Weight Loss Journey: 35 Weeks In



Weight: I gained 1.8 pounds for an adjusted total of 52.4 pounds lost. So that is what the scale said but it didn't take away from my good week. Though I didn't have a loss on the scale I had a couple of non-scale losses. I did some shopping this past week and bought some clothes in my current size. When I tried everything on at home everything fit! I never really try on my clothes at the store so I was always having to return things. This time I didn't have to! Yesterday I had to do laundry so I threw on an old t-shirt to be comfortable. It was so big on me that I literally took it off to check the size and make sure it wasn't my husband's. That made me so happy when I saw that it was actually a shirt that fit me tight before.

Nutrition: When I was home I ate very well. I ate salads, stir-fries, brown rice and healthy snacks. I was super busy with different events to go to so I did eat out. Though I didn't have a choice on healthier options at these events I made sure to eat smaller portions than usual.

Exercise: I went to the gym once and did two workouts at home. Sorry to the downstairs neighbors but I had no real time to go to the gym so a girl has to do what a girl has to do! I also did a quick strength training video from sparkpeople a few times this week.

Last Weeks Goals:
  • Gym or DVD 3 times - GOAL MET
  • Strength training 3 times - GOAL MET
  • Up water intake
  • Continue vitamins and probiotics
  • Try a healthy dessert
  • Drink at least one cup of green tea a day

This Weeks Goals:
  • Gym or DVD 3 times
  • Strength training 3 times
  • Up water intake
  • Continue vitamins and probiotics
  • Try a healthy dessert
  • Drink at least one cup of green tea a day

Celebrating the Transformers at the #TFBirthday Party

My family and I were invited to the event and given a gift bag. All opinions are 100% my own. 



On Saturday my family and I got to celebrate with the Transformers at the #TFBirthday party in the Children's Museum of Manhattan. As soon as we entered the party room we were amazed at all of the great decorations and all of the toys!

There were so many stations where the kids could just play and create. They got little passports to get stamped as they went to the different stations. The staff was so awesome with the kids and patiently showed my nephew and daughter how to play with each one of the different toys. After they had fun playing with each toy they got to take their creations home with them!


My daughter ran to the Mr. Potato Head station and stayed there for a while creating different Transformer Mr. Potato Head contraptions. At one point one of her Transformers had fire coming out from all over the place.


My nephew enjoyed the Transformers Construct-Bots the best. Thanks to Justin (@justinaclin) for helping my nephew create the Dinobots Grimlock.


My daughter got to color her own "Roar" sign and of course had to pick every single purple in the crayon box to decorate her sign. Then she got to put it up on the board with the other roar signs.



The coolest toy of all the stations was the Flip and Change Transformer. With just a little flip the Transformer changes into a cool sports car. The kids (and me!) also got to play with Transformer Mashers, Kre-O Transformer Bricks, Transformer Rescue Bots and Transformer Battle Masters.


There was also a super cool Rescue Bot Mascot that the kids got to take pictures with. It took my nephew and niece a little bit to warm up to him and then got to give him high fives and take pictures with him.


After they got all of their stamps on the passport they got to exchange it for a cute goodie bag with tons of transformer favors. Then we all took a break and had some yummy lunch, juice and cupcakes.

I knew my nephew was going to have tons of fun and was pleasantly surprised when my daughter has just as much fun. Transformers are not just for boys!


Adfilic Tri-Port USB Car Charger



With our family always on the go and using our smartphones and tablets for everything we always run out of battery power. I love that with the Adfilic Tri-Port CarbCharger we can charge my husband and I's iPhones and my daughter's iPad all at the same time.


Before using the one from Adfilic I purchased a really cheap version online. Within a week of use it started to get loose and then stopped working altogether. I was super impressed with the Adfilic USB car charger because it was really well made and fit securely into the car plug.


It charges just as fast as if you were charging from a plug at home. It has a blue light power indicator that shows that the charger is plugged in correctly and ready to use. The built-in circuit design protects against over-heating, over-currents, over charging of all smartphones and tablets. The smart charging stops automatically when the battery is full.

If you are always on the go and are in need of extra battery power you can get your own Tri-Port USB Car Charger at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/b00jw386so

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.


Music √ #MiFabuloso Cleaner √ Let's Get Our Cleaning On!

This shop has been compensated by #CollectiveBias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.


I can always remember my mom blasting her Salsa and Freestyle music in the house while she cleaned with the best all purpose cleaner, Fabuloso! She would do her major big cleanings on the weekends and would "con" me into helping her. As she was sweeping she would say do you want to learn a new dance move? I would agree of course because she looked like she was having so much fun. I remember her teaching me Bachata while she swept. Till this day whenever I smell Fabuloso it brings me back to the memories of dancing with my mom while we cleaned.


The tradition was passed down to me as I can't seem to clean without having my Latin music blasting in the background. I love using the Fabuloso Twin Pack that I can conveniently find in Walmart because it reminds me of home and the best times I had with my family. Not only does #MiFabuloso smell really good but it is one of the best cleaning products I have ever used. It gives me clean floors, a clean kitchen and a super clean bathroom all while leaving an amazing scent that lasts for a long time.


The tradition has passed down to the next generation as I see my daughter singing and dancing along as she cleans. She will sing "Clean up, clean up todo el mondo (everybody) clean up! When she sees me dancing to the music she comes along and dances with me while she takes her little play broom and sweeps with me.


If you need the motivation to clean just blast some of your favorite music tacks and you will be getting up and cleaning in no time. For my super easy set up I just load my Smartphone with my favorite music tracks, sync it to my bluetooth speaker and let it blast away.  Then I put some Fabuloso in a bucket of water and clean away.


Here is my playlist to get you started:
  1. Me Tengo Que Ir - Adolesent's Orquesta
  2. Aquanile - Marc Anthony
  3. Amores Como El Nuestro - Jerry Rivera
  4. Suavemente - Elvis Crespo
  5. Danza Kuduro - Don Omar
  6. Tu Amor Me Hace Bien - Marc Anthony
  7. La Quiero A Morir - DLG
  8. Promise - Romeo Santos f. Usher
  9. Solo Por Un Beso - Aventura
  10. Waka Waka - Shakira
  11. Livin La Vida Loca - Ricky Martin
  12. Waiting for Tonight - Jennifer Lopez
What are your favorite songs that gets you in the mood to clean? 


Children 'n Us Super Stroller Organizer



I remember when my daughter was an infant and I had this big bulky stroller that had cup holders and a huge basket. As my daughter grew out of it and her new stroller became more compact and lightweight I had to give up the extra storage. I would have to take my full diaper bag with sippy cups and all and some how balance it on the handles of the stroller. It always got in my way as I walked and pushed the stroller.

The Children n Us Super Stroller Organizer was the perfect solution to my problem. It is small and compact and easily snaps onto the handles of my stroller. The design of the bag makes it so that it doesn't get in my way as I push the stroller.


Though the organizer is sleek and compact I could still fit all of the following and had room for more:

  • Change of clothes (shirt and pants)
  • 3 diapers
  • 2 packs of travel wipes
  • 3 baggies of snacks
  • 4 small toys
  • 1 thin blanket
  • 1 sippy cup




Since I have to go up and down a flight of steps with the stroller and my toddler, I was thankful that I could fold the stroller with the organizer still snapped on.


If you need a stroller organizer that holds a ton and is still compact check out the Children n Us Super Stroller Organizer at amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/b00kj6a1fe

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.


Low Carb Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla


I wanted to make something easy and fast so I threw together a cheesy buffalo chicken quesadilla. I used low carb wraps to off set the amount of carbs and watched my carbs during the entire day.


Low Carb Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla

Ingredients:

  • 1 can chicken (you can poach a small chicken breast instead)
  • 3 tblsp Franks Red Hot Buffalo Wing Sauce (less or more to taste)
  • 1 ounce 1/3 less fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tblsp crumbled blue cheese
  • 1 ounce part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 2 low carb tortillas


Directions:
  1. Mix the cream cheese and blue cheese and spread evenly over both tortillas. 
  2. Mix the chicken and buffalo sauce and spread evenly over one of the tortillas. 
  3. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over chicken. 
  4. Place remaining tortilla on top. 
  5. Spray a large pan with cooking spray or drizzle with a little bit of olive oil. 
  6. Carefully place quesadilla into pan and brown. After a couple of minutes flip over and brown other side. 
  7. Carefully remove and cut into wedges. 
Serves 2.



Weight Loss Journey: 34 Weeks In


Weight: I lost 1.8 pounds for a total of 54.2 pounds lost.

Nutrition: I ate really good this week. I bought a cool dry erase board with the weeks listed so I could plan my meals. It is amazing how planning ahead and visually seeing what to eat made it easy. I prepared my snacks in advance by measuring out nuts, kale chips and roasted chickpeas in little baggies.

Exercise: I went to the gym 3 times this week and was pretty surprised at how motivated I was with this awesome gadget I got to review (I will be blogging about it soon!). I strength trained at home with dumb bells and this awesome YouTube video. I also used the dry erase board to plan my gym and strength training days.

Last Weeks Goals:
  • Gym or DVD 3 times - GOAL MET
  • Strength training 3 times - GOAL MET
  • Be aware of calories and water intake - GOAL MET
  • Continue vitamins and probiotics - GOAL MET
  • Try a healthy dessert

This Weeks Goals:
  • Gym or DVD 3 times
  • Strength training 3 times
  • Up water intake
  • Continue vitamins and probiotics
  • Try a healthy dessert
  • Drink at least one cup of green tea a day

I'm Taking The Challenge with the Living Proof PhD Hair Line


“I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Living Proof. I received product samples to facilitate my review and to thank me for my participation.”


I know I am not alone when I say I love Jennifer Aniston's hair. I love how sleek and shiny it always looks. I know she has a professional team behind her look but when I heard that she is the co-owner of the Living Proof Hair Line that she uses I had to try it.

I was picked to do the Living Proof Hair Challenge and got:
  • 2 PhD Shampoos
  • 2 PhD Conditioners
  • 2 5-in-1 Styling Treatments 
  • 1 Mask Treatment
  • 1 Style Enhancer
When I first heard about the PhD products from Living Proof I thought that the brand name was odd and that the PhD was for some kind of medicated products. PhD actually stands for Perfect hair Day and they choose Living Proof because everyone that uses their products is Living Proof that they actually work! I thought both names were really clever. 

The shampoo, conditioner and 5-in-1 treatment is the perfect combination to give your hair smoothness, volume, conditioning, strength, and polish.


The PhD shampoo and conditioner keeps hair cleaner longer reducing the need to wash your hair as often. As a busy mom to a toddler this sure is key! They are both sulfate-free, oil-free and silicone-free.


The 5-in-1 Styling Treatment creates smoothness, volume, strength, conditioning, and
polish as well as heat protection, UV protection, and static control. It is oil-free and
silicone-free.


When I first used the shampoo and conditioner I loved the exotic fruity smell. The shampoo gave me so much lather with just a little bit of product so I feel that the bottle will last a long time. I love how soft and smooth the conditioner made my hair feel when I put it on. When I rinsed it, it didn't leave my hair greasy or heavy.

The 5-in-1 treatment gave my damp hair some smoothness. It had the same exotic fruity smell that I liked from the shampoo and conditioner. After using the combination of the three products I felt that my hair dried a lot faster and it was smooth and full of body. I first dried my hair with a hair dryer and then passed the flat iron through the top pieces. I usually don't flat iron my hair because it leaves my hair too flat but this time my hair had volume and a bounce to it.


I am already enjoying these products and anxiously awaiting the results of the challenge after using them for a couple of months. To take your challenge yourself and enter for a chance to win some amazing Living Proof  products click here: http://www.livingproof.com/mc You also can check out the Living Proof website for more information and learn about their other products.


Muv iPhone 5 Armband Review



This is the first guest post on my blog from my sister is who is my workout buddy when she is in town. The following is her experience with the Muv Armband:

Since the gym is a block away from my house I try to carry as little as possible. I take with me my iPhone, headphones, member ID, a little bit of cash and a key. I always try to juggle everything in the little compartments on the treadmill. Things get harder when you get on the elliptical that only has one cup holder.

The Muv Armband was perfect for me and has a compartment for everything I needed. It easily fit my iPhone, some cash and my ID in the back of it and the key in the little key holder. I felt like my phone was protected and the elastic and Velcro armband easily went on and stayed on.


These are the following features of the armband:

  • The MuvUSA iPhone 5 armband is designed to perform and last.
  • The premium red stitching puts this armband in the best class of quality, durability and style.
  • The superior velcro will remain intact and will ensure that the band does not slip off your arm, even in the most intense workouts.
  • All of the openings are also reinforced and hence tear-resistant.
  • The ultra soft neoprene ensures full comfort and no damage to your skin.
  • It protects your iPhone from damage and is usable in any condition because it is waterproof and sweat resistant
  • The touch screen protector is slim and highly sensitive, so you can use your touch screen with no hassle.
  • The high-visibility reflector allows you to run or exercise outdoors at any time during the day or night.
  • The key holder and the 4 openings at the back provide great convenience


I highly recommend this armband if you use your smartphone to workout and need a small pocket for little things like a key and cash. You can get it on Amazon through this link: http://www.amazon.com/rated-iphone-armband-reflective-waterproof/dp/b00m13no3y/ie=utf8?qid=1406903054&keywords=iphone+5+armband

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Limm Sport Armband Review



If you are like me and use your SmartPhone to listen to music while you workout the Limm Sport Armband is for you. The armband is fully adjustable and will fit arm sizes 10-3/4" to 16-1/8". It is compatible with the iPhone 5/5S/5C/4/4S and Samsung S4) The armband keeps your smartphone secure and fully functional with a huge clear window that you can tap and slide on.

The armband is made of lycar and neoprene so it is extremely lightweight and comfortable. The armband protects your smartphone against sweating and light rain if you are exercising outdoors. It also has a tiny pocket for a key and can be hand washed.


If you want to get your own Limm Sport Armband head over to Amazon to purchase it.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.