The R Family Diaries

This post is brought to you by our sponsor ,  “ Always Eat After 7 PM ”.  The opinions expressed below are my own. Following Joel's eating plan and tips has been relatively easy. As someone who wasn't much of a breakfast eater before, transitioning my eating to later in the day was totally doable. One of the things I appreciate most about  “ Always Eat After 7 PM ” i s the freedom the plan provides in terms of food choices. I never feel deprived. Its also nice to be able to eat a full dinner with my family and truly enjoying it. Joel includes a great mix of personal experience, motivational talk (you can definitely see why he is a successful personal trainer!) and recipes. For me the recipes are key in my success on any diet or food plan because I'm not a natural chef. I can't just throw some items together and come up with dinner. Haha. So having recipes to follow- especially in the beginning was so important. The other benefit was that I could make dinner for the ...

This post is brought to you by our sponsor ,  “ Always Eat After 7 PM ”.  The opinions expressed below are my own. Oh science! I am such a nerd when it comes to data. I love that   “ Always Eat After 7 PM ”  has plenty of it. Understanding how your metabolism works and interacts, not only with the foods we eat, but the times we eat them is so cool. Joel has done the research and really explains ALL the factors that contribute to weight loss (or gain), hormones, metabolism, etc. The data behind eating breakfast, food portion and size, etc is so interesting. Metabolic rates don't slow down during the night? What?? This video is super helpful to understanding the science behind the book. We've been told so much conflicting info on how to eat, when to eat and what to eat. Joel breaks it all down in his comprehensive and easy to understand book. This post is brought to you by our sponsor ,  “ Always Eat After 7 PM ”.  The opinions expressed below ...

This post is brought to you by our sponsor,  “ Always Eat After 7 PM ”.  The opinions expressed below are my own. A little more about the book.  “ Always Eat After 7 PM ”  plan consists of: The 14-day Acceleration Phase to kick-start the program and see rapid results, the Main Phase where you’ll learn exactly which foods to eat when in order to achieve your weight-loss goals, and the Lifestyle Phase to keep the weight off for good. This set up makes total sense to me and by breaking it into 3 parts, feels achievable. One day at a time. Joel doesn't overwhelm the reader, which I really appreciate. Instead, he weaves science and story with facts and data to provide a comprehensive plan.  Skipping breakfast is key. Which is a big plus for me, as I've never been a breakfast person. Knowing I can eat a bigger meal at dinner and maybe even dessert (yes, I said it!) is motivation enough to put off eating earlier in the day. One of the best parts of the book ...

This post is brought to you by our sponsor,  “ Always Eat After 7 PM ”.  The opinions expressed below are my own. As indicated in my last post, I've been reading the book "Always Eat After 7 PM" by Joel Marion. The science along with Joel's personal story and experience is really compelling. As a personal trainer and the winner of a body transformation competition, this is Joel's area of expertise and that is apparent in the book. The book is an easy, cohesive read and I am continually surprised at how often Joel debunks myths and stories I have about food and eating. Today, I'm sharing an interview with Joel. I think it gives great insight as to who he is and how this diet came about. If you are someone who enjoys a robust dinner and snack before bed, I highly encourage you to check out Joel's book. This might be just the info you need to move to change up your eating and kick start your weight loss. This post is brought to you by our sponso...

This post is brought to you by our sponsor, “ Always Eat After 7 PM ”. The opinions expressed below are my own. We've been told that in order to lose weight we have to finish our eating before 7 pm. Which, can make for a tough evening! Enter Joel Marion. and Always Eat After 7pm. The idea that we can lose weight without the extreme restrictions that so many diets require was intriguing. That's a big part of why (at least for me) my commitment wanes and I eventually give up. Joel explains, “Fact is, most diets are extremely narrow with regard to food choices and variety, and many even limit entire macronutrients altogether over the course of the entire program (think low-carb and low-fat diets). Three months with no carbs? No thanks. Such practices not only are entirely unnecessary but make for a miserable, unsustainable experience.” I'll be sharing more as I continue reading the book, so stay tuned. “Always Eat After 7 PM”: The Revolutionary Rule-Breaking Diet...

I am so thrilled to have this opportunity to tell my story as part of the American Cancer Society’s 100th Birthday Celebration. All thoughts and opinions are my own.  My grandmother died from colon cancer when my mom was just 15. I never met her. I’ve heard she was lovely and creative. While I would have loved to have celebrated birthdays with her. And, wish my mom could have had her mom around longer, I am incredibly grateful for organizations like the American Cancer Society . Their work has led to more birthdays for so many people. They make a real difference every single day. Just look at all of their accomplishments! During the last century, the American Cancer Society has led the way in saving lives and creating more birthdays.  The American Cancer Society has contributed to a 20 percent decline in cancer death rates in the US since the early 1990s. That means they have helped save nearly 1.2 million lives during that time.  The American Can...

Being "Home for the Holidays" is what it's all about for me. The wonderful memories I have from my childhood- and the memories I am creating with my boy now. This video sums it up. Watch it. It's what the holidays are all about. People coming together to celebrate. And the singing? It's unreal. T-Mobile did it right. This post is sponsored by T-Mobile

Last night, my 10 year old son and his teammates experienced the magic of boyhood at its best. They won our local "World Series" for their age group. The best part? Every single player got on base. Every single player contributed. And, when that 3rd strike crossed the plate securing their victory? Magic. I am so grateful I got to be there to witness such joy and pride on the faces of 10 year old boys. To my son, who had a season which included 2 over-the-fence-home-runs, and dozens of zinger ground balls and RBIs, a great season of pitching and playing first base like a confident young man- I am so proud of you. I am even more proud of the times you hustled back after a strike out, or got right back in the game when things didn't go as planned- those are the times that shape the man you starting to become. To my husband who is the best coach I've ever seen, thanks for making those kids feel like kings and pushing them to reach their potential. Will is such a lucky ...

A few months ago, I was contacted by the folks over at Tide about trying their new Tide Stain Boosters product and sharing my results with friends both online and in my everyday life. I am already a big fan of Tide, so I jumped at the chance to be involved. We thought it would be fun to do a local event- a Mom and Kids Field Day. It was so much fun. We ate messy snacks like cupcakes with frosting. And potato wedges and ketchup {Yes, that is sushi in the background. Do I know how to throw a party or what?} And we played some games And learned about Tide Stain Release and its satin-fighting power! {BTW- I was THRILLED with the results I had on grass stains, ketchup, BBQ sauce and soy sauce, check out my video here. } A great time was had by all! Wanna try it out for yourself? You can enter to win some pretty cool prizes! Visit Tide on Facebook ! *I am a brand ambassador for Tide and have received material and/or payment incentives for my involvement.

So its here. Spring is upon a us. A sense of renewal. I know we usually make resolutions and goals are often set at the new year mark, but I think I am going to use this awakening of Spring as inspiration to wake up too. To slow things down, to savor the simple. This month in Fishful Thinking Newsletter , Dr. Reivich talks about "Savoring Spring". Taking time to watch the earth around us spring back to life. Slowing down and focusing on the positives- noticing the beauty. Not only is it a great reminder for me, but she includes a list of things to watch for with your kids. I love the idea of passing on "savoring" to my son. Creating a tradition of enjoying. It's been 4 months since my mom died. Four months of a blur. I'm using Spring to refocus on living. Living well. What about you? What does Spring hold for you?

I received an email from a friend. A good friend. A friend who knows me in and out. Up and down. When I am looking for a safe zone- she is it. When I need to feel selfish. When I need to brag. When I need to whine. She sees the worst I have to offer and loves me anyway. The words she sent, had been sent to her. Now, I am sending them to you. "May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us." That friend? Just called. 30 seconds ago. While I was writing this.

I am completely in love with this chair. Apparently, it's sold at Home Goods. But not the Home Goods near me. Boo. That is all.

The past two weeks have been a blur since my mom passed suddenly and unexpectedly from a pulmonary embolism on December 20, 2010. Today, January 6, 2011, we celebrate her life on what would have been her 58th birthday. The outpouring of love and support I have received from the blogging community has been nothing short of amazing. I shouldn't be amazed- I've seen you hold people up through their worst moments, over and over again. For our family and friends who are not able to join us in person, my sister and I wanted to share our mom with you. Below are the eulogies we each wrote and the slideshow we put together. Your love, support and prayers have wrapped us tight and held us up during the worst hours of our lives. The gratitude we have is more than words could even begin to express, so a simple "Thank you" will have to suffice. Tiffany: I’ve thought a lot about what I wanted to say today. Wrapping up the complexities and love betwe...

You're probably bracing your self for some rant on me having "enough" of something negative... But that's not what this is about at all. It's about having enough. When is it all "enough"? In a world of more, more, more, I worry about teaching my son about "enough". Helping to recognize the abundance that's around him. Enough. It means so many things to so many different people. We sat down and did this FT kids activity . I was really pleasantly surprised at his list, which included: Enough stuffed animals. Enough food. Enough wii games. Enough friends. But the best one? Enough love. What are you feeling "enough" of today?

You know how we always hear these cheesy, yet, fabulous lines in movies? Lines that you know aren't real, but make you secretly hope your husband will look across a crowded room at you and say, "You. Complete. Me". Yeah, you know what I'm talking about. Tonight, it happened to me. It was a regular night, like any other. Tucking in my 9 year old boy. The boy who has started rolling his eyes and getting a certain "tone" in his voice. A boy whose hugs and kisses come just a bit less frequently. A boy whose childhood is flashing before my eyes. That boy looked right at me from his pillow and said, "Mom. You get me. " It literally took my breath away. I looked at him and replied, "I'm your mom. Getting you is kind of my thing." My life had a movie moment tonight. In the midst of the ordinary, my son made me feel extraordinary.

So, many of you who stop by this place once in a while know that I am a huge fan of reading. I love books. Period. I've been known to term certain fabulous works of fiction as " Crackliture ". You've heard me rave about Hunger Games . And of course, the follow up, Catching Fire. Last night, I delighted in the third and final installment. Mockingjay. I would just like to take this moment to personally thank author, Suzanne Collins, for being true to her characters and story til the end. Although I will miss Katniss, Gale and Peeta, I leave them feeling satisfied and complete. Amen.

As many of your know, I am one of Fishful Thinking' s faculty moms. Its a fabulous program, and I am thrilled to be part of it. The other night, we had a conference call about kindness in our kids. Can I tell you how fascinating it was? Research shows the earlier you begin modeling kindness, the more likely your kids are to be kind. It got me thinking about our home and the things we are modeling for The Boy. What about you? What are you doing to instill real, everyday kindness in your kiddos?

So, apparently, 30 continuous days of gratitude just wasn't doable.... But, I'm getting right back on the blog and continuing. Today, my son and I walked by the most gorgeous bougainvillea. It grows so well in our desertish climate here in Temecula. I had to just stop and stare. I love how hearty, strong and vibrant it is. Fierce, but delicate vines just embrace whatever it's growing up or down or around. Reminds me of the kind of women I want to be.

Today was a mellow day, little work, a little play. Right now, I am snuggled up in my bed. I looooooooove my bed. 500 thread count sheets { overstock.com baby}, lots of pillows. I feel at home. Totally comfortable. Full of gratitude for our beautiful, happy home and cozy beds.

Today I went to Sephora. AKA, "The MotherShip" and found a new shade of lip gloss that I LOVE. It's this perfect light pink color called "litchi shine"and because it's the Sephora Nectar Shine , it didn't cost me $30 bucks like my Dior Addict Lip Polish, that I love, but have a hard time justifying.... I am grateful that I live near a Sephora and can wander aimlessly in all the cosmetic goodness. {Hey, we don't need 30 days of deep, right} What's your favorite-somewhat-frivolous, must-have-item?