Rivet & Sway Glasses

A few days ago I was introduced to a company who wanted to make shopping online for eyeglasses as easy or fun as buying handbags and shoes. You may not know, but I kind of love shopping...and really love glasses (handbags AND shoes!)

Rivet & Sway has dozens of fun styles to choose from in several different colors. You choose three frames you want to try on and they send you a home try-on kit with two day shipping, for free! You get three days to try on the glasses and them ship them back (in the same box), again, for free. How awesome?!

I'm going to be doing a full review of Rivet & Sway after I get my fancy new specs but first I need your help. I'm torn between two of the three styles I was sent. I chose the Umami in Golden Tortoise, the Rizzo Crushed Velvet, and the Mantra Tiger Eye.

 

Which pair do you think looks best on me? I know it's a little bit hard to see with the shadows and the blinding overhead light, but hopefully you get the idea. Leave your vote in the comments and then I'll order my new pair of Rx Glasses which I'll be sporting this year at BlogHer'12. 

Disclaimer: I have a working relationship with Rivet & Sway and they are providing me with a free pair of eyeglasses in exchange of spreading the word about their service. I received no monetary compensation and all opinions are expressly my own. 

Big Nick's Ride for the Fallen: Riding for a Cause

This past weekend SH and I took part in the 3rd Annual Big Nick's Ride for the Fallen, organized to honor Corporal Nicholas G. Xiarhos USMC and 12 other fallen heros from Cape Cod.  Nick was killed three years ago today in Afhanistan. He was 21 years old.

We both love supporting charity and it's even better when you can do it by participating in something you love. This one is personal for me. Since the first year we've wanted to ride to support Nick, the Xiarhos family and the multiple charities this organization supports. I urge you to take a moment to learn more about Nick and those organizations here and here.

Up until January of this year, SH's motorcycle wasn't conducive to us both riding. Now with his Harley Davidson Sportster, we were ready to go! There was only one thing...I had to continue overcoming my fear of riding and take my first ride on the highway. You know what? It wasn't all that bad! I kept my eyes straight ahead (instead of looking down at how fast the road was passing underneath) and with the exception of a little head bobbing due to wind resistance, it didn't feel much different than riding on the regular roads.

We arrived to the meeting spot early and were able to set up near the front of the pack and watch the droves of bikes ride in. It was awesome. The display of patriotism was apparent early on with many bikes donning American Flags (ours included!) as well as the Marine Corps flag.

My favorite, however, had to be this guy who had the cutest passenger ever. He even had on a little leather Harley Davidson hat. Yes! 

Bikers honestly have to be some of the nicest people I've ever encountered. There was no taunting or judgement of me wearing an armored jacket and full-faced helmet (unless you count my cousin, but hey what good is family if you can't poke fun at one another?) We were all there for a common purpose - to ride for a cause.

The entire ride was extremely emotional to me - from lining up, to hearing impassioned speeches (including one from Nick's dad Deputy Chief Steve Xiarhos), to driving past people young and old lining the streets of Cape Cod along the entire ride route. More than a few times tears streamed down my face like when I saw spectators with tears in their eyes, when we passed Nick's house with uniformed Marine's standing guard and when I saw my Aunt, father and mother all came out to support riders independently of one another. 

I can't even imagine how much traffic we backed up coming onto Cape Cod. Our police escort blocked off the Bourne Bridge and rotary letting 3-4 miles of bikers ride through safely. I can tell you those people sitting in their cars trying to get on Cape Saturday morning were likely frustrated. I can only hope they learned the reason of the traffic delays and realized there are bigger things to life than getting upset in traffic. 

The ride was also a great deal of fun. We rode the beautiful streets of Cape Cod, my home. I felt like I was in a parade (I guess I sort of was!) I loved waving to supporters, hearing the bikers honk their horns in thanks. Young and old people were smiling, cheering, saluting. They were waving flags and Bless the USA banners. It was quite a sight to see.   

I know not everyone supports the Wars the USA has been fighting, but I do hope every single one of you can respect and honor those who are willing to give the ultimate sacrifice in order for our freedom. These men and women are truly amazing. 

And if you're so inclined, please learn more about the Nicholas G. Xiarhos Memorial Fund and consider making a donation. 

God speed, Nick. May you Rest in Peace. 

Project 10 {Week 6}

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Image Source

These past two weeks have been hard, incredibly hard, and I've been feeling like a loser (but not in a good "WOW look how much I lost" way!). Right now I'm under an insane amount of stress. So much that my heartburn is acting up, I can't relax and I can't sleep. 

I'm fairly certain this stress is one of the biggest reasons I have not lost much weight the past two weeks. It's important to really understand the connection between stress and weight loss. 

Sure, a lot of people lose weight when they first encounter stress. I actually used to be one of them, but that was before I lived with "chronic" stress. I can distinctly remember one summer while I was in college a boyfriend broke up with me. I was devastated and wallowed in self pity all summer. I was stressed out by the rejection, by what people would think, by what would happen when we returned to school. I lost so much weight that summer that one of my teachers actually asked if I needed counseling and suggested I had an eating disorder! It didn't help that when I got back to school so many people (mostly guys, lets be real) commented on how great I looked. I soon forgot the ex-boyfriend b/c of all of the attention. But guess what? All that weight came right back on. It wasn't a healthy weight loss, and it made me realize how easy it  would be for girls (or guys) to have an eating disorder. Scary, scary stuff. 

But when people are stressed out long-term, stress has an opposite effect on you. When we are under long-periods of stress, our body thinks we are in distress. It thinks we need food, even when we don't. This is thanks to a hormone produced by our bodies called cortisol. Higher levels of cortisol mean more belly fat. Our bodies store this fat b/c it thinks we're in distress. See the cycle? 

Now consider you're on a diet and you're stressing over every single thing you eat, every calorie you consume, obsessively weighing yourself and comparing yourself to other women. Well, you may start to lose weight but your belly fat will still be there. 

My stress these past couple weeks hasn't bee due to dieting or trying to lose weight, but the principle is the same. 

When I'd gain weight when I was younger it would mostly be in my face, my boobs, my butt and my legs. I always had a small waist. Over the past several years, however, my weight has started to accumulate around my belly and I haven't even had children! I think of the things I've gone through in the past seven years or so and it totally makes sense. I've lived in an almost-constant state of stress. I have even had a therapist tell me she's impressed I haven't become an alcoholic, druggie or prostitute due to things I've gone through. That's a compliment, I guess? 

It's not all doom and gloom over here though. Here's what I've done right: 

• Heck, even though it's not much I am still down .6 lbs the past two weeks for a total of 7.4 llbs lost to date! I don't think I'll make my 10lb goal by BlogHer, but I should hit it by the end of this project
• I have been tracking my calories in MyFitnessPal for the past week and only went over my 1200 calorie allowance once
• I did crunches and jumping jacks for the first time in years. Seriously
• I've gotten back to taking my thyroid medication regularly and on time
• I haven't had a panic attack given everything going on in my life right now. And believe me, two years ago I would be an emotional wreck right. I thank SH for understanding me, and helping me stay calm

My big goal for this next week is to find a way to manage my stress. A healthy way.

Are you under a lot of stress? How do you deal with it?

If you want to learn more about Project 10, here are my previous posts: 

• Project 10 {Overview}
• Project 10 {Week 1}
• Project 10 {Weeks 2 & 3}
• Project 10 {Week 4}
• Project 10 {Week 5}

Dear Grandmom

Dear Grandmom,

This past week SH and I were cleaning out a closet in the guest room. When we opened up one of the boxes in the closet I was taken aback. I wasn't expecting to find what was in there - things that had been buried not only in this closet, but also deep in the corners of my mind.

There was your obituary, contents of your desk that we never took the time to sort through and some boxes filled with your costume jewelry (don't worry, I've had your engagement/wedding ring and pearls safe the whole time).

The things in this box, they hold no monetary value only priceless memories. A blue and white beaded necklace that you wore to Penn State Football Games, Grandad's baby ring, a doll that sat on your dresser for as long as I can remember, pictures, letters, my wedding invitation. Things that made me sit there and cry as I went through them. Cry because I miss you. Cry because I'm happy we share so many happy memories. Cry because sometimes memories aren't enough when all I really want is to call you on the phone and tell you I love you or to drive to Pennsylvania and give you a hug.

It's hard to believe it's been 3 1/2 years since you've been gone, 8 years since grandad's been gone, a year since Aunt Anne left us. Our small family is really small now.

Grandmom, I had forgotten that years ago I had created a blog for the family to keep up on our lives. Even though you and Grandad had gotten a computer, you never went on after he passed away. I had forgotten that I would print out my blog posts and send them to you.

Also among those blog posts were pictures and letters I had sent. There was one of SH and my dad working on my dad's boat. I smiled when I saw you had written on the back of the picture "Sarah's boyfriend, 2005" always so diligent in labeling pictures!

I was saddened when I found our wedding invitation, and the picture book we made for you after the wedding. It absolutely broke my heart you weren't able to be there. I know the trip would have been too much for you, you were so frail. I know you felt the same sadness, but I also hope you felt how close you were to my heart that day. I proudly carried the same handkerchief down the aisle that your mother carried, that you carried, that Aunt Anne carried....

I laughed when I found pictures of Spike. I definitely got my love of animals (and ice cream!) from you and Grandad. You loved my dog. When I would call to tell you that we were coming to visit, your first question was always "are you bringing Spike?" (or "that dog" in the later years when your memory was failing). Me: Yes Gmom, I am bringing Spike. SH and I are also coming. You: Oh, I am looking forward to seeing that dog. 

Spike was always so good in the home when we came to visit you. You'd sit with him for hours. Remember how you used to try and convince us that we should leave him there? That you would walk, feed and take care of him. Even though you couldn't walk, feed or take care of yourself. You had such a big heart. It's only fitting that the morning you passed away, we were told you had cuddled a little black puppy as you were falling asleep.

It hurt to go through these things. I could smell your perfume in the old jewelry boxes, I could picture you wearing the jewelry, I could see you smile as you read the letters and looked at the pictures. It was like you were sitting next to me reliving memories. Maybe you were. I hope you were.

I miss, and love you so very much.

How To Tell If Your Fruit and Vegetables Are Organic

Did you know those little stickers stuck to your fruit and vegetables are there to do more than just annoy you? Sure the PLU codes on those stickers help stores track and control their inventory, but there is more to it than just that.

By taking a quick look at the sticker, you can tell if your produce is organic.

Conventionally grown produce will usually have a 4-digit PLU code that starts with the number 4 or 5. What does conventionally grown mean? It means that it most likely was grown with chemical assistance. I say most likely because it is super-expensive for a farm to get their food certified organic and many smaller farms may not be able to afford to do so. If you're buying locally just ask whether or not you're purchasing organic produce. 

Here is a picture of a conventionally grown Granny Smith apple from a recent trip to the grocery store.

Certified organic produce will have a 5-digit PLU that starts with the number 9.  What does it mean to be certified organic? It means that the produce has not been grown with the use of chemical assistance. The farm growing certified organic food has to adhere to strict standards that get verified by private organizations.

Remember just because a food is organic, doesn't mean its local. Heck, look at the sticker from my latest shopping trip. My Granny Smith Apple, number 94139 came all the way from New Zealand! So while I'm making strides towards incorporating more organic foods into my diet as part of my participation in Project 10, I also want to take steps to buy more locally grown produce - or at least produce from the USA!

The Produce Marketing Association, the group of people who decide the PLU numbers, created them as an optional convention for retails to help with their inventory management. That means don't get scared if your produce has some wacky numbers that aren't either of the above.

There is one thing to keep in mind, however.  As part of the optional naming convention, the PMA also suggested that genetically modified/genetically engineered produce (or GMO) have a 5-digit code starting with the number 8. What does it mean to be genetically modified? Basically that science has messed with the genes of the original produce. It is no longer 'natural.' I've never seen produce start with the number 8. I'm pretty sure farms using GMO produce aren't going to go out and advertise that fact willingly, so unless your produce is certified organic, there is still a chance it has been genetically modified.

It's pretty impossible to find an accurate list of genetically modified foods, and even harder to find information that isn't heavily slanted politically. I urge you to do some research on GMOs if it is something that concerns you. I hope to provide more education here in the future.

If you want to learn more about Project 10, here are my previous posts: 

• Project 10 {Overview}
• Project 10 {Week 1}
• Project 10 {Weeks 2 & 3}
• Project 10 {Week 4}

Win McKenna - American Girl Doll of the Year!

Every Girl's Dream: McKenna

~ American Girl Doll of the Year ~

Whether your daughter, niece, granddaughter, or any little girl you know might know is a gymnast or not, McKenna will be a favorite among her collection. McKenna is one of the most popular American Girl Dolls, and she will only be around for a few more months! Don't miss your chance to get her! Many of her accessories are on back-order as of now, which shows the popularity of this doll. Here is your chance to WIN McKenna for that special girl in your life!

From the American Girl Site:

"Meet McKenna, our 2012 Girl of the Year! She's a determined girl who uses her strengths to turn challenges into triumphs. The McKenna doll is 18" tall, with brilliant blue eyes that open and close. She has long, caramel-colored hair that can be pulled high for gymnastics practice, or styled up in twists for a fancy occasion." 

The McKenna doll comes in a sporty outfit just right for flips and twists:

• A sporty striped dress with flutter sleeves, a dropped waist, and a pleated skirt
• Teal leggings that stretch for the splits!
• Strappy slide-on shoes
• Purple cotton underwear
• A hairband, to sweep her hair back during gymnastics practice

The McKenna doll has a huggable cloth body, and her movable head and limbs are made of smooth vinyl. Includes the McKenna paperback book—an engaging story that will inspire girls to go for their goals, one day at a time.

 

There are great books to get for McKenna, as well as cute outfits and accessories. You can find them all online as well as in stores nationwide. 

This Giveaway is Hosted By,

Mama Luvs Books

And Sponsored By the Amazing Sites Listed Below:

Mom To Bed By 8, Miki's Hope, Full Price? Never!, 

Frugal Freebies and Deals, Emptynester Reviews, TeetheMe, Acadiana's Thrifty Mom, Couponing 4 You, 

Mommy's Memorandum, Powered By Mom, 

Mom Does Reviews, Savoring the Thyme, Sister's Saving Cents, Mommy Does..., Mom Generations

 Give Oh Giveaway, Cira's Lyrics, Soxy's Diamond

Enter on the Rafflecopter Below! Make a Girl's Dream Come True! Good Luck!

Giveaway ends on July 19th at Midnight!!!

   

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Disclaimer: I did not receive monetary compensation for posting this giveaway, I just like to share awesome giveaways with you. Mama Luvs Books is responsible for prize fulfillment. Good luck, I hope one of my followers wins!

Today Was the 73rd Anniversary of Lou Gehrig's Famous Farewell Speech

Today marks 73 years since Lou Gehrig gave his famous farewell speech to the game of baseball. A game he dearly, dearly loved. He had been diagnosed with ALS, and his loss of muscle control and reflexes were causing him to struggle in a game he has succeeded in for so long.

In 1939 few people knew anything about ALS, or what it was. In fact, Gehrig leaving baseball finally shed some light on the debilitating disease so people actually started referring to ALS as 'Lou Gehrig's disease'. It was a disease where nobody knew how you contracted it, there was no treatment, there was no cure.

Here we are 73 years later and people still don't know much about it. There is still no treatment, and still no cure. I urge you all to do a search on ALS and learn a little bit about just how devastating this disease is.

Unfortunately I know more about it than I ever wanted to as my mom was diagnosed with ALS in September 2010.

Today is one of those days where I just can't bring myself to talk about it but I wouldn't have felt right to have the entire day go by without remembering Lou Gehrig and toasting him for his bravery. He may have played for the most evil team ever to grace the face of the earth, but I have nothing but respect and admiration for him.

Here's to you Lou. May you Rest in Peace.

Project 10 {Week 4}

Source: itstheskinny.tumblr.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Last week I struggled a bit, and was feeling disappointed I didn't notice any change in the way my clothes fit, even though I had lost five pounds. This week, while also a huge struggle, things turned around slightly. Who knew that photo above would ring true? 

In the fourth week of this challenge towards overall health and wellness I noticed a change in the way a pair of pants fit! 


You know how women's clothes sometimes have a hidden inside button, as well out the outer one? Well this particular pair of pants was fitting great everywhere except around my waist. When I wore them a couple of weeks ago, I did not secure the inside button (I actually rarely do this) and I actually had to undo the outer button while I was sitting at work. I had to secure my pants with a paper clip *gasp* because I was so uncomfortable! Yesterday I wore those same pants and not only did I not need the paperclip, I was able to secure the inner button as well! It was a little change on the outside, but huge for my mentality! So if it only takes another four weeks for friends and family to start noticing I'm getting healthier and losing some weight then bring it on! 

Of course, that means I need to continue what I've been doing, as well as stepping it up a bit to see results. I haven't been doing great towards my goals. 

• Juicing: I honestly don't remember if I juiced or not this past week, which probably means I didn't. That's bad. Especially since I have a fridge full of fresh fruits and vegetables
• Drink more water: This one I'm pretty much rocking! I did have some punch at a baby shower and a small Coffee Oreo Coolata from Dunkin' Donuts, but otherwise water, water, water. I am actually craving plain old water now, which I NEVER thought possible!
• Plan meals better: Nope. That was even a mini-goal from last week, it still hasn't happened
• Incorporate more Organic Foods into our diet: YES! SH has also been awesome at picking up organic fruits and veggies for me. He's even checked out a CSA that we're thinking about joining
• Get more sleep: No! I've been doing HORRIBLE with this, including now. It's after 11pm, I need to get to bed
• Stretch more: I haven't been stretching my legs, but have been doing a good job with my back
• Core exercise: Nada
• Walk more: Only one walk with SH and Spike this week
• Less stress: Bwahhahahahahaha. That's all I can really say about that right now
• Lose 10+ lbs: I am down 6.8 pounds! I'm well on my way to meeting, and exceeding, my 10 lb goal! This past week I lost 1.6 lbs, which is exactly the same amount as the week before (strange). I wasn't expecting any loss (thanks, Aunt Flo) but was presently surprised when I stepped on the scale this morning! I'm worried this week it's going to catch up with me. The past two days (besides drinking water) I've thrown all reality of healthy living out the window. I'm blaming the holiday, but I know it's no excuse

I'd have to say, my biggest win this week was resisting the ridiculously amazing looking cupcakes at the baby shower I went to. That may not seem like a lot, but man did I want one! I also know I could have indulged a bit, but I also knew I was going out to dinner that night and restaurant food is never as healthy as cooking at home. So, yeah for resisting!

What were your wins this week? 

If you want to learn more about Project 10, here are my previous posts: 

• Project 10 {Overview}
• Project 10 {Week 1}
• Project 10 {Weeks 2 & 3}

Thanks for following - I do hope you'll link up any of your healthy posts, recipes etc from the past week below.

Make This Holiday Special By Winning $100!

4th of July is my favorite holiday. I love the warm weather, the fireworks, the cookouts and the parades. There are no presents to buy or big meals to stress over. It's a time to celebrate our country's birthday in a fun, laid back manner. 

To make this holiday even more exciting I have a special giveaway to announce:

$100 Amazon Gift Card Special FLASH Giveaway!!!

Enter to win Tues 7/3 9:00 PM EST - Wed 7/4 Midnight EST

 

A few awesome Bloggers have teamed up to give you a $100 Amazon Gift Card*! We believe in quick, small, and easy giveaways. Our giveaways only have a few entries to fill out and you will know if you win in just a couple of hours! 

This giveaway starts tonight (Tuesday 7/3) at 9:00 PM EST and ends tomorrow (Wednesday 7/4) night at Midnight EST, so you have 27-hours to enter. Good luck, I REALLY want someone from my site to win!

*NOTE: You can choose PayPal CASH in substitution of the Amazon GC.

 

Here are our wonderful participating sites for this flash Giveaway!! You should  make sure to check them out when you have time.

Mama Luvs Books

Emptynester Reviews

Building Carpenters 

Mommy's Memorandum

Couponing 4 You 

Mama Goes Bam

Lady And The Blog

Sweepstakes Mama

Miki's Hope 

Mom Does Reviews

The Wonderful Things in Life 

Enchanted Savings

Coupon Nurse

Full Price? Never! 

Mom Generations 

Africa's Blog 

Teethe Me

The Deals and More

Soxy's Diamond 

Powered By Mom

Sarah's Blog of Fun 

Mom To Bed By 8  

Mommy Guru 

Have a wonderful 4th of July Holiday!!!!

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Disclaimer: I did not receive monetary compensation for posting this giveaway, I just like to share awesome giveaways with you. Mama Luvs Books is responsible for prize fulfillment. Good luck, I hope one of my followers wins!