1, 2, 3, 4 & 5.

Four weeks ago, I shared my new journey to getting healthy with Amway’s Nutrilite. I haven’t been perfect along the way, but for the most part I have stayed on track and am continuing to feel better.

At week 4, I have lost a total of 5 pounds and although I haven’t been measuring inches, I can tell that my waist and thighs are starting to shrink. My clothes feel a little less snug, which is always a good result.

A normal day consists of 3 healthy meals and 3 healthy snacks, along with the Nutrilite vitamins and supplements. I do not feel deprived or starved at all and as I said earlier, my energy level has been raised significantly. So far, I am more than pleased with the results I am receiving!

You will be hearing more from me in the coming weeks!  Learn more about Amway’s Nutrilite by visiting www.amway.com/nutrition/nutrilite.  Follow me and other bloggers on Twitter at #AmwayNutrilite.

DISCLOSURE – As a Nutrilite blogger, I have received Nutrilite products in return for my thoughts and weight loss journey updates.  Read Mom Spark’s full disclosure here.

Here at Mom Spark, we want you to know that we love you. To express our love, we are offering one lucky reader a $200 Visa Gift Card! Simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below for a chance to win! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I did not receive anything in return for this giveaway. Read Mom Spark’s full disclosure here.

Do you enjoy exercising at home?

Gaiam TV offers hundreds of streaming fitness videos that you can access right from your home computer, smart tv, iPad or iPhone! Gaiam TV works for busy schedules because you can watch videos at your convenience.

Join us Thursday, February 23rd at 8:00pm Eastern on Twitter at #GaiamTV as we discuss the fitness at home with Gaiam TV!  We’ll also be giving away a TON of prizes, including a yoga prize bags with Gaiam yoga mats, gym bags and more!

RSVP and get more details below. Learn more about Gaiam TV, including how to get a free trial, at www.GaiamTV.com!

THE DETAILS:

TOPIC - Fitness at Home

TIME – Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 8-9 PM Eastern (7-8 PM Central, 6-7 PM Mountain, 5-6 PM Pacific)

HASHTAG – #GaiamTV

CUSTOM TWEETGRID - http://bit.ly/wOJbvj

PANELISTS - @MomSpark, @MomSparkMedia, @Gaiam, @GaiamTV, @makobiscribe, @DagmarBleasdale, @PrincessTimeToy and @HaleyTweetsToo (follow everyone before the party!)

PRIZES:

Five Gaiam Yoga Gift Bags that include:

• Sol Shakti Rubber Yoga Mat
• Grippy Yoga Mat Towel 
• Everything Fits Gym Bag 
• Cork Yoga Bricks
• Three-In-One Strap & Sling 

*Winner must be a USA resident and MUST be present at the Twitter party to win! Not sure how Twitter parties work? Email us at momsparkmedia@gmail.com for help!

Going to the event? RSVP HERE! List your “name” as your Twitter handle (i.e. @MomSpark) and your url as your Twitter web address (i.e. http://twitter.com/momspark)!

DISCLOSURE – Mom Spark Media has partnered with Gaiam TV to produce this Twitter party. Read Mom Spark’s full disclosure here.

I have been a complete Instagram addict ever since discovering the app nearly a year ago. Here are a few of my absolute favorite Instagram shots I have taken with my iPhone. See more of my images by following “momspark” on Instagram.

Share your favorite Instagram photos by sharing your links in our comments section.

I have dreamed of living in a tree house ever since I first read The Swiss Family Robinson as a small child. I was convinced that there couldn’t possibly be anything cooler than living way up in the tree tops, with exotic pets and an island all around. Around the age of ten, we moved to a house with a charming little tree house perched within an apple tree in our front yard and I spent hours up there with stacks of books and mugs of peppermint tea. Nowadays, if I ever come to live up among the birds, I hope it’s in a home like one of these beauties below!

01. The bridge is my favourite aspect of this particular home.

02. Look up… look way up!

03. I could definitely see hanging out in this space. Love the decor too!

04. The perfect getaway spot!

05. Love that view!

06. What a cozy glow! I’m definitely enjoying the little path leading up to this home.

Tell us, what does your dream home look like?

The weather outside may be turning cold and frightful, but worry not! Get comfy in your favorite reading chair, a hot cup of tea, and a slice of this flavorful Cold Tea Gingerbread with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting. Tea purists may enjoy this without the frosting, but if you have a sweet tooth like me, I think you will enjoy it with the fluffy clouds of frosting on top.

Cold Tea Gingerbread with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting
Makes one 9″ x 5″ loaf

1 1/4 cups plus 2 Tbsp. sifted flour
1 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup molasses
1/2 cup cold tea (I used Honey Ginger Peach tea)
1 scant tsp. baking soda
1 Tbsp. hot water
1 egg, beaten

1. Set the oven rack in the middle position. Preheat the oven to 350-f degrees. Line the bottom and ends of a 9″ x 5″ x 3″ loaf pan with a single strip of wax paper or parchment paper. Coat the pan and wax paper liner with vegetable spray. *I used Pam with Flour liberally and was able to skip the wax paper/parchment paper step. I love that little can of spray! It is a miracle!

2. Mix together flour, ginger, cinnamon, and salt.

3. Cream butter and brown sugar in the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add molasses and combine.

4. Add sifted dry ingredients alternately with cold tea. Dissolve baking soda in hot water and add to batter. Add egg and combine thoroughly.

5. Pour batter into loaf pan. Bake 45 minutes, or until tester inserted into loaf comes out clean. Cool in pan on raack for 20 minutes. Invert pan and place on rack to continue cooling. Serve gingerbread hot with lemon sauce or cold with whipped cream and chipped walnuts. Store loosely covered with wax paper at room temperature.

Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

1/2 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1/2 cup white sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream (I used even less, probably half this amount, since it was all I had)

1. In a small bowl beat whipping cream until stiff peaks form; set aside.

2. In a large bowl combine cream cheese, sugar, salt and vanilla. Beat until smooth, then fold in whipped cream.

Adapted from Allrecipes.com

Ali can be found blogging at her personal website, Jam Hands.

Pastels are going to be everywhere for Spring 2012, but if you’re a bit wary of all that colour, why not try adding a dash of it on your nails? Painting your nail can add a bit of whimsy to your day and since it’s such a snap to change, there’s no limit to the styles you can try! (If only colouring our hair could be so simple, right?) Here are a few nail colours ideas that I’m loving right now. Enjoy!

1, 2, 3, 4 & 5.

Lately I’ve been in a bit of a nail painting frenzy — matte colours, pastels, designs and a bit of sparkle! Be sure to check out my Pinterest board for inspiration!

Tell us, do you like to paint your nails? Do you DIY or head out for a mani?

What was once a fun hobby for me has turned into a full-time business from home. As my success in the social media industry flourished, my office sadly did not. Instead, it became a dark, unorganized MESS.  I needed some major organization, more comfort and most of all – style!

My husband actually prompted me to makeover my office. He also suggested that I purchase a new, more professional desk, office chair and wing chairs. I also had just received some great ergonomic office products from Fellowes, so it was the perfect time to integrate those items into the new design as well. (I’m also giving away these Fellowes products, so keep reading!)

The first task was to take everything out of the office, which mucked up my living room for a couple of days, but made the process easier. This included clearing out all of the cluttered and dusty bookshelves, unplugging (and untangling) all of the electronics, and moving out all of the current furniture.  When the room was completely empty, we vacuumed the carpet and dusted the furniture/electronics that were sitting in the living room/foyer.

Once we had a blank canvas, we slowly brought pieces of furniture back into the room, but placed them in new places. Fortunately, my husband has a great eye when it comes to designing rooms, so he had awesome ideas on furniture placement. It is amazing how much rearranging furniture can make an office look more professional and streamlined!

When the furniture was in place, I decorated the bookshelves and placed necessary office supplies and products around and on my desk and inside drawers.  Some of these office products included my coveted P-12C Cross-Cut Shredder, as well as the ergonomic Fellowes Mouse Pad/Wrist Support with Microban Protection. I only put out what I absolutely needed to make my office functional (minus some fun/interesting items for the bookshelves) and boxed everything else up to store in the garage.

It took a couple of days to complete, but wow, it was a major transformation!  I did not take a before photo (I know, lame!), but I did create a nice collage of the finished room, minus a new leather office chair that came later.  What do you think?

Each day when I pop into my office to work, I feel inspired and have noticed that I am more efficient with my time. I have also noticed that the ergonomic products have made my job more comfortable. The other day, I had clients over and I have to admit that I felt proud to consult with them in this new, hip office.  I am just in love with it!

Does your home office need a makeover?  We would love to get started by providing one lucky Mom Spark reader with a Fellowes Home Office Package Suite! See details below! In addition, learn more about Fellowes shredders and home office products by visiting www.Fellowes.com.

GIVEAWAY!

One lucky Mom Spark reader will receive a Home Office Package Suite worth over $180.00 that includes:

• P-12C Paper Shredder
• Mouse Pad/Wrist Support with Microban® Protection
• Keyboard Palm Support with Microban® Protection
• Laptop GoRiser™
• Smart Suites™ Corner Monitor Riser

To enter, use the Rafflecopter widget below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received multiple Fellowes office products in return for this post and giveaway. Read Mom Spark’s full disclosure here.

1, 2, 3, 4 & 5.

How often do you floss?  What about your kids?

Let’s face it – no one likes the dirty job of flossing, so most of us put it off or do not do it all. As parents, it is an additional challenge getting our children to floss on a regular basis and avoiding the issue altogether leads to costly and painful dentist visits.  My oldest son (12 years) gets tiny cavities in between his teeth quite often, so flossing is something we need a lot of help with!

Apparently I am not alone, either. According to a recent study by the American Association of Pediatric Dentists, 42 percent of mothers in the U.S. agreed that their kids needed to improve their oral healthcare regimen, and 20 percent of parents reported that their child had at least one cavity in the past year.

Fortunately, the Waterpik Water Flosser has made flossing faster, easier, and more effective!  The flosser removes 99.9% of plaque from treated areas and is 50% more effective than traditional string floss for reversing gingivitis and improving gum health.

I think the Waterpik Water Flosser is far less intimidating than traditional floss, especially for children. I especially love the Waterpik Water Flosser for Kids because it provides a fun way to floss with fun colors and removable cling decals!

Since this is Children’s National Dental Health month, Waterpik is offering a $10 savings coupon on the Water Flosser for Kids!  Click on the image below to print your coupon! (expires 2/29/12)

Learn more about Waterpik Water Flossers by visiting www.waterpik.com/oral-health.

DISCLOSURE – This post was sponsored by Waterpik, but opinions are my own. My reviews and recommendations are always honest and true. Read Mom Spark’s full disclosure here.

I love giving my home a few special touches when holidays roll around. Right now, in honour of Valentine’s Day, I have a few cute heart garlands strung from doorways, and some vintage paper ornaments hanging in the front window. If you’re in the mood to decorate with a little love, check out these fun DIY ideas below!

01. Delightful Valentine’s Day luminaries from Creature Comforts.

02. Simple fabric hearts garland from How About Orange.

03. Crocheted Valentines from The Purl Bee.

04. Pretty little pins from The Purl Bee.

05. Adorable heart pocket apron from Say Yes To Hoboken.

Are you getting your craft on this Valentine’s Day?

We’d love to see what you’re making — please feel free to share your favourite DIY links in the comments below!

We have put together some of our favorite sweet Mom Spark recipes that are perfect for Valentine’s Day!

Banana Split Brownie Pizza

Orange Cream Mimosa

Cream Puffs with Vanilla Bean Pastry Cream

Conversation Heart Pancakes

Strawberry Cheesecake Squares

Have a beautiful (and sweet) Valentine’s Day!

Being deep in social media each day, I often see the latest boycotts and hot topics on Facebook and Twitter before it even hits the mainstream news sites.  More often than not, these topics include political drama, Wall Street woes, celebrity dirt or the newest Youtube video gone viral.  Newsworthy? Sometimes.

In the past, I have made it clear that TLC’s Toddler and Tiaras is disturbing. Beyond disturbing.  Yes, young girls tanning, whitening their teeth (or wearing fake teeth), wearing scantily clad clothing, and dancing inappropriately on stage is enough cause for concern, but that isn’t my main issue with the show.

My issue is with the show being on the air, period. For anyone to enjoy.  To record. To watch again. Think about it.

Do you know what is even more disturbing?  TLC making a profit off of this show.  How many seasons are there now?  

I get that reality television sells best, especially ones that cross the line.  I also get that the parents of these young children have given permission to TLC to participate in the show. I also get that there is a ton of programming, including reality programming, that includes children, BUT this show is VERY DIFFERENT.  These girls are YOUNG and dressed like women.  They dance on stage, dressed like women.  This is not normal or healthy, and should not be broadcasted to anyone, especially to those with ill intentions.

Why are we feeding child predators?  Are we that naive?

Where are the protests for this show?  Are we so caught up in corporate greed (hello, Occupy Wall Street) that we have forgotten that child abuse is rampant in this country? Frankly, I care more about kids not being exploited.

What TLC is doing is not illegal, but morally irresponsible?  Um, YES.  It is beyond disgusting and sad.

Please tell me I am not crazy.

In “Muted. Dreams” – Antonio Brown details his childhood of sexual and physical abuse at the hands of those who were supposed to protect him the most. For years he suffered in silence, forced to accept a nightmare childhood. But today, as an adult, he can help give power to those children facing this under-reported, under-recognized and under-treated plight.

Did you know:

• Every 13 seconds a child is abused
• It is estimated that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will have experienced an episode of sexual abuse while younger than 18 years
• Child sexual abuse can happen anywhere, to anyone in any neighborhood, in every religion, across all racial boundaries and ethnic group
• Most children are abused by someone they know and trust, although boys are more likely than girls to be abused outside of the family

Join us Thursday, February 16th at 8:00pm Eastern for a very important Twitter event with Antonio Brown on child abuse awareness and prevention. We will also be giving away several Amazon gift cards and more. RSVP and get more details below.

THE DETAILS:

TOPIC - Child Abuse Awareness

TIME – Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 8-9 PM Eastern (7-8 PM Central, 6-7 PM Mountain, 5-6 PM Pacific)

HASHTAG – #protectachild

CUSTOM TWEETGRID - http://bit.ly/zsft6B

PANELISTS - @MomSpark, @MomSparkMedia, @AntonioisMuted,  @VerbalFirstAid, @SMWomen, @AnnMarieNieves and @HaleyTweetsToo (follow everyone before the party!)

PRIZES:

• 5 winners will win an eco bag and $10 Amazon gift card prize pack

*Winner must be a USA resident and MUST be present at the Twitter event to win. Not sure how Twitter events work? Email us at momsparkmedia@gmail.com for help!

Going to the event? RSVP HERE! List your “name” as your Twitter handle (i.e. @MomSpark) and your url as your Twitter web address (i.e. http://twitter.com/momspark)!

DISCLOSURE – Mom Spark Media has partnered with “Muted. Dreams” to produce this Twitter party. Read Mom Spark’s full disclosure here.

I will definitely be spending Valentine’s Day with the love of my life (aka my adorable three-year-old daughter)  but that doesn’t mean I’m not daydreaming about super cute date night looks for some future romantic soiree! Here are a few outfits I’ve been swooning over lately — along with a couple great looks for the guys! Enjoy!

01. Lovely in lace.

02. The perfect shoes & tights pairing.

03. Pretty pleats!

04. I love everything about this sweet jumper style.

05. Want to make your own heart sweater?

06. An adorable bow tie DIY.

07. Possibly my future husband.

So tell us, mamas: Do you like getting dressed up for date night? Does your partner?

DISCLOSURE – This is a sponsored post. My reviews and recommendations are always honest and true. Read Mom Spark’s full disclosure here.

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walmart for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

As you probably already know, I have been watching my eating habits lately.  I am not always perfect, but I have been more aware of what I am putting into my body. and I am also trying to get up and move more.  The change has not been easy, but each morning when I wake up I feel more energized and focused than the day before.  Even the slightest change can make a BIG difference!

In an effort to help families live healthier lives, Walmart just announced $9.5 million in grants to national organizations that support healthy, nutritional eating habits.  This funding will go towards nutrition education programs, classes focused on learning to cook and shop for healthier foods on a budget, and live cooking demonstrations in communities nationwide.

Of all of the fabulous organizations that will benefit from these grants, I really appreciate Share Our Strength most.  Share Our Strength teaches low-income families how to shop on a budget, which is such an amazing service to our communities and proves that we all can afford to eat more healthy.

Walmart also hired the expertise of Rovenia M. Brock Ph. D., aka Dr. Ro, an award-winning journalist who has appeared on Dr. Oz, The View and more. Dr. Ro will be sharing steps and tips on how to tie in healthy living everyday and how to eat healthy on a budget.

What have you done to make healthier choices for yourself, family or community?  Please share in our comments below!

1, 2, 3, 4 & 5.