21-Day Weight Loss Kickstart

As I have mentioned before, the big 5-0 is approaching. And as many can agree, we gain those few (or many) extra pounds that don't go away. I am here to tell ya, I am no exception. At the start of the year, because my depression over my sister's death, instead of 30 pounds, I needed to lose 40 pounds. I could stand to lose more, but let's keep it real. With a 40 pound loss, I would be considerably healthier.
Yes, I am big boned and yes, I can carry my weight well. But who are we kidding, I need to lose weight. I am not big on diets. And less on exercise. But I know 2 truths are constant in losing the extra pounds. EAT LESS and MOVE MORE! That is the only sure way to lose those love handles. Or is it??

I received the book 21-Day Weight Loss Kickstart by Neil D. Barnard, M.D. And like every person who has to lie flat on the bed to zip their pants, I saw the brass ring...21 -DAY! My first thought was what is this gimmick? A cleanse, a starvation,or the magical .com site that sends you their magical dietary cardboard. But this book wasn't any of those.

We have all heard the magic word - metabolism. Surprise, it's not low...you are probably starving it. This book goes into the types of foods we should be eating to become healthier. It does not focus on calories or exercise. But doesn't that go against what I thought were the weight loss rules. This book basically revolves around a vegan diet.

Stop the BBQ! I am a meat and potato girl from Montana. We eat meat! But in order to give this book a fair review, I thought I'll give it a try. In 1 week I lost 10 pounds. Did I follow the diet and recipes exactly? No. Did I exercise? No. I can hardly believe it! I did try to cut out all animal products, but remember the MT girl? I couldn't go cold turkey. (No pun intended)I ate very little meat and I am pleased with the results. I have used the advise of the book and have used fiber to feel full. And substituted the animal products with healthier protein choices.

I have tried so many new foods in the past week. Soy yogurt has so much more flavor but it is a sharp contrast to regular yogurt. So stick with it. Almond milk is really very good. Now almond cheese on the other hand keeps me longing for our wonderful Tillamook cheese. But in small quantities,grated on whatever legumes I tried that day, it works quite well. In all honesty, I said that I didn't exercise, but I did have more energy and did walk more.


Overall, it is still a matter of willpower to shed those extra pounds. But this book gives you the proverbial 'food for thought', without the prerequisite of a degree in nutritional science. My goal is to embrace 21-Day Weight Loss Kickstart as of April 1st. I will keep you posted. Looking forward to a leaner me!
Category:HEALTH & FITNESS
Format:HARDCOVER BOOK
Publish Date:2/28/2011
Price:$25.99/$28.99
ISBN:9780446583817
Pages:368
Size:6" x 9"
I received this book from The Hachette Book Group for my honest review.

One To Grow On! Kids Audio Stories Review

One To Grow On! audio stories for kids by Trenna Daniells are absolutely charming cd sets that every parent should have. Grandparents too! Your child will want them all.

My children are grown with kids of their own. And I have the pleasure of being able to spend a considerable amount of time with them. I know how important reading is to children. But I am human and sometimes it is easier to let them watch that cartoon on tv or let them play 1 more video game when you're trying to get dinner on or any other necessary task. But with these cd's, we as parents can stop beating ourselves up.

There are 4 sets in the One To Grow On series. The series is color coded, which enables proper storage if you own more than 1 set. Each set consists of 4 stories on 2 cd's. Each set/color teaches a fundamental value, from exploring change to acceptance and how to be better people. The stories are told so that children find them fun and intriguing. Learning valuable lessons can be fun and Trenna Daniells does this with these stories.

My 4 year old grand daughter loves the stories. Her mom put one of the cd's in on a recent drive. Mom wasn't sure that Alexis was really getting anything out of the story. But she was shocked. Alexis was able to recite what was happening in the story. Kids love to listen to the stories. She wanted 'Mawka' to hurry up with them so she could have her stories back.

As well as offering the highest recommendation for these One To Grow On stories, this review is to let Alexis hear her stories again. Check here to listen. You'll be glad you did.

American Diabetes Association - Stop Diabetes: American Diabetes Association Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test

American Diabetes Association - Stop Diabetes: American Diabetes Association Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test

I encourage all of you to take this test. It takes a minute for the test. Type 2 Diabetes CAN be controlled. I know I am risk because there is so much Type 1 in my family.

Are you at risk?

"For Good" - A Love Song To My Sister

Amazing what you find on youtube. This is a cover of "For Good" from the musical Wicked. The duet is by Sam Tsui & Nick Pitera. Nothing beats the original with Kristen Chenowith and Idina Menzel.

I was fortunate enough to see the Broadway performance of Wicked. I recommend the show to everyone. This song is very special to me because it was a song my sister and I dedicated to each other. The words said everything we felt about each other. This song has always tugged at my heart and now it hurts when I listen because My sister died 3 months ago. This song is for you, Jo.
YouTube - "For Good" Wicked (cover) Sam Tsui & Nick Pitera duet

EPBOT: The One Man Disney Movie

This is so awesome!!! Such talent!!!

EPBOT: The One Man Disney Movie

Hope Gala : Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International

Please check out this event. Type 1 Diabetes has had a huge impact in my life and I am sure there are many of you who have been touched by this disease. If you live in the pacific northwest, put this on your calendar.

Hope Gala : Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International

GLEE Bandwagon Here I Come!

OK. Everyone has heard of the FOX Network hit Glee. I have seen the show a few times and it has been enjoyable. It hasn't been one of those shows that I HAVE TO WATCH. But there have been a few. Can we say Rocky Horror!

But my daughter is a huge fan! And she made me listen to this song. I LOVE IT!
Especially in today's society when we are bombarded with reports of bullying. Kids every where are being persecuted because they are different and considered losers. These kids on Glee are considered losers because they are in a glee club and have taken their share of hard knocks because of their individuality.

Please take a moment to listen to the words of this song. It is an upbeat song that speaks to all about the label of being called a "Loser". This 'line steppin, country luvin grandma can't get the song out of my head.



Different doesn't make us losers. Thinking you are better than everybody does.

BuildASign.com Review

I was so exited to be contacted by Melissa at BuildASign BuildASign.com. I was offered a personalized item of my choice to review. Well, since I am organizing a family reunion, I thought this was a no brainer. I ordered the 3' x 5' banner.


And WOW!!! It is perfect.

I love the easy to use design tool. I went to Vinyl Banners and the design tool let me construct my banner with my own logo that I designed for the reunion. Be prepared to adjust your image when you order a large item, such as a banner. Melissa at BuildASign was extremely helpful. She notified me of the need to readjust the pixels on my design in order to view a clear image on my banner.In reality, so many companies don't care after you click that submit button.

The banner is made of a very durable vinyl. It has grommets on both the top and bottom corners for easily securing the banner when using. As a mom, everything goes through the "kid" test. I let the grand kids tug and pull till they are tired. The banner survived better than the kids.

There are so many products available. Whether you are an artist or a dreamer, with the versatile design tool, the designer in you is easy to find. Be sure to check out BuildASign.com. I strongly recommend them for all of your sign printing needs.

Meeting New Family

I had the wonderful experience of meeting new family members. Doug and Patty are my 2nd cousins. Their father was my maternal Grandmother's brother.

Doug, myself, and Patty

Meeting them and learning about more of the family from them has renewed my search in this family line. I have been helping put together a reunion on my maternal Grandfather's side of the family. I still have more info to find on Grandma's side of the family.

Posing with Doug and Patty's family.

Researching family history is such a rewarding experience. I grew up most of my life not knowing any extended family. I wish that I had started this process many years ago. It would have been so much easier to get facts from the people who lived the stories. I use ancestry.com for my research. At this point, I have over 850 people on my family tree. I recommend that everyone take an interest in their personal family tree. It is amazing what you can learn about your family.

L to R Grandma, Mawka, Grandpa Doc, Uncle Bob

Front Uncle Del, Aunt Jean

Scrap Book Layouts

I LOVE to scrapbook! I have been working on some layouts to put on ETSY.

I hope you enjoy them.

Check out my new crafting blog to see more!

Crafts By A Mother's Touch

The Chasm Book Review

The Chasm - A Journey to the Edge of Life by Randy Alcorn was not what I expected. Or rather not what I expected from Randy Alcorn.

The story is a timeless tale of our physical life's journey toward our spiritual everlasting life in heaven. Although I completely enjoyed the the imagery of the tale and the unique perspective of good verses evil and choosing the right path, I was expecting a suspenseful and a considerably more complex story.

The story is of Nick Seagrave beginning his journey toward “the distant shining city”, Charis. In order to get there, he needs to find the way across a huge chasm that lies between him and the city. He travels with Shadrach, a classic take on hard work and difficult path until he meets Joshua. Joshua offers the "easy" road. And Nick's struggle begins.

The book is enjoyable. I believe it will be enjoyed more by the new follower of Alcorn's writing. I think those who have read several of Alcorn's books might feel let down. The Chasm is a fresh approach to taking the right path.

I received the book, The Chasm, free for review from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group

Stride Everyday Review and Giveaway

Last week I was given the privilege of trying a new product called Stride Everyday. Stride Everyday is an undergarment that provides discreet, extra protection against embarrassing leaks. This product is revolutionary as the extra protection is sewn into the underwear.


Stride Everyday was developed by Wendy Spencer. She suffered with embarrassing leakage all her life. Pregnancy and childbirth worsened her condition. Even the simple changes in her body as she grew older worsened her condition. Wendy looked for a solution to the problem that was better than bulky pads. Something that was more comfortable and more environmentally friendly.

The patented OQUOS technology behind Stride Everyday is unique. The top microfiber layer wicks away moisture. The second layer works at deodorizing and preventing odors and absorbs the moisture. The bottom layer prevents leaks. The amazing Thing about the OQUOS technology is that it can absorb a full ounce of liquid.

There are perfectly comfortable for regular wear. They look and feel pretty.

There are several styles available:

•French Cut Brief
•Mid-Rise Brief
•Seamless
•Sport Bikini
•Lace Thong

I personally have the lacy thong. And any woman who wears a thong knows the discomfort in trying to use a liner of any kind. The fact that the extra protection is sewn into the panty provides a very comfortable fit and feel. I am excited to get myself more of these. I have stopped running over the years because of my problem with leakage. As a honest testament to these panties, they worked great when took them out for a run. I think most women will want to have these as a part of their wardrobe.

You can purchase Stride Everyday on their website . Right now, you can save 30% on orders over $35. This offer expires on March 31,2011. Use the code STRIDE818

IT'S A GIVEAWAY
Also, the generous folks at Stride Everyday have offered to give one of my readers their choice of Stride Everyday panties. Here's how to enter.

Mandatory: Along with following my blog on Google Friend Connect, visit Stride Everyday and tell me what style you would like to receive.

Increase your odds:

2 Entries: Follow me on Twitter and tweet this giveaway, you may TWEET daily for 1 extra bonus entry each day

2 Entries: Simply click the 'like' button on A Mother's Touch Facebook Page and comment a fact about Stride Everyday

1 Entry: Follow Stride Everyday on Twitter

1 Entry: Post on your blog/website about the giveaway and comment with the link , you may post daily for 1 extra bonus entry each day.

This giveaway is open to both US and Canada. The start date is 3/2/11 and the end date is 3/15/11 at 11:59 pm Pacific time. No purchase necessary – void where prohibited by law. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to notification with shipping info and claim prize – if no response, another winner will be chosen . Prize provided by the giveaway sponsor. No monetary compensation received.

A Conversation with God for Women Book Review

"If you could ask God any question, what would it be?" The book A Conversation with God for Women written by Marcia Ford answers that question. The author puts you in a round table conversation to ask God, as well as the input of several influential women of the bible, 55 questions that are relative to our spiritual and physical lives.

The single thing that I enjoyed most about this book, was that it was non-denominational. I grew up Catholic...12 years of Catholic school. At times, you feel like you are doing what you do out of habit and not with a real purpose. I believe your spiritual life should have a purpose. The book helps to make that point. Marcia Ford asks the questions that are relative to women in our daily lives. Not just questions about the bible and prayer, but of relationships and families and forgiveness.

I believe that this is a book for everyone. Those strong in faith can benefit by the book. To reaffirm your faith and beliefs is always a good thing. Those who feel like they are in spiritual limbo will benefit as well. In the book, God is very clear that your relationship with him is between you and him. For those who are searching, this is definitely a book to read. It covers the basics principles that seem to be the first thing to scare people off like church and prayer. And does it in such a way that you feel you want God in your life.

A Conversation with God for Women is a well written dialogue between you and your best friend. The note section at the end of the book offers scripture to enhance each question. I believe this book would make a wonderful reference guide for any women's group. I give this book 5 stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255