Wednesday, July 30, 2014

20% Off at Label Daddy!!


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Save 20% on your entire Label Daddy order - this is the best discount available anywhere. Use code USFAMILY20 at checkout. Click HERE!


Down South Savings receives free products for review purposes, and may sometimes be compensated for posts. Posts may also contain affiliate (marketing) links . 




Monday, July 28, 2014

End of Nutrisystem Week 4: Measurement Time! #NSNation #ad

Disclosure: I am a part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. The below mentioned products were provided free of charge in exchange for my honest review. Please do not start any weight loss or diet regimen before consulting with your physician first.

Week 4 of Nutrisystem has came to an end and for once in my life, I am happy to hop on the scale on Monday mornings. This used to be a dreaded task therefore the 2 scales in my home were covered in dust. I've had a HUGE amount of support while on Nutrisystem. Not only my husband who is doing a weight loss program with me but my friends and family as well. 

Last week my weigh in was a little disappointing as I had gained 0.8 lbs. This week I was thrilled to see that I had lost 4 pounds exactly. From 191.4 last week to 187.4 this week. That is motivation within itself! Could I do more? YES! If I did a little more exercise I'm sure I could get a few more pounds a week off and that is definitely a goal. It's sometimes a challenge since my work schedule is so odd. 12 pm-12 am and when I'm not at that job I am busy working on the blog but this week I plan to try to get up a little earlier and get in a morning walk to help boost the weight loss process. 

Since starting Nutrisystem I've learned a lot about the foods I used to eat. 

1: If you take it away and replace it with healthier options, you don't crave it as much. 

2: When you do crave it and try it, it doesn't taste as good as it used too! I found this true with a Snickers bar. I REALLY wanted it and finally caved. I took one bite and it just wasn't what it was before. 

3. Just because it claims to be healthy, doesn't mean it is! I never watched calories before. I didn't eat a lot either BUT when I did eat, the choices I made were obviously not good ones. When you pay attention to the calories on the back, you might just be stunned at what you see! 

4. You can still have many of the things you had before, just in smaller portions. We were out shopping the other day and it took longer than I had planned. I didn't bring anything from home for lunch but I had my handy little "Eating Out Guide" from Nutrisystem. We stopped in Taco Bell and instead of getting my usual Nachos Bell Grande which is a whopping 760 calories, I grabbed a Chicken Gordita Supreme which is only 270 calories. I replaced my usual lunch with this and still had a hard time meeting my 1500-1799 calorie goal for the day. 

 Most all of the foods are pretty good. The ONLY thing I have really just not enjoyed and actually trashed was the Grilled Chicken Breast. Even with lettuce, tomato, and mustard there was no saving this dinner for me. 

My absolute favorites have been the Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast and the Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast. They were both delicious! I added a few of my favorite vegetables and had a delicious, filling meal.   

All in all, I am still completely satisfied with my program and am still so delighted that I was chosen to be one of the few bloggers accepted to participate!

Week 1 Measurements:


Top of Arms: 13 1/2 inches

Stomach: 43 1/2 inches
Chest Under breasts: 42 1/4
Chest area around breasts: 45 inches
Legs: (top) Left leg 24 inches Right Leg 25 inches
Legs: (calves) 14 inches
Beginning weight: 198.4 lbs

After Week 4 measurements:

Top of Arms: 12 inches
Stomach: 39 1/2
Chest Under Breasts: 36 1/2 inches
Chest area around breasts: 43 inches
Legs: (top) Left leg: 22 inches Right Leg: 23 inches
Calves: 14 inches

HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY!

First image is before Nutrisystem. Second image is today!



First image is before Nutrisystem. Second image is today!









Disclosure: I am a part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. The below mentioned products were provided free of charge in exchange for my honest review. Please do not start any weight loss or diet regimen before consulting with your physician first.

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

#ad Week 3 Nutrisystem Check In #NSNation

Disclosure: I am a part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. The below mentioned products were provided free of charge in exchange for my honest review. Please do not start any weight loss or diet regimen before consulting with your physician first.

I just finished week 3 of Nutrisystem. The time is flying by! This week I actually gained a little less than a pound. I'm not very happy about it but I figure that is to be expected from time to time. I'm pretty well dedicated to the program but there are times that I fall a little short of my 1500 calorie plan so that may be some of the problem. I spoke with my counselor this week and she highly recommends that I meet that at least 1500 per day but no more than 1799 so that is a goal that I am working very hard on. I'm definitely getting my water in each day though. I have a 24 oz water bottle that I refill at least 4 times per day so that really helps me. Another positive in my weight loss journey is that my husband is following along. He is doing healthy grocery store meals and adding in the Smart Carbs and Power Fuels that I do in between. He too gained a little this week after losing between 12 and 15 pounds the first 2 weeks. It's a great motivation when you have someone doing it with you! It's almost like a (friendly) challenge between he and I. 

Even though I gained a little weight, I've also gained a little knowledge. I'm learning so much about how important portion control is as is my husband. His starting weight was 268 pounds. He would eat at all times of the day and night but it was always too much of everything. My problem was the opposite. I didn't eat as much as I was supposed to, therefore my body held on to every calorie I did consume. I never really gained much weight but I wasn't losing it either until now. 

I can tell the most weight loss in my face, stomach and hands now. Before, there were times I could not get my wedding rings off. Now, not only can I get them off, I can put them on my middle finger comfortably! May be time for a sizing soon!

Overall I am still extremely pleased with my weight loss and the Nutrisystem Program and I'm still as motivated as week 1 to keep going! 


My starting weight: 198.4
Current Weight: 191.4

GAINED: 0.8 lbs
Lost: 4 inches around the waist

Beginning of program

After Week 2



Disclosure: I am a part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. The below mentioned products were provided free of charge in exchange for my honest review. Please do not start any weight loss or diet regimen before consulting with your physician first.

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Week 2 of Nutrisystem #NSNation #ad

Disclosure: I am a part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. The below mentioned products were provided free of charge in exchange for my honest review. Please do not start any weight loss or diet regimen before consulting with your physician first.

I just finished up my second week on Nutrisystem and so far so good! I am still sticking exclusively with the program and not having any regular foods other than the add ins that I am supposed to have. Is it easy? Not all the time. Especially when I am cooking for the kids. Sometimes I just want to sneak in a bowl of buttery mashed potatoes and I fought the urge for a Snickers bar at work for 4 days but I keep thinking of the end result. 

Being on the Nutrisystem program has really taught me a lot about portion control. There are many foods that I can eat as my add ins but I just have to measure out the portions. For instance, I bought a bag of pistashios that I would normally have gone in 2 days. It lasted me all of last week and there is still over a half a bag left just by simply watching my portions! 

Last week I lost 1.4 more pounds making a total of  7.8 pounds lost! Of course I'd like to see it come off a little faster but I know that is not healthy so I'm just taking it one week at a time. I can tell the biggest difference around my waist. I can breathe better, I am sleeping better and have more energy overall. It's amazing what a little weight loss can do for you! Best of all, I am eating healthier and working my way into a happier, healthier new me! I'm looking forward to week 3 and getting into adding a little more exercise other than my basic gardening, housework, and full time job. I hope you will follow me on the rest of my journey!

My starting weight: 198.4
Current Weight: 190.6
I am also happy to report that I have lost 2 inches around my waist!

Huge accomplishment for only being in week 2 of the program!

Beginning Photos: (excuse the mess around me, these were taken at work)


 

Today's Photos: One month ago, I could NOT fit into these shorts. Now I had to add another hole into my belt! Again, excuse the background, these were taken at work. 








Disclosure: I am a part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. The below mentioned products were provided free of charge in exchange for my honest review. Please do not start any weight loss or diet regimen before consulting with your physician first.

Monday, July 14, 2014

#SparkleWithDasani and you could win a Sparkling Getaway to Florida! #ad


This post is sponsored by Dasani. All opinions are that of my own and will not be influenced by any sort of compensation.


It has been a very hot and humid summer so far here in Tennessee! Being outdoors a lot in my garden and in the pool I definitely need something to help me feel refreshed. I get tired of plain ol' water ALL the time so it was time for a little twist. Dasani sent me a little kit with 4 Naturally Flavored Sparkling Waters. Lemon, Berry, Lime and Apple. Apple is by far my favorite! I prefer to drink mine over a glass of crushed ice vs straight from the can. It's great sitting poolside! There are several different flavors to choose from so try them all to find the sparkle that works for you!

What Makes You Sparkle? Tweet it to @dasaniwater with the hashtag #SparklewithDasani 

What makes me sparkle is seeing my family altogether in one place. As my kids are getting older it's harder to keep them at home. There is nothing like having an entire day with all 4 of them enjoying time in the pool or watching a movie together. These are moments that I treasure because before I know it, they'll all be grown doing these exact things with their own family. 


Enter to win! 
The Grand Prize is a Sparkling Getaway to the Westin Diplomat in Ft. Lauderdale, and includes airfare, hotel and spa treatments for 4! How awesome would this be?! I can imagine sitting on the beach with my husband and guests just enjoying the outdoors in beautiful Florida! 

It’s as easy as uploading a photo of what makes you sparkle to twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #SparkleWithDASANI. You’ll also want to like @dasaniwater so they can contact you if you win! Winner will be selected in early August. I look forward to checking out your tweets and hope to see your name in the winner's circle soon!!



This post is sponsored by Dasani. All opinions are that of my own and will not be influenced by any sort of compensation.

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Petmate Dog Toy and Cooling Mat Review

Thank You to Petmate for sending me their products free of charge in exchange for my honest review.




I received the following items to base my review: 

Chuckit! FireFly™ LED Ball: It allows for late-night fun. This ultra-bright, multicolor LED ball fades between colors, creating a constant motion helping dogs- and their playmate- keep their eyes on the ball. 

(2) JW® PlayBites™ Caterpillars: They are designed to hold a variety of treats and excite canine senses. This indestructible caterpillar is great for family road trips or fun outdoors.

(2) Aspen Pet® Self-Cooling Mats that conforms to ambient room temperature, keeping your dog cool and comfortable. The non-toxic cooling gel absorbs body heat and no water or refrigeration is required.

The caterpillar has been a HUGE hit with Marley. He throws it around and jumps and plays for hours with it! You'd think it was his new best friend by the way he walks around with it in his mouth all the time. He even turned his nose at the LED ball because he was too worried about the caterpillar. 


Little Girl wanted Marley's toy

Marley wasn't sharing and in the end he had it all to himself
Little girl was not a fan of her toy. The LED ball is much too big for her but the caterpillar was the perfect size. She only wanted Marley's and when she couldn't get his, she didn't care for hers either. 

The cooling mats are perfect for keeping them cool during these hot Middle TN summers. I laid my legs on them and they were quiet cooling and comfortable. I put Marley's in his dog house for him and he tore it to shreds. Little Girl has laid on hers occasionally but she prefers to be in the bed with me so she doesn't get a lot of use out of it. The concept is a great one though! If you have dogs that will actually use them, they definitely serve their purpose. 

Overall I am completely pleased with my package from Petmate and highly recommend the products that I reviewed to anyone with dogs. 

Connect with Petmate via Facebook and Twitter!




Down South Savings receives free products for review purposes, and may sometimes be compensated for posts. Posts may also contain affiliate (marketing) links . 
All opinions expressed are solely from Down South Savings and were not and will not be influenced by any form of compensation. 

Monday, July 7, 2014

Week 1 of Nutrisystem and the Fast5 #NSNation

Disclosure: I am a part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. The below mentioned products were provided free of charge in exchange for my honest review. Please do not start any weight loss or diet regimen before consulting with your physician first.


As part of the Nutrisystem blogger program, I received my 28 day supply of food, along with the Fast5 program. Fast5 changed everything about my life this first week. I could no longer run to the fridge and just grab something that I normally would. No matter the portions. It was strictly their 3 meals with fresh veggies. No fruit. Here is a little play by play of the last 7 days. 


Day 1 was ROUGH. I am not one to normally eat before noon so when I had my breakfast muffin, EnergiZING shake, and water all before noon, I found myself to be super hungry throughout the day. I was weak and dizzy, had a headache the entire day and felt just plain BAD all day long but I kept the goals in mind and stuck with it. Despite my many cravings to cheat, I stuck with the plan and moved on to day 2. 

I finally got rid of day 1's headache and felt a little better as the day went on. Still not great but better than before. Day 3 was almost a breeze. Especially when I saw that I had lost 4.2 pounds already! I was a little hungry but since we can add in fresh veggies and salsa, I made myself a nice little salad and used salsa instead of dressings. That helped a lot with the hunger and the cravings! I've been dedicated to logging my food and water intake through the online tracker and that helps me a lot! 

Day 4, I'd lost a total now of 5 pounds! I cannot say how happy I was and how good I felt! I can literally tell the difference. I feel lighter and I am already sleeping better and have more energy. My favorite bed shorts that have gotten a little snug untied, can now be tied! 

Day 5 was VERY tempting. It was the 4th of July so of course I wanted a burger and potato salad. I caved and took a bite of each and skipped my regular Nutrisystem dinner. Can't say I was proud of myself though but we're all human.


I quickly went back to routine on Day 6. According to the scale I had lost weight and I was VERY happy about this! The food has been really good for the most part and I'm determined to do this!



Day 7 has now come and gone and I couldn't be happier about that! The week started off rough but ended up being okay. I am pleased that I stuck with it as much as I did and my goal is to do this too the end!


I can now eat 3 meals a day, a dessert, 4 Powerfuels, 3 Smartcarbs, and up to 3 extras. I made my weekly shopping trip and bought snack sizes of hummus and pretzels, cheese, fruits and veggies. 


My total weight loss last week is: 6.4 pounds

BEFORE starting Fast5
AFTER finishing Fast5



I took my photos wearing the same clothing exactly one week apart. I wanted to be able to tell if there was any difference in the way my clothes looked/felt and/or my appearance. My shorts didn't feel near as snug today as they did this time last week. I am FULL of energy now just by losing those 6.4 lbs. What a difference a few pounds can make. Fast5 WAS hard, make no mistake about it, but in the end, I believe it will all be worth it. 

If you didn't catch my first post, catch up here!



Disclosure: I am a part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. The below mentioned products were provided free of charge in exchange for my honest review. Please do not start any weight loss or diet regimen before consulting with your physician first.