As a mom – I of course am constantly fighting those few pounds that get added with each child. So for me, with three boys, I am fighting more like 15 (or 30 but whose nitpicking, right?). As soon as I read the description for this workout DVD I was on board. The thing that grabbed me right off is that it is an attainable goal. I have talked to all before about setting attainable goals – like 5 pounds in a few weeks – to be more successful. The huge astronomical goals are never going to happen because you will always feel as though it is too much and give up. But if you set smaller manageable goals you are more apt to reach them. You can read more about that concept in my article,

My Review

Back to the DVD, which was a real butt-kicker!! But in an absolutely awesome way! I was totally impressed by the fun and intense get to it vibe Lindsay puts on film. Sometimes when you watch a workout video you just don’t want to do. All you see is a bunch of hard bodies bouncing around with endless energy. These gals are definitely in great shape, but they look like normal people, which is encouraging. I also like the variations offered, for people at different skill levels. As an aerobics instructor, I always like to include different levels for people not just of different ability but different moods on a particular day. Because let’s face, even if you are able to drag yourself to the gym and show up doesn’t mean you have the energy to give it 1000% every single time. It is okay to just go through the motions every once in a while. In this sort of situation it is more important to just keep the workout time in your routine, then to overwork yourself.

All in all, I really enjoyed this video and think it would be a great addition to any woman’s workout DVD Library. Lindsay has very graciously agreed to offer each of you 20% off your own purchase of the Lindsay Brin Shed 5 Fast DVD. Simply click the coupon and you are on your way!

Product Description

Workout 1
Warm-up: 3 minutes
3/3 Intervals: 24 minutes
Cool-down: 3 minutes

Workout 2
Warm-up: 3 minutes
3/3 Intervals: 24 minutes
Cool-down: 3 minutes

Did five extra pounds sneak up on you in your busy life? Lose 5 pounds fast with Lindsay’s Weight Loss methods. These two total-body workouts balance toning exercises with bursts of energetic cardio for maximum fat burning in only 30 minutes. This interval training is the most efficient way to burn calories, and two different workouts ensure you won’t hit a plateau during the six week program.

You’ll lose five pounds or more in just the first three weeks with this Weight Loss fitness DVD! Lindsay Brin uses the 3/3 interval method for the most effective fat burning workout – 3 minutes of toning using multiple muscle groups to boost metabolism, and 3 minutes of martial arts/kickboxing to melt fat in exercises that are simple and effective. Follow your level- beginner, intermediate or advanced, or step up your program to advanced as you start to see results.

To lose 5 pounds even faster make sure you use Moms Into Fitness Weight Loss Plan in addition to the Shed 5 Fast Workouts. Also found on our home page.
Equipment needed:
1-2 sets of weights, optional mat

Disclaimer: I did recieve my own copy of this DVD from Lindsay Brin in conjunction with MamaBuzz, but I was in no other way compenstated to publish this post. These are real and honest opinions.

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Recent studies have shown that more and more children are coming into their first dental check up with cavities and gum disease than ever before. There are many factors at play – diet, hygiene, beverage consumption, etc. And, more and more counties, cities and states are no longer adding fluoride to you drinking water. This means you must find another source entirely. I know as a mother, I am always wondering if I am doing right by my children, making sure they have all the nutrients as well as teaching them healthy and life long habits.

Decay is Preventable

Unfortunately most dental insurance companies will not cover regular check-up for children until they are at least 4 years old, unless a medical doctor requests the referral. This means that it is up to the parents and the pediatrician to make sure that the infant’s teeth are developing in a healthy pattern. According to the First Impression Clinics of Wisconsin “Decay in baby teeth can progress rapidly if left untreated. Infants can suffer pain, infections and difficulty with chewing. Infants acquire cavity-causing bacteria from drinking bottles, nursing, sucking on toys, from adults who blow on their food, and sharing a drink.”

 Curious about your child’s likelihood of Cavities? Use the Cavity Predictor on the First Impressions Website.

Infant Dental Care Does Matter

Right from the beginning you should use a wet and clean wash cloth to rub down your child’s gums twice a day. This will help remove bacteria as well as get them used to the sensation of having their teeth brushed. Dr. Tom Turner – president of the Wisconsin Society of Pediatric Dentistry – feels that “The most unsettling myth many parents believe is that baby teeth don’t matter because they are not permanent. ‘This is absolutely incorrect,’ says Dr. Turner. ‘Baby teeth pave the way for adult teeth. Tooth decay in baby teeth can enter the underlying bone structure. If the baby teeth fall out too early, there can be major problems for the subsequent permanent teeth.’” Once the first tooth shows you should switch from the washcloth to a soft bristled tooth brush. But still brush over the entire mouth, not just the tooth.

Quick Note on Fluoride

You have probably noticed that lots of children’s toothpastes’ advertise “Fluoride-Free”. I know I was confused by this, because don’t we need fluoride for healthy teeth. The simple answer is yes we do. However, fluoride can be very tough on the stomach, especially on a child’s. And until children have the full technique of spitting out all of the toothpaste, it is better use fluoride-free toothpaste, to avoid an upset tummy later.

The Intake Effects the Outcome

The things your child eats and drinks will directly effect the health of their teeth. You want be sure that your children get enough calcium rich foods as well as the entire balanced diet as advised by the USDA’s Food Pyramid (www.mypyriad.gov). You also want to limit the number/amount of sugary drinks, this means drinks that are high in carbohydrates that can turn to the acid that breaks down tooth enamel. And of course try to limit the number of sweets, especially hard candies, that essentially coat the teeth in damaging acids. Try to ween your child from the bottle as early as is logical – but no later than 24 months.

 The most important concept I hope you take away from this is that your children need to brush their teeth at least twice a day for at least 1 minutes until the age of 8 when it needs to increase to 2 minutes.

For more tips and information about children’s dental care visit First Impressions Dental’s Best Care Website

Disclaimer: I was in no way compensated to publish this post.

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Did you know that cases of food poisoning actually increase in the summer months in the US? There are two main culprits: 1. eating at outdoor picnics where the food is not always keep at appropriate temperature and 2. Eating questionable restaurants while on vacation. Furthermore, young children are even more susceptible to not only getting food poisoning but suffering more as a result. Here are few key things to keep an eye on in either situation.

What is food poisoning?

Food poisoning is one of the most difficult of the common ailments to diagnosis. Mostly because it can be caused by a variety of things – bacteria, parasites, viruses, and other toxins. But essentially it is a result of ingesting food that contains one of these unsavory items. Common symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps. Some specific forms of food poisoning have their own symptoms, like salmonella is usually accompanied by fever. Children tend to be more intensely affected by food poisoning, manily because their stomachs are just not strong enough to combat the bugs. If you are pregnant you also want to be very careful. These bugs can occasionally have especially adverse affects on an already delicate stomach.

Eating at Outdoor Picnics/BBQs

There are two main players in the backyard food poisoning game.

1. Food not kept at temperature. Often people will set out all the food in original containers and/or bowls and leave it all sitting out throughout the event. Things like potato salad, fresh meats, dipping sauces, fruits and most vegetables will begin to go bad after about an hour at temperatures that are too high. This is when they start to breed the bacteria that cause food poisoning. Additionally, flies and other bugs may land on the food, leaving all sorts of icky stuff behind.  So how do you avoid this sort of thing? Well for starters get food tents to place over the food, to keep flying and crawling things out. Then you can double bowl the perishables with ice in the bottom bowl to keep the food cool enough. If you plan to leave the food out for an extended period of time, make sure you keep the ice refreshed.
2. Undercooked meat is another offender.  When cooking on the grill, many people tend to under cook meats, especially chicken. It is important to invest in a quality food thermometer, for any cook, but especially for grilling meats. A quick tip – when checking the temperature you always want to reach the middle of the cut of meat, but stay away from the bone. The bone will be hotter than the meat and give you an inaccurate reading. You want to be sure that meat is cooked to the appropriate temperature.

Poultry – 165deg

Pork – 160deg

Ground Meat – 165deg

Eating Out on Vacation

Sure we all love to be adventurous when we are on vacation. I know my family and I like to try new things, especially if it is totally unique to the location. But you have to be careful. Not to be prejudice but some locales and even entire countries do not have the same health regulation that we do. There are few things to keep in mind when eating in questionable places. If it looks or smells funny – other than just different – pass on it. There are very few edible foods that have a grey tinge to them and the smell of rotten food is very recognizable. However, many foods that are contaminated will still look totally normal. Try to find a moderately clean place – this means clean dishes, utensils, and drinking cups. Only drink the water if you are sure it is safe, water can carry a myriad of bacteria and parasites. And go with your gut to protect it. If you aren’t too sure, then pass, especially if you have children with you.

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Water safety is a big issue in my family. It’s always been important, but last year we really got a chance to see just how important it is. You see, my oldest son almost drowned in a boating accident last year. He survived only because he was wearing a life jacket. We were out boating when my husband and son jumped into the lake for a quick swim. The waves picked up so I went to turn the boat around to go pick them up – but the boat wouldn’t start. The starter on the boat had gone bad. Within minutes, I watched as my husband and son floated so far out in the water that I could no longer see them.

They were in the water for well over an hour before the coast guard found them and by then, my son’s body temperature was so low that he had to be rushed by ambulance to the nearest hospital – all while I was still stranded on the lake watching the ambulance drive away. I was told later that if his body temperature had gone down another 5 degrees or so, he wouldn’t have survived. The fact that they both had life jackets on is the only thing that kept them alive in rough waters long enough to be rescued.

It was a scary experience and it still gives me nightmares. Today, I’m signing up my two oldest children for swimming lessons so they can be as prepared as possible for an emergency in the water.

It’s one thing, however, for me to understand water safety. It’s another thing entirely to make sure my kids understand. My son won’t go near water without his life jacket now but there are many other aspects of water safety that all children need to be reminded of. Disney and Underwriters Laboratories have put out a great video about water safety that is designed with kids in mind. It features Pumbaa and Timon from The Lion King and talks about water safety in a way that is entertaining and easy for kids to understand.

I’d highly recommend watching the Safety Smarts video with your kids and talking about the basics of water safety before we get too deeply into summer. All three of my kids sat and watched the video all the way through. My kids are really good about trying to do whatever they need to do to stay safe. If I arm them with a little bit of information they definitely remember it.

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Underwriters Laboratories. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

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Did you miss out on this week’s #MomStorm Twitter Party?

Welcome to the Twitter AFTER Party!

This week we were lucky to have Becky Rasmussen – a Certified Child Birth Educator (CBE) and mother of seven – join our twitter party. She has coached more than a thousand expectant parents on effective birthing and fitness.The main topic of this week’s party was how to prepare for a healthy childbirth.
Here are the highlights from the MyBirthClass Perfectly Prepared Twitter Party:

Top Tips provided by Participants:

1. HotMamaGowns Lots of visualization of the birth I wanted, building the confidence in MYSELF that I could do this-my body was made 2 do this
2. MyBirthClass @busymommymedia Water aerobics are an excellent way to get the baby off your back and remove the forces of gravity
3. Chroniclescrib I also did acupuncture the last few weeks last time and LOVED it! If nothing else it helped me relax
4. EvergreenMomma water, water and more water. Only shop the perimeter of the store (fruits, veggies, dairy, protein).
5. @busymommymedia Humor is one of my favorite coping techniques in labor, but laughing hurts during a contraction
6. @hotmamagowns: Q4: Things to build stamina; swimming if possible, breathing exercises walking and pampering is ALWAYS warranted

Other Interesting Things We Discussed:

Ten years ago Harvard medical studies proved that our due dates are supposed to be 8 days later than we calculate them to be
Remember, your bodies were divinely built to do this work we call Labor.
Trouble sleeping? Improve sleep w/intercourse before bed. Male semen contains hormones that induce deep states of REM…as well as natural antibiotics
I encourage you to avoid induction and C-Section unless absolutely medically necessary. You’ll heal so much faster.

Huge Congrats to our prize winners!

Winner of the prenatal cardio and toning DVD set from @MyBirthClass was @mstyle10

The winner of the birth options audio CD from @MyBirthClass was @mgmommy0930
@Chroniclescrib was the winner of the prenatal Nutrition & Relaxation & Pain Management Audio CDs from @MyBirthClass
The winner of the All About Labor DVD from @MyBirthClass was @HotMamaGowns
The winner of the post partum recover CD from @MyBirthClass was @RaisingOlives
@kathyluman was the winner of the Common Concerns & Discomforts Audio CD from @MyBirthClass
The winner of the All About Labor DVD from @MyBirthClass was @sweetone624

For a limited time you can get Perfectly Prepared for half price at www.mybirthclass.com/MomMedia6
Want to know how can you win cool prizes? By coming back to Busy Mommy Media for the next #MomStorm Twitter Party and RSVP on the linky below the details. Remember you must be RSVP’ed to be eligible for the prizes at each party. And don’t worry, you can RSVP right up to the party time and still be eligible!

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School’s out and your family is no doubt planning on heading out of town at some point before it starts again. Whether it is a weekend trip to the woods for camping, or a cross-country road trip there are some basics you might want to keep in mind before heading out on your vacation.

Who Are You?

No matter if it is a weekend trip to the coast or a two week jaunt to Mexico, you need to have all the appropriate identification. And not just for yourself but for your spouse and children as well. If you are leaving the country at all, everyone needs a passport. And this is something you need to obtain well in advance as it can take several weeks to arrive after completing the application process. If you are leaving the state you live in you may want to care certified copies of your children’s birth certificates, especially if your spouse won’t be joining you and definitely if you are not married to the child’s other parent. If you will be traveling by car, be sure to contact your insurance company and square up your cover. Make sure that you have your most current insurance verification card and add any coverage that might be necessary when crossing state and country lines.

Where are you going?

Do some research before you head out. Even if it is an “all-inclusive” trip, find out exactly what that means. If is better to over plan your trip then not have everything you need. Also you might want to find some extra activities that you can turn to if something doesn’t go as planned. For example, it would be awful to arrive at a museum you had planned to visit only to find it closed for renovation and now you don’t have a plan B. Also keep in mind the weather and climate of your desitination and pack accordingly. And lastly, if you are leaving the country check with your doctor about any vaccination s/he would advise you and your family to obtain.

How are you getting there?

If you are traveling by car, remember to take it in for a “once-over”. Many auto shops give a free vehicle inspection with an oil change. Some key things to have checked are the tread and pressure of your tires, all the fluid levels of your engine (oil, coolant, transmission, brake fluid, etc.), your alignment and finally all of your lights.

If you are traveling by plane, carefully read all of the fine print from the airline. There have a been a rather large amount of changes to typical flights so you want to be prepared. Each airline has their own rules about number, weight and dimensions of luggage. You also want to check on the proper procedures of bring child seats and/or stollers. Additionally, you will want to check the specific airports that you will be using for proper security procedures, each is likely to be slightly different.

A few more miscellaneous points

• Be sure to bring enough of any daily medications to last twice as long as your trip. You never know what might happen. Also it is best to carry all medications in the original packages it was prescribed in, clearly labeled by the pharmacy.
• If your children have a lovey that is small enough to travel, bring it. It will make nights away from home easier.
• Bring small items (toys, travel games, books) for your children to be entertained by during the “in-between” times, like waiting in airport or riding in the car.
• Make sure that at least one person back home has a specific itinerary of your trip. They should know when you are leaving and when to expect you back as well as the best way to contact you should something happen with your home.

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The sun is shining, the days are hot and if you aren’t careful your skin is burning! Sunscreen and/or Sunblock application is a very important daily ritual, all year-round, but especially in the summertime! But how do you know which to choose, how often to use it and what is really the point. Here are some basics.

SunBLOCK versus SunSCREEN

It really comes down to a simple variation. Both work to prevent over-exposure to the sun’s rays, they just each use different means. Sunblock, as you guess, actually blocks, or reflects the UV rays from your skin, preventing exposure to the harmful rays. Sunscreen absorbs the UV rays so that they don’t reach your skin. Since both, “actively” work to reduce exposure to the sun, you need to follow the bottle’s directions regarding how often to reapply. Essentially as the cream does it’s job it get’s “used up” so reapplication is imperative to insure continued coverage.
As for which to choose, it really is a preference than anything else. You just want to be sure that you and your whole family put on sunscreen everyday, even if you won’t be sitting in the sun all day, if you are going outside you need to put it on, especially in summertime.

What is the Point?

It seems you can’t read a single magazine or what any of those health-related television shows without someone urging sunscreen use. Shoot, I am doing it right now. Well there are two very important reasons: Skin Cancer Prevention and Anti-aging.
According to the American Cancer Society, Skin Cancer is the number one most common form of cancer found in Americans. Fortunately it is also one of the easiest forms of cancer to prevent as well as catch early. Skin cancer is caused by over-exposure to UV rays (the rays from the sun). So it goes to reason, that adequate Sunscreen/block usage will do lots to prevent skin cancer formation. For more information on how to prevent, as well as what signs to look for please visit the American Cancer Society’s Website at www.cancer.org
As for the skin aging ramifications, it has been proven that at least 80% of the visual signs of aging on the skin is caused by UV exposure on the skin. Basically, collagen cannot withstand the effects of the sun. Collagen is what keeps our skin “perky” and smooth. Once collagen is damaged, there is much debate about whether is can be repaired. But most the of research leans towards the notion that it cannot be repaired, it is better to provide protection the try to fix the damage after. What this all boils down to is the fact that extended sun exposure results in lots of wrinkles!

As an aside, sunglasses are also very important. You want to find a pair that really block out the sun, as UV rays have adverse affects on your eyes as well. The brightness alone can have long-term negative effects on your eyes’ ability to focus.

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When I first told my mom that my husband and I would not be taking any child birthing classes to prepare for the baby, she acted like I was from an alternate universe. I tried to explain that with all the DVDS and other information sources that are available these days, we just didn’t see the need.

What I should have done is told her about the Perfectly Prepared: Prenatal Birthing & Fitness DVD/CD set from MyBirthClass and I guarantee she would have seen my reasoning.  This 8-disc set features everything parents-to-be need to know about prenatal birthing, fitness and even post partum recovery.

Created by Becky Rasmussen, a Certified Child Birth Educator (CBE) and mother of seven, this extensive series includes DVDS that cover Prenatal Yoga, Prenatal Cardio, Prenatal Toning and All about Labor. Perfectly Prepared also includes Audio CDs that dive into Prenatal Nutrition, Relaxation & Pain Management, Common Concerns & Solutions and Postpartum Recovery.

Everything is broken down nicely in this 8-disc set so you can watch and/or listen on your own time, at your own pace. I especially loved the Postpartum Recovery CD since I’m a week out from my due date, and that has been on my mind a lot lately. On this disc, Becky takes you through all the things you should expect once you’ve delivered your precious baby. Topics include what happens to your body, mood swings, how to stay healthy after labor, and more.

The series also provides information on both natural and medically supported birthing techniques so you can make an informed decision.

The fitness DVDS look easy to follow; but honestly at nine months along I am having enough trouble getting off the couch, let alone trying to do an entire workout. I wish I had known about these DVDS earlier on in the pregnancy – especially Prenatal Toning.

So if you are looking for an alternative to a child birthing class, I would definitely recommend picking up Perfectly Prepared: Prenatal Birthing & Fitness. This all-encompassing set will not only help you prepare for child birth, but also educate you about the process, help you make informed decisions, keep you healthy, and let you know what to expect post partum.

Enter to Win

Enter to win prenatal yoga DVD from MyBirthclass.

This giveaway is open to the U.S. only and will end on July 1, 2010.

Visit MyBirthclass.com and make a comment on this post about why you think childbirth education is important to enter the giveaway.

Please see our site’s Terms and Conditions for a complete list of our contest and giveaway rules.

In compliance with the new FTC Guildlines, please note that this is a sponsored post.  I was given a set of Perfectly Prepared to review free of charge, however, I was not paid for the review and the opinions are my own.

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