Product Spotlight: Planet Beach Slim Take Home Kit

With Thanksgiving behind you and all of the heavy food and stress still lingering, it is time to do something to pamper yourself. Yes, that’s right, I said it, PAMPER YOURSELF! Take a moment before the next round of holiday madness begins and relax. Cleanse your system of all that gravy and lose inches all with one easy wrap.

The Planet Beach Slim Take Home Body Wrap is no ordinary wrap and it’s just what you need to treat yourself. This wrap is a holistic approach to cleansing the body’s liquid waste system, streamlining the figure, and reducing cellulite and inches all in the comfort of your own home! You can lose 4-14 inches over your entire body per wrap and you can do it once a week if you want to maximize your results. The warmth of the wrap and the circulation effects will put you in a state of serenity and complete relaxation…I dare you not to fall asleep!

The results are just amazing and I personally had the most energy I’ve had in years after my wrap…and REAL energy, at that!It’s not like what you get from drinking a cup of coffee or a energy drink. Even better, my skin was tighter, firmer and oh…so…soft. I literally felt like a brand new person. Not only that, BUTT Kim Kardashian would have been jealous of how perky mine got! See what I did there?

Wrapping myself was a fun experience for sure. It was the first wrap I had done, so it was a little funny trying to figure out the perfect technique. The steps were simple and the online tutorial made it even easier. To get results, I didn’t even need to do it perfectly-although, after some practice, I was a pro! The funniest part was waddling my way to the bed, so I could lie down for the remaining time of the wrap. I had to laugh at myself and was glad at that moment my boyfriend didn’t come walking in. Even though it took some finesse, I preferred doing the wrap at home, rather than having to strip down to my birthday suit in front of a stranger and have them rub me down and wrap me with plastic wrap. So, do something for yourself and enjoy a little “you time;” you deserve it.

To watch the instructional video and become a pro yourself, visit www.bitly.com/pbslimbodywrap.

I’d love to hear about your experiences with our Slim Take Home Body Wrap. Tell me about them in the comments below!

It’s currently 43 degrees in New Orleans. What does that mean??The Holidays are here!! Lights and decorations are going up throughout the city the scent of burning firewood is gracing the air we breathe. Everyone is pondering the same question… “What gifts will I give this year??”

You know you can’t go wrong with giving the gift of technology! I’ve been doing some “wishlist shopping” myself and there are so many great gifts on the market right now, for kids from 1 to 92! Here are the top 10 techy gifts for your loved ones this Holiday season!

	AppleTV: One of the greatest inventions of all time. With this magical black box, you can watch your favorite shows and movies on Netflix, ABC, HBO, Disney and Hulu, surf YouTube videos, purchase and rent movies and shows on iTunes, and so much more! This is the perfect gift for any age. Price Range: $100
	GoPro Hero 4: This gift is a must-have for your adventurist! You do not have to be a seasoned videographer to get the best out of this little beauty. Just turn it on and GO! Whether you’re jumping out of a plane, catching a huge wave on your surfboard, skiing down an ice-capped mountain, or exploring the depths of the ocean! You can capture every exciting moment of your life with this 4” device. Price Range: $129 – $49
	Bluetooth Speakers: Music soothes the soul! Why not soothe your favorite rocker, rapper, or country lover’s soul with the gift of SOUND. The days of CD players and hard disks are over. In today’s world, your tunes reside on your mobile devices. With a bluetooth speaker, simply connect your mobile device and start rocking out! Price Range: $20 – $400
	Beats: Do you have someone on your list who likes to rock out behind the privacy of their headphones? They are in dire need of some Beats! These babies offer precision sound, and they’re so stylish! Pick the color that will best fit your closet rocker. They’ll love it! Price Range: $249 and up
	Smart Watch: Think fast! Who is the most unorganized, forgetful, and longest time-frame responder to texts, voicemails and phone calls? Ok, this gift is meant for them! Think fast again. Who is the most technologically advanced, punctual and methodical person you know? This is perfect for them too! Actually, this gift is good for just about anyone! Smart Watches deliver information straight from your cell phone directly to your wrist. Who wouldn’t want technology that’s so easily accessible? Price Range: $99 – $299
	Virtual Keyboard: “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine!” That’s what the recipient of this Laser Keyboard will be singing forevermore once they open this little gem. Whether this gift is for a student or an executive, it will be much appreciated. Not to mention, they will be the coolest looking typist around! Price Range: $40 – $100
	Tablets & eReaders: Another gift for the masses. These devices work for anyone, whether they’re used for entertainment, school, or business. Toddlers can take advantage of these devices with early learning games and videos, students can stay organized with calendars, apps, and notes, and executives can ensure that they are as productive as possible with these devices. Price Range: $49 – $599
	MacBook: Although this is a pricey Christmas gift, it’s so much more than just that. It’s a technological and artistic investment for the future of the recipient. It’s sleek design, lightweight build, and unprecedented performance tops the carts in terms of notebooks. It’s never too late to go Mac! Price Range: $899 & up

	Portable Charging Devices: Don’t you hate when you call someone and the call goes straight to voicemail. You know… that person whose phone is almost ALWAYS dead? Please, get this for them! They need this device! Works great for travelers, people on the go who don’t have time to stop and charge their phones, or even those who are just too forgetful to recharge! Price Range: $20 & up
	Pocket Projector: Whether you’re in the backyard watching a family style drive in movie, or if you’re at the office presenting last quarter’s budget analysis, this is the perfect gift! Just connect to your phone, computer or mobile device, dim the lights and project to any screen or wall to view your content. This gift is great for business or entertainment! Price Range: $40 & up

As you can see, there are so many options for the Holidays gifts this year! Whether you’re shopping for the kids, your college students, business executives, or even grandparents! They’re sure to love any of these gifts. Happy Holidays & a Techy New Year!!!

 

Thanksgiving only comes around once a year, so why not go ahead and splurge? Because gaining weight during the holiday season is a national pastime. Year after year, most of us pack on at least a pound (or ten) during the holidays.

Thanksgiving does not have to sabotage your weight. With a little know-how, you can satisfy your desire stuffing and desserts and still enjoy a guilt-free Thanksgiving feast.

Get Active

Eat less and exercise more is the winning formula to prevent weight gain during the holidays.

Make fitness a family adventure; take a walk early in the day and then again after dinner. It is a wonderful way for families to get physical activity and enjoy the holiday together.

Eat Breakfast

While you might think it makes sense to save up calories for the big meal, experts say eating a small meal in the morning can give you more control over your appetite. Start your day with a small, but satisfying breakfast — such as an egg with a slice of whole-wheat toast.

Lighten Up

Whether you are hosting Thanksgiving dinner or bringing a few dishes to share, make your recipes healthier with less fat, sugar, and calories.

Here are some suggestions:

• Use fat-free chicken broth to baste the turkey and make gravy.
• Use sugar substitutes in place of sugar and/or fruit purees instead of oil in baked goods.
• Reduce oil and butter wherever you can.

Be Realistic

The holiday season is a time for celebration. With busy schedules and so many extra temptations, this is a good time to strive for weight maintenance instead of weight loss. Strive for smaller proportions and exercise!

Focus on Family and Friends

Thanksgiving is not just about the delicious bounty of food. It’s a time to celebrate relationships with family and friends. The main event should be family and friends socializing, spending quality time together, not just what is on the buffet!

 

Do you have any tips for the upcoming Holiday season? Share them in the comments below!

Date night is the most exciting night of the week…unless you are short on funds. Take me and my fiancé for example. While we are budgeting for our wedding, we have made it a point to cut back on our spending when it comes to our weekend entertainment together.  But just because we are saving our money, doesn’t mean we can’t plan fun things to do together. In fact, we have found that some of the best dates are the ones that are not only simple; they’re affordable.  But don’t take my word for it. Try it for yourself. Here are three dates that won’t break the bank.

1. Make a home-cooked meal

I’ve been on a Pinterest kick lately—using it at every opportunity I can, especially for dinner ideas. Hop on Pinterest (create an account if you don’t currently have one) and start scrolling for dishes you and your date are craving to try.  Make sure you are both happy with your choice. Once you find a dish, start your date by shopping for the ingredients together (Note: On Pinterest, you can even search for meals on a budget!). Then, take your goods to the kitchen and divvy up who is prepping which part of the dish. Whether none, one or both of you are cooks, this date exercises the teamwork in your relationship. If one of you is savvier in the kitchen than the other, have that person take the lead and help guide the other. Or, if you prefer only one cook in the kitchen, make a deal that the cook doesn’t have to clean.  Once your dinner is ready, head to the dinner table with some candles, and soft music in the background. You’d be surprised how intimate a dinner at home could be without television. Now, enjoy delicious food, great company and the comfort of being at home all in one night.

2. Run for fun

Whether you are physically active or not, this experience will have you and your date feeling great from start to finish. This date will most likely need to be planned out at least a week in advance, but it will be worth it. Search online for a 5k race in your local or surrounding community, or find a cause that you and your date are passionate about (I recently ran in a memorial 5k that raised money for scholarships at a local university).  Once you register for your race (prices vary for registration, but early registers usually pay a lower price), you and your date can decide if you want to run or walk the race together. If you are a competitive couple, you might choose to race each other, and it doesn’t hurt to throw in some friendly wagers (e.g. a kiss to the first to finish, or dinner on the loser).  Or, you can choose to walk it together. This will be a good time to not only get in a workout, but also time to talk and enjoy the scenery together. At the end of the race, you will both be greeted with a crowd of people cheering you on until you cross the finish line. This will make you both feel like winners—not to mention the good you’ll have done by having your registration fees go towards a worthy cause.

3. Picnic in the park…or the beach…or the lake…

Sometimes, removing yourselves from the usual spots can be a breath of fresh air. Pack up some of your favorite snacks and take your date to a spot you haven’t been to before. When my fiancé and I first started dating, we would take blankets, music and cupcakes from our favorite shop, down to the beach. We had a secluded spot where no one could interrupt us. We could sit there on the sand for hours just talking, laughing and listening to new music we wanted to share with each other. The best part was hearing the sound of the ocean waves crash against the sand and fizzle out. This spot eventually became the place where he proposed.

Sometimes, it’s not about how much money you spend or the extravagant places you will go—it’s about the memories you make together. Minor changes to your daily routine can feel like a whole new experience. So whether the change is as small as turning off the T.V. during dinner, or taking your lunch to the park across the street, treat each date like it’s the first. And while it’s nice to be wined and dined (don’t get me wrong, this girl enjoys being spoiled), it’s important to embrace quality time together.

Do you have any ideas for dates-on-a-dime? Then join the conversation.  Leave a comment below or use #planetbeach on our next Facebook, Twitter or Instagram post. We’d love to hear from you!

 

I’m the kind of girl who needs to get the best value for everything she shops for.  I shop online through ebates to get cashback, I always ask if there are any available discounts or promotions at the register, and I love to haggle when I know I can.  Not paying full price for things really is a cheap thrill.

Don’t get me wrong though, I don’t mind spending money, so long as it makes sense.  I’m about VALUE, not being cheap.  There’s a difference.

I bought $200 boots three years ago and have probably worn it 300 times by now.  I will calculate that purchase as 66 cents a day.  Versus, if I had only worn the same boots twice instead, that’s $100 each time I wore it – ouch.  To me, that means I didn’t get the best value out of those boots.

Now imagine, having that mindset for everything you own.  In this Beauty blog, I’m going to give out tips on how to really get the most value out of an item’s shelf life which will ultimately either make the most of your money already spent and/or will save you money in the long run for it.

1.  Use up all that leftover cream and make-up at the bottom of the bottle.

I used to wince every time I threw away my make-up containers and lotion bottles.  I knew that there was still so much leftover product inside but I just couldn’t get to it!  According to Consumer Report, we throw away up to 25% of product!

Meaning you paid 100% of the price for only 75% of that (insert cosmetic branded product here). 

To put it into perspective, you could’ve had yourself a whole ‘nother bottle of lotion after throwing away 4 of them.

After watching entrepreneur Cheryl Rigdon pitch the Spatty Daddy on ABC’s entrepreneur reality show Shark Tank, I bought one immediately.  She fashioned what’s basically a tinier version of a kitchen spatula to better scoop up whatever’s left at the bottom of our cosmetic bottles.  It’s one of those simple “why didn’t I think of that first” creations.

My Hourglass Veil mineral primer is $52 a bottle.  I justify the price with my lack of acne breakouts.  After the bottle can no longer pump any more primer out, I use the Spatty Daddy to reach along the sides of it and at the very bottom of it.  I was able to get 3 more weeks use of it!

The Spatty Daddy can be purchased for between $5.49 to $9.99- a small cost for the long run.  However, if you just can’t wait to get your own Spatty Daddy right now, another way to get all that leftover make-up is to use an unused/clean make-up brush that you already have and brush it out.  Just note that the product/creams will stick to the handle of the make-up brush– but feel free to wipe it off to use if you’d like.

Recently, I finished squeezing Bath & Body Works Forever Sunshine triple moisturizing body cream.  I decided to cut off the top and was amazed by how much was leftover.  I sealed it back with a binder clip and got another month’s use out of it.

2.  Don’t get rid of your sweaters that look old because of all the fuzzy pilling

What’s up with sweaters losing their first store impression on you after you’ve washed it just once?  Even if you air dry them, somehow the fabric lint have had an unspoken agreement to roll themselves up into tiny fuzzy balls– aging the sweater’s look like you’ve had that thing for yeeeeears.

Well, before you give away that sweater in all of its fuzzy pilling glory and spend more money on a new one, here’s how you can make sure your sweaters look new each and every time you wear it.

I bought myself a Fuzz Wizard 7 years ago (Yes, as SEEN ON TV!)

I have been able to extend my sweater’s shelf life simply by shaving off all the pilling.  It’s a pretty fun (not to mention AMUSING) way to do it too.  It runs on batteries and it’s a well-worth-it investment for anyone’s closet really.  However, keep in mind though to not rush it, otherwise you might snag and make a hole in your clothing.

And if you’d rather not spend the $9.99 for a fuzz wizard, a good alternative would be use a disposable razor that you already have lying around the house.  Move it along the fabric in the direction of the weave.  It’s a little more time consuming, but it’ll get the job done.

And voila!  You get to wear your sweater as if you JUST bought it from the mall all over again!

3.  Don’t wash your hair everyday

In the Victorian era, it was the norm to wash your hair once a month.  Later on a column in the New York Times wrote that it was okay to wash your hair once every two weeks.  It wasn’t until the 60’s and 70’s that marketing campaigns made it a point to convince its target demographic that washing your hair should be daily.  Makes sense for a business to advertise like that, they make more money based on selling volume! (Pun completely and utterly intended.)

What can you take from this?   It’s unnecessary to wash your hair everyday.

Not only will you buy less shampoo, it’s HEALTHIER for your hair and scalp!  When you wash your hair every day, you strip the natural oils (sebum) that should be there to protect your hair in the first place.  You’re also letting it overproduce the oils each day because it’s overcompensating for the dryness – and that’s why our hair looks so greasy when we don’t wash it.

I’ll wash my hair and blow dry it straight and keep it like that for two days.  The third day, I’ll curl my hair and then the fourth day I’ll wear a hat or will have washed it by then.

If I can’t stand how greasy my hair looks, I’ll use baby powder or dry shampoo to absorb.  My tip for this is to use a nylon bristled brush, rather than your fingers, and rub the baby powder/dry shampoo into your hair/scalp.  Rub it gently back and forth until you don’t see white anymore.  It takes away the yes-I-haven’t-washed-my-hair-oily-look and gives your hair texture and volume – it’s amazing for styling!

Over time, your hair will produce less and less oil between hair washes.

It’s become a cultural norm for Americans to wash their hair everyday.  And perhaps it might be slightly uncomfortable for a few of us to go without a day of doing so.  But I promise you, if you start with baby steps of washing your hair every other day, and then even 2 days at a time, your hair (and wallet) will thank you for it.

4.  Buy generic.

Sure, you’ve heard this plenty of times, but it’s definitely worth it when it’s available.  You’ll be surprised by how effective the generic brands are.  You pay more for brand names and thanks to the advertising big bucks, we believe that they’ll be higher quality.  Truth is, sometimes they are, sometimes they aren’t – just as with any product really – brand or not.

I can actually use a recent example for this particular tip.  I’ve been loyal with Neutrogena’s oil free make-up remover for years.  It wipes off even the most stubborn waterproof mascara.  And gently too!  So save your bicep power.

However, I recently came across a generic brand from Bed Bath & Beyond and compared both products side by side for ingredient comparison.  Everything was literally the same.  There was not one additional or substituted ingredient.  Either this is the case or I’ve seen the majority of the times where it’s just one ingredient different.

I saved myself $2 plus I also had a 20% discount from BB&B.  (If you sign up for their newsletter, they send a new 20% coupon every 2 weeks to a month)

When using it, I could tell that the generic brand was a little more watered down.  Meaning, even though both products use the same exact ingredients, they used different amounts of each one in their formulas.  I still found it to be just as beneficial despite this and if it wasn’t, I would’ve stuck with Neutrogena.  But to be honest, I probably will be going for this generic eye makeup remover from now on since it does the trick!

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And so, there you have it.  Little tricks to economically stretch out your dollars and products. If you’ve got more to share, please comment them below.  I’m all about finding what else I can do to maximize my beauty products and things!  Thanks for reading!

 I love to travel! I travel for pageant coaching, photo and video shoots, girls trips, family vacations … anything really! Any excuse to see something new or go somewhere I have never been, I’m on it!  In the last month I have been in 3 different time zones, 6 cities, and have taken more than 8 flights. Needless to say, I have a gypsy soul, but being on the road can be hard on your skin and on your diet. So here are my 3 travel essentials I won’t leave home without :

    1) Quest Bars. When I’m on the road, healthy meals are not always readily available, but with a quest bar, I can make it until I find one. It’s a cashew based, gluten free bar with a ton of fiber (17 grams) to fill you up and it only consist of 170 calories, 1 sugar and 20 grams of protein per serving.

2) Planet Beach MIST facial spray. If you have ever read any of my beauty blogs you know I’m obsessed with the appearance of healthy looking skin. There is nothing worse than getting off a 5 hour flight and looking like you just got off a 5 hour flight! When I travel, it’s just what my thirsty skin needs to look and feel refreshed. Plus, it comes in a 2oz spray so it is TSA carry on approved!

3) Micro-Dermabrasion Cream. Traveling, especially in the winter, is usually associated with environment change, which can damage your skin. Going from the cold dry air of Charlotte, NC to the warm tropical climate of South FL (or vice versa) can shock your skin, leaving it dry and scalely. Thus, when I get to where I’m going I like to shed away all those dead cells to jump start the healing process and improve and adapt the texture of my skin.

Whether you find yourself at a 3 day work meeting in Dallas, Tx. or living in Mumbai, India for three months (yes that has happened to me-Haha), think manage, renew and improve.  Manage your weight, renew your skin and improve the look and feel of your appearance. When you take care of your body it will take care of you!

 

Do you know how much money you’re spending on your appearance before you even get dressed in the morning? Everything from the moisturizer you slather on after coming out of the shower to your latest trip to the salon helps contribute to the massive amount of money that women spend each year on beauty products.

It adds up quickly, but the good news is, it doesn’t have to. You can maintain a polished look for a fraction of the cost. Reduce your beauty bill from thousands to hundreds by trying these Planet Beach premier products!

Planet Beach Face MIST VS Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray $15 vs. $30

Botanical extracts and Aloe Vera are combined in a spritz formula to enliven the skin while softening the appearance of facial lines. Use throughout the day to refresh and revitalize and over makeup to set color. MIST also works wonders on bug bites and other skin aliments, as it helps to alleviate irritation, inflammation and redness. For HALF the price of Urban Decay, MIST is a must have in your makeup bag!

Planet Beach REPAIR VS NUDE Skincare Treatment Oil $36 vs. $78

The ultimate oil for delicate or ultra-dry skin, REPAIR combines rich nutrient oils with bee pollen and carrying agents to be absorbed quickly without clogging pores or feeling greasy. The use of bee pollen for skin rejuvenation has been found to offer effective protection against dehydration, smoothing wrinkles and stimulating blood flow to the cells. Sephora’s top Face oil retails for $79 and has similar ingredients, minus bee pollen, which is a MUST for anti-aging.

Planet Beach ENERGIZE Moisturizer VS Murad $42 vs. $63

The antioxidant benefits of vitamin C in topical products are well known, but because of an unstable nature, it can lose up to 90% of potency in the first 30 days, until now. Ester-C is a technological break-through, retaining its vitamin C activity for up to two years. Additionally, ENERGIZE Ester-C is effectively absorbed through the skin because of its unique skin penetrating properties. Essential C Moisturizer by Murad does not contain this necessary ingredient and retails for $63.

Planet Beach COLLAGEN MASKS $5 vs. Online products $20

Collagen is a type of protein that is produced naturally in skin and connective tissue, and it plays an instrumental role in keeping skin firm and giving it shape. It breaks down as you age, along with elastin, resulting in increasingly saggy and wrinkled skin. The PB COLLAGEN MASK, a type of cosmetic mask treatment offered in many spas, is designed to counteract this. 24K Pure Gold penetrates the skin, assists in increasing cellular processes and activates regeneration, helps to restore lost aging skin’s volume and works as an anti-inflammatory to decrease skin inflammation. The gold does come at a price, though. You can find them for $20 online or for a quarter of that price at your local Planet Beach!

pbRenew Body $49 VS   Medik8 Firewall $145

pbRenew Cellular Repair Treatment by Planet Beach revolutionizes your light therapy treatment with three innovative ingredients in one radically different full-body treatment. pbRenew is expertly formulated for rapid, dramatic improvement in skin tone and texture. This is the ultimate in light-activated skincare brought to you exclusively by the light-science experts at Planet Beach. Light-activated DNA Repair Enzymes relieve oxidative stress & reverse cellular damage to reduce the appearance of fine lines & aging. Proprietary Copper Peptides (Peptides are a chain of amino acids that help renew skins appearance) repair and nourish, remodeling collagen and elastin for firmer skin while reducing dark spots for balanced tone. One of the priciest items on the market today, Serums containing these precious peptides are upwards of $145! Don’t worry, because you can have all the copper peptides and more for $49 with pbRenew!

Planet Beach MICRO-DERMABRASION CREAM $35 VS Dr.Jart Micro-Dermabrasion skin exfoliator 78$

 

Micro-Dermabrasion is the process where the dead, outermost layer of skin is gently removed. Removing the outer layer helps skin heal faster and over a period of time, lessen the appearance of sun damage, scars and wrinkles. Planet Beach’s MICRO-DERMABRASION CREAM is a state-of-the-art resurfacing cream that removes dead skin cells from skin’s surface, evens skin tone, smooths and softens skin. It evens the skin’s tone and texture and leaves healthy and soft instantly. Use over time to remove surface imperfections, reduce fine lines, and improve skin’s texture. Yet again, the price for beauty is a steep one! Dr.Jart offers an  exfoliator at a whopping $78, almost double the price of Planet Beach’s Micro-Dermabrasion cream!

Do you own any of these high-end products?

I invite you to visit your local Planet Beach to try our amazing products. I know you will be sure to find them comparable, if not like them BETTER. I can bet your wallet will thank you later, too!

I always wanted to be a mom. It was something that was important to me. My roles have changed in my tenure as Mom. I’ve done the working mom job. I’ve done the stay at home mom job. I’ve even done the work from home mom job. They all have their own set of challenges and rewards. I’ve learned a few things along the way that I think are worth sharing.

There’s not one right way. First and foremost, this must be said. There is not just one right way. I know you’ve heard it before, but it’s worth repeating. Let me ask you this: how many people gave you advice before becoming a mom? How many pieces of advice did you receive? I’m guessing the answer is in the hundreds to thousands for both those questions. Now, let’s approach it this way: how many pieces of advice didn’t work for you? Hundreds? Thousands? I’m going to ask a sensitive question now: were you ever chastised/mocked/pressured, because someone thought you were “doing it wrong?” How did that make you feel? Did you question whether your motherly instincts were leading you astray? Don’t get sucked into the guilt. Whenever I have a friend about to be a new mom, my words of wisdom are that you can read thousands of books/blogs/discussion threads and talk to everyone you know, but if that one piece of advice doesn’t work for you and your baby/child/teenager, then it’s not the RIGHT advice. Boom. Plain and simple. Sure, if you ask for advice, I’m happy to share my experience, but it may or may not work for someone else. And guess what? Every child is different. 90% of what you learned with kiddo #1 might be total garbage when it comes to kiddo #2, but then again it might be right on target. You never know, so go with what works for you.

Learn to let it go. This is different than learning “Let It Go”, although as many times as my kids have watched Disney’s “Frozen” I can sing you every word. Most women I know are born and raised with the belief that they can do it all, I know I was. We can be a wife, a mom, a model employee, a school volunteer and a great friend. All the while keeping a perfectly clean house with healthy whole food meals and crafting handmade gifts for a creatively themed birthday party, while breaking the glass ceiling at work. We have the advantage of the internet to gather and share these brilliant ideas for home decorating, organizational tips, and meal planning. Rather than using Pinterest as a springboard for creativity, women often see it as a benchmark up to which they must measure. If it’s on Pinterest, then EVERY mom must be doing it, right? WRONG. It’s perfectly fine to dial up a pizza for dinner if you’re too tired to cook. No one blames you for letting your laundry pile grow an extra day or two or five. You won’t be shunned if you choose not to join the PTA at your child’s school. Your health won’t be ruined by turning off your alarm and not going to the gym at 5:30am today. The point I’m making is this: prioritize each day. The top item on your list will likely change frequently. If your house doesn’t get cleaned today, the mess will still be there tomorrow. You are your own worst critic. We only get to live today once, so let go of some of the small things and start focusing on what is most important. It might be your child, your husband, or yourself. More on this later.

Don’t neglect your friendships. Take a trip down memory lane with me. Think back to the days before kids. Think back to the days before your spouse/partner. Who was your top priority? Your friends, right? You had a go-to girlfriend when you had a rough breakup. You had another friend who was your partner in crime at work. You had the friend you’ve known your whole life who could always put things into perspective for you. Maybe you got married before your friends and couldn’t relate to the single life anymore. Then you had a baby and you were so tired and frazzled you thought didn’t have time to go out for drinks or coffee and discuss the latest People magazine. Now, your kids are involved in so many sports and activities you’re running from swim meet to football game to cheerleading competition with no rest for the weary mom. Let’s face it, your friends have changed just as you have changed. I know there were times when my kids were young that I felt isolated and lonely. Guess what? It takes work to maintain friendships. Yes, some will come and some will go but there are so many ways we can reach out to our network these days. Send a text. Post on their Facebook wall. Tweet them. Email them. Call them. Write a letter. Do something! Your friends love you. They want you to be well and happy. They want to spend time with you. Chances are, they’ll want to help you if you’re in a bind. You won’t know this unless you make the time for your friends. Find a night and invite everyone you know to go to dinner. Plan an activity on a monthly basis. Or make a Face Time “appointment” to talk with your college roommate who lives across the country. Your efforts will be noticed and appreciated.

Do something for you. This is the hardest part for most women, especially moms. We appear selfish if we don’t put our family first in all things. Guess what? You’re not being selfish! You’re taking care of yourself! Your health is just as important as your family’s health. I’m not just talking about physical health. I’m talking about your emotional, spiritual, personal health. Do you have a place just for you? If not, I’d suggest finding one. It might be a corner of a bookstore with a hot cup of tea. It might be on the open road with the music blaring in your car. Maybe it’s at your church having a quiet moment of prayer. It might be hitting the trails to get some fresh air and exercise. Or maybe it’s at your local Planet Beach getting some treatments. Regardless, every tip above points to this. You are most valuable to the people around you when you are rested, relaxed and healthy. Boost your own confidence with a facial or teeth whitening. Melt your stresses with a HydroMassage. Ensure your physical health with supplements and vitamins. Call your friend who said she’d be willing to babysit for you and take her up on her offer! Tell your husband you’re taking a couple hours for you. There’s nothing wrong with telling the people around you what you want and what you need.

You are more than just a mom. You’re multi-faceted. You’re multi-talented. Most of all, you’re YOU, beautifully imperfect. Let that woman shine! Do you have some tips for staying sane? Please share them in the comments below!

Losing weight can be one of the most challenging experiences, whether you’re a first-timer, or a veteran. First, you have to adapt to a new diet (and by diet, I mean a meal plan), which can often lead to withdrawals from drive-thrus and Chinese takeout. Next, you have to incorporate physical activity into your weekly schedule—and let’s be honest, it’s easier to watch Netflix for two hours and conveniently lose track of the time you should have spent at the gym. Finally, you have to face stepping on the scale to weigh in—and unlike that guy who keeps calling for a second date—this is one number you can’t avoid.

Needless to say, the weight loss process can be very discouraging. I’ve been on my weight loss journey for what seems like my entire life. But for the past year, I have successfully lost more than 40 lbs. and still losing. I would like to attribute all of my success to my hard work in eating healthy and exercising, but to be honest, most of it was because I stayed motivated.

Motivation can be the difference between losing and gaining, so here are some helpful tips on how to stay motivated during the weight loss process.

Start small

Keeping your goals small and realistic is the best way to see results and keep momentum in your motivation. What sounds less stressful: “My goal is to lose 25 pounds,” or “My goal is to lose 5 pounds”? Your overall goal might be to lose 25 pounds, but try focusing on the smaller steps in between your “big” goal. Set a small, realistic goal that you will be able to achieve in a short amount of time. Wouldn’t it be nice to see results after just a week of starting your weight loss journey? By setting a goal that can easily be achieved, your confidence in yourself will increase and you will be motivated to continue your program in order to see more results.

Set a specific goal

Most people think that in order to be successful at losing weight, you have to commit to losing a specific amount of weight. While that may work for some, others will find it beneficial to set a goal that shows their progress in other ways. For example, try making it a goal to walk or run in your first 5k hosted by your local community for charity, or make it a goal to fit in a pair of jeans one size smaller than your current pant size. In addition to setting a specific goal weight, these goals will raise your motivation as you accomplish them along the way.

Give yourself a deadline and stick to it

Having an open-ended deadline for your goals can lead to procrastination. “The party I’m attending isn’t until sometime next month. I have plenty of time to go to the gym and fit into my dress!”—sound familiar? When setting mini-goals for yourself as described above, it’s important to set deadlines for those goals, too! This gives you something to work towards. For example, “By Friday, I will have logged five miles of walking.” Or, if you have made it a big goal to lose eight pounds in a month, make it a mini-goal of two pounds each week, and set a weekly deadline for yourself: “By the end of the week, I will have lost two pounds.” These deadlines will hold you accountable to your goals and motivate you to take little steps rather than huge leaps.

If you don’t meet it, don’t sweat it

If you don’t meet your goal weight by said date, don’t beat yourself up about it! Trust me. There were plenty of times I have stepped on the scale and didn’t reach the number I was working towards. Yes, it was a little discouraging at first, but then I realized that even if I weigh less than the last time I weighed in, even by .01 of a pound, I’m making progress. Other times I was preparing to weigh in, I knew the scale was going to show that I had gained weight. Instead of avoiding the scale that week, I faced the reality of the situation and used my results as fuel for the coming week. Accountability is part of the process and can serve as a motivating factor for anyone who wants to make up for “lost time.”

These are just a few examples of how you can stay motivated during the weight loss process. My journey will be different from yours, and yours will be different from others, but one thing we all have in common is that we are all trying to make a change in our lives for the better. If you have any suggestions or positive ways to stay motivated while trying to lose weight, please leave a comment below or use #planetbeach on your next Facebook, Twitter or Instagram post. We’d love to hear from you!

Recently, squats have been the thing to do. We all see these celebrities who SWEAR they’ve never had work done, but contest to doing squats every day.  Doing squats in moderation every day can work out wonders for you in the future! This post is all about Squats and how to do them! Just follow this easy, step-by-step guide and you can start looking like Kim Kardashian in no time!

 

Step 1: The squat is a simple and quick exercise. Stand with your feet slightly further than your hips. Toes should be pointed 5 to 20 degrees outward. Look straight ahead at something stationary on the wall. You’ll be looking directly at this spot when you go down to do your squat ­– this will help your balance.

Step 2: Put your arms out straight in front of you so that they are parallel to the ground. Make sure that your spine is in a neutral position. Don’t round your back, but also do not hyper extend or over accentuate the natural arch of your back.

Step 3: As you are preparing to squat, keep in mind that your body weight should be centered at the heels and balls of your feet. Pretend that your feet are glued to the ground. Get ready! Remember to keep your body tight the entire time.

Step 4: Breathe in, and keep sending your hips backwards as your knees begin to bend. It is important that you start your squat with your hips and back, not just by bending your knees. Keep your back straight and continue to look at that stationary spot on the wall! Squat down until your hip joint is lower than your knees.

Step 5: Once you hit the bottom, it’s time to come back up! Keeping everything tight, breathe out and rise up, completing your squat. Remember to keep that core tight the entire time!

Now that wasn’t so hard was it? Just adding this exercise in to your daily routine, for example, before you hop in the shower, is a sure way to get that quick burst of energy and feel-good inspiration for the rest of the day!

Facts about squats:

• Whether your goal is to gain strength or lose weight, squats are the fastest way to get there.
• Squats mimic a ton of natural movement patterns in every day life.
• Squats don’t only work out the booty. It’s really a full body movement that works just about every muscle group in the body.

Please  feel free to share your daily squat routines below! I’d love to try them!