Father's Day...hmmmm?

Ok, so over the years Dads have gotten short changed.  Seriously they have!  The latest survey by the National Retail Federation found we spend way more on Mom's than Dad's! 

So, I've found a way to make it up to Dear ole' Dad, without breaking the bank!  

FORE DAD!

                                                                   

Give the gift of a better golf swing! Let Dad in on the secret of private coaching with a gift certificate for a private coaching session with a CoachUp coach. Available in denominations starting at $100, a CoachUp gift certificate allows him to book a private golf coach in his area.

SURF'S UP!

 Men’s swimwear by Hapari is the perfect gift for Dad as the warmer weather approaches. The line looks and feels great and offers many trendy styles that layer for comfort and durable style.   These are fantastic, great fit and great fabric!  Best of all, only $12.00!

YOU'VE GOT THIS DAD!

Give Dad the gift of a health coach-in his pocket!  Ok, before you roll your eyes and scroll down, stop!  Check this out, it's a cool APP if Dad is having a tough time staying motivated, whether to exercise, or lose weight or just having a hard time staying focused.  Coach Alba is a texting based service that allows users to set reminders to help them overcome tough moments.  

YIFTEE IS NIFTY! 

 

 For the father who likes to stay connected and shop locally, a new online marketplace is making it easy to bypass the gift card kiosk. Yiftee lets consumers send real gifts to dad quickly and easily via email, mobile and social networks. Yiftee gifts are small items - think latte, glass of wine, nice lunch, etc. - that the recipients pick up using their smart phones and tablets.

 

PICTURE THIS!

Fodeez Frames are a line of reusable picture frames and dry erase boards in one that stick to any smooth surface—great for dad’s office or even laptop! Fully customizable, dad will love this personalized gift.

 

OH NO! YOU GOT IT WET?!

A new gift for dad keeps his personal electronics performing at their best—no matter what the elements throw their way. Bheestie is an innovative tool that removes daily moisture build-up from personal electronics.

IT'S SHORTS, IT'S A TOWEL...IT'S TOWEL SHORTS! 

Give dad a little laugh this year with these shower shorts, made from a cotton towel material. He'll love lounging around in them and will feel more manly than the typical towel-around-the-waist trick.  Just $19.99!

What to get Dad "FORE" Father's Day?

Exciting news Moms and Kids.  Stay tuned for some interesting gift ideas for Father's Day!  I've got samples of some great gift ideas that I'm sure your Dad will love! 

Sneak Peeks!!

Give the gift of a better golf swing!  And it's NOT an expensive golf club!

 

Tired of your Dad (or Husband's) worn out swimsuit?  I don't blame you, it's embarrassing isn't it!
We've got a cool line of trendy styles to pass along.

Give dad the gift of a health coach—in his pocket!  

 

For the father who likes to stay connected and shop locally, a new online marketplace is making it easy to bypass the gift card kiosk.

And the list goes on!! 
I will be getting the samples and blogging out some great links for you, stay tuned!

 

 

PUT A CAP ON SODA

How do you feel about soda?  For my family it's occasionally in our house as a treat.   I don't ban it, I buy it on occasions for sleepovers, eating out, movie night.   My kids don't crave it and neither do I.  With that being said, how do you feel about lawmakers trying to control what we put into our mouths, or the mouths of our children? As parents, isn't that our responsibility? 

This week public health officials from Boston, California, New York and other state and local jurisdictions nationwide are meeting in Washington, DC for the 2nd National Soda Summit.  This comes just after the California Senate passed legislation to place warning labels on soda and other sugary drinks.

I'm pretty sure most of us know soda contains sugar, and lots of it.  Will warning labels really deter a 15 year old from placing 4 quarters into a vending machine?  Probably not.
I get we have a huge problem with obesity and diabetes in America, but are warning labels on soft drinks the answer? 

For two days starting Wednesday June 4th, researchers, physicians, nutritionists and other health experts will share information and strategies on how to effect policy change on local and national levels.  I wonder if there will be any discussion about common sense? Everything in moderation?
Self control? 

So what do you think?  I know my blog readers are highly educated and I'm very curious to hear your thoughts about putting a cap on soda. 

Here is a link to:
 Center for Science in the Public Interest
They oftentimes have interesting research regarding hot topics including the Soda Summit.

MOTHER'S DAY...

To my 3 Lovely Children,

I love you, please know that.  I love you to the moon and back infinity times.  But, for the love of God...please do whatever I ask of you on Mother's Day.  I don't need fancy gifts, I don't need flowers, I don't need a giftcard to Target (ok, sure I'll take it).  I need peace, quiet, time alone, time to do whatever I want to do and I would love it if you would just clean the house.  Just do your chores and a bunch of extra's, like clean out your closets, your drawers, pick up Sadie's poops in the yard so I'm not handed a sneaker and asked to clean the grooves with my bottle scrubber.

I do love that you guys love to hang out in my room and snuggle in my bed.  But on Mother's Day I would love it if I can have a good night sleep alone so I can stretch out my legs and not hear Jack fart in my bed and then laugh because of course he thinks it's funny  (ok it is sometimes.)

I would love to get up and go for a run without feeing quilty because you give me that face that says, "again?".
I would love to go to your baseball game, but maybe not all 4 hours of it.
You sure can go over to a friends house but please find a ride to and from.

When Jack starts to bother you because of his singing, instead of yelling at him and calling him "a loser" laugh along with him or join in!  Or, even better, don't say anything.

When your brother's want to play those silly APPS, let them, so what. 

When your sister tells you to do your chores, drop everything and DO them.

Walk around the house, inside and out, if you see something that's not supposed to be there, put it where it's supposed to be. (including the mismatched socks behind the TV and under the couch).

At the end of the day, if only a few of these things get done it's ok.  As long as you make an effort to make me happy then what more can a Mom ask for? 

Oh, one more thing, Don't forget to come into my room at the end of the day and kiss me good night and say Happy Mother's Day.   Monday it's back to normal.

SHARK ROCKET! Power Thru Your Cleaning!

Recently I was asked to test out the SHARK ROCKET.  I was happy to try it even though I hate vacuuming! So if a product is going to make it easier for me, then why not?! 

I was given the product to test but in no way paid for my product review, just happy to give it a go and share with you with I thought.  

DETAILS!

PRICE: $199.00

• Number of Speeds :2
• Includes: Laundry, Cleaning and Closet Product :Owner's Manual, Stick Vac Attachment
• 
  Warranty Description :5 Year Limited Manufacturer Warranty
• Features Brush Roll :Motorized, Adjustable Height
• 
  Recommended Cleaning Surface Type :Multi-surface, Carpet, Hard Floor, Hardwood
• Vacuum Attachments :Crevice Tool, Multi surface floor tool, Carpet Cleaning Kit
• 
  Cable/Cord Length :25 feet
• Filter Type :Allergen
• 
  Power Source :Electric
• 
  Features: Laundry, Cleaning and Closet Product :Portable, Converts to Handheld, Headlight, Pet Hair Pick Up, Multi-surface Cleaner, Easy-empty Dirt Container, Adjustable Height, Non-stop Suction, Light Weight, On/Off Switch, Bagless, Anti allergen seal, Converts to Stick Vac, Carry Handle, Removable Hand Vacuum

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cat Lovers, Beware!

Lily's and Kitties Don't Mix!

Awe...isn't this kitten so cute surrounded by flowers?  Actually, for cats certain flowers can be deadly!   

With Easter coming up many of you may have Easter Lily's in your home or just around your house for the spring.  But a warning from the Food and Drug Administration, these flowers as well as Tiger, Asiatic Day and Japanese Show lilies are a health threat to your Cat.

If your cat eats the leaf, pollen and flower of the lily it is poisonous.  Even if they just eat a couple of leaves or even lick a little bit of the pollen grains off their fur, cats can suffer acute kidney failure within a very short period of time!

Symptoms

Vomiting is the first sign there is a problem.  It may gradually lessen over 2-4 hours which may make you think everything is ok, but unfortunately the worst is just beginning.  According to the FDA within 12-14 hours, the cat may start to urinate frequently.  Then the cat may suddenly stop urinating if kidney failure sets in. If your cat is left untreated, it can die within 4-7 days of eating a lily.

Treatment

Getting your cat to the vet immediately is critical.  Even if you only suspect your cat ate a lily, you should still contact your vet as soon as you can.  The sooner you can get your cat to have intravenous fluids to preven dehydration and preserve kidney fuction, the better chance of survival.

JUST GET STARTED! No Excuses.

Plain and Simple.  Exercise and Graze. 

My fitness plan is intense, but that does not mean you have to be as extreme, but you can vary it according to your schedule and your fitness ability.  But JUST DO SOMETHING.  

Stop Making Excuses

Seriously.  I truly mean this.    Which excuse is yours?

"I know I know, I've got to work out, but I just can't find the time!"

"By the time I get home from work, the kids are hungry, I've got to make dinner and then I'm too tired to work out!

"I guess I could wake up early and work out, but then I can't get out of bed!!" 

"I know I can eat better, but I don't always have time to make healthy meals!" 

"I get up early, hop on the treadmill, but then I'm interrupted a gazillion times by my kids because they need me!  So why bother!?"

"I hate gyms." 

"I hate running."

"I've tried working out but nothing has ever worked."





HOW I STARTED IS HOW YOU CAN START. 

I joined a gym.

Working out with others is a great motivator, you're more apt to keep going and not quit mid workout.

I learned that sweat can be sexy.

I stopped worrying about what I looked like at the gym.  Trust me, a good hat hides a lot!  My favorite? 

Dress Like an Athlete

If you wear athletic gear you'll feel like an athlete!  Really.  Buying the right gear will make you feel like you're truly getting fit.   Even when you're at home don't throw on your husband's tee-shirt or leggings, or an old pair of sneakers. 
This is a mindset that will help you,  trust me.
Marshall's and TJ Maxx are my FAVORITE places to find athletic gear.  Inexpensive and Trendy.  My too favorite words!

Get out and Run

5 Years ago I was not a runner.  I NEVER ran ever!  But I needed to do something other than just go to the gym once or twice a week.  I started out slow and short.  One mile at a time.  I didn't run everyday, not by a long shot.  I worked out 2 days at the gym and ran 2 days.

I Started feeling Different

I ran a mile for 2 or 3 days then I ran a little farther, maybe 1/2 mile more for a few days.  After 2 runs I would increase the run a little more.  Then I leveled out at 4-5 miles 2 times a week.  I started looking forward to running.  I started getting less winded and started seeing my legs get more toned!  When you start seeing a difference in your body you start realizing that what you're doing is actually working.  You want to do more because it just feels good.

Join a Race!

You have no idea how incredibly motivating a 5k can be.   There is no excuse, you can find a 5k on any given weekend in any part of the state you live in.  My first race took place in Cumberland, RI.  The annual 4th of July Arnold Mills Race, 4 miles long.  I was nervous, I had a cramp, I sucked.  But I finished!  The roar of the crowd at the finish line sucked me in.  I was hooked.

Find a race click on this link and the roads are yours to race.

I want you to feel good,  I want you to look good I truly do.  We can do this together, I promise.
xo

Stay tuned to learn more about my fitness plan and nutrition plan www.makingitworkbetter.blogspot.com