Tag: Health

Products · Review · Texas Life

FabFitFun – Summer 2019

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Summer is here and so is my new FabFitFun Box! It’s so fun to open the box never knowing what fun new products are inside. I am going to share my favorite products form the box.

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Generation Clay Brightening Purple Clay Mask. This mask is filled with Davidson plum, a gentle, natural version of skin-exfoliating alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Making it a great option to rejuvenate your skin and dull those dark circles under your eyes. Additional benefits include witch hazel to extract excess oil, vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects against free radicals, and desert lime, an Australian citrus fruit that boosts hydration, assists with the absorption of antioxidants and increases collagen production. I could see a difference after one use and absolutely recommend giving it a try.

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I have talked about the Coola brand before. This is a great product to use after putting on your make up for the day. It sets the makeup and has SPF in the spray. It is refreshing and really helped my make up stay on all day.

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You guys, these SOL Janeiro products are amazing! The smell alone is unmatched, even my husband has commented. The shower gel lathers great and leaves no residue on your skin. The Bum Cream is great for tightening skin, smoothing bumps and moisturizing after a great shower scrub. Being pregnant I love to also slather this body cream on my growing bump to help with stretch marks. On their website you get 10% off your first order so don’t hesitate!

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The Grace & Stella All Day Rose spray is so refreshing and hydrating. In this Texas heat a spray to start off the day is perfect. I use it on my face, neck and chest to refresh and hydrate my skin in the morning or after washing my face. It’s gentle the subtle rose scent is calming.

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Invisi Bobble hair rings are so versatile and comfortable. They allow me, someone with long hair, to pull my hair up without leaving a “dent” or line in my hair that has to be re styled. They also do not pull at all so the comfort is great to last all day or through that tough workout.

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I could go on about all of the products but these are the stand outs to me. I love being introduced to new products and see how they work. Try these and let me know what you think.

Fitness · Health · McKinney · Places to go · Review · Texas Life

Town Lake Recreation Area

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I don’t know why it took us so long to go check out Town Lake Recreation Area, it’s just down the road and we have driven by so many times saying we need to check it out. So finally, we made it. It is just across from the high school and easily accessible off of 75.

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The lake is large with fountains, fishing pier, countless ducks, pavilions, restrooms, water fountains, grills, lighted trails, 18 hole frisbee golf course, volley ball courts, horse shoe pitching courts and playgrounds. I mean what more could you want! Its a great family park with something to do for everyone.

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We walked over 3 miles enjoying all of the scenery and wildlife. I definitely recommend planning a trip to check it out. The pavilions can be reserved ahead of time for parties.

I will absolutely be adding this to my list of places to walk and recommend to others! Check it out.

Fertility · Health · McKinney · Texas Life

Transfer

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So to go back to the beginning of this baby’s journey….I shared with you in January I was having surgery to remove my Fallopian tubes after they were too damaged from Endometriosis. My RE (Reproductive Endocrinologist) was confident this would make the change we needed to carry our child. I was terrified because to conceive naturally you must have these tubes, this would take away any slim chance I had to conceive on our own. With my husbands support everything with the surgery went well and as of January 25 I was diagnosed sterile.

After recovering from surgery we were able to start the medication to prepare for an embryo transfer on February 14. Valentine’s day is my favorite holiday so I thought this was a great sign. We transferred our embryo on March 7 and this is a day I will never forget. It was very different then the last transfer we did (that was not successful). We were both much calmer, we were laughing in the room waiting for our procedure and the staff made us stay calm and were so excited. During the procedure I squeezed my husbands hand so hard and he was telling jokes (if you know him this is all he does) I was laughing and the doctor was also.

We could see our embryo before it was placed in the needle and could see it was already hatching out of the shell which was an amazing sign. During the first transfer I shook uncontrollably the entire time from nerves and this time I didn’t. Which made me feel so much better. It is so amazing to be able to have your partner in the room with you and we were able to see the embryo being placed into my uterus.

The next 10 days are the hardest! We didn’t take any tests at all during this time, some people do, but we wanted to wait for the definitive blood test done at the RE’s office. After the blood test I did do an at home test and it was the first time I had ever seen a positive result. I was elated and immediately called my husband at work!

 

Food · Health · Products · Texas Life

Serving Size

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I want to talk about serving size and nutrition labels on food. Do you read the label before you eat the food? Do you look on the front for labels or “low this”, “no that” wording?

Serving Size is defined as a standard amount of food. So in reality all of us have a different serving size for different foods. BUT when we are shopping these packages are providing nutrition information for a specific serving size for that food. Don’t just skip to the numbers or percentages because you are missing the most important part of the label.

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One of the big tricks you will see is that the front of the package will say 50% less fat, or 50% less sodium and so on. Well guess what they did, they simply changed the serving size. They cut it in half and bam 50% less whatever it says! Don’t fall for this. Look at the serving size and think to yourself when I eat this am I going to eat a cup, 10 pieces or more? This will help you understand really how much sugar, protein, sodium, calcium etc you are getting in that food.

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(Not saying this product did that just an example of the attraction on the front)

Next I always go from serving size to ingredients list. Are the ingredients real food or chemicals, dyes or things I just don’t know what they are. This lets me decide if I want to purchase it or not. I am not perfect in anyway and I purchase processed foods but I try to limit them and I choose the option that works best for me based on the ingredients. You will also learn a lot about companies and which brands you feel more comfortable putting in your body.

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After looking through the ingredients list I then go back up to the top and focus on sugar and sodium first, then the other nutrients from the item. I want foods that are low in synthetic sugar and safe amounts of sodium. I want foods high in vitamins and minerals.

Next time you are  in the grocery store read the labels before you buy and you make just make some different choices. Compare the front claims to the nutrition label and ingredients to see if that clever marketing is fooling you.

 

Fitness · Food · Health

Fun Facts

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I love reading magazines and I like to take pictures of the fun facts I see inside so I can remember and research more later. So I thought I would share some of them with you.

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This may not be right for me, I feel like this seems cold lol I mean maybe while I am sleep and I do think I am happy when I sleep so maybe it is true.

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My mom always told me to eat the peel.

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I really think this is true! I always feel great when I start working out, give yourself the gift of happiness.

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So I missed one the ages already. As I think back 23 was hard, I was out of college and figuring out paying bills and real life. I may not say it was the happiest but I will let you know at 69 how it goes.

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I 100% think this is accurate. I mean everyone I talk to is taking time to themselves for self reflection or meditation. There are so many apps now to guide you. Do you meditate?

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As a former dancer I love this, I love to dance and the memory skills involved are a great way to exercise the mind. So go do a little dance!

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Ok, be honest, who knew this? I am going to try doing it and see if I notice a difference.

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I am not a big drinker at all but I find this fact to be very disheartening. I think it is something all women need to be aware of.

What fun facts do you have to share?

Fitness · Health · McKinney · Places to go · Review · Texas Life

R&G Fitness

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I love to try new workouts and gyms well, R&G Fitness was really outside of my comfort zone. It is group fitness that focuses on weights and dynamic movements with cardio mixed it. The focus of form and pushing your limits is amazing. I enjoy what the coach’s give me form critiques or edits because I can’t always see what I am doing and form only enhances the benefits of working out.

I don’t always push myself on my own as hard as I should with the amount of weight I use but R&G sure does and I love it. It gave me that boost of confidence that I can lift that 25lb weight. Maybe not for many reps but I can do it.

The class has a warm up and then breaks into groups to rotate though different stations and then you come back together at the end for a stretch. I love that it is different every time focusing on all muscle groups and pushing you forward. Every person I met was welcoming, kind and supportive of each other weather it was a first time or a seasoned vet at the gym. Everyone cheers for each other and really helps to motivate you to do more.

You can download their app and get a free trial but trust me you are going to want to stay a member! I can’t wait to go back for more, even if I can’t feel my arms! 🙂

http://rngfitness.com/ 

Fitness · Health · McKinney · Places to go · Review · Texas Life

SunStone Fit – Eldorado Crossing

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SunStone Fit is a great place for anyone looking for a workout studio. They offer a variety of classes and are open to all fitness levels. The welcoming team and pristine atmosphere offer an inclusive place for everyone.

Their Eldorado location is perfect for me, basically across the street from my neighborhood. BUT if that isn’t good for you they have so many options:

  • Uptown
  • Preston Forest
  • Lakewood
  • Rockwall
  • Addison
  • Plano
  • Frisco
  • McKinney (location I mentioned)
  • Las Colinas
  • Flower Mound
  • Southlake
  • Keller
  • Fort Worth
  • Austin

I mean really there is no excuse not to try them, there is a location near you!

I tried the hot yoga and it was amazing. The stretch, heat, strength and so much more are a perfect fit for any workout routine. I do not sweat much and these classes really get it going which I love. I highly recommend them and your first class is FREE!

  • Yoga
  • Barre
  • Pilates
  • HIIT
  • CardioFIT
  • CoreFIT

There is something for everyone and I can’t wait to hear what you think. Head on over today to sign up. https://www.sunstonefit.com/programs

Fitness · Health · Products · Review

Just Strong

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I am so excited to share about the Just Strong clothing brand. I have been trying out their gear and I truly love the pieces. The fabric is breathable, supportive and durable. The designs are motivating and great looking on the clothes. They are about empowering women and pushing though not only your strength battles but every battles in life and just supporting each other and moving forward.

The symbol – the squat.

“The squat is the perfect analogy for life – it’s about standing back up after something heavy gets you down and what better way to present this analogy by using it in our branding. We are here to empower and motivate strong women from every walk of life.”

They have some fun tanks and t’s with great sayings and quotes such as “Will Gym For Pizza” so true and fun. They have different cuts and styles of leggings and sports bras for the many different body types. I truly recommend you give them a try.

http://www.juststrong.com use code WYNNSPARKS10 for a discount at checkout!

Fitness · Health · McKinney · Texas Life

Weight Training – Goals & Benefits

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I haven’t posted in awhile about the workouts and activities I have been doing. Recently I have really been focused on weight training and stretching. I am upping the weights and the reps. I make sure to do the middle round (I normally do 3 sets) until I literally can’t do another rep, weather that be arms, squats, planking just whatever exercise I am doing I use that rep or round to push as hard as I can. It gives each exercise as sense of warm up and cool down too. Allowing me a chance to get maximum burn.

A lot of women hesitate to do weights or don’t really do a lot of weight for fear of being too bulky. Ladies don’t be afraid! Those toned arms and leg you always say you want, those come from weight training. Grab the weights and push it! Here are some reasons why weight training is a must

  • As lean muscle increases so does your metabolism
  • For each pound of muscle you gain you burn 35-50 more calories per day
  • Decrease risk of Osteoporosis
  • Weight Training can raise your metabolism for up to 24 hours after the secession
  • Improve Posture
  • Reduce Back pain
  • Enhance mood
  • Reduce Stress
  • Tone, lift and firm your body

These are some great reasons to grab some weight, even just 2 lbs, and get moving. If you don’t have hand weights you can use cans from your pantry, water bottles filled with water (even wine bottles) whatever you have at home that you have 2 of equal weight. Then head over to my home workouts tab and get to work! You don’t have to have a fully equipped home gym to start moving towards your goals.

My goals are currently to tone and increase my muscle mass, that means the number on my scale may go up but my fat is going to go down. Just another reason not to care about the number on the scale!

Fitness · Health · McKinney · Texas Life

Staying Active

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After a surgery or injury it can be very easy to lose motivation or slack on activities and healthy choices. Don’t let this be you! Yes you need to rest and recover but you can make choices to keep you motivated and moving toward your goal or keeping your healthy lifestyle moving forward. You don’t want to have to start over, that is so much harder.

For the past the past 12 days I have not been able to lift anything or be too active, even stretching has been limited. (Abdominal surgery is tough on your entire body) However I have kept moving and been focused on eating healthy and making sure not to just lay around. My doctor wanted me to keep moving and walking, it helps to heal after my type of surgery. (Every one is different, you need to consult your medical provider!) I slowly started moving around the house and going up and down the stairs. After three days of nothing I went to the gym and walked on the treadmill, slow and steady but for this 30 minutes it really helped and I felt great. I have continued to walk everyday waiting for my post op where I can do more activity. We went on a hike last night, we chose a trail that wasn’t too advanced but still offered hills and gorgeous views.

Walking offers huge benefits on its own, see my prior post here about walking benefits!

Making healthy food choices has been a huge part of my post op as well. I want to fuel my body to heal and keep going. Smoothies, vitamins, protein, lean meats, veggies and low sugar have been my focus. I have a huge sweet tooth so keeping my sugars limited or just eating fruits have my sweet fix been my main focus. It is easy to fall into bad habits when you can’t do much so just focus on one choice at a time. When you are hungry is it worth it to go out and get fast food or can you make some quick eggs or a protein bar at home. Just one choice at a time! Don’t worry about everything at once it can be too overwhelming.

Again every injury and surgery is different so before you start walking or doing any activity consult your medical provider.