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Two Week Challenge Campaign #4 – Dec 5th – Dec 18th

November 27, 2011 By 111 Comments

198 pounds – gone

159 inches – lost

Just in time for the holidays the Mamavation Two Week Challenge is back! We asked for your feedback and you responded with some great ideas that will make this the best Two Week Challenge yet. The biggest change? We have added an Optional nutrition component to the plan.

Please read through the entire post as several things have changed.

To participate in the 4th Two Week Challenge here is what you need to do:

1) Hit the linky below, include your Twitter ID, and don’t forget to leave a comment after linking

2) If you are interested in the giveaway CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT THIS FORM

3) Tweet at @MrBookieboo and let him know that you are joining the Mamavation Two Week Challenge. Important: use the hashtags:#Mamavation and #2WeekChallenge

4) Register at www.bookieboo.com if you haven’t already

5) Print out the two-week challenge:

Beginner Workout

Advanced Workout

6) Report your status to @MrBookieboo daily. Use the hashtag #2WeekChallenge along with #Mamavation

Participants who successfully complete the two-week challenge will be entered into a drawing to receive:

Grand Prize: $100 Visa gift card (1 winner)

Runner-up: $50 Visa gift card (2 winners)

Winners will be selected using random.org at the end of the Two Week Challenge.

Hit the linky below if you would like to sign up!

Filed Under: Challenges, Dadavation, Featured, Longterm, Uncategorized

Two Week Challenge Campaign 3 Wrap-up

November 16, 2011 By 5 Comments

We just wrapped up the 3rd Mamavation Two Week Challenge and what a challenge it turned out to be! We had 76 people sign-up for the challenge and 34 people finished. Participants lost an amazing 83 pounds and 39 inches!! Great job to everyone that participated in the Two Week Challenge – you are an inspiration to your family, friends, and the online community.

The cumulative loss for the past 3 campaigns stands at 198 pounds and 159 inches!!

During this campaign the flu bug reared it’s ugly head along with several non-challenge related injuries and assorted emergencies. As a result, we had several participants that had to drop out of the challenge and I am happy to report that the vast majority have picked up right where they left off in pursuing their fitness goals. Life often throws us curve balls to keep us on our toes. The important thing to remember is that you can overcome these obstacles and achieve your goals.

Now for the winner of the Two Week Challenge prize pack – drum roll please . . .

The winner is: @aries_mommy

Congratulations!!

The next Two Week Challenge will be starting on Monday, Decembr 5th. Watch www.mamavation.com for more details.

Here are the individuals that finished the 3rd Two Week Challenge:

@andreaemilien

@aries_mommy

@mnmspecial

@littlemamajama

@taraburner

@kelliefish

@ihavetohaveyou

@wideloadroad

@monicazyoung

@paigebayer

@notimemom

@nichols0907

@mmmyatt

@insightsbyapril

@beeacutie2

@cozifamily

@noo9lives

@amybhole

@dipaolamomma

@mellanhead

@ff12a

@foundthemarbles

@fitcheerldr

@jen_foodfamfit

@gr8thoughts

@bodhi_bear

@amomblog

@bkeepsushonest

@runningrachel

@acwilliams16

@bookieboo

@mrbookieboo

@pizzalogger

@eclecticmommy

Great job to everyone that finished!!

Filed Under: Dadavation, Featured, Longterm, Uncategorized

Two Week Challenge #3 (Oct 31st – Nov 13th)

October 26, 2011 By 50 Comments

Let's get fit!

115 pounds and 120 inches - that is how much the participants in the first and second Two Week Challenges have lost. Back by popular demand Mamavation is pleased to announce the 3rd Two Week Challenge.

To participate in the Two Week Challenge here’s what you need to do:

1) Hit the linky below, include your Twitter ID, and don’t for get to leave a comment after linking

2) Tweet at @MrBookieboo and let him know that you are joining the #mamavation #2weekchallenge and send him a DM with your email address

3) Register at www.bookieboo.com if you haven’t already

4) Print out the two-week challenge

Beginner version: http://www.gruntstyle.com/mamavation/2WC_3a.pdf

Advanced version: http://www.gruntstyle.com/mamavation/2WC_3T.pdf

***Make sure you get your weight and measurements before the challenge starts***

5) Report your status to @MrBookieboo daily. Use the hashtag #2weekchallenge along with #mamavation

Participants who successfully complete the two-week challenge will be entered into a drawing to receive a prize pack containing:

Bondi Band – Comfy, Colorful and creative headbands to fit every lifestyle and personality.
nekFIT – perfectly holds your ipod nano or shuffle behind your neck eliminating tangled wires
Sportline Pedometer – 310 Qlip model

One winner will be selected using random.org at the end of the challenge

The Two Week Challenge starts Monday, October 31st

Filed Under: Challenges, Dadavation, Featured, Longterm, Uncategorized

Dadavation Fitness Challenge 1

October 19, 2011 By 14 Comments

Dadavation

You asked for it and here it is: announcing the very first official Dadavation Fitness Challenge. Modeled after the highly successful Mamavation Two Week Challenge this new challenge is designed for Dads to get a jump start on their fitness goals. Regardless of your level of fitness your participation and support is welcome in the Dadavation Fitness Challenge.

In addition to helping Dads get healthy, the participants in the Dadavation Fitness Challenge will be sweating for a good cause. Mamavation has generously agreed to donate $250 dollars to Digital Shepherds, a charity founded by Tshaka Armstrong (Twitter name: @tasaka_zulu) that educates parents on safe media practices for children. All the challenge participants have to do is collectively reach 10,000 Push-ups, 10,000 Sit-ups, and 10,000 Jump Squats by the end of the 14 day challenge.

To participate in the 1st Dadavation Fitness Challenge here is what you need to do:

1) Sign-up below and leave your Twitter ID

2) Tweet this:

Sign me up 4 the #Dadavation #2weekchallenge. Joining other dads reach10,000 pushups! @MrBookieboo http://bit.ly/oYi4wG

3) Print out the Dadavation Fitness Challenge:

Dadavation Fitness Challenge

**Make sure you weigh yourself before the challenge starts and write it down**

4) Report your status to @MrBookieboo daily using the hashtag #Dadavation

5) Get your sweat on!!

The Dadavation Fitness Challenge will be starting on Monday, October 24th. Sign-up today.

Filed Under: Challenges, Dadavation, Featured, Longterm, Uncategorized

Two Week Challenge Wrap-up

October 18, 2011 By 4 Comments

We just wrapped up another Mamavation Two Week Challenge and I have to say the results have been impressive. The participants over two campaigns have collectively lost 115 pounds and 120 inches. Thirty people finished this last challenge – an incredible accomplishment and 30% more than the previous challenge.

Here are the campaign statistics so far:

Campaign #1: 40 people signed up, 22 finished. Total loss: 52 pounds, 48 inches

The following people completed Campaign #1:

@momma_oz

@beeacutie2

@notimemom

@nccarterfamily

@eclecticmommy

@amberlou24

@andreaemilien

@resamichelle

@mamasarahjane

@highimpactmom

@bodhi_bear

@lolately

@jessicafiumara

@mnmspecial

@taraburner

@me_jodi

@momruns26

@kelliefish

@melysses

@ihavetohaveyou

@nichols0907

@monicazyoung

Campaign #2: 41 people signed up, 30 finished. Total loss: 60 pounds, 72 inches

The following people completed Campaign #2:

@andreaemilien

@mnmspecial

@craftsbykatie

@justinvation

@beeacutie2

@monicazyoung

@kelliefish

@ihavetohaveyou

@madhattermom

@mamasarahjane

@nccarterfamily

@aries_mommy

@eclecticmommy

@klwschmidt

@divaliciousmommy

@nichols0907

@blahblahblah410

@mizgreeneyezz

@highimpactmom

@littlemamajama

@lovinmomma88

@taraburner

@me_jodi

@jddenton

@momma_oz

@notimemom

@lolately

@momruns26

@rachhabs

@ahabs

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank @Gruntstyle for developing the two week challenge workouts. Make sure to visit his website: www.gruntstyle.com to show your support. I’d also like to thank @Momma_oz for helping me coordinate the two week challenge. Lastly, I would like to thank @bookieboo for being my personal inspiration and motivation (in addition to being the greatest wife and mom in the world).

Many of you have been asking when the next two week challenge will start. The answer is: “soon”. We are in the process of developing a brand-new series of workouts designed to keep things fresh and exciting. Watch this space and my twitter stream for the official announcement around the end of October/early November.

Finally, here are the winners of the last two week challenge: @mamasarahjane and @blahblahblah410 Congratulations!!!

Please get a hold of Shelley @Momma_oz for details so we can ship you the prizes.

Keep up the great work everyone! You all are doing an amazing job. Remember to never give up and keep working towards your goals and you will get there.

Filed Under: Dadavation, Featured, Uncategorized

Two Week Challenge #2 (Sep 27th – Oct 10th)

September 22, 2011 By 32 Comments


The participants in the last two week challenge lost over 55lbs and 47 inches. This program is a great way to jump start your fitness goals.

*ahem pay close attention Mamavation Applicants and supporters*

To participate in this challenge here’s what you need to do:

1) Sign-up below and leave your Twitter ID

2) Tweet at @MrBookieboo and let him know that you accept the GruntStyle challenge and send him a DM with your email address

3) Register at www.bookieboo.com if you haven’t already

4) Print out the two-week challenge

“Advanced” version: http://www.gruntstyle.com/mamavation/2wc4.pdf

“Beginner” version: http://www.gruntstyle.com/mamavation/2wc4m.pdf

**Make sure you get your weight and measurements before the challenge starts

5) Report your status to @MrBookieboo daily. Use the hashtag #2weekchallenge along with #mamavation

Participants who successfully complete the two-week challenge will be entered into a drawing to receive a prize pack containing:

Bondi Band – Comfy, Colorful and creative headbands to fit every lifestyle and personality.
nekFIT – perfectly holds your ipod nano or shuffle behind your neck eliminating tangled wires
Sportline Heart Rate Monitor Watch
$5 Subway Gift Card

Two winners will be selected using random.org at the end of the challenge

Ready….Set…GO! (Starts Tuesday, September 27th)

Hit the linky below if you are planning to participate. :)

Filed Under: Challenges, Dadavation, Featured, Longterm, Uncategorized

Bears, Bugs, and Camping

September 12, 2011 By 6 Comments

Bookieboo and I both have some fond childhood memories of camping with our families. We often sit and reminisce about the crazy adventures that we had way back when. For years now we have been talking about taking the boys camping but have never moved past the “we should do this” stage. There was always some convenient excuse holding us back.

We're not in Kansas anymore . . .

The reality of the situation is that Bookieboo and I were both afraid. It wasn’t the bears or the bugs that we were afraid of (okay – Bookieboo was afraid of the bugs). We were afraid of how our oldest son would react to this very new and very different experience. You see, our oldest son has Asperger’s syndrome and sensory integration disorder. The experts say that he is at the “mild” end of the spectrum but he is definitely on it. Our son thrives on structure, order, schedules, and knowing exactly what he is going to be doing at any given point in time. While he likes surprises, he gets very anxious when faced with the unknown.

How on earth could we make a camping trip a pleasant experience for our son when Bookieboo and I didn’t even know what to expect or what to do? The last time either of us had camped was nearly 15 years ago and our parents handled all of the details. In the intervening years our version of “roughing it” became staying at a travel motel (you know, the ones with the doors that open to the outside world – that’s kind of like camping, right?)

After a particularly rough patch that our family went through we finally resolved to face our fears and go on that camping trip. Gear was purchased, reservations were made, and we even did a “trial run” in our backyard (yes, we actually setup the tent and spent the night as a family in our backyard). We prepared our son as best as we could and finally set off on our grand adventure. We went to Lake Casitas on the recommendation of a friend since it was less than an hour from home.

Do you know what happened? We had the time of our lives. Don’t get me wrong, we certainly had our moments of frustration, irritation, and of course threatening to pull the car over (what is a family vacation without Dad saying “If I have to stop this car . . .”) but that is all a part of the “family experience”. Our oldest son also had some sensory moments during the trip. We handled those situations just like we do at home – as a family supporting and helping one another.

Having the time of their lives

In the end, we learned a lot on this trip. We learned how to camp as a family. We learned how to cook in the wilderness (Bookieboo did an excellent job buying and preparing healthy, gluten free meals for us that remained very “campy”. By the way, planning gluten free meals in the great outdoors isn’t easy - Bookieboo). We learned that coolers with drains are very useful to avoid accidentally dumping the contents of said cooler onto the ground *looks around innocently*. We also learned that those 4-wheel bicycle car-thingys are really hard to pedal up a hill (one gear, really??). Most importantly, we learned that we can conquer our fears.

Healthy Camping Food? Thanks Bookieboo!!

Have your fears ever forced you into inaction? We found ourselves so scared that we put off even trying for far too long. How have you faced your fears recently?

Filed Under: Dadavation, Featured, Uncategorized

A Husband’s First Steps to Healthy Living

August 29, 2011 By 22 Comments

The Chinese philosopher Lao-tzu once said “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” My journey to living a healthy life inadvertently began five years ago and at the time I had no idea that I had taken that first step. I would describe my life back then as pretty typical: I had (and will always have) a beautiful wife, a decent job, and a comfortable home. My modest lifestyle suited me just fine and I was quite happy with my daily routine. As far as I was concerned, I had everything that I needed and life was great. “Healthy living” was something that I read about in magazines along with the latest fad diets. Exercise was something that I did on occasion – walking to my car and taking out the trash was all I needed to stay healthy. I was young and I felt invincible. Yes, that is truly how I felt back then . . .

Two events changed all of that in the span of a few months: the birth of my first son and my father-in-law’s diagnosis of terminal cancer. I remember how surreal the experience was as I witnessed birth and death in such a short time. As I held my son in my arms for the first time I realized that everything had changed. I was now responsible for the care and well-being of another human. In stark contrast, I watched as one of the strongest men that I had ever met fought his illness with raw determination until the very end. My father-in-law ultimately lost his battle with cancer a few months after my son was born. His courage and determination planted a seed inside me that would slowly start to grow.

During this time Bookieboo carried a heavy burden. On the one hand she was caring for our son and trying to maintain some semblance of normalcy in our home. On the other hand she was taking care of her dying father while providing emotional support to her mother. Somehow, some way she managed to pull this off which amazes me to this day. I always knew that I had married an amazing woman but her strength and conviction during this turmoil left no doubt in my mind that I was the luckiest guy in the world.

Inevitably, the adversity that Bookieboo was facing began to take its toll on her. She needed a release from the incredible stress that she was under and her eating disorder provided an outlet. At the peak of this craziness Bookieboo made a decision that she wasn’t going to let her eating disorder run her life. She started to make some slow and subtle changes that were barely perceptible at first. Things like going for walks, joining weight watchers, and reading about nutrition online. I initially sat back and watched with curiosity as she made these first steps. When I realized that this wasn’t a fad, my first thought was “does this mean we are going to have to give up bacon and ice cream?”

In the weeks and months that followed I saw Bookieboo slowly but surely lose weight. She didn’t quit eating all of the garbage food cold turkey and she didn’t become a kickboxing warrior overnight (seriously, don’t ever cross her because she will kick your ass). Instead, she kept making those small changes and tackled her weight loss 5 pounds at a time.

The best part of her strategy – I didn’t even notice most of the subtle changes that she was making. She would get rid of one bad food item from the pantry or ask me if I wanted to go for a walk or serve a vegetable with dinner (we started off with green beans – because I could handle green beans). I had no idea at the time, but I had taken my first step on the journey to a healthy life.

Ask yourself, what small changes can you make in your house? How can you help your spouse meet their healthy living goals?

Filed Under: Dadavation, Featured Tagged With:

Adventures in the Big Easy – Part 1

August 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Earlier in the year I had asked Bookieboo where she wanted to go for our seven year wedding anniversary. I had learned years ago that while Bookieboo likes surprises, her idea of a fun trip and my idea of a fun trip can be completely different. Take for example the time I took her for a romantic dinner on the USS Midway in San Diego. Nothing says romance quite like dinner on a 70,000 ton aircraft carrier surrounded by some of the Navy’s finest fighter jets. At least I thought it was romantic, but that’s another story.

One of Bookieboo’s favorite cities is New Orleans. She’s been there a few times over the years and raved about how wonderful it is. I wasn’t surprised when she immediately told me that she wanted to go back to The Big Easy for our anniversary. Keep in mind our anniversary is in August – as in middle of summer holy crap it’s gonna be H-O-T and H-U-M-I-D. Now you have to understand that Bookieboo has never been one to let practicality get in the way of a good time. All it took was one of her patented “looks” with her big blue eyes and the next thing I knew I was making reservations.

The Big Easy is calling

Fast forward to August and our adventure is underway. The flight out was uneventful – a short hop to Vegas where we caught a connecting flight to New Orleans. We like to fly Southwest since they are 1) cheap, 2) friendly and most importantly 3) fly out of Burbank Airport. I’m one of those “avoid Los Angeles International Airport at all costs” type of people. Everything about LAX is ridonkulous (Yes, I stole @momma_oz’s term!) – the traffic, the crowds, and the delays. Burbank Airport is everything that LAX isn’t. Now you know one of the best kept secrets to flying into LA – and knowing is half the battle.

We arrived in New Orleans early Friday evening and my first thought as I stepped outside was “holy hell it’s humid”. I’m originally from Chicago, so I know a little about humidity but I’ll tell you the humidity in NOLA was something else. You step outside and five minutes later you are soaking wet. Bookieboo was all smiles at this point so I followed her lead and quietly thanked the fine people of New Orleans for the 24-hour sauna. I figured that people pay good money to go to a day spa and sit in a hot sauna. Why pay money for that when you can go to New Orleans and get a round the clock sauna for free? It’s all about perspective . . .

After a short cab ride to the French Quarter we arrived at our hotel: The Prince Conti. Bookieboo had stayed at this hotel previously for Bloggers on Bourbon and highly recommended that we stay there. Let me tell you her recommendation was spot-on. This hotel did not disappoint – it was reasonably priced, clean, a stone’s throw from Bourbon Street (no – literally, there were a few young men throwing things from outside our hotel onto Bourbon Street as we arrived) and very “French Looking”. It turns out that “French Looking” is a bit of a misnomer – there are only like 3 authentic “French-style” buildings left in the French Quarter. Two fires in 1788 and 1794 destroyed most of the original French Colonial architecture and the subsequent rebuilding was done while New Orleans was under Spanish control (see Bookieboo, I was paying attention on the tour). The result is that all of those cool looking “French-style” buildings are really Spanish or as the locals say: “The French’s interpretation of Spanish architecture”.

The French -errrr Spanish architecture in the French Quarter

This is a good stopping point for the ongoing saga of “As the Bookieboo Turns” make sure you watch for part two where Bookieboo and I explore some of the more – ahhhhh interesting parts of the French Quarter and visit the local swamp. Yep – I’m already enjoying my conversations around the watercooler at work: “So MrBookieboo where did you take your wife for her anniversary” to which I respond “I took the Mrs. to a swamp. How about you, Joe?”

Filed Under: Dadavation, Featured, Longterm Tagged With: ,

Welcome to the Dad’s Corner

August 18, 2011 By 56 Comments

Welcome to my little corner of the internet. Don’t mind the dust – I’m still moving in and setting up the “man-cave”. Many of you already know me as Bookieboo’s DH, the wild and crazy counterpart to the soft spoken and shy Bookieboo. OK, maybe I’m just a little more reserved than my wife but don’t tell her – I have to keep up my image . . .

A Blogger is born . . .

Some of you may be thinking “Ackkk!! What’s a man doing on Mamavation?!?!” The name of the site is very clear – MAMAvation and not “MANavation”, “DADavation” or “DUDEavation”. Rest assured Bookieboo hasn’t bumped her head on a dumbbell or fallen into a coffee-withdrawal induced coma (*ahem* @gruntstyle). Mamavation has always been and will always be first and foremost about Moms. Simply put, Moms are the glue that holds families together. Healthy living starts with you and the choices that you make each and every day. Mamavation is designed to give you the tools and knowledge to make those choices.

At this point I’m sure there are still a few of you saying “Ok, I understand all that but . . . Ackkk!! What’s a man doing on Mamavation?!?!” Bookieboo and I spend a lot of time talking about Mamavation and the challenges that the Moms face. One of the most frequent comments that she hears is that your beloved DHs aren’t always so enthusiastic about all of these healthy lifestyle changes. Guys are pretty simple animals – we are creatures of habit that thrive on their routines. When you start mixing things up on us we get confused and anxious. “What’s this green stuff on my dinner plate?” “Why do we need to paint the walls periwinkle? Our walls have perfectly good paint on them already.” “Who decided that periwinkle was a color anyways?” Sound like anybody that you know?

As Bookieboo and I discussed the “DH Issue” she realized that these comments sounded familiar. She told me that she had heard it all before from *someone* that she knew very well. Being the typical guy I asked her “Who??” to which she simply gave me that look – you know the one I’m talking about.

Realizing that *I* was “that DH” made me pause for a moment and think. I’ve been with Bookieboo for nearly ten years now and our shift to healthy living has been a slow process filled with many ups and downs. I haven’t always been as supportive as I could be (especially in the beginning with that strange green stuff on my dinner plate) but I have slowly come around. Along the way I have learned about living a healthy lifestyle and a great deal about myself. It’s been an incredible journey that is only just beginning. My hope is that this blog will give you a little insight from the DH’s perspective. If I’m feeling adventurous (or maybe the correct word is brave) I may even share some wild and crazy stories about Bookieboo . . .

Filed Under: Dadavation, Featured, Longterm Tagged With: , , , ,