NEW URL! Oh yeah, and F*CK 2016.

Call me when it's safe to come out.

Is it over yet?

What a year, right? Are you kidding me?

How are you all holding up? 

I have so many questions.  But I also have a BUNCH of news. 

FIRST: After much deliberation, I finally decided to take the plunge and change the URL of this blog. The old one (NachoMamasBlog.com) was starting to get in the way, since my handle on all my social media is @ShesNachoMama. Also, since starting this blog, there have been a number of Mexican eateries called "Nacho Mama's" that have sprung up around the country and I figured they could make better use of it than I. So BEHOLD-my new URL!  SHESNACHOMAMA.COM

I honestly don't know why I waited so long! It's so much easier having everything match!

The night I first met him-when my weight loss needed a shot in the arm.

SECOND: Richard Simmons Studio, "Slimmons", closed. WAAAAAH! I went to the final class and will share my experience in my next post. Stay tuned!

THIRD: The elephant in the room. THE ELECTION. 

As you all can imagine, I'm disappointed to say the least. Not so much in the outcome as in the aftermath. The very next day I was already hearing from neighbors and friends that they were being harassed and threatened just walking around in broad daylight. I'm not going to lie, I was pretty upset for quite a while. Those of you that have been listening to my new podcast with Sue (OMG THAT'S RIGHT-I HAVE A NEW PODCAST! WITH SUE!) have heard my initial feelings. They were raw, to say the least.

But I wanted to do more. I spent a long time pondering what I could do, with the skills that I have, to help. Then, almost two weeks ago, my husband and I were watching the season finale of "LAST WEEK TONIGHT" -you know, with John Oliver?  (WARNING: NSFW)

The last 5 minutes is a series of ordinary people and celebrities, all saying "F*CK YOU" to 2016. It's fantastic. Todd (my husband) turned to me and said, "How hilarious would it be to have a "F*CK 2016" 2017 Calendar?"

LIGHTBULB.

I immediately texted my SIL, Joey Hendrix, with whom I've collaborated on many such projects. "Wanna do a 2017 calendar with 12 artists supporting 12 causes and call it "F*CK 2016"?"

Somehow, she immediately understood what I was talking about and agreed. Then we got to work. We knew we'd need to launch TODAY, because Cyber Monday, right?

12 amazing artist friends agreed to send us a piece of black and white artwork on, pretty much, NO notice. We also asked each of them to name a cause to receive their portion of the proceeds from the calendar. 

We asked our brilliant writer friend, Andrea to write a scathing, hilarious letter to 2016.

We asked our other crazy talented friend, Matthea, to shoot a commercial.

As you can see everyone delivered. 

YOU CAN ORDER F*CK 2016: A 2017 CALENDAR now at:
F1617.com

Choose from one of THREE VERSIONS!

The original, F*CK 2016: A 2017 WALL CALENDAR ($20- ships week of 12/5)

A grandma-approved, swear-free version, appropriately titled:
MOVING ON: A 2017 CALENDAR ($20- ships week of 12/5)

A PRINTABLE, pdf letter-sized version of F*CK 2016! ($10)

Learn more about the artists and causes at F1617.com.

ORDER YOURS TODAY! It's the perfect gift!

Want to own a piece of original artwork from F*CK 2016? Our friend, David Garcia (@KeepItUpDavid) did this awesome maze, featured in March:

He's selling the original art HERE. Proceeds go to all the causes supported by the calendar!

Okay, this post has gone on long enough.
I hope the rest of your 2016 is blissfully uneventful, and I hope you'll consider purchasing a F*CK 2016 or MOVING ON calendar this holiday season. How are you coping with the stress this holiday season?

Wishing you love with extra cheese-
Nacho Mama

The Great Taco Experiment-RESULTS! #30TacoTrucks30Days #TacoTrucksOnEveryCorner

Hello dear ones!

btw-If you haven't seen the "Soy Yo" video just stop reading this and go watch it HERE

How are we all holding up? We're in the election home stretch and, as promised, I'm here to share the results of my Great Taco  Experiment! Yes, I did it, I ate a meal at a taco truck every day for 30 consecutive days. Those of you who follow me on Instagram and Twitter got to come along for the ride, but for brevity's sake, here's a quick slide show of the entire experience:

So what were my takeaways (pun intended) from this little project? Here's 10 things I learned.

1. I had no idea how many people (by which I mean anyone) would view my eating tacos as a political act targeted against them personally instead of targeted at the narrative that is being churned out by a particular political figure. Really? I'm just eating tacos and poking fun at a demagogue's racist rhetoric. I thought that was something we could all get behind, right? Wrong.

2. Turns out people don't like even the suggestion that they might be racist by association. Even if by "suggestion" you mean "eating tacos". I quickly realized how naive I had been going into this. I mean, if people are this offended by my eating tacos and posting it on social media, then they must really agree with this guy, no?

3. You know what really helps when you realize people you've known for years and years may be racist and may harbor racist feelings about you specifically? Eating more tacos.  I'm totally not kidding, it really helped.

4. Tacos trucks  provide delicious, actually rather nutritious food to the masses at unbelievably low prices. The best fish taco in town (at Kiko's Place) will run you an entire $1.75. And two tacos make more than a meal.

5. Taco trucks are a meeting place for every social and economic class to gather over their love of tacos, learn about each other and create a sense of community. Not once did I hear anyone getting into a political argument or putting down their fellow man while standing around a taco truck. Which is not something I can say about my local post office, frozen yogurt store or home improvement mega-store.

6. Free soup while you wait. DELICIOUS. HOMEMADE. FREE. SOUP.

7. There are nowhere near enough taco trucks in San Diego, let alone the USA. In fact the only downside to my taco truck odyssey was the amount of time I had to spend looking for taco trucks.

8. Taco tucks provide valuable income for surrounding businesses. A great taco truck is a boon to anyone's brick-and-mortar biz, no matter what it is.

9. Taco Trucks are as American as Apple Pie and Marshmallow Fluff. Especially in the West, also known as "used to be Mexico".

10. While not all the taco trucks I visited were operated by immigrants (some were Latino Americans born in the USA), many were. Like most immigrants from anywhere in any field, they worked tirelessly to provide quality service, even during a week-long extreme heatwave in which hundreds of other businesses closed. Workers who had the day off of course didn't want to spend the hot day cooking at home, so guess where they went?

Then there was this day:

This is the taco that had me sobbing in the parking lot.

If there's one main takeaway from this whole experience, it was this: FOOD IS POWERFUL. As a necessity of life, it has the power to bring us together and it's absence means the end of all civilization. Nothing evokes memories, good or bad, as effectively as food. As I mowed my way through 38 tacos, I remembered the first time I had a fish taco (made for me by a childhood friend's dad who was a fisherman). I remembered my high school years when I ate the "California Taco"- like the "California Burrito", which made it's debut during my adolescence, it contained carne asada and french fries. No wonder I gained two pounds.

I was completely caught off guard, however, by the taco in the photo above. It was at a taco truck I'd driven by countless times during the last couple of years, but had never visited. When I finally pulled into the parking lot I was astonished to discover that Tacos El Ranchero (at the Telegraph Canyon Road on-ramp to the 805) served, pretty much exclusively, exactly the dishes I grew up eating and almost never find in restaurants. Tacos made from cabeza (yep, head) and lengua (tongue) were never my favorite as a kid (though my late dad adored them), so I chose tripa (tripe).

I took the tiny taco (only about 4 inches wide) to my car and couldn't resist sneaking a bite. Immediately, tears flooded my eyes and before I knew it, I was sobbing into my tripa right there in the parking lot at Tacos El Ranchero. I couldn't figure out why at first, but eventually the memories of childhood barbecues started surfacing. All my cousins (I have 18 first cousins alone) and aunts and uncles singing and talking loudly and running and even fighting while my grandfather happily grilled tripa on the barbecue he'd built himself in the backyard. When my grandfather got too old to stand over the grill, my Uncle Chuy took over tripa duty-and his recipe was even better. Like my dad, both my grandfather and my Uncle Chuy are long gone. I never realized until that moment in the parking lot just how deeply I missed them, that I never thought I'd ever taste tripa again, and how grateful I am to have grown up in this country, at this time, in this family, eating this food.

My grandfather (standing) and my dad (the kid in the foreground)  at Thanksgiving-
the only holiday where we didn't eat tacos.

They would have gotten such a kick out of this whole taco truck thing. My dad and his brother were the first members of the family to attend college-for their generation just finishing high school was a huge accomplishment. My grandfather was a cowboy and in many ways a very traditional, macho, Latino man, but he was also the biggest champion of diversity I've ever known. All three men faced a great deal of discrimination during their lives, but they never let it stop them from pursuing their dreams and setting an example for the rest of us.

My Uncle Chuy (center, with saxophone) in his ground-breaking, multi-racial band, The Mixtures.
He later became a professor at San Diego State University.

When you encounter folks with an "us against them" view of their fellow citizens, for whatever reason, I hope you'll respond as my dad, grandfather and uncle always did, with patience and compassion and the offer of a taco.

Wishing you love with extra cheese,
Nacho Mama

The Great Taco Experiment! #30TacoTrucks30Days #TacoTrucksOnEveryCorner

Wow, has it really been that long?

How is everyone? Tired of the election cycle yet? Yeah, me too. And despite my last post, I've never been a person who goes all political on social media. I try not to push the candidate I'm voting for down anyone's throats and I really respect the people in my life who have different political views than mine.

This time, though, it's been a little...different. Though I have friends and family that span the political spectrum, one thing is very clear: no one I know personally, not one single person, no matter what their party affiliation, is planning to vote for the GOP candidate. 

Most of my Republican friends* have even reached out to me and others about the rhetoric coming from the GOP candidate, assuring us that they absolutely do not support the vitriol and hate speech we've all seen on the 24-hour news cycle. They are standing up to their own party and holding them accountable, because they feel it's for the good of their party. And you know what? That actually helps. 

*This is where I interject that I, personally, do not belong to any political party. I like to really research everyone's position before casting my vote, regardless of which party my vote represents. It's time-consuming but it helps me sleep at night.

Anyhoo-as most of you are aware, this happened a couple of days ago:

Like many of you, my first thoughts were:

1. "Dominant Culture? WTF is that supposed to mean?"

and 

2. "Great. Now I want tacos."

and

3. "OMG, every corner? How can I make sure this happens?"

As many of you know, I live in San Diego. Which means I am acutely aware, perhaps more than most, of what this glorious, Trump-free, taco-filled future would look and feel like for all of us. And it is FREAKING DELICIOUS.

Upon further reflection, I realized how long it had been since I had actually purchased a taco from a taco truck. Waaay too long! And what if, heaven forbid, the unthinkable happens and THEY ALL DISAPPEAR? I would have been complicit, and I'd never be able to forgive myself. Also, to be honest, the "Latinos For Trump" guy's remarks really, really offended and hurt me. So I decided to deal with those feelings the best way I know how, by:

1. Poking fun.

and

2. Eating. Tacos.

I'd like to do what I can to keep a cheery attitude while also keeping the local taco truck industry humming. I decided to try and eat at least one meal a day, for 30 days, from a local taco truck. My friend Jen suggested the hashtag #30TacoTrucks30Days - and the Great Taco Experiment was launched!

Day 2: VERY convenient location!

Follow me on Instagram or Twitter (@shesnachomama on both) to see all the amazing tacos (and more) I will be eating! 

And stay tuned here on the blog to see what a month of Taco Truck Cuisine does to my waistline. Kind of like "Supersize Me" only more delicious, less dangerous (I think?) to my health and with better makeup. That's right, I will be posting RESULTS of The Great Taco Experiment on October 2! Until then...

Have you ever enjoyed taco truck tacos? They taste like freedom.

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

If you are reading this anywhere but on www.nachomamasblog.com, then this content has been stolen. Please do not support thieving cochinos and click away!

News Fatigue? This looks like a job for SALSA KIDS! #salsakids #thesalsacure

Oh, dear. I know, I'm experiencing it, too.

News Fatigue.

Me after watching cable news.

It's gotten pretty ugly out there, hasn't it? I don't care how positive a person you are, enough exposure to this stuff can get you so riled up, bummed out and let down that it can start to seem like there's nothing any of us can do to make this world a better place. 

I feel you. 

These are the times when I need to be reminded that one light heart outshines a thousand dark ones. When I need to see, really see, that it's infinitely more powerful to inspire someone's joy than it is to light a fire under their anger. 

THIS LOOKS LIKE A JOB FOR....SALSA KIDS!

That's right. I'm pulling out the big guns here, people. Just try and keep a straight face and a still booty while these children blow you away with the unbridled, fantastic tripping of the light that is...

SALSA KIDS!

Behold!

Feast your eyes..and your SOUL!

The cuteness! The footwork! THE FIRE!

Come on! What are you, made of stone?!

SALSA KIDS! Bringing people together all over the world.

SALSA KIDS! There's no one they can't help. 

Don't believe me? Oh, ye of little faith. Don't you see? 

SALSA KIDS aren't just here to help you and me.

SALSA KIDS even help...SALSA GROWNUPS!

Feel free to replay as often as necessary. You feel better now, right?

Me after SALSA KIDS!

I'm pretty sure that when the Divine Gloria Estefan said, "The Rhythm Is Gonna Get You" she was talking about SALSA KIDS!

SALSA KIDS! Here to recharge our batteries so we can all live to fight News Fatigue another day.

Thanks, SALSA KIDS!

Wishing you love with extra cheese,

Nacho Mama

If you are reading this anywhere but on www.nachomamasblog.com, then this content has been stolen. Please do not support thieving cochinos and click away!

Hey! I recorded a PODCAST!

No, really!

Hello, dear ones. How is your 2016 going? One BIG goal I had set for this year is to FINALLY get back to Nacho Mama's Podcast (still available on iTunes and Stitcher). Not that I haven't been podcasting at all, of course I've been very active over at the Book Versus Movie podcast my dear friend Margo D (@BrooklynFitChik) and I have been producing. But I have sorely missed doing Nacho Mama's Podcast-so I determined to find a way to get it broadcast.

I'm so glad to be back! One of the main reasons I've wanted to resurrect the podcast is that there are so many lovely podcasts I want to share with you. The two I mention in this episode are:

The Dependent Independent
The Fat Father Chronicles

And there will be more! Plus I can finally answer a few of the questions you all have been asking in my absence.

In the meantime...is there anything else you all would like to know? Seriously, I'd love to answer your questions on the air so send 'em right along, folks. You can ask in the comments, tweet me @shesnachomama or email me ShesNachoMama@yahoo.com.

And let me know how you are! I've missed you. What are some of YOUR 2016 goals?

Wishing you love with extra cheese-
Nacho Mama



Disclosure: All opinions, content, views and ideas expressed on Nacho Mama's Podcast are strictly my own and those of my guests and are presented for entertainment and informational purposes only. It is strongly advised that you consult professional guidance when considering anything discussed on Nacho Mama's Blog or Nacho Mama's Podcast. I am also not affiliated with Weight Watchers-just a regular, paying customer, folks. ALL PODCAST CONTENT Blogtalkradio.com/NachoMamasPodcast is © Nacho Mama and nachomamasblog.com, 2009-2016. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of podcast content without express and written permission from this blog's author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.

UPDATE: Breast Thermogram Results with Video

btw-the scan in this photo? NOT me!

Because you were dying to know, right?

GOOD NEWS!

All is good in Boobville. I received a lengthy report with lots of thermographic images of my chest and torso (some of which are in the video below) and everything looks good. No estrogen dominance, no suspicious hotspots. HOWEVER...they suggested giving up underwire bras because of the massive compression they seemed to be causing.

Also...my digestion. No bueno. Again, the photo is in the video, but let's just say there was a potential Elvis situation going on there.

Too soon?

I've been working on getting things, er, going in the digestion department, so GO ME (I couldn't resist).

I must say, I am really noticing a difference since changing to non-wire bras. I didn't know I was feeling short of breath by the end of the day, but I guess I was! Yikes! Stay tuned for a bra review.

Here's my video giving a few more details on the thermography experience and pictures.

In other news, I am really, truly working on bringing back the podcast. Really! In addition to launching my coaching business, I also recently became a Certified David Wolfe Nutritionist, so there will be much to discuss.

What's new with all of YOU? Have any health goals for 2016? Do tell!

Wishing you love with extra cheese-
Nacho Mama

COME WITH ME TO GET A BREAST THERMOGRAM!

Hello dear ones!

Well, I finally went to get my breast thermogram at Silk Thermal Imaging here in San Diego. I was very fortunate to meet Catherine Johnson, who runs STI, about 8 years ago. I've since had the privilege of hearing her speak on the subject of women's health and breast cancer many, many times. By the time I was in my mid-30s, I'd made up my mind that, when the time came, I'd get my breast cancer prevention screening via thermogram, not mammogram. 

Thermographic technology has been around since the 1970s, but I am still surprised how many women have never heard of it. Here's a great video by Dr. Mercola, explaining the benefits of breast screening by thermography:

I thought I'd take you along with me to my screening, to meet Catherine and to see how easy it is to get a thermogram. Catherine was such a sport about appearing on camera!

STAY TUNED for my "results" video! I promise to let you know what they say. 

Whichever preventive health screening technology you choose to employ, please don't neglect your health this holiday season! Don't put off addressing those nagging symptoms because the best gift you can give to the people you love is a HEALTHY YOU.

For more information about thermography, please visit: http://silkthermalimaging.net/

Wishing you GOOD HEALTH with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

Video REVIEW: Women's Wellness Conference 2015

Many of you have asked about my impression of the Women's Wellness Conference I attended last month. It was such a terrific, inspiring experience. I learned so much and I only attended ONE DAY of this annual three day conference. Here's my video review:

Right now you can get unlimited viewing of ALL the talks for only $47! Click HERE to learn more. Here's just a taste of what I saw:

Don't miss out on next year's conference or the Longevity Now conference, coming in April of next year. If you are in or near Southern California, GO. If not, look for opportunities to stream this valuable information on their website (linked above).

I really believe that no one is going to be a better advocate for your health than YOU. We owe it to ourselves to take advantage of all the information available so we can make educated choices that are uniquely relevant to each of us.

I can't wait for a chance to attend the next conference that this impressive team puts together. 

By the way-the thyroid doctor is Alan Christiansen. His book is The Adrenal Reset Diet (not an affiliate link).

Wishing you love and health with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

Disclosure: I was granted a press pass to attend this event for review purposes. The above is my honest opinion. No, really!

Video: NATURAL MAKEUP FINDS

You are so naturally beautifullllll....to meeeeeee....

In my last post, I shared my results of the Hormone Reset Diet. The last phase of the "diet" is to eliminate as many toxins as possible from your home and personal products. That wasn't a huge change for me, but I did give my makeup drawer a mini-makeover. I actually found some great products that were free from harmful, endocrine disrupting chemicals! Watch the video to see some of my favorites.

What's your favorite natural beauty product?

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

RESULTS of the Hormone Reset Diet PLUS Natural Makeup Finds!

WARNING: 2 VERY long videos ahead! You might want to just play them in the background while you do something productive. :)

Are you subscribed to my Youtube Channel?

Hello lovelies!

I am getting ready to attend the Women's Wellness Conference in Orange County at the end of this week-I can't wait to geek out with some of my fave health gurus! One speaker I'm particularly looking forward to hearing is Dr. Sara Gottfried, who wrote The Hormone Reset Diet, a 21-day detox/reset that I've just completed (see my last post). What were my results? Watch (or listen to) the video to find out!

I made that video about a week ago and yes, I am still eating as though I am on the Hormone Reset Diet! I'm feeling terrific so there's no real reason to change anything for the time being.

One thing I forgot to mention was that the final phase of the diet involves removing household cleaners and personal care products that contain potential endocrine disruptors. I'd mostly done this already but I had to admit my makeup bag had some seriously toxic stuff in it. Did I find any great replacements? I did! Watch the video to find out.

I really love the SkinDeep app, I hope they continue to add more products to their database.

Do YOU have any natural makeup faves? Let me know!

Wishing you love with extra cheese,
Nacho Mama

Let's all talk about PERIMENOPAUSE! (yay?)

Ahhh...Perimenopause. So little is known and understood about it that the word does not appear on my phone's autotype list. I like to think of it as the lobby between my clueless youth and the wisdom-rich years I have to look forward to. As in...

Only without the candy, soda and cigarettes (I do have wisdom-rich years to look forward to, right?).

I first became aware of Perimenopause a couple of years ago when it seemed like my health was sliding off the rails, despite all my best and vigilant efforts. My long-suffering doctor suggested to me that my hormones might be to blame for the poor sleep, mystery weight gain and the rest of the symptoms I complained of. 

Yep, Perimenopause. Every now and again it rears it's annoying, bloated head and we have to go back to the drawing board with my food/fitness/supplement routine. Did you know it can start as early as your thirties? I don't know about you, but I'm starting to doubt the gender of Mother Nature. Uncool!

Of course being the wellness blogger and science geek that I am, I immediately set out to research the booty off this whole Perimenopause thingy. Unfortunately, there's not a that much out there. I have found a few extremely helpful resources and thought it might be a good idea to share them with you. You know, just in case you have a friend who might be going through this, too, or whatever.

WARNING: this video is like 11 minutes long. Maybe find something to do while you're listening, like folding laundry, walking around the block or practicing your Batgirl combat moves?

Purchase the books mentioned on Amazon (not affiliate links):

I'M TOO YOUNG FOR THIS by Suzanne Somers

THE HORMONE CURE by Dr. Sarah Gottfried 

THE HORMONE RESET DIET by Dr. Sarah Gottfried

So...anyone else willing to talk about this?

In other news: I will soon be adding "Certified Nutrition Coach" to my services! In the meantime, though, I'll be slogging my way through this detox. I'll let you know how the rest of it goes. If I survive, that is. 

No coffee? None? Please send me lucky vibes!

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

Experiments in Health: in which I try Diatomaceous Earth

so beautiful, and yet, so allergy-inducing

Can you believe summer is almost officially over? While I'm happy to have the structure of the school year back, I'm also sad because I've had a really, really fun summer. But there's one summer phenomenon I can't WAIT to say goodbye to:

My summer health/weight. Sigh. It's time to pay the piper.

in my mind, "the piper" is always Richard Simmons

Some people struggle with their weight and health in the winter, I always struggle way more in the summer. First of all, summer means vacations, out-of-town visitors and MY BIRTHDAY...all of which means a few extra pounds come fall. This year, for some reason, I also suffered terrible allergies that zapped my energy, and hormonal shifts that have wreaked all manor of havoc.

I don't know about you, but I'm ready for a re-boot. 

Do you ever have this experience: you suddenly decide to make a change in your health, or your job, or where you live and suddenly everywhere you look there's information everywhere on exactly that subject? I was catching up on some of my fave Youtubers and this video, from a couple of years ago, showed up in my "suggested videos" cue.  I just love "Elle is For Living"!

Now, I'm a HUGE geek when it comes to supplements, nutrition and things of that nature, I couldn't believe I'd never heard of diatomaceous earth. Further research suggested it's perfectly harmless and inexpensive-so I figured I had nothing to lose by trying it. (note: I am a bit of a renegade when it comes to trying stuff, please obtain professional guidance before trying anything new, like ever) I've been taking it for about a week, here's a video sharing what I've noticed so far:

Not a bad start to my little "Margo 2.0" project. I'll keep you updated on any further effects I might experience, but so far so good!

Interested? Try FOOD GRADE DE on Amazon. That's Elle's link, not mine-I don't make any money if you buy anything using that link. :)

Next on my docket is trying to balance my hormones as much as I possibly can through my diet. Hmmmm...we'll see how that one goes. Stay tuned!

How about you? Do you get off-track with your health and diet in summer? Or winter? Or both? Got any plans for "You 2.0"? Like what?

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

Hyland's 4 Kids Bumps ʼn Bruises with Arnica Ointment Stick

Hello all!

Recently, the folks at Hyland's 4 Kids sent along one of their newest products for me and my family to try: Hyland's 4 Kids Bumps ʼn Bruises with Arnica Ointment Stick. 

I've always kept arnica gel in my medicine cabinet for when my kids, and their parents, get painful "ouchies". I've even found it to be effective in relieving swelling. My kids say it helps the pain go away very quickly. The only problem is that arnica gel can be a little messy and difficult to apply to squirmy kids. So when I saw the way Hyland's 4 Kids had re-invented this amazing product, I was very interested to see how it would work for my family. To learn more about the Arnica Ointment Stick, visit the Hyland's 4 Kids site HERE.

The result? Both my kids LOVED this natural product. It was easy to apply and fast-acting. My daughter even threw one in her backpack when for a recent camping trip. She said it really came in handy and all her friends kept asking to use it.

As many of you already know, I've been a fan of Hyland's 4 Kids products for years. My parents always had Hyland's 4 Kids in the house,too. I also love that these sticks, which I'm using on my kids' delicate skin, is free of paba, phthalates, dyes, petrolatum in comes in a push up paper tube that is completely free of plastic.

Look for the Hyland's 4 Kids Bumps 'n Bruises Arnica Ointment Stick exclusively at Target (Made to Matter collection) in the First Aid Aisle. Click HERE to get a coupon for $1 off Hyland's 4 Kids Bumps n Bruises with Arnica. Only at Target, expires 10/31/15.

Nobody likes bumps, bruises or ouchies, but when you get them, you'll be glad to have one of these on hand!

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Hyland's 4 Kids. The uses for these products are based on traditional homeopathic practice. They have not been reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration.

Don't get me wrong, THIS is how I really feel about makeup!

This afternoon I was going over my post from yesterday in my mind (please tell me I'm not the only one out there who does this), and it occurred to me that my last post makes me sound as though I am ANTI-MAKEUP. Record scratch!

Sometimes I wear makeup!

That is SOOOOOOO not the case. I am a huge believer in the POWER of makeup. Really!

I am NOT a huge believer in haters and shamers who try to tell women when they SHOULD wear it. Or that they are invisible if they don't. It's a stupid standard, men aren't generally subjected to it and they still earn way more money than we do.

HERE'S WHAT I LOVE ABOUT MAKEUP:
1. It's FUN.
2. It's CREATIVE.
3. It's POWERFUL

Yes, I actually think makeup can be used to give us an edge-when we want it to. "That's right, I showed up to this meeting, prepared to the hilt, and I STILL had time to treat you all to a kick-ass smokey eye. You're welcome."

I realized the power of makeup in my thirties, when I went from being a "behind-the-scenes" junior designer to being a "in-the-spotlight" designer, speaker and coach. I was never a big makeup-wearer and pretty much slid through the 80s and 90s on liquid eyeliner and occasional bright-red Wet 'N Wild lippy.

When I started to be more in the forefront of my life and business, I started to feel like it was time to either develop some actual makeup application skills or completely give it up altogether. My ratchet attempts at face painting were definitely NOT HELPING. It's hard to assert your authority in your field when your face is strictly from Amateursville.

Fortunately for me, makeup application is a learnable skill. And now that we have YOUTUBE? Jackpot! I have found the greatest products and techniques from some of my favorite Youtubers (a short list is below). It's even become fun for me to play around with makeup. Who knew?

The even better part is that people started taking me more seriously. Like, "Wow, if she can get her face and style together like this, maybe she can help me get myself together, too!" I also started to feel more confident about how I look, on and off-camera, because I knew I could deal with bad hair days or blemishes. I don't think men get the chance to feel that way very often.

HOWEVER, that doesn't mean I have to wear it all the time.

Sometimes I don't wear makeup!

I ONLY wear makeup when I feel like it. I certainly would never refrain from helping people or sharing valuable information on Periscope because I didn't have my "face" on.  I am getting pretty annoyed about these peri-trolls and their "Why are you even on Persicope without makeup?"

I've noticed that most of the men I follow on Periscope tend to look as if they spent as much time on their appearance as I do for my "Word of the Day" pre-workout scopes-only their version is to be unshaven, wearing a baseball cap to hide the bedhead. Know who gives them grief about it? NO ONE.  Of course they would never speak at a conference of appear on television looking like this. But they are sharing on Periscope on-the-fly, just like the rest of us, so WHO CARES if they need a shave? Not me! As long as they are giving me life-improving content, I'm good.

All I'm saying is, can we all just calm down about this? If you're on Periscope to see/chat up hot chicks in heavy makeup, there are literally thousands of other places you can do that. My scope is not one of them. The same goes for pretty much all other social media, too, as far as I'm concerned. Nobody gets to tell anybody what they have to say or how they have to look.

On the other hand, when I am made up and blinged out? You know I'm shooting as much video as I possibly can! Can't let that hard work go to waste!

I guess I'm just complicated that way.

I generally broadcast and post when the mood strikes (like now), and if that means my awesome, annual Fitbloggin selfie with Alan (@Sweating_It_Off) happens with a bare face, year after year...

There's a 3rd one of these somewhere...

so be it.

WHAT DO YOU THINK? Are you a makeup lover? Hater? Do you think people shouldn't be online unless they look their very, very best, no matter what they have to say?

Are you dying to find some beauty Youtubers to hook up your makeup game? Here are just a few of my faves:
NATHALIE
CAROL
LORI
MARY
PATTI
SWOOZIE
KATHY
SHARON

Lastly, do YOU have a favorite beauty vlogger? Give them some love in the comments!

Wishing you love with extra cheese-
Nacho Mama

PERISCOPE: What I learned from a "DEAD" CRAB #lawofattraction #motivation #sorrynotsorry

Some of my greatest teachers are crustaceans.

Okay, the cat's out of the bag.

I pretty much always look a hot mess on Periscope. 

No, I don't even take a second to run a comb through my hair. Yes, I suppose it is "unprofessional", but I will probably continue to do it anyway.

Here's what I figure: there are people out there who will be willing to work with me anyway. Right? There must be plenty of folks who would hire me to help them make peace with their bodies while they try to transform their lives (btw if you are one of those people, email me at MyCoachMargo@Gmail.com or visit my coaching site MargoPorras.com for more info/endshamelessplug). There are even people who will choose to hire me to speak or write on the subject.

Plus, I choose to believe my troll-doll bedhead enhances my woo-woo-crystal-bruja-cred.

I don't know about you, but lately I've been noticing that there are literally MILLIONS of people out there who make a great living EVERY DAY without makeup, without beautifully coiffed blunt bobs, even without MANICURES-gasp!

They're called men. Perhaps you've heard of them?
NEXT DAY ADDENDUM: I realized this morning that the above min-rant makes it sound like I'm anti-makeup. Nothing could be further from the truth. I just don't like having to deal with internet haters' attempts to shame me into wearing it before going online. I think there's a post there somewhere...

Today's word of the day was ATTRACT.

We spoke about it in terms of "the law of attraction" (you can view the replay HERE) but later I got to thinking about how what YOU ATTRACT is up to YOU. No one else gets to tell you what get to attract. 

Because appearances can be very, very deceiving, and you never know who is going to teach you something when you are open to learn. It may be a dead crab. Or a live one.

Have you ever been fooled by someone's appearance in a positive way?

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

PERISCOPE: #Inspiriscope Let's All Talk About Weight Loss Plateaus!

THANKS FOR THE GRAPHIC, Emily! 

This is a video of my most recent episode of the #Inspiriscope series that Christine A. (@Dubyawife) and I do on PERISCOPE!

In other news: Periscope has FINALLY upgraded their app for Android users. The quality is SO much better! I can't wait to share more #Inspiriscopes with you.

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

It's my Birthday! And I found AMAZING skincare stuff at Ross!

Yes, I have secret giveaways on my Youtube channel!

Subscribe HERE.

THANK YOU ALL for making this such a special birthday.

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

NOTE: I paid for the products mentioned in this video with my own money. I just wanted to let you know about them because they are THAT GOOD.

Video Update: WHAT'S NEW? Periscope, Coffee Creamer, Book VS Movie

Just a quick "checking in" video, answering your coffee creamer questions, sharing on Periscope and what's new with the Book VS Movie podcast.

How are YOU?

The "Dealing with Internet Haters" Periscope discussion will air this Thursday, 7/16/15 at 5pm Pacific. I have no idea who will show up or how the conversation will go-it's LIVE!

Follow me on Periscope @shesnachomama

Have YOU had experience with people attempting to shame you online? How do you deal with it?

Check out the latest Book VS Movie episodes and extras at our facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bookversusmovie

How is your summer going? Have YOU had experience with people attempting to shame you online? How do you deal with it?

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

[Periscope] The Miracle Morning #MentalHealthMonday

My Fitbloggin friend Liz (A Prior Fat Girl) has started a great link up called "Mental Health Monday" - stay tuned for more content on taking care of our minds and spirits as well as our bodies!

Are you on PERISCOPE? Follow me on Periscope, we'll have live webinars & chats about motivation, body image and more! Margo Porras @shesnachomama

This Mental Health Monday, I am sharing something that has been a part of my daily mental health maintenance for quite a while: The Miracle Morning.

 

Learn more about The Miracle Morning at Hal Elrod's site.

Please send your private coaching inquiries to:

MyCoachMargo@Gmail.com or visit www.MargoPorras.com for more information.

THANK YOU to Liz for starting "Mental Health Mondays"! Check out the linkup HERE.

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

© Nacho Mama and nachomamasblog.com, 2009-2015. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this channel's author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.

Fitbloggin highlights, Pt. 1 #Fitbloggin15 #Denver

Yep, EVERY MORNING.

Still recovering...so many hugs...so...much...bacon...

Let's start with the "just for fun" stuff.

1. Getting to see and hug all my Fitbloggin friends! To name a few:

Thea (It's Me VS Me)

ALAN! (Sweating Until Happy-his photo)

I love Robby! (Fat Girl VS World)

Terry (Terry Cabeen-his photo) the STAR of our FLASHMOB!

What's that? Oh yeah, there was a flashmob. Yes, again.

2. THE FLASH FITMOB 

This is the 3rd time the "fitmob" has hit Fitbloggin. I still cannot believe any of these people agree to participate. For every "yes" there are at least 2 "nos", so it makes the effort and final product of the group that much more meaningful. They TRULY rocked it this year!

The flashmob originally started because I was nervous about attending a conference where, for the first time ever, I did not know a single soul "IRL". It's become a great way for seasoned Fitbloggers and newbies to bond long before the conference begins.

I'll try to locate some video. We were kind of amazing.

4. The Scavenger Hunt

Christine (Dubyawife) organized a crazy (seriously, KRAY-ZEE) scavenger hunt that had us invading the streets of Denver, asking cops to marry us, serenading strangers and, um, bending the law (allegedly).

Our team, "Green is the New Black", bouncing on the Jumpsport Trampolines in a most law-abiding manner. (photo by Nicole Tow, Health Nut In Training)

5. Off-Time

One of my favorite things about Fitbloggin is what happens during the off-times between and after the official sessions and festivities. 

Kelly and I spent a great afternoon enjoying lunch at ModMarket (ModMarketplace?) and enjoying some of the sights of downtown Denver, including the ballpark.

Kelly (Curvy Fit Girl)

Deb and I took a beautiful walk along the "creek", which here in California would be considered a raging river, if not a tsunami. We miss water.

Deb (Weight For Deb)

I had a wonderful talk with Susan (SusanIto.com) that was so enthralling, we forgot to take a selfie!

Christine (@Dubyawife again, always the instigator) brought CARDS AGAINST HUMANITY. 

Horrid, deplorable humans. Especially that middle one, trying to hide behind her cards. photo by Christine

6. Jen

Did I take this photo? I'm going to say I did.

Two years ago Jennifer (Perfect In Our Imperfections) and I proposed similar session topics to Fitbloggin. Roni suggested we present together. We decided we might as well room together while we were at it, and a Fitbloggin tradition was born. Jennifer is the reason I don't bite anyone's head off or throw chanclas at Fitbloggin breakfasts. You're welcome.

7. Roni (and Team Fitbloggin)

Roni, center, and just some of Team Fitbloggin.
THANK YOU! (photo by Carrie D Photography)

Roni is remarkably shy and yet still has managed to pull off this HUGE, multifaceted event year after year. Next year Fitbloggin gets passed into the hands of a new team. That means Roni may actually get in on more of the fun from now on. Which is as it should be, because Roni is the sh*t.

Okay, that's about all I can manage for now. Stay tuned for more fun, LOADS of fitness and some stuff I actually learned.

Yes, me!

Wishing you love with extra cheese,

Nacho Mama