Wide Awake with Jensy

I'm not quite sure how to describe how I met Jensy, author of Your Wide Awakening: A Guide to Anorexia Recovery. I had participated, while very pregnant with The Comedian, in a yoga class for moms and kids that she taught at TD's preschool and I knew of her through our mutual friend Jen who we sadly had to say good-bye to this past February. Jen had always told me that I would love Jensy and that one day we should all get together.  That fun little trio never got to happen but it didn't matter.  … [Read more...]

DIY Three

Dear Fifth Element, I woke up the morning of your third birthday and saw that it was raining.  Despite wanting to make it a fun day at the pool with you and your sisters it seemed fitting that the weather was the same as the day you were born. You my girl are a gift to this family.  You take life on with the attitude and the constant refrain of, "I DO IT!"  followed by a growl.  This has been a year of massive change, of progress and intense patience and learning on all our behalf.  Like any change it took us a while to figure out your secrets.  To find the key that unlocks your true personality that we now have the privilege to know and enjoy every day.  … [Read more...]

Gluten-Free Snacks with Van’s Crackers & Usana Bars

Disclaimer: TMC was not paid for this post.  Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are TMC's only.    After going gluten-free over a year ago it has been challenging to find snacks that are not only healthy but also taste good too.  Price is also a factor, especially after buying one too many boxes of bad tasting, funny texture snacks that just left me feeling disappointed, frustrated and hungry.  This summer I was sent two brands that provide healthy snack alternatives that are also gluten-free.  … [Read more...]

Zumba Instructor Changes Lives One Step at a Time

Facebook, it allows us to keep in touch, nose around and get reacquainted with people from our past. My high school reunion is coming up next fall and with a lot of the planning happening through social media (who could have seen that coming?) it has given me a chance to find old friends. Sara and I became fast friends my first year in a brand new school. While I was still quaking in my suede oxfords (fashion full circle!) and badly permed hair she was calm and cool in a quiet way. She seemed to know everyone and liked to bake just as much as I did. She sent me a note during freshman English and shortly after we were inseparable. Small parts, words that hang like pearls on a string, echo in my ears to this day as clear as when she spoke them at our high school graduation. Here we are, … [Read more...]

Whatcha Wearing Wednesday – Summer Color Block

I love color blocking when I see it in an image online or in a magazine. I get all, "Ooh, so pretty! I want to do that!" It seems so simple too.  Throw on a pair of black pants and something with cobalt blue in it and make the shoes and clutch match. A statement tree of life necklace completes it.  Much like putting pen to paper I am not that wonderful in executing it in fashion terms. Or at least not taking photos of it. I end up with this version of color blocking instead. … [Read more...]

Adding Style to My Workout with Reebok CrossTrainers

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Reebok. I received a Famous Footwear gift card to purchase a pair of Reebok shoes to facilitate my review and to thank me for participating. The other day my girlfriend called me a workout fiend.  She may be right but that is not a bad thing.  I like to run, cross-train, do yoga, a barre workout or a mixture of all four every other day or at least three times a week.  It keeps me sane, sleeping well and feeling good when I can get my endorphins up and stress level down.  As much as I like doing all these things I sometimes lack the diligence in keeping my footwear up to date.  I use running shoes for cross-training half the time and that's not the best idea for my joints. Why do I do this?  Because I don't want to take … [Read more...]

Whatcha Wearing Wednesday- Moto Style Transitions

  I discovered Essie 'For the Twill of It' and it was all down hill from there. I covet colors that are like swirling pools of oil. I seem to buy one with equal excitement and OMIGODIMUSTILUSTHAVETHIS zeal each time one comes out. It's a bit of a problem. Then I things like this happen. … [Read more...]

The Sporty & Affordable 2014 Mazda Mazda6

*Disclosure: TMC was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are TMC's only. The Mazda Mazda6 for 2014 is a bit of a stunner. I had no idea this would be the case and only an inkling when it arrived at my front door. Immediately I was drawn in by its grill, a style that has become increasingly popular with other brands, and its 'Soul Red' color. Moving inside I found another reason to love the Mazda6. The interior seat styling in almond leather is not just nice to look at and feel but it gives the car a sportier look that took it a step beyond regular sedan. Shortly after taking the Mazda6 on the road I realized I wasn't the only one who felt this way. Neighbors walked around the car, inspecting it, each time it was parked. People stopped me in … [Read more...]

Go Back to School with MinuteClinic

*Disclosure: TMC was paid to go to Blogher 2013 by MinuteClinic.  Opinions and thoughts are TMC's only.    The crayons, pencils, notebooks and book bags are all stowed away for the next two weeks but soon they will see the light of day. That goes double for the new  clothes that hang neatly in the closet or lay folded in a drawer. The summer sun may still be heating up our days but there is no doubt about it, school is just around the corner. … [Read more...]