What kind sorority would we be without a slumber party? And since we can’t physically get together in the same room – the second best option is to show up in pajamas to the Mamavation TV show.

It’s hard to believe this year is almost over. 2011 was an eventful year for our community – we lost a lot of pounds together and participated in numerous campaigns. Mamavation Mom bootcamps  show great results every single time. The numbers are impressive and results are real! However, Mamavation community is so much more than Mamavation Mom campaigns. There are great challenges, recepies, twitter parties, giveaways and more.

I have  lost 35 lbs with Mamavation community and went from size 16 to size 12. It took some time and several different challenges, but I would not be able to do it without the Sistahood. It is a great thing to know, that your weight is no longer your personal problem – we can tackle it one pound at a time as a community!

Well, grab your pillow and let’s chick chat. This upcoming show is all about the sistahood. We invited few sistas to share their challenges and victories of 2011 and we will definitely be talking about your ambitious plans for the next year.

MAMAVATION TV: Join us Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV

BLOGGING CARNIVAL: This week’s blogging carnival is sponsored by Santa’s little helpers – @YumYucky, @EcoFoilPans, and @Mamavation. 2 blogging carnival participants will receive something out of the big holiday bag.

WHAT’S IN THE BAG?
Shakeology Prize (4 prizes): 4 individual packets of Shakeology, Supplement Facts sheet, and 30-day recipe calendar. @YumYucky (Josie) is  a Beachbody Coach and You can find Shakeology at her Beachbody shop. Shakeology is a nutrient-dense powerhouse in smoothie form with over 70 healthy ingredients to help you lose weight, increase energy, eliminate toxins, stay regular and improve your overall health – all with no artificial ingredients.” Smaller sampler quantities are available here.

Eco-Foil T-Shirt (4 prizes): These t-shirts are comfy and great for every day workouts. Don’t forget to buy some Eco-Foil pans for your next party. These disposable pans are 100% recycled and will make your holiday cleanup  an easy task. Check them out on Facebook and enter their Photo contest.

Workout DVDs from Mamavation (3 prizes): Start your New Year in high gear with new workouts. Have a variety of DVDs at your house to keep it fun and interesting. Don’t forget to vote for Mamavation for Best Health Blog of 2011. Each vote counts AND you can vote daily.

For a chance to win one of these prizes, answer the following question in your blog post and link back to the Mamavation website.

Link up your post here.

What is your biggest achievement of the year?

Also, don’t forget to include the following disclosure in your post: “I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway sponsored by YumYucky, Eco-Foil, and Mamavation and hosted by Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women”.

SISTAHOOD: If you are interested in pledging to the Mamavation Sistahood, Monday is the time to do it. Please go here for instructions. Invitations are done on Wednesdays over twitter. (Or later if I get swamped)

GIVEAWAYS (You must attend Mamavation TV show to win):

1. Special gift out of Santa’s bag (6 winners).

To Enter (leave a comment for entry):

1. Hit the Linky
2. Tweet out this message “Giveaways LIVE on #Mamavation TV spnsrd by @ecofoil & @yumyucky.  Join us! http://bit.ly/u1fhQD”    (Unlimited Entries for tweets)

Extra Entries (leave a comment for EVERY entry):

1. Download the Alexa tool bar, http://www.alexa.com/toolbar (this will help your Alexa rating go up and will help Mamavation too!) (1 entry)
2. Comment on a Mamavation Monday post. (2 entries for each blog you visit)
3. Tell a Sista this week WHY she is special on twitter using the #mamavation hashtag (1 entry)
4. Subscribe to the RSS feed of this blog (1 entry)
5. Follow @InspiredRD on Twitter (1 entry)
6. Like Eco-Foil (1 entry)
7. Follow @YumYucky
8. Give @Bookieboo Klout points, +Klout in Fitness, nutrition, health, social media, or parenting. (1 entry each)
9. Vote for Mamavation for Best Health Blog on Healthline.com - you can vote daily (1 entry each vote)

December is a month of gift giving. But let’s think about the gift we all really want – something that cannot be measured by a dollar – great health! We put extra efforts into eating healthy and working out, but what if other important people in your life don’t make their well being a priority?

How about an uncle who tells you how proud he is of your healthy choices, but not doing a thing himself? And how about a lovingly unsupportive parent who insists that you deserve a piece of cake for all the things you’ve done? And what about a child who thinks that pizza is a balanced meal because it has meat and vegetables? How do we encourage those we love to take care of themselves?

I’ve met Pierce, our Mamavation TV guest, at the Social Media Summit in Chicago last month. He has a great sense of humor and full of creative solutions when it comes to questions of health and fitness.

Pierce ‘Professor P’ is a private personal trainer, fitness expert, and industry consultant for over 16 years. He is also a Health & Wellness College Professor educating people on the latest fitness trends and exercise equipment.

As a former Triathlete and Dual Sport Athlete, Pierce offers his clients a functional, creative and intense cross-training workout to educate and empower them to not only get quick results but learn a ‘skill for life’. Since 1997, Pierce has worked as a Private Fitness Trainer for professional athletes, teams, celebrities and models. He specializes in athletic performance, weight loss, body sculpting and intense core training.

MAMAVATION TV: Join us Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV

BLOGGING CARNIVAL: This week’s blogging carnival is sponsored by Mamavation. Two blogging carnival participants will receive $25 ViSA gift card.

Answer the following question in your blog post and link back to the Mamavation website.

Link up your post here.

How does your family support your weight loss efforts?

Also, don’t forget to include the following disclosure in your post: “I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway hosted by Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women”.

SISTAHOOD: If you are interested in pledging to the Mamavation Sistahood, Monday is the time to do it. Please go here for instructions. Invitations are done on Wednesdays over twitter. (Or later if I get swamped)

GIVEAWAYS (You must attend Mamavation TV show to win):

1. $25 VISA Gift Card sponsored by Mamavation (2 winners)

To Enter (leave a comment for entry):

1. Hit the Linky
2. Tweet out this message “Giveaways LIVE on #Mamavation TV.  Join us! http://www.mamavation.com/?p=5475”(Unlimited Entries for tweets)

Extra Entries (leave a comment for EVERY entry):

1. Download the Alexa tool bar, http://www.alexa.com/toolbar (this will help your Alexa rating go up and will help Mamavation too!) (1 entry)
2. Comment on a Mamavation Monday post. (2 entries for each blog you visit)
3. Tell a Sista this week WHY she is special on twitter using the #mamavation hashtag (1 entry)
4. Subscribe to the RSS feed of this blog (1 entry)
5. Follow @InspiredRD on Twitter (1 entry)
6. Like Body Fit Lab (1 entry)
7. Give @Bookieboo Klout points, +Klout in Fitness, nutrition, health, social media, or parenting. (1 entry each)
8. Vote for Mamavation for Best Health Blog on Healthline.com - you can vote daily (1 entry each vote)

Is it December already?

I feel like there is not enough time in the day once the holiday season is upon us… I always end up overspending and overbuying.  Twitter and Facebook streams are full of special deals and incredible promotions… Email is overloaded with unbelievable opportunities.  Not to mention that it seems like the stores are pushing the holidays earlier and earlier every year.  The holidays should be about family and making memories but instead, for many, the shopping and spending is what can make it the most stressful time of year.

The Mamavation community wants you stay healthy- both physically and mentally- this holiday season.  That’s why this week’s guest is a professional treasure hunter – someone who helps us learn how to spend less, taking a lot of the stress out of shopping.  I, for one, cannot wait to talk with her on Monday’s Mamavation TV.

Special Guest: Melea Politis (@Freebies2Deals)
When her daughter was born, Melea decided to stay home but soon discovered how much of an impact that would have on their family finances.  She realized that with less coming in, she’d have to find a way to have less being spent, without sacrificing their lifestyle in ways she couldn’t live with.  That’s when she started using coupons and actively searching for the best deals out there.  That’s when she started to get smart about where to spend her money.  After a few weeks, Melea was amazed at how much money she was saving, just by making the effort.

“Now that I use coupons, I find it a challenge to save the most money that I can! It actually gives me a rush to walk out of a store with a full cart and pay almost nothing!”

As women associated with this campaign we all want to do the best for our families and ourselves.  One of the best gifts any woman can give a new life is vitality that begins with lessons children learn while in the womb.  We have seen amazing efforts to work on prenatal health and fitness with recent Mamavation Moms @beeacutie2 and @mnmspecial and cheerleaders @fitcheerldr and currently pregnant @fitmomtraining.  Our fearless leader @bookieboo is also walking the walk of giving the healthiest start to her growing kiddo with her current pregnancy.  Please join this show to learn more about how moms can safely resume activity after the baby arrives.  If pregnancy is not in your future then come along to share tips with others or learn something for loved ones.

Special Guest: Patricia Friberg (@pmomma)

Patricia Friberg is the creator of the award winning Belly Beautiful Prenatal Workout and has been motivating students in her private and group fitness classes for over 15 years. She teaches a variety of formats including: Pilates, Spinning, Kickboxing, Step, BOSU, Body Pump, Circuit, Outdoor Boot Camp, and Yoga

BLOGGING CARNIVAL: This week’s blogging carnival is sponsored by Belly Beautiful Postnatal Fitness and Busy Mom Workout. Two blogging carnival participants will each receive a DVD. To be eligible answer the following blogging carnival question in your weekly Mamavation blog post and mention Belly Beautiful Postnatal Fitness and Busy Mom Workout with a link back to their site. Link up your post here.

What are you thankful for in your life?

Also be sure to declare you disclosure with “This post is sponsored by Belly Beautiful Postnatal Fitness and Busy Mom Workout and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway hosted by Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women“” at the bottom of your post.

SISTAHOOD: If you are interested in pledging to the Mamavation Sistahood, Monday is the time to do it. Please go here for instructions. Invitations are done on Wednesdays over twitter. (Or later if I get swamped)

GIVEAWAYS (You must attend Mamavation TV show to win):

1. DVD from Belly Beautiful Postnatal Fitness or Busy Mom Workout (2 winners)

To Enter (leave a comment for entry):

1. Hit the Linky
2. Tweet out this message “Giveaways LIVE on #Mamavation TV. This week sponsored by @pmomma. Join us! http://bit.ly/sQLx8D” (Unlimited Entries for tweets)

Extra Entries (leave a comment for EVERY entry):

1. Download the Alexa tool bar, http://www.alexa.com/toolbar (this will help your Alexa rating go up and will help Mamavation too!) (1 entry)
2. Comment on a Mamavation Monday post. (2 entries for each blog you visit)
3. Tell a Sista this week WHY she is special on twitter using the #mamavation hashtag (1 entry)
4. Subscribe to the RSS feed of this blog (1 entry)
5. Follow @InspiredRD on Twitter (1 entry)
6. Follow @pmomma (1 entry)
7. Like Belly Beautiful Workout (1 entry)
8. Give @Bookieboo Klout points, +Klout in Fitness, nutrition, health, social media, or parenting. (1 entry each)

I love the goal of our guest this week.  She is a nature enthusiast and wants to share that love with her audience and how they have their young families interact with the world.  We all do not live in places where nature is thought of as easily accessible.  It is accessible though with a little bit of creativity even when you are pregnant or have a very young child.  You just need a few tips if you do not know where to start out.  My midwife gave us a great tip when we had a newborn and were preparing for our first camping trip: do not go to a higher elevations, stay below the foothills for ear sensitivity.  For us that meant staying at 5400′ and not going to the 8000′ spot we were planning on.  We headed to the grasslands instead of the mountains – we would never had thought of that.

I am thrilled to hear what words of wisdom Cragmama will be sharing with our audience on Monday.  Small tips can really help your family get ready to play outside and enjoy yourselves.

Special Guest: Erica Lineberry (@Cragmama)

We only get one shot on this journey called life, and Erica intends to make the most of it. One of her favorite passions is getting out and exploring this playground called Earth, that she believe God created for us to enjoy. During her pregnancy and her son’s first weeks she and her husband realized that they were at a life stage where many folks give up on adventure and play, and get locked into a rut of everyday living. But they wanted to do more than just “get by.”

MAMAVATION TV: Join us Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV

BLOGGING CARNIVAL: This week’s blogging carnival is sponsored by Omron. Two blogging carnival participants will each receive an Omron pedometer. To be eligible answer the following blogging carnival question in your weekly Mamavation blog post and mention Omron with a link back to their site. Link up your post here.

What kind of activities have you done with a pedometer on?

Also be sure to declare you disclosure with “This post is sponsored by Omron and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway hosted by Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women“” at the bottom of your post.

SISTAHOOD: If you are interested in pledging to the Mamavation Sistahood, Monday is the time to do it. Please go here for instructions. Invitations are done on Wednesdays over twitter. (Or later if I get swamped)

GIVEAWAYS (You must attend Mamavation TV show to win):

1. Omron pedomter (2 winners)

To Enter (leave a comment for entry):

1. Hit the Linky
2. Tweet out this message “Giveaways LIVE on #Mamavation TV. This week sponsored by @omronfitness. Join us! http://bit.ly/s2aIr8” (Unlimited Entries for tweets)

Extra Entries (leave a comment for EVERY entry):

1. Download the Alexa tool bar, http://www.alexa.com/toolbar (this will help your Alexa rating go up and will help Mamavation too!) (1 entry)
2. Comment on a Mamavation Monday post. (1 entry for each blog you visit)
3. Tell a Sista this week WHY she is special on twitter using the #mamavation hashtag (1 entry)
4. Subscribe to the RSS feed of this blog (1 entry)
5. Follow @Gruntstyle on Twitter (1 entry)
6. Follow@InspiredRD on Twitter (1 entry)
7. Follow @omronfitness on Twitter (1 entry)
8. Like Omron Fitness on Facebook ( 1 entry)
   
9. Give @Bookieboo Klout points, +Klout in Fitness, nutrition, health, social media, or parenting. (1 entry each)

What are all you beautiful crazies going to do without your Mamavation TV this week? Well world, be on alert… the Mamavation ladies are running loose this Monday night.  Mamavation families, have a wonderful time celebrating Halloween or whatever it is you choose to do.  Be safe and make good choices with candy and treats facing you everywhere.

Post on the Blogging Carnival here and support one another.

We will be back next week with an awesome guest and a sweet sponsor.

Alysa, the campaign’s registered dietician, has been making it easier for people to make better dietary choices for a while now.  I am sure that all of us that have been around for a while can name a recipe or two of hers that has become a favorite in our homes.  For my family it is her Black Bean Sweet Potato Enchiladas – I use wheat tortillas and keep the skin on the sweet potatoes for a good dose of comfort food on a cool evening.

Alysa will be our guest on Monday.  Ask her questions ahead of time, or bring them to the show. Her service to Mamavation is one of the most talked about attributes when women are interviewing for the campaign.

Special Guest: Alysa Bajenaru, RD (@InspiredRD)

Alysa Bajenaru, RD earned her Nutritional Sciences Degree from the University of Oklahoma. After working as a clinical dietitian she transitioned to focus more on the wellness aspect of nutrition and fitness. She earned a personal training certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine and later a group fitness certification through the American Council on Exercise. Alysa joined us in the sixth Mamavation campaign and we are thrilled to have her return with her guidance and out-of-the-box approach to make balanced nutrition an inspiring experience. You can see her beautiful recipes and take on a balanced lifestyle at Inspired RD.

MAMAVATION TV: Join us Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV

BLOGGING CARNIVAL: This week’s blogging carnival is sponsored by New Balance.  One blogging carnival participant will each receive one pair of shoes. To be eligible answer the following blogging carnival question in your weekly Mamavation blog post and mention New Balance with a link back to their site. Link up your post here.

How would you brand your health and wellness lifestyle?  How do you want others to know you in this area?

Also be sure to declare you disclosure with “This post is sponsored by New Balance and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway hosted by Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women“” at the bottom of your post.

SISTAHOOD: If you are interested in pledging to the Mamavation Sistahood, Monday is the time to do it. Please go here for instructions. Invitations are done on Wednesdays over twitter. (Or later if I get swamped)

GIVEAWAYS (You must attend Mamavation TV show to win):

1. One pair of New Balance shoes (1 winner)

To Enter (leave a comment for entry):

1. Hit the Linky
2. Tweet out this message “Giveaways LIVE on #Mamavation TV. This week sponsored by @newbalance. Join us! http://bit.ly/qs0mF3” (Unlimited Entries for tweets)

Extra Entries (leave a comment for EVERY entry):

1. Download the Alexa tool bar, http://www.alexa.com/toolbar (this will help your Alexa rating go up and will help Mamavation too!) (1 entry)
2. Comment on a Mamavation Monday post. (1 entry for each blog you visit)
3. Tell a Sista this week WHY she is special on twitter using the #mamavation hashtag (1 entry)
4. Subscribe to the RSS feed of this blog (1 entry)
5. Follow @Gruntstyle on Twitter (1 entry)
6. Follow@InspiredRD on Twitter (1 entry)
7. Follow @newbalance on Twitter (1 entry)

8. Give @Bookieboo Klout points, +Klout in Fitness, nutrition, health, social media, or parenting. (1 entry each)

As a word of advice do not come to Mondays show with a full belly of food.  I love when DS Daniel is on the show – he gets people movin’ and groovin’. Think burpee style.  In all seriousness if you have any questions about how to do any of the moves from his challenges bring them to the show and pay attention.  He has a wealth of knowledge that he shares with the people lucky enough to be campaign representatives as well as the rest of the Sistahood if you are receptive.

Special Guest: Daniel Alarik (@gruntstyle)

Daniel Alarik is a former US Army Infantry Drill Sergeant and one of our main Mamavation coaches. His company of US Veterans and family members of veterans of the US Military make up Grunt Style. They create fashionable patriotic wear for every American patriot.

MAMAVATION TV: Join us Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV

BLOGGING CARNIVAL: This week’s blogging carnival is sponsored by Grunt Style.  Two blogging carnival participants will receive a shirt from Grunt Style.  Answer the following question in your blog post and link back to the Grunt Style website.  Link up your post here.

Question: What parts of your body are you especially proud of right now? What makes you love them?

Also be sure to declare you disclosure with “This post is sponsored by Grunt Style and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway hosted by Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women“” at the bottom of your post.

SISTAHOOD: If you are interested in pledging to the Mamavation Sistahood, Monday is the time to do it. Please go here for instructions. Invitations are done on Wednesdays over twitter. (Or later if I get swamped)

GIVEAWAYS (You must attend Mamavation TV show to win):

1. Grunt Style shirt (2 winners)

To Enter (leave a comment for entry):

1. Hit the Linky
2. Tweet out this message “Giveaways LIVE on #Mamavation TV. This week sponsored by @Gruntstyle. Join us! http://bit.ly/qVXOk6” (Unlimited Entries for tweets)

Extra Entries (leave a comment for EVERY entry):

1. Download the Alexa tool bar, http://www.alexa.com/toolbar (this will help your Alexa rating go up and will help Mamavation too!) (1 entry)
2. Comment on a Mamavation Monday post. (1 entry for each blog you visit)
3. Tell a Sista this week WHY she is special on twitter using
   the #mamavation hashtag (1 entry)
4. Subscribe to the RSS feed of this blog (1 entry)
5. Follow @Gruntstyle on Twitter (1 entry)
6. Follow@InspiredRD on Twitter (1 entry)
7. Give @Bookieboo Klout points, +Klout in Fitness, nutrition, health, social media, or parenting. (1 entry each)