tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14825168286018244172024-03-28T03:31:33.601-05:00A Journey to ThinReal Life. True Love. Being Mommy. Chasing Dreams.Akhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00547463158270283355noreply@blogger.comBlogger1912125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1482516828601824417.post-67068264468841279552020-12-31T12:23:00.003-06:002020-12-31T12:23:19.566-06:00Remember me?<p> Wow! It has been a LONG time. Almost 3 years actually! How is that possible?</p><p>I let my domain expire and thought this part of my life was gone forever, but found myself trying to remember things from the past, or to find pictures, and this is where everything was documented so well for so many years. I finally figured out how to resurrect the blog at the original address. </p><p>Some greedy person took over my domain and wants to sell it for over $4,000-- so that's not happening! But I've been thinking about blogging again. I want to keep all of this history, but begin something new. </p><p>So much has happened over the last couple of years, or 6 1/2 years-- which seems to be when everything changed with the birth of our daughter! Some things remain constant-- my hubby and I are still married, we still live in Iowa (but at a new home!), and I still struggle with my weight (big surprise there huh?). 2020 has been a struggle, but overall we have more to be thankful for than anything else.</p><p>I'm curious to see if there's anyone out there who will see this post! Let me know you're here!</p>Akhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00547463158270283355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1482516828601824417.post-62781246146347580952018-04-25T10:42:00.000-05:002018-04-25T10:42:05.480-05:00On my ownI'm giving the IIFYM thing a try on my own today. I had planned to go off on my own last week until the super-nice coach offered me a free month. But I've been reminded again this week why I wanted to go on my own.<div>
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I have this issue with accountability-- I get too stressed out about it and it messes with my head! It's better if I can just follow a plan on my own and I'm the only one who knows if I've messed up or not. Maybe I care too much about what other people think? Oh well.</div>
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The good news is that I feel excited to track and pick out my foods today, so that's good! </div>
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Tracking my coffee creamer has once again reminded me of how many carbs I'm drinking in it! It's just one of those things that I don't want to give up because I enjoy it so much and miss it a lot when I don't have it. I'll just have to go easy on it. My coach actually told me that I can go ahead and enjoy my coffee and a latte or two each week, so that was working well. I don't think it's the coffee creamer and latte or two each week that has made me fat anyways-- maybe if I was only 10 lbs. overweight I'd believe that.</div>
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But anyways, wish me luck!</div>
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Akhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00547463158270283355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1482516828601824417.post-37566994441285431622018-04-23T15:28:00.005-05:002018-04-23T15:28:59.681-05:00What I'm Doing NowJust checking in!<br />
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I've been following a diet plan from a friend of a friend for a little over a month now. This woman plans all of my meals for the week (you eat the same things each day for a week), tells me what to do for exercise (which I haven't yet), and is there for support. This system she uses is called If It Fits Your Macros or IIFYM. Heard of it?<br />
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So the first few weeks went really well. I lost about 15 pounds rather quickly! And then PMS hit and threw me off track-- not insanely off track, but enough for me to lose my mojo. I've been struggling to get it back. I'm not giving up though. I just need to be more dedicated and remember WHY I am doing this.<br />
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I have a few goals ahead. First, I'll be attending conference again this year and the seats are TINY. Last year, I weighed a good 50 lbs. less and it was uncomfortable. I hate to know what it'd feel like at my current weight.<br />
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I also earned a couple of free trips with Thirty-One that I'll be taking this fall and I want to feel good in my skin. We'll be going to the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas in September and then on a cruise to the Bahamas in November. I'm really, really looking forward to both. I need a vacation SO BADLY.<br />
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I miss the feeling of accomplishment that I used to have back when I had lost all of that weight and was running. I felt good about myself and about life. Lately, I've just been feeling glum-- feeling badly about myself physically, stressed out dealing with a high-energy toddler, and playing the comparison game with other mothers.<br />
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But I know enough to try to focus on positive thoughts and not the negative ones. I just miss who I used to be.Akhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00547463158270283355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1482516828601824417.post-27731415552155659762018-03-30T10:53:00.001-05:002018-03-30T10:53:40.134-05:00Hello, It's MeHello, It's Me.<br />
I was wondering if after all these months you'd like to hear<br />
to go over everything<br />
I know that I was supposed to check in, but I ain't done much checkin<br />
<br />
Hello, Can you hear me?<br />
I'm in Iowa dreaming about who I used to be<br />
When I was thinner and free<br />
I'd forgotten how it felt before the weight was on my knees<br />
There's such a difference between us<br />
and a million meals<br />
<br />
Hello from the girl who's tryin<br />
I must've tried a thousand times<br />
To tell you I'm alive<br />
and I'm doing alright<br />
But when I try I never seem to be brave<br />
Hello from this side<br />
At least I can say that I've tried<br />
To tell you, I'm living and doing just fine<br />
But it don't matter<br />
It clearly isn't meant to be rude, for sure<br />
<br />
Hello, how are you?<br />
It's so typical of me to talk about myself, I'm sorry<br />
I hope that you're thin<br />
Did you ever reach your goal weight or run that one marathon?<br />
It's no secret that the both of us<br />
are running the same way<br />
<br />
So Hello from the girl who's tryin<br />
I must've tried a thousand times<br />
To tell you I'm alive<br />
and I'm doing alright<br />
But when I try I never seem to be brave<br />
Hello from this side<br />
At least I can say that I've tried<br />
To tell you, I'm living and doing just fine<br />
But it don't matter<br />
It clearly isn't meant to be rude, for sure<br />
<br />
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<br />Akhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00547463158270283355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1482516828601824417.post-1002972619394519992018-01-02T15:02:00.002-06:002018-01-02T15:02:42.537-06:00HangryYesterday was Day 1 and it went well! I didn't feel like I was dieting at all, but I did feel in control. It was a success.<div>
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Today has been a bit of a struggle! I'm so hungry! So far so good though. I decided to eat some boneless, skinless chicken for a snack since I figure the protein will help-- and it's 0 points with WW Freestyle SmartPoints. </div>
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Perhaps I need to eat a little more fat too so I feel satiated, or cut down on the carbs at breakfast and get back to eating eggs-- which by the way are 0 Freestyle SmartPoints too! I need to boil some eggs to eat as snacks.</div>
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Are you following the new FreeStyle SmartPoints system? What do you eat regularly? I'd love some ideas!</div>
Akhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00547463158270283355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1482516828601824417.post-86960110904621407282018-01-01T11:19:00.004-06:002018-01-01T11:19:48.463-06:00A New BeginningIt's New Years Day, so of course you're going to hear from me again! I'm another one of those New Years Resolutioners, but you have to start somewhere or you'll never start. So here I am.<br />
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The most significant thing that I did for weight loss was join a medically supervised weight loss program. It was very low carb, no drugs or anything like that, but I found that I could not stick to it. I ended up quitting and they gave me a portion of my money back.<br />
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I'm ok with the fact that I quit. I tried something new, found it wasn't for me, and I made a decision to stop and try something else. Granted, I did not try something else after I quit in November-- but it was the holidays and I enjoyed living without obsessing about food. So I'm ok with that too.<br />
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As far as weight loss goes, I have learned that I cannot do any diet with restriction-- restriction of a certain food group, too much restriction, or generally trying to force my mind into believing that something is off limits. It's probably a mind thing, but it is the way I am and always have been. Whenever I start restricting, it leads to a massive binge period at some point-- and that's not healthy.<br />
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The last year has been a good one for me. Miraculously, I developed either a growth in self-love or maybe a failure-to-care anymore attitude. Either way, I am in a better place mentally.<br />
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I no longer look in the mirror and hate myself-- I do avoid mirrors most of the time though, just sayin'. But I don't feel the overwhelming feeling of self-hatred anymore.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fZE0Ev3IDHw/WkptefjmgMI/AAAAAAAAarE/roe4UT9m7aQ5E_106FIi6Uad5bEw6kLHgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2018-01-01%2B11.18.42.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1174" data-original-width="1168" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fZE0Ev3IDHw/WkptefjmgMI/AAAAAAAAarE/roe4UT9m7aQ5E_106FIi6Uad5bEw6kLHgCLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot%2B2018-01-01%2B11.18.42.png" width="636" /></a></div>
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Mostly, I am in awe that despite what I have put my body through it continues to be strong, give me life, and my bloodwork is perfect. With my blood work alone, you'd never know I was morbidly obese. And I am so thankful to my body for that. It's incredible.<br />
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But it's time to start taking better care of myself, not because I hate myself and want to change, but because I respect what my body is capable of and I love myself enough to want to change. I want to change because I deserve more. I want to change because I don't binge on certain foods because I want to, but because I'm using them as a bandaid. I'm tired of being broken, and I want to rehabilitate.<br />
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After some thought, I did join WW online again. I feel like it will give me the guardrails that I need with enough wiggle room to avoid restriction and deprivation. It's a different program from the last time that I did it so I am excited about it.<br />
<br />Akhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00547463158270283355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1482516828601824417.post-91914838278230306472017-08-09T15:19:00.002-05:002017-08-09T15:20:11.149-05:00Do you know the value of $1?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dCMx61JAe3M/WYtt8ynY2jI/AAAAAAAAaoo/0p0FOasUS2civ_ii8k6AlfJ47cfzuAlPACLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2017-08-09%2B09.00.59.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1230" data-original-width="948" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dCMx61JAe3M/WYtt8ynY2jI/AAAAAAAAaoo/0p0FOasUS2civ_ii8k6AlfJ47cfzuAlPACLcBGAs/s400/Screenshot%2B2017-08-09%2B09.00.59.png" width="307" /></a></div>
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Right now is the best time to start your business! I'd love to have you on the team-- feel free to reach out to me with questions</div>
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or </div>
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<b>just go ahead and enroll here: <a href="http://bit.ly/2upUb7d">http://bit.ly/2upUb7d</a></b></div>
<br />Akhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00547463158270283355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1482516828601824417.post-70258530655808920602017-08-01T20:30:00.001-05:002017-08-05T10:35:46.793-05:005 Easy Ways to Clear Skin<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 3pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #AfterDifferinJourney #CollectiveBias</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="5 Easy Ways to Clear Skin #AfterDifferinJourney #ad.jpg" height="624" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/S0Y8SbUkvCRQo1BpCB5ueStTNCKRlYXDi8hGh9UhvIZBW1yeg77sL5eJ_tCx7vXqcMgA02cuCW_dZskc89elb7rPRwXjLKqNj_Unh61ZxmMscf0wRGM2okiuunwD9_uP8Mh_TGlr" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="624" /></span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-ff8cd4f8-a08d-f3fc-3af5-2db5bb7f16af" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have had acne off and on since I was a teenager. Even as an adult, I have not been able to have a 100% clear face. However, I have found that skincare doesn’t have to be difficult or time consuming. Here are a few simple and easy-to-remember ways to clearer and more radiant skin.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1. Clean Up Your Diet</span></h2>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="Clear your skin by improving your diet #AfterDifferinJourney #ad.jpg" height="468" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/ipYGVQqM5AUNVfjZmdFNyK8aik7vi6uisLNw1ywLdFeUC1ykvBcP2s8mNVSUA_Kr7nXSqoRDsUgSg_SsWV399LJ6MHivgKt2khbcI_YP5LriK-uFPSpPfRODvtGwhPP9gSPIVLzi" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="624" /></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There’s no doubt about it, you are what you eat. Your skin naturally becomes more radiant and clear when you’re consuming foods that are natural, healthy, and full of vitamins and minerals. Foods and drinks that are high in antioxidants can have positive effect on the skin. Fill your plate with the colors of the rainbow: fruits, veggies, foods high in omega-3s, and hydrate with a glass of refreshing water. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. Wash Your Face at Night and in the Morning</span></h2>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="fullsizeoutput_1102.jpeg" height="662" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/M0iMLmrn0gXUHjo0ns5alqozrJUCgfrqJbdli0BQeCuO54KzHJIoq8m3ueGvFgeEeyizsnFhj8pw60EgBRkHG4FUz_kE4rX5p48XPk4F93PQbe8Q913q7ycvY1ZU83NTVcFYTUCR" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="496" /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This one goes without saying, but sometimes it can be easy to forget to wash your face at night when you’re tired out and just ready to crash. If that’s the case, have a </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.ajourneytothin.com/2017/05/diy-facial-care-kit.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facial Care Kit</a></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #3c78d8; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">at your bedside so that you don’t have any excuses. Make it easy!</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Depending on your skin, you may want to change up your washing method in the morning. If you do a deep clean of your face at night, then a more gentle approach in the morning is best so that you don’t dry out your skin. </span></div>
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<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-top: 18pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3. Use Differin</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 9.6pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap;">®</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Gel at Night</span></h2>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="fullsizeoutput_10f9.jpeg" height="626" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/HcWIXMuO-4t11ptzKnJgwg_ktuGgp0GyPII5tzfth92789EXCtFqxjsr3pkmKA3R2cK1VCoNAPr-AGdw0QnvlGFTtUQX9jMGf0wGWdJpd0O3E2jee_mzLnkxLA6-k1IVMIN2ZTgg" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="470" /></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I started using </span><a href="http://cbi.as/7roud" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Differin</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 6.6pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap;">®</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Gel</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> after washing my face in the evenings. I apply it over my whole face; it’s not a spot treatment. You need to apply a thin layer all over your face, once a day, every day. I simply added Differin</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 6.6pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap;">®</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Gel to my daily routine of cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing. Since using Differin</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 6.6pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap;">®</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Gel, I have noticed less acne and a clearer look to my face. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="Before & After Differin® Gel Journey.jpg" height="429" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/3k1GvLGevk6m84gpGvgd7lXplbLtdxmrkg2ADBgKOeh6x9U0ypix27CV_jWpJwbdMdgGZYxxaFlQTgcJNSc5tuIeD-NBweS-r-RnWzuh55FmLvX7VWTneXiANscryOP8VSWZ6w2m" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="624" /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s so hard to show the difference in a photo, but I think my skin is more radiant and has been consistently clear. Spots and discoloration, due to overexposure to the sun are still there, so you have to try to look past them! I’m happy to not have to deal with acne breakouts anymore!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Differin</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 6.6pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap;">®</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Gel is the first and only prescription-strength retinoid available over-the-counter. It helps clear the skin and prevent acne. It’s the latest advancement in the OTC acne category in 30 years. It prevents breakouts deep in the pores before they begin and, as a result, restores the skin’s texture and tone. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I found Differin</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 6.6pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap;">®</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Gel in the beauty section at </span><a href="http://cbi.as/7gvyj" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Target</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, specifically in the aisle with facial care/skincare solutions. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I purchased Differin</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 6.6pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap;">®</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Gel 45g, Cetaphil</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 6.6pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap;">®</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15, and Cetaphil</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 6.6pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap;">® </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Gentle Skin Cleansing Cloths.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="Differin® Gel 45g #AfterDifferinJourney #ad.jpg" height="419" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/EglVDBzlB2bNcVoc92eIqRtuL3sdCCI8_YhvGzYJNDvC6AYFXN6bKEH1RO5oDa4VkGpi1vVsACa2PvX54U6LWhHPDXZgmeNslFToBsd3GmC6yJri8e06mdpQ0Uphw5WeZhriO_M4" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="624" /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Please use caution when using Differin</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 6.6pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap;">®</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Gel with more than one acne treatment or glycolic acid product because this could lead to irritation. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">4. Exfoliate </span></h2>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="Exfoliate daily for clearer skin #AfterDifferinJourney #ad.jpg" height="468" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/4nTVz8CGRd08ev4dYS3mKbU95qJq7HrakgLmbmD_nOyjhyAsNxG-uRJ6rJtMjQ31oZ4tQTROJuTdn4qb9UiQUywpEi_pVrMNRNIAjdrwxg_4B9awYADYLvNGixVKCP4wnOg8GjdZ" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="624" /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Part of my daily morning routine is to exfoliate my face using a gentle clarifying lotion; you can also use a facial scrub. This process removes dead skin cells making the skin more radiant. I exfoliate after washing my face with a gentle cleanser. You wouldn’t believe the amount of filth that still comes off of my skin, even after a good cleansing! This process helps the skin remain clear. I make sure to follow it up with a moisturizer after using </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Differin</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 6.6pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap;">® </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Gel</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">5. Always, Always, ALWAYS Use Sunscreen</span></h2>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="Apply Sunscreen to Protect Skin #AfterDifferinJourney #ad.jpg" height="468" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/uGcbtXGFByzDjiGv3QW-qDuRqPg1VaIH0LR5e-svO6sZrlPfknoZ0WOq1aXb8rwSvwnY4J6Ewj-xXPGvdH2XTZFU31kG-1ywhMM8SdC5_FPCr0sODof5JejNrkaoS-fq7ih_Ip13" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="624" /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have learned this lesson the hard way. As a teenager, I disregarded the advice to wear sunscreen thinking that it wasn’t something I needed to worry about. I just wanted a really, really good tan. This lack of wisdom has turned into spots on my skin. Discolored spots cover my nose and random spots have begun to appear across my face. Needless to say, I am a lot more careful about applying sunscreen these days. Hopefully, these tips can help both of us prevent anymore additional damage to our skin!</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Go to </span><a href="http://cbi.as/9f9oo" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: #187bd1; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Differin.com</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to get $2 off Differin</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 6.6pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap;">®</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Gel and use it on your next shopping trip to Target!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How do you keep your skin clear? Have you used </span><a href="http://cbi.as/7roud" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Differin</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 6.6pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap;">®</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Gel</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">? If so, share your results! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This product is dermatologist developed and tested. Please call 1-866-735-4137 for any questions you may have concerning the product. However, should you experience any problems while using the product, please discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider.</span></div>
Akhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00547463158270283355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1482516828601824417.post-8660647795679185252017-07-23T21:11:00.000-05:002017-07-23T21:17:00.867-05:00Weighing In!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gDv_FdT0N44/WXVVgNDFEpI/AAAAAAAAan4/sSxSHQ0gYrwLaRt2j6IdzIqYFfkxNUaiACLcBGAs/s1600/Weigh%2Bin%2BDay%2Bwith%2BA%2BJourney%2Bto%2BThin%255B2%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="171" data-original-width="600" height="113" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gDv_FdT0N44/WXVVgNDFEpI/AAAAAAAAan4/sSxSHQ0gYrwLaRt2j6IdzIqYFfkxNUaiACLcBGAs/s400/Weigh%2Bin%2BDay%2Bwith%2BA%2BJourney%2Bto%2BThin%255B2%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I went and started a new program and haven't come back to update you on my progress! Life has been busy-- but what else is new, right?<br />
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As of this morning, I had lost about 19 lbs. Super happy about that! That's in just over a month. It could probably be more-- but I haven't been perfect on this since the 4th of July when I got a little off track. However, there have been drastic improvements in what I've been eating. Honestly, I don't care if it takes me a little longer to lose the weight-- I don't want to make myself crazy being too strict.</div>
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Since being off the blood pressure medication that causes depression, I have felt a lot better! I haven't had any "depressive" episodes. My mood has been pretty level and normal. Not only that, I'm not retaining fluid anymore so my wrists don't ache anymore-- that's such a relief!<br />
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I should also note that the dosage of my new blood pressure medication has been decreased to half of what it was initially! That is definitely a positive change!</div>
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The biggest improvement has been the reduction of sugar in my diet. Once you get off of sugar, you start to realize that it's like a drug. When you have a little bit it will make you crave it like crazy. I haven't had any "binge" episodes since beginning to eat this way either. I don't think about food constantly. I'm satisfied and sometimes I forget to eat. Yes... I just said that. Crazy!</div>
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I still have a very long road ahead, but it feels good to be going in the right direction again!</div>
Akhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00547463158270283355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1482516828601824417.post-20016260557877264402017-06-23T16:37:00.002-05:002017-06-23T16:37:49.531-05:00First Week Weigh In<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iNioaoOLKx4/WU2J__UBPqI/AAAAAAAAanM/_WuvIZMmLes-PHkp0qtRy_QlQKU9TrBmwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/weigh%2Bin%2Bday.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iNioaoOLKx4/WU2J__UBPqI/AAAAAAAAanM/_WuvIZMmLes-PHkp0qtRy_QlQKU9TrBmwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/weigh%2Bin%2Bday.jpg" /></a></div>
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Today is officially one week on the induction to my new way of eating. I am amazed that I am not hungry at all and that cravings are not uncontrollable anymore. It has very little to do with willpower and much more to do with the fact that I'm consuming very few carbs and that influences the release of insulin, etc. It's really interesting!<br />
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I have lost a total of 13.2 lbs. in my first week! I couldn't be happier! I'm sure a significant portion of this is water weight-- I don't think my old blood pressure medicine was working so well and I had been very puffy.<br />
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Since beginning this way of eating, all pain has literally disappeared. I was having horrible pain in my hands and wrists, my joints were hurting, and I had frequent headaches. I have had some headaches-- but definitely fewer! I would be interested to know whether or not the pain was due to extra fluid in my body, due to gluten, or what!<br />
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There is one more week to this induction phase, but I will learn about the next phase of the diet on Monday! I am excited to learn more.<br />
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I have a very long way to go so I need to keep my eyes on the prize. The cruise that I earned is coming up in September and I hope to have lost at least 30 lbs. by then. That would be great!Akhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00547463158270283355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1482516828601824417.post-10114800216253416832017-06-18T23:29:00.001-05:002017-06-18T23:29:08.974-05:00DIY Summer Oasis Playhouse<div class="p1">
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<i>This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #RoofedItMyself #CollectiveBias</i></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G2xH7OP6cB8/WUXNCHCldZI/AAAAAAAAajw/fAiQKq8yiwM-5pguaS23p06VgpvRe7LdACLcBGAs/s1600/Summer%2BOasis%2BPlayhouse%2B%2523RoofedItMyself%2B%2523ad%2B%2523CollectiveBias.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G2xH7OP6cB8/WUXNCHCldZI/AAAAAAAAajw/fAiQKq8yiwM-5pguaS23p06VgpvRe7LdACLcBGAs/s640/Summer%2BOasis%2BPlayhouse%2B%2523RoofedItMyself%2B%2523ad%2B%2523CollectiveBias.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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With an energetic toddler, we needed something in the backyard that would keep her busy for the summer months. I decided to design a playhouse to serve that purpose. I wanted it to be multi-functional-- not something that she would easily get bored with. I think it turned out great and so far she hasn't been bored!<br />
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We also wanted the playhouse to look nice in the backyard-- something that beautified the yard rather than made it look cluttered and junky. This is where the hubby came in. He's a carpenter by trade, so when I told him my idea-- he quickly drew up a plan and got to work!<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TN2NJhuZ-tM/WT755A-iD4I/AAAAAAAAagY/V42b-7A3e4kw-qP5O45iS1_h5yMpTw2LwCLcBGAs/s1600/Drawing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TN2NJhuZ-tM/WT755A-iD4I/AAAAAAAAagY/V42b-7A3e4kw-qP5O45iS1_h5yMpTw2LwCLcBGAs/s640/Drawing.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And so the Summer Oasis Playhouse was created. To keep the backyard looking classy, we knew we wanted to add shingles to the roof. We started the project by visiting the <a href="http://cbi.as/7miip" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GAF</a> Roofing Center at Lowe's. It's set up to show the different types of shingles on a good, better, and best spectrum. It's located on an endcap and is a great place to look at all of the shingle colors and styles. Everything that you need for your roofing project is located all in one general area.<br />
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We decided on the Timberline® Shingles brand since it's the best selling brand in North America. We used Timberline® Natural Shadow® Shingles, FeltBuster® High Traction Synthetic Roofing Felt, and TimberTex® Premium Ridge Cap Shingles. You can learn more at the <a href="http://cbi.as/7mijf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GAF Website</a> or <a href="http://cbi.as/7mijw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a>.<br />
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I also wanted the playhouse to have an open concept where she could enjoy a nice breeze yet still be shaded from the sun. We added shingles to the roof and siding on portions of the playhouse so that it matches well with our home. Little Miss Sunshine is going to have so much fun this summer.<br />
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The front of the playhouse is open with an attached "bench" that is large enough for an adult to sit on and relax while the little one plays. It's also the perfect height and size for a small children's table.<br />
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One side of the playhouse was built with a lemonade stand in mind. It features a wooden countertop that sticks out past the exterior of the playhouse to serve as a "bar" type area. Children will have endless amounts of fun playing restaurant, ice cream shop, coffee shop, or lemonade stand. There are so many possibilities! It's the perfect height for children and adults alike to pull up a chair and enjoy a cold drink or even a meal.<br />
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The opposite wall features a chalkboard which runs from the floor to the ceiling. It's the perfect spot for little artists to draw with sidewalk chalk, write a menu for their pretend restaurant, or even to play school.<br />
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Half the length of the playhouse is a sandbox-- it's the perfect size for a couple of small children to play in, but still gives room for an open area near the bar area so it's easy to walk in.<br />
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The backside of the playhouse is made to look like a wooden fence with slats and provides a cool breeze, a perfect view of the outdoors, additional lighting in the playhouse, and a nice style. Eventually, I would like to plant sunflowers, or something along the exterior of this fence side that would grow up along the fence and add some greenery-- the perfect gardening project for littles.<br />
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This project is easy enough for anyone to do-it-yourself. It does take a considerable amount of time to assemble. Hubby worked on it on the weekends and in the evenings after work. The good thing is that it's a project that can be completed in stages and you can stop here and there when you need to.<br />
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Want to build one for your littles? Here are some instructions so you can DIY!<br />
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<h3>
</h3>
<h2>
Material List:</h2>
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<ul>
<li>4 brick pavers</li>
<li>2- 4x8 osb or cdx plywood sheets (1/2" - 5/8")</li>
<li>5- 1/4" - 1/2" plywood sheets</li>
<li>2- 8' 1x6 cedar</li>
<li>2- 10' 1x6 cedar</li>
<li>3- 4x4x8' cedar</li>
<ul>
<li>cut 4- 4' long pieces</li>
<li>use others for bracing purposes</li>
</ul>
<li>2- 2x4 8' cedar</li>
<ul>
<li>cut at 64"</li>
</ul>
<li>9- 6' dog eared cedar</li>
<ul>
<li>cut at 4'</li>
</ul>
<li>7- 10' 2x4 (also use for cuts below)</li>
<ul>
<li>cut 14 pieces at 48" at an 8/12 pitch long point to short point</li>
</ul>
<li>13- 8' 2x4</li>
<ul>
<li>cut 2 at 7'</li>
<li>cut 3 at 81"</li>
<li>cut 6 at 18"</li>
<li>cut 6 at 43 1/2"</li>
</ul>
<li>2- 8' 2x4 green treated</li>
<ul>
<li>cut 2 at 81"</li>
</ul>
<li>6- 8' 2x6 green treated</li>
<ul>
<li>cut 3 at 64"</li>
<li>cut 2 at 81"</li>
<li>cut 1 custom for sandbox</li>
</ul>
<li>8- 8' 5/4 decking boards</li>
<ul>
<li>cut 15- 20" boards</li>
<li>the rest are used to custom the bench top</li>
</ul>
<li>4- 8' 1x4 white pvc trim (wood grain)</li>
<li>4- 10' drip edge (white)</li>
<li>4x4 smooth cement board (if building chalkboard)</li>
<li>11 - 8' x 7 1/4" James Hardie Board siding</li>
<li>2 lbs. 3" deck screws (or 16p nails)</li>
<li>1 lb. 1 5/8" deck screws</li>
<li>2 lb. 8p sinker nails</li>
<li>2 lb. 1 1/4" galvanized steel roofing nails</li>
<li>1 lb. 1 3/4" galvanized steel roofing nails</li>
<li>1 small box 1" round plastic cap roofing nails</li>
<li>1 roll <a href="https://www.lowes.com/pd/GAF-FeltBuster-48-in-x-250-ft-1000-sq-ft-Felt-Roof-Underlayment/999989402" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">FeltBuster® High Traction Synthetic Roofing Felt</a></li>
<li>2 bundles Timberline® Natural Shadow® Shingles (<a href="https://www.lowes.com/pd/GAF-Timberline-Natural-Shadow-33-3-sq-ft-Pewter-Gray-Laminated-Architectural-Roof-Shingles/50408190" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pewter Gray</a>)</li>
<li>1 bundle TimberTex® Premium Ridge Cap Shingles (<a href="https://www.lowes.com/pd/GAF-Timbertex-20-lin-ft-Pewter-Gray-Laminated-Hip-and-Ridge-Roof-Shingles/50405252" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pewter Gray</a>)</li>
<li>1 tube Black Jack caulk</li>
<li>1 qt. black chalkboard paint (if building chalkboard)</li>
<li>sand for sandbox</li>
</ul>
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<h2>
<b>Tool list: </b></h2>
<div>
<ul>
<li>hammer</li>
<li>impact drill</li>
<li>2' level</li>
<li>6' level</li>
<li>triangle square</li>
<li>tape measure</li>
<li>carpenter's pencil</li>
<li>skil saw / saw</li>
<li>grinder (if used cement board for chalkboard)</li>
<li>utility knife</li>
<li>scissor style tin snips</li>
<li>PVC coated gloves</li>
<li>safety glasses</li>
<li>6' ladder</li>
<li>saw horses</li>
<li>shovel</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h2>
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</h2>
<h2>
Instructions:</h2>
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Step 1: Select the location where you want your playhouse to stand. Level out the area where the four corners will be located and place a brick paver in each corner to act as a footing for stability. (see pictures in step 2)<br />
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Step 2: (If needed) Using a shovel, level out the outline of the perimeter so that you have leveled the ground for the four sides of the playhouse. My hubby is a carpenter so he had a leveling laser for this step but you could also use string lines and a long level (for these instructions <a href="http://homeguides.sfgate.com/level-ground-pavers-51403.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">click here</a>).<br />
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Step 3 & 4: To form the perimeter and an outline to build the outside walls, screw 2- 81" and 2- 64" 2x6 green treated boards to the 4- 4x4 cedar corner posts with 3" deck screws.<br />
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Step 5: Using 3" screws (or 16p nails), fasten the 6- 43 1/2" 2x4 studs together, 16" on center in between the top white plate (2x4) and bottom green treated plate to assemble the full wall.<br />
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Step 6: (Wall 1) Place the assembled wall in between the two plumb corner posts and fasten the wall to the corner posts with 3" screws. Place the third plate on top of the wall and fasten with 3" screws or 16p nails.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zJ57pw5wtTljatQk7a9_crIPzYYFgrT9oVMWfsGWvaVmsewFUk4HxQ2oo7TcVWtu8o0xtzcgpdbbVey5zHJGMrEdcco-zEKWGcgYja483Vs9wgJoDIalpzrYFobQ17HTbfJz2Sxfb9I/s1600/Framing+640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="943" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zJ57pw5wtTljatQk7a9_crIPzYYFgrT9oVMWfsGWvaVmsewFUk4HxQ2oo7TcVWtu8o0xtzcgpdbbVey5zHJGMrEdcco-zEKWGcgYja483Vs9wgJoDIalpzrYFobQ17HTbfJz2Sxfb9I/s1600/Framing+640.jpg" /></a></div>
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Step 7: (Wall 2) Turn two 2x4 cedar boards flat and install them in between the two exterior 4x4 cedar posts using 3" screws. With 1 5/8" deck screws, fasten the 9- 4' dog-eared cedar slat boards (fencing) to the 2- 64" 2x4 cedar boards.<br />
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Step 8: (Wall 3) Notch the two 4x4 cedar corner posts 3 1/2" deep (top to bottom) and 1 1/2" wide (from the inside out). See photos below. This will act as the support for the 2 ply 2x4 header for the rafters.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ExM1BEoXpaE/WT7YDB2wa2I/AAAAAAAAafM/AjOQazqLyyslqH5OztwdDFu8bPNjaqdRACLcB/s1600/Notched.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ExM1BEoXpaE/WT7YDB2wa2I/AAAAAAAAafM/AjOQazqLyyslqH5OztwdDFu8bPNjaqdRACLcB/s640/Notched.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Glue and screw together the 2- 7' 2x4s with 3" deck screws from both sides of the boards with a two screw pattern, 12" on center. Place in between the two notched cedar posts and screw together with 3" screws from the outside of the posts into the header. (See Step 7, photo 2)<br />
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Step 9 & 10: (Wall 3) Build a shorter wall opposite the tall wall to act as a little bar area. Assemble the same as done in step 5.<br />
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Assemble the countertop using a qty. of 15 20" cut 5/4 cedar deck boards by screwing them to the top of the short wall with 1 5/8" deck screws. We installed ours with 4" to the inside and 1' to the outside. Later, we installed a bracing system for this table after the siding was applied. The braces were made out of the 4x4 cut offs from the corner posts and a second layer of 5/4 cedar deck boards under the countertop. (see step 28)<br />
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Step 11: (Rafters) We decided on an 8/12 pitch so we will give instructions based on that. However, you can choose the pitch of the roof and adjust accordingly.<br />
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Using a triangle square, make a line with an 8/12 pitch common, and then cut. From the long point of your cut, measure 4' down the board and then make another cut exactly like the first so that the pitches are going the same direction.<br />
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Cut a birdsmouth in the rafter at the location of where the plates/header will be. You can determine where to cut by screwing two together, holding them out on the edge of the building at the corner post location. <br />
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Make sure the point of the two rafters is directly centered/plumb on the building, hold it against the 2- 4x4 exterior corner posts. Trace on the backside of your rafter for the birdsmouth. Do not cut more than 1/3 of the depth of the rafter when cutting the birdsmouth. Also, do not over cut your trace marks as this will weaken the board-- using a jigsaw is recommended in this application. This makes sure it is structurally sound. There is a formula for acquiring the length and depth of the birdsmouth but it was not necessary to use on this small of a project. We used trial and error.<br />
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Assemble five of these rafters.<br />
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Step 12: Install the five rafters 2' on center by toe-nailing each rafter to the top plate/header with 3" deck screws. Once installed, we placed 2x4s (about a foot down) on each rafter to act as a sag brace.<br />
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Step 13: Sheet the roof with the two sheets of 5/8" (or 1/2") osb or cdx plywood. Make sure the overhang is the same on both sides before nailing it down with 8p sinker nails every 6" on center.<br />
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Step 14: Add two more rafters (without birdsmouths) per end at the outer edge of the roof sheeting to act as the gable-end fascia board. Nail 1x6" cedar boards to the rafter tails (past the edge of the wall) with 8p galvanized nails for facia trim (see third photo below-- although not shown in this picture, a 1x6" cedar board will be applied to the gable end as well).<br />
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Step 15: Install the drip edge by measuring the length of the sheeting and cutting the drip edge to size. Screw/nail (1") this down to the sheeting with the short profile over the face of the fascia and the long profile on top of the sheeting.<br />
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Step 16: For the gable ends, cut a notch in the short profile (as shown in the picture) in the center of a full piece of the drip edge. Bend it over the top of the peak of the gable end and cut to length at the edge of the drip edge that you previously installed.<br />
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Slightly notch the end of your cut so that you can bend the sharp point around the corner to finish it out.<br />
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Step 17: Install the FeltBuster® High Traction Synthetic Roofing Felt over the top of the roof sheeting with 1 1/4" round plastic cap roofing nails. Nail at pre-marked locations. Make sure the FeltBuster® does not stick past any edge of the roof, if it does-- cut it off with a utility knife.<br />
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Step 18: Apply a shingle starter strip by either turning a shingle upside down so that the tar is facing upwards or by using manufactured starter shingle strips. This is what seals the first row of shingles down to your roof. (as seen towards the right edge in picture one below)<br />
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Using 1 1/4" galvanized roofing nails, install the Timberline® Natural Shadow® Shingles by stair-stepping at least 6" and cut the starters and finishers as required so that it is even with the edge of the drip edge. The next row will start at the top edge of the architectural cutout of the previous shingle (as seen in picture three below). Nail 5 evenly spaced nails just above the architectural cutout so the nails do not show when the next shingle is placed above.<br />
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<i>(The shingles look great and we were impressed with how durable they are! They are sure to last a long time.)</i><br />
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Cut any excess shingles past the ridge peak off.<br />
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Step 19: Install TimberTex® Premium Ridge Cap Shingles. These are pre-perforated in the package. Bend them until they break into three individual pieces, as shown below.<br />
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Use a piece of starter strip, or turn a TimberTex® Premium Ridge Cap Shingle upside down so that the first cap has something to stick to (as described in shingle installation).<br />
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Nail these down with 1 3/4" galvanized roofing nails. There is a notch on the cap that shows where to start the next cap. Always nail on the outer edge of the cap so that your nail will not be exposed by your next piece installed. Center the cap on the peak of the building and run a straight line until finished. Cut the excess so that it is even with the edge of the drip edge.<br />
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Step 20: For safety reasons (see nails sticking out below), install 1/4" or 1/2" sheeting to the underside of your rafters. If you use 1/4", you may want to install extra backing for nailers because the 1/4" does not span 2' on center and could be wavy.<br />
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Step 21: (optional) Add decorative features to cover voids, as shown below.<br />
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Step 22: You may add a corner brace to make the building stronger, as shown in the first picture below.<br />
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Build the bench by screwing a ledger board to the exterior wall and some upright 2x6s (backing boards) to support the bench top (as shown in the 4th picture).<br />
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Screw 5/4 cedar boards to the top of the ledger board and backing boards. The bench is 100% customizable to the height and depth that you prefer. Cut the boards accordingly.<br />
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Step 23: Install white vinyl trim board along the perimeter of the exterior walls. Next, install the siding you prefer. If you have not yet, install the bracing to the bar side.<br />
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Step 24: Install the chalkboard using 18g galvanized nails with nail gun or 8p nails.<br />
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Step 25: Build the Sandbox: There are many ways you could create a perimeter for the sandbox within the playhouse. Determine what you would like and measure 2x6 green treated and cut to length. Screw to the 2x6 green treated base of the building using 3" deck screws.<br />
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Step 26: Put in the sand and start playing! You can see how excited Little Miss Sunshine was!<br />
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And that's it, you're finished! I added chalk, sandbox toys, and bowls/cups from the a dollar store. Now there are hours of playtime and entertainment ahead!<br />
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<i>Do you have a project that you would use <a href="http://cbi.as/7mijf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GAF Roofing</a> on? I'd love to hear about it!</i><br />
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</style>Akhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00547463158270283355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1482516828601824417.post-51829494843188866632017-06-15T18:55:00.000-05:002017-06-15T18:55:50.119-05:00Shared Medical Appointment #1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today was the first shared medical appointment in my new weight loss program. This is a medically supervised weight loss program and we meet in groups every couple of weeks. I think there are about 15-20 people in my class, but I didn't count.<br />
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I love the concept of a shared medical appointment for those with chronic conditions-- in this case being obesity and obesity related conditions. Thinking about it as a shared doctor's appointment made me realize that I am learning so much more this way as opposed to just a one-on-one visit with the doctor.<br />
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Chances are, when someone has a questions there are others that have the same question-- even if they haven't thought of it yet, which is what I do at doctor's appointments! I always think of questions to ask once I've left the office.<br />
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We each still had a one-on-one visit with the doctor. I had just seen him a couple of days ago, so mine was pretty short! However, following the nutritionist's advice at my first appointment has led to a couple of pounds lost already and I've only completed one (now almost two) days. The official "diet" actually begins tomorrow-- so I guess I'll call that extra credit that I started a little early! I figured why not get started NOW rather than wait.<br />
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A large portion of the meeting was with the nutritionist. He cooked two different healthy entrees and we each had a sample. While cooking, he taught us proper ways to cut veggies, told us nutritional information and also answered questions.<br />
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I learned a lot and the food was delicious and colorful! I really need to go get a full load of groceries so that I can have success. I even ate peppers, which I'm not a huge fan of. I'm going to try to force myself to learn to like them. I don't hate them, but they're not my favorite veggie. Peas, on the other hand, I will not force myself to try to like. That's just not possible. I hate them.<br />
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I think a huge part of being able to maintain with something like this is taking the time to cook delicious food. I love grilled food so I want to start grilling more or even find my George Forman grill to make it more convenient for me.<br />
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I've been very hungry today but haven't had a lot of time to eat either. The doctor told me that after 2-3 days I won't be so hungry. I love how they understand that it's impossible to stick to a diet if you're hungry all the time-- and it certainly isn't maintainable to be hungry all of the time! This is why fat is so important in a diet, contrary to popular belief.<br />
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I'm not going to lie-- I made a batch of brownies the night before I knew I was going to begin. I enjoyed brownies and ice cream (my favorite dessert) as my farewell to obesity and promptly packed up the brownies and gave them to a friend the next day! I'm glad I did because it's so easy to mindlessly eat when I'm stressed out or tired. I paid for those brownies though-- let me tell you! I had horrible heartburn that night and the next day.<br />
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The last couple of days I've had a huge improvement in my eating. I feel better, less bloated, and have a better outlook overall. I cannot hide my anxiety like I usually can though! They take my blood pressure each visit! It was sky high again today-- my body tends to think I'm in danger a lot, apparently. I'll be tracking it at home to get a better idea of what my blood pressure has really been like.<br />
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The next two weeks are very important. The doctor described them as like building the foundation. If you build a house with a foundation that is all messed up, then nothing else will work right either-- the windows will be out of whack, the walls not plumb, the floors crooked, etc. I'm going to give it my all at 100%.<br />
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One thing about this is that I am 100% convinced because not only are we given instruction, but we were given a book about the science behind it. It makes sense, it coincides with my own experience with obesity, food, and with my failed experiences with mainstream diets.<br />
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Anyone can have success if they starve themself with a calorie deficit, but is it maintainable in the long run? For myself, absolutely not. I've lost weight numerous times and I've never been able to keep that weight off for good. This is the same experience of <i>most</i> of the people I know.<br />
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So yeah, I'm excited about this! At the same time, I'm still jaded and afraid that nothing will ever work for me. I'm betting that the proof is in the carb-free pudding and I'll have more confidence the longer I'm experiencing the program.<br />
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<br />Akhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00547463158270283355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1482516828601824417.post-68893361738265849452017-06-14T16:33:00.001-05:002017-06-14T16:34:18.787-05:00You won't believe this<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6T0NdPxDsD5HaldWLJIN78q2F8e2NvFy9EBpmysC4or91QBjugAHo1eRbALaK04etPV6QbEt1qLoYj053fz_saW3dsWISbx5xO50ugneYUVN_0ThRrV6sGuACkxQNFyiYyc-oqhia1Vs/s1600/mind+blown+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="688" data-original-width="1600" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6T0NdPxDsD5HaldWLJIN78q2F8e2NvFy9EBpmysC4or91QBjugAHo1eRbALaK04etPV6QbEt1qLoYj053fz_saW3dsWISbx5xO50ugneYUVN_0ThRrV6sGuACkxQNFyiYyc-oqhia1Vs/s640/mind+blown+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I saw a new doctor yesterday and you won't believe what I found out. It was enough to make my jaw drop when he told me. I wanted to cry.<br />
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My first visit, as part of a medically supervised weight loss program (totally healthy, BTW), lasted an hour and a half and consisted of going over every aspect of my health and history with obesity. This included family history, diets I have tried, what I'm currently eating, and medications that I'm taking.<br />
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For once, I felt like a doctor was truly listening to me. Not only that, but he understood me. He has been researching obesity for years and has developed a program that is in its early years, but one that has seen a lot of success at not only helping people with chronic obesity related diseases lose weight, but go off of medications and also maintain the weight loss.<br />
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That gives you a small picture of the background of this program and I plan on blogging about it as I continue my weight loss journey. The last year or so has left me feeling like there truly was no hope left-- I actually found this program through a series of searches, beginning with bariatric surgery. I have been trying diet after diet and failing absolutely miserably at it. Not only that, my weight has PACKED ON over the last few years-- but at an even more drastic amount in the past year.<br />
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So what was so shocking that the doctor told me?<br />
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It all begins in early 2013 when I was switched to a blood pressure medication that was deemed safe for pregnancy. I have continued on this medication until just yesterday-- so over four years.<br />
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Yesterday, the doctor told me that I immediately needed to stop taking that medication because it has been known to cause depression and even considerable numbers of suicide. Wow. Just. Wow.<br />
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So it's possible that the pregnancy filled with anxiety and stress, followed by postpartum depression, severe anxiety, and overall the worst experience of my life-- could have been caused simply by a medication. Not to mention the fact that I've had a history of turning to food to cope.<br />
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And for FOUR YEARS, not one physician even brought up the possibility that it could have been caused by a medication. Instead, I was put on an additional three medications for depression and anxiety and also sent to counseling. Overall, I saw a total of seven physicians who all had my medication list. In one day at a new health system, a doctor and a pharmacist were baffled as to why I was on this outdated medication.<br />
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Not only that, do you remember <a href="http://www.ajourneytothin.com/2015/10/sincerely-your-fat-patient.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this post</a>? The one where I intentionally went to my doctor to ask her WHY I was still having such severe bouts of depression and that it was so out of character for me to feel how I was feeling? The one where she was downright disrespectful of me and basically just told me that I needed to lose weight?<br />
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That's right-- not one concern was shown for my intuition that something wasn't right. And I am here two more years later still dealing with those same bouts of depression-- the kind where I will suddenly feel like I don't even want to live any more. Thankfully, I have grown to recognize these patterns but I have spent years doubting myself and showering myself in guilt and shame.<br />
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It truly makes me begin to distrust the medical community. That's a broad assumption to distrust the entire medical community and I do know that my new doctor is certainly an exception-- his goal is to get his patients off of medication. Isn't that the way that it should be? Shouldn't we be curing illnesses rather than stacking medicine upon medicine in an attempt to mask the symptoms?<br />
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Let's not even mention the fact that one of the medications I'm on for anxiety is also known to cause weight gain. A combination of factors have led to the perfect storm and I'm left tattered.<br />
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My hope is now that I'm on a different blood pressure medication, my overall disposition will begin to return to who I was four years ago. At that time, I had been through some life challenges that were stressful and was trying so hard to get back on my feet again in the weight loss game.<br />
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I have been combing through my medical records and I figured this out-- from the time I began truly struggling with my weight, as in beginning to gain a little bit from my absolute lowest weight, only six months passed before I started the medication and the rest is history.<br />
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There's no use in getting hung up on the woulda, shoulda, couldas-- but it is still mind-blowing to think about it. I'm hopeful that things will slowly begin to change for me in the weight department and I can become the girl I worked so hard to become when I was on top of my game.<br />
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I guess the next year or so should tell!Akhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00547463158270283355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1482516828601824417.post-4031789517613311002017-06-07T09:01:00.001-05:002017-06-07T22:42:56.042-05:005 Ways to Keep Your Cat Safe from Your Toddler<div class="p1">
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<i>This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #CatsLoveNutrish #CollectiveBias</i></div>
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Our first babies were the two cats that we rescued from a farm eight years ago. Fast forward and now we have a baby of our own-- a three year old, energetic, curious, and destructive little princess! At first I was worried about protecting our little girl from the cats, which I think is a concern of most new parents. However, as she grew from a crawling baby to a toddler, we quickly learned it was the other way around-- it's the cats that need the most protecting protecting from her!</div>
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For everyone's safety, it's important to be aware of both the toddler and the cat. A toddler doesn't intentionally hurt a cat, but if they do so-- the cat will most likely react simply out of self-protection. There's really no blame to be had on either end in that situation. To avoid these situations, an adult should be present while the toddler interacts with the cat.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W8pTxc_epTw/WTf9ue5SaZI/AAAAAAAAadc/007YRpbOPzE-wJ35qdbkW6xDNJ4udcufQCEw/s1600/Screenshot%2B2017-06-07%2B08.11.01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="1162" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W8pTxc_epTw/WTf9ue5SaZI/AAAAAAAAadc/007YRpbOPzE-wJ35qdbkW6xDNJ4udcufQCEw/s640/Screenshot%2B2017-06-07%2B08.11.01.png" width="628" /></a></div>
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Here are five things that we do to protect our cats from our little girl, AKA Little Miss Sunshine:</div>
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1. Cats Need Good Nutrition</h2>
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A healthy cat is a happy cat. While you make sure to provide your children with the best possible nutrition, why wouldn't you do so for your cat? Choosing a high quality cat food is important!</div>
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<a href="http://cbi.as/820uk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rachael Ray™ Nutrish® Indoor Complete Chicken with Lentils & Salmon Recipe</a> is a good choice. It contains a real superfood blend that meets the complete needs of your cat-- including a healthy weight, good digestion, and immunity.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Print out a $2 off coupon to use in-store for </span>Rachael Ray™ Nutrish® Indoor Complete Chicken with Lentils & Salmon Recipe<span style="text-align: center;"> by </span><a href="http://cbi.as/820v6" rel="nofollow" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">clicking here</a><span style="text-align: center;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://cbi.as/820v6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Nutrish Complete Indoor Coupon" height="228" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/aEyckvzWWC4qdlm64mDlgk8hXA98mlN6OS6Mh021_UNlrnGsnoexW2bMKrUHuGArKAuMApOqp_3uaKUmPyr8tSFQVCcCNuXPHIzKr2kgO3vavTCuoXYrfP1wlOF884AJp41sd1V9" style="border: none; transform: rotate(0rad);" width="624" /></a></span></div>
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With some cat foods, there is concern about the safety of the ingredients but you don't have to worry about that with Nutrish Indoor Complete. It is safely USA cooked with real, wholesome ingredients and without any ingredients from China. </div>
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The #1 ingredient in the fiber-rich blend is U.S. farm-raised chicken-- real salmon is also used. There are also natural prebiotics from pumpkin and dandelion greens to help support healthy digestion and antioxidant-rich berries to help support healthy immunity.</div>
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Nutrish Indoor Complete is available at most places where you buy your family's groceries, and also available online. I found it on the Walmart website when I used the grocery pickup service. It was so easy!</div>
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I searched "Nutrish Indoor Complete" and the first two results that popped up were the Rachael Ray™ Nutrish® Indoor Complete Chicken with Lentils & Salmon Recipe options with two sizes available.</div>
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A portion of the proceeds from each sale go towards the Rachael Ray Foundation, which helps animals in need through Rachael's Rescue. You can't go wrong there!<br />
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2. Provide a Safe Space for Your Cat</h2>
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If there is too much noise and chaos, a cat will likely become uncomfortable due to their sensitive ears. Cats prefer a quiet and calm atmosphere and if there's a toddler around-- the atmosphere will be anything but quiet and calm! This is why it's important to provide a safe place for your cat to escape to.</div>
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For us, the basement is off limits for our little girl. The cats know that they can escape to the basement to escape HER! It's quiet and they have a safe place to hide. This is also where we keep the cat food and litter boxes-- places where they especially need their privacy. They can also enjoy our enclosed porch in peace.</div>
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While we set boundaries for Little Miss Sunshine, we also set boundaries for our feline friends. The cats are not allowed in the second level of our home where our bedrooms are. The bedroom is a safe space for Little Miss Sunshine too!</div>
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3. Model Interaction Behavior </h2>
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Teach your child how to interact with your cat. This includes showing your child how to properly pet a cat by stroking the fur from the head towards the tail. When your toddler inevitably grabs a fistful of fur, gently tell him/her that it hurts the cat and remove their hands from the cat. Do not allow tail pulling. </div>
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There is no better way to teach your child how to treat a cat than by modeling the correct way when you are interacting with the cat. It may take a little time, but eventually your child and the cat can develop a loving relationship.</div>
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4. Be an Advocate for Your Cat</h2>
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If your cat appears stressed, make sure he/she has access to their safe place (see #1). Pay attention to the signs that your cat is giving you-- the look of fear or anger in his/her eyes or frustrated meowing. You may need to physically pick up your cat and put him/her in a safe place away from your toddler for a while. </div>
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It's important to be aware of what causes your cat stress, such as loud noises or a room full of people. In these situations, prepare ahead and place your cat in the safe space to avoid any issues. </div>
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5. Cats Need Attention Too</h2>
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Let's face it, toddlers are exhausting and can take up every ounce of your energy. You have to keep a constant watch to make sure they're not into something they're not supposed to be, climbing on top of who knows what, or sticking something in their noses or mouths that should not be there. We spend the majority of our time with our toddlers teaching, molding, and loving them.</div>
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But don't forget about your cat! Cats need love and attention too. Most cats will purr loudly when petted or held, proving that they need more love than they might have you believe. Take time to give your cat special attention.</div>
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<i>What ways do you keep your cat safe from your toddler? Has your cat tried <a href="http://cbi.as/820uk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nutrish Indoor Complete</a>?</i></div>
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Akhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00547463158270283355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1482516828601824417.post-7272136592812117842017-05-17T16:04:00.002-05:002017-05-22T17:21:48.472-05:00DIY Facial Care Kit <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 3pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #BeforeDifferinJourney #CollectiveBias</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="Facial Care Kit Hero #BeforeDifferinJourney #ad.jpg" height="639" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/F_-JABU0fZNI25L-484Y1ivJR_7FePi4f81Pe8WOvDrgi9bH4C-J8odGjioLybn6tJ_U7Y4YuRjU63CgUGDoFaUxKOLNS849fWyBSuEDAMNTfm5CToWBXhTFuqZZQWE0ll0MLtH2" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="480" /></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Even as an adult, my skin has never been as clear as I would like it to be. I still get the occasional breakouts that leave me feeling like an awkward teenager. To add to it, now I have some signs of aging and signs of too much sun exposure. Not to mention, redness and irritated pores. Eek!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I know it would help a lot if I remembered to wash my face in the evenings. I am notorious for going to bed without washing my face! By the time the day is over and the little one is in bed, I’m just ready to crash and zone out for the night. Any other mamas with me on this?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So I decided to put together a facial care kit for the evenings. I wanted it to have all of the essentials, yet be an easy and low-effort way for me to take better care of my skin. I can keep it in my upstairs bathroom or even beside my bed. It’ll be that easy! No excuses.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Did you know that the new Differin® Gel is the first only prescription strength retinoid that’s available over the counter? </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It's the newest advancement and ingredient in the OTC acne category in over 30 years! </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It has a history as a proven acne treatment and is supposed to help with clearing and preventing mild to moderate acne. I’ve never tried anything stronger than mild face soap, so I’m interested in giving the new Differin® Gel a try.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I found it at </span><a href="http://cbi.as/7a9lv" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Target</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> with the other skin care products. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="In store photo #BeforeDifferinJourney #ad.jpg" height="624" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/joERFbt_uJ5-psWE0OvSsKDgQXJuIWjEG02Rn_b67H3uRX66XY1KPOa0raDjb9-nQKTIGy5D0yKGNuN5D0q9LOblNqk0_H0GsQf1PCV5Nl_UqzFQIcAB3Pq_6kWeOqneCmzlgiTs" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="624" /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s supposed to clear breakouts before they even start-- so it works deep within the pores. I’m hoping that helps with some of the enlarged pores that I have on my nose. It should clear the acne I have and prevent breakouts before they even begin and as a result, help to restore my skin’s texture and tone. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Please use caution when using Differin® Gel with more than one acne treatment or glycolic acid product because this could lead to irritation.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">However, Differin® Gel is not a spot treatment, but something you apply in a thin layer over your entire face once a day, every day. The goal is to prevent future breakouts from even happening.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">While using the gel, you’re supposed to continue to cleanse and moisturize your face, so I decided to also try the Cetaphil® Gentle Skin Cleansing Cloths (hello convenience!), and Cetaphil® Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So here we go! Here is my bare faced, #BeforeDifferinJourney photo in all its glory.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="#BeforeDifferinJourney #ad.png" height="577" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_vo9ODPWu4KjHCW8E_IWj-lyoxnvlNLVA1Ku7VEKOHBnVXPtmt5IiNh5CWKhj-fauRYvbsAtUWsAWJboXJDvozXqqrSzixsdNIXdDMmCTiQUBHrLQzKBPyMSSSUO-DCi-VANMXvN" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="433" /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So here’s what I used to put the Facial Care Kit together.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Small carryall to keep it all in</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Differin® Gel 45g</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cetaphil® Gentle Skin Cleansing Cloths</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cetaphil® Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Microfiber body cloth</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">First, I used this super cute pink polka dot carryall to hold it all. It’s nice because it has a handle, plus plenty of room to hold the essentials-- yet small enough to set on a bedside table. And what girl doesn’t love the color pink?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="DIY Facial Care Kit bedside table #BeforeDifferinJourney #ad.jpg" height="651" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/jbxIdLPzW5Vyjn8WISu4EmCXw8TJP_96ByXjQgJziGPBrnLCGh0MB5AqvOrnVvwQInQxsgGSQHZVrmz10TaiuwCpvntTKDK_BmrddzpANfLQYuA5-56sidXnZpkJw2m6i3zFiz27" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="488" /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Next, I included all of the essentials. The first being Differin® Gel tube.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="Differin® Gel 1.6 oz 45g tube collage #BeforeDifferinJourney #ad.jpg" height="404" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/0CHz4VSjPZbK_BMY6Vr5y9u-4NlPQsiSGZVbFYvyxsq4eKJj8hbROdI82cZcC-AoTS-7OTx65lgZJUsGe9kxTeZZTu8TXXczIsqD-p0KB-TuMt2AMoG9LgR3-5IlwKNIK03WdGQw" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="404" /></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Since this kit is meant to be an easy way to wash my face-- of course I needed a facial cleanser! I included the Cetaphil® Gentle Skin Cleansing Cloths for dry, sensitive skin. And for the times I want a little extra cleansing before using the cleansing cloths, I also included a microfiber body cloth.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="Cetaphil® Gentle Skin Cleansing Cloths #BeforeDifferinJourney #ad.jpg" height="468" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/ZOBEb1BMx7QnwMxXfbUmWYaAkvKtf4mabKQeaI9N1HW7Tvr7fSmMBzUOL0ppeR5b7P1lYvGl8t2Ef_CBluWz0ohQwnJoartfaeaZizInOfm7poeiQ7OpJ1wi2hspmIuhplWkrr5a" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="510" /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Cetaphil® Gentle Cleansing Cloths come in a pack of 25.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="Cetaphil® Gentle Skin Cleansing Cloths 25 #BeforeDifferinJourney #ad.jpg" height="493" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/Jh7GBdprz8crvenAXqSaFcsKlbGta502duFdrBMjhoqwCLHiUc7TwmXqGTbj5sxhhdyVRiPltnzwTI4LQEBHIHS6jqwGEFVq_ZV64tfCYLFstprqPGlE0u-X8E0sBvxGGq-tFeAR" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="445" /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And last but not least, it’s important to have a moisturizer. I have been looking for a good facial moisturizer that has sunscreen in it, so I’m happy to be trying out the Cetaphil® Daily Facial Moisturizer with sunscreen broad spectrum SPF 15.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="Cetaphil® Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15 #BeforeDifferinJourney #ad.jpg" height="513" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/n6gSwQyj6r8C0EQCIzq0erJEGBhE64-OE5MoyaDM6k3zALzMAM4mOE6Rm2IMgWQtafm7Ry7jUMG4u4v09EFBqblUtma9haxM0xEdxpkxW_lpJIswl71w-d7WVInnku8IwUJe3kwG" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="513" /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lastly, place all of the items into the carryall, and you’re good to go! Hopefully there will be clear skin in my future! I will be back to update you all on the results!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="Facial Care Kit #BeforeDifferinJourney #ad.jpg" height="609" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/U_CyKG_Jrjr1IWhpIREAqI73RDy0tC0RAq4X6c_JzsQTStyfAzptGEKMqD8YPAPoRnbFNw2-q9n09oQWnU9sdJT6mcd9JEtDvRJ8j715-p24IYBkFWWnkMr0rrN5QVOg3T8aJboF" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="457" /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do you struggle with acne? What steps have you taken to improve your skin? Have you tried </span><a href="http://cbi.as/7a9lv" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Differin® Gel</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">?</span></div>
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Akhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00547463158270283355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1482516828601824417.post-52971338418215752132017-04-19T15:33:00.000-05:002017-04-19T15:33:26.153-05:00Saving the Special Moments: DIY Family First Aid Kit<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 3pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MoreMomentsWithExcedrin #CollectiveBias</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="Saving the Special Moments DIY Family First Aid Kit Excedrin® Migraine First Aid Kit for the Family #MoreMomentsWithExcedrin #CollectiveBias #ad .jpg" height="468" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/XgRw4YhvOtdyYrEVCTHJkfVOtCFhHZpiP56CASzFJ4yTRyCOn94nqUo8U8qngFjHWAGLoKjwnmxzRV60Kr_KERBpcObHBeFi7L6qRpje9Ill97ynhXrc5pWaqAjo14W-yk8xTTTX" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="624" /></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One of our family traditions is to visit the apple orchard every year in the fall. My husband and I started doing this when we were dating and have only missed maybe one time in 10 years. These trips are a lot more fun now that we have Little Miss Sunshine in the picture! There’s nothing like seeing life through the eyes of a child.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We look forward to it every year! I have to admit, one of our favorite parts is being able to enjoy those apple cider donuts hot and fresh from the kitchen! Yummy. They are definitely a fall staple, am I right?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="Apple Cider Donuts.jpg" height="528" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/mpzFpI1YDwsvtFW8oBmV6xybfOZZYlnDbGprZNP2uiDVkQs8i7gnWjupbMQWoDWr-UcY6blid01da2dC7CKiLcOF88UV-JPlGn1WQmO9DSLng_wxXF_gP0CWGAiw-cG-hlWMix38" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="483" /></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This past year was especially fun since Little Miss Sunshine was old enough to enjoy all of the activities. She absolutely loved it! You definitely have to be on your toes with a toddler! She is fast and definitely not scared or shy. These trips are not quite as relaxing as they used to be, but certainly more fun!</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She enjoyed the slides, the playground equipment-- especially the school bus and train built out of wood. That seemed to be a kid favorite! There were plenty of tumbles and falls-- such is life with a toddler! Thankfully, her tears didn’t last long and she was on the move again.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She loved watching all of the animals at the petting zoo area. Her favorite part was watching the goat eat from a bucket that you could send out to a tall stand where the goats would climb up to eat from the bucket.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This year, my parents and younger brother were able to come along with us. Of course, Little Miss Sunshine gets spoiled by the grandparents so she got to go on a pony ride. She absolutely loved it--until she quickly got bored and wanted off the pony mid-ride. Toddlers!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But later on she wanted to ride again so she got a second ride. I told you she is spoiled!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I don’t know what it is about trips like this-- whether it’s the constant action and natural anxiety that I seem to feel in public situations (especially when taking care of the little one), the bright sunshine, or whatever the case-- I almost always end up with a terrible headache. I’ve had migraine headaches on and off since I was a child. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Whatever the reason, I know my headache requires a headache solution that will bring fast relief-- more specifically my </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">migraine</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> requires a </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">migraine</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> solution! I can use Excedrin® Migraine and know that it will start to relieve migraine pain in 30 minutes. Afterall, it’s #1 Neurologist Recommended OTC.* (Among OTC medicine for migraines. Symphony Health Solutions, 2016)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Make sure to consult your doctor if you think you are suffering from migraines to make sure you receive a migraine diagnosis before you use Excedrin® Migraine. If you use Excedrin® Migraine, definitely use as directed and refer to the Excedrin® instructions regarding usage on the bottle. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I buy </span><a href="http://cbi.as/5aaak" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Excedrin® Migraine</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> at Walmart in the Pain Relief section near the pharmacy. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="Excedrin® Migraine First Aid Kit for the Family #MoreMomentsWithExcedrin #CollectiveBias #ad #Walmart.jpg" height="312" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/oHDI7L1dp0tWhMPkBWKnom1ScdePIrobpjMweNCG75ivB_OcgXIB0jrn3eKz8hJyVZRU5iy3d0eKb-5XPqjkZPDtgT1fpuHp4WDRT8rIZ2dYTgb4XSmZRDp8UeE7BmVzC4koalQW" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="624" /></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To sum it all up, I’m thankful that I have a solution to these headaches so that I don’t have to miss out on these special moments in my life! It’s a good idea to keep Excedrin® Migraine on hand if you suffer from migraines. I like to keep some in the car with our family first aid kit essentials. It comes in useful on the ordinary days too.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="Excedrin® Migraine First Aid Kit for the Family #MoreMomentsWithExcedrin #CollectiveBias #ad 2.jpg" height="403" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/9X5aCe6JOBjoaU8lgbhtZ-a7aXc7P1qtxMVvIwYL5cEV8B6PH_UQnti-syJqYJgnk__iTUquLoQAPPc37w4lE08mPBDSYbeLkag581AvapzPQh-ZVWEfEmgFz-PBwOergA_5D9Ah" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="537" /></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I wanted a first aid kit that not only had the essentials, but also had something for the little one to help turn the tears into a smile when she gets a little owie. So I created my own! It’s super easy to make a family first aid kit of your own.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">First, you’ll need a case to keep it all in. I just used a Glamour Case that I had on hand because it’s the perfect size, has a handle to make it easy to carry, a couple of compartments, is easy to clean, and is pretty cute too! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="Excedrin® Migraine First Aid Kit for the Family #MoreMomentsWithExcedrin #CollectiveBias #ad 5.jpg" height="410" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/i9iS0WxoPHAI7A16ZO_8OjjoOr6-eZUbk_NZut_gQC1Mcf4Cg71odVlA_TP36Lr36HOCO92NBVMF0AFcPP9OUc6ky3JskctrPPVo2SPMcWOjIxZk4ET4A0zm4aisnBO4MKsdnaJi" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="463" /></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Next, there are some things that are essential in a first aid kit-- stretch rolled gauze, gauze pads of different sizes, and paper tape. Of course, you’ll also need gauze scissors and bandages. I included fun and brightly colored bandages for the little one, and standard bandages for the adults.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="Excedrin® Migraine First Aid Kit for the Family #MoreMomentsWithExcedrin #CollectiveBias #ad Wound care.jpg" height="468" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/WwtdZW7sYqmXzOkLntriKBm_n0eAX0QNFjJtmrIwQKJJN_GW0Z90HnetrPwVS-C4mSOzqyKkbbxasWVaAl1wzbjdqPLnYwYmzNEbTRSUnF6aGXWAZgkQSEfD2Q9a5KBOrHXDOr8t" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="624" /></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Little Miss Sunshine is always telling me she has an owie because she wants a fun bandage-- so they’re always a hit and sure to bring a smile to a little one’s face. In addition to that, I included a few stickers and little suckers. You could even include small toys from the dollar store that would fit in your first aid kit.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="Excedrin® Migraine First Aid Kit for the Family #MoreMomentsWithExcedrin #CollectiveBias #ad for the littles.jpg" height="468" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/OHiHbM7ic3YfP7eE9aFbKoGUMFvBL4EeXbKogpQZ-JXFetMMAGE0ZX8n11dmtsmgs-MQLY6cD7oaJSdvUnUSR0J_Q5nCUNST-BZ0GcYhmmFAlMNtZxcPwWNCs5hwgXZ2JRcPvdPe" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="624" /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Next, I included Excedrin® Migraine, burn gel, antiseptic spray, and an itch relief stick for those pesky bug bites. Everything you’ll need to cure the common concerns.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="Excedrin® Migraine First Aid Kit for the Family #MoreMomentsWithExcedrin #CollectiveBias #ad Essentials.jpg" height="468" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/BsMzinjLRMW0l_HziGsmixgD994LfkcnngnqrSGjgkTJpSj2Eib52mbYqTiRq2p_fUxHWXh1B6I-fw2DmXfhwUy9jKBMaGSYxx0nLpwpFg3mj7Cmgy2axYu0Ly_dkiaoV8DrfVSc" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="624" /></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Just place everything in your first aid case of your choice, and you have a handy family first aid kit to keep with you on the go.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To sum it up, here’s what I used:</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Glamour Case</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Stretch rolled gauze</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Gauze pads of different sizes</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Gauze scissors</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Paper tape</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Traditional bandages</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Excedrin® Migraine</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Burn gel</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Antiseptic spray</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Itch stick for bug bites</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Stickers or other fun items for the littles</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Suckers</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The instructions are simple: throw all of the items in your case and you’re good to go!</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What would you keep in your family first aid kit? Has </span><a href="http://cbi.as/5rfxw" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Excedrin® Migraine</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> saved special moments in your life?</span></div>
Akhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00547463158270283355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1482516828601824417.post-39995130843909644332017-04-05T07:00:00.000-05:002017-04-05T07:00:23.820-05:00My Journey: Where I'm atI don't want to become obsessive about weight loss, dieting, and eating healthy because of where it has taken me in the past, but I do want to blog about it from time to time. I am learning that I have to be very careful of my thoughts and to keep my focus on the positive.<br />
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I'm at a higher weight than I've ever been and higher than I ever thought I'd be. I don't know exactly where I am because I don't weigh myself very much anymore. The scale tends to make me feel depressed or discouraged-- so I stay away.<br />
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Shopping for clothes that make me feel good is a way I can practice self-love. I've started to shop almost exclusively at Torrid because their clothes fit perfectly. There are a lot of brands out there that advertise themselves to be made for plus size women, but Torrid is the only place I've found where the clothes are actually made for plus size women. <i>I'm working on loving myself even though I don't like where I'm at-- inside, I'm still me.</i><br />
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My focus is going to be on making healthier choices. Today hasn't been the best day, but I have made at least one good choice today. Yesterday, I chose to eat a delicious salad for lunch! I want to get back to eating salads for lunch again. I really enjoy them when they are flavorful.<br />
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Mostly, I just want to feel better again. I want to feel like I have my life together. There's something about exercise that does that to you. It's probably just the simple act of following through with something.<br />
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It would also help if I started getting up early in the morning and trying to get a workout in before Little Miss Sunshine wakes up and before my day begins-- just getting it out of the way as soon as possible! <br />
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However, I am struggling to sleep lately. I can't seem to turn my mind off to settle down and go to sleep. It has been a long time since I've felt that way. Thankfully, I've learned to read a book on my Kindle instead of tossing and turning and letting my thoughts get out of control.<br />
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This cruise coming up in about 5 months will be a great incentive to get started. Plus, the weather is starting to warm up so I can be outside more. The first thing on my list will be to create an ideal "schedule" for the day. I need to get more organized and intentional!Akhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00547463158270283355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1482516828601824417.post-12239125754776731122017-04-04T08:51:00.001-05:002017-04-04T08:51:46.450-05:00Cruising!Hello everyone! It's been a little too long since my last post. I have needed to take a good, long break from food & diet obsession and it has been good for me in so many ways-- but maybe not so good for the weight! But life is about a lot more than that.<br />
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I do have some motivation to get healthier though! Remember back in October when I talked about wanting to earn a free Caribbean cruise with <a href="https://www.mythirtyone.com/1843888" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Thirty-One</a>? Well, I did it!! Not only did I earn it, but I also earned a level with free airfare, transportation, and a $750 gift card! So hubby and I will be setting sail later this year! We can't wait!</div>
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I worked so hard for that! I was ready for a break and the day after the incentive officially ended, they announced another one! This time, I can earn either a $3000 or $5000 Disney voucher! I'm all over that too-- I know Little Miss Sunshine would absolutely love a trip to Disney! Want to earn a free trip to Disney with me!? I'd love to have you <a href="https://www.mythirtyone.com/1843888/info/join" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">on my team</a>!</div>
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I've already ordered my swimsuit and I have this beautiful <a href="https://www.mythirtyone.com/1843888/product/8681/lakeside-tote-pinstripe-punch" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lakeside Tote</a> coming with me!</div>
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I will let that be all for now! More to come later. I hope you're all doing well!</div>
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Akhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00547463158270283355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1482516828601824417.post-84191455482250101642017-02-07T17:24:00.001-06:002017-02-08T09:36:30.117-06:00$25 Dick's Sporting Goods Gift Card Giveaway Sponsored by TRX Training Pittsburgh XShadysideI know you all love free stuff just as much as I do, so I agreed to write a sponsored post so that I could give you the opportunity to win a $25 Dick's Sporting Goods gift card! All opinions are mine alone!<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EuqWVvIkch8/WJpWl6bdrMI/AAAAAAAAabc/d0iTkczFzQgX_9L881pvRqh9uhbiUEcDQCLcB/s1600/FOR%2BA%2BCHANCE%2BTO.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EuqWVvIkch8/WJpWl6bdrMI/AAAAAAAAabc/d0iTkczFzQgX_9L881pvRqh9uhbiUEcDQCLcB/s640/FOR%2BA%2BCHANCE%2BTO.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>What is TRX Training?</b></h3>
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According to the <a href="http://xshadyside.com/classes/group-fitness" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">TRX Training Pittsburgh XShadyside</a> website, their "TRX Suspension class offers a full-body challenge. TRX is a total body exercise system that leverages gravity and your bodyweight to perform a wide variety of exercises". You're in control of how challenging your workout is because you are using suspension and body weight-- with a change of position, you can add or decrease the resistance making the workout more difficult or easier.<br />
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The <a href="https://www.trxtraining.com/discover/who-we-are" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">TRX company</a> describes its system as "drawing on leading-edge research and best practices from the military, pro sports, and academic institutions". They are on top of leading edge research and the workout continues to evolve.<br />
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What are the benefits of TRX Training?</h3>
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TRX Training requires just one piece of equipment, and with that you can train just about every muscle in your body. It's inexpensive and can be used by beginners and pro athletes alike. The TRX equipment is lightweight and small enough to fit into your gym bag and you most certainly can do TRX Training anywhere as this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUZfg0MPK3Y" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube Video</a> shows!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/rUZfg0MPK3Y/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rUZfg0MPK3Y?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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Have you ever tried TRX Training? Leaving a comment on this post is MANDATORY for entering the giveaway!</div>
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<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="9999f9f416" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/9999f9f416/" id="rcwidget_5fi49mjp" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><br />Akhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00547463158270283355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1482516828601824417.post-34575638760399990682017-01-05T12:12:00.001-06:002017-01-05T12:12:34.651-06:00Little Victories!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W5ycYamVVWY/WG6MbaR5iiI/AAAAAAAAaa4/4TKCvy6leScnG3Pyku7v0A6dpgEq9juPQCLcB/s1600/Little%2Bvictories%2Bequal%2Bbig%2Bresults.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W5ycYamVVWY/WG6MbaR5iiI/AAAAAAAAaa4/4TKCvy6leScnG3Pyku7v0A6dpgEq9juPQCLcB/s640/Little%2Bvictories%2Bequal%2Bbig%2Bresults.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yesterday was a little more of a challenge. I was hungry all day and was really craving sweets.<br />
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I actually broke down and baked a cake mix and whipped up a little frosting. I was feeling really guilty about it but continued to tell myself what I recently learned in my Beat Binge Eating program.<br />
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There is nothing wrong with a small sweet treat.<br />
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I ate one piece and felt satisfied, yet there was something about that feeling of "cheating" that started to get to me. I wanted to go back into the kitchen and have more.<br />
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I stood at the stove and looked at the cake. I had a silent conversation with myself and asked, "If this cake were unlimited and I could eat it whenever I wanted to without any guilt, would I still want another piece?" The answer was no.<br />
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And so that was it! I only ate one piece and I felt very satisfied! The sweets craving went away and I continued on with my evening.<br />
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That's a HUGE triumph for me!<br />
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I admit, I am still battling those thoughts of the "all or nothing" mentality. I keep telling myself that it takes little steps and consistency.<br />
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Someone commented the other day about my eating habits and deeper issues. You mentioned that maybe I needed to let go of the shakes.<br />
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Deep down, I know you are right. I keep fighting it, hoping for different results. I have friendships intertwined with this program and that makes it a little tougher to try to let go of. Although, I don't want to let go of it 100% because I do believe it makes me feel better. I just have to make it my own, and that's what I'm trying to do!<br />
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So like you said, I shouldn't feel guilty for eating a salad with a shake. If that's what helps keep me on track to healthier living-- that's perfectly ok!Akhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00547463158270283355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1482516828601824417.post-47331046641007007122017-01-04T15:36:00.001-06:002017-01-04T15:36:32.616-06:00Did I achieve my goals in 2016?<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
It's time to check in on last year's goals to see what I actually accomplished!</div>
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Here are the goals that I set for myself last year followed by how it actually went.</div>
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Reach my Goal Weight:</h1>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Ummmm yeh. That didn't even come close to happening. I actually reached the highest weight of my entire life. Huge fail!</span></span></div>
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Foster Relationships:</h1>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">This went really well for me! I feel like I made some really great friends this year and that makes me happy. :)</span></span></div>
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Earn My Previous Yearly Income:</h1>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">I definitely did amazing in this category! I earned over $10,000 by myself and at home. Yay!</span></span></div>
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Venture Outside of my Comfort Zone:</h1>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">I did this quite a bit during 2016. I took a cupcake decorating class and met new people. I went to some Direct Sales events. I put myself out there and made friends.</span></span></div>
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Continue Learning:</h1>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">I continue to listen to podcasts and read books. I'd like to read more books though!</span></span></div>
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Take Regular Me Time:</h1>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">I have done this pretty regularly, thanks to my in-law's for watching Little Miss Sunshine for me. It kind of goes in waves though-- I'll have plenty of time to myself for a while and then have a stretch of time with no me-time and I really see the effects of it. I definitely need that time alone and I've learned when it's time to take that time!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">So basically I accomplished every goal except the weight loss one. No big surprise there, unfortunately! It's a battle I can never seem to win! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">But guess what? Accomplishing all of that other stuff shows that I'm pretty awesome anyways, right?! That's what I'll keep telling myself until I believe it!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Next up, setting my goals for 2017!</span></span></div>
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Akhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00547463158270283355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1482516828601824417.post-10373932471361562132017-01-03T10:00:00.001-06:002017-01-03T10:00:21.391-06:00Getting Started Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's the beginning of a new year so that means it's time to set goals again. And, as always, losing weight is at the top of my list. It has to be because I weigh more than ever.<br />
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Why is it that every time you lose weight, if you gain it back you also gain back more? Sigh.<br />
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Anyways, it is what it is.<br />
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Over the last while of eating whatever I want, I have finally gotten over judging myself for every single bite of food I put into my mouth. I will call that progress, even if my weight has gone up.<br />
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Now is the tricky part, to begin nourishing my body without thinking of it as deprivation or as a diet. It's a mental thing.<br />
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I have been working on accepting myself as who I am. That I can be both overweight and accepted at the same time. That's hard! I'm trying to respect myself more, to just be me and be proud of it. I am learning to love myself for who I am instead of beating myself for who I wish I was. Does that make sense?<br />
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So yesterday was my first day. Actually, hubby and I are doing this together again. My plan is to drink my two shakes per day, 2-3 snacks per day, and one healthy meal. Yesterday I was really hungry at lunch, so I had a salad with my shake.<br />
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It's about nourishing my body, right? I mean seriously-- just because having a salad with my shake isn't on plan, should I really beat myself up for eating a SALAD? I think I should give myself a pat on the back for choosing something nourishing.<br />
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Yesterday wasn't perfect. It was hubby's last day of his vacation and that makes things a little different than when we're in our regular routines! Today should show a little more progress! Overall, I'm happy.<br />
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However, I made the mistake of stepping on the scale this morning thinking that I surely shed a lot of weight. Only lost .1 lb. Yep, basically stayed the same. So I had to remind myself that I FEEL better. I feel smaller and lighter and that's what is important!<br />
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Are you starting again?Akhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00547463158270283355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1482516828601824417.post-69174158682609212622016-12-21T12:00:00.003-06:002016-12-21T12:00:52.809-06:00Life UpdateHello everyone! It has been a while. :)<br />
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Little Miss Sunshine is growing up so fast and is talking a lot. She's starting to pick things up from the people she's around-- it's funny and also embarrassing sometimes. We have to be careful what we say! She wants to be just like mama and daddy.<br />
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I don't know if I mentioned that hubby and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary in October. We hope to be able to go on a nice trip this next year to celebrate!</div>
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We had family pictures taken about a month ago. They turned out really cute.</div>
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This is my favorite of Little Miss Sunshine!</div>
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I have made a lot of friends this year and I am very happy about that. It's about time, huh? I think it is easier to make friends when you have kids because it gives you something in common to talk about.<br />
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Of course, I do have friends without little ones and we have plenty in common too.<br />
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I've mostly been keeping busy with my <a href="https://www.mythirtyone.com/1843888/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Thirty-One</a> business. I'm currently working on earning a cruise for hubby and myself! It would go to the Bahamas-- which is one of my favorite places. I'm on track to earning it, but I just need a couple more people to sign up to sell Thirty-One. So if you're interested... <a href="https://www.mythirtyone.com/1843888/shop/join" target="_blank">Sign up here</a>, or join my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheBeautifulBagSociety31/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook group</a> and ask me any questions! ;)<br />
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I'm really proud of the fact that I've personally made over $10,000 this year-- on my own and from home. Not all of that is from Thirty-One, BTW-- since I've only been selling Thirty-One since July, but a large chunk of it is! I hope to increase that in 2017.<br />
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It seems like there is never enough time in the day to do everything that I want to do, so other things fall behind. I'm still trying to figure out how to better manage my time!<br />
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Anyways, there's a personal update-- not a lot to share! I will be back with a health update soon.<br />
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<br />Akhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00547463158270283355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1482516828601824417.post-46477870282009873162016-12-13T14:57:00.003-06:002016-12-13T14:57:31.602-06:00Join me!Hello! I do promise to come back here and update you all on my life soon, but you can probably tell that Thirty-One has become a big part of my life right now! I'm really enjoying it too.<br />
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I'd love to have you join my private VIP group! I update this group pretty much daily, so this is a great way to stay in contact! :)<br />
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Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheBeautifulBagSociety31/Akhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00547463158270283355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1482516828601824417.post-13357353659356723112016-10-31T19:48:00.003-05:002016-10-31T19:48:57.742-05:00Happy Halloween!<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Halloween! Here is our little Anna-- isn't she the cutest? Not sure why she is so serious! </div>
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Akhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00547463158270283355noreply@blogger.com0