How I got my kids to eat healthy.

I remember MANY mornings of arguing and trying to get my kids to get out the door on time for school. Whether it was a hair out of place, someone was in the bathroom and they are taking to long or I don't want to eat that for breakfast. Well, after having two kids graduate high school, I am left with an 11 yr. old, 6th grader. It has been much easier with him. (Sorry girls!)  Maybe because he is a boy or maybe mom just decided to pick her battles. Since I can't decide, I pick both! :)

He loves drinking a healthy shake before school! 

Since Patrick Jr. was 18 months old, we started a journey of health and wellness. 10 years ago I couldn't tell you what that really meant. What I have learned is that moms and dads set the tone and example for the kids. I don't buy junk food and unhealthy food like I use to and there has been a huge change in our health, moods, and grocery bill.

We never would have imagined that our kids would not complain about no cereal and enjoy fixing a shake with fruits and vegetables. It was also rewarding to see my older daughters get on the bus with their shakes instead of pop-tarts. So many moms ask me how did I get them to change. I started with me first. And since I buy the groceries, if I didn't purchase the junk, they won't eat the junk and then it becomes a habit and a lifestyle. And yes, I know many husbands sometime don't want to eat healthy either. Well guess what? He is an adult and responsible for himself. We are responsible to our kids so I just let him eat what he wanted and now he sometimes eats healthier than me...lol!

So remember moms and dads, many times kids do what they see, not what you say. I was raised on, "do as I say not as I do". I know many of you probably have said it...lol! That doesn't work anymore for most kids. Peace

My beauty regimen from the inside out

In January I will be 45. It a great feeling to be told I look 30 any younger. Most people say it's just genetic but if you don't take care of yourself, it will certainly show. This is a great article to help educate on the importance of how to take care of the largest organ! Erika

by CAMILLE FLETCHER

You know how sometimes you think bad things only happen to other people and you are somehow super-human and won’t be affected? I thought that about the sun.

I have always loved being outdoors, I “fake baked” when I was younger, and in 2008, I took up distance running and was outside for hours. Most of this activity happened without much sunscreen on, despite the warnings about how UV damage could make my skin look older. It totally wasn’t going to happen to me!

Uh … well … please consider me a cautionary tale.

I am now the proud owner of some serious sun damage on my face. This has made me keenly interested not only in sunscreen and specialized skin care products like Sensé Serum Intensive, but also in nutritional approaches to protecting my skin and keeping it looking as youthful as possible.

In a previous blog post, I noted that beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamin D are all helpful for protecting your skin. Vitamin C and grape-seed extract make Proflavanol® C100 another great product to help keep your skin healthy and youthful looking in two ways.

Proflavanol C100 Defends Against Damage

Exposure to UV can lead to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress in the skin can lead to visible wrinkles, sagging, and pigmentation. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant and the grape-seed extract in Proflavanol C enhances that antioxidant activity. By helping your skin protect itself from UV exposure, taking Proflavanol C100 and using daily sunscreen could help protect against visible signs of premature aging. Double up on photoprotection by using topical vitamin C, like Proteo-C®, along with the SPF 15 in Sensé Daytime Protective Emulsion. This high-performance moisturizer helps decrease the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging.

Proflavanol C100 Supports Collagen Production

Collagen is the stuff that gives your skin elasticity. And collagen tends to start breaking down as we age (UV exposure along with the pull of gravity when running can actually speed up the facial sagging … sigh). Vitamin C, which must be obtained from the diet, stimulates collagen production. This essential nutrient has been linked to better appearance of aging skin because it helps support skin elasticity and firmness.

Totally not related, but I found one study that showed grape-seed extract even helps with leg swelling after you’ve been sitting at your desk all day!

A Tip for Taking Proflavanol C100 and Other Supplements

The body can only absorb a limited amount of vitamin C at one time. So, if you are taking the Essentials,Procosa, Booster C 600, or Visionex, consider taking Proflavanol C100 at a different time to help keep your vitamin C levels at a consistently higher level throughout the day.

Proflavanol C100 Also Supports Heart Health and Immune Function

Skin health is only one of the many benefits of Proflavanol C100. Watch this short video to learn more.

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

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Back to life!

Well, to say that life has been up to it's usual, is an understatement...lol! My wonderful Step-dad, took ill in July and it just went down hill from there. I watched this strong yet quite soul of a man slowly vanish. But the lessons I learned through helping my mom after his death were priceless. Life goes on with or without you. His time was served, now what was I going to make of mine? Whose life would I leave an impression on?

I have to thank my 11 yr. old son because as of last night,  I wasn't going to continue my blog. As usual, out of the mouths of babes, he says "Mom, you can't, you have to help people". Oh Lord, really? That boy puts me in check quite often! 

So here I am. Grateful for the ups and the downs.  Can I just be transparent and say that I learn more from the downs than I do the ups. And boy have I had many in my life! Can't I get an amen? I hear ya!

Well here I go, continuing to walk in confidence! Yes, God confidence. Knowing that ALL is well. I can't just sit around and wait for the ship to come in. I must go get it! What is your "ship" peace, love, better health, lose some weight, financial freedom, a mate? It's time to untie that little rowboat, go out and get it. Are you with me? Peace