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  • Fitness Caddy Review

    By Cindy | May 16, 2008

    fitness-caddy.jpg

    When I recieved the Fitness Caddy from Vicki Forester to conduct this review, my immediate impression was “Moms know best.” 

    Vicki Forester is a mom who developed a product as a result of her challenges of carrying children and hitting the gym.  The Fitness Caddy is designed to keep hands free while getting the toddler, baby or both out of the car without dropping the keys, glasses, and gym card in the process. 

    From the Fitness Caddy brochure:

    ~This unisex-styled bag is just big enough to hold up to a 1.5 liter bottle of water but also has multiple compartments to hold identification, gym card, keys, cell phone, glasses, protein bar and much more.
    ~The pleated deep front pocket has an additional hideaway interior pocket for money which gives the security of leaving a wallet at home
    ~The 54″easily adjustable strap allows it to be slipped over a shoulder for a quick workout or worn sling style for hands free walking.
    ~The 2 1/4″ metal ring design in the strap not only adds to the look of this stylish bag but actually can hold a towel.
    ~BVT designed the Fitness Caddy in luxurious Microfiber because not only is it lightweight but also very durable.
    ~An included water bottle coller sleeve keeps those drinks nice and cold.

    I have fallen in love with the Fitness Caddy.  Not only was it useful for our trips to the gym,  it has been invaluable during the vacation.  I like to travel light, so the Fitness Caddy has made traveling through the airports, to the beach and going on our adventures a snap.  I keep a little cash, my driver’s license, and a card tucked in the smaller compartment with cell phone in the pleated side, camera in the velcroed compartment and the water bottle (staying hydrated while traveling is so important) everywhere we go!

    The material is strong and smooth.  The quality of the stitching is evident.  The strap is strong and comfortable on the shoulders.  The small extras such as the large ring for a towel and clip for keys are nice touches that make the Fitness Caddy an amazing multitasking Mom’s dream.  Plus, I’ve added time to my day by keeping everything in one spot and being able to head out the door without searching the house for keys!

    The Fitness Caddy makes a perfect gift for yourself or your friends.  Along with the Fitness Caddy, Vicki has also designed a Golfing Caddy and Cruising Caddy. 

    My only gripe is that the Fitness Caddy comes in one color, black.  If you like color, then the Cruising Caddy might be the better choice because it comes in khaki and red as well. 

    The price is right at $19.99 with reasonable shipping and handling for $4.95.  There may also be a store near you that carries the Fitness Caddy which you can find by checking out the store locator.vicki.jpg

    Extra: Bonus Interview with Vicki Forester

    Vicki shares a few of her experiences as a Mom and achieving her fitness goals.  Thank you for sharing your personal journey!
     

    I understand that you are an aerobics enthusiast. What is your favorite style of Aerobics class? 

    Step. I find it to be the most exilerating and gives me the best workout..

    A mom always seems to have her hands full, what motivated you to get out the door and to the gym with children in tow?

    I wanted to get back in shape after the birth of my son and I’ve never looked back.

    What is your toughest challenge with physical fitness or healthy eating?

    As I get older it hurts to do some of the activities at the same level I once did. ..

    Where does your active lifestyle take you and your family?

    We enjoy going out to Colorado for white water rafting, California we enjoy hiking and here in Florida we enjoy swimming and biking.

    With the fitness caddy, you freed moms hands, but I’m sure complicated your life with the responsibilities of a business. How are you juggling business and your fitness?’

    Running a business is much more demanding and difficult than keeping in shape. I still find time to get a quick workout first thing in the morning. Then it’s time for work. Thankfully, my husband helps me out quite a bit around the house.

    Moms, I know you’re busy, so how do you keep juggling all the little pieces in your life?  Isn’t the Fitness Caddy amazing?  I’m excited to add a couple to my Christmas list for Family and Friends.  Head on over to the Fitness Caddy Homepage to support a Mompreneur and make an excellent addition to ease your lifestyle and free your hands!  

    Fitness Caddy Homepage

    Don't forget to subscribe to my RSS feed and join in the Journey. Thanks for visiting!

    Topics: Reviews | No Comments »

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  • Living the Dream Fitness Mom T-Shirt Giveaway

    By Cindy | May 15, 2008

    nina-cindi.jpg

    Living the Dream Moms, Nina Frye and Cindi Schmitzer, have created a line of t-shirts that represent a mom’s life to a T!  From cleaning, to the beach, working, sick, cooking, shopping, referree and Fitness, they illustrate the craziness of Mom’s life.  Few of us realized what we were getting into when we became mom, but with a smile and nack for keeping it all together, we are survivors.  Here’s to living the dream!  We wouldn’t want it any other way! 

    Fitness Mom T-Shirt Design

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    To participate in the T-Shirt Giveaway, leave your answer to any of the following questions in the comments and/or post your response on your blog (for all my blogging buddies) with a linkback to this post. 

    All comments and posts will be placed in a random drawing.  The winner will be shipped a Fitness Mom T-shirt (fitted or loose-your choice)!  Giveaway deadline is Midnight Central Time, Thursday, May 22nd, 2008.  Winner and gathered responses will be presented on Friday, May 23rd!

    If you have gym equipment at home, how do you manage your workout time with the children? 

    Don’t have gym equipment?  What’s your favorite home exercise or DVD?

    Still thinking about exercising at home?  What is stopping you?  What are your fears?  What question do you wish to have answered to help you start your fitness journey at home as a busy mom?

    Topics: Mom Stuff | 10 Comments »

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  • Working Moms: How Do You Manage Housework?

    By Cindy | May 14, 2008

    modern-mami.jpgGuest post by Melanie from Modern Mami @ TheParentBlog.com. Melanie is a full-time (outside the home) working mom and has been married for 5 years. Her and her husband have a beautiful, yet very active 2 year old daughter. Melanie writes as Modern Mami at The Parent Blog.

    As a full-time working mom, it’s very hard for me to keep up with the household duties. I’ve posted before about the expectations - false no doubt - that I’ve set for myself.

    Elizabeth over at Career & Kids touched on the subject recently, when a friend of hers realized there’s not enough time in the week. As she mentions, when you’re working all week, you want to use the weekend to spend time with the family. That is when I’d like to take a trip to the zoo, the park, or sometimes it’s just a matter of the “must” trips - like grocery shopping that needs to be done.

    What can working moms do to manage the housework?

    Working Mom

    I’m not sure I have the answer just yet, but I AM trying something new.

    I’ve set up a weekly chore schedule and broken down the housework to a little each day - there’s even a day off!

    Here’s my schedule:

    Plus, every day is de-clutter day, since this can be done simultaneously with the other chores. That means, putting away toys, clearing the day’s mail, and other small tasks. The chores scheduled on the weekend can be done quickly in the morning before heading out for the day. ;)

    To keep track of my schedule, I’ve printed out Hannah Keeley’s Total Mom Chore Chart, but any calendar will do.

    I’m hoping this will help keep me on track and make things a bit more manageable. I’ve just made my list this week, so I’m only starting to put it into practice.

    How do you manage your housework?

    Topics: Time Management | 5 Comments »

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  • Week 20: Experiences of a Lifetime, May 4-10

    By Cindy | May 13, 2008

    coconut.JPG

    Wow, what a wonderful week we are having.  The little one’s are having a blast.  They were fantastic while traveling.  Their little Giraffe and Elephant suitcases were the highlight of the adventure.  Everyone commented about the “cute little suitcases.”  We’ve enjoyed swimming, the beach, great food and wonderful family experiences.  We had four generations represented on Mother’s Day.  The little ones met their great-grandmother and great-grandfather.  They are so cute when they say, ” We’re going to play in great-grandma’s yard.” We explored San Juan before heading to my Aunt’s home on the West Coast of Puerto Rico. 

    The coconut came from a huge tree in my aunts yard.  One of my cousins brought out the machete to cut it open and the little one’s were quite uncertain about the coconut.  Stephanie was willing to give it a try.  Asher didn’t give it a chance.  He’s very cautious. 

    Before traveling, I was able to get in 3 strength training routines and one high-intensity cardio routine (sprint/jog).  Once traveling began, the exercise has been light.  I’ve thrown in moves during kiddie pool time.  It’s amazing how fast the heart rate can jump up playing shark and running in water two feet deep.  Races and bouncing 3 and 2 year olds on your legs in the water is quite a jolt for the abs.  Taking three toddlers on a walk to go eat lunch (we were without a car and watching a second cousin), is quite a feat.  Oh ,and buying a 15 pack of water to add to the trip is not the smartest thing to do (yes, I forgot we didn’t have a car).  So, my mom got to lug the water, while I held a sleeping baby and we kept my little ones beside us for a good 6 blocks! 

    As for the food, well, let’s just say it’s been quite the challenge and one that I have not controlled.  With all the celebrations, and family cooking, along with trying out different Puerto Rican foods, my first week here is hopelessly out of control.  Fresh white bread is plentiful.  White rice is the norm.  Fried foods are common.  Yikes, I’m in carb mania!  There’s a delicious bakery right down the street and the pastries are unbelievable.  Throw in the beer and big family dinners and I’m hoping to not gain too many pounds over the next week! 

    We are having a great time.  The weather is gorgeous.  The little one’s saw the beach for the first time and loved it.  Great-grandma has a lemon tree and small pineapple plant that they went crazy over.  The coconut tree and banana tree in my aunt’s yard were met with giddy little grins.  Everything is colorful and vibrant.  I may be slipping backwards in the realm of exercise and healthy eating the next couple of weeks, but the experiences are well worth it.  These are the memories worth living and celebrating. 

    Topics: Personal Journey | 8 Comments »

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  • It’s Time for Goal Call Monday

    By Cindy | May 12, 2008

    What is your goal in health, diet or exercise this week?

    goal-call-monday.jpg

    Goal Call Monday is your opportunity to be focused, accountable, and motivated to make your goal a success.

    This week’s winner is…JoLynn from The Fit Shack . Congratulations! Your special reward is a $5.00 gift certificate to Amazon.com. Keep up the great work!

     

    Ready to Share?

    1. Enter your goal in the comments (anytime during the week).

    2. You’ll be listed in the Goal Call section next Monday. Enter your results/progress to be entered in the drawing.

    Why You Want to Participate:

    Focus on your top one-week goal in health, diet or exercise.

    Accountability is shared here in the comments and by coming back with the results.

    Motivation will be provided through your desire to achieve your goal and return with good news or the challenges you faced. As an extra motivation, I’ll enter anyone who participates in a random drawing to receive a surprise reward (different prizes given each week).

    Goal Call

    How did you do? Did you accomplish your goal, get stuck, have a funny story to tell?

    I look forward to hearing how you did with your goals. Great job focusing on the small steps! A surprise reward will go to one of you for commenting on the results (good or bad)! Check in and report any time during the week before the next Goal Call Monday is posted! To see their original goals, click here and read the comments.

    Are you ready? What is your goal in health, diet or exercise this week?

    Topics: Goal Call Monday | 8 Comments »

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  • Happy Mother’s Day

    By Cindy | May 11, 2008

    Kick back and relax.   Mother’s Day is a great excuse to receive a little pampering and enjoy the adorable little gifts provided by our little munchkin’s.  It’s a joy to love and be loved by our precious babies.  Young and old, they give us amazing experiences.   Here’s to a sweet day of receiving a little extra attention for being the best Mom in the World to your Family! 

    Topics: Mom Stuff | 3 Comments »

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