Parenting Beyond The Rules by Connie Albers

Parenting Beyond The Rules Book

February 22, 2019

I am happy to share with you that I am helping a wonderful woman I met last year at Social Media Marketing World, launch her new book. It’s called Parenting Beyond The Rules written by Connie Albers.

Yesterday I received my Advanced Readers Copy of Parenting Beyond the Rules. I am so excited, and I can’t wait to start reading it this weekend. I am a member of her book launch team. The book is in presale now on Amazon (this is my affiliate link).

I totally felt Connie’s gratitude and appreciation by the way she had the book so specially wrapped and tucked into our boxes. I loved opening this little gift when it arrived.

Parenting Beyond The Rules Advanced Readers Copy

Who Is Connie Albers

I had the pleasure of meeting Connie via Facebook last year when I volunteered for Social Media Marketing World in San Diego. When we met in person, she was so helpful to me. I had flown in and went right to the convention center to be part of the leaders’ welcome lunch.

Connie was part of the management team overseeing the volunteers. She was such a professional with a kind heart and a strong work ethic. She was amazing. I loved her right away. I always wanted to help out whenever or however I could because I knew this conference was so large, they could use any additional help available.

Since then we have remained in touch on social media. I recently found out about her book brigade and knew I had to be part of her team. As a mom of two tweens, I know I am going to need as much advice that I can get as they enter this new season in their lives. It’s also a new season in my life parenting my kids through this huge change in their lives.

I trust Connie’s advice, and know that her book will be valuable to me. Connie is a mother of five adults, and I have seen the life of love that they live.

I am Now Parenting Tweens

Connie’s book helps with topics relevant to today’s society. She talks about how you can still guide the hearts of our teens and remain the primary influence in their lives. Especially during the world now which is filled with distractions and devices.

I remember my years as a teenager. Every time I hear my daughter get sassy, it’s like hearing my own mouth 30 years ago! I know it’s payback for how I acted as a teenager.

You will discover how to raise a teen according to his or her strengths, talents, and personality type, as these things equip teens to manage life.
Connie Albers

With such a busy world for our children and for us as adults, I need the guidance on what to look out for. I don’t want to be a naieve parent. I want to keep my children safe and aware as well, without scaring them too much. However, I need them to realize what dangers are available outside and inside the home, and their devices.

Join Connie Albers in discovering practical solutions for every parent trying to raise a responsible, godly teenager.
Amazon

This season is going to be hard for both of us; but it doesn’t have to be. Ironically as their bodies, moods and friends are changing, mine is also doing the same. I am also going through changes. I am close to turning 47 years old; and I know my body is doing things it didn’t use to. I’ll be sharing that progress in my life as my journey continues also.

Will you purchase a copy of this book? I’ll continue to share what I learned from her book and how it’s working out with our kids.

My Running Goals for 2019

February 20, 2019

Now that I already have the 48.6 miles from the runDisney Dopey Challenge under my belt for this year, I am working on my running goals for 2019. Each year I set goals for which races I want to run locally or in different states. I don’t have a Fall marathon on my schedule. I didn’t get into the New York City Marathon this year so I have to consider an option for a different marathon or to decide if I even want to run a Fall marathon. I do know that I am going to participate in several 5K races and a handful of half marathons in Connecticut.

Upcoming Races

My son and I will be running the Hartford Marathon Foundation Lucky Challenge. He told me he wanted to run these races with me again, and he also wanted to see the medals. Looks like he has inherited a little bit of the bling fever from me!

We will run four 5k races in four towns of Connecticut. These back to back race weekends lead up to St. Patrick’s Day for the final race in the state’s capital. These races are a lot of fun and we get dressed up in St. Patrick’s Day accessories.

We don’t run fast but we enjoy the time driving to the races, running the races, the great swag, seeing my friends, and even the post race corn beef sandwiches.

What Are My Goals?

More Half Marathons

I am planning to get a decent proof of time for any future runDisney races. I am training for, and running the Cheshire Half Marathon in April. That is where I have had my best half marathon finish times. It is also the location of my very first half marathon. I’m also planning on doing the Cape Cod and Hartford Half Marathons. I may consider the Hershey Half Marathon as well this year.

Incorporate Speed Work Into My Training

It’s going to take some work and dedication to increase my speed for my next half marathon in April. I want to get a finish time between 2:15 a 2:30. It’s a big push goal for me.

But in order to get faster you have to do the cadence drills like Jeff Galloway recommends. I trained with Jeff Galloway with his e-coaching for my first Dopey Challenge. I found his training plan to be spot on and I successful with finishing my first and now fifth Dopey Challenge.

Hit The Hills

Yea hills are no fun. But it is a nice change for your body to push yourself up the hills. You need the challenge and it will ultimately make you stronger. Here are some tips on how to begin running and including it as a part of your lifestyle.

Hit The Gym

You can also incorporate cross training that includes squats and runner lunges that Fitz Kohler offers. She has great exercise programs dedicated to just runners of all abilities.

How To Register For A Disney Race

Registration for next January’s races opens up on April 19th so I have a little over a month to decide. I don’t know if this year it will sell out. Last year it did not. To register for a runDisney race or to see other runDisney races, visit www.rundisney.com. During the summer runDisney also does a virtual 5K series. I participated in the first year. Last year the theme was on the Incredibles along with the release of their new movie. I wonder what this year’s theme will be!

Will I Do Dopey Again?

I really don’t know how to answer that! I want to…. so I guess between now and when the registration opens I have to make some decisions and do a reality check. I should also talk with the friends of mine that were freaking out along with me just before the race weekend.

I did have such a great race this year. Despite my fears, I surprised myself with my strong finish. I’ll do some soul searching and think about my intentions while I continue to remain consistent with my weekly running and cross training schedule.

What races are you running this year? Share them in the comments. I’d love to hear from you!

Chalene Johnson’s 131 Method Book

February 18, 2019

Inflammation And Your Health

I have an autoimmune disease. Some of you may know that about me; but I’m sure many people do not. I don’t talk about it much unless it comes up in conversation. I have had it since 2002, or at least that is when I got diagnosed. It’s called Henoch-Schönlein Purpura and has given me kidney vasculitis; which is an inflammation of the small blood vessels in my kidneys.

It used to take over my mind for many years when I was first diagnosed. The reason for that was because it took away my dream of starting my family when we first got married. Thankfully, after five years of treatment I was given the go-ahead to start a family; but even that was hard.

I was also diagnosed with unexplained infertility. But with the help of the UCONN fertilitly center, we now have our two beautiful children. So what does all this have to do with inflammation? Well, I’m doing the research so I can share this with you over the next few months.

I am part of the 131 Method Book Brigade and am helping to promote the book 131 Method by Chalene Johnson which comes out on April 16, 2019. You can preorder the book now on Amazon.

I’m not just doing this because I wanted to be on her book brigade, I am doing this because I have been following Chalene for several years. I do her workouts on Beachbodyondemand.com and I also listen to her podcasts. I have listened to her explain about her research of the 131 method and how the processing of foods in America is not helping our children or us live our most healthy lives.

What Is the 131 Method?

Do you try to lose weight and find that you just can’t? Or have you been on a diet, and lost weight only to gain it back? This yo-yo affect is so common in todays’s society to lose weight. I am looking for a way to get healthier. Not only to lose weight; but also to remove the foods that are causing inflammation and irritation to my body and gut health.

Do you suffer from brain fog, irritability or forgetfulness? I do! Sometimes I feel like I have the brain of an 80 year old. I walk into a room only to forget the reason why I went in there in the first place. Or when I am talking, I can’t find the words I was trying to use to explain something. Well it could be because we are deficient in the macronutrients that our body needs.

The 131 Method is explained as this:

1 Health Objective
3 Weeks of Diet Phasing
1 Week of Fast and Refuel

I know it sounds intimidating; but I am going to be learning about the process and will bring you along on my journey so you can learn through me how it all works.

You don’t have to count calories or deprive yourself; but you do need to have an open mind. It’s not about getting skinny, it’s about being smart and getting healthy.

Have You Heard Of Leaky Gut

I’m a strong believer that my husband is suffering from that, and that’s why his fibromyalgia is so bad. But what about me? Do I have it too? Irritation caused by stress, over-exercising, and eating foods with artificial sweeteners, fat-free, low-fat, etc. are causing our intestinal walls to become inflammed. Which in the end, thins out those walls and causes malabsorption, slower metabolism, imbalanced hormones, weight gain and more negative effects. Does this sound like something you are experiencing?

I need to learn more about it and find out how to treat it. That’s why I can’t wait for my copy of the book to come! I’m going to study it like a textbook to get myself and my family on the right track to a healthy gut and healthy bodies.

How Long Does The 131 Method Take?

Typically you go through the program in 12 weeks. I am on a mission to take back my health before my 47th birthday. I kept blaming my symptoms on perimenopause; but I want to see what’s really going on once I take control of everything that I put into my body.

This may be a challenge when I travel; but if I am armed with the information now; then I can plan accordingly and not lose all the work I am putting into my research.

According to the book, there are three phases:

Phase 1 – Ignite

This phase cranks up your metabolism and changes your body from burning sugar, to burning fat for fuel. You have probably heard about the Keto diet people are now on. This phase is similar to that. It’s a higher in fat, lower in carbs phase which will help to stabilize your appetite, reduce inflammation and balance your hormones. During this phase you are also rebuilding your immune system.

Phase 2 – Nourish

During the Nourish phase, for three weeks you will cut back on animal proteins and increase vegetables and plant-based healthy fats. During the end of this phase you will boost your immune system and increase your gut microbiome diversity.

What is microbione diversity?

It’s responsible for the balancing and production of your major hormones. When you can improve the health and diversity, you can minimize the symptoms caused by this imbalance. So the mood swings, the anxity, depression, thyroid disorders, and more can be managed and controlled by cleaning up your gut health.

Phase 3 – Renew

This last four week phase of the program you should feel amazing. By now you would have found out how ot use fats, proteins and carbs for energy. You will know your insulin sensitivity, and you will have figured out PERSONALLY, which foods give you trouble and cause your bloating and inflammation.

You Have To Be In It To Win It

I am going to be honest, I am a little scared of learning about all of this. I don’t want it to make me feel sick or hungover or have headaches while cleaning out my gut; but I am going to trust the process and bring you along so you can see the changes in my mind and body as I take back my health.

Like Chalene says “The most difficult choices almost always come with the greatest reward!” I know this won’t be easy; but I’m going to try my hardest. Sadly, you know what is going to make it hard? Going to the grocery store and still finding the foods that are clean, non GMO, organic and won’t break the bank when buying them fresh.

Pre-order your copy of the book today!

Lessons I Learned On The Oprah Cruise

February 13, 2019

I came back from the Oprah’s Girlfriends’ Cruise with such a high. The cruise was my first cruise and it was one of the most amazing times in my life! I learned so many lessons from Oprah and my new friends!

When we embarked the Nieuw Statendam, there was a palpable energy, that you could feel. It began as soon as we sat down to lunch with two other women at our table. We laughed, we shared our anticipation of what we thought might happen. Then we took pictures of the “Dynamic Duo”. They gained that name after they called us the “Fabulous Four”.

With all of the lessons from Oprah and my new friends, I will be sharing them with you in several posts; and the Fabulous Four is also going to start a podcast about living our best lives. I can’t wait to start this new adventure!

Lesson 1 From Oprah – Be Kind To Yourself

I work hard and I play hard. But when I am working, it’s hard to get me out of work mode. And then when I am playing, it’s hard to get me back into work mode!

After we embarked the ship, we were hanging out on the balcony waiting for Lady O to arrive. Angie was sitting in the chair and I was standing at the railing. She told me she didn’t recognize this feeling she was having. We are both moms, she has three children, and I have two tweens. I knew exactly what she meant….

It is very rare to have a 12-18 hour period without our children and spouses. It takes your body and mind a while to allow ourselves to be selfish and relax. To actually have some calm and not have someone yelling “Mom!”, and needing something from you right away. Or then arguing with you because you are now going to be wrong for most things.

We don’t easily relax. It is very hard for me to relax. Even when I first arrived to Fort Lauderdale, I couldn’t go to the beach to read a book until I got some work done for a client first. Once I did go to the beach I read one page of the book I had and immediately had to get up because I wanted to take photographs of the waves and the beautiful ocean view. I also wanted to explore the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort which was next door to our hotel.

After I thought about this, I realized that it was ok that I didn’t sit down in a chair to read. I was doing what I wanted to do and I had fun playing with my new camera at one of my favorite hotels. And then getting the chance to get a selfie with the first resort I ever worked with, when I was in event planning at 18 years old! Mike and Jeff still worked at the hotel. That says a lot for the resort that they work for!

Lesson 2 From Oprah – Be Vulnerable

If you know me well, you know that I NEVER leave my house without makeup. On this trip, the girls met me on day one without my makeup on, wearing my glasses, and watching Netflix on my ipad.

With four girls in a cabin, we took quick showers, without washing our hair and making little fuss to get all dolled up. I quickly put on a tinted moisturizer, very little eye makeup and off I went. It was great that I didn’t really care; I let myself be vulnerable and didn’t feel so vain.

Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and chance. Brené Brown

After we returned home from the cruise, I told the girls that I had so much fun on the cruise because I let myself be vulnerable. Heather told me that when you allow yourself to be vulnerable, happiness can come in.

Lesson 3 from Oprah – Surrender

This year my Intentions are very strong. I am making some decisions as a business, with a strategy. Letting go of things that I don’t know as much about; so it can be taking care by an expert who does.

Doing a job you don’t like is fantastic information for you, because knowing what you don’t want helps leads you to what you do want. Oprah

Yes we were this close to Oprah!

I surrendered. I finally stopped looking back and set my course with the ship and Only-Looked-Forward. On the last night, I literally felt the wind in my face and the negative feelings were being stripped off of me and blown past the ship into the sea. I felt that a weight had been lifted off of my shoulders. I felt like my old self again. The kids noticed it when I came in the house. They saw my smile, my smile was back.

There is no such thing as a Coincidence.

Nothing new can come into your life unless you are grateful for the things you have.

You can release yourself from being a victim and take control back into your life.

You don’t become what you wish for, you become what you believe. What you were given was what you were called to use. Oprah

Just read that again and sit with it. It’s a powerful message and helped me set my intentions for this year.

This Year Is Going To Be Amazing! Six weeks into this year, I have already had two very large and amazing experiences. I also received four sponsored Instagram campaigns. These are important opportunities for me and my business goals.

We attract into our lives the things that we want. That is based on what we are thinking and feeling. We create our own realities and our own circumstances. Oprah

I am confident that I am attracting into my life the things that I want. That’s why I am excited to Explore this year!

I had an amazing time with new friends. It felt like a teenage sleepover party, or what dorm life would have been if I hadn’t gone to community college. It was like summer camp! I can’t wait until the next time the four of us can get together again and play dress up, have a pajama party and laugh until our sides hurt! Have you ever been on a cruise with friends? I’d love to hear about your experience! Share it with me in the comments. I’d love to hear which cruise line you were on and what you thought of it. The Holland America Cruise Line is beautiful. I have been on a tour of the Disney Magic, but never sailed on it.

My Word For 2019

January 23, 2019

For the past several years I have chosen one word as my mantra for the year. In the past few years they were Believe (2018), Strength (2017), Joy (2016), and Challenge (2015).

This year it took time to find my word but then it appeared to me…. EXPLORE. The year 2019 is my year to explore – this will include exploring the world with travel, exploring what brings me true joy and pleasure, and exploring what is out there for me to find.

Why I Want To Explore

Last year I had gone through several changes. Many of them were changes I wanted to make, but they had to be forced upon me in order for me to actually do it. I was released from a job that wasn’t right for me. This was the change I needed in order to live and do what I want to do.

When I went off to work on my own, I had to believe in myself. I had to trust that I could fly on my own and to understand that when good things came my way, that they were meant for me. I had a lot of doubt and insecurities. My confidence was stripped away from me. But that is all starting to change.

What I Have Explored This Year Already

Just a week ago I finished my fifth Walt Disney World Marathon weekend Dopey Challenge. I was very nervous about this race, mostly the marathon portion of the race. I felt undertrained. My longest training run was 13 miles. I would have liked to get more miles under my feet; but I kept running throughout the time prior to the race; but they were short runs.

Several of my friends were also feeling unprepared for this race. They were dealing with illness and injury, so we were sharing our concerns and fears with each other. We encouraged each other that we would do whatever it takes to get the challenge finished.

I hate to admit this; but I did have a fleeting moment where I considered not doing the marathon. However, my children and husband were going to be at the finish line of the marathon so I couldn’t let them down. I wanted to be an example to my children to never give up. I know the training is important; but finishing what you start is also an important message I want them to know.

When I finished the race I was overcome with emotion. I was so proud of my accomplishment and the realization that I am still passionate about training for and running races.

My Word For 2019 — My 5th Dopey Challenge Completed!

I Am Exploring To Find What I Love

My Passion For Running

Now, I am on a mission to explore my re-ignited love of running. I was selected by Another Mother Runner to be one of their Brand Ambassadors (#BAMRbassador). I am so excited to be a part of a larger group in the running community to share my passion for running and all things associated with training, racing, recovery, taking care of yourself, gear, and more.

My Passion For Photography

I am also exploring my love of photography. I always enjoyed taking pictures; but now I set up time to go out and take photographs. When we were in Disney after the races were over, I packed up my camera that I was blessed to receive from Best Buy at Mom 2.0 last year, and took pictures at the parks. I especially loved capturing the images at night with the special lighting within the parks. I had so much fun snapping the photos everywhere.

When we came back home from the trip there was a large ice storm and the temperatures dropped to the single digits. I was getting cabin fever so I dressed up in my cold weather running gear and put on my snow pants, boots, coat and buff and went up to the farm with my camera.

I walked all the way up to the hill to find the cows and stayed up there to take photographs of the frozen farm and the sunset. It was only about eight degrees outside!

I saw so much beauty through the lens of the camera. I caught an owl in a tree, and the cows and Jed the horse even seemed happy to have a visitor!

My Next Adventure

A week from today I will be setting sail on the Oprah Girlfriend’s Cruise and I cannot wait to Explore the ship, Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas. This will be my first cruise so everything will be a new adventure for me. Doing yoga on the beach is one of the events I am looking forward to most on this trip!

I will be using this trip to think about my life and my goals and dreams for 2019. I’m looking forward to all of the experiences that will come my way this year. I can explore what makes me happy and what I can do to teach my family more about places around the world we live in.

Do you create a word of the year? I’d love to hear what your word is. Please feel free to share it in the comments.

Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction and Giveaway

January 19, 2019

If you are looking for a dinner that provides live entertainment, horses and trick riders, music, a comedian PLUS a four-course family feast, then Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction is just the place for you!

Christmas is about tradition, and every year the folks at Dolly Parton’s Stampede want to create a memorable Christmas. If you are looking for a gift to give, this is a great idea! It’s something you can do with your whole family.

While visiting Branson, MO for the #BloggingBranson trip, we had the pleasure of enjoying Christmas at Dolly Parton’s Stampede. Horses in a 35,000 foot arena with a meal all themed around Christmas had me so curious as to what I was going to see.

I was invited by Stone Castle Hotel and Conference Center as part of a media FAM to explore Branson, Missouri. All opinions are 100% my own.

I was not disappointed! There is a live nativity, falling snow, holiday music, dancing toys, camels, Santa Clause and elves and games! We had a competition with the other half of the arena to see who would win, the North Pole, or the South Pole. This show is great for people of ANY age.

Dolly Parton’s Stampede Horse Walk and Carriage Room

Prior to the show you can stroll through the open air stable as you walk to the entrance of the two-level Carriage Room. There are 32 beautiful horses in the show from Quarter Horses and Palominos to Appaloosa and Paint breeds. I had the chance to visit a few of them prior to the show!

Enjoy soda or non-alcoholic speciality drinks and hilarious live performances in the Carriage Room before the main show begins. We enjoyed a reception from the staff at Dolly Parton’s Stampede Show along with some free gifts and enjoyed the performances that took place on a stage in the Carriage Room. There are no bad seats in this area and it was a fun pre-show to enjoy before going into the large 35,000 square foot arena.

Enjoy The World Class Production

When I entered Dolly’s arena, I was very surprised by the appearance, and the smell. To be honest, I wasn’t sure what it would be like and I expected to smell hay and barn animals. It wasn’t that way at all. There is a mist in the air to help keep the dust down and the arena had a beautiful glow to it.

We found our seats and the show kicked off with stunning horses and trick riders making their way around the arena. There was an emcee of the show who shared with us the dramatic portrayal of the birth of Christ. There were angels, and Kings on camels.

I was also blown away by the aerial show and the interactive lighting show on their 12.5 milllion LED wall, and fire! This show does not disappoint! There’s something going on everywhere within the arena, and even some audience members get involved! You can also compete in a fun North vs. South competition for bragging rights at the end of the night.

Don’t forget about the hilarious and pesky SKEETER who tries to steal the spotlight of the show! I had the pleasure of meeting him at the end of the show!

The Four-Course Meal

Whoa Nelly! I had no idea how much food we were going to get. But there’s also a surprise that happens when eating your meal, I won’t spoil that part for you! Our meal contained the following delicious items:

A Mouth-Watering Tender Whole Rotisserie Chicken
Delicious Hickory Smoked Barbecued Pork Loin
The Stampede’s Original Creamy Vegetable Soup
Scrumptious Homemade Biscuit
Hot Buttered Corn on the Cob
Tasty Herb-basted Potato
The Stampede’s very own Specialty Dessert
Unlimited Coca-Cola®, tea or coffee

They can also accommodate for the gluten free and vegetarian guests and those with allergies.

Get Your Tickets Soon!

If this is something you’d like to give to your family as a holiday gift, be sure to purchase your tickets early. This show sells out fast! Dolly Parton’s Stampede offers more than the Christmas Show. The Christmas Show dates for Branson, MO are October 27, 2019 – January 4, 2020.

If you want to attend Dolly’s other show, you can visit their website to purchase tickets. This show takes you into America’s past with the story of the journey out West via a wagon train; while settlers and Natives tell tales of the Thunderbird.

Things To Know Before You Go

If you or anyone in your party has allergies or medical conditions, please be advised to take the necessary precautions prior to entering the facility.

The facilities are fully accessible for individuals with special needs. Please advise us if any members of your party have a wheelchair, hearing assistance, or other special needs. They are happy to accommodate you. Please call Reservations line (417) 336-3000 or (800) 520-5544 if you have special seating needs.

Wanna Win Some Of Dolly’s Famous Soup?!

I’m not joking around, this soup is to die for! The Stampede’s Original Creamy Vegetable soup can be purchased in the gift shop and online. You can enter for a chance to win some of this amazing soup and make it right in your own home! The recipe is very easy and takes minutes to whip up!

Fill in the information below for your chance to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Like I said in Andy William’s Ozark Christmas Show post, each show in Branson is very unique. They each have their own famous uniqueness. If you’d like a recommended itinerary for a trip to Branson, let me know!