Role Mommy Recommends

Role Mommy Weight Loss Challenge - Week 5

It's week five of my weight loss challenge and I'm thrilled to report that I'm down seven pounds so far! I've already dropped a pant size and people have been noticing that my face is looking thinner. Yahoo!!! Only 10 more days left until Valentine's Day - here's hoping I can drop three more lbs. and win the challenge against my hubby.

Thank you Biggest Loser Diet Plan - tasty food with real results. Happiness is being 10 pounds thinner :)

Posted in: TV, Blog, Role Mommy Recommends on 02/05/2012

Big Miracle Review

In theaters this weekend, Big Miracle, is "inspired" by the true story about 3 gray whales trapped by ice in Alaska. They made a wrong turn on their way to Baja and unbeknownst to me, whales need to come up for air every now and then. Sorry about that but I am a little rusty on the whales.

This story is so much more.... in fact, it's about 5 movies rolled in to one.
Drew Barrymore portays an animal-loving volunteer (ala Green Peace) who recieves the news of the whales' plight from her ex - boy friend John Krasinski who is a small-town news reporter. Yes there is a love triangle of sorts when an up and coming news reporter, played by Kristen Bell, travels all the way up North to cover the story in hopes of her big break on the news anchor desk. Throw in a coming of age story of a young boy, played by Ahmaogak Sweeney, who wants out of his Alaskan culture and his grandfather's tribe whale hunting traditions. Let's not forget, the evil villain.... the head of the oil company that wants to drill its way thru Alaskan, played by Ted Danson, and the handsome hero... the Air Force Colonel, played by Dermot Mulroney, who is going to save the day by pulling a barge via helicopter thru the ice to break it up so that the whales have a safe passage to open waters. When that is not enough, they throw in a huge history lesson to the young viewers by showing the United States working with the hated Russian during the Cold War!

Director KEN KWAPIS (He's Just Not That Into You, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants) worked his behind off giving all viewers something for everyone. As a 40 something viewer, I enjoyed taking a time travel trip back to the 80s during the Lee Press on nail days and the big hair. My 10 year old really didn't know that PR and politics play such a huge part in why people do things and she certainly did not know a time before cell phones. My 8 years old just enjoyed the whales and because they used animatronic whales rather than putting them in post she thought they were so real that at one point she cried. And in the end, this is a love letter to the beautiful and majestic state of Alaska... if you can't make the trip up North then just sit back and enjoy the show. Big Miracle is in theaters February 3rd.

Posted in: Blog, Role Mommy Recommends on 02/04/2012

A Twitter Tuesday Party That'll Make You Smile

We haven't hosted a tweet up in a while, but starting Tuesday night at 7pm ET, we'll be joining Emmy award-winning journalist, dating coach and image consultant Tamsen Fadal along with Bonding Over Beauty expert and author Erika Katz for an hour-long chat that'll make you smile. The reason? We'll be teaming up with Sunstar Gum to give you the inside scoop on how to get fresher breath and a dazzling smile.

And here's the best part - if you participate during the Twitter party, you'll be entered to win one of several prizes that'll get you on the road to better oral health. And who doesn't want healthy gums? Incidentally, did you know that poor gum care could lead to heart disease?

So here's how you can participate. On Tuesday, February 7, log onto Twitter and follow @TamsenFadal @BondOverBeauty @RoleMommy and @SunstarGum. Next, visit www.tweetchat.com and enter the hashtag #sunstarsmiles. Then join the conversation! Share your personal beauty tips, answer questions and you can even win prizes!

Plus if you are in need of great products for your gums, we can offer 25% off plus free shipping for any order over $10. Just use the website promode code TAMSEN at checkout and you'll be good to go.

Hope you can join us and feel free to share with your favorite tweeps!

Join the #SunstarSmiles Twitter Party on 2/7 at 7pm w @TamsenFadal @BondOverBeauty and @RoleMommy. Join us to chat oral care & beauty. RT and enter to #win our #FlossFriday #giveaway!

Comment below with your Twitter handle and let us know if you'll be joining us!

Posted in: Blog, Role Mommy Recommends on 02/03/2012

Rolemommy Chats with Drew Barrymore!

Inspired by the incredible true story that touched the world, the rescue adventure Big Miracle tells the amazing tale of an animal-loving volunteer (DREW BARRYMORE) and a small-town news reporter (JOHN KRASINSKI) to rally an entire community--and eventually rival world superpowers--to save a family of majestic gray whales trapped by rapidly forming ice in the Arctic Circle. Drew's character is based on real life activist Cindy Lowry. Rolemommy sat down with Drew to discuss her latest role, insisting on doing her own stunts and how with just a little makeup, her beauty always shines through.

RM: Your character, Rachel Kramer, is so amazing. She really puts herself on the line and in the same way, from the bullhorn to that amazing scene, jumping in the water with the whales. And I was just wondering, is there anything you feel that passionately about where you could see really putting yourself on the line?

DREW: I think a lot of things. I feel that way about film making or work. And then, I've tried to become more philanthropically aware and I think when you're trying to do your job and it's very meaningful to you, it really is meaningful. You want to learn and grow up and get outside of yourself and do things that are meaningful to other people, whether that's very private or in a very small capacity or the bigger you can try to be.

RM: How did you research your role in the film portraying real life environmentalist Cindy Lowry?

DREW: We met up in New York and spent some time. I started interviewing her and putting the microphone down and just recording hours and hours of her talking. And then, she came out to LA and stayed with me, and we stayed together for a while. And then, she came out to Alaska for the whole beginning of filming.

We would hike and we would eat and we would wake up and talk, and we just really got to know each other. And definitely, the recording devices went by the wayside because I just really enjoyed being with her, and it just all started to resonate. And I was glad that we really genuinely got along versus that sort of faux connection. I thought, all right, all right, I like you so much, this is gonna be so great. Okay, I want to do this justice. And she's a really feisty woman, too, which I like.

RM: We were wondering if it harder to play someone, a real person as opposed to a fictional character?

DREW: In some senses, it's hard. If you're playing somebody people know, then the imitation is so excruciatingly intimidating because I would wish that I just didn't exist and I could just be that person. And I sort of get really angry at myself that I'm even in the way of just the best imitation I can try to study. But then, you think, no, I can't get rid of myself, so how can I add to this.

And then, playing someone who you want everybody to know about and who was such an important person in this whole movement, you just want to sort of do right by it and get it right and do it well, which is a little bit different than imitation.

RM: At one pivotal point in the movie, Drew's character gets on here scuba gear and goes down to check on the baby whale when she knows something just isn't right. Rolemommy asked "Can you talk about jumping in the cold water in Alaska?

DREW: (Who shivered while recalling the filming) It was so cold, but--Freezing, freezing, but just wonderful. Again, it's that sort of conviction where you're like I just want to do it, please let me do it. I think they were afraid the conditions were too bad...Ken, our director, wanted us to be in Alaska, and he wanted to make sure that the whales looked and felt real. I mean, it's in the room. And I know that that makes a difference for us, and I think it makes a difference when you're watching it because it is in the room and not painted in later in another location...They were talking about a (body) double, and I thought, no, no, please no. So, I think you end up sort of begging to do something just because you really want to be the person that gets to do it.

RM: Filming on location in Alaska allowed Drew to take a breathier from Hollywood's fast pace and she says she loved it.
DREW: We all lived on the same floor, so it was very dormitory, and I got a lot of letters from my friends because I tend to shut down when I'm doing parts as an actor and just want to not email and not be on the cell phone. And it's a great excuse for me to say, I'll see you in three months. But, if we want to write letters, here's the address. And it's a full tilt snail mail campaign.

RM: Since Drew portrays Greenpeace environmentalist Rachel Kramer, who leads the effort to free three trapped whales in the Arctic Circle --in the movie, it looked like she wasn't wearing any makeup. At one point, her character pulled out a lipstick, and it was the one time that she was wearing makeup. We asked Drew if they put makeup on her in the movie because if they didn't, she looked beautiful. She is the face of Cover Girl this year.
DREW: Oh, gosh. Thank you. I did wear a little tiny, tiny bit. I think that if you're happy on the inside with a little concealer is amazing.

RM: Do you feel more comfortable with that kind of granola girl image, which you had in the movie, or in person, when you look very glamorous and better than ever.
DREW: Thank you! I like to play dress up. Sometimes, I want to wear all pink and put on a lot of makeup and then, sometimes, it's sweat pants. I don't think there's anything more that I value than my sweatpants. I just like being at home and being cozy.

UNIVERSAL PICTURES' BIG MIRACLE is in theaters February 3rd.

Posted in: Blog, Role Mommy Recommends on 01/29/2012

Crispy Greens and FruitziO

Written by Role Mommy contributor Danielle Feigenbaum

We all know the deal, we've been hearing it our whole lives, "eat your fruits and veggies" so you can grow healthy and strong. As we get older and want to shed a few pounds, we look for healthy foods to help us loose. As parents, we want our children to eat healthy, which can be a problem for some... like me. My kids do not eat many fruits, especially as snacks, and I have tried everything.

Enter Crispy Greens! Crispy Green Crispy Fruit are made from 100-percent freeze-dried fruit with no additives or preservatives and are full of delicious fresh fruit taste. Crispy Fruit snacks are available in convenient single-serving bags and come in six delicious flavors: Crispy Apples, Crispy Asian Pears, Crispy Bananas, Crispy Cantaloupe, Crispy Mangoes and Crispy Pineapples. Made with the finest freeze-dried fruit slices, FruitziO snacks combine the wholesomeness of fresh fruit with a pinch of cane sugar. Packaged in convenient, travel-friendly, re-sealable pouches. Each package contains less than 100 calories with varieties including Apples & Strawberries, Apricots, Kiwi, Peaches and Strawberries. I have been enjoying them while trying to lose weight and believe it or not... my kids like them too! They love the Crispy Bananas, Crispy Cantaloupe, and Crispy Mangoes the best. I love them all.

"A great way to encourage kids to eat healthy foods is to make them fun and yummy," said Angela Liu, President and Founder of Crispy Green. You can feel really good about having your kids eat them every day because all of Crispy Green Crispy Fruit and FruitziO products are free from preservatives, fat, cholesterol, and are vegan-friendly, peanut/tree-nut-free, gluten-free, dairy-free and are kosher-certified. The special packaging of Crispy Green Crispy Fruit and FruitziO provides children and adults with a nutritious go-anywhere snack that they can enjoy anytime.

To find a retailer in your area that carries Crispy Green Crispy Fruit and FruitziO products, go to www.crispygreen.com/where-to-buy.html. For more information, please visit www.crispygreen.com.

Posted in: Blog, Role Mommy Recommends on 01/27/2012

V-Day Gifts with a Tech Twist

Valentines Day is only a few weeks away, it's time to think about gifts for the loves in your life. Those of you searching for alternatives to flowers and chocolates, look no further as Nintendo plays cupid this year with a variety of new game releases and technology that are perfect for best friends, family, and significant others.

For a gift with function and style, share one-of-a-kind gaming experiences with a match made in Valentine's Day heaven: grab the latest games like Super Mario 3D Land, Mario Kart 7 or nintendogs + cats with "Hers" pink or "His" red flame Nintendo 3DS units, available at a new lower price with brand new system updates - including the ability to record 3D videos in continuous or stop-motion style, updated Nintendo eShop features and enhanced online gaming. Those who play together, stay together. The whole family can also enjoy friendly competition and fun with Wii games, as well as watch movies together through Netflix.

There's nothing quite like surprising your kids with an adorable puppy or kitten on Valentine's Day, but not everyone is ready for (or wants) a pet. Share the puppy (and kitty) love anywhere you go with virtual pets from nintendogs + cats. Moms can also feel good about buying their kids' very first "pet" with this fun and educational experience (good practice before a real pet). The best gift of all is the gift of time so why not spend some family time together on Valentine's Day doing the things you love! There are several Wii and Nintendo 3DS games families can enjoy together that are not only a blast to play but...shhhh, don't tell the kids...it's good for you! Check out multiplayer games such as Mario Kart 7 (3DS), Fortune Street (Wii) and Wii Fit Plus. These are gifts that last and are sure to put a smile on everyone's face.

Posted in: Blog, Role Mommy Recommends on 01/27/2012

Omega Water Review

As you know, I am desperately trying to lose weight and the one thing I know about dieting is that the more water you drink, the more you stand to lose. But here's my dilemma. I hate water.

Let me rephrase that. I hate water because it has no taste. I actually like water as long as it's flavored. So when the team at Omega water asked me to try out a case of their new flavored water, I thought - why not? I need to lose some lbs. and water that has vitamins in it that's good for me and actually tastes good? Sign me up.

Since I never get my usual 8 glasses of water per day, I loved the fact that the bottles are so big - so I can finally get enough water into my system. So far, I'm down five pounds so I'm thinking the water definitely has something to do with it.

For more news about my weight loss challenge take a look at my video below and then check out the Omega Water website so you can find out where you can find it in your hometown.

*This compensated post was sponsored by Omega Water.

Posted in: Role Mommy Recommends on 01/24/2012

In My Inbox: Is it a Cold or Flu?

Tis the season to catch an illness! Good thing we've got THE DOCTORS to give us the inside track on how to figure out if you've come down with a cold or the flu. On Tuesday, January 24, 2012 THE DOCTORS' tackle their Cold & Flu Survival Guide.

Up to 20% of Americans will experience a cold or flu this winter season, so THE DOCTORS shows viewers how to avoid these common viruses, how to identify surprising household items that spread germs, and how to boost the immune system. Take a look at what they're sharing:

· Is it a cold or flu? - THE DOCTORS relays the telltale signs of the cold virus vs. the flu virus, which can help in determining the best way to treat symptoms:

o Cold Symptoms (typical effects are experienced from the neck up):

Sore Throat

Stuffy Nose

Sneezing

Cough

o Flu Symptoms:

High Fever

Aches / Pains

Extreme Exhaustion

Dry Cough

· Dr. Lisa's Germ-Free Make-Up Tips:

o Throw out plastic containers

When it comes to lipstick, metal containers keep air and potential bad germs out better than plastic.

o Scrape, Scoop, and Sharpen

Scrape off the top layer of powder foundations, scoop out first layer for liquid cover up and sharpen eyeliner before each use to limit the chance of picking up surface germs when applying make-up.

o Freeze Your Make-up Bag

Every three weeks, de-germ your bag by placing it in the freezer for a few hours to kill bacteria and viruses.

· Stuffy Nose? What are the best ways to unclog the schnoze?

The Neti Pot - Dr. Ordon shows how to properly use the Neti Pot, which thins out mucus and helps to open nasal passages.

Wasabi - Eating just a little of the popular sushi condiment will help to shrink mucus membranes and open up the sinuses.

Catnip! - Drinking herbal tea made from the catnip plant can act as a decongestant and clear your breathing passages.

Posted in: Role Mommy Recommends on 01/23/2012

Project You Radio Premiere Episode

Listen in to our first episode of Project You Radio with my co-host, Kristin Flannery. Get ready to tackle your New Year's Resolutions, find out the latest entertainment news, divorce among celebrities and much more!

Listen to internet radio with Role Mommy on Blog Talk Radio

Posted in: Blog, Blog Talk Radio, Role Mommy Recommends on 01/06/2012

Canfo Natural Products

Written by Role Mommy Contributor, Danielle Feigenbaum

If I had to guess, I would say 99% of women out there vow to become healthier, lose weight and get in better shape every single January. For me, I feel really strongly about 2012 being the year I will feel comfortable in a bathing suit. I'm not expecting to wear a bikini this summer, I just want to feel good about myself! Now, I know this may be TMI (too much information), but part of feeling good and healthy is being regular. Regularity is not really my thing.

When I was asked to try a product from Canfo Natural called, FlushMe®, I figured after all the holiday eating and wanting to start fresh for the new year, I could use a good flushing. Canfo FlushMe® is a 2-day quick, efficient cleanse formula that will leave you feeling lighter and more energetic. It did the trick for me... I did not have to run to the bathroom, however; I did feel "cleansed". You can also take the FlushMe® on a more regular basis, once a day, to get your system going.

Canfo wants you to make 2012 the best ever by using Non-GMO (genetically modified organisms) Project Verified, fast-acting, effective supplements for healthier skin, hair and nails (BeautifyMe®), natural mood enhancement (NoWorries®), lung support (LungCare®), feeling lighter (FlushMe®) and overall kidney support (NoStone®).

All Canfo products are 100-percent natural supplements that enhance your state of well-being by carefully blending state-of-the-art science and an eco-friendly manufacturing process, with proven centuries-old formulas. Safe, fast-acting, effective, and time-tested, all Canfo products are comprised of the finest quality, pesticide-free, wild-crafted, hand-picked herbs and are vegan and gluten-free. I may have to try BeautifyMe® next just to see what happens!

More information on Canfo products is available at canfo.com. For news updates, information, and special offers, follow Canfo Natural Products on Twitter @CanfoNaturalP and Like the company on Facebook at www.facebook.com/canfonaturalproducts.

Good luck to all you dieters! Here's to our healthiest year yet!

Disclosure: I was sent this product for review, free of charge.

Posted in: Blog, Role Mommy Recommends on 01/05/2012