Total Transformation Tuesday - Week 4 Summary

The first thirty days of my 90 day challenge have just about wrapped up. I started off with a bang, but now I've settled on a sizzle. This last week presented unique challenges.

Body: I didn't do any of my p90x videos this last week. It was my recovery week in the series, so I was supposed to be doing a lot of stretching and yoga stuff.  I was out of town visiting family for my brother's high school graduation and I didn't bring my weights or stuff with me. I did go to the gym with my dad and took a BodyPump class (that is a serious workout). I also pushed a stroller for a few hours in 95 degree heat while we walked around the zoo. So although, I didn't do a lot of formal exercising, I did have some physical activity during the week. Not fantastic though. The scale hasn't budged, but I think that's primarily due to the fact that I have been eating tons of unhealthy foods and sodas. It's a little bit of food rebellion. I know that what I'm going to eat is bad for me, but I willingly and knowingly choose to eat large quantities of it.

Mind: In keeping with the "I didn't do anything" theme. I also did not read my books this last week. I brought it with me, but I never opened it once. I will hopefully be wrapping the book up this next week.

Spirit: My 90 day book on the life of David is HUGE and HEAVY, therefore it did not make it into the suitcase. I plan on doubling up this next week so that I can get caught up and finished on time.

Summary: This last week I chose to spend my time with my family. I don't get to see them as often as I like, so I wanted to take advantage of the time I have with them. This meant that I took a brief hiatus from my Total Transformation regimen. But never fear, it's a new week and it's time to get back to business.

On a fun note - the folks at BeachBody have asked me to review their latest workout dvd program called Body Gospel. It's a perfect fit with my Total Transformation Tuesday program. It should be arriving this next week and will most likely be replacing P90x for the time being (I do plan on eventually resuming P90x at the conclusion of the Body Gospel program). I will also be giving away a copy of the Body Gospel program in the coming weeks!!

Thanks for following my journey. Your words of encouragement are greatly appreciated. Many days I have no motivation. Thanks for keeping me accountable.

Here's wishing you joy on the journey,

Juppy Baby Walker - Review and Giveaway (6/23)

My ten-month-old has been cruising up a storm. He manages to make his way completely around the room by hanging onto everything in sight.

I try to help him practice his smooth moves by holding onto his hands when he walks. Unfortunately, this often leads to a sore back for mommy.

The Juppy Baby Walker helps solve sore back woes by allowing the parent/caregiver to stand upright while still offering stable support for wobbly legs. The Juppy has adjustable straps so that the adult can customize the Juppy to a suitable height.

It was easy to place the baby inside. Simply place the baby's legs inside the holes and zip up the front. My son seemed to genuinely enjoy his time walking around in it.

I was generally impressed by the Juppy. It definitely helps to alleviate the back pain associated with helping a little one learn how to walk. My only critique is that I wish it had some sort of hook or snap closure at the top of the zipper. There were a few times that the zipper came down slightly as my child was in it - but this was not enough of a problem that it put my son at risk.

I think this is a fantastic idea and I look forward to using it with my son as he continues his walking adventures! Check out the video below. You can also visit The Juppy's Myspace Page. You can also check out other The Juppy reviews and giveaways through this link.




You can win a Juppy Baby Walker to use in your own home! Here's how:

Mandatory Entry:
Visit The Juppy website and tell me your favorite feature of the product.

Extra Entries:

• "Like" The Juppy on Facebook 
• Follow The Juppy on Twitter 
• Follow Mommy's Minute on Google Friend Connect
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• "Like" Mommy's Minute on Facebook.
• Share this giveaway on Facebook (daily entry).
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• Tweet this giveaway (can be done daily - leave your tweetlink)
• Help your baby learn to walk! Win The Juppy from Mommy's Minute (ends 6/23). http://bit.ly/bcC3bn
  

 Open to US, 18+ Giveaway ends June 23 , 11:59 PM (MST). All winning entries WILL be verified. Winner will be selected using Random.org. Make sure to leave a valid e-mail address in your comment or have a contact e-mail visible in your profile. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to the e-mail notification or an alternate winner will be selected.  Good luck!

I received a complimentary product to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed are my own honest thoughts regarding the product. I was not obligated to give a positive review.

Under the Sea = Yummy for me :-) SeaPak Review

My family didn't grow up eating a lot of seafood, but as I've gotten older I've learned to love it. Seafood is a rich source of healthy fats and omega-3s. In fact, the American Heart Associations recommends eating at least two servings of fish a week. Omega-3s can help reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and death.

 SeaPak recently sent me a coupon to try a shrimp product. I was able to try a box of their popcorn shrimp. My husband and I absolutely loved it. I'm pretty sure I ate more than the recommended serving size. They were little nuggets of shrimpy goodness. Shrimp is rich in Omega-3s, surely those benefits should outweigh my shrimp smorgasbord.

Interested in learning more about the benefits of seafood?

• Salmon has one of the highest levels of heart-healthy Omega-3s. 
• Omega-3s prevent heart disease.
• Omega-3s lower blood pressure and help prevent strokes.
• Fish is a source of lean, healthy protein.

SeaPak offers some great, family-friendly seafood recipes on their website. 





SeaPak sent me a free product coupon to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed are my own honest thoughts of the product. The picture of the Popcorn Shrimp is taken from the SeaPak website. http://www.seapak.com/products/popcorn_shrimp/popcorn_shrimp/26/14

I've Been Featured at "Simpy Stacie"

Mommy's Minute is this week's featured Blog at Simply Stacie. Check out my interview here!

While you're there, look around, there are always fantastic giveaways and reviews (Her "Build a Beautiful Blog" feature offers a lot of helpful tips for bloggers).

Stacie always does a great job with her site and I'm honored to be featured!

CEIVA Digital Frame Giveaway ($127.99 ARV) - Just in time for Father's Day **CLOSED**

**Contest CLOSED**

Last week I posted a review of the CEIVAshare digital frame. This digital picture frame allows you to share photos wirelessly with friends and family around the world. I had sooooo much fun playing with it and discovering all of its unique features.

Don't know what to get your dad/husband for Father's Day? Maybe you can win him a brand new digital picture frame loaded with your favorite pictures! (Or you can keep the frame for yourself and give dad the ole traditional Father's Day tie)

The folks at CEIVA have generously offered to give a CEIVAshare digital frame to one of my lucky readers!I think you will love it!

Here's how to win:

Mandatory Entry:

• Visit CEIVA and tell me your favorite feature of the CEIVAshare frame.

This entry must be done in order for your extra entries to count.

Extra Entries: (each item earns you one additional entry)

• Follow CEIVA on Twitter.
• "Like" CEIVA on Facebook 
• Follow Mommy's Minute on Google Friend Connect (righthand sidebar)
• Subscribe by e-mail or RSS Feed (make sure to activate your subscription)
• Follow Mommy's Minute on Twitter and leave me your twitter id.
• Tweet this giveaway (can be done daily - please leave your tweet link)
• Mommy's Minute: CEIVA Digital Frame Giveaway ($127.99 ARV) - Just in time for Father's Day: http://bit.ly/dbu0p5 via @addthis
• "Like" Mommy's Minute on Facebook.
• Share this giveaway on Facebook (can be done daily).
• Grab my button.
• Comment on a non-giveaway post.
• Blog about this giveaway (2 entries)

Open to US, 18+ Giveaway ends June 18, 11:59 PM (MST). All winning entries WILL be verified. Winner will be selected using Random.org. Make sure to leave a valid e-mail address in your comment or have a contact e-mail visible in your profile. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to the e-mail notification or an alternate winner will be selected. Good luck!

Total Transformation Tuesday - Week 3 Summary

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. This last week definitely fell into the second category. I don't know what my deal was this last week, but I was no where near as disciplined as I would have liked. I ate like a linebacker just coming off of a hunger strike. I ate half of a large pizza in one sitting, gorged myself on sweets (aka a whole bag of Ghiradelli chocolates), and just in general ate like a teenage boy. Did not make good food choices this week whatsoever. Ugh.

Here's the week in review.

• Body: I made it through 4/6 workouts this last week. Lack of sleep prevented me from working out for two days. My little boy has been teething and generally fussy. There was no physical way I could stay up till midnight exercising when I had only gotten three or four hours of sleep the night before. My motivation is waning. Combine my insane eating habits with my exercise omissions and I managed to gain a pound this last week. I'm now back up to 147. On a positive note, I have gone from 33% body fat to 30%. Here's hoping this next week goes better. I'm on vacation at my parent's house, and so that creates a few exercise challenges, but I'm trying to find ways here and there to remain active.
• Mind: I'm currently reading Anatomy of the Soul. It explores the connection between Christian Spirituality and current research on Neuroscience. It has been very interesting. The author believes that we as human beings have a deep need to "be known." He's not speaking of a superficial head knowledge of an individual, but a sharing of vulnerabilities and intimate knowledge with another human being. He goes on to explain how connecting with another person on this level actually has the power to change the way your brain works. I'm about a quarter of the way through. 
• Spirit: Young David has just killed Goliath and is now dealing with the wrath of a jealous king. I was encouraged by the story of Jonathan. Scripture says that Jonathan saw David and his heart was knit to him. What a neat way to explain the bond between friends. I'm so thankful for those people in my life that I feel "knit" to. I've also been impressed by Jonathan's faith. Even though his father often lacked the faith to look beyond himself, Jonathan seems to me to be a young man of sincere faith and deep conviction. I pray that one day my son will be that kind of man. 

It was a good week. I definitely fell short in some areas. It's so tempting to just give up and quit. Now it's a new week and a new day. Bring it on.

Houston we have a problem

You never really realize how much you rely on something until it is gone. You may have noticed that there was no Total Transformation Tuesday post yesterday well that is due in part to the fact that my laptop has decided to bite the dust, to sell the farm, to kick the bucket. In other words, it is entirely refusing to turn on. Something told me I needed to back up my files last week. Why didn't I listen?

So, I am now having to bum computer time off of friends and family until I can find a replacement. I will do my best to get my posts submitted for your reading enjoyment, but they may be a little scant over the next few days. I've got some super, duper fantastic reviews and giveaways lined up for the next few weeks. I'm very excited.

Happy Wednesday to you all and here's a friendly reminder: DON'T FORGET TO BACKUP YOUR COMPUTERS!