Instagram!

Thanks to P-Dub, I have a new obsession: 

The Instagram App

It takes run-of-the-mill iPhone photos, and makes them FUN!

A photo of Charlotte from last summer, using the "Nashville" filter.

A photo of the Dandelion weed growing in our rain gutter after days and days of rain, using the Lomo-Fi filter.

A photo of the candy aisle at World Market, using the X-Pro II filter.

Really, I should be spending more time with this app:

Whatever...

Why Cinch is a Better Meal-Replacement Choice

This morning's post generated a lot of interest in Cinch, which I'm thrilled about. However, I wanted to share some information that helped me get over my initial "sticker shock" when it comes to Cinch. 

Since starting my little adventure with Shaklee, I've always felt 100% confident in the value that the GET CLEAN products offer. In fact, I could show you chart upon chart, outlining just how much you save using these products.  However, I've always had a bit of nervousness about promoting Cinch, as I was SO used to being able to pay $12.00 for a jar of Slim-Fast powder or a jar of Jillian Michaels' Protein Powder.  I had a heart-to-heart with my good friend Sabrina about this just the other day.  I'm new to this whole direct sales thing, but the one promise that I made to myself was that I wouldn't promote something that I didn't feel was worth it.  There's a recession on. People (including myself) need to spend their hard-earned dollars smarter than ever before.  How could I, in good conscience, recommend such a PRICEY (so I thought at the time) product?  My conscience just wouldn't let me.

My personal experience with Cinch has been a very good one. I've used it to replace certain meals and have lost around 6 lbs in a couple of weeks.  I usually blend myself a shake in the morning, which satiates me for a good 4 hours.  Then I have a Cinch Snack Bar (10 grams of protein) at morning recess and I'm always pleasantly surprised when lunchtime rolls around (in the past, I was usually STARVING a good 45 minutes BEFORE my lunch hour).  My husband and I have both been trying to treat our bodies better and shape up, so he went out and bought himself a big jar of protein powder to drink post-workout. Naturally we did a side-by-side comparison--"How many grams of protein does YOURS have?"  "Does YOURS have amino acids?"  "Vitamins?"  Happily, the Cinch held up against his uber-protein powder, and then some!

My oh-so-smart husband pointed out a very IMPORTANT distinction.  He told me, "Your shakes are MEAL REPLACEMENTS, not just a protein/muscle building drink."  He was essentially helping me to realize that I was getting two products in one.  And mind you, when I say protein/muscle-building, I don't mean BULK.  Protein and amino acids are essential building blocks to KEEP the muscle that you have.  Whenever you endeavor to lose weight and cut calories, you run the risk of losing muscle along with the fat. NOT GOOD!  Plus, protein keeps you satiated much longer. Ever notice how you pretty much want to eat your desk when you have a doughnut or pastry for breakfast?

So after doing some "back of the can" research on the products in my cupboard, here's a little breakdown for you:

Nutrition information obtained from the back of each container.

*Phenylalanine is an amino acid best consumed in combination with at least 6 other amino acids in order to be metabolized properly.  Some individuals are unable to properly metabolize Phenylalanine at all.  (Source: WebMD) 

So, Cinch really can be considered a bit more bang for your buck, when you're looking for a healthy, quick meal replacement that doesn't contain a lot of artificial ingredients. 

As for cost-effectiveness, I began to think of what one might spend on a morning/lunch meal.  Here's a cost-comparison for you:

Not bad, right?  It's also worth mentioning that your average cost-effective meal (ie, a bowl of cereal or a PB/J sandwich is simply NOT going to provide you with as many nutrients and protein as a Cinch shake).

So, if I haven't convinced you to give Cinch a try, I'm more than okay with that.  What you put into your body on a daily basis is a very personal choice, and I will admit here and now that I don't follow the "program."  Rather, I replace a meal when I find it convenient, and rely on the snack bars for an additional hunger-busting protein PUNCH.  If you're looking for a fast, natural, and easy way to feed your body and help maintain a healthy weight, give Cinch a try! 

Click on the picture to enter my site:

If you've been on the fence about GET CLEAN products, here's a fantastic way to get some FREE CINCH to try (it's how I got mine):

Sign up as a new Member or Distributor with a minimum $70 MN order, or as a new GOLD Ambassador with the purchase of a GOLD or Super GOLD Mission PAK, and get a Cinch Sampler Pack, a $101 retail value, for FREE!*

The Cinch Sampler Pack Includes:

•1 canister of Cinch Vanilla Shake Mix

•1 box of Cinch Peanut Butter Crunch Snack Bars

•1 box of Cinch Pomegranate Energy Tea Mix

•Program Guide

The GET CLEAN Starter Kit is a great way to qualify for this offer!.

Happiness and Health!

"Plan 2, B...whatever!"

Name that movie!   Well, since I didn't win the "kitchen vacation" giveaway and didn't demand a recount--I must initiate Plan B: start cooking my own darned dinner!  If you're a Facebook friend, you may have been able to piece together my thought-provoking (read: whiny) status updates regarding my weight.  About 4 weeks ago, I was a good 23 lbs. over my fighting weight--much to the chagrin of my endocrinologist.  Actually, she shrieked , "23lbs in ONE YEAR!?!?!?" and I went ahead and took that as "chagrin."

 I've fallen into the very bad habit of using junky sweets and McDonald's Quarter Pounder with Cheese meals to cope with stress and/or boredom. Changes need to be made!  I'm a Lifetime member of Weight Watchers, having lost nearly 30lbs with them once upon a time. My mom and I returned a couple of months ago and started attending meetings, but the only time I could attend was Saturday mornings, and I began to REALLY resent the fact that I had to give up my sleep in day to go and weigh-in in front of people. Nice, friendly, GOOD people, but still.  Missing that accountability factor, I haven't done so well when left to my own devices. 

Enter, my dad:

While not an actual drill sergeant, my dad HAS made me kick of my shoes and exercise when I come pick up the girls after school.  I know.

My dad has issued a weight loss challenge--we will each hit our weight-loss goal before our pool opens (the end of May)  So far, he's down over 12lbs.  Me, about 6. 

I managed to lose the first 6 by replacing some meals with Cinch, which I really do like, and really suppresses appetite.

However, I'm the type of girl who just REALLY likes FOOD.  Meal-replacements serve me well when I'm in a pinch--but I just don't think I'm the kind of gal who can hang her hat on meal replacements alone.  I've decided to continue to follow the WW Points Plus plan, as I already have all of the literature.  And hey, fruit is FREE (until sated) on the new program!

I've begun a love affair with clementines and bananas.

So, I've been cookbook shopping/browsing, and here are some recent faves:

I picked this one up at Target quite a while ago, and actually plan on OPENING it! 

Yes, she's EVERYWHERE. Yes, her mouth annoys me when she talks. But this cookbook has some really great recipies. It focuses more on whole and organic (when possible) foods.  That's a good thing, right?

I browsed this book, along with The Food You Crave, at Barnes and Noble last night.  It all looked so scrumptious.  I plan on checking these out of the library. And really, how cute is she???

Another library checkout. Looking forward to it.

 

I recently snagged a free subscription to Cooking Light through freebizmag.com and I'm anxiously awaiting my first issue!

I've also found that stalking weight loss/food blogs has helped motivate me.  They're also a great resource for recipes and ideas. Some of my favorites:

Danica's Daily

Roni's Weigh

Journey to Thin

TJ's Test Kitchen

Skinny Taste (Gina's WW Recipes)

Friends for Weight Loss

Hungry Girl!

This week, my goal is to cook something healthy and wholesome every night!  Wish me luck!

Need a Kitchen Vacation?

One of my favorite food blogs, Danica's Daily, is hosting a great Schwan's giveaway.  You know Schwan's--the fellas in the yella trucks? 

If you find yourself in need of a kitchen vacation...head on over to Danica's Daily and ENTER NOW!

I run...

...so that I can fit back into my pants.

...so I can dance at my grandchildren's weddings.

...to give my heart what-for (and my love-handles).

...to fight disease.

...to clear the fog that accumulates in my brain daily.

...so I can return to my family a saner, happier person.

...to feel "the high."

...to feel strong.

...so I can have uninterrupted ME time: MY music, MY thoughts, NO questions.

What do you do?  And why do you do it?

It all comes down to...

Attitude

My good friend Sabrina shared this with me last night, and I had one of those Oprah-esque "ah-ha!" moments. (Check it--I've referenced Oprah two days in a row. Pervasive, that gal.)  I have a big change ahead of me, in terms of my job. I'm going from a multi-grade assignment back into a self-contained classroom, which I'm THRILLED about, but I'm having a difficult time coping with the fact that I will likely have to move school sites.  I'll be moving away from a staff and student body that I hold dear in my heart, and I'll be moving away from my GIRLS, as they'll most-likely have to stay at the current site.  What I need to realize is that I am extremely fortunate to have a job in this economy and very few parents have the luxury of working where their children go to school.  I'm going to do some re-framing this week and take my attitude out for a spin!

Shaklee Saturday--A Safer Clean for Your Family

I first became intrigued with Shaklee cleaners after watching Oprah's show on greening your life.  We've been blessed with two healthy girls who are really only prone to seasonal allergies, but I rest easier knowing that we clean our home with non-toxic cleaners that won't aggravate asthma or breathing issues, OR endanger their overall health!  We live in the Central Valley of California, which has some of the POOREST AIR QUALITY IN THE NATION.  Adding additional chemicals and toxins on top of that is NOT something we're looking to do. 

Did you know...

Asthma rates in children under the age of five have increased more than 160% from 1980-1994?

It is estimated that the number of people with asthma will grow by more than 100 million by 2025?

An average of one out of every 10 school-aged child has asthma?

(source: The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology)

Using non-toxic Shaklee GET CLEAN products is a step in the right direction when it comes to providing a less-toxic, more breathable environment for your family.   

The Get Clean Starter Kit is a fantastic way to get ALL of the products you need to keep your home sparkling clean and toxin-free!

This kit is a HUGE value! 

You'd have to spend more than $3,400 to get the same amount of clean found in the Get Clean Starter Kit!

Also..

If you become a member, this order qualifies you for a FREE Cinch Sampler Pack, a $101 value!

BEFORE YOU ORDER...

For even MORE savings, email me at sjoprice24@yahoo.com and ask about my new member specials!

FREE Spring Printable

Spring printable

And the winner is...

The lucky 16th commenter is:
Amy@ServingPinkLemonade said...



I would love to win. I LOVE Shaklee. My favorite thing about spring is just being outside and taking walks with the kids.


Congratulations, Amy!  Email me at sjoprice24@yahoo.com for details!

Nooooo! Alternate Title: NOOOOOOOOOOO!

A day that I've feared has come.  Rewind to about an hour ago.  Camera in hand, I flounced into the playroom to take a "before" photo for the weekly challenge on A Bowl Full of Lemons.  I adjusted my settings, opened the window for some natural light, aimed to shoot and....NOTHING.  Well, my lens is trying to focus, but the shutter said the equivalent of, "Yeah, no thanks."  I thought maybe I had something set incorrectly, so I switched back to auto.  Nothing.   My camera is going on 4 years old. No warranty. No insurance.  I'm not sure that having it repaired would be worth it at this point.  I have a couple more things I want to try, but I'm afraid my plans for saving up for a new camera may have to be sped up a bit.  NERDS!

Wordless Wednesday

Sabrina scrubs with Shaklee...say that five times fast!

Hello Friends!  In honor of Simply Shaklee Saturday (on a Sunday), I thought I'd share a great before and after from my good friend Sabrina!

Shaklee is heaven sent!

Ok, so I already have the Shaklee Basic H Cleaner and I love it!

I've been curious about the Scour Off and my lovely friend Sally was kind enough to give me a small sample....

So I tried it on my stove...I was nervous about it because we do live in a rental and I didn't want to mess the top of the stove up..but something needed to be done to get rid of this ugliness!!!

I have no clue what it is from but it's there and must be removed!!

...and after! Isn't it amazing!!!!

Just took a small amount of soft scrub and some elbow grease!!

Thanks Sabrina!  Be sure to check out Sabrina's blog--It's All About the Butlers.  And check out her Thirty-One gifts store here:

An Open Letter to My Husband...

Thirty-One Gifts Giveaway!

Visit A Bowl Full of Lemons today for a great giveaway and a discount, to boot!

Go enter now!!!

Purchased!

In anticipation of the new Weekly Organization Challenge over at A Bowl Full of Lemons, I've purchased my Home Management Binder (Challenge #1), some tabbed dividers some MORE tubs for the playroom, a new pair of scissors because I haven't been able to find them all weekend.  Yes, I found them at home 10 minutes after I returned, but who can't use another pair of scissors???

Not essential to the challenge, but essential to my sanity, is some Bath and Body Works Fiji Passionfruit.  I'm in full Seasonal Affective Disorder mode over here and I think at least SMELLING like warmer weather might just set me to rights.  Plus, it coordinated nicely with my green goodies, no?

Scour Off Rules, or The Tale of the Charred Artichoke Pot

Meet Sarah:  mother of four, hard-working professional, gifted singer...oh, and did I mention she's a triathelete?  Recently Sarah purchased some Scour-Off from my Shaklee site. 

A few days later, I received these posts on my Facebook wall:

This is my poor, burned pot - burned while steaming artichokes (long story). I have tried everything to make it halfway decent again. Today, I thought . . . What about my new Shaklee Scour Off??

This is my now decent pot- after a little live from Scour Off. Not perfect, but so much better than anything else I tried!! So happy! And this stuff smells so good! Like Mr. Bubbles bubble bath . . . Seriously.

Doesn't her pot look spiff-tacular? 

Like that word? 

Just made it up.

While I already knew how wonderfully this product works and how a little really goes a LONG way, I love seeing these before and afters.  Sarah admitted that her pot hadn't returned to "perfect," but honestly--I'd forgo perfect for SAFE and GREEN any day of the week!  My family's health far outweighs the value of a perfectly shiny pot.  I think Sarah would agree with me. 

And she's so right about the smell.  It's yummy.  To me, it smells like bubble gum. In fact, I have to resist the urge to taste it.  That's never happened with good ol' fashioned fumey scouring powder.

Are you looking to make your home GREENER and SAFER for yourself and those you love?  Visit my Shaklee store below (just click on the pictures)!

Become a member today and receive discounts on all products.  Spend $70 dollars or more, and get a FREE (huge) Cinch sampler pack!

Linked to:

Shaklee SPECIAL! Perfect for Cold/Flu Season

Staying healthy and cold-free during the winter has become a priority around here.  Our family is at even greater risk of catching bugs:  we have TWO Kindergarteners who venture daily into a petri dish classroom full of germs, I am a full-time teacher who ventures daily into a petri dish classroom full of germs, and my husband is a network specialist who touches keyboards and the like all. day.long.  And while our girls get lots of quality sleep, the adults in the house...well...not so much.  So even with vitamins and (ahem) semi-good fruit/veggie habits, we need a little more oomph!

Which is why I'm taking advantage of this great offer:

Buy NutriFeron get Defend & Resist Complex for only $5. Save $12.30†

From the Shaklee site:

A Powerful Breakthrough in Immune System Science!

A Shaklee exclusive, NutriFeron is a patented, clinically proven blend of immune-strengthening plant extracts. When used daily, it increases the production of your body’s natural interferon, a critical activator of the immune system. NutriFeron works at the cellular level, by rapidly activating your immune system’s defenses*

Defend and Resist Tablets: When You Feel That First Tickle*



Help your body respond to seasonal challenges by giving your immune system what it needs to stay strong. To supercharge the immune system when you feel that first tickle, take six tablets a day for seven days.*

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

This offer is available to members only, so it's a great time to become a member for $19.95.   Also, new members who purchase $70 or more in products get a FREE Cinch sampler pack!

Stop by my Shaklee Store if you're interested in this great offer!