

And believe me, I had no idea I’d be there girl with boxing gloves throwing an uppercut into a punching bag. Don’t know what that means. Yea, I didn’t either until Title Boxing Club.

But if that idea of “Rocky” doesn’t sound like you either, give me just give me a second.

I bet burning up to 1000 calories an hour does. And getting all that built up stress out of your system does. Maybe it’s the pink gloves and purple wraps that will grab your attention. Or the fact that you have less than 90 days from now before you quite possible need to donn a bathing suit in front of other people…

Whatever your why, you need to give Title Boxing Club, with locations in McKinney and Allen a shot.

Intimidated by the pure concept of boxing?  I was too, but only a few minutes in class I had comfort in what I was doing and after just one class, I knew that I had gotten a full body work out that made me feel stronger, focused and ready to take on the fun of picking up kids, grocery shopping and the email list sitting on my iPad.

And all it took was one hour.

I didn’t have a clue what to expect when I walked in the door for my first class, but immediately someone showed me exactly how to put on my wraps, put on my gloves and how the class worked. However, if the Type A part of your brain wants to be ready to go on the first time, there’s a great video on how to wrap your hands or feel free to have one of the team members show you how each time you come until you have the hang of it.

Class breakdown:

·   The first 15 of class is the warm up: You’ll get your blood pumping with a complete range of exercises including stretching, jogging, calisthenics, jumping, lunging and squats.

·   The second part of class consists of 30 minutes working with the bag: The bulk of your workout is set up in three minute rounds that include basic boxing combinations followed by a one minute “active rest.” This gives you a break, while keeping your heart rate up.

·    The last 15 minutes is sculpting and resistance: You’ll use workout gear and body resistance to strengthen your core and sculpt your body while cooling down with floor work and toning exercises.

What I really love about Title Boxing Club is that everyone gets a workout. I’ve seen men and women, every color and ethnicity and all ages throwing punches and kicking the bag all in the name of fitness.

Still not convinced it’s for you? Then try it free!

The first class is free, so you can find out how amazing Title Boxing Club is and how quick you’ll be ready for your next class.

And it’s only one hour. And 1,000 calories...

Title Boxing Club, Allen

300 N. Greenville

Allen, TX 75002

(214) 644-2640

http://www.facebook.com/TITLEBoxingClubAllen

Title Boxing Club, McKinney

5080 Virginia Pkwy

McKinney, TX 75070

(214) 856-7007

For other locations, visit http://www.titleboxingclub.com.

 I can’t wait to continue to my journey with you too, so make sure to stay tuned to how I make the “Power Hour” work for me as it will work for you, too!

Fitness Feels Good with FitnessMat {Giveaway}

Note: I was provided a Fitness Mat for purposes of this review. 

Yoga is often considered a pathway to help with flexibility, stress reduction and overall health.

However, a few weeks ago, while I was in downward-facing dog, no part of me felt good. My knees hurt, my ankles hurt and my wrists hurt. All I kept thinking is “why am I here?” 

While I am not the most fit person in the world, my pains weren't coming from me not being capable, but actually the stress on my body of the poses I was doing with my crappy, paper-thin yoga mat.

While it was cute, matched my outfit and my price range, it wasn’t doing anything for my joints. I needed a mat with more padding, but still would allow me to do my poses in yoga or when I was doing other fitness moves. 

The FitnessMat is therapeutic flooring innovation for those looking to enhance their fitness experiences will immediately benefit from the advanced technology of FitnessMats. The tried and true proprietary APT™ polyurethane material suspends and supports body weight, reducing impact and stress, while maintaining an inherently antimicrobial finish for easy cleaning and maintenance.

The FitnessMats also feature ADA-compliant 20 degree beveled edges that never curl and always lie flat, eliminating trip hazards. FitnessMats enhance every fitness experience by making it clean, safe, and comfortable in the privacy of your home or the public-facing gym spaces – designed to perform and built to last. Perfect for yoga, Pilates, free weights, stretching and more.

FitnessMats are available online at www.wellnessmats.com as well as select retailers. 

The mats come in three classic colorways, gray, black, and brown and two different sizes tailored to your exercise needs. The 6' x 2.5' FitnessMats are long enough to support the entire body and retail for $239.95. The 4' x 2'2" FitnessMat are ideal for kneeling, stretching, and stepping and retail for $149.95. And they are also ideal for making fitness feel good again...well at least as much as working out can feel good. 

Or you can win your own FitnessMat on mamachallenge (at $150 value)!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Time to Get Moving! 

#JOESGOESBLUE: Joe’s Crab Shack Kicks off Annual April Autism Speaks Fundraiser

This month Joe’s Crab Shack has joined organizations across the globe in celebrating the international Light It Up Blue campaign on World Autism Awareness Day and kick off its second annual national fundraiser for Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization.

As one of Autism Speaks’ largest corporate partners, Joe’s raised more than $1 million in 2013 through in-restaurant donations, online donations and sales of Joe’s “Light It Up Blue” tie-dye T-shirts.

• Head to Joe’s Crab Shack to donate and receive coupons for free food. For every $1 donation, receive a free kids meal entrée; $5 donation for a free Crazy Good CrabDip; and $10 donation for a free Classic Steampot. While readers are at Joe’s they can purchase a “Peace of the Puzzle” signature tie-dye T-shirt and 10 percent of proceeds will go to Autism Speaks.
• Take in a Rangers game at Globe Life Park in Arlington on April 16 for the autism awareness game.
• Advocates can spread the word by posting photos of themselves supporting Autism Speaks with the hashtag #JoesGoesBlue. At the end of the campaign, Joe’s will award gift cards to photo winners and post guests’ photos in a puzzle mosaic on Joe’s social media.
• Restaurants will also “Light it Up Blue” throughout the month to remind guests of the worthy cause. 

Information about local Autism Speaks efforts is available here. To find the closest Joe’s Crab Shack location, visit www.joescrabshack.com/locations.

Put Some Color in Your Life with the COLOR FUN FEST 5K, April 19 in McKinney

I hate to run. 

A lot. 

But it sure does help to burn calories.

However, I still need something to get me excited enough to move my hiney. Thankfully, runs are getting creative so people like me that don’t like to run still want to get involved and enjoy the fun.

In the words of Julia Roberts: Well then color me happy!

The COLOR FUN FEST 5K comes to North Dallas/McKinney on April 19, 2014. Both a day and night  5k color run featuring finish-line festivals, the goal of the Color Run is to combine fun and fitness while helping local charities!

COLOR FUN FEST 5K is an EPIC color fun run that heightens positive emotions by combining a5k fun run with the energy of electronic dance music, all while coloring the crowd with thousands of pounds of vibrant colored powder. The event is family-friendly, and features a post-run celebration with DJ entertainment.

The charities the run benefits Free Arts for Abused Children, a nonprofit organization that gives children that have suffered adversity a chance to express themselves through art. Another nonprofit that benefits from this event is a new startup charity called Flight for Cystic Fibrosis that gives children with CF a chance to feel alive by experiencing the incredible feeling of skydiving through wind tunnels and jumps. The mission of this program is to show these kids how to overcome fears and feel hope, bonding families and encouraging healthy living, which is vitally necessary for a person with Cystic Fibrosis.

And this run is one the whole family can get involved in including kids/parents, couples, groups of friends, fitness gurus, dance enthusiasts, runners, joggers, walkers, bloggers, couch potatoes, the young, the old, and basically everyone and anyone that likes to have fun!

Would you like to have some color fun?

Win a pair of registrations for the Color Run ($35 per registration/ $70 total)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Color Run Fest 5K North Dallas/McKinney

April 19, 2014

First wave of runners at 9 - 11 am, second wave at 9 - 11 pm

Myers Park and Event Center

7117 County Road 166

McKinney, TX 75071

Website

SPRING Into Action to Protect Your Home: Termite Awareness Week, March 16-22

Disclaimer: This was a sponsored post by Adams Exterminating. 

Before I bought my first home, my visions of homeownership included painting the walls, planting the flowers, buying furniture, etc.

Once I bought my first home, I realized homeownership consisted of much more than that like replacing roofs, shifting foundations, and implementing pest control.

Not exactly the images of the Home & Garden Channel I once thought, but certainly a huge responsibility that happens when you own a home.

Unfortunately for me, pest control has been one of those not-so-fabulous issues I’ve had to learn a lot about. Not because we aren’t clean people or don’t keep a clean house, but when if live next to a creek, are surrounded by trees or simply have a home that is comprised of wood…surprise! You can have any number pest concerns to take care to make sure you and your home are protected.

Since March 16-22 is Termite Awareness Week, I was reminded of real honey-do I had yet to take on – a termite inspection. While an inspection was completed on our home during the buying process, that of course, was seven years ago. Well, a lot can happen to a home in seven years, especially when it comes to termites. These “silent destroyers” (as termites are often referred as) can take down the façade of a home as well as its interiors way before a homeowner will detect a structural problem.

Did you know that termites cause $5 billion in property damage every year, according to the National Pest Management Association?

And as we move into the spring season and the ground’s temperature increases, termites are in search of new mates and new homes to conquer.

Isn’t home ownership fun?

While I consider myself a jack of many things and a master of nothing, this is one area I recommend be left to the professionals. However, there are things you can do to prevent termites. The Better Business Bureau offers four ways to avoid a termite infestation:

1. Repair and replace when necessary.
Repair leaking faucets, water pipes and AC units on the outside of the home. Repair fascia, soffits and rotted roof shingles. Replace weather stripping and repair loose mortar around basement foundation and windows.

2. Keep it clear.
Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and five inches off the ground. Direct water away from your house through properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks. Keep mulch at least 15 inches from the foundation. 

3. Inspect, inspect, inspect.
Routinely inspect the foundation of your home for signs of mud tubes (used by termites to reach a food source), cracked or bubbling paint and wood that sounds hollow when tapped. Monitor all exterior areas of wood, including windows, doorframes and skirting boards for any noticeable changes.

4. Protect your investment.
Not sure if you have termites? Consider a termite inspection from a qualified pest management company like North Texas' own Adams Exterminating, every 1-3 years. Since 1947, the Adams family has provided quality, affordable pest control service to the North Texas area for 66 years.

While I don’t know much about termite control, I am excited that employ the Sentricon System, the only pest control product ever to earn the Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award presented by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).Thankfully with this system, you don't have to compromise between earth-friendly and being effective. 

To learn more about the Sentricon System or to find the nearest Adams Exterminating near you, visit www.adamspest.com or follows them on Facebook.

Don't let bugs get to you!

Make Healthy Eating Easy with Facts Up Front

“This is a sponsored post written by me on the behalf of the Facts Up Front program.”

While the chance to go to the grocery store to enjoy a hot cup of designer coffee, taste the new cheeses at the deli department while listening to the perfectly customized soundtrack (with no set time limit) is right up my alley for a fun way to spend my Saturday, it’s not normally the case or the most important part of my trip.

As a mom, I’m on the move and most occasions you’ll see my whip into the store with five minutes to complete a 30-minute trip. And that’s really hard when you are a label reader like me; picking up each product and flipping it over to check out the calories, the fat and how best I can squeeze in the most nutrition into what my family eats and drinks. Unfortunately, if you multiply the number of goods in my cart to the amount of time it takes to find the item, pick it up, turn it over and read the stats…well this mom doesn't have time for that and probably neither do you.

The grocery store experience has come a long way, but the Facts Up Front initiative is one of the best upgrades yet. A voluntary initiative led by the Grocery Manufacturers Association in 2011, Facts Up Front brings important information from the Nutrition Facts panel (normally found on the side or back of the label) and displays it in a simple and easy-to-use format on the front of food and beverage products.

Specifically, the Facts Up Front label displays four basic icons: calories, saturated fat, sodium and sugars, representing the key nutrients for which dietary guidance recommend limiting consumption in the diet as determined by the Food and Drug Administration.

FACTS UP FRONT LABEL EXAMPLE

Basically, the label makes locating some of the most nutritional facts easier to find without picking up the product, finding the stats and trying to discern quickly if this is a product that fits your family’s nutritional needs – making it a huge time AND money saver!

Just check out this helpful video on how to save time and money with Facts Up Front.

The Facts Up Front website http://www.factsupfront.org also contains interactive tools like a nutrition calculator, an interactive label, a nutritional interactive quiz, shopping tips, and delicious recipes.

With the Nutrition Calculator, in five simple questions the calculator provides caloric intake, along with the suggested amounts of daily nutrients needed for each day, including fiber, protein and Vitamin C. This way you can determine your estimated daily nutrient needs for themselves and their family members in order to maintain a wholesome diet and weight. Then with that knowledge head to the grocery store to find the Facts Up Front labels that match the recommended nutritional values.

The Facts Up Front program is growing with more than 50 manufacturers, retailers and wholesalers voluntarily implementing this special labeling on their branded and private label products including Nestle, Post Foods, Ocean Spray, PepsiCo, Campbell’s, General Mills, Coca-Cola, Kellogg’s, Kraft, and Heinz as well as retailers like Kroger. For a full list of Facts Up Front partners, visit http://factsupfront.org/Partners.

While there’s no technology developed to keep your refrigerator and pantry stocked with all the healthy and delicious products all time without going to the grocery store, the Facts Up Front initiative does make it easier and quicker to be informed and choose the right items for your family when you do go.

Then you might still have time and money for that latte when you’re done.

What’s your family’s healthiest go-to meal?

“This is a sponsored post written by me on the behalf of the Facts Up Front program.”

Cleaner Teeth, Healthier Heart with Waterpik Aquarius Professional Water Flosser

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Waterpik. #NewAgeinWaterFlossing  #Ad.

I have a love-hate relationship with my teeth.

Unfortunately, my teeth have always been a source of stress for me with a mouth full of crowns and braces hardware. I'd like to say that if you took the money spent on my teeth, I'd probably be driving a Mercedes.

As an adult I've worked to maintain a healthy regimen of dental hygiene; now for me AND being a good example to my kids, but it's hard to keep it up, especially trying to stay on top of flossing for all of us.

Thankfully, dealing with that crazy roll of floss and keeping my kids still isn't necessary with the use of the Waterpik Aquarius Professional Water Flosser. Clinically proven up to 50% more effective for improving gum health vs. string floss and to remove up to 99.9% of plaque from treated areas in 3 seconds, the Waterpik makes our night time "brush your teeth" ritual much easier with a fun way to take care of your chompers. 

In the past the idea of pulling out a big, complicated machine seemed to be too overwhelming and too unattractive to leave on the bathroom counter sink, but the compact design of this new Waterpik makes set up and clean up a snap as well as the easy on and off on the wand. I can tell you from my own experience, that button alone ensures there's a lot less mess when you get a mouth full of water and you're trying to spit while getting to the machine to turn off the button. *It's the little things that make a real difference! * 

Also, having a child with a heart defect, dental care is that much more important. Did you know there is a link between good dental hygiene and a healthy heart? While I'm no doctor, the relationship between the two is enough reason everyone should spend more than just a few seconds scraping those bristles across your pearly whites. While having your own teeth and having a nice shiny smile is something we all should consider a priority, a healthy heart gives you enough reason to make time for brushing and flossing daily.

With the Waterpik Aquarius Professional Water Flosser I was able to almost start using it straight out of the box. Following the quick instructions, it just a few minutes I had a mouth full of clean teeth as it the Waterpik removed plaque and debris deep between teeth and below the gumline where brushing and traditional flossing can't reach. Once I was done, I was able to lined up the kids to show them how it worked. With 7 different flosser tips and the floss/massage option, we all had fun finding just the right mode and tool to clean our teeth. 

Waterpik Aquarius Professional Water Flosser comes with 7 tips made to fit your individual needs including: 
3 - Classic Jet Tips
1 - Plaque Seeker® Tip
1 - Orthodontic Tip
1 - Pik Pocket™ Tip
1 - Toothbrush Tip

Just having a "machine" made it fun for the kids to clean their teeth. And the clean feel in mouth gave me that "I just got back from the dentist" feeling like when you get a new car. Clean up with a snap and I was able to slide it under the sink easily until our next use! 

As I get older, keeping my teeth healthy and clean is huge priority and teaching my kids the importance of healthy dental care regimen is one of the many things I want to teach my kids. With the Waterpik Aquarius Professional Water Flosser I am able to do that for all of us and probably save money too with less visits to the dentist! 

Right now until March 31, 2014, get free shipping on your Waterpik Aquarius Professional Water Flosser with the code "FREESHIPWP660" on the Waterpik website. 

Happy Flossing! 

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Waterpik.

Ripe for the Picking: 8 Great Natural Products for Winter Beauty

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser. #WalgreensBeauty #CollectiveBias #Shop

In Texas you never know what Mother Nature is going to deal you especially in the winter time. But one thing is for certain:  your skin and hair is going to suffer some serious stress from the weather. However, with a little help from your neighborhood Walgreens, I've discovered some great natural beauty products that will make your skin feel as fresh as a peach, your hair just like it's "mint" to be and at a price that will make your wallet happy, too!  Shouldn't you give your body the same goodness on the outside as you do the inside? 

1. Yes to Tomatoes Skin Clearing Facial Mask

The winter season puts stress on everything, but especially on your skin. Like the skin of a tomato, our skin is tender and needs gentle care to keep it shiny and clean. Yes to Tomatoes combines Lycopene (the antioxidant found in tomatoes) and  Dead Sea mud (legendary for its amazing benefits to the skin) for the ideal facial cocktail that in just five minutes, 1-2 times a week, CAN balance blotchiness and balance your skin tone. 

2. St. Ives Blemish Control Apricot Scrub

In the winter not only does your regular beauty routine need a boost, but you also have to spend a little more time on the details like exfoliating and moisturizing. To get your skin looking its best, you have to scrub away the dry skin as well as trying to maintain the moisture. A classic for many shower routines for decades, St. Ives Blemis Control Apricot Scrub not only gently takes care of getting rid of the old skin, but those embarrassing blemishes with 100% natural exfoliants.  

3.  Renpure Solutions Rosemary Mint Cleansing Conditioner 

A few years ago my hairdresser told me I should quit washing my hair. 

The suggestion caught me off guard especially since I am the owner of some thick, unruly and after-one-day-pretty-poly head of hair. However, he explained that using shampoo actually strips the hair of natural oils needed to protect it during the several weather conditions we experience in the winter. Instead using a cleansing conditioner like Renpure's Rosemary Mint cleanse the hair while keeping in the moisture. And with other natural ingredients like Coconut Oil and Shea Butter, will leave hair soft and healthy with shine and luster. 

4. Vaseline Total Moisture Cocoa Radiant Vitalizing Body Gel Oil 

While slathering lotion should be part of your routine, applying moisture even before you get out of the shower is an ideal opportunity to get your skin in prime condition. With Vaseline's Body Gel Oil gives you the benefits of an oil without the slippery mess. Your skin is left healthy and glowing and that's before you even get your day going! 

5. Yes to Blueberries Age Refresh Intensive Skin Repair Serum

Blueberries may make a delicious muffin, but they also are full of anti-oxidants like Vitamin and Anthocyanins to fight the formation of free radicals that can damage the skin's microstructure. Additionally, with organic cotton thistle, black currant and apple, the Yes to Blueberries Intensive Skin Repair Serum will give your skin the ammo it needs to find the sings of aging leaving your skin firm, protect your skin, diminish fine lines and wrinkles. 

6. Yes to Grapefruit CC Cream

Like blueberries, grapefruits have amazing natural properties to make your skin look newer by brightening  dark age spots and repair hyperpigmentation. Best of all you can find these benefits in a CC cream! If you've never used a CC cream, it's like a 3-in-1 with color correcting properties, moisturizer, and SPF 18. And as an added bonus, the light tint (available in two shades), provides just the right amount of color so you can complete your facial routine in just one step! 

7.  Nivea Lip Butter Vanilla and Macadamia Kiss

Winter does just as much damage on your lips as it does your skin! So don't forget to apply more moisture to your lips! Nivea is an established brand for exceptional skin products and this one is no different! PLUS the smell and slight flavor of the Vanilla and Macadamia Kiss makes it a treat each time you apply! Just remember you're supposed to wear it and not eat it. 

8. Yes to Cucumbers Hypoallergenic Facial Towelettes

I've been a long time fan of the Yes to Cucumber Facial Towelettes. When I was pregnant in the middle of the Texas summer these were the only way I could cool off quickly and freshen up without taking three showers a day. Now, these babies continue to be lifesavers when I'm so exhausted I can't do the three step skin care routine, but still need to take my makeup off. And if you do a workout and then have to do errand before you get to shower, they make you feel fresh!  Oh, and traveling is cinch because you don't have to pack your cleanser and eye remover in your carryon!

Have a few other areas that need a little attention? Or looking for the idea travel-sized kit for all your winter skin needs? Don't forget to check out the Burt's Bees corner at Walgreens! They have so many natural options for your skin needs - including a nail and toe sampler that is a must-have any time of the year for the best at-home mani and pedi! 

Walgreens is the perfect place to find exactly what you need this winter season for healthy skin, hair, nails and more! 

What's your best winter beauty tip do you have to share?  

Healthy Winter Skin is In: Free Skin Check at DermOne DFW Now

Normally in Texas we break out the big winter coat 1-2 times a winter season. Sometimes I even look in my coat closet and wonder why we spend as much money on big coats so they can gather dust and take up room. 

This year has not be the case. And with all this covering up and dressing in layers, you tend not to worry about your skin except to get slather up on lotion as we feel our hands crack and peel until around March or April when the warm temps finally do show their face and you begin to show your skin. 

However, now is actually the right time to think about your skin and getting your hide checked for skin cancer. 

To celebrate the opening of five DermOne Dermatology Centers locations in Dallas/Fort Worth, DermOne is providing 500 free skin care checks ($80,000 value) to the community. 

To book a free exam, you can simply call one of the DermOne offices by Feb. 28 and mention "Healthy Skin DFW" to receive a free skin check. 

Skin cancer is a serious issue in North Texas. In fact:

• It’s the most common form of cancer in the U.S., with more than 3.5 million skin cancers diagnosed in more than two million people annually.
• There are more new cases of skin cancer than breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer – combined.
• When left unchecked, skin cancer can be deadly faster than any of us would like to think.

In around 20 minutes, you can take a big step at taking care of your body's biggest organ!

Other services at DermOne include: 

• General dermatology, including treatment of acne, eczema, warts, rashes, moles and much more;
• Skin cancer screenings and surgery;
• Laser technology, such as the Palomar Laser, an innovative fractional laser from the company that invented and patented micro-fractional laser technology, used to treat wrinkles, stretch marks, acne, surgical scars and other skin conditions;
• Cosmetic procedures, including BOTOX®, Juvéderm™ and Restylane® at many locations; and
• In-house pathology lab to ensure quick turn-around of biopsy removal of a sample of living tissue or cells for close examination by a pathologist for signs of disease and other test results.

ARLINGTON
715 North Fielder Road
Arlington, TX 76012
(888) 881-1626

GRAND PRAIRIE
4927 Lake Ridge Pkwy., Suite 170
Grand Prairie, TX 75052
(888) 881-1626

IRVING
2021 N. MacArthur Blvd. Suite 300
Irving, TX 75061

MESQUITE
2856 N. Galloway Ave.
Mesquite, TX 75150
972-289-2233

WAXAHACHIE
1505 West Jefferson St., Suite 170
Waxahachie, TX 75165
(888) 881-1626
972-254-3118