Pink is the color of the month, with a vibrant message of awareness, courage, honor and hope. Though I have not been directly affected by breast cancer, as the second leading cause of death in women, it has certainly affected those around me in countless ways, including friends’ moms, fellow bloggers, and even former high school classmates.

Among the women I know who have been affected by breast cancer is former attorney turned singer-songwriter, Laura Roppé, who recently turned her triumphant story of battling breast cancer into a memoir called Rocking the Pink: Finding Myself on the Other Side of Cancer.

Having known Laura since high school, it was quite meaningful for me to read her story as I could envision many of the people and places she mentions in the book. But even if this is your first introduction to this dynamite lady, you will still find Rocking the Pink to be a witty, inspirational look into not only her battle with breast cancer, but also her journey of finding herself and her true life’s passion through hardship and introspection. “Sometimes you have to be broken wide open to embrace your inner rock star.”

From her hilarious account of landing a speaking part in The Doors movie to the her emotional encounter with her breast cancer pen pal, this book will make you laugh, cry, and go chase your wildest dreams.

Rocking the Pink can be purchased on amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com. To learn more about Laura, check out her website.

A few months ago, I interviewed Laura for my personal blog, the Mama Mary Show, so be sure to read that too, for her honest accounts of dealing with the annoying things people said during her treatments and how she talked to her kids about her diagnosis. Thank you, Laura, for your courage and inspiration. Keep on rockin’ it, girl!

The post Celebrate National Breast Cancer Month by Rocking the Pink appeared first on San Diego Mama.

While running a St. Patrick’s Day Race earlier in the Spring, I realized how much I missed running and doing races.  I slowly decided to start running again.  I knew that I had to “find the time” for myself, and that I needed the stress relief that running gave me.

It had been awhile since I had signed up for races and I realized how many cool races that are out there now.  I signed up for The Color Run in April with my friend, Megan.  Megan came all the way from Santa Barbara to run with me.  We had both started running recently and thought that The Color Run would be something fun to do together. And of course, we had a blast.

On the 4th of July, I ran a 5K race in Huntington Beach with a friend, Monique, and my son.  It was fun to dress up in patriotic colors on the holiday, and start the day off with a nice 3.1 run, with an ocean view.

And at the beginning of the month, I ran the Awesome 80′s Run in Pasadena with my friend, Monique.  Before the start of the race, I ran into several other people I knew, and my friend, Jen (pictured above).  It was so much fun to see everyone dressed up in 80′s attire. And there was quite an abundance of neon going on.

Although we may not be fast runners, I have had a blast doing these races with my friends. It is great motivation to get me running, and it also helps me make the commitment to get better.  Plus silly outfits and themed races are great for photographs.

Have you done any “fun” races recently? Do you run or do races with your friends?

If you are looking for a fun race to do. Here are some upcoming races in the Los Angeles/Orange County/San Diego area:

• MCRD San Diego Bootcamp Challenge (San Diego)-September 29, 2012
• Chapman University 5K (Orange)-October 6, 2012
• Del Mar Mud Run 5K (Del Mar)-October 6, 2012
• Gladiation Rock’N'Run (Pasadena)-October 6, 2012 
• Surf City Beach Derby (Huntington Beach)-October 21, 2012
• Spooktacular 5K/10K (San Diego)-October 27, 2012
• The Color Run (San Diego)-November 3, 2012
• Dinosaur Dash (Tustin)-November 4, 2012
• “Stashe Dash” (Costa Mesa)-November 18, 2012

The post Running With Friends appeared first on San Diego Mama.

Much to my surprise, someone complimented by butt this past weekend, and I wasn’t even wearing my Assets (cheap version of Spanx). Granted, it was my best friend who would compliment me even if I had gained 100 lbs, but whatever, it still counts, and I have one thing to thank for my getting-higher-and-tighter-by-the-day ass: The Dailey Method. I have written before about this newish workout system based loosely on Pilates and a little ballet barre work, but I cannot say enough about them.

I am completely addicted to the way the class makes me feel, and though it doesn’t seem to hurt any less than it did the first few weeks, I definitely seeing improvements in my strength and flexibility after a few months of going regularly.

What I love about The Dailey Method, and my studio in Carlsbad in particular, is the way the instructors care about the health and wellness of the students. They are constantly trying to find ways to improve how and what they teach as well as bringing in outside vendors who might be able to help us in our overall goal of fitness and wellbeing.

And this week, September 4^th-7^th, The Carlsbad Dailey Method studio is holding a special “Back-to-School, Back-to-YOU” week-long celebration of moms. Here is the lowdown:

Tuesday the 4th: Keith Alban from Life Movement will be providing free 15 minute neuromuscular massages in the studio all day.  Be sure to select your time from the sign-in sheet at the studio.

Wednesday the 5th: Beaming all natural and raw cleanse will be providing free samples all day and offering a special discount to all Dailey Method clients. Their next cleanse begins September 13th.

Thursday the 6th: Special evening event with Bloom Natural Health.  Join them for a free Dailey Method class at 5:45pm, followed by a workshop on natural ways to care for your skin.

Friday the 7th: About Face By Rose will be in the studio all day providing 15 minute Hydrofacials free of charge.  Be sure to select your time from the sign-in sheet at studio.

In addition to the highlighted schedule, Amie Calico will be offering 50% off eyelash extensions in the studio all week and AP Med Spa will be providing a special discount to all Dailey Method clients who reserve any spa services at their location during the “back to you” week.

The Dailey Method Carlsbad

The Forum

1905 Calle Barcelona Suite 227

Carlsbad, Ca 92009

I hope you’ll check them out, if you live locally in Carlsbad, but if not, check this studio location list to find one near you. They have studios all over the country and even one in Paris.
And if you want a good laugh, check out this hilarious video.

*****

Disclaimer: I receive discounted classes from The Dailey Method in exchange for some ad space on my personal site, but was not compensated for this post. I am here to speak the gospel of the TDM, with or without discounts or compensation.

The post Back-to-School, Back-to-You at The Dailey Method Carlsbad appeared first on San Diego Mama.

Well, I was wrong. It hurts. A LOT.

It hurts so much that I audibly moan and groan in class, like those meatheads at the gym who grunt when they lift a bar bell the size of my SUV. Sometimes, when I want to take my mind off the pain, I pretend that the instructor, either Sam or Shellie, is actually Debbie Allen in the 80’s classic, Fame. In my mind, she is walking around with a cane saying “You want to be fit . . .Well, fit costs. And right here is where you start paying. With sweat.”

But it hurts so good, ladies. I promise. It is like nothing I’ve ever tried. “The Dailey Method is a unique combination of ballet barre work, core conditioning, muscle strengthening, yoga, and orthopedic exercises.” It kicks my butt, but I keep coming back for more, because it works. Not only does it help work my trouble spots and improve my core strength, but it also helps me to : 1) stand taller 2) breath deeper and 3) feel better. Those three things are the main goals behind The Dailey Method workout and I can honestly say that each and every time I leave a TDM class I do all of those things. I am noticeably in a better mood, which my kids and husband are thankful for, and, I feel a difference in my posture, particularly when I am working on my computer (aka all the time).

If you are looking for a new way to work those “trouble spot” and improve your overall alignment and strength, I highly recommend The Dailey Method. But, before you go . . .

Here are some thing you should know before going to The Dailey Method:

• You will need socks so make sure that they match, aren’t dirty on the bottom and don’t have holes. (I can say this because I have worn mismatched, dirty, and/or holey socks to almost every class and it’s embarrassing!).
• The words “only five more” are bullshit. “Five more” means “Five more and then hold, hold, hold and hold some more.” You are holding poses in this class for what seems like an eternity, so settle in, and pretend you’re in an 80’s movie.
• Three terms you will love to hate: 1) seat work 2) microbend and 3) hi or low C curve. All three of those terms are movements or poses in the class that you will get to know well. They are brutal but they work those trouble spots, like the baby pooch and the bingo wings!

At the end of class, they recommend hanging from stall bar for a minute. Sounds easy, right? Well come on in to class and find out for yourself just how easy it is.

Hang in there!

The Dailey Method originated in the Bay Area but now has locations all over California and across the country including Arizona, Illinois, Nevada, Missouri, Indiana and Utah. Check out their website for a location near you. Oh, and they have childcare. No excuses, ladies!

*******

Disclaimer: I was given a complimentary one-month pass to try it out. I will for sure be continuing after the month is up, however as I have a trip to Hawaii coming up and need to be prepared! Bring on the seat work!

The post Do it Dailey With The Dailey Method appeared first on San Diego Mama.

After enjoying the resort this past weekend for a mini staycation with my family, here is my list of

NINE REASONS WHY LA COSTA RESORT IS THE PERFECT VACATION DESTINATION

1)   The Family Pool – Complete with water slides, water fountain splash pads, and a 3’ kiddie pool/sand bar, the La Costa Resort kid pool is like a big water park inside the resort. Not to mention, the hamburgers from the cabana grill are to die for.

2)   The Adults Only Pool – The resort’s latest addition, set to open in the next few weeks, is reserved for adults only and features a café, bar, fire pits, and three infinity edge jacuzzis that overlook the golf course. I will be hiring a sitter and making a trip back to the resort asap once that pool opens.

3)   The Spa – Oh wow, the spa. From the Roman Waterfalls to the Reflexology Path, this spa is like none other you’ve seen.

4)   The Staff  – Our bellman was a perfect example of the considerate, cordial and helpful staff. Not only was his name Shonz, which is just wicked cool, but he also didn’t laugh at the way I haphazardly packed all fifteen bags, worked me a deal with the DVR for our kids movies, and then remembered my name for the entire weekend. Who doesn’t love a place where everybody knows your name?

5)   The Chopra Center and Premier Fitness – The entire resort is dedicated to health and wellness (be sure to try their antioxidant mojitos) and therefore fun activities run a plenty. Whether you are in the mood for a boot camp with the Premier Fitness Camp coaches or some soul searching with Deepak Chopra, La Costa has an avenue to help. (Be sure to inquire about your complimentary workout with a Premier Fitness Coach).

6)   Ahi Tacos – These were served at one of our evening events and they are to die for. They are served only at the member-only venues however, which is reason enough to become a member. All of the food we had for the entire weekend was fresh and delish. They even have their own herb garden in the spa area to ensure the freshness of the products.

7)   Coco Mango Bath Products – The hotel bath products that are provided in all the guest rooms and in the spa are a magical blend of coco and mango. You will smell good, that is for certain.

8)   The Market – Every resort has a little market where you can buy various and sundry items, but this market is number one in my book because not only do they serve Starbucks drinks, but they also serve Moo Time ice cream. Sa-Weet! They also have a table with iPads available for public use and a large flat screen TV with sports or news playing so you can check up on your fave sports team or the latest hot topics while sipping a latte and shopping for the toothpaste that you left at home.

9)   Kidtopia – My kids have not stopped talking about Kidtopia since we got home. It is a literally a utopia for kids and will keep them busy and happy while you are enjoying the adult pool, the 36 hole golf course, or the spa.

The renovations to the property have taken this property to the next level. It is the perfect vacation destination for couples, families or big groups. CLICK HERE to see my video montage of our weekend stay, including our group hug with Chris Noth and footage of our workout with Jillian Michaels, and  CLICK HERE to read more about the hotel and to book your stay.

*******

Disclaimer: My family and I were treated to a wonderful weekend at La Costa Resort and Spa for their preview weekend. No blog posts were requested of me, but I was so impressed with the facilities, their renovations and the entire weekend that I felt compelled to write about them. Seriously. Amazing.

The post Nine Reasons La Costa Resort is the Perfect Vacation Destination appeared first on San Diego Mama.

As luck would have it, Ocean Pearl Spa, located at the Sheraton Carlsbad, is running a special this month, just for moms. Use the promo code: OPSMOM when booking your treatment for sometime Tuesday through Friday between 9am and 3pm and get an awesome deal on a much deserved spa treatment.

***********

If you have never been to Ocean Pearl Spa, I highly recommend it. It has a completely different vibe than many of its San Diego North counterparts. Walking into the modern, chic waiting room lined with black & white photos of old school actresses felt reminiscent of a high end Palm Springs Resort, minus the Rat Pack music and highball cocktails (though you could probably order one by the pool).

It was comfortable and inviting without being over-the-top. Many spas tend to go overboard trying to transport their guests to some sort of den of zen, when sometimes all I really want to do is feel comfortable and relaxed, which is exactly what OPS accomplishes.

Everything was simplistic and chic, even down to the individual bathroom stalls that were minimally equipped and warmly lit with modern wall sconces. The treatment rooms were the same. And the massage itself was divine. From the second my masseuse put her hands on my back for the initial  “okay, here are my hands, let’s get this party started,” I felt comfortable. I just knew she was going to work wonders, and she did.

The Back to Spa package I received included a 20-minute add-on detox foot massage. In one word: Heaven.

Amenities include: State-of-the-art fitness center, resort pool, whirlpool and lounge area, men and women relaxation lounges, shower areas and aromatic steam rooms. There is also a luscious pool are where you can dine/drink, or you can enjoy a nice meal at Twenty/20 Grill & Wine Bar.

So get out your calendar, block out some time to take for yourself and head on over to the Ocean Pearl for your Back to Spa treat! You deserve it! Call the spa directly at 760.827.2700.

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Disclaimer: In exchange for this blog post I received a complimentary Back to Spa package from Ocean Pearl Spa. Though they won my heart with that add-on foot massage, my opinions expressed here are my own and are accurate.

The post Back to School, Back to Spa: A Special Offer from the Ocean Pearl Spa appeared first on San Diego Mama.

The other day I had the opportunity to speak with soccer player extraordinaire and supermom of twin girls, Mia Hamm, regarding the Dannon Live Your Active Culture program which focuses on helping families be healthy and be active. In this world of purse-stealing, jail-going “role models,” I am so grateful for women like Mia Hamm who have paved paths for our daughters through their hard work, determination, and fitness rather than materialism, gluttony, and ignorance.

Short on time and long on commitments, Mia, just like all of us busy moms, admits it can be a challenge to plan out healthy meals and snacks for every meal time, but the new Dannon Live Your Active Culture campaign understands those limiting circumstances and is all about encouraging parents to take small steps towards a healthy lifestyle. As Mia says, “Simple things can make the difference.”

One simple change I just made was substituting out mayo in our tuna salad for Greek yogurt. YUMMO! And? It’s so much better for us. On the Dannon website, you can find a ton of great recipes where yogurt is added in as a healthy ingredient option. I never knew!

One of Mia’s tips for encouraging a healthy lifestyle is to make sure your kids have at least thirty minutes of outside time a day. If you live close to the park, consider walking instead of driving. Play games along the way to make the walk more interesting, like I Spy or Simon Says. To switch up our park-going-routine, my husband and I take our girls to the soccer field by our house every once in awhile, to get our kids used to the feel of a field and to let them kick balls around as wildly as they desire (I’m the “no ball in the house” mom). They love the freedom of the wide open space.

Watch out, Mia. I got a little one who is hot on your world-record, gold medal trail.

*****

After my conversation with Mia, I realized that really, the number one role model for my two girls is me. I am the person they see the most. I create their environments; I set the examples; I put food on their plates and pack their snack bags; I choose to click the remote control or to take a trip to the park. Mia spoke highly about her parents and the influence they had in her active, successful lifestyle.

She essentially grew up on the soccer field watching her dad coach a variety of sports teams, and in the rehearsal room with her mom, the dancer, who served only the healthiest of foods to their family of six kids. She joked that none of her friends wanted to come over after school because the only things to drink in the fridge were water, milk and the occasional carton of OJ.

This epiphany that my kids are going to do as I do and not as I say has been a big catalyst for my recent venture to the running courses and the dance studio. I recently decided, even before taking the Dannon pledge for a healthy lifestyle, that I wanted to lead by example in my actions and not just my words. It’s not easy, but I am taking small steps.

So, what about you? Are you ready to take the pledge and take small steps towards a healthier life for you and your kids?

If so, CLICK HERE to take the Active Culture Pledge and to find out  more about the program, including how they’re helping local San Diego State Parks through a partnership with the California State Parks Foundation (CSPF).

Also, if you’re in the San Diego area next Tuesday, June 21^st, stop by the San Diego Fair, between 1-3pm, and go head to head with Mia Hamm in the Meet or Beat Challenge.

P.S. You can also win a 3 day, 2 night camping trip for 4 at Yosemite National Park by entering on their site. I have never been to Yosemite so I am keeping my fingers crossed on that one!

The post Live Your Active Culture With Dannon and Mia Hamm appeared first on San Diego Mama.

Recently I had the opportunity to meet and speak with Dr. Andy Baldwin, a Family Medicine Resident at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton in Southern California (you might recognize him from Season Ten of The Bachelor). Andy is an avid advocate for childhood nutrition and fitness and serves as an Ambassador to a charity called ING Run For Something Better and the ING KiDS ROCK.

In his daily career as a physician, he sees the negative side effects from poor diet and lack of exercise on a daily basis. He says he is seeing everything from bad posture to early-onset diabetes and signs of chronic disease in early teens, which is all tied into their eating habits and lack of exercise.

Andy and I spoke for a while on the things parents can do in our everyday life to help set up our kids up for a healthy lifestyle.

1)   Limit processed and/or sugary foods; indulge in natural ones. In our fast-paced society, and in the midst of an economic crunch, it is sometimes challenging to make the time or come up with funds to buy/make nutritious snacks. Here are some of Andy’s (and my) favorite, easy snacks that you can take on the run.

• Carrots & hummus
• Cucumber & lemon
• Nuts (cashews and almonds)
• Fruit (dried or regular)
• Applesauce
• Greek yogurt (stay away from the real sugary yogurts)
• Kashi cereals (stay away from sugary cereals!)

If your kid is not a fan of some of these snacks on the first try…then try, try again. I have noticed that it takes my kids about three or four times of trying something before their taste buds come around. Be persistent and they will come around!

2)   Be a role model for your kids. Just as important as what we are feeding our kids is what we feed ourselves. They are watching everything we do, including what we eat and drink, so if they see us reach for cucumber slices as opposed to potato chips, they will ultimately be more inclined to go for healthier options when they are given the choice.

3) Be active with them, in front of them and for them. This ties into the role modeling tip above. If our kids see us being active and making fitness a priority, then they will more than likely do the same. Also, participating in an activity with them like a mommy & me yoga class will encourage them to enjoy being active. If f they do it when they’re very young, they will be more apt to do it when they are older.

4)  Limit time with tech gadgets and increase active play outdoors. iPhones, iPads, Playstations, TVs and computers are every which way we turn, with many a distraction for our little ones (and ourselves). It is easy to get caught up playing with them, so setting a limit to the amount of time our kids can have with said gadgets is a must. Then be sure to carve out at least an hour of active/outside time every day. Also, I’ve instilled a “no technology at dinner time” that kids AND adults need to follow. Even though it’s hard to put my cell phone away for that half hour, my kids will yell at me if they see me on it.

5)   Open a dialogue with your kids on how nutrition affects their future. I sometimes skirt around words like “skinny” and “fat” when talking to my daughters because I know they are going to face body issues soon enough. However, Andy pointed out that being honest with my girls early on about weight issues as it relates to their health is appropriate and he encourages it.

Today, June 1^st 2011, is National Run Day. To celebrate this day, Competitor Group is discounting fees for their entire Rock ‘n’ Roll Series. If you sign up TODAY, you will:

SAVE $26 on any Marathon
SAVE $13 on any Half Marathon
SAVE $10 on any 10K
SAVE $5 on any 5K

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR DISCOUNTS:

P.S. The Las Vegas Rock ‘n’ Roll Half & Full Marathon is on Sunday, December 4^th and is a NIGHT RACE! How fun would it be to run down the strip at night along with a couple hundred Elvises? Sign me up!!!

Also, in honor of National Running Day, I have posted a vlog on my own site about running has changed my life. If you are the type of person who thinks you could NEVER run more than 2 miles, then pop on over and I will convince you otherwise.

And remember, if your kids see you running, they will be more inclined to run and be fit themselves! And…it’s not too late to sign up for the San Diego ING KiDS ROCK race on June 4^th. CLICK HERE for more deets.

The post Tips on a Healthy Habits for Kids from Dr. Andy Baldwin appeared first on San Diego Mama.

One of the many factors behind my desire to run a race like the San Diego Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon (which is in less than 2 weeks, yikes!) is to be a good role model to my kids. I am driven by the fact that they are seeing me make sacrifices to get up early on Saturday mornings and to squeeze in mid-week runs for my training. I want to show them, rather than just tell them, that they can do whatever they set their mind to. I also want exercise and nutrition to be a part of their everyday lives.

Recently I learned of an awesome event called ING KiDS ROCK where kids can experience the exhilaration of running across a finish line for themselves. ING KiDS ROCK gives K-7 graders the experience of running a marathon, one mile at a time. It takes place in seven cities around the country, always in conjunction with a Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon. Basically, kids train for 6-8 weeks prior to race day, on their own time, whenever they can fit it in to their schedules with the help of parents, teachers and coaches, and then the last mile of the race is run at the final event, the ING KiDS ROCK.

This nationwide athletic program is supported by the ING Run For Something Better charity, a nonprofit organization that funds running fitness programs across the country. Such fitness programs challenge kids to get out from behind their computer screens and tech gadgets and get to movin’. They encourage kids to adopt a healthy lifestyle and make fitness a habit rather than a chore—the exact messages I am trying to convey to my kids at home.

Doctor Andy Baldwin, local San Diego Navy doctor and former Bachelor contestant, is the Ambassador for ING Run For Something Better. Later this week I will be interviewing the handsome physician on how we as parents can help make nutrition and exercise a integral part of our kids’ lives and will post the Q & A early next week. If you have any questions for Andy, you can leave them in the comments or email me at mary [at] mamamaryshow [dot] com.

CLICK HERE to read more about ING KiDS ROCK and CLICK HERE to register your kid(s) for the San Diego run on June 4^th or for the upcoming Philadelphia, San Antonio and Los Angeles races.

Early Entry Fee is $25.00 (ends May 29^th so hurry!)

Expo Registration is $30.00

(Scholarships for low-income schools are available as well, please check the site for more info).

Entry fee includes: A training guide, a finisher’s medal, an ING KiDS ROCK T-shirt, a goodie bag and post-race refreshments.

For more information on how to support the ING Run For Something Better visit www.orangelaces.com.

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