Archive for the ‘My Favorite Things’ Category

Real & Legitimate Ways to Earn Money from Home

Posted by My Dallas Mommy on Sunday, September 20th, 2015 at 6:30 PM
The links in the post below may be affiliate links. Read the Full Disclosures!

As my kids are getting older, they aren’t getting any cheaper.  Earning extra cash can go a long way especially with the holidays coming up.  If you’re looking for legitimate and real ways to earn a little extra money from your own home here is a list.  If you have other suggestions, please feel free to comment below!

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If you own a car and are looking to start earning some extra money, you can become an Uber driver! Uber gives you the freedom to choose when you drive, where you drive, and who you pick up – you are entirely in control of your schedule.

Keep in mind that to partner with Uber, your vehicle must be 2005 or newer, have 4 or more doors and not be salvaged. Also note that all Uber drivers are required to go through a simple background check for safety (at no cost to you) and to upload a valid drivers license.

 

*Work for Amazon

turk

You can become a Mechanical Turk for Amazon and earn money from home just for reading articles, completing tasks, etc. After signing up, just search or browse through the Human Intelligence Tasks (HITs) and click on the one that interests you. Accept the HIT and follow the instructions. When you’re done, submit your work and after the requester approves your work, money is deposited into your Amazon Payments account.

Another opportunity is Amazon’s VCC (Virtual Contact Center).

Full time and part time opportunities are available in Arizona, Kentucky, Texas, West Virginia, Delaware, Minnesota, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, North Carolina, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and Virginia for our seasonal customer service associate position.

  • 3-4 weeks of paid training
  • Seasonal and referral bonus opportunities
  • Base compensation is $10/hour with the potential bonus opportunities
  • Part-time and full-time positions available

Requirements:

  • In order to be considered for this position, your home residence must be in one of the following states; Arizona, Kentucky, Texas, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Delaware, Minnesota, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Basic typing, phone, and computer navigation skills
  • Ability to navigate the Internet, email, and Instant Messenger tools
  • 1+ years in a service environment dealing with the public
  • Distraction free workspace

*BECOME A TUTOR

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You can also tutor online. Tutor.com is a great place to start and get more information. Make your own hours, get a client base by posting in schools, libraries, even Craigslist You can also tutor at home as well. Tutors generally charge by the hour and can make anywhere from $10 – $75 per hour. So if you have an extensive knowledge of a certain subject, a positive attitude, a passion to help others, and you enjoy working with children — tutoring may be the perfect home-based business for you.

*SELL YOUR JUNK MAIL

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If you eceive a lot of junk mail in your inbox or mailbox you can check out the Small Business Knowledge Center (also known as SBKC and rated A+ with the BBB!) as they will PAY YOU for your junk mail! Plus, if you are a business owner or are self-employed, you will earn bonus points for the materials you send!

As a SBKC Consumer Panelist, you’ll be asked to regularly send them your emails and junk mail related to Insurance, Investments, Banking, Mortgage, Credit Cards, Leisure, and more. Just forward all of your qualifying emails or place your direct junk mail in the postage-paid envelopes they provide and return to them about once a week.

According to SBKC, “Frequent participants can earn as much as $20 in points every 6 to 10 weeks! Business owners and those who are self-employed can earn rewards even faster.”Head on over here to sign up and for more details.

*SELL YOUR GENTLY USED CLOTHING

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If you or a family member has a closet filled with outdated clothing, consider packing up a box and selling it online via thredUP.com. Start by ordering a free Clean Out Kit, pack it full of styles you’ve loved, and return it to them for free. They will inspect the clothing and determine an amount to pay you. The amount you’re paid depends on the original price, brand and category of each item. You can use their Earnings Estimator to see how much others have earned for similar items.

If you haven’t yet discovered Plato’s Closet, this hidden gem with locations throughout our region (and across the country) is worth a big look! There are more than 400 locations across the country to help you find your favorite brands on a dime or get paid for clothing you no longer want.

Another site that allows you to sell your gently-used clothing is Tradesy. Just list any fashion item in good condition, snap a few photos, propose a price, and use the free box and label to ship without leaving your house.  You might want to check out Poshmark too!

*SELL YOUR SMARTPHONE PHOTOS

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If you have a smartphone and often take photos, there’s a new app called Foap that allows you to sell your smartphone photos for CASH. To get started, download the free Foap app (available on Google Play or iTunes App Store), upload your photos, and make them available for purchase on the Foap Market. For each photo you sell you make $5 and you can sell the same photo anunlimited number of times. Now, this isn’t a huge source of income BUT think about it…if your photo sells 10 times, you make $5 each time and will end up with $50 in your pocket.

* FIX SEARCH ENGINE RESULTS

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Whenever you browse with a search engine (such as Google, Yahoo, Bing, etc.), it uses a algorithm” to determine the results you see…and you may not always get the results that you want. That’s why real humans are needed to look at the results and judge them for quality, relevancy, and usefulness. And, the best part is you can get paid anywhere between $12-$15 per hour just for becoming a search engine evaluator for companies such as Lionbridge, Appen, or Leapforce.  This is an independent contractor position, not a job.

*TAKE PART IN RESEARCH STUDIES

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We post a lot of research studies on our site where you can make up to $500 or more with a little time invested.  I work with Joanne and she’s a very sweet women and shares the studies she has available.  You can email Joanne at Joanne@newstudy.info to get on the list or just check here to the latest studies available that might apply to you or your family!

*TAKE ONLINE SURVEYS

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Enjoy sharing your opinion? You won’t make BIG money but they are pretty simple to do. Most companies will pay via check, PayPal, or you can submit for a reward by mail after you’ve accumulated enough points to cash out. My top 5 survey companies are –

* e-Poll (rated A+ with BBB)
* Harris Poll Online (rated A- with BBB)
* Inbox Dollars (rated A+ with BBB)
* Toluna (rated A+ with BBB)
* PineCone Research (rated #2 on Survey Police)

*SUBMIT GROCERY RECEIPTS

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What better way to get paid then for buying items you already need?  Here are some great money-saving apps that will allow you to earn cash back just for buying products at the grocery store.

* Ibotta – You can unlock offers by completing various tasks, such as learning a fact or watching a short video. Then, search for offers in-store by scanning the barcode of items that are in your shopping cart. After making a purchase, you can submit a rebate by tapping on “redeem” for eligible items purchased. Then scan the product bar code and submit a picture of your receipt.

* Snap by Groupon – Browse through the different offers available and buy items from the Offer List at ANY store – note that some of the offers can be redeemed as many times as you’d like! Each offer’s redemption limit is clearly noted on its details page. Then, just upload a photo of your entire receipt using the app or website within 2 days of purchase. When your account reaches $20, you can request payment under the ‘My Account’ page and select ‘Cash Out’.

* Checkout 51 – Browse through the different offers available and buy items from the Offer List at ANY store. Upload a photo of your entire receipt using the app or website (it is recommended that you upload your receipt immediately after purchase since there are only limited quantities of offers available). When your account reaches $20, you can cash out and they’ll mail you a check. Note that offers go live on Thursdays at 12AM in each time zone and they expire the following Wednesday at 11:59PM in each time zone. You must submit the receipts while the offers are live.

* Shopmium – Click on the Offers tab and browse through all the current offers. If you find a product you’d like to try, click on the product and then click on the pink “Discover This Product” button to find out specific information about which products are eligible and where you can find the product near you. Once you have purchased the eligible items at the store, go back to the offers tab, find the offer and then click the “Request My Rebate” button. You will then be prompted to scan the barcode of the purchased item AND to take a picture of the store receipt.

* SavingStar – View offers on your mobile app or online – there are often 100% cash back “surprise” freebies during the month. Then, use your registered card at checkout as you normally do. For receipt-scan stores, take a picture of your receipt and submit through the SavingStar app or website. Note that discounts are not received at checkout but will be posted in your account within 2-22 days depending on the store. In addition to cashing out your earnings using your bank account or PayPal, you can use your earnings to score Starbucks eGift Cards, AMC Theatres eGift Cards and iTunes Gift Codes.

*BROWSE WITH BING

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If you spend a lot of time browsing the web, you may consider switching from Google or Yahoo to Bing. Like a frequent flyer program that rewards you for flying, Bing Rewards gives you credits for searching the web (while using Bing) as well as taking advantage of special offers. You can then redeem your credits for gift cards at popular retailers and restaurants (such as Starbucks, Amazon, ToysRUs) and/or donate them to a local school through Bing in the Classroom.

BECOME A COMPANY REP

Interested in starting your own business? Become a company rep for brands such as Amway, AvonBarefoot Books, Cutco, Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, Scentsy, Thirty-One Gifts, or Young Living Essential Oils just to name a few. Each company offers different pay schedules, referral systems, and has different training requirements, so be sure to check out the ones you’re interested in.

*BECOME A CUSTOMER SERVICE REP

A growing work-from-home opportunity is to answer inbound customer calls for large companies like 1-800 Flowers, J Crew, or Walgreens. These companies (and many others) outsource their customer-service calls to companies that hire U.S.-based virtual agents, such as Alpine Access, ACD Direct, LiveOps, Sutherland Global Services, Arise, Asurion, TeleTech, and many others.

Before considering this type of opportunity, keep in mind that you must have high-speed Internet access, a computer, a landline, and a quiet place to work. You can expect to make an average of $8 and $15 an hour depending on your experience and will work a minimum of 15 to 20 hours per week.

*BECOME A TRANSLATOR

TheWord Point is a translation service company where professional, experienced translators work. They provide translation and localization services for personal correspondence, business documents, websites, technical documents, software, app developments, academics, game development and much more.

Thanks to H2S for some of these ideas!

Plum Practicewear ~ High END Gymnastic Wear Only $22.99

Posted by My Dallas Mommy on Sunday, September 13th, 2015 at 3:24 PM
The links in the post below may be affiliate links. Read the Full Disclosures!

Plum Practicewear

Not all leotards are created equal. I know from personal experience with my daughter. I post a lot of great deals on dance and gymnastics wear. BUT, I also have a drawer FULL of really cute leos that Ava never wears. That’s because of the fit and feel of the leotard. It might be scratchy at the top or “crawl up” in the back.

So here is a great option for the picky gymnast who needs a great fit and built for a “gymnast” body. Plum Practicewear is a leader in gymnastics practice wear and is the manufacturer of funky, limited-edition leotards and shorts that are designed to deliver confidence and durability to gymnasts within every level of training. In fact, they are endorsed by Olympic hopefuls Laurie Hernandez and Jazmyn Foberg.

Plum leos are typically priced around $32.99. However, there are still some fun leos available at a special web price of $22.99 – $24.99. This includes the ever popular Mardi Gras! Better hurry though as these are limited editions and don’t last long!
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Secrets to Looking Younger ~ Products, Procedures & Skin Care

Posted by My Dallas Mommy on Sunday, August 30th, 2015 at 12:00 PM
The links in the post below may be affiliate links. Read the Full Disclosures!

Secrets To Looking Younger
When it comes to aging, there are those who “look” older and then there are those who are “aging gracefully”.  You know, the lucky ones who seem to be getting better like a fine wine while some are just learning by trial and error. I’m learning the graceful agers aren’t aging better, they’re just aging smarter, so that is why I’m doing this series on the Secrets of Looking Younger. AND if you have any questions about skin care, please leave comments below and I will get some answers for you from our expert, Dr. Lori Stetler from The Dallas Center for Dermatology and Aesthetics.

For those of us who are learning the hard way to keep grace and age in the same sentence, we are going to learn so simple and inexpensive ways to maintain our youth, as well as discuss all the procedures available for those of you who want to take that route. And for those of you who are thinking “I’m not there yet…”, well it’s never to early to start taking care of yourself, so read on!

Have you ever noticed when I share pictures on my blog of myself that they are far away? That’s because I can’t stand looking at my CLOSE UPS!  I think there is a reason your eyesight also goes with age… that’s because you can’t see the wrinkles and sags that come with age too (haha)! Age can sneak up on you SUPER FAST!  I’m not gonna lie ladies, for me, aging stinks, big time!  I love the wisdom I’m gaining, but the rest is ….BLAH!  Not to mention, we are our own worst enemies. With that being said, please understand, I’m thankful for good health, a loving family and a wonderful life God has blessed me with.

But this series is about aging gracefully and with all the tools, products, procedures and knowledge available, why not fight it a bit if you can, right?

So I’m throwing vanity OUT THE DOOR!  Here it is…

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First we’re going to start with our skin. Your skin is unique; your skin care should be too so I’ve found who I consider to be one of the best in the DFW Metroplex. The Dallas Center for Dermatology and Aesthetics is a leading-edge cosmetic dermatology practice that integrates current aesthetic procedures with clinical dermatology treatments for a lifetime of health and beauty.

I will be consulting with the awesome Dr. Lori Stetler. She is very well-known in this community and frankly, “just knows her stuff!”  See her bio below and you’ll be mightily impressed.

In the picture above you can see the trouble spots Dr. Stetler will attack.  I have heavy forehead lines and crows feet.  I’m starting to get “jowls” and I have sun spots… LOTS of sunspots.

When I went in for my first visit, I told Dr. Stetler I needed a “clean canvas”.  With all this “wisdom” I’ve earned, I know how to properly take care of my skin now.  I will openly admit, I was the kid who was the “sun-goddess”, using those silver blankets that attracted the sun & baby oil.  I’m THAT OLD that back then we weren’t told to stay out of the sun or use sunscreen. Old habits die hard.  Over the past 5-7 years I’ve actually used sunscreen but not like I should.

Dr. Stetler had me pegged and we discussed sunscreen.  Before she could do anything to my skin I need to return to my normal skin color. Until that time, we’re going to do some botox next week.  I’ll be checking back in with REALLY embarrassing pictures, but that’s o.k., I’m happy to be the guinea pig for all of us.  LOL!

Lesson #1:  If you’re wanting to do any type of treatments, get back to your original skin color

Lesson #2:  Dr. Stetler advised in get “hooked” on sunscreens.  The higher the number the better.  She said SPF 30 is great IF you re-apply but many of us often don’t nor do we put it on well enough.  Her opinion, go higher on sunscreen for added protection.  For me, she suggested sunscreens with helioplex, for example Neutrogena, Aveeno an LaRoche Posey. For more information on sunscreen, you can read my post on How to Choose the Best Sunscreen here.

Lesson #3:  Become one with an umbrella and hat when your out in the sun.

Lesson #4:  Don’t just protect your face, protect your body and sun will damage and age other parts including your legs, hands, etc.

I’ll be checking back in with you and sharing before and after shots along the way and hope you will learn secrets to staying younger with Dr. Stetler right along with me!

Screen Shot 2015-08-29 at 1.30.32 PMLori Stetler, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist in Dallas whose career path began with an undergraduate education from Baylor University in Texas. She was a summa cum laude graduate and a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She received her medical degree from UT Southwestern Medical School where she was elected into the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. She completed an internship in internal medicine and a dermatology residency at the UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. She served as chief resident her senior year. She became board-certified in dermatology in 1993. Following her residency, Dr. Stetler began her private practice in dermatology in Dallas at Medical City. She moved her practice to its current location in Preston Center in 2001.

Training and Achievements

Dr. Stetler specializes in cosmetic dermatology, laser surgery, dermatologic surgery and general medical dermatology. Dr. Stetler is a Clinical Professor in the department of dermatology at UT Southwestern. She currently trains dermatology residents, fellows and medical students in cosmetic dermatology and laser surgery. Dr. Stetler is a national speaker and trainer for several pharmaceutical companies in the proper use and injection techniques of neurotoxins and injectable fillers.

Dr. Stetler is active in a number of local and national organizations including the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery and the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. She has served as president of the Dallas/Fort Worth Dermatological Society. Dr. Stetler has been named one of the “Best Doctors in Dallas” by D Magazine annually since 2001.

My Favorite Curling Iron: Any NuMe Classic Wand Only $19 (Retail $139) + Shipping

Posted by My Dallas Mommy on Saturday, August 29th, 2015 at 3:30 PM
The links in the post below may be affiliate links. Read the Full Disclosures!

ava1So through first hand experience, I’ve learned NOT all curling wands are the same. My daughter Ava has super-duper straight hair. I’ve only found one wand that can take her hair from straight to natural curl within minutes AND stay that way ALL day! The Classic Wand Pearl heats up in seconds flat and makes natural looking curls so simple and easy! ava3 Plus NuMe is offering a special offer on Classic Wands. Choose any Classic Wand for only $19!!! You are saving $120. Deal expires on 8/31/15. There are tons of wands to choose from in every style for any type of hair! Here are the promo codes: All Classic Wand for $19 Promo Code: CLASSIC19 Any Magic Wand for $25 Promo Code: MAGIC25 For the Styling Set for $87 (Excluding Octowand) Promo Code: STYLINGSET87 Keep in mind that you will need to pay a flat rate of $12 for shipping (for a final cost of ONLY $31.99!) and you’ll also have the option to pay via credit card or PayPal. Keep in mind that this Nume brand does seem to have great reviews and besides myself, I noticed some very positive comments regarding the quality of these wands! Awesome deal! About NuMe Classic Pearl Wand: NuMe engineers craft cutting-edge tools with hair health and beauty at the forefront of design. And now they have created the secret to the most natural-looking curl possible. Known as the wand for the adventurous curl-seeker, the Pearl is perfect for blending curls into an already natural wave, pairing with colorful styles, and experimenting with long, free-flowing, wild curls. ava2

Treating Hormonal Imbalance ~ HerKare Brought ME Back!

Posted by My Dallas Mommy on Wednesday, August 26th, 2015 at 3:30 PM
The links in the post below may be affiliate links. Read the Full Disclosures!

herkare1In 30 days, I can honestly say, the real Laura Thornquist is back!  I can now check off “dealing with hormonal imbalance” from my list of things to conquer.  HerKare figured out what I was lacking and has brought me back to feeling normal again.  (Oh, and the beautiful thing is most insurance companies cover the treatment! WAHOO!)

In early August I shared with all of you about some hormonal imbalances I was experiencing.  They started as a “small” issue and then bombarded into an obvious problem for me. Kind of like an “out of the body” experience.  I never wanted to blame my hormones for things that have been happening to me lately. I felt it was a “cop out.”

Screen Shot 2015-07-31 at 6.36.05 PMDid you know that doctors can determine exactly your symptoms and what is probably going on just by your blood results? During my visit to the Southlake clinic, Dania Khoncarly, PA-C, MPAS, BSN, RN  and Dr. Raymond Westbrook, D.O. could describe my symptoms to a tee without me having to tell them much. I didn’t feel so “evil” and out of control knowing it’s such a common problem.

My results? I had a low thyroid, low Vitamin D (very common), low testosterone and progesterone.  I go in every 10 days for a testosterone shot and take prescription medicine for the other deficiencies.  Now I’m sleeping better, feeling happier and have the energy I thought I would never get back.  The weight gain has stopped and is starting to reverse as I had never changed my diet or exercise plan.  My moodiness has decrease and my patience level is back to where it was before. I’m BACK and my family is more than thankful, especially my daughter, Ava.

herkare2

Ladies, I’m telling you if you have any of the symptoms below, regardless of age you need to at least get it checked out.  Your choice of treatment is your own, but for me, I couldn’t afford not to get treated as I can’t slow my pace down…just not yet.

herkare Weight gain
Depression
Fatigue
Acne
Hot Flashes
Insomnia
Low Libido
Night sweats
Irritability
Loss of concentration
Loss of muscle mass
Mood Swings

A deficiency in any of these can result in lower energy, fatigue, moodiness, weight gain… heck you name it.

But you don’t have to be OLD to have these imbalances either. Other causes include post pregnancy, genetic deficiency, birth control and obesity.

I feel so comfortable when I visit HerKare. If you haven’t heard of it, my guess is, you will soon from others besides me. To put it simply, HerKare diagnoses and treats hormonal imbalances in women.

HerKare has been able to drastically improve women’s lives, making them feel good again, happy, able to lose weight. In my opinion, this option is much better than popping an anti-depressant pill to try to get along.

The office is so clean and the staff is SUPER friendly. They put you right at ease and make sure you know you aren’t alone. They are also very open about how they can help. In some situations there are contraindications where they can’t treat a woman.

herkare2No woman is alike and so every treatment is individualized.  I would like to consider it “special” as each and every one of us are unique and special.

things to consider with hormone replacement therapy.

What are the benefits of hormone replacement therapy?

  • Improved energy levels
  • Improved mood
  • Reduction or elimination of night sweats and hot flashes
  • Improved memory and concentration
  • Improved sex drive
  • Prevention of vaginal thinning & dryness
  • Improved fat loss and muscle tone
  • Decreased skin wrinkles
  • Protection from osteoporosis
  • Reduced risks of heart disease

 

 

Are there risks involved.  Yes, there are and HerKare is very open and candid about them. Official FDA information regarding potential risks and side effects of each of the individual hormone replacement drugs utilized at HerKare is available here: Click Here

Of course, as any medical therapy, there are potential risks and side effects that must be carefully evaluated during the course of therapy. That is one of the reasons that the HerKare model fosters a professional relationship between physicians and patients, focusing on regular interaction and monitoring. With regular evaluation, the treatments professionals at HerKare can closely monitor the course of therapy and adjust as necessary to reach for clinically optimal outcomes.

In my opinion, it’s worth every second to find out what is going on with your body. HerKare provides just that. The treatment is up to you. But as women we deserve a fighting chance!

HerKare currently has 6 locations, three of which are in the DFW area. It’s a unique clinic of medical professionals focusing on the treatment of hormonal imbalance in women and accept insurance!

 

HerKare currently has 6 locations, three of which are in the DFW area. It’s a unique clinic of medical professionals focusing on the treatment of hormonal imbalance in women and accept insurance!

*This is a sponsored post, but as you can tell these opinions are my own experience.

 

Ways to Save on Buying a New Car ~ Tips from Car Guy Chase + Gift Card Offer

Posted by My Dallas Mommy on Monday, August 17th, 2015 at 8:15 AM
The links in the post below may be affiliate links. Read the Full Disclosures!

car guy

I’m on the hunt for a new car/truck for my son Nick who is a senior this year.  Chase and I have been talking and he has agreed to help all of us learn the best way to negotiate and find a REAL deal on a car.  Read on my car buying friends…. or read on just to LEARN when it’s time for you to purchase a new car!

Hello MyDFWMommy readers, my name is Chase Jacobs of CarGuyChase.com and this is the first part of a multi-post series where I will be walking you through the process of preparing to buy a new or pre-owned vehicle. While there are many things to consider when purchasing a vehicle, let’s start at the beginning. Determining your needs.

So, you’re aware that you need a new vehicle, but maybe you’re not sure where to begin. No need to worry, a lot of people are intimidated when they begin their new vehicle search. The first, and one of the most important steps will be determining what size vehicle will fit your current and future needs.

Have you found yourself in the past wishing that you had more space in your current vehicle? Perhaps you have decided that your current vehicle is too big and you want to downsize? Maybe your current vehicle isn’t capable of doing everything you would like it to do?

There are a few questions you can ask yourself in order to determine what size vehicle you will need. See the full post here.

Please visit me at CarGuyChase.com for details on a special promotion I am offering MyDFWMommy readers!

Have more car buying questions? Email me or ask me on Facebook!

Treating Hormonal Imbalance ~ HerKare Is Changing My Life

Posted by My Dallas Mommy on Sunday, August 2nd, 2015 at 2:00 PM
The links in the post below may be affiliate links. Read the Full Disclosures!

Screen Shot 2015-07-31 at 6.54.11 PMO.K. ladies, let’s face it, we’re complex creatures. I take pride in saying that! I however, never wanted to blame my hormones for things that have been happening to me lately. I felt it was a “cop out.”

As some men would say, “oh, don’t use the old hormone story”. Well, guess what… for once I’m going to stand up and say, “yep hormones can wreak havoc” unless you get a hold of them and keep them in check. Why? Because I’m a perfect example of hormones “gone bad.” You may not realize you have a hormonal imbalance. I didn’t. But I’m so thankful I found out as it is changing my life!

herkareIf you suffer from any of the below, you’ll want to read on:
Weight gain
Depression
Fatigue
Acne
Hot Flashes
Insomnia
Low Libido
Night sweats
Irritability
Loss of concentration
Loss of muscle mass
Mood Swings

Oh and before we move on, this isn’t just about getting OLD either. We all know as women age, many of us develop an imbalance in estrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels, thyroid function or a handful of other imbalances. A deficiency in any of these can result in lower energy, fatigue, moodiness, weight gain… heck you name it. But you don’t have to be OLD to have these imbalances either. Other causes include post pregnancy, genetic deficiency, birth control and obesity.

I recently started get moody, having outbursts for no reason at all and gaining weight even though my diet or exercise regimen didn’t change. HerKare reached out to me and asked me to just come in. In my opinion I had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Screen Shot 2015-07-31 at 6.36.05 PMIf you’ve never heard of HerKare, my guess is, you will soon from others besides me. To put it simply, HerKare diagnoses and treats hormonal imbalances in women.

During my visit to the Southlake clinic, I was able to meet with both Dania Khoncarly, PA-C, MPAS, BSN, RN  and Dr. Raymond Westbrook, D.O.

They both sat down with me and assessed my condition. I found it interesting when Dania told me by just reading the results of my blood, she would know exactly what my symptoms were without even needing to interview me. The fact is numbers don’t lie. If you are deficient your body reacts. She shared some amazing stories of how HerKare has been able to drastically improve women’s lives, making them feel good again, happy, able to lose weight. In my opinion, this option is much better than popping an anti-depressant pill to try to get along.

The office is so clean and the staff is SUPER friendly. They put you right at ease and make sure you know you aren’t alone. They are also very open about how they can help. In some situations there are contraindications where they can’t treat a woman.

herkare2I will tell you I do NOT care for giving blood. I have rolling blood veins and have had some bad experiences. The ladies were so fast and kept me talking that I didn’t even realize they had drawn all the blood they needed. Within 30 minutes they had most of my results. (I’m still waiting for estrogen levels which I will get on my next 10 day visit).

From the results, the doctors had an individual treatment just for ME! What I had been feeling was not in my head. My thyroid and testosterone levels were low. I am now being treated and am already feeling better.  The depression and anxiety isn’t there even though my life has gotten extremely busy lately.

When I go back I will share with you the results, benefits and things to consider with hormone replacement therapy.

In my opinion, it’s worth every second to find out what is going on with your body. HerKare provides just that. The treatment is up to you. But as women we deserve a fighting chance!

HerKare currently has 6 locations, three of which are in the DFW area. It’s a unique clinic of medical professionals focusing on the treatment of hormonal imbalance in women and accept insurance!

Stay tuned for my next visit as I’ll fill you in on my results!

*This is a sponsored post, but as you can tell these opinions are my own experience.

Kate & Kate Photography ~ Great Photographer & Great Deals

Posted by My Dallas Mommy on Sunday, July 19th, 2015 at 2:15 PM
The links in the post below may be affiliate links. Read the Full Disclosures!

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Nick 2

A picture is worth a thousand words. At least these are for my high school senior, Nick.

I just had to share how Kate & Kate Photography captured my boys essence.

This is going to be a rough year for me as I’m finding it difficult that my guy is “flying the nest”. His senior pictures were really important to me to have as a keepsake of the time we had with him here.

Kate & Kate Photography was amazing! And if you are needing any type of portraits I HIGHLY recommend them.  They are so easy to work with and know how to work with people to make them feel comfortable and at ease.  Nick really doesn’t enjoy taking pictures and Kate & Kate were so great at making him feel relaxed and actually have fun.Nick 1

 

I love the fact that both of them go on a photo shoot together.  You are getting TWO GREAT eyes instead of one.  I plan to go back and get our family portraits taken this fall as well.

And they have a special they will be running for August and September.

Book your session in August or September and the first 10 sessions to book will receive a FREE 8×8″ desktop canvas.  Just tell them MyDFWMommy sent you! (This special is limited to 10 sessions and is subject to photographer availability. Session must be photographed in August or September).

Screen Shot 2015-07-19 at 12.33.16 PMMore about Kate & Kate Photography:

My name is Katelynn Ponomarenko and I love shooting lifestyle photography. I can help pose, direct, and make the whole “picture taking thing” an easy and fun process. I grew up in a small town in Leaburg, Oregon so I love the outdoors and capturing the beauty that surrounds us. Laughing is my favorite, I like to pretend that I am a chef, my husband and my dog are spoiled….and of course, being behind the lens and with people is where I feel most comfortable! My partner in crime Katie is one hoot to work with and we really enjoy making people feel and look their best! Cheers!

Hello! I’m Katie Grabowski, A Michigan transplant to Dallas, I’ve spent the better part of the last 14 years behind the lens photographing everything under the sun from newborns and kiddos to families and weddings. Katelynn started out as a client, and when we discovered our shared love for photography, decided to join creative forces, hence Kate & Kate was born! When I don’t have a camera in hand you can find me snuggling with my two very own littles, Bennett & Sadie, laughing with my husband, or indulging in my two favorite guilty pleasures, cheese or gelato.