This is sponsored content from BlogHer and Olay.
The contest has now ended. Thank you to all who entered! The winner will be notified via email from a BlogHer representative.
This is the third week that I’ve been using the Olay Total Effects 7 in 1 Anti Aging Moisturizer.
I feel pretty good! I’m happy with the way my skin looks and my friend Georgia, NO LIE, said I looked really healthy yesterday.
she then swore at me, but that’s okay. That’s what good friends do.
I just had my birthday, right before Thanksgiving. I turned 34 this year. My children have decided that I am now officially : Medium.
Which is better than Old.? Right?
I’ll take it.
According to the kids, MEDIUM extends all the way until 60.
I’m sorry mom.
The one thing I’m definitely noticing about having a baby in my almost-mid-thirties instead of my twenties, is that I’m SO MUCH MORE TIRED. As I wrote in my first post, I don’t really have an excuse for this. The baby sleeps fine, I just seem to jerk awake willy-nilly throughout the night.
I exercise (pretty much. 3 out of 5 days? 2 1/2 out of 6 days?) daily, I’ve cut out excess alcohol and sugar (except for this past weekend because it's Christmas party season, and it wouldn't be polite to just sit there. and I'm an awfully polite person), and for the LOVE OF MOTHER NATURE I will not give up caffeine, so I’m just going to have to suck it up.
The good thing is my skin looks pretty gosh darn good, if I do say so myself.
And I do!
(public domain clipart image)
stuff I have to include:
Feel like your moisturizer’s fresh feeling can’t last all day? New Olay Total Effects Cooling Hydration instantly cools and leaves skin with a moisturized fresh feeling that lasts from morning to night. The lightweight formula also fights 7 signs of aging for younger looking skin. For more information visit https://www.olay.com
What about you? On a normal day do you wake up feeling refreshed? Do you need caffeine to get started in your day? Have you tried cutting out sugar or alcohol? Are you ready to take drastic measures and eat only raw foods?
Write your answer below and I’ll enter you in a $100 Visa Gift Card giveaway (pretty much the same as CASH! woo hoo!)
Leave a valid email address so I can contact you. I’m not farming your email addresses, nor am I sharing them with BlogHer or Olay. When the contest ends, I’ll delete them all. I promise.
Rules:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) Read the official rules for alternate form of entry.This contest will end Monday, December 20 at 5pm Pacific.
good luck! oxox
I have a 20-month-old and am 17 weeks preggo with my 2nd baby so I rarely wake up refreshed these days. And while I haven't sworn off all traces of caffeine during pregnancy, I try not to indulge too often. I don't have alcohol but there is no way i'm giving up my sugar right now in life. Not sure I'm ready for DRASTIC measures but I have changed our families eating habits to much more raw/fresh/whole foods as opposed to processed, packaged....we're just going to blame all the exhaustion on the kids for now!
ReplyDeletemcdlgartner AT gmail DOT com
I have rheumatoid arthritis, so I 'wake up feeling refreshed' about once every year? lol. I am currently cutting down on caffeine - I switched over to a half reg/half decaf blend gradually enough that I didn't notice the loss, and that helps. No way would I go all raw though - I love cooking far too much for that!
ReplyDeletelfeb AT ma DOT rr DOT com
I used to not need caffeine in the mornings but now that my older two are in school, I definitely need it to get motivated in the morning. I definitely don't feel "refreshed" otherwise.
ReplyDeletemami2jcn at gmail dot com
tweeted:
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/14320198274252802
mami2jcn at gmail dot com
I definitely need caffeine in the morning. I don't do coffee, so usually it is a diet mountain dew.
ReplyDeleteI've given up a lot of processed foods since becoming vegetarian about a year ago, also try to limit sugar and alcohol intake. I do totally agree with you though, doing this around holiday season is pretty much impossible:)
Amywhittier@yahoo.com
I need my caffeine way too much to give it up. I'm not a coffee drinker, so Mountain Dew is my drug of choice!
ReplyDeleteI definitely don't wake up refreshed nowadays. I recently went into surgical menopause, so hot flashes are my problem now. I'm hot; I'm cold; I throw off the covers; I cover back up and shiver. It makes for a very long night, and the need for caffeine in the morning increases. Sigh
ReplyDeletemundellclan at gmail.com
Sorry, I accidently hit post as anonymous above.
ReplyDeleteI totally understand, I will be 34 in Friday and my 4th child just turned 1. Can we say YAWN?? I would love to try this Olay product, maybe I will use some of my Christmas money to buy myself a treat!
ReplyDeletejromeswoman AT insightbb DOT com
dizzyhappymama DOT blogspot DOT com
I'm 65 years old and my eyes pop open and I'm wide awake -- whatever time I wake up! I'd love to win the prize.
ReplyDeleteI don't wake up feeling refreshed but I do always have a cup of coffee to get me going!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I *need* caffeine to get my day started, but I love real tea enough that I'm unwilling to give it up. I also have never given up sugar or alcohol, but I do try to practice moderation in all three categories. Except, as you mentioned, now that it's Christmas party season. So many delicious things that would be impolite not to try!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAt 43, I wake up refreshed more often than I did in my 30s. It might be because I drink lots of water, or have one caffeine drink daily(8 oz Pepsi) or the vitamin regimine suggested by my DR. Then again it could be because I fall asleep at 9:30 every night. LOL
ReplyDeletemegan.r.coll AT gmail DOT com
I have not ever woken up refreshed. Caffeine is a must! Love the sound of this moisturizer! I use Aveeno right now, but going to look into this one as soon as it is done.
ReplyDeletetampabookworm AT yahoo DOT com
mrsv2006 AT gmail DOT com
ReplyDeleteLately I've been getting to work at 6:30am, so I'm finding it hard to feel refreshed when I'm waking up at 5am. However, I'm getting used to it so I'm not dragging. Until we shifted our schedule to these earlier hours, I would wake up feeling fine. I don't know about "refreshed", and least not during the week. I don't drink coffee. I rarely drink alcohol. I could (and probably should) try to cut out extra sugar. And carbs. Definitely not going to try a raw food diet though!
I don't need caffeine, but it helps...
ReplyDeleteI've cut out alcohol for a decent amount of time, and I would never ever go raw.
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/gbochenek/status/14349119900356610
ReplyDeleteI need coffee it first thing in the morning. If I don't there is no way I can function. I don't eat or drink sugar already, but caffeine is a must.
ReplyDeleteI wake up pretty refreshed. I eat healthy and get plenty of exercise.
ReplyDeleteLike many people my eating habits could be better but I am improving.
A good night's sleep is key for me.
sdressel AT charter DOT net
Wake up refreshed! What's that? 2 small kids almost impossible! this too shall pass! I have cut out caffeine and my beloved diet cokes with lime and don't miss them at all!
ReplyDeleteI'm 40 w/ a 4 yr old and I am definitely too old. All that talk about getting 8 hrs of slep is SO true. Ont he nights that I sleep well, uninterrupted, I don't need so much caffeine. When I don't sleep, I make more trips to the ol' coffee pot. I have tried to limit carbs and to eliminate most sugar, even in the coffee, and try to eat my green, non-starchy veggies even w/ breakfast. Actually a good veggie-laden, eggy b-fast does seem to give me more energy and stays with me longer than cereal or muffins.
ReplyDeleteI need my caffeine in the morning. Besides, being from the Seattle area, I loose my residency if I don't drink my allotted amount of coffee each week!
ReplyDeleteWake up refreshed? Rarely. But raw - ick. Caffeine most days, but I'm trying to up the water intake, which really helps. One cup of coffee has to be "bought" with one glass of water :) And yes, I totally cheat myself, too.
ReplyDeleteOnce I'm up I'm fine, but I hate getting up in the mornings. =P Give me an hour and I'm fine, regardless of what time I got up. :) I just have to wash my face right away, and always eat breakfast. Then I'm good.
ReplyDeletebolton DOT lindsay AT gmail DOT com
It's rare that I wake up feeling refreshed, but that's probably because I stay up waaaaay too late watching Real Housewives and various cake shows.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I ever wake up feeling refreshed. But, once I've showered, I'm pretty much ready to face the day. Morning coffee is more psychological than anything.
ReplyDeletethreedogkitchen AT gmail DOT com
I have a not quite 3 week old (and a 3 yr old), I wake up after 30 min of sleep lately! I like coffee at the moment but only 1 cup as I am nursing. We eat healthy but i am looking forward to adding exercise back in soon to help with feeling better.
ReplyDeletespeedturtle76 at yahoo dot com
I've always been a Morning Person who nearly always wakes up ready to go and refreshed. The only exception was when I was waking up 7 times a night with newborn. He's now 14 months and I go swimming most mornings. Even when I've been up during the night with him, nothing wakes you up like launching yourself into a cold pool!
ReplyDeleteliz dot sianturi AT yahoo dot com
I wake up and hit the ground running!
ReplyDeletesouthmouse AT cox DOT net
I love sleep... and I feel guilty every night when I think to myself bedtime might just be my favorite part of my day (not that I don't adore my 4 young children.... but what 4 young children give you the quiet and stillness of a bed???) I would love to try whatever you are giving away to help me look like I sleep more than I really get to! Thanks for the opportunity!
ReplyDeletesoniadeli AT aol DOT com
I am 55yrs young and hardly ever wake up refreshed yet I love my morning coffee as a ritual rather than a jump starter. It is just harder to get a good nights sleep once you get past menopause. I do like Olay products though and I think they make my skin look pretty great too!
ReplyDeletevjhertz AT gmail DOT com
I have insomnia, so I rarely wake up refreshed. Lol. I never have coffee or any caffiene, but I doubt I'd be willing to go all raw. Yuck!
ReplyDeleteKaterinara (at) gmail (dot) com
I have a 4 month old & he sleeps great-like yours--but I do not--like you. I just worry all night...is he too hot, too cold, too stuffy...
ReplyDeleteSo I have no idea what "refreshed" looks like. After reading your past comments from this contest though, I've decided to make it a point to DRINK MORE WATER. And honestly, I think it's helping. Appreantly one cannot thrive on caffeine alone...
And if I eat something raw it's because I'm starving & don't have time to cook it-not because I'm a health nut.
aaflood AT earthlink DOT net
I'm on the "upper end" of medium - getting pretty closer and closer to the top! - but I swear by Olay's products, all of 'em, so no one can really tell my age. Yay!! Olay products, plus 7-8 hours of sleep per night, lots of volunteer projects, starting a new business, and homeschooling the kiddos that keep me happily busy, one Diet Coke Plus per day (hey, I figure if I'm gonna have a vice, then at least have a vice WITH vitamins!), power walking when I can, and keeping in contact with family and friends very regularly are my secrets! Merry Christmas all!
ReplyDeleteOn a normal day do you wake up feeling refreshed? Do you need caffeine to get started in your day? Have you tried cutting out sugar or alcohol? Are you ready to take drastic measures and eat only raw foods?
ReplyDeleteNo, I generally feel like I've been run over by a truck. My heart doesn't start beating without a big mug of coffee! I don't drink alcohol and use Splenda instead of sugar. Raw foods? I don't think so!!
I forgot my contact information! OOOOps!!
ReplyDeletekimfurd AT hotmail DOT com
I rarely wake refreshed being that I don't sleep well. My hubby works 3rd and I really hate being alone. The cats are no help. I like coffee but I really don't think it helps with giving me any pep in my step.
ReplyDeleteI hit my mid-30's and decided I needed to fight the 7 signs of aging. I just started using the moisturizer and I do feel and see a difference. Very cool! I have an 18-mo boy WHO NEVER STOPS, so I count running around after him as a form of exercise. I also use Wii Active - it rocks! I actually weigh less than my pre-preggo weight and I fully believe it was the Wii Active (not to be confused with Wii Fit... totally different).
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays and Happy New Year! Here's to a rockin' healthy year ahead.
kjbarr1174 AT yahoo DOT com
Oh I forgot:
ReplyDeletetstar79 AT gmail DOT com
Wake up feeling refreshed? I USED to know what that felt like. Before kids. Caffeine is the one thing I use as a crutch. Cutting out sugar and alcohol - it's happened before. Raw food? Now that would be a hard switch, but we are pretty healthy, balanced eaters.
ReplyDeletejoyce DOT michele AT gmail DOT com
I usually wake up at 5:15 when my alarm goes off. I am responsible for waking up the rest of the family, so I just pop out of bed more often than not. I then make coffee for my husband, and get the kids helping to make his breakfast, pack his lunch, etc. I love caffeinge, but have noticed in the last couple of years, I will not be able to sleep if I drink anything caffeinated past 1pm or so. I am feeling like I have more energy than I used to - not sure why. I have been walking with a friend 3 miles/day, 3 days a week, which I think has helped somewhat. Also, I ty to just make myself do things that need to be done even when I don't really feel like it.
ReplyDeleteI do not usually wake up refreshed, and I don't think it has anything to do with my 8 week old... It has more to do with the fact that I get my best sleep before midnight, but being "Momma" to 3 kids means I rarely get to sleep before 10... more like 11:30 with the new baby (he'll sleep 8 hours thru the night if I make his last feeding 10:30ish! At 8 weeks! And actually, that started about 1.5 weeks ago! Yippee!)
ReplyDeleteIf I could go to sleep earlier (say, 7pm) I think I could wake up at 5am and feel refreshed. But then, that would be 10 hours of sleep, and who wouldn't feel refreshed after that much sleep?
yellow_graceATyahooDOTcom
I rarely wake up feeling refreshed, mainly due to the 48thousand times I get up to use the bathroom every night! lol Give up caffeine? Never.
ReplyDeleteI have been off the caffeine for 20 weeks now since I am pregnant and the baby decided he doesnt like coffee! I do not drink soda and eat pretty healthy foods. I am not ready to go raw though! Not wanting anything but water to drink and craving certain healthier foods has made a huge difference and I feel like I have more energy when I wake up and I can keep up with my 4 year old. Lets hope this lasts when the baby comes! saltlifein321 AT gmail DOT com
ReplyDeleteI am definitely caffeine-dependent. Coke Zero is my poison of choice. It doesn't help that there's a stocked fridge at work that is always filled with diet sodas. I've gone cold turkey before, but it doesn't last long. I can't remember the last morning I woke up feeling refreshed though, so maybe it's time to rethink things!
ReplyDeletelindsey(dot)marcus(at)gmail(dot)com
I usually wake up refreshed most mornings, around 6, usually not much later. (but my son is now 8, so that helps). I do love Olay products and have some form of Olay mosturizer I use in the mornings.
ReplyDeleteI don't know that I really need caffinee, but that and SUGAR have become habits for me. Probably not the greatest, but I'll take it for now. Just need to figure out how to switch my addiction to something else....I'm taking suggestions....Lisa lisanaomi.stansbury@rocketmail.com
I switched to a decaf coffee-alternative a few months ago and I feel great! It's called Teccino (I think??) and I found it in the tea section at the health food store.
ReplyDeleterjsmlloyd at gmail dot com
I am in the south so sweetened iced tea gets me going in the morning.
ReplyDeletemyrast at embarqmail dot com
katherineDOTcullisATgmailDOTcom
ReplyDeleteI definitely don't wake up refreshed- my 7 month old is sooo not sleeping through the night yet, and teething on top of that. Unfortunately she's also breastfeeding and really caffeine sensitive, so coffee is out of the question- I usually start the day with a cup of decaf green tea and a greek yogurt, which help a bit, but it's the life of a new mom- we're supposed to look tired all the time! LOL :)
I don't drink coffee at all, and I mostly only drink tea when my throat hurts. I only drink alcohol (a glass of wine) on occasion. I don't think I could cut out sugar though.... I made some delicious truffles this weekend! :-)
ReplyDeletesah612 AT gmail DOT com
It pains me to say it, but I've been sleeping much better since I started working out (almost) daily - the painful part is that I have to get up at 5:30am to do it!
ReplyDeletehmaxfield AT technicalvelocity DOT com
could really use the gift card, this year has been a rough one
ReplyDeletebritspit2ATyahooDOTcom
I have four kids with my 5th due in March and although I could use caffeine I never do. Not even in my tea, and while I LOVE the smell of coffee the taste of it grosses me out! So I am usually dragging at first in the mornings but by afternoon I tend to have more energy, probably giving up sugar would be a good thing!
ReplyDeletemaddawf@yahoo.com
It takes me a long time to wake up (mentally). Normally by lunchtime I need a caffeinated pick-me-up. Sometimes I do need some coffee in the morning, I should really make some every morning, but that so much trouble when you aren't a morning person... so sometimes Starbucks gets a visit from me! Oh & I can't cut out sugar... that's too much of a sacrifice (although I do eat fairly healthy, I think!)
ReplyDeletethedills AT everestkc DOT net
I am thrilled to still be considered "medium!" I had my fourth at nearly 45 and need all the help with my skin that I can get. I use the Olay moisturizing foundation and it helps hasten the morning routine. Just ordered the Olay 14 day program to try (on sale on eBay last week) and am hoping for miracles. One can dream, right?
ReplyDeleteanneDOTtrapaniATgmailDOTcom
Hi, I have not slept well since my teen boys have started driving!!!!! SO, caffeine is a morning must!!! I try to go to bed on time, drink water and eat healthy! Thanks for the chance to win!!!
ReplyDeletevickieNstillwater at hotmail dot com
I wake up refreshed physically more often than not, but it's the emotional journey of living in 3 worlds that challenges me. Having a 26, 16, and 12 year old in the house makes for a full and sometimes crazy life...but I love it 99% of the time. I don't think I need caffeine, but I do drink a cup every morning for the taste, or at least that's the story I'm sticking with :) We're choosing more natural foods, but going "raw" is really a lifestyle we're not ready to embrace. Thanks for creating this website...I am on my way to using my crockpot from twice a year to at least twice a week.
ReplyDeletegtanefskiATgmailDOTcom
Hoping to try this soon. Thanks.
ReplyDeletemontyjrs@yahoo.com
My husband says that if I didn't snore, he'd wake up much more refreshed......
ReplyDeleteMy husband says that if I didn't snore, he'd wake up much more refreshed......
ReplyDeletekcrinklaw at skyhound dot com
I sometimes wake up refreshed. I do drink one diet coke a day but otherwise stick to mainly whole, organic foods.
ReplyDeleteannandvictorATgmailDOTcom
I usually wake up feeling pretty good. All most two years ago I gave up my Mountain Dew addiction so it took awhile to get over the caffeine break. I would love to try cutting out sugar next, but I'm not thinking that will happen in this life time:)
ReplyDeleteMy tweet: http://twitter.com/njhhb/statuses/14499849319751680
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI feel that caffeine like coffee and tea never work for me morning or night. But I still drink them once in a while.
ReplyDeleteMy mood in the morning really depends on the amount of sleep I get and my plans for the day.
If I have an appointment for something I usually can wake up early and feel great! But sometimes I wake up feeling very slow and still sleepy!
pham DOT tkaren AT gmail DOT com
pham.tkaren@gmail.com
tweeted!
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/5teapea/status/14501223193382912
pham DOT tkaren AT gmail DOT com
pham.tkaren@gmail.com
I'm a morning person and generally wake up feeling refreshed. For the first 4 months of my current pregnancy I was able to stay away from coffee. Towards the 5th month I started craving it again. It's actually more the coffee ritual that I miss. Once I'm past the morning rush, I prefer drinking water. I also have a weekly Friday morning smoothie date with my husband at a local Brazilian smoothie shop. The smoothies are tasty and I know I'm getting a healthy dose of fruits and veggies...it certainly can't hurt my skin!
ReplyDeletemclanek AT gmail DOT com
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI don't usually wake up refreshed...I have three kids 4 and under! I try not to drink caffeine regularly, though, so I just suck it up and stay busy until I feel awake.
ReplyDeletegretchen.ev AT gmail DOT com
I wake up most mornings wishing I could sleep some more! I drink caffeinated tea, but a hot shower is really all that wakes me up. I would love to change my diet to find more energy and keep my skin looking younger, but not if it means eating raw.
ReplyDeletemottcat AT yahoo DOT com
I have a frequently night-waking baby, so I never wake up feeling refreshed. I'm lucky to wake up feeling like I don't have sandpaper on the insides of my eyelids! I can't drink caffeine either (oh, how I miss my morning coffee!) I drink a cup of decaf chai tea with milk and sugar, take a shower, and do my best to wake up for the day. carolina stamper at gmail dot com (no spaces).
ReplyDeleteI usually wake up feeling pretty good. I love my morning coffee, but limit myself to two cups now. I try to avoid sugar, white flour, and processed foods, and I honestly feel better now than I did when I was younger. I still need to get more regular exercise though.
ReplyDeletetlnovak AT mlnovak DOT com
I don't need much caffeine to get started. Never tried cutting out sugar. Am I ready to take drastic measures and eat only raw foods? NOPE!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway!
a tweet:
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/#!/benny8484/status/14527568451477504
No, unfortunately I never wake up feeling refreshed. It's kind of a shame because I'm still young and baby free! I don't know why, but I'm one of those fumble-in-the-dark, rush around for 10 minutes to get out the door type person. It's had some disastrous results -- going to work with two different color shoes and one time even see-through linen pants (that I didn't notice were for the beach only!). And while I don't drink coffee first thing in the morning, if I don't get my Diet Coke by lunch -- WATCH OUT!
ReplyDeletekellyaolsen at gmail DOT com
My mom once told me that some day I would get to the point where I'd wake feeling refreshed without much sleep (as I got older), still waiting. Don't do much caffine though. Trying to drink more water.
ReplyDeletethemoonmom AT gmail DOT com
I just love your blogs! I need a cup of coffee to get my day going or it just isn't right.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Megan
megancupofisher@gmail.com
definitely NEED caffeine....unfortunately!
ReplyDeletelamberts8 AT mac DOT com
Heck no - I am NOT a morning person! I'm a total night owl, so caffeine is a necessity.
ReplyDeleteI should definitely cut out alot of the sugar and carbs I eat. I don't drink much to begin with so that's not an issue. But raw foods? HECK no! That's just silly IMO.
tweeted!
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/#!/nellybarney/status/14616610899759104
nelly dot barney at yahoo dot com
i def, do NOT wake up feeling refreshed! i wake up feeling pretty crummy actually. i know i dont get enough slepp and thats where my problem starts! and yes, i need caffeine!
ReplyDeletenelly dot barney at yahoo dot com
I need a few cups of coffee to jumpstart my day! Sugar or alcohol is rare for me. I'm all for raw veggies but could not live on those alone.
ReplyDeleteDove056 at aol dot com
Tweet - http://twitter.com/Dove056/status/14627074220236801
ReplyDeleteDove056 at aol dot com
I am not a morning person...so I never wake up refreshed - but a shower normally gets me there. I don't really drink coffee, soda or tea except for occasionally...so no caffeine except for chocolate :-) I don't really drink alcohol except for very very very rarely...
ReplyDeleteMTW816 AT GMAIL
Nothing drastic for me....baby steps. Exercise a little more, eat a little less calories:)
ReplyDeletenuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net
tweeted: http://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/14683214119444480
ReplyDeletenuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net
I have four kids, ages 19 months to 8 yrs, and I'm homeschooling, and I am perpetually tired! My kids know that "Mommy can't do anything without her coffee!" I have cut back on sugar, and I don't drink quite enough to worry about, but my biggest problem is that this time of year, I stay up way too late to get things done, and I drink soda. I wish I didn't like soda! But I promise if I win a visa gift card, I won't use it on any caffeinated products :-)
ReplyDeleteslimsammy43@gmail.com
What is this refreshed you speak of? I have a college freshman, high school sophomore and a five-year-old. I am 46. The surprise tiny person is killing me. I started cutting down on processed food about a year ago and am down to only one caffeinated soda per day. It has helped. Of course, the happy pills from the doc have helped too. ;D
ReplyDeleteI'm a mother of 2 boys and have had to recently change my diet due to allergies. I have given up most sugar and anything with yeast in it. Way hard to do but I just can't give up my coffee in the morning! I'm sure it is a mental thing but I just function better and I'm sure my coworkers would agree I need the pick me up in the morning! I'm overall healthier then ever but we all need a vice right???
ReplyDeleteI need caffeine like other humans need air. I just cannot start my day without a big ole cuppa joe. I try to drink plenty of water throughout the rest of the day to counteract the dehydrating effects!
ReplyDeleteYour pears in red wine sound awesome!!!
ReplyDeleteI love using my crock pots!!!
Last night I made boneless pork ribs with a spicy honey/mustard sauce. Husband loved it.
I'll make the pears to night to surprise him.
Linda
4:00 am comes WAY too early for me, so I rarely feel refreshed when I wake up. I generally don't go the caffeine route, so I just have to get vertical and stay that way long enough to wake up! lol
ReplyDeletecutnwrap AT webformixair DOT com
I am a self-admitted caffeine addict. I just never sleep enough.
ReplyDeleteI wake up more than half asleep. Eat only raw food, I don't think so.
ReplyDeleteMCantu1019 AT aol DOT com
I must have tea. I am far more addicted to tea than my husband is to coffee. Anyone who tells you tea is less addictive is nuts, and they can have my headache if they're still convinced.
ReplyDeletekathleenpoling AT yahoo DOT com
I need coffee every morning. I would love to cut out sugar from my diet and eat "clean" for a while, but I don't know if I'm brave enough. Lent is hard enough for me!
ReplyDeleteJust left my comment above. Hope my google login was enough contact info... Not comfortable with my email address being published?
ReplyDeleteI never wake up refreshed but that has to do with the sleep apnea I've had since a child. I'm basically drowsy all day as caffeine doesn't help.
ReplyDeletecookiesandclogs[at]gmail[dot]com
I need my coffee first thing, without exception! Once I drink my 2 cups of coffee, then I feel "refreshed"!!!
ReplyDeletecoryndawn AT yahoo DOT com
So glad I'm not the only 30-something mom (had baby last year on my 36th BD) who feels tired with no "reasonable" excuse! I rarely wake up feeling refreshed, but I find the best bet for me is to try to stay hydrated - really hydrated. Hard to do running after an active 14 month old. Had to cut out caffeine back in college, and though I've cut back on sugar, it will never be gone completely (ice cream!) Alcohol has never been a big part of my diet anyway.
ReplyDeleteethanandkimberly AT yahoo DOT com
Today we were out of coffee and I really felt it! There's no way I'll give up my coffee, but I cut out sugar, flour and alcohol more than two years ago and I think it's done a lot of good for my health, including my skin!
ReplyDeletejcabrelli AT yahoo DOT com
I wake up feeling tired, but with a toddler and a 5am wakeup I'm not sure it's avoidable. Overall though I feel good, energetic, and healthy throughout my day. I don't have caffeine regularly anymore, which has actually helped.
ReplyDeleteI posted a RT on Twitter!
ReplyDeleteMUST Have Caffeine to function well... especially since I teach preschool. They are not very tolerant of teachers who can't give their all....gave up all desserts once for 3 months, only had fruit and a little sugar with my coffee... coulnd't really tell a difference...
ReplyDeletektrickey66 AT yahoo DOT com
I must have my morning coffee with no sugar to kick off the day.
ReplyDeletetcarolinep at gmail dot com
tweet.http://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/14927767208468480
ReplyDeleteI usually start my day with coffee/splenda/cream or a Coke Zero. I have noticed a direct correlation between the foods I eat and how I feel in the mornings... but I only seem to notice it IN THE mornings. I have amnesia once I get my day started and face all of the food temptations out there. NOTE: I am writing this in the morning, amnesia has not yet set in. Oh how I wish that my body cried for fresh fruits, veggies and healthy foods!
ReplyDeleteI've actually started eating more raw since I hit 200lbs. I'm 44 and a mom of one (whom I had at 30 myself). Raw foods are so much better, but I do find myself falling back into old routines of grabbing junk and eating it. Now it's "out of house, out of mind". This is new so it's hard, but it's working. I actually follow lots of slow cooker sites as well as Dr Oz's diet suggestions from YOU: On A Diet.
ReplyDeleteTweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/phylagain
ReplyDeleteI've never developed a taste for coffee so I would often start the day with a diet coke - bad, I know! For now I have given up caffeine so I allow myself the luxury of an afternoon nap on the days I can squeeze it in.
ReplyDeletekgildeme AT yahoo DOT com
Got to say that this lotion is not gonna make it past my EWG skin deep database check. Too full of weird stuff. But, glad you like it. I just popped over to check out your giveaway after seeing those yumsa lookin' pears.
ReplyDeleteI find that exercise daily keeps me waking up fresh. I walk at least 5 miles a day after dropping the kids off at school. Add to that the remarkably refreshing conversation of amazing walk buddies and you've got a winning combination!
And... I cut out most of the caffeine, even in coffee.. yep was not easy to do, but there are good water processed decaf coffees, teecinos and Inkas to drink. And a bit of green tea.
Not enough sleep, combined with being a night owl, combined with an early start most days, leaves me draggy on weekdays. Weekends we sleep until noon, sometimes.
ReplyDeleteCaffeine doesn't affect me the way it does some folks. It will help with a migraine, sometimes. It doesn't seem to keep me awake at all. I favor XS Energy Drinks, and unless I have four of them at once, it won't keep me from falling asleep or make me jittery!
Don't drink. Haven't since college. Makes me sleepy and goofy.
Am working on cutting out sugar, but that's not going so well. Am also working on exercising more, and that is going better.
Only raw foods? No way! I eat my 5 or more (generally a lot more) fruits and veggies a day, but prefer the rest cooked at least slightly. (Beef -- knock the horns off and RUN it by the fire!)
Thanks for the contest!
vtcjan AT yahoo DOT com
I normally don't sleep well. So I kinda wake up feeling like I could get up and go about 6 times a night. I force myself back to bed and usually DO fall back to sleep. I dream alot because I am always going in and out of sleep and never getting to the real deep sleep. I only know there is a deep sleep because a few times in my life I have actually gotten there and been "surprized" by the alarm or someone waking me up. And Yes, this does affect my skin!
ReplyDelete1prizewinner AT gmail DOT com
Tweeted here: http://twitter.com/1prizewinner/status/15126424725749760
ReplyDeleteTwitter name @1prizewinner
1prizewinner(at)gmail(dot)com
If I get 7 plus hours of sleep, I wake up refreshed! Under that and I'm miserable. Do have to have some form of caffeine or I'll get a headache too!
ReplyDeleteI only wake up refreshed if I have a regular sleep schedule, but I still need at least a cup of that warm coffee goodness to get me going.
ReplyDeleteI wake up pretty refreshed ever since I gave up caffeine for a six week trial period. (Still on sugar and cooked foods, though)
ReplyDeleteforgot to leave contact info
ReplyDeletekaren4everblessedATgmailDOTcom
The old body is slow getting started and never drink caffeine
ReplyDeletebatlorry@gmail.com
http://twitter.com/sodahoney/status/15244421012393984
ReplyDeletebatlorry at gmail.com
I do not wake up refreshed. I have never been a morning person but now I also have not been managing more than 5 hours or so of sleep lately. Nevertheless, I probably don't *need* coffee. I cut back to half a cup in the morning a couple years ago. However, its power over me is that of a ritual from years of when I did drink lots of coffee. Forget the raw foods since that would probably kill me because I would not be able to digest most of it.
ReplyDeletechainmail (at) iwon (dot) com
I tweeted about this
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/The_Sunshyn/status/15252558926848000
chainmail (at) iwon (dot) com
No caffeine for me. Not good!
ReplyDeleteI have a built in hyped up personality. I tend to be high strung naturally.
Now if I could just get my face to stop aging...that would be stellar!
Sleeping on my left side, like they told me too in pregnancy, seems to help. BUT, I find I'm wrinkling on that side! So I might see if I can combine the advice on sleeping AND Olay to get a happy medium!
ReplyDeleteI don't believe I EVER wake up refreshed since I'm such a night owl(always have been) and have to wake up early. So I start my day off with coffee; not for the caffeine, but the simple pleasure of the warmth and taste....I love it EXTRA sweet!
ReplyDeleteTo keep me energized the rest of the day, I make sure to take my daily multivitamin and I LOVE to eat fresh apples as my daily snack.
Thanks for the opportunity; I LOVE your blogs!!
morefamilytime2 AT yahoo DOT com
I rarely wake up feeling refreshed as I am frequently staying up doing paper work for school - I often need caffeine to help me start my day. But I am trying to cut back on sugar - I don't drink sodas and also try to eat more healthy snacks (fruits, nuts).
ReplyDeletemandalarctic at gmail dot com
I generally wake up feeling refreshed. Now, I hit a wall around 9:30 or 10 and usually need a little pick me up then, but at least I wake up refreshed. :D
ReplyDeleteI need water. I don't mind drinking lots of water, I just forget. I'm at my best when fully hydrated.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI feel refreshed after I take a shower and brush my teeth. I don't like coffee so I don't need caffeine to start the day.
ReplyDeletes2s2 at comcast dot net
http://twitter.com/susan1215/status/15467369786773504
ReplyDeletes2s2 at comcast dot net
alyssa AT ammann DOT com
ReplyDeleteI have cut out caffeine and a lot of sweets but still wake up not always feeling refreshed. I've cut back on alcohol but not totally given it up. Cutting out caffeine made a big difference though. Last winter I did an all raw food diet. I don't recommend it for the cold months! ha!
I cant wait to try this
ReplyDeleteLet's put it this way, if I don;t have coffee, I am a bear all day.
ReplyDeleteI never wake up feeling refreshed - what's it like?
ReplyDeleteadrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com
tweet! http://twitter.com/LAMusing/status/15648553405775872
ReplyDeleteadrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com
I used to drink a LOT of coffee - now I only have one cup and I drink more water. I feel better
ReplyDeletebingomamanorma(at)gmail(dot)com
I eat some raw foods, but not a lot...I have cut out colas...and I drink lots of water..and I still have adult acne...
ReplyDeletehelp! lol
leahforlove at aol dot com
http://twitter.com/#!/leahforlove/status/15739094562770944
ReplyDeleteleahforlove at aol dot com
I am a monster without my coffee in the morning. It's sad to say, but I just love love love my java. If I omit a workout in the AM too, I am usually groggy all day long.
ReplyDeletepaigewiley16 AT gmail DOT com
I try really hard to eat right and get moving, but honestly with two little ones sometimes it's all I can do to just get enough water, and a decent night's sleep!
ReplyDeleteI definitely need caffeine to get going, no matter how rested I am. I've tried to cut it out, but it's terrible to live without!
ReplyDeleteI have a 4 year old, and almost 3 year old. I can't remember the last time I felt really refreshed. But I do keep sugar out of my diet (except for right now. It is Christmas, and I want to make sure the candy and cookies I give away taste good ;) ). And I drink coffee...just because I like coffee. The caffeine is an added plus!
ReplyDeletekatnadreau AT gmail DOT com
Most days, I wake up feeling pretty good.
ReplyDeleteI need a morning shower to feel refreshed but lately it has been to cold for that. I like to start the day out with PT to wake me up. Then I like to have a coke zero to help wake me up. I also like a Green Machine Naked. It is a fruit and veggie smoothie. It is good and healthy. This is how I prefer to start my day;-)
ReplyDeleteJeanette Huston
jeanette_huston@yahoo.com
Tweeted
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/josephvh1982/status/16203124305829888
Jeanette Huston
jeanette_huston@yahoo.com
Read official rules.
ReplyDeleteMCantu1019 AT aol DOT com
i totally need caffeine to get my day started. once we went camping and had to leave the park to find a coffee shop...so i could wake up...and then we went back to the campsite
ReplyDeletenannypanpan at sbcglobal.net
If I wake up and exercise I feel better all day.
ReplyDeletetwin1savage AT yahoo DOT com
I definitely feel that I rely on caffeine in the mornings since I have made coffee a major part of my morning routine!
ReplyDeletegina.m.maddox AT gmail.com
http://twitter.com/#!/CrazyItalian0/status/16320947564843009
ReplyDeletetweet!
gina.m.maddox AT gmail.com
I do awake refreshed but I fall asleep the minute my head hits the pillow and never wake up til the alarm goes off (or my son starts his loud truck at 4 a.m. to go hunting!). No caffeine for me. I gave up soda about a month ago and have never drank coffee. I would love to eat more raw foods and compared to what we were eating 5 years ago, we're doing good but not where I'd like to be yet. And, I do use Olay products. Switched a year or so ago and have been totally happy with them.
ReplyDeleteI wake up exhausted, but have cut out caffeine and have fewer headaches! scg00387 at yahoo dot com
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/#!/DesMoinesDealin/status/16363689208717312 scg00387 at yahoo dot com
ReplyDeleteI need caffeine for the boost and quick energy to get ready for a day without having a good nights rest and not ready for drastic measures just yet
ReplyDeletetbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
tweet
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/#!/ChelleB36/status/16379036703924224
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
I always wake up and head right for the coffee first, then have to sit for a while to wake up. I love the mornings, they are quiet and I can gather myself before the day starts.
ReplyDeletegmissycat at yahoo dot com
Tweeted here too
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/gmissycat/status/16480101885550592
gmissycat at yahoo dot com
It really depends on the day. Some days I wake up swinging and ready to face the world. Other days I wake up and drag myself to my cup of chai! LOL I don't think I could do a completely raw diet, but definitely could stand to add more raw foods to my current vegetarian diet.
ReplyDeleteAngie
one 4 earth at aol dot com
I tweeted here: http://twitter.com/#!/FotoMacro/status/16531564536008704
ReplyDeleteAngie
one 4 earth at aol dot com
I never wake up easily. I always stay in bed until the very last minute and am rushing around in a panic to get ready for work. Once at work, Coke is my friend.
ReplyDeleteScott
nynekats at aol dot com
my tweet http://twitter.com/#!/RePurrPussed/status/16548868401397761
ReplyDeleteScott
nynekats at aol dot com
I used to be a morning person but now I totally am not! But I am not really a coffee drinker, I just have to get up take a shower and get going to really 'wake-up'!
ReplyDeleteNo, I would NOT go to all raw foods. I enjoy the eating experience way too much.
ReplyDeleteI like a little caffeine - say a Pepsi or something - every day. I've given up caffeine before for about a year. Then Pepsi brought out Pepsi throwback. Pepsico, you are evil! Now I am back on the junk! I don't really drink alcoholic drinks often. Maybe in the year of my life I drank the most I had 10-12 drinks the whole year. I just don't enjoy it. I don't smoke because I'd rather spend cigarette money on more fun things like Pepsi and chocolate!
tammigirl@gmail.com
I really wouldn't be able to function i the morning without at least 2 cups of coffee!
ReplyDeleteMost of the time I wake up feeling refreshed. I wouldn't dream of going without coffee in the morning. It's my favorite incentive for getting out of bed. No, I'm not going with an all-raw diet, but I do try to follow Weight Watchers guidelines to maintain my weight.
ReplyDeleteThanks for a great giveaway!
Tweeted you! http://twitter.com/Ida_Sessions/status/16692875114840065
ReplyDeleteEmail address is also in my profile (jdelehantATcoxDOTnet)
not a morning person and definitely need
ReplyDeletemy diet coke fix!
debbiebellows[at]gmail[dot]com
tweeted
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/#!/bellows22/status/16724119978512384
debbiebellows[at]gmail[dot]com
Well it is kind of sad but I really need caffeine throughout my day (specifically diet soda)-I'm not willing to eat raw foods but I am willing to make some drastic changes in order to lead a healthier life including cutting out alcohol and chocolate for a time period.
ReplyDeletehmhenderson aT yahoo DOT com
tweeted
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/#!/HendyMartin/status/16757367861411840
hmhenderson AT yahoo DOT com
I love my coffee so I can't imagine cutting it out completely. That being said, there are times when I'm busy and totally forget to drink the coffee I've poured, so I guess it wouldn't be terribly hard to quit.
ReplyDeleteI'm not going for organic because it's just too expensive but I do eat lots of fresh fruit and veggies.
Tweet - http://twitter.com/#!/willitara/status/16797854135746560
ReplyDeleteI'm the walking dead in the morning. I jump start by drinking a Diet Coke. I've found that if I shower shortly after waking up, I'm far more refreshed and less tired so I've been trying to do that instead of going back to bed and sleeping my morning away.
ReplyDeleteshel704 at aol dot com
Tweeted:
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/auntiethesis/status/16886350817001476
shel704 at aol dot com
I love my morning coffee...partly for the caffeine and partly because I love drinking coffee. I have not tried to give up caffeine in a long time. It generally leads to terrible headaches for me. I do wake up refeshed and cheerful in the morning! I love mornings.
ReplyDeleteI eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables including as much organic as possible.
I try to eat a lot of whole grains as well. I am not going to eat only raw foods.
judy (dot) greenberg AT gmail (dot) com
http://twitter.com/judygr64/status/16895271698960385
ReplyDeletejudy (dot) greenberg (at) gmail (dot) com
I am a daycare provider, mom and step-mom. I need caffine...it either comes in the form of flavored coffee, energy drink/shot or a suppliment with some caffine to promote alertness :P The sugar is definately something I avoid (in the energy drink too..) and good for my body food adds to the fuel for the rest of the day. It seems like these things help keep me going for the longs days ahead.
ReplyDeletejust_sonjajAT yahoo DOT com
Caffeine in the morning? Yes, I need it. I'm an addict & have been for a long number of years & have zero plans to give up my coffee. Sugar goes in the coffee, so I'm not giving that up, either. Alcohol? I don't drink, so, sure, I can give it up :)
ReplyDeletegevin13{at}gmail{dot}com
tweet
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/pixie13sweeps/status/16924423357472768
gevin13{at}gmail{dot}com
Although I pretty much get out of bed and jump right into my day, I usually like a good cup of coffee.
ReplyDeleteI always rely on caffeine to help me get up and going. I know that I have too much sugar as well. Maybe 2011 will be a good year for change.
ReplyDeletewestiemks5 AT yahoo DOT com
Most of the time I wake up ready to go. I don't need stimulants to get me going. Now around about 1 or 2 in the afternoon I could use a little pick me up.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway!
eswright18 at gmail dot com
tweet
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/#!/eswright18/status/16949612493406208
eswright18 at gmail dot com
I eat Low Carb most of the year, but I allow myself 3 weeks out of the year to eat what I want around the holidays.
ReplyDeleteI do need coffee in the morning to wake up.
pauleyd68 (at) yahoo (dot) com
tweeted
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/lpauld68/status/16956787278225410
pauleyd68 (at) yahoo (dot) com
i do not drink but i still awoke tried
ReplyDeletepurple_lover_04 at msn dot com
i tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/purplelover04/status/16963634441752576
ReplyDeletepurple_lover_04 at msn dot com
I wake up tired, I have a breastfeeding daughter. Once I wash my face in the morning, I start to feel refreshed. I have been decreasing my sugar intake. I would love to start taking drastic measures to feel more refreshed.
ReplyDeleteSparklezstars@cfl.rr.com
http://twitter.com/Sparklezstars/statuses/16968294632263681
ReplyDeleteTweet
Sparklezstars@cfl.rr.com
I always wake up feeling tired and the only thing that seems to wake me up is Mt. Dew which is horrible on my body.
ReplyDeletedgoodridge84@yahoo.com
I need caffeine to get out of bed but like to think that it is keeping my brain plaque-free and is therefore a healthfood.
ReplyDeletealysondavis44 AT gmail DOT com
oh my god IF I DON'T GET MY POP I TURN INTO A RAGING MANIAC LOL kytah00@yahoo.com
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/#!/kytah00/status/16971653955190784
ReplyDeleteI have cut out caffeine but I still have a hrad time getting moving in the morning. Wish I could sleep better.
ReplyDeletehuntandride@hotmail.com
tweeted. http://twitter.com/jen_r_horn/status/16974249872850944
ReplyDeletehuntandride@hotmail.com
I go swimming 3 times a week and drink water and do things that make me happy. Thanks for the contest.
ReplyDeleteslehan at juno dot com
blogged: http://slehan.blogspot.com/2010/12/win-100-from-total-effects-and-blogher.html
ReplyDeleteslehan at juno dot com
I gotta have a cup of joe in the morning to really wake up! Except when I was pregnant, didn't know how I did it back then. :) Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteAmy AT utry DOT it