11 Weeks

11 weeks is one week shy of the completion of the first trimester of pregnancy. No, I’m not pregnant but I do remember that time vividly. I only told a very select group of people that I was pregnant prior to the end of my first trimester. I wanted to be sure everything was okay before sharing my news and because of a loss of a prior pregnancy, I wasn’t taking any chances by spreading the news too soon.

11 weeks is significant for another reason right now. I have 11 weeks left to prepare for the Nike Women’s half-marathon in San Francisco on October 17th. Unilike my pregnancy, EVERYONE knows I am training for the race of my life. I am also fundraising with a goal of raising $4000 for the Leukemia Lymphomia Society, 75% of which will go directly to programs and services. The other 25% is admin costs that include my travel, race fees, lodging for the event.

I admit I am shaking in my proverbial boots because I’m still nursing a sore hip and I am oh so close but not quite at the halfway point of my fundraising.   On August 6th I have to recommit and officially declare that I am going to be prepared physically for my race and I will meet my fundraising goal.

I indeed plan on signing the papers and recommitting next Friday. I’ve had amazing support from so many people for my efforts and I thank everyone that has donated, written posts about my efforts, let me use their home for fundraising, THANK YOU!

As Pastor Shaun said on Sunday I’m going to continue to “Go” - I will tell everyone about what I am doing, I will ask people I know and people I don’t know for donations and I will always remember even in my worst pain during training, it is nothing compared to what Ja’Naya and so many others that have battled cancer go through.

Tonight I am hosting a Ladies Night In* with some friends of mine-from college, my neighborhood, former co-workers, all people that have touched my life - in real life before connecting online. I think it is important to reconnect in person and in this digital age it is so easy to get caught up with facebook, email, twitter and not physically share space with friends. Of course I put a twist on it and will be accepting donations for my cause. 


We will have cocktails, conversations and cupcakes. My old friends can meet some of my new friends and we will have a nice relaxing evening after a hectic week. I’ll be sure to take plenty of pictures and post about it here of course. I’ll also let you know how the fundraising goes - a big thank you to Felicia, Beverly, Dana, Dawn and Calinda who have already generously donated!

*I was contacted by M80 public relations on behalf of Diego/TGIF Ready to serve cocktails and my party is being sponsored by them. If you’d like some ideas for a girl’s night in and a $5 coupon visit this website.

Wow!

I just wanted to drop a quick post because I am so honored to be one of the Top 20 Mommy Blogs according to ABIE! This is such a surprise, unexpected surprises always seem to come right on time and this one was no different. The announcement came in my in-box and I really am in shock and awe about being in the company of so many bloggers that I admire. Of course, there are many blogs that certainly are missing from this list, I think it is pretty much impossible to have a comprehensive list with all of the great writers and bloggers out there. Again, I am honored and you can read more about ABIE and the methodology here. 

Wednesday Check-In Down 49 pounds and counting.....

I am now down another pound bringing my grand total to 49 lbs - gone! I have no idea how it happened given my transgressions that I confessed to yesterday, you’d think I’d be up a pound. But no matter. I am one pound away! One pound away from 50 pounds down. I admit I haven’t been trying exceptionally hard to lose these last few pounds. I’ve really been in more of a maintenance mode lately but I have a feeling that once I can seriously start training for the half-marathon more pounds are going to come off.

I also have plans to start the Clean 21 day detox program. My friend Maricris suggested I try it because I’ve been having the hip problems and I figure it can’t hurt. I’ve actually done a one week version of the Clean diet in the past so I am interested in seeing what happens when I do it for a longer period of time.


Basically, on the program two of your meals are shakes and the other is from the elimination diet. The elimination diet removes all beef, pork, soy, diary, wheat, and gluten from you diet (among other things). I am actually going to be reviewing the 21 day detox that is available on the Clean website so all of the shakes and supplements are taken care of, I just need to add my lunch time meal. The kit arrives today but I am not starting until after BlogHer and my family reunion next week.

I’m not crazy! The thought of eliminating desert and alcohol when I am on vacation makes me shudder. I refuse to set myself up for failure so I’m starting Clean the second week of August. Stay tuned for the results, I really believe that this might be exactly what the doctor ordered! 


The Sisterhood is also starting a 30 day challenge on Sunday, I’ve been a bit worried about doing the Shred while I am away but I know that when I go out of town I exercise so even if I don’t shred I will be moving my body -can’t let my teammates (or myself) down. 


One last note about my training for the Half-Marathon, like a klutz I re-injured my hip on Saturday putting my son on a mechanical bull at the picnic on Saturday. After a great week of running I have taken a step backwards but I am determined to complete my race - even if I have to walk the entire way (please don’t let this be the case, I can’t imagine walking 13.1 miles)!

Since I can’t train the way I want to I am focusing on fundraising, I am $60 shy of my halfway point. If you haven’t donated I’d LOVE it if you could help me reach $2000 today(remember no amount is too small - or too large)! And if you’ve already donated, I thank you kindly!

Tuesday Confessions

I lost my post so this is my second attempt at confession perhaps that is a sign.  Here we go

• I ate three pints of coconut icecream. Yup, I sure did and enjoyed every minute of it. That stuff is so good, stay away, stay far far away!
• I visited McDonald's TWICE this week. I haven't been there since last year some time. I had a filet o'fish, fries and sweet tea. The good news is I could not drink the sweet tea, I'm so glad my tastebuds have changed. And today I only had a large fries. The end of Mickey D's.
• I haven't been doing the exercises my physical therapist gave me consistently actually I am contemplating taking things into my own hands, joining a gym and doing strength training with weights. Because really? That is all the physical therapy entails. I can do leg lifts at home with Jillian Michaels and save my co-pay for a gym membership!
• I blame all of my transgressions on my period. That is my story and I am sticking to it!

I believe that is enough of confessing for one week. I can't think of anything else and seriously? I can't imagine having more to confess. I've been a slacker! Again, I blame it on the period. 

Can you relate? Wanna make me happy? How about contributing to my fundraising? That is one thing that I have been on the ball about and I am almost half-way there! Just $85 away from $2000! 

Luna Bars

I am often on the search for snacks that I can feel guiltless about eating. I am not sure why it has taken me so long to jump on the Luna bar band wagon but now that I've discovered these delectable treats I am going to carry them with me all the time. Luna bars are made by the the same company that produces Clif bars but Luna bars are specifically formulated for women. I think the calories range between 150 and 250 (don't quote me on that) but there are a variety of flavors and types of bars.

For a quick meal replacement if I am on the run I'd certainly eat a Luna protein bar, chocolate peanut butter is tasty and doesn't have a bad after taste like many protein bars I've eaten in the past. I big puffy heart the white chocolate macadamia nut snack bar - much to my surprise because I am not a fan of white chocolate. However, this bar is the one that will be my go to bar when I need an extra boost after a run and just need a mid-day snack.

Aside from just producing great tasting bars, Luna has teams around the country that train and do races together while raising funds for breast cancer. They also have Luna Mommy playgroups and are affiliated with Stroller Strides. I love a company that not only sells great products but also provides resources for healthy living for women in all walks of life.

I encourage you to check out their website and of course try these bars. You won't be sorry!

Project Mom Casting

When asked about my guilty pleasures, I have to admit that I am a reality tv addict. Survivor, Real Housewives and too many others to mention. I heard it on the grapevine that a television production crew will be on-site at BlogHer looking for moms to feature in a new reality series. I have to admit that I enjoy being in front of the camera, think I've had a fascinating life (if I may say so myself, LOL) and feel I have a lot to offer.

Of course, I missed the little tidbit about the casting video and blog post deadline being today. I've been focused on my fundraising for the Nike Women's Half-Marathon all day, this weekend I spent with my family and literally just heard about the deadline ten minutes ago.

In my video I tried to tell my story in a minute - whew! I'm long-winded ya'll so I am talking a mile a minute but I think I was successful. In a nutshell, I waited until I was advanced maternal age to get married AND have a baby but as a result of waiting I've had a wonderful career in the field of HIV/AIDS - both domestically and abroad. I spent over two years in South Africa working for a consulting firm on this issue and here in the States I worked to empower women with HIV/AIDS, advocated for funding on the city, state and federal level for New York and most recently was the State AIDS Director for Georgia.

Becoming a mother changed my life dramatically, I chose to focus on raising my son, leaving my career but still ensuring that my work influenced the lives of others. I was an early childhood literacy consultant which gave me a very flexible schedule and I started a diaper cake business to focus on my creative side. My blog started as a way to promote my business but soon became my creative outlet.

Two years later I am blogging, speaking and loving all things social media. For the past six months or so I've shared my journey of losing close to 50 pounds here. It keeps me honest and I hope it inspires others to live a healthy life too.

And that, is my story. I am a multi-faceted woman, a mother, and a friend on the journey to healthy living. I think sharing my story on a reality series would be interesting and fun!

Run Like A Mother!

As my journey to becoming a runner progresses, I am constantly on a journey to find like-minded individuals. At my first 5k race in May I was drawn to a group of women wearing “Iron Mommies” gear. These women trained together regularly for events ranging from 5Ks to full marathons and triathalons! A group of women like me, balancing motherhood and all of the responsibilities attached to it AND staying healthy and fit! I’ve joined the Iron  Mommies but sadly they meet 40 minutes away from me so our interaction has been on facebook but I still love it! I hear about upcoming races, get support and recommendations from Paige, a very active Iron Mommy. 


Paige has been supportive of my desire to run and knows that I am dealing with an injury. She found some hip strengthening exercises posted on YouTube by one of the writers of Run Like a Mother and also recommended the book. She read it while recovering from an injury and thought I might like it.
Well, after reading the synopsis on Amazon, I immediately purchased the book and began reading it on my iPad. Reading this book by Dimity and Sarah is like speaking to my best girlfriends- if like me they were into running. The book is written in a conversational manner and I feel like I’m part of a special sisterhood when they discuss training for the Nike Women’s Marathon (the race I’m currently training for).

This book provides advice for both novice and extremely seasoned runners. Sarah is the competitive one and is constantly on a quest to beat her own personal records in racing. Dimity is all about finishing. Although I am not an elite athlete like Sarah, I do see glimpses of myself in both women. I highly recommend this book for any mother that is currently a runner or has debated being a runner. In addition to the voices of Dimity and Sarah, voices of readers are interspersed in the book - I am assuming these women are fans of the D& S’s blog of the same name. 


I’ve been reading this book for the past week and a half, savoring it like a fine wine because I don’t want it to end. I hope that they book tour comes to Atlanta so I can meet these lovely ladies and run a 5tK with them (yes, they do a 5k and then have a reading)! Even if they don’t make it here, I love knowing that I can interact with them on their facebook page and blog. 


Run Like A Mother - if you are a mom and a runner, wogger, jogger, you must get this book! 

Kitty Home Come!

Sweet Pea is her name. This adorable stray cat first came to the backdoor of the cottage needing a nuzzle and a meal. Ever since she has been the centerpiece of family life.

Sweet Sweet Pea

The kitty has even been granted special permission to nap on Grandma's favorite chaise lounge.

Lately, though, I have begun to worry about what will happen to kitty when I fly away home, and when the North wind begins to blow. I am told, not to worry... that she has already survived at least two Upstate winters (one even in the attic of the cottage garage). But Sweet Pea needs a real home. With that in mind, she has just applied for a position as chief mouse catcher and shop cat for Swansdown Antiques at Rose Hill Mansion in Geneva. Finger crossed she aces the interview.

Call me Smitten,,

Marjorie

Pre-BlogHer 2010

I can’t believe that the BlogHer conference is only 2 weeks away!  This will be my second time attending the event and I am excited about seeing my old blogging friends and meeting my new blogging friends in real life. With over a year of conferences under my belt, I don’t feel anxious, I’m not worried about what I’m wearing (beyond gathering the 3 or so outfits that I have in my closet that fit) I’m just happy to have the opportunity to visit my hometown- New  York, NY the big apple!

This year I was asked to host a Pre-BlogHer meetup for Atlanta folks and I was happy to oblige. Last Saturday afternoon I met  bloggers from the Atlanta area at the Kirkwood Public House.

Some of us are attending BlogHer and others that are not. Although for many of us it was the first time meeting, we were chatting like old girlfriends. There is something about having a common interest that binds (blogging) and being around a group of individuals that “get” you.

We represented all walks of life and all types of blogs - beauty and fashion, legal, Mom blogs, business blogs, food blogs, women in non-traditional occupations, product review blogs, it really was amazing. Attorneys, freelance writers, marketers, an electrician and stay at home moms were all present. 

We had a FABULOUS time. Some us had our kids along and not only did they have their own table but the Kirkwood Public House was extremely accommodating. The children had the run of the house.

The meet-up was a successful because we came together to learn, share information and enjoy each other’s company. Truly a mini-BlogHer conference. Plans are in the works to meet-up again after the conference to share our experiences with the woman that are unable to attend BlogHer this year.

Today in the mail I received my BlogHer conference pass.

All of the parties I rsvp’d for are listed on the back of my badge and my drink tickets were included too! I have so many lanyards and badge holders from past conferences that I just slipped my badge into my nifty bejeweled holder (that I received at another conference) and I love this new process, it makes for a "greener" conference, I'm using recycled goods and the agenda is also available online. I am ready to go.

This year’s BlogHer is sure to be as jam-packed as last year, the conference, the parties (did I say parties), New York City. I can’t wait, I’ll spend 4 days in New York having a much needed Mom vacay, I’ll be sure to report back with all the details!

Are you going to BlogHer? Are you excited? Let me know!

Shrinking Days Of Summer - Final weigh-in

Well, this is the last weigh-in of the Summer Challenge at the Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans.  In all honesty I don't know if I've lost weight on this challenge. I just know I weigh the same amount that I weighed last week 155.4 and I've been holding steady for at least a month. I suppose that means I am in maintenance mode but I must admit that I am not really maintaining.

For me, maintaining means staying on top of both my diet and exercise. I know that I've been injured and can't do my exercise of choice - running but that is not excuse not to cross train. During this challenge my cross-training has been sporadic. I have only 3 months left to train for my half-marathon, I ran 4.6 miles on Monday and although I felt soreness after a day of rest I feel good. This means my training has to get back on schedule. I realize that I absolutely need a schedule, I need to check in daily or else things go downhill.

Today I recommit myself to actively working out, listening to my body but moving it safely so that I do not injure myself. I also will check in daily and go back to my usual twitter/facebook/dailymile check-ins, even if I don't workout it will keep me honest.

On the food front, I also need to plan. I just eat willy-nilly without a plan. I've said this before but the time is now to get serious!

This challenge has taught me that despite obstacles (like a car accident yesterday - everyone is fine) I have to keep moving forward. I'm asking for your help - - if you see me on twitter and I haven't talked about my exercise for the day, please ask me! I need my accountability partners to get over this hump.

The journey to healthy living is not an easy one but by staying honest and transparent about both my triumphs and my struggles I believe I will help myself and others.

Snacking

I am always on the lookout for snacks that I can eat during the day and don't mind sharing with my son. He is partial to potato chips but I'd prefer a healthier alternative and Town House Flatbread Crisps fit the bill. At 70 calories a serving and less than 2 grams of fat per serving, I will happily eat two servings and am not adverse to letting my son eat as many as wants to eat.

I was sent the Sea Salt & Olive Oil, and Italian Herb varieties. I enjoyed both flavors but I think the Sea Salt ones are my favorite. These flavorful snacks really hit the spot when I want something crunchy and salty but am mindful that I need to make good choices. I was sent an entire box of different snacks but I have to say that these are my favorite..but I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the new Keebler  Baker’s Treasures cookies made with apple sauce. I save these treats for special occasions and my son loves them!

Disclosure:  I am a Snackpicks mom and was sent this products to review by Kellogg's.

Delights of the Garden

In the past I've mentioned that I don't have a green thumb. However, in May when my mom visited we planted a garden. I got some exercise and Mekhi had a first hand look at the cycle of life. Initially I had one tomato in the garden that didn't fare very well, somehow it  rotted while on the vine. I assume that a bug (or bugs) got to it. I didn't see anything else out there and to be honest, I pretty much abide by the concept of live and let live, watering the garden when it occurs to me and that is about it.

Yesterday I went out to give the garden some attention and noticed an overgrowth of weeds (which is pitiful considering my garden is only about 6 square feet) but I also saw five green tomatoes! It was way to hot to week yesterday so I didn't see if anything else sprouted but today I weeded and was pleasantly surprised to find green beans!

Yup, the green beans in the photo are  my garden!  And although not enough beans for a meal, I tasted one and it was delicious. I'm proud of my little garden! Next year we will plant a larger garden and be more serious but I'd say that this experience was a success!

Time Keeps on ticking....

The countdown to the Nike Women's Half-Marathon is on! I have exactly 12 weeks and 5 days until the race. Between then and now I have to raise $4000 and be prepared to run the hills of San Francisco. Since my hip has been injured I haven't been training as hard as I'd like to but this week I am determined to get back on schedule. Even if I am unable to run I will walk so that I can get my mileage in. Today I did a 4.6 mile run/walk, I took it pretty slowly and had an 11:30 min/mile pace. The heat combined with not running consistently certainly take a toll. I can't wait until the day when running this distance is a breeze.

After my run I laid on the couch and applied my new best friend - my trusty bag of frozen peas. I am hoping to avoid too much inflamation by icing after every run or walk. I know people that have taken this approach and successfully avoided injury so I am doing it too. I am keeping my trusty anti-inflamatories in stock because that will also help alleviate pain and inflamation.

On the fundraising front, I now have 31% of my $4000 goal. I want to give a big THANK YOU to everyone that has contributed so far. I still have a long way to go and all contributions are welcome! Remember, your donation is 100% tax deductible! I've been working hard on fundraising, last week I sent out 100 letters by post, I am sending emails like a mad woman and I am planning a cocktail party for the end of this month.

Please cross your fingers because I am actively trying to do a wine and chocolate fundraiser but still haven't nailed down the date. I am working on it!

Well, tomorrow I plan on doing some cross training, probably strength that focuses on my lower body. Building strength in my lower body will also help me prevent injury. So tell me, have you been exercising consistently? Do you have anything new that you've added to your program?

Giveaway Winners!

Last week was full of giveaways, I am so glad to be able to host occasional contests here on my blog. Well, here are the results, all winners were chosen by Random.org.

Nestle Block Party

Monday- New winner Denise S.

Tuesday - KY2Here

Wednesday - Mverno

Thursday - Trina

Friday - Aajacques

Iron Girl Giveaway

Tiffany

Congratulations to all!

"Stars" on Seneca Lake

With blue skies above and the wind in your sails, whether you're in a "Star" or a "Comet", the sailing is keen sport on Seneca Lake.

Still Riding the Waves,
Marjorie

Summer Block Party - Healthy Tip of the Day! Grand Prize Giveaway

The Summer Block Party has been a blast but all good things must come to an end. I hope that you utilize the healthy tips that I've provided for you this week and today we are going to finish off the week with a bang. In addition to the Nestle prize pack, today's winner will receive a $100.00 Visa gift card! Read on for more details.


Tip of the Day: Hydrate! The most important drink during the summer (and really in every season) is water. It is so important to prevent hydration by drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day. When my son and I go to the playground and he is running around in the hot sun, I bring stainless steel canteens filled with water for both of us. As much fun as it is to enjoy the summer sunshine, I want to prevent heat exhaustion and other problems that can arise from lack of hydration.

Giveaway
$100.00 Visa Gift card

A mix of coupons for free products from the following Nestle brands: JUICY JUICE^®

^{OVALTINE,EDY’S®/DREYER’S,CARNATION® Breakfast Essentials WONKA ,STOUFFER’S,NESQUIK®}

TOLL HOUSE^® Refrigerated Cookie Dough,TOLL HOUSE^® Morsels,DRUMSTICK^® Sundae Cones

To enter: Please leave your own healthy tip in the comments, be original and don't repeat one that I've already given this week!

Extra Entry: Tweet about this contest

Please leave a comment for each method of entry and your email address if you are not available through Blogger. Visit the other bloggers participating in the Summer Block Party for more chances to win! Contest over Monday, July 19 at 8:00 AM EST.  All Summer Block Party winners will be announced on Monday. 

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.

Summer Block Party - Healthy Tip of the Day! 4

Tip of the day: It is summer time, do some water play! If you have a pool you are ahead of the game. Swimming is a great low-impact activity that can burn tons of calories. The added benefit is cooling off (especially here in the hot South). Unfortunately, I do not have a pool so I we do the next best thing - sprinkler play. Since my son is an only child I frequently am his playmate, we frolic across our lawn running into and away from the spray of the sprinkler. Many times I’d rather just sit under our gazebo and watch him play but he will not allow it. Fun time and exercise at the bequest of a toddler. Gotta love it!


Giveaway

A mix of coupons for free products from the following Nestle brands: JUICY JUICE^®

^{OVALTINE,EDY’S®/DREYER’S,CARNATION® Breakfast Essentials WONKA ,STOUFFER’S,NESQUIK®}

TOLL HOUSE^® Refrigerated Cookie Dough,TOLL HOUSE^® Morsels,DRUMSTICK^® Sundae Cones

1 NESTLÉ^® Pure Life


To enter answer this question: What do you do for water play during the summer?
Extra Entry: Tweet about this contest

Please leave a comment for each method of entry and your email address if you are not available through Blogger. Visit the other bloggers participating in the Summer Block Party for more chances to win! Contest over Thursday, July 15 at 11:59 EST. 

Shrinking Days of Summer - Operation Weight Loss

I am still the same weight - no surprise since I haven’t exercised much over the last week. I really want my hip to heal so that I can begin to train for my half-marathon properly. I did go out for a walk yesterday with one (brief) cycle of running. I went with my neighbor so the running was kept to a minimum. In hindsight that is a good thing, it means that I will slowly get back into the zone. My MRI is on Monday if it comes back saying that I don’t have a stress fracture then I am absolutely running next week.


Today I think I am going to stop by the closest gym and see if they have a trial special. Although I don’t like running on a treadmill, a coach recommending doing it at least once a week so I’ll try it. A tip - during the summer many gyms offer specials because gym membership dwindles during these months. If you are considering joining a gym this is a great time to do it.


Being able to utilize the gym will also give me access to machines ( I really need to start strength training) and I can build up more muscle. Speaking of muscle, my bikini arrived this week! I tried it on and although it looks pretty good, I need to tighten up. I’ve lost my muscle down because I’ve stopped strength training. I will however be ready to wear my bikini in Miami in October and pictures will be posted!


On the fundraising front, I’ve been out there hustling. This week I’ve mailed out 100 fundraising letters, am actively pursing a venue for a chocolate and wine fundraiser and will be hosting a girl’s night in with a purpose. Once I iron out all the details, I’ll share them with you. So far I’ve raised 26% of my goal - I need your help! Please click here to donate!

This week I vow to get back on track with regular exercise. I am not going to let my injury keep me from exercising, especially since I know I am cleared to do other things besides running. How has your week been?

* Don't forget to enter my giveaway -win an Iron Girl fitness bag filled with goodies! 

Summer Block Party- Healthy Tip 3!

Tip of the day: Occasional high calorie sweet indulgences are okay but take advantage of the summer’s vast variety of fruits.  I’ve admitted my weakness for ice cream but I can’t eat it daily and I certainly won’t allow my son to eat it every day. To appease my sweet tooth I frequently turn to natures sweets --fruit! My favorite is watermelon. I can eat a whole watermelon by myself in two days and my family loves it just as much as I do. In addition to eating it off the rind, I cut it into pieces, freeze it and use it to make yummy smoothies and I have plans to make homemade popsicles too!


Giveaway

Shutterfly gift card, valued at $29.99

$30-$40 in coupons from a variety of Nestle brands including

Juicy Juice^®,     

Edy's,

Carnation Breakfast Essentials

Wonka

Stouffer's

Nesquick

Toll House 

Drumstick Sundae Cones

For today’s giveaway - please tell me your favorite summer fruit and how you enjoy it.

Extra entry tweet: Enter to win variety of Nestle coupons and Shutterfly giftcard ! 

Contest over Wednesday, July 14 at 11:59 EST. Please leave a comment for each method of entry and your email addy if you are not on Blogger. Visit the other bloggers participating in the Summer Block Party for more chances to win!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and all opinions are 100% my own.

Tuesday Confessional

I confess. Being injured has made me lazy! Although I am unable to run I am cleared to do other things - like strength training but I haven't done it. Hopefully I will get my butt in gear, especially since my new bikini just arrived in the mail!

Summer Block Party - Healthy Tip of the Day!

Congratulations to KY2Here winner of the giveaway! 

Tip: Make Exercise fun for the entire family.
I know many moms especially have a hard time fitting exercise into their schedules, I believe in making exercise a family affair. If you have young children, take them with you on a walk around the block. My son actually climbed a mountain with me before he turned 3! We took it slow but he had a great time (especially on the way down when his father carried him the entire time). When I want to run, I put my son in the jogging stroller and he enjoys the ride, cheering for me the entire time. With older children play fitness video games with them, you will all benefit from the exercise. Ride bikes with your children. These are all fun ways to exercise as a family!



Giveaway

Over $40 in coupons for free products from a variety of Nestle brands including:
JUICY JUICE®
OVALTINE® EDY’S®/DREYER’S®
CARNATION® Breakfast Essentials
WONKA®
STOUFFER’S®
NESQUIK®
TOLLHOUSE

To enter simply leave a comment telling me what you do to exercise with your family and if you don't do it yet, what do you plan to do in the future?


Extra entry tweet: Enter to win variety of Nestle coupons valued at over $40.00! http://bit.ly/95JpqS


Contest over Tuesday, July 13 at 11:59 EST. Please leave a comment for each method of entry and your email addy if you are not on Blogger. Visit the other bloggers participating in the Summer Block Party for more chances to win!



Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and all opinions are 100% my own.

Reunited

This is Nala and her mom Danielle. Want to know what's so special about them?

Nala was LBR's Verona. Yep she was a lost pup and her mom found her! It was all very exciting. Nala is awfully glad that her mom never quit looking for her and that she had a safe place to hang out until she and her mom could be reunited.




She's definitely decided that living indoors is where she wants to be and won't be digging out of the fence anymore. Guess she just had to make sure.