Our Newest Sleep MUST HAVE!

My son sleeps like a champ... but that has not always been the case.

At 3 months of age, the Baby Merlin's Magic Sleep Suit started saving our LIVES. My son slept in it every single night and it startled his infant reflexes. 

Now, that he has outgrown this magical suit, we were trying to figure out what we were going to do to help make the transition, from being snuggled into this suit to just using a blanket, easier.

Well, thanks to my dear blogger friend Ruthie Hart, I have found the perfect and safe solution for all of you mamas out there with babies who just love to be snuggled up!

I want to introduce you ladies to my new MUST have when it comes to my son's sleeping. I had the chance to test out a very smart product called the Gunapod wearable blanket-yup, you guessed it! It is a blanket that your baby wears to sleep in.

We were given the Charcoal grey blanket with the plush material to test. This blanket comes in two other fabrics to choose from: Bamboo/Cotton (this material is lighter and perfect for spring or summer nights) and the Cotton Print (if you are wanting a cutesy design). 

The ulrtasoft plush wearable blanket is perfect for the upcoming cold winter months ahead so we were happy to receive it!

Here is a little info regarding this awesome blanket:

• It comes in 3 different sizes: Small (0-9 months), Medium (9-18 months), and Large (18-24 months)
• Each and every Gunapod is individually made
• Received exceeding standards from the American Academy of Pediatrics and has won a ton of different awards including the 2014 Family Choice Award and Best New Product Award
• Features 4 all around zippers for easy diaper changing and temperature zone control.
• Features shoulder snaps that allow complete front off for unique, trouble-free fit
• Features a central zip and single snap to fasten the collar for comfort.

Here is a video below to help give you a better look into the Gunapod wearable blanket:

My son's first night in the Gunapod wearable blanket was a success! 

He slept like a rock and so did mommy & daddy. I think he actually woke up less than before while he slept in the Merlin's Sleep Suit. He was able to lay on his side (which I think he likes), while still feeling bundled up in a cozy little sack.

The bottom zipper made it super easy to change our son in the middle of the night-without waking him up even! I love the fact that his arms were not covered so I knew that my son was not getting too hot despite the warm, plush fabric. Basically, this is like a mini sleeping bag that allows your arms to be free! So your baby is still snug, but they can move if needed.

Overall, I am so ecstatic to have this product in our home! The owner, Joy, is.. well.. a JOY! She is the creator of this awesome blanket and she is so pleasant to talk to. If you have any questions, just email her at hello@gunamuna.com

Be sure to also follow them on their social media pages to keep up with sales and exciting new products:

Facebook page
Twitter page
Pinterest page
YouTube Channel

Disclaimer: I was given a Gunapod wearable blanket, to test at no cost. All opinions are my own.

8 Easy Ways to Get to 10,000 Steps a Day

They say that 10,000 steps a day is what we should do, but how many of us actually make that goal? On average, a normal person walks about 5,500 steps per day-slightly more than half of what is recommended.

Studies conducted since then suggest that people who increased their walking to 10,000 steps daily experience health benefits. One study found that women who increased their step count to nearly 10,000 steps a day reduced their blood pressure after 24 weeks. Another study of overweight women found that walking 10,000 steps a day improved their glucose levels. Walking certainly does have its benefits, but in order to acheive them, you must walk enough.

To count your steps, you can purchase a pedometer or use your iPhone. I personally love the app called Argus-it is free!

Get your pedometer ready and let's go! 

Here are 7 easy ways to get to 10,000 steps a day:

1. Use your breaks wisely. If you have a desk job, try taking a walk during your lunch break. If you are taking your 15 minute break, take a walk outside.
2. Park further away. Park further away from your building instead of snagging the best or closest spot available.
3. Utilize the stairs to your advantage. Skip the elevator and take the stairs, if available. For more of a workout, skip a step when you walk up.
4. Take an early morning walk. Start your day with a power walk before or after breakfast. It will not only up your step count, but it will help you to clear your mind for the day ahead. Who doesn't love a breath of fresh air?
5. Also, walk after dinner to help unwind for the evening. After dinner time, my family and I love taking walks. It helps us to get in that last bit of steps for the day and to help unwind for the evening.
6. Go shopping. Shopping will burn up those steps without you even realizing it! Plus, it is fun. Head on over to the mall or to the grocery store and shop away.
7. Do chores. Chores are another way of getting a workout in, without realizing it. Plus, amongst taking lots of steps, you will also find yourself squatting, bending, and so much more.
8. Lastly, put some "umph" into it. Don't just walk, get into it. By making multiple movements, you will burn more calories while getting your steps in.

One DIY Trick to Get Rid of Puffy Eyes Fast

It is time to toss the cucumber slices and icky, cold spoons away-we have a new puffy eye remedy for you.

What is your favorite beverage to consume in the morning? Yup, you guessed it-COFFEE! Coffee not only wakes you up in the morning, but it also helps you to appear more awakened.

The caffeine in your coffee is responsible for getting rid of not only the puffiness, but those dark circles beneath your eyes. Caffeine is used lots if cellulite and skin tightening creams as well as facials to get rid of wrinkles, redness, and inflammation. 

So, I decided to give it a try!

Here's what to do:

1. Make your usual cup of coffee.
2. Take the leftover coffee grounds and mix with a1/2 a tsp of coconut oil.
3. Apply the grounds below your eyes, being careful not to get it into your actual eye. Yes, you might look like a linebacker during this step.             
4. Drink your coffee and relax for the next 20 minutes. (it tinglesssss)
5. Wash away in the shower.

Here are my results!

4 Tips to Making Macronutrients Easier

Diet plays a huge role in transforming your body into a finely tuned machine-actually it accounts for about 70% or more of your overall success. Macros, in general, are used to tweak your body and manipulate things the way you want it, but not everyone understands macros and why we keep up with them. We have made keeping up with your macronutrients a little simpler by using a cheat sheet and explaining body types to determine what your macro goals are.

Your diet is the ultimate factor in whether or not you:

• gain fat
• lose fat
• gain definition
• lose definition
• lose muscle mass
• gain muscle mass
• stay the same

1. Figure out your goals. Do you want to gain mass or bulk up? Do you want to acheive ultimate fatloss? Do you want to just maintain your physique?

When you figure out your primary goal, then you can move forward with the macronutrient ratio that bests suits your needs.

2. Figure out your body type. According to BodyBuilding.com,  "Each body type or combination of body types will have a different reaction to various macronutrient ratios. If you're not sure which type you are—or how to even begin thinking about your macros—here are the ISSA recommendations:

Ectomorph: If you're an ectomorph, you're naturally thin with skinny limbs and a high tolerance for carbohydrates. Usually, your metabolic rate is fast. A good starting macronutrient ratio for you would be something like 25% protein, 55% carbs and 20% fat.

Mesomorph: Mesomorphs are naturally muscular and athletic. They have a moderate carbohydrate tolerance and a moderate metabolic rate. Mesomorphs can usually start at a 30% protein, 40% carb, 30% fat macronutrient ratio.

Endomorph: If you're naturally broad and thick, you're probably an endomorph. Endomorphs have a low carbohydrate tolerance and a slow metabolic rate. If you're an endomorph, try a ratio of 35% protein, 25% carbs and 40% fat."

3. Gender matters. According to Bodybuilding.com, Women are more efficient at burning fat and less efficient at burning the glycogen stored in muscle. As such, they may be able to operate on lower carbohydrate intake than men.

Research suggests a variety of reasons that women have a greater reliance on fats for fuel during exercise, including:

1. Estrogen enhances epinephrine production, the primary hormone that stimulates lipolysis (fatty acid breakdown).
2. Estrogen promotes the release of human growth hormone (HGH), which inhibits the uptake of carbohydrates and increases the mobilization of fatty acids from adipose tissue.
3. Women have increased blood flow to adipose tissue, which could assist in fatty acid mobilization.
4. Women have higher levels of intramuscular triglycerides (IMTG), a fat-based source of fuel that spares muscle glycogen during moderate to high intensity exercise. This sparing of muscle glycogen may actually give women an endurance edge when performing at high intensities against men!
5. According to one study, men appear to rely more on stored carbohydrate for fuel than women when doing the same exercise.

4. Know your macros. I have created a macronutrient cheat sheet printable to help make life a little bit easier when keeping up with your macros. It can be very confusing to sit there and figure out what's what-especially when you are new to the game. 

Carbs: Should be included with your breakfast or before your workout.

Proteins: You should aim to include proteins in each and every meal. 

Fats: Eat in moderation or when carbs are not being consumed.

*The shaded areas are a combo between each macronutrient.

My Favorite Color Nails for the Fall!

Hi ladies! Who out there loves doing their nails? I do! I do!

BUT.... I kind of SUCK with using nail polish. Like, literally. I think my 8 month old son could apply nail polish a LOT better than I could.

So, I decided to give Jamberry Nails a go. After all, it does not involve a mess or hurt your nails so those were two big reasons enough for me to try them! Besides, they are so freaking cute. However, picking a favorite print can be really hard to do since all of the nail wraps are addicting!

For a typical Jamberry Nails pack you get all of the above included:

• Jamberry Nail Shields (over a hundred of designs to choose from!)
• Nail buffer
• Nail file
• Scissors
• Nail Wipes
• Cuticle Stick

***Please note: You WILL need a hair dryer to apply these!***

The heat activates the adhesive to make the nail wraps stick firmly to your nails. These wraps can last up to 2-3 weeks-just like a REAL manicure, but without spending all of that money.

Each sheet of nail wraps costs $15 and contains enough wraps for two applications to your hands (so you can get two manicures out of it!) and even two applications for your toes! Totally worth it.

Here is an up and close view of the wraps I had gotten the chance to try!

I had the chance to try the Mint Green Chevron nail wraps. For the record, I adore anything and everything CHEVRON patterned!

Interested in trying Jamberry Nails for yourself? 

Contact Candice Berman for a sample or to order!
Email: candice.berman@me.com
Phone: 714-721-8466
Web: candiceberman.jamberrynails.net

Disclaimer: I was given Jamberry nail wraps to test, at no cost. All opinions are my own.