I wrote a couple weeks ago about starting the Special K Challenge. Even if you didn't read my post, I'm sure you've all heard of the challenge, right? This year, Special K wants to take the negative connotations away from the idea of approaching weight loss by asking women to consider what they will gain by losing weight. I think that is the best way to look at things ever! Simply reframing the question and putting a positive spin on things can really change a person's mindset. I'd say it definitely did for me.

I had lost weight through the hCG diet last spring, but I gained a good bit of it back. I took some time to reflect on how I felt when I lost those nearly 25 pounds. According to a study by Special K, the top three emotional benefits women hope to achieve by reaching their weight loss goal are happiness, confidece and a sense of achievement. I would definitely say that I felt all of those with my weight loss, and I wanted to feel those things again. So I jumped right on board with the two-week Special K Challenge.

Program Overview

Have you visited the Special K website? If not, you'll want to go take a look. Special K has so much more than cereal now. Their line of products is extensive. They have salty snacks like cracker chips, protein meal replacement bars and shakes, just to name a few. I recommend taking a look. They have all their products listed on the site, and you can even browse by craving. The website is where you'll want to start if you decide to take the challenge or would like inspiration on beginning a long-term weight loss plan.

This is one of the most thorough websites i've encountered from a brand, I must say. There is a social component where you can connect with others looking for a healthy way of life. I have to confess that I didn't use this part much, as I had my fellow challenge blog participants to lean on, as well as my other online networks. But it's so cool to offer a place for people who are specifically interested in the Special K Challenge. When you've decided to take the challenge or look into a longer-term plan, you can choose your goals and find a daily meal plan tailored specifically for your choice. You'll find sample meals and recipes to try based on your plan. So helpful for busy women on the go! Seriosly, there's just too much to list here. Check out the website for recipe ideas, tips for success, Special K yummy ideas and even a mobile app with shopping lists.

My Experience

Yeah, I know - you just want to know how much weight I lost. I'll get to that. I will. First, i want to talk about how YUMMY these Special K products are. Before starting the plan, I was a self-proclaimed Special K Chocolately Delight addict. Have you ever tried that stuff? Let me just warn you, once you do, you may never stop. It's that good. So I had high expectations for their other products, though I had never tried any of them.

Let me just tell you that I was not disappointed. They were all so good, that I truly didn't have much trouble staying with the program. I followed the meal plan and ate Special K products for breakfast, lunch and snacks, along with a sensible dinner. The website offered a recipe each day for the dinner meal. While I didn't follow each one to the letter, I've added some fabulous new items to my regular meal planning!

Back to the breakfasts and snacks. My very favorite was the Chocolatey Pretzel cereal bar. I am a sucker for anything sweet and salty, and the crunchy texture of this bar just made it even better. What a great snack to just grab and go. I always had one in my purse for those moments I was out and just had to have something quick. I also loved the Multi-Grain Oats and Honey ceral. I am a cereal person. It's one of my favorite breakfasts. This one was crunchy with just the right hint of sweetness. Loved it. Even the shakes were good. I was a bit apprehensive about those and will say that the French vanilla was not my favorite. I found a suggestion on the website, though, for a French vanilla espresso shake and enjoyed that quite a bit. I also made smoothies with them, adding frozen strawberries, bananas, yogurt and orange juice. Yum! And my 13-year old son stole the chocolate shakes - they're that good.

My Results

Drumroll please...But first a little claim language from Special K: Consult your physician before starting any diet or exercise program. Average weight loss when replacing meals with two cereal meals is 4.8 pounds. Weight loss may vary. Average waist circumference when replacing two meals with cereal meals is 1.3 inches. Weight loss may vary.

Okay, here goes. I must first apologize and let you know that I forgot to take my waist measurements. Sorry. However, I did notice that my jeans fit a bit looser, so I'm confident there was definitely a loss. As far as pounds lost, I lost about 3 pounds in two weeks. That's not too darn bad. Especially considering that I cheated a bit on the weekends. I'm a notorious cheater when it comes to diet plans, however, keeping my baby steps philosophy in mind, I usually allow myself a few slips. Even my husband noticed a change and asked just the other day, "Have you lost weight?" Woo hoo! For Bill to notice, there definitely had to be a change.

What have I noticed? What did I gain by losing? I feel so much more in control when I know I'm making choices that are good for me. That's important to me. Making proactive choices is empowering. And, truthfully, the changes weren't that difficult. The products taste good, and they're convenient. It wasn't hard to incorporate them into my lifestyle. I know I will continue to be a Special K lover. Do you think you'll consider taking the Special K Challenge? I highly recommend it. The changes are gradual, and the results go beyond weight loss. Baby steps. Give it a try!

I participated in this program through a partnership with TheMotherhood on behalf of Special K. I received product and supplies to complete the plan. All opinions and statements are based on my own opinion and experience.

I love all things beauty related. Ever since I started wearing makeup in sixth grade, I've been a cosmetics addict. I write a lot about beauty here at Everyday Baby Steps. I've written beauty articles for other sites around the web. And one of my best gigs is blogging for a local salon where I receive salon services in exchange for my writing and social media management. Great trade, right?

I've often thought about going to beauty school. When I was younger, though, it wouldn't have been seen as a wise decision by my family. Not to mention the fact that I just don't think I'd be very gifted with a pair of shears. What I didn't know back then is there are so many different options in the cosmetology industry.

Nail artistry is a big one that really catches my interest. I love the creativity involved in choosing length, shape, colors and styles. The possibilities are endless. An option I was actually considering recently is becoming an esthetician. These beauty professionals do things like skin care, hair removal and massage. What an amazing job it would be to make people feel good for a living!

One day, when my kids are older and I have fewer responsibilities, I think my next career move may be in the field of beauty. Someday, I may even look into escuelas de cosmetologia en Miami. Did you know I was a Spanish major in college? I'd love to live in the warm, vibrant culture of Miami. Have you ever considered a career like cosmetology? What's your dream job, and where would you live?

Remember I told you about a workshop I was cohosting on tween hygiene? Well, it was an amazingly informative discussion. A large group of mothers spoke with expert Rosalind Wiseman about the issues surrounding our kids' hygiene. It was so much fun to share stories and to learn how other parents are handling the sometimes tricky issues with their kids. Here's a quick recap.

Rosalind Wiseman is the author of the book Queen Bees and Wannabes, and she started things off by joking, "We love our children, but we don't have to love their stink. Personally, my younger son's soccer cleats could be used as a weapon of mass destruction!" It was reassuring to know that even the experts have to handle these "stinky" situations. We learned that our kids are growing and that increased hormones at this age can cause lots of changes.

Discussions surrounding sweat, body odor, puberty and menstruation were had. No topic was off limits. What we learned was most important was that we handle the topics with our kids sensitively. These kinds of things can cause our kids to feel insecure. We also shared that it's our job to bring up the subjects even if it's not something our kids want to hear.

When discussing personal hygiene, the most important thing to remember is to keep it private. Be sure to talk about these issues when other kids aren't around. Tell them the facts, but let them know that you experienced the same kinds of things. You might even want to share a funny memory from your own childhood.

We also shared that it helps to give kids a say in things. Invite them along to shop for personal hygiene products and ask them which ones they prefer. Also, start teaching them about good hygiene habits and enforcing regular showers, teeth brushing and deodorant wearing. These steps are important to keeping things in check. But again, don't forget to be sensitive.

You can visit The Motherhood for the entire chat summary. And we'd love it if you'd join in the discussion at the Don't Fret the Sweat Facebook page. There's some good stuff going on over there!

Now for the giveaway, and it's an awesome one. Up for grabs is a Very Bradley bag filled with informational goodies and hygiene items. You'll definitely want a chance at this. The beautiful Vera Bradley bag contains:

One sample each of Degree, Degree Girl and Degree Men deodorant by Unilever

A copy of the books Queen Bees and Wannabes and Boys, Girls & Other Hazardous Materials by Rosalind Wiseman.

Here's a picture of what the winner will get!

Leave a comment below telling me what your most difficult topic is regarding hygiene and your kids. Even if you have little kids or ones that are grown or don't have kids at all. Tell me what you think might be the most difficult topic to discuss with kids when it comes to hygiene. I want to hear your ideas! This giveaway will close at noon EST Thursday, October 13th. Good luck!

* I will receive compensation for participating in this campaign.

I was recently asked to take part in a very special opportunity to help Libby's with a home building project for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh. Unfortunately, due to schedule conflicts, I was unable to make the build. However, my friends Beth and Kim were there, along with their kids, and I hear it was an amazing experience.

Libby's has gotten involved to provide EVERY Habitat for Humanity recipient in Pittsburgh a complete dining set with place settings and a stocked pantry. I think that's such an awesome contribution to a well-deserving organization that helps change the lives of so many. Roxanne Cole and Leah and Michael Rosenblatt are the first two local families to receive their new homes. Roxanne is a single mother of five, currently pursuing her Master's in social work, while working as a social worker. Leah and Michael are the parents of an 8-year old and an 8-month old. Michael is a truck driver, and Leah just went back to work after her maternity leave. Both families volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and are eagerly anticipating their new homes.

I love hearing the personal stories of the people who will benefit from these homes. I cherish my home and am grateful for it each and every day. Sometimes I wish we had more room to spread out, as we live in a single wide mobile home, but more often, I find myself marveling at how fortunate I am to be able to provide a safe, warm environment for my family. I love that Habitat for Humanity helps so many others experience that feeling.

Do you live in or near Pittsburgh? You can help! Libby's is collecting non-perishable food items at the new Habitat for Humanity ReStore, located in the Edgewood Towne Centre. Not only can you donate your non-perishable food items, but you may also enjoy browsing for discounted items. All proceeds from the ReStore benefit Habitat for Humanity of Great Pittsburgh.

If you're not local to Pittsburgh, you may have a Habitat for Humanity ReStore near you. Give them a call to inquire about donations or stop by to shop. I can't wait to visit ours!

* I will receive compensation for this post. I believe wholeheartedly in the mission of Habitat for Humanity and am happy to support the organization in any way I can.

I recently mentioned my shopping trip to Sam's Club to buy Member's Mark 4X Probiotic. In that post, I talked about my experience with buying the product and how I felt about shopping at Sam's. Yes, I do love Sam's! Now I'd like to share with you my thoughts on how the product has worked after taking it for two weeks.

Benefits of Probiotics

Probiotic seems to be a bit of a buzz word when it comes to health lately, but from what I've read, it's not merely a fad. Probiotics are a very useful way of regulating your digestive health. Probiotics are basically bacteria that are meant to contribute to healthy microflora and support the function of the immune system. Yes, these kinds of bacteria are actually good for you.

It's been shown that probiotics can aid in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, help manage other gostrointestinal disorders, delay the development of allergies in children and prevent vaginal and urinary tract infections in women. This is according to information I found in Harvard Medical School's Family Health Guide. Probiotics can be good for overall, general digestive health. If you're hoping to treat a certain condition, be sure to talk to your physician about taking any probiotic product.

About Member's Mark 4X Probiotic

Four strains of natural bacteria are contained in this product. These are Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium longum and Bifidobacterium bifidum. These bacteria are meant to promote gastrointestinal health and digestive system balance, and they support a healthy digestive system. Talk to your doctor about the use of these particular bacteria in treating any conditions you may be experiencing.

My Experience with Member's Mark 4X Probiotic

Digestive health can be a pretty touchy and sensitive issue. Those who know me know that I'm a pretty open person. But I'm not open enough to share all of my digest issues here on my blog, nor do I think you want to hear about them. So let me just give you an overview of my experience using this product for the past two weeks.

At first, I will say that I noticed an increased frequency of bowel movements. That didn't seem like such a good thing to me, as I never really had a problem in that area. After a few days, this subsided. I'm back to my normal self, but I have noticed less bloating that I had been having. I don't always eat what I should, and I have food allergies. So sometimes, things just don't agree with me digestively. I can truly say that I've noticed a differrence since taking the Member's Mark 4X Probiotic.

I trust Member's Mark products and have given them to my kids. Because probiotics are marketed as a dietary supplement, they are not regulated by the FDA, I believe. It is important to choose a brand that you are comfortable with. I wouldn't recommend this product if I didn't believe in the manufacturer. Have you taken a probiotic? Would you recommend them?

* This shop has been compensated as part of shoppers insight study for Collective Bias. All opinions are my own.

I had a chance recently to try a new product in the Sam's Club Member's Mark brand and to document my shopping experience. Okay, it was actually about two weeks ago that I did the shop. Where does the time go? I can't believe it was that long ago, but I still want to share with you how much I love shopping at Sam's. I'll tell you more about the Member's Mark 4X Probiotic in a nother post. Basically, it's a natural supplement to aid digestive health, which is something that can benefit most of us. For now, let's just chat about Sam's Club for a bit. Shall we?

I love shopping at Sam's. i'm so glad my mom talked me into getting the membership. The cost of the yearly membership is more than made up for by the amazing savings. There's a big misconception that Sam's Club is all about giant packages of things you could never store. I've actually never found that to be the case. There are certain items that I always purchase at Sam's for my family. Some of these include Huggies diapers and wipes, Dove body wash, shampoo and conditioner, Nature Valley Granola Bars, Jif Peanut Butter and the Member's Mark Children's Gummy Vitamins I buy my kids.

So when I was invited to try Member's Mark 4X Probiotic, I didn't hesitate to agree. I knew I'd be visiting Sam's sometime soon, anyway. And we've always been satisfied with Member's Mark products. Take a look at my shopping experience. You'll see I got a little distracted on my way to picking up the Probiotic. I recommend having a lot of time to spare when you take a trip to Sam's Club.

Do you shop at Sam's Club? What do you buy there every time you go? Anything you think my family should try?

* This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. All opinions and love for Sam's Club are my own.

Have you ever purchased prescription glasses online? It may seem a little strange to some. You may wonder how you'd ever manage to choose a pair that flatters your face without trying them on. You'd be surprised at what great frames you can get online and how well they can work for you. I've purchased glasses for myself and my children online several times, and I've never been less than satisfied. You can get prescription glasses with lenses included for less than $100 at many sites online. Let me tell you a little about my experience.

The Process

The first thing you'll need is your most recent prescription. If it's been awhile, head to the eye doctor and get an exam. Just ask them to write down the prescription for you. I got an eye exam at my local Walmart for $50. Not bad considering I don't have insurance. Be sure you get what's called the PD included in your written prescription. This is important for getting the correct size frames.

Next, do a little shopping online to find the site that has the best selection and deals. It's a good idea to look for testimonials on the website or for written reviews online. If you have a friend or relative who's bought glasses online, be sure to ask about their experience. I've actually purchased glasses from several different companies and have had good results. I once bought a pair of prescription sunglasses, including lenses, for just over $50. I love those glasses and don't know how I ever got along wtihout them.

This picture shows me in one of my favorite pair of glasses bought online.

Choosing Frames

It really isn't that hard to choose frames that work for you. You know yourself and are familiar with your facial shape. If you've worn glasses for awhile, you have an idea of what looks good on you. I always have a tough time when looking for glasses because I want to try on every single pair. Then I forget which ones I liked best and have to go back to my pile of keepers to try them on again. It's actually quite a pain. I've found it to be easier to buy glasses online. I look for styles that are similar to ones that have worked for me in the past. For example, I usually just check out the half frame glasses, which makes things a little more manageable. Then I look for colors that I like and I know will work with my red hair. Then I narrow it down. Usually, one pair will stand out from the rest, and that's my choice. This same process has worked for my kids' frames. My daughter is very small and has a petite face. I knew we had to look for delicate frames. She wanted pink. So we eneded up going with a little pink pair that she absolutely adores.

Give It a Try

You really don't have anything to lose, except outrageous eyeglass cost and the frustration of trying on endless pairs of glasses. Some sites even allow you to upload a picture to virtually "try on" different styles. It's pretty cool. And many sites offer free shipping and returns if you're not pleased. How can you go wrong? I say go with your gut and choose a frame that you think will work for you. If you're not happy with the process or don't like your frame, just send the glasses back.

Have you ever bought glasses online? What did you think? I'd love to hear about your experience!

* sponsored post

You may remember that not very long ago, I shared some information about a very fun contest Hershey's has going on. Well, guess what? There's still time to enter. If you head over to the Hershey's Facebook page, you can see the official contest rules and to upload a photo of your special S'mores memory. The grand prize includes a Canon Rebel camera, slate marble fire outdoor firebowl, $250 SnapFish giftcard, roasting skewers and a kit of ingredients to make your own S'mores. Plus, you can also download a coupon for $1 off any 2 Hershey's milk chocolate bar 6-packs.

We are loving our S'mores this summer. My little guy had his very first one this summer at Grandma's cookout and has been begging for them ever since. Here's a picture of him eating his first S'more.

And check out this video of my kids showing you how we make S'mores since we don't have a fire pit outside.

Making S'mores in the microwave can get pretty messy, but we don't mind. Here are some photos of the kids getting gooey.

We don't think it's fun unless you end up with a mess.

Wanna win a S'mores pack of your own so that you can share the messy goodness with your family? Just leave a comment below telliing me where you like to eat S'mores. A U.S. winner will be chosen at random sometime after noon EST on Friday, August 12th.

And don't forget to head over to Hershey's Facebook page to enter to win that Canon camera and all the rest of the goodies they're offering!

I love blogging. Thanks to blogging, I've been given a prompt to think about Christmas. In July. Storkie, a company that sells fine stationery and greeting cards is asking bloggers to write about Christmas in July. And I'm happy to oblige because Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year. I've been in a bit of a funk lately, and I could use a little Christmas spirit in my life.

Christmas is amazing because it's a time of giving, of thinking of others and ways to make them happy. For me, it's not about commercialism in the gift giving. I love taking the time to think about what each person would like and truly trying to deliver a gift that they will enjoy, maybe even treasure. I love listening to festive Christmas music and sitting down to address Christmas cards, adding a personal message to each one.  My favorite are photo cards that show how my kids have grown. I also love Christmas shopping. It's such fun to get together with friends for a day to shop til we drop - I can't wait until 2011 black friday.

Why don't we send cards or letters at other times throughout the year or give a special gift with some real thought behind it simply because it will make someone happy? I make it a policy to hug my children and tell them I love them each day. In that way, I'm hoping this always helps to reinforce my feelings for them and let them know I'm always here for them. I'd like to bring a little Christmas spirit into my everyday life and remember to be giving to all the people who are important to me.

It doesn't have to be about spending money. I love sending cards for no reason. And email is so convenient. I think I'll take some time this weekend to send notes or cards to some special friends and loved ones to let them know I'm thinking of them. I'll play fun music around the house just because, to bring some fun into the atmosphere. And while I'm out shopping with my daughter for our girls' day out, I'll be on the lookout for small trinkets or items on sale that might brighten someone's day.

I have a number of older neighbors in my mobile home park. There are surely things I can do to brighten their days. Just bringing the kids around to visit and say hello is a good start. We get so busy in our own lives. I'd like to show some Christmas cheer and giving on a more regular basis. Fellowship isn't just for the holidays. People are happy for companionship all year long.

Though this is a sponsored post by Storkie.com, I truly am glad to have had this chance to consider the Christmas theme and to contemplate on the mood and feelings that the holiday brings. You all know I try to take "Everyday Baby Steps" to making my life better. Invoking the spirit of the holidays in my ordinary life is a fabulous way to do that.

I am receiving compensation for this post, but the message and feelings are genuine. In what ways would you bring a little Christmas spirit into your life?

Those of you who follow me on a regular basis may know that I've been reading a lot this year. I made it a goal to add more reading for sheer pleasure to my life, and since getting my Nook Color, I've been doing a pretty good job of it. Although I've downloaded a number of non-fiction books to enhance my personal development and to learn something new, I've truly tried to force myself to get lost in a good work of fiction at least once a week. Well, recently, I had the opportunity to check out a non-fiction book on marketing called Fascinate by Sally Hogshead, and I'm glad to say that I was so easily persuaded to delve back into my passion for learning.

What a, excuse the pun, fascinating book this is from the very beginning. Brand executive and marketing genius, Sally Hogshead, uses actual examples from ads and from life to demonstrate how using certain triggers can improve relationships. Better relationships equals more sales or more of whatever particular goal you desire. The concepts in the book can be parlayed into business or even into your personal life.

Your Fascination Score

In fact, before I go any further with the book review, I'd like to direct you to Sally's website to a personality test you can take in order to determine the fascination triggers that you use most frequently or could use more often. There are seven fascination triggers, or ways of reaching people to make yourself more fascinating. My primary trigger is Prestige, and my secondary is Passion. These are not surprising to me. I like to excel in what I do and look for unique opportunities in life and in my career. My dormant trigger is Trust. This was surprising to me. No one wants to be seen as untrustworthy. But this information, combined with what I learned in the book, has given me great insight into how I can use triggers in my business as a freelance writer and in my personal life. I highly recommend taking the test!

The Book

The book is based on the seven triggers and how to use them to persuade or fascinate others. We all use our natural strengths to be fascinating, according to Hogshead, and fascination can effect every part of our lives. Knowing which fascination triggers to use in your personal situation can lead to a great advantage in the market place and in helping you to reach your goals. Because we live in an ADD world of overwhelm and overload, it's important to be fascinating in order to be seen.

The 7 Fascination Triggers are:

1. Lust
2. Mystique
3. Alarm
4. Prestige
5. Power
6. Vice
7. Trust

Each of these triggers sparks a different response in people. Depending on your desired outcome, you could use any of these triggers to help improve your message. The concept, to me, is actually quite brilliant. I've never taken a marketing course, but after seeing things in this perspective, I'm more inclined to immerse myself in more information on why people make the choices they do, as well as how to influence those choices.

Hogshead goes intro great detail to describe the "gold hallmarks" of each trigger and how to create "fascination badges" or potential areas for what you represent. While she admits that she didn't invent the triggers, I am extremely impressed with the examples she's found of how they are best being used. I also love that she encourages the reader to use the triggers in their own life. She devotes an entire section of the book to helping us find ways to incorporate the triggers into our own brand's message. Brilliant!

More Sally Hogshead

To get a better idea of Sally's personality and whether the book may be for you, take a look at this video. In it, she talks about how to fascinate and gives you an overview of the book's concepts.

Should you decide that you'd like to purchase the book, it's available at Amazon in print and for Kindle, as well as at Barnes & Noble in print and for the Nook. Let me know what you think of it. Also, what other marketing, business or social media books should I be reading? Thanks!

* This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. As always, all opinions are my own, regardless of compensation.