As a mom I have to pick my battles carefully especially with two girls. They act so much like me it’s ridiculous! Because of that…they do what I do, eat what I eat and drink what I drink. Which is not always a good thing.

When I discovered Wat-Aah I was excited to have the twins try it…while it looks and taste like water…it’s a lot more fun! With wonderful added extras like Pure Spring Water, absolutely no sugar, no sodium, no chemicals, Kid friendly electrolytes and bone building Magnesium…you know you are giving your children the best.  Plus the uber cool packaging makes doing something good for your body a lot of fun!

My girls love Wat-Aah. Don’t believe me…swing on over to Twin Kitchen and see how excited they are about Wat-Aah!

It is so easy just grab a juice box or a soda can when your child ask for a drink. But easy doesn’t make it the right choice. If you offered my girls a glass of water they’d probably wrinkle their noses and say “Never mind” but with Wat-Aah they actually argue over who gets which bottle!!

I can not thank Wat-Aah enough for creating a fun way for my girls to enjoy something good for them. You Rock Wat-Aah!

• WAT-AAH! was launched in June 2008 in New York by Rose Cameron with the help of her own kids and other moms, utilizing her background in marketing and branding.
  
• WAT-AAH! is currently distributed in many stores and groceries throughout the east coast, from Maine to Florida, specifically Whole Foods Market.
• WAT-AAH! contains no sugar, artificial flavors, colors or unnatural additives.
• WAT-AAH! is ultra pure water containing the right amount of essential ingredients such as magnesium, electrolytes and oxygen to help maintain children’s health.
  
• Wat-ahh comes in four “flavors”:
  • ENERGY –
    
  • BODY –
  • BRAIN –
  • BONES –
    

Win A Mixed Case filled with WAT-AAH and GOODIES!

To Enter:

Swing on over to TWIN KITCHEN to enter!

Do NOT Leave Entries here.

Review Opportunity Provided by Wat-Aah
Opinions are strictly those of the Blog Owner.
*Information obtained from Press Release and/or website

Dance Off the Pounds

Dance Body Tone

(Dancing With the Stars Exercise DVDs)

Dance Off the Pounds:

Click Here for a DVD Spot

I love Dancing with the Stars! It is my ultimate favorite show. I really can’t explain why because I truly have two left feet!  It is amazing that I was a cheerleader and participated in high school sports because I really can’t dance a lick in real life.

But every time Dancing with the Stars comes on…I can vicariously live through the beautiful costumes, music, routines and people. Alas, I have had the opportunity for my “dream” to become a  reality!

I received the Dancing with Stars “Dance Off the Pounds” and “Dance Body Tone” exercise DVDs to review. They were fun!

Each DVD features Kym, Dmitry and Lacey. Who by the way is an IE resident. Her family owns a dance studio in Redlands, California which is right smack dab in the IE (Inland Empire)!!

What I loved the most about this particular set of exercise DVDs was that the IE Twins could participate with me. It must have pretty comical to see the three of us trying to do the same dance moves that Kym, Lacey and Dmitry. But if I was to be honest…the twins did a lot better keeping up then I did.

Dance off the Pounds covers the Swing, Jive and the Quickstep which are all very fast paced dances. Lots of movement. Definitely a cardio type of workout. Great to get your heart beating and to start shedding those pounds.  On a side note, also great to get the kids tired, lol. Sorry have to always think like a mom! While I struggled with the steps…I kept on moving, loved the music and had a great time trying.  The DVD is approximately 50 minutes long. Each segment (Swing, Jive and Cool-down) is approximately 15 minutes long with a 5 minute cool down at the end. I would suggest doing a light stretching or warm up before starting the DVD.

Dance Body Tone covers Latin, Tango and Freestyle (each 15 minutes) with a 5 minute cool down.  Again, I would suggest that you warm up and stretch before starting the routines.  I enjoyed learning the dance routines but felt like the cardio effect was not quite as strong as Dance Off the Pounds. Of course, from my starting point of zero…I still felt the effect of the exercise and enjoyed working out to this DVD.

I may never master the Dancing with the Stars Exercise DVDS but I have a great time trying. I love the music, the energy and the fact that my girls can enjoy them with me.

Review Opportunity Provided
by BHImpact and Dancing with The Stars
Opinions are strictly those of the blog owner.

Last Chance Workout

30 Day Jump Start

(The Biggest Loser Exercise DVDs)

30-Day Jump Start:

Just starting out, 30-DAY JUMP START is the perfect fitness DVD for you! With short yet effective workouts, a pocket cookbook and tips from Bob Harper to keep you on the right track, you can kick-start weight loss and start losing inches!

Last Chance Workout:

LAST CHANCE WORKOUT, trainer Jillian Michaels will challenge your body with intense workouts that really melt off the pounds. There has never been a better time to start the journey to a better, healthier life!

This heart-pounding, fat-burning workout consists of one intense 25-minute interval routine and two 10-minute programs that work your upper and lower body. Starting with a warm-up program, you have the option of three challenging ”last chance” workouts that melt away pounds and sculpt targeted muscle groups, and then you can reward your body with a relaxing cool down. These workouts can be alternated daily or combined to get a more extensive routine.

Click to See a Video Spot on the DVDs!

Talk about some “butt” kicking! Of course if you are already in good shape then you may not feel that this DVD kicks your butt as much as it did mine. Either way….whether you are a beginner or an intermediate…you are going to get a good work out with The Biggest Loser DVD series.

While you may not need a lot of equipment with either the Last Chance Workout or the 30-Day Jump start it would be helpful to have a small weight set and possibly a floor mat. I have the weight set but unfortunately do no have a floor mat. Let’s just say that’s is now on my “want” list!

I believe that most people enjoy watching The Biggest Loser. For some it offers motivation and for others it offers confidence.  I am in the first group. I enjoy rooting the participants on and realize that if they can do it…then so can I.  How I have longed for Jillian or Bob to be by my side…egging, urging and encouraging me on.  I may not be heavy enough to be on the Biggest Loser but I am definitely heavier then I’d like and I truly felt that the two DVD’s offered me the next best thing to Bob and Jillian.

Each DVD is segmented so you can watch the DVD in it’s entirety or create your own workout plan and watch the DVD in segments.  Actually, I hope you are not just going to watch but will actively participate!

The Last Chance workout is a total of 55 minutes form start to finish. It is broken down by a 25 minute Last Chance Workout , 10 minutes each for Upper Body Sculpting and Lower Body Toning and rounded out with a 5 minute warm up and cool down.

The 30-day Jump Start is also 55 minutes but has 10 minute segments throughout the entire video. Segments include Cardio level 1, Cardio level 2, Upper Body, Lower Body and Abs (Where are those again? After the twins, I don’t think I have them anymore!). The 30-Day also includes Diet tips from Bob, 30 day workout program AND a music only option that I really enjoyed once I learned the routines.

Like all programs…depending on where you are physically, this might be an incredible challenge or a piece of cake. But one thing is for certain…you’ll be motivated, you’ll be moving and you’ll be on your way to a healthier you!

Review Opportunity Provided
by BHImpact and The Biggest Loser
Opinions are strictly those of the blog owner.

My 2010 goal is to be a healthier more fit IE Mommy. I don’t really care if it takes me 3 days or 3 months but I want to be slimmer and trimmer. Yes, of course I want to fit into my skinny jeans better but more then that…I want to do it for my girls. I have said it once and I’ll say it again… I want to be around for the long haul!

The Melt it Off system is a great tool to reach that goal because it works your core muscles and any women that has had children can testify that area needs help!  Why is it important to work your core muscles?

• Improve your balance and stability**
• don’t require specialized equipment or a gym membership**
  
• help tone your abs**
• Strong core muscles make it easier to do most physical activities**
• You can take it slow**
• You can do core exercises at home**
  
• Core exercises can help you reach your fitness goals**

The G-Ball that comes with the Melt it Off program adds a little fun to the exercises. Knowing that Mitch Gaylord is an Olympian gives you the motivation. The DVD is easily to follow and to understand. The extra weight of the G-ball gives you an added bonus of resistance in your exercises. I look forward to seeing the new and improved IE Mommy that I will become.

Melt It OFF! Complete Program
Order Mitch’s Complete Melt It OFF!™ Program today! You’ll get:
• The G-Ball: The G-Ball cranks up the heat on your abs, leverages your core to sculpt your upper body, while firming and toning your buns & legs.
• Mitch’s Melt It OFF! Program: Meal plans, delicious recipes, workout schedule, & so much more: all your days are planned and easy!
• 3 Day Melt It OFF! Kick Start: Everything you need to lose 5 pounds,
up to 2 ab inches and 1 size in only 3 days!
• Cardio Burn & Sculpt Workout: Designed to tone & tighten!
• Sizzlin’ Abs™ Workout: Achieve those sculpted, rock hard 6-pack abs!
• High Calorie Melt™ Workout: Burn calories to a crisp!*
• See What Is Included in the Program

Review Opportunity Provided by Melt it Off with Mitch Gaylord & Roscia
Opinions are strictly those of the Blog Owner.

*Information obtained from Press Release and/or website
**Obtained from 7 Reasons to strengthen your Core Muscles

Tis the season for Christmas Lights, gift wrapping and snotty noses! Hey, reality is reality.

Along with the fa-la-la of it all…we must not forget the sneezing, sniffling and yuck that goes with this weather. Especially, here in Southern California. One minute you have bright sunshine and you just have to get that sweater off and the next it’s raining and ugly and you are freezing.

I know “whine, whine, whine”…but like I said reality is reality.

And the cold hard truth is that it is time for flus and colds. YUCK!

Best rest assured friends…we have a tried and true name to work for us...VICKS!

I was sent some “life saving” products to review and love, love each and everyone one of them.

My personal favorite was the The Braun ThermoScan. This is the exact same one that my pediatrician uses and it is an extremely accurate thermometer. Easy to use and simple to read. Does anyone remember the old fashioned mercury thermometer. Yikes…I just dated myself.

The Braun Thermoscan is used in the ear and and within seconds gives you an accurate reading. Plus a bonus for moms with more then one kid…it has a memory function so you can keep track of their fevers.

The Braun Thermoscan is accurate enough that my trusted pediatrician uses it and easy enough that the IE Twins can take their own temperatures.  A flashing green light and simple little beep sound tell you when you are done. Easy, fool proof and effective. Thank you very much!

Before kids…I thought that only asthmatic people or very tiny babies needed humidifiers…but since having the twins.  I see all the virtues of humidifiers…especially if you have a two story home, like we do. A humidifier helps to keep the moisture in the air and therefore allows you to breath easier.  The VICKS Pediatric GermFree Cool Moisture Humidifier can be used with the VICKS Vapor Pads to give your child a soothing mist to alleviate their nasal and chest congestion. My twins sleep so much better during the night when they use their VICKS humidifier. The first sign of sneezing or sniffling is when I break out the humidifier.

For use orally, rectally or under the arm, the Vicks SpeedRead Insight Thermometer and Vicks ComfortFlex InSight Thermometer take accurate readings in as little as 8 seconds and feature a large, circular display for easy reading.  Even middle-of-the-night readings are made easier by the convenient backlight.  Both thermometers are waterproof for easy cleaning, and have memory recall to help parents keep track as fevers progress. Vicks SpeedRead Insight Thermometer features a rigid tip, while the Vicks ComfortFlex InSight Thermometer features a flexible tip, giving moms and caretakers the option depending on their preference.  SRP $9 – $14.

The Braun ThermoScan is not only used most by pediatricians, but is a must-have for new parents, as it can be used from birth. Because fever is one of the first signs of the flu, the ThermoScan features a multiple memory function, allowing you to monitor fever’s progress. The pre-warmed tip and patented guidance system ensure an accurate reading every time. SRP $39.99 – $49.99.

The new Vicks Pediatric GermFree Cool Mist humidifier was just introduced for this cold & flu season – and is the first of its kind.  It kills up to 99.9% of mold and bacteria through a patented germ-killing UV light chamber and has an automatic moisture balance system that naturally adjusts output for maximum comfort.  It’s cool, soothing mist is also ideal for children’s bedrooms or a nursery.  SRP $69.99.

One Lucky IE Mommy Friend will *WIN* their choice of a Vicks ComfortFlex InSight Thermometer or a Vicks Advanced Soothing Vapors Mini Waterless Vaporizer

To Enter:

1. Mandatory Entry: Tell me  your favorit VICKS product (Can not be one listed here)
   
2. Follow IE Mommy on Twitter and tweet RT – Enter to Win the VICKS Giveaway @iemommy – http://www.theiemommy.com/2009/12/22/vicks
3. Join the IE Mommy Mailing List
4. Fan the IE Mommy on Facebook
   
   

   Contest Ends – December 30th!

Open to the U.S. Only

Review Opportunity Provided by VICKS
Opinions are strictly those of the Blog Owner.

*Information obtained from VICKS’ Press Release and/or website

All children reach an age where they start to have questions about their bodies. I am not referring to the “sex” questions. I am talking about the basic questions. Like how does my tummy know what is good for it.  What happens to my food after I swallow it. What makes me have blood in my body and so on…

Basic questions that have an impact on how they view their wonderful bodies. Our bodies are so intricately and perfectly woven together that it might be  hard for the average mom and dad to answer. I know that it is for me. Half the time I have to look the question on the Internet before I answer it.

Human Body Detectives is a fun, new spin on information pertaining to our bodies. We received the Human Body Detectives book and CD about the Digestive System! There are 2 additional books in the series, The Lucky Escape and the Battle with the Bugs.

The Human Body Detectives book on Digestion comes with a great CD. Perfect for car trips. The IE Twins were instantly drawn to the audio story. The workbook is the perfect compliment to the lessons and stories we learned in the story. One of my favorite features of the Human Body Detectives series is that I am learning along with my children regarding these topics.

It is a great addition to our home school studies and something we can do together. Give the gift of knowledge this Christmas Season…plus right now…Human Body Detectives is promoting a dynamic Holiday Sale you don’t want to miss!

Human Body Detectives is a series of educational adventure stories for kids. Through action packed fictional stories told on audio CD, listeners learn how the various systems work and what foods best fuel each system.

Created by Dr. Heather Manley, Naturopathic Doctor.

Dr. Heather is  a naturopathic doctor committed to superior health care education, thus allowing families to be proactive and confident in their health. My goal for this website is for it to be a portal that will support people to transform their lives by making simple lifestyle healthy changes using naturopathic care treatements.

Less is usually more and I am constantly reminded of this in my life. Sometimes it just takes a little homeopathy or a hydrotherapy remedy such as magic socks to help restore the body to a stronger state. I love to guide families to stock a natural pharmacy, (homeopathy and herbs) and teach them how and when to use them. It empowers families to take charge of their own health, allowing confidence and relief of anxiety in regards to their healthcare needs. Please enjoy the site and email me anytime with suggestions, questions or comments.

Find out what “Magic Socks” are right “here”!

One Lucky IE Mommy Friend will *WIN* a copy of The Human Body Detective

Contest is for the book ONLY!
Does not include the t-shirt.

To Enter:

1. Mandatory Entry: You must become a fan of Human Body Detectives on Facebook!
2. Mandatory Entry: Follow Human Body Detectives on Twitter and tweet RT – Enter to Win the Human Body Detectives Giveaway @iemommy – @drheathernd http://www.theiemommy.com/2009/12/15/body
3. Join the IE Mommy Mailing List
4. Fan the IE Mommy on Facebook
5. Follow the IE Mommy on Twitter
   
   

   Contest Ends – December 27th!

Open to the U.S. Only

Review Opportunity Provided by Human Body Detectives
Opinions are strictly those of the Blog Owner.

*Information obtained from Human Body Detectives’s Press Release and/or website
Human Body Detectives and the IE Mommy are not responsible for prizes arriving prior to Christmas.

Delicious! The twins and I rushed to the store when we received our coupons and had a wonderful time choosing which dessert we would claim for our very own.

We tried the Mint with Fudge, the Vanilla and Carmel Dippers and the Vanilla and Mint Dippers. Yummy! Now, I am not a big fan of “low cal”, “low carb”, “diet”, or “sugar free” desserts. In mind…it is like “What’s the point?”.

I can so taste the difference that it really isn’t worth my time….but I was beyond pleasantly surprised with Skinny Cow Ice Cream.  Each Dipper has only 80 calories and was sinfully good. I didn’t feel as if I missed one ounce of delicousness.

Even my “Sweet Tooth Queens” loved them! They could not get enough. When the boxes were done, they were very sad, lol.

Our next grocery trip will definitely include the Skinny Cow flavors we didn’t get to try…such as the Mint Low Fat Sandwiches and the Mini Fudge Pops.

I don’t know if I will ever be “skinny” again but with Skinny Cow I am enjoying the journey to “healthier” a lot better!

• Use the Skinny Cow “Cowculator” to see how other treats snack up to Skinny Cow
• Download a Skinny Cow Walking Journal to keep you on the right path of exercise.
• Download Skinny Cow Scrapbooking tips and Iron-Ons
• You can view the nutritional and calorie content of each bar, cone or sandwich at Skinny Cow
• Plus check out how to make this fabulous Skinny Cow cake tower!

One Lucky IE Mommy Friend will *WIN* a One Month’s* Supply of Skinny Cow Ice Cream!

*Winner will receive 4 coupons for 4 boxes of Skinny Cow Ice Cream

To Enter:

1. Fan Skinny Cow on Facebook
   
2. Follow Skinny Cow on Twitter and tweet RT – Enter to Win Skinny Cow Giveaway @iemommy  @theskinnycow – http://www.theiemommy.com/2009/11/30/skinnycow
3. Join the Skinny Cow Newsletter
   
4. Join the IE Mommy Mailing List
5. Fan the IE Mommy on Facebook
   
6. Follow The IE Mommy on Twitter
   

   Contest Ends – December 6th!

Open to the U.S. Only

Review Opportunity Provided by Skinny Cow.
Opinions are strictly those of the Blog Owner.
*Information obtained from Skinny Cow’s Press Release and/or website