Wellness

Thirty-Four: The Most Beautiful Age Ever!

May 15, 2014

A few weeks ago, I came across an article in PEOPLE magazine’s “Most Beautiful” issue that caught my eye. No, it wasn’t the piece on the stunning cover girl (Lupita Nyong’o) that grabbed my attention, but a spread featuring five celebrity women (Pink, Dania Ramirez, Stacy Keibler, Rachel Leigh Cook, and Laura Prepon) with one thing in common—their age, 34.

Since turning 34 less than two weeks ago, the article and its accompanying photographs were especially timely, inspiring and relatable for me.

According to the piece, a recent study suggests that thirty-four is the age when women feel the best about their bodies.

Seeing my fellow 34-year-old counterparts baring their bodies in celebration of their feminine confidence was refreshing. Admittedly, I’ve struggled with self-image issues like many women throughout the years. But, after birthing two babies I have never been so content with my body. While I’m aware that I need to exercise more to maintain a healthy lifestyle, I no longer beat myself up over certain physical shortcomings.

I’m not sure if I came to this acceptance and appreciation for my body simply because I have two children, one of which was born less than a year ago, or the fact that I’m 34 and finally coming into my own. Actually, I’m sure this mind shift can be attributed more to being a mom the second time around. Watching your body transform and ultimately perform its greatest task is nothing short of amazing.

No matter what the underlying reason is for my newfound confidence, I’m going to cherish every minute of it because 35 is right around the corner!

Me celebrating my 34th birthday with friends at Pio Pio in Manhattan. By the way, I’m wearing Too Faced’s “Melted” lip color in ruby that I wrote about last week.

Are you completely content with your body? If you’re over 30, were you happier with your body in your 20s?

Category: Beauty, Wellness | 1 Comment

Give Back this Mother’s Day with St. Jude

May 7, 2014

Now that I’m a mom of two, Mother’s Day will be even more special for me this year.

Since my children are too small to purchase gifts for me without the help of my husband, I’m simply looking forward to enjoying the day doing what I love most—relaxing!

But, if they were old enough to use their allowance to buy me a bouquet of flowers or some other gift, I’d encourage them to get something that gives back.

After my life-changing visit to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital back in 2012, I’m always looking for ways to support their efforts. It currently takes $1.9 million a day to operate the Memphis, TN-based children’s hospital so that no family has to ever worry about a medical bill.

That’s why LOFT, Nine West and Kay Jewelers have partnered with St. Jude this Mother’s Day to pledge a portion of their proceeds to help raise money to continue providing the proper research and resources for these families.

Check out these deals and discounts that will not only make mom smile, but also give hope and light to families whose children need life-saving support:

LOFT – Loft Cares “Feel – Good” Card is available in-store now – June 1, 2014. Ninety percent of the $25 purchase price will go to support the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to find cures and save the lives of countless children around the world battling cancer and other deadly diseases. Customers can use the card through June 1 for 20 percent off every $100 purchase.

For more information, click here.

Nine West – The Nine West Western Loop Scarf is available in-store and online until June 30, 2014. The scarf retails for $32, of which $10 will help fund pioneering research and treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Nine West ‘Western Loop’ scarf available here, $32

Kay Jewelers – The Kay Jewelers Open Hearts Mother’s Day Card, available in-store at Kay Jewelers, will be sold from now until May 11, 2014 for $3. All profits, no less than $2.50 of each card, will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to help ensure that no family ever pays St. Jude for anything, so they can focus on helping their child live.

Be sure to check out more special cards available to e-mail, print or mail here. For more information on St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital click here.

What are you giving your mother this Mother’s Day? If you’re a mom, what would be your ideal way to spend Mother’s Day this Sunday?

Category: Gumbo Mix, Wellness | 1 Comment

My Aveeno Daily Challenge Results!

April 29, 2014

My Aveeno Daily Challenge is officially over.

While I managed to make it the whole 21 days using Aveeno’s Daily Moisturizing Lotion, I’m not proud to say that I wasn’t as successful in the candy department. The first two weeks I was making great strides. Pineapples, apples, and bananas became my treats of choice. But, once Easter rolled around, my will power and pact to Aveeno’s challenge was compromised.

I blame those bite size Brach jelly beans and oh-so sweet pink marshmallow Peeps (yes, the colors make a difference in taste) for making me fall off the wagon. I just couldn’t resist raiding my daughter’s Easter basket. Needless to say, I didn’t notice any immediate weight loss as a result of avoiding candy the first two weeks, but I did feel more energized and less sluggish.

It’s also important to note that during the first two weeks, I noticed a change in my skin’s appearance. It seemed brighter, clearer and more refreshed. I’m not sure if that had anything to do with the new facial cleanser I’ve been using or my body’s way of saying “thank you” for not pumping it with sugar and artificial sweeteners. The rest of my body never looked better. Since I tend to have super dry skin, it’s imperative that I use a moisturizer that lasts hours. By consistently using Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion, my skin felt smoother and stayed remarkably hydrated for long periods of time.

Even though I didn’t successfully complete the entire challenge, I still plan on curbing my candy intake by only indulging on Saturdays and Sundays. I hope I can keep it up, but all I can do is take it one day at a time!

How do you manage to stay on track when it comes to healthy snacking, etc?

Category: Wellness | 1 Comment

Review: Evenflo Classic Glass Feeding Bottle Featuring Proflow

April 14, 2014

I must admit, I hardly use bottles to feed my 6 1/2 month-old-son.

Yep, I’m one of those moms who breastfeeds on demand all day, everyday. It’s easy for me and my son loves the comfort and nourishment that it provides. However, when my outfit or a particular public location or outing isn’t conducive to breastfeeding, Evenflo’s new bottle line with Proflow vented nipples has been my substitute.

Evenflo Classic + Vented Bottles with Proflow Vented Nipples (trio of 8 oz) available exclusively at Babies R Us, $9.99

I prefer the classic glass option because it cuts down on germs and mold that can creep in with plastic ones. Plus, with the Proflow innovation, the vented nipples direct those dreaded air bubbles straight into the bottle instead of my son’s stomach, reducing gassy fussiness.

Being a second-time mom, I’ve never found a bottle and nipple that my children actually like as much as the “real thing.” My firstborn used bottles a lot more frequently than my son, so I’ve tried a wide variety. The classic glass ProFlow doesn’t leak either, which is a true bonus. And, since we moms are always short on time, the one-piece nipple eliminates extra dish duty.

If you’re on the hunt for a good glass bottle, give the new Evenflo ones with Proflow nipples a go!

Do you prefer glass or plastic bottles?

Category: Baby, Health, Travel & Lifestyle, Wellness | 2 Comments

No Sugar, No Sweat

April 7, 2014

Hello, my name is Karla and I’m a candy fanatic.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had a killer sweet tooth for Skittles, Starburts, and my all-time favorite— gummy bears. In fact, since my son was born last September, I’ve been consuming on average a pound of gummy bears a week ! Although I do work out here and there, I know that I need to change my snacking habits for my health and to be a good example for my children.

That’s why I’m excited to take the #AveenoDailyChallenge! I’m ditching my go-to sugar fixes for healthier fruit options for the next 3 weeks. Instead of gummy bears I’ll be munching on strawberries, apples and pineapples. Plus, I plan on pampering my skin with Aveeno’s Daily Moisturizing Lotion as an additional part of the challenge to keep it smooth and supple for spring.

I know omitting candy from my life won’t be easy, especially with Easter (my favorite holiday) only a couple of weeks away, but I’m committed to completing this challenge. I’ll keep you guys posted on my progress.

Wish me luck!

Have you ever done a similar challenge? If so, do you have any advice for going cold turkey?

Category: Wellness | 5 Comments

New Year, New Workout

January 6, 2014

Happy New Year, I hope you guys had a wonderful holiday!

Although I didn’t go to Chicago (my hometown) for Christmas or NYE, I had a fantastic time here in New York with my family. And, when I tell you that I took advantage of the season (since Thanksgiving) to indulge in some of my favorite treats, I REALLY did.

From countless bags of gummy bears to bite-size marshmallow bliss, I had my fair share (and then some) of sugary snacks. Now I’m left with those dreaded, pesky post-holiday pounds. Plus, I still haven’t completely shed my pregnancy weight.

Needless to say, since mid-December I’ve been hitting the gym harder than ever. Well, I actually really never worked out before, but that’s not the point! Thanks to Beyoncé’s surprise HOT release, it’s kept me moving and motivated to melt these pounds away by March.

I’ll keep you guys posted on my progress!

Did you overindulge during the holidays? Did you make a New Year’s resolution? I know it’s been out for nearly a month, but what do you think of Beyoncé‘s new CD/DVD?

Category: Wellness | 1 Comment

Product Review: Evenflo’s Advanced Double Electric Breast Pump

November 4, 2013

It’s hard to believe that my little bundle of joy is already over a month old!

While these past few weeks have been nothing short of amazing, I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that in the very beginning breastfeeding made them challenging too. Luckily, I had support and a good pump.

EvenFlo’s new Advanced Double Electric Breast Pump was a godsend during those sleepless nights when I contemplated giving up breastfeeding all together. The ease of being able to express milk pain-free allowed me to bottle-feed my son when I couldn’t do it directly. The compact and virtually quiet design made pumping a breeze when it was just too painful (due to improper latches) to nurse him or to simply freeze and stockpile.

Unlike some other brands (I’ve used a couple others with my firstborn), this pump is more affordable and just as effective. With several levels of speed and suction, you can pump effectively depending on the desired setting. And, it’s also one of the few pumps that has closed system, which keeps it sanitary and prevents bacteria from creeping into milk. Plus, it comes with three flange sizes for a more customized and comfortable fit.

Now that I’ve finally mastered nursing my newborn, I don’t use the pump as much as I did during the first days. That said, I do use it occasionally while nursing since it can be used as a single pump. But, I’ll definitely use it a lot more once I go back to work full-time. Again, its compact size makes it easy for toting and traveling.

If you or someone you know is expecting and looking for a quality breast pump that won’t break the bank, this is an excellent choice!

Evenflo Advanced Double Electric Breast Pump available here, $99