Categories
Battle of Motherhood christian mom Faith & Self Care Fitness and Health

Reasons why I have Fit Mom Guilt

I know it’s probably not just me. Before I was a Mom, I seldom felt guilty for my actions or reflective on my behavior. Since becoming a Mom, anything and everything I do causes me guilt. I am not sure why I hold myself to a higher standard than I do other Mom’s, but I am always questioning my motherhood skills.  From the moment I wake up until the moment I go to bed. I am thinking the who, what, when, why and how that involves my three daughters’ day.

The majority of my day is making sure that their needs are met; physically, socially and academically.  I am constantly outnumbered.  I have found solace in the gym to help me get through the day.  Even though I know my gym time does not affect them because I am usually at the gym while they sleep. I feel guilty about not being there if they wake up. Crazy right? I have a whole list of my crazy guilt for being a fit mom.

There are so many things that make me feel guilty about living a healthier lifestyle.  It seems odd, but you have to admit that eating healthy, exercising regularly and taking care of your body is not the norm. So, for those who choose to live that life, it may be hard when everyone around them is not. Sometimes I feel guilty that I have made it a priority to honor my temple.  I always feel the need to explain my choices. Good and bad!

So, I am putting them out there all the things that I feel guilty about living this healthy lifestyle and being a Mom of three daughters. I am sure there are others who feel the same.

1. Spending time away to exercise.

This has always been a guilt trigger for me until we joined our new gym.  I would either work out very late at night after the girls went to bed or now very early before they rise so that I won’t miss time with them to go to the gym.  For my older daughters, this is important because they have extracurricular activities, friends and commitments. Not only is it nearly impossible once they wake up to find time to go to the gym. We spend a lot of time in the car going here and there. Until our new gym, I had to get up at the crack of dawn or in the late night.

Since a new gym opened up in my area that has a Kid’s gym included. As long as I can make time during there hours. I can go to the gym while they are awake.  They enjoy their time, and they are active while I sweat it out too.  It’s a great way to eliminate my guilt of spending time away to exercise.

2. Eating healthier versions of dinner.

I have tried intentionally always to eat the same or a version of dinner. I have guilt that my girls will remember me eating out of pre-prepped containers. Sometimes I have to eat differently because of my food allergies and sensitivities. I also feel guilty when we eat out, and I have to make a special request because of my food issues. Regardless, if I were fit mom or not I would have to order differently, but I still feel guilty. The only difference in my meals is usually because of my food allergies and sensitivities. Although created differently I try to make a dairy free, gluten free version of the same thing. Mostly, I make one meal and we eat together because of my fit mom guilt.

3. Eliminating or restricting foods that used to be permitted.

I have recently, become a sugar cop.  This year I have become convicted to remove sugar from my home. My revolt against sugar does not stem from me being a Fit Mom.  My decision to get rid of sugar in my house is because of the adverse effects of sugar. My family has a significant sugar dependency including myself.  

Sugar is tough to avoid especially when your kids are in public school.  I find there are ways to get your sweets without sugar.  I am trying to make that change in my home. I have guilt because although I know, it’s for my families health. Would it be a concern if I wasn’t a fit mom? Those are some of the things that I struggle with when making decisions for my family.  

4. Looking like a Fitness Model and trying to be a role model.

When I began my fitness journey, I admired women who looked like I do now but never thought that would be me.  Although, I look like a fitness model in a tank top. When I was up every day, I am a Mom to three very impressionable girls. I don’t walk around flexing or taking belfies in my full-length mirror in my Sports Bra because it’s not about that.  The way I look on the outside is because of what I do and put in my inside. I don’t ever want my daughters to strive to look a certain way to reflect a particular image. So, I have guilt for the way that I look although, it’s just a result of my lifestyle change.

5. Prioritizing health over idle time.

I have high anxiety, and when idle I find I get anxious  I like to exercise to get rid of extra energy as well as Workout and Worship.  I seldom have idle time now that my girls are older. In the past, I would fill my idle time with snacks and tv time. Now I fill that time with movement and doing things with my children.

I do feel guilty that we are always active. I need to practice balance give us time to sit idle as well as move.  Although I am showing my girls alternatives to mindless behavior. I feel we all could use a good tv show binge from time to time.  I am trying not to feel so guilty and to start practicing and showing balance.

 

6. Setting a Standard of good health

Because I am a Fitness Professional, I feel obligated to walk the walk.  I know as a Mom this may be setting a very high standard for good health. I don’t want my daughters to feel that they need to workout 5 to 6 times a week, but I do want them to be active at least 150 minutes a week.  I have guilt on what they see that I don’t realize. They are creating their standards, and I am giving them the example. Ultimately, I want my girls to honor their temple whatever that looks like to them and not what they see of me.  

7. Balancing life and living a healthy lifestyle and not a diet.

Because I am in the health and fitness field, my passion is to learn.  I am always exploring different aspects of wellness and a healthy lifestyle.  Typically, I am not a trend or fad jumper. I do like to research and try things for myself. Sometimes my children get included in the experiment as well. I am sure they will have plenty to share with their therapist about their Health Nut Mom.  Like the year she went crazy and took away sugar. I will probably still feel Mom guilt.

Living a healthy lifestyle isn’t something that I should feel guilty about, but I do.  I think if I weren’t living a healthy lifestyle I would feel guilty as well. I guess it goes with the Mom territory but if I could instill anything in my daughters: It would be to honor their temple; From top to bottom. Educate yourself, devote to God and Scripture, Feed yourself good food and move your body every day.  As long as they get those foundations, I think all my Fit Mom Guilt was not all in vain.

Do you get Mom Guilt? About what?

 

Categories
christianity Faith Journey

Reflection of 2018

Reflection of 2018 and Planning for 2019

The last half of 2018 I have slowly begun to rely on my own strength. This is a common mistake of mine that I start to seek God as a backup plan instead of the action plan.  I have let worry and anxiety drive a wedge between my trust and reliance on God.  Even in choosing my “word” for the year initially, I was motivated by my own motives or at least I thought I was until prayer.  Through prayer and scripture, I uncovered my truth for this year and intention for 2019.

My gaze has turned from 2017 focused on the things above and not of this earth.  In 2017, my word was “Focus and Legacy,” and my Verse was Colossians 3:2. 2017 was a phenomenal year. I was amazed at what I achieved. Honestly, I can say, that I focused on God that year and achieved greatness through Him.  Focusing on God and not the girl next to me allowed me to get things done that year.

Then in 2018, almost as a challenge, I believe. I was led to”Gratitude” for my word.  As anticipated there were many circumstances in 2018 where I could have said, “Why God?’ and chose “I am grateful, Lord.” It took intention, but it was a pruning experience. There were a few setbacks, humbling moments and many opportunities to give up but being grateful for what I had for the moment allowed me to persevere.

Practicing Gratitude

This year I felt like I fell from grace. It wasn’t intentional, but it has been made clear in my reflection and the way I felt the last half of the year.  I had let my need for achievement, success, and accolades over my need for the Truth and the Light.  There were brief periods of anxiety, depression, and loneliness especially at the beginning of the year when I was homebound with my ankle injury.

I felt like the things that I have worked so hard for began to crumble under my own strength. There were lots of setbacks in my life personally. I think the most significant blow was my husband tearing his Achilles at the peak of his busy training season.  We have had several roadblocks this year. We have had to pull back on some things. Change the way we lived for a while because of finances.

Despite my despair, I knew God was with me the entire time. He had never left me but allowed me my own free will to seek Him in all things.  If it weren’t for my desire to serve and be with God, I would never come to this realization. I also probably would have given in to the doubt like in the past.

Instead, I chose to trust in hope and wait in faith. It was also my reminder to be grateful even for a little bit which humbled our family this year.

Bringing it back to Prayer

I preach to honor your temple, but that can only be done and begin with prayer.  When I act first without prayer I always make a mess of things. So, here I am planning another year an in bright, bold neon letters- (God knows that’s the best way to get my attention). He has led me to a new beginning and time to learn from the previous year and set a new intention as I work to the next year.

 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 

My “Word(s)” for this year.

I founded FaithFueled™ Mom on the foundation of my intent to Glorify God.  Only through Him will it build community and grow but only if I connect with Him.

My three words for this year are “Community, Connection and Growth” initially my sinful nature defined them as,

CONNECTION with others who are on a similar mission to grow MY business.

Build a COMMUNITY of women who glorify God through honoring their temple. (Aka. FaithFueled™ mission statement)

and

GROWTH in all areas of life, finances, relationships, and business.

When God gives you a wake-up Smack

Then (yes afterward) I looked to Scripture to support MY intentions (not God).  Then as if I was smacked in the face

But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15 

That is not what I intended, but without God, my sinful nature took over my second nature. After spending time in the Word. I was set on a better path and given an opportunity to begin the year in the way of my heart’s desire.

My “Word (s)” Redefined

CONNECTION will be through Christ. He will lead me to the people to carry out His plan and not my own.

James 4:8 “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.  Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

COMMUNITY will continue to be my mission to grow a community of women who are glorifying God through honoring their temple.

“Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17

GROWTH spiritually that will trickle into all aspects of my life.

“Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” 2 Peter 3:17-18

My Word for 2019

I really want to keep it simple this year, so I am going to group these three under CHOSEN. Totally off my initial thought of my word(s) or is it?

One thing that I have felt this year is unqualified and unworthy. I think its time to realize that I am worthy and completely qualified. Only through God because He chose me to live this life.

just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons and daughters through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will to praise the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.” Ephesians 1:3-6

I have been chosen and this year I want to accept it. I want to connect with the God who chose me, build a community and share with other chosen women and grow and feel qualified through Him and not others opinions.

No longer living in doubt and question of my purpose. I want to walk in my life knowing that I was handpicked by God to bring Him glory.

My Faith fuels me

My intent is not to come across as a Saint because I am not a Saint.  I am a Child of God who was chosen in love to bring glory to His kingdom. I enjoy it; it brings me passion and drive to do what I do and help other people.  When I lose sight of Him, I lose my way, and that’s when I feel anxiety, worry, depression and not my best self.  So, I have to remember what I learned a few years ago and what got me so far. I need to

“Set my mind on the things above and not the things of this world.” Col 3:2

He will give me the clarity to fuel my journey as He has in the past and will do it again an again. Open the doors of opportunity and make the path straight. Whenever in whatever capacity I need.

Instead of “living my best life” I plan on “living the chosen life.”

It may mean a different course of action this year but I know that with God it ultimately, be in my favor, It always is when I seek and trust in Him.

My anticipation for 2019

When it is all said and done even if I don’t make it to a New Year. I want to live every day of 2019 connecting with God and seeking His purpose. Growing my faith and being in a community that is adding women to His kingdom. Living as if I was already chosen by Him to live a life of purpose. What do you think too lofty? You’ll just have to stay tuned and see how He manifest His goodness this year.

” For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:5-8

If you feel lost in your way seek God for guidance. He will give you direction and peace on your path.  Praying you to have a Happy Healthy New Year.

What did you learn in 2018 that you are going to use in 2019? What is your word?

 

Categories
Product Review Product Reviews raising family Weightloss Journey Wellness

2018 Fitness Holiday Gift Guide & Desk Cycle Ellipse Giveaway

2018 Holiday Gift Guide

Turkey has been consumed! Family time has been had, and now if you haven’t already, it’s time to get ready for Christmas.

I am sure you have had some sort of clue from the Christmas Display that has been taunting us in most retail stores that’s it’s that time of year.  If you have intentionally been ignoring the festive advertisements until now.

Yay! Me too!

Time to start Shopping

Now that the last of the Thanksgiving leftovers have been eaten I am ready to decorate the house for Christmas.

For my girls it’s simple, and I pride myself in getting the girls Christmas complete the week before Thanksgiving and regardless of the early date this year. Now is the hard part shopping for others that I love in my life and the older we get, the harder it gets?  

I love checking out gift guides because it gives me some great ideas of things that I may have never considered. Have you ever considered giving someone the gift of Wellness?

Gift ideas for Fitness Enthusiast

No seriously, I know it sounds lame, but your gift can help some live a better life. Whether its makeup, skincare, fitness equipment or the gift of preventative health it all could be appreciated. There may be that person in your life who really values going to the gym, wellness or just fitness.  It can be daunting to find a unique gift that they don’t already have or may need.  

Feeling a little like Oprah but here are:

7 of my Favorite things

that are must buys for Holiday gifts this year! I am excited to share with you some of the things that I truly love this year. I hope it’s helpful and buying the perfect gift for the one you love. 

My Affiliation

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com. 

This post also contains other affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, I make a small percentage of the sale with no additional cost to you. Although, I was given these products or am an ambassador my opinion is entirely my own and can’t be bought. My Full Disclosure Policy 

Activmotion Bar

Life is dynamic, and our training should reflect that and really didn’t realize the potential until receiving my activmotion bar to try. This bar is excellent for anyone looking to add core stability to their workout or challenge themselves.  Activmotion bars come in different weights, and the most popular is a 10-pound bar.  This gift is going to add variety, body awareness, and stability to your workout and just a great tool to have if you like to exercise.  

Right now you can get 25% off your bar using code fitapproach25 from now until January 5, 2019.  Grab your bar here

PlateJoy

Plate Joy has been a lifesaver this year for me and definitely one of my favorite things.  Getting a subscription to this app would be an excellent gift for the Mom who is at her wits end with creative meal ideas.  Until I found Plate Joy, I was always frustrated trying to think of something healthy, fast and affordable for dinner.  When it’s the end of the day nothing is worse than asking your family what they want for dinner for them to respond, “I don’t know.”

Having my own personal meal planner that not only plans the meals but also makes the grocery list, tells me the correct portion size and even takes into consideration leftovers. It has been a time saver, budget minded and just a helpful tool.  I think any Mom would love to have a year of meal planning from Plate Joy for a Holiday gift!

You can get a Free Trial here, or You can get $10 off your Gift Card or Subscription with code FAITH10 Get your PlateJoy here.

Momentum Jewelry

Photo Credit https://beforeandaftermyemptynest.com/

Often get asked about my Inspire necklace from Momentum Jewelry! I customized it this summer to remind me of my “why” The Inspired Necklace inscribes “For His Glory,” and it’s a great reminder of why I do what I do!  You probably will always catch me with some type of Momentum wraps, jewelry, and accessories.  It’s nice to have wearable inspiration for when you need to see a reminder or your spirits lifted.  I think Momentum Jewelry is great for everyone, but this inspiring jewelry is meant for the Athlete in your life.

They are having so many sales for the Holiday’s grab some spark to share with someone in your life! Grab your Momentum Jewelry here.

 

Glider Gloves

It’s cold ya’ll! Every year around November I start to reconsider my residency in New Jersey. I was made for Arizona or New Mexico because I hate the humidity and hate the cold.  Winter in Jersey comes with hat, scarf and a warm pair of gloves.  The worst is when you have to take your texting handoff in the cold.  Get someone you love these warm and cozy Glider gloves that swipes just like your finger without the biting chill.  Great gift for anyone in your life this year!

Get your Glider Gloves here!

 

SoleHealers

Sole Healers are Therapeutic Stretcher and Massager for your feet! They are amazing, and everything begins at the feet. SoleHealers are a pair of foot and calf stretching tool.  It helps to increase circulation, flexibility, and range of motion in your feet. I highly recommend these to anyone whether you are active or not, using these after you Desk Cycle or standing on them and gathering your balance at the day. If you suffer from foot, knee, or hip pain, plantar fasciitis, tight Achilles tendon, bunions or hammertoe I would add one in for you too! These are by far one of my favorite things to use for recovery.

Grab your Sole Healers here and don’t forget to get you a pair too! Use coupon code “15BLESSED” to get 15% off your purchase.

Cross Training Couture Tanks, Sweatshirts and Hat

Often, I get messages of “Where did you get your tank or what we call a “Truth on a Tee”?

The answer usually is Cross Training Couture which is a Faith and Fashion line that I am an ambassador.

When choosing brands represent companies I have to personally love and believe in what they represent. Cross Training Couture’s ministry is to witness through fitness (And wardrobes) is similar to my own. I am grateful to be able to be a Cross Training Influencer for them.

Another way that I get to connect with women fueled by their faith and desire to honor their temple is through their CTC VIP group monthly. It’s such a God-centered group that devotes, worships, prays and workout together and if you’re looking for something like that in your virtual world you should join them. If you are looking for cute, hats, tanks, sweatshirts and more for you and your family. Check them out! Tell them I sent you through this link and got your very own Truth on a Tee for someone you love this Christmas!  Another one of my very favorite thing! 

Grab your tank here! 

 

 

Desk Cycle- Ellipse

Whoever thought to put an elliptical under your desk was a genius! I am pedaling right now and have to say since getting my Desk Cycle Ellipse I have been getting some extra cardio instead of sitting idle.  The Desk Cycle Ellipse can only be used while sitting and is excellent for a tall or short desk.  It’s very quiet and comfortable to adjust resistance.

The other day I cranked up the dial, and after reading through emails, I was feeling the burn — leaves very little excuses for why you can’t move.  There is an LCD that is found on the Ellipse, or you can have sit on your desk to keep you motivated.  My little divas have competition on how many revolutions they can get in their homework time.   I am obsessed with the Desk Cycle Ellipse and think it’s a fabulous gift for anyone who sits at a desk in your life and shares it on my Instastories. I am amazed at what I can achieve while sitting.  It’s a great way to get your body moving while you work.

Grab your Desk Cycle here!

Desk Cycle Giveaway

Have I told you lately how absolutely thankful I am for you? Some of you have been following me and supporting me from the very beginning. Others are very new to my journey.  Whenever you came in I am grateful for your likes, double taps, follows, shares and comments.  I want to say Merry Christmas and give you some motivation to stay active in the New Year!

You have no excuses now because I have partnered with Desk Cycle. We are giving away their new under desk exercise equipment the Desk Cycle Ellipse by 3D Innovations.  The giveaway will end 12/9/18 11:59 pm EST.  So enter as many chances as you can before now and then!

I want to wish you a Merry Christmas and hope I gave you some ideas for a gift for your loved ones!

Click Picture Below to Enter into the Giveaway!

 

Categories
Mealtime Monday Product Review Product Reviews Recipes

Say ‘Yes’ to Healthy Tricks and Treats with PlateJoy

October is such a fun month. It truly starts feeling like fall, spooky decorations come out, haunted houses go up, kids in cute costumes, and just all the Halloween fun in general.

However, with all the great things that come with Halloween, there’s also the processed candy and temptation to indulge that sweet tooth with unhealthy sweets. Instead, say ‘YES’ to healthy tricks and treats this year with good habits and a balanced diet. Sugar can cause havoc on the body; causing fatigue, weight gain, and headaches. Too much sugar can also increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you keep an eye on your sugar intake. Not to say that you shouldn’t treat yourself with low-sugar snacks to satisfy those cravings. It’s all about balance.

While it’s easy to cut out obvious sugar-packed treats and other foods, it’ good to be aware of hidden sugars in other everyday foods. For a better idea, check out the infographic below about how hidden sugars can add up fast!

With all that said, if you need help creating these healthy eating habits and understanding better choices without breaking the bank and stress – PlateJoy can help! The ultimate meal subscription plan, PlateJoy offers flexibility and tailored meal plans for your lifestyle. With each plan, you will receive recipes and grocery lists that give you more control over your custom plan. Also, PlateJoy cares about the environment and doesn’t pack boxes with dry ice and plastic containers like other meal subscriptions. They go beyond the food and stay green with special features like their Digital Pantry to prevent food waste.

Try out PlateJoy and learn more about their plans like Clean Eating or Paleo. With their wide range of options, finding the right plan for you should be super easy. Speaking of easy, PlateJoy‘s partnership with InstaCart takes things to the next level.

InstaCart is a grocery delivery service that offers same-day delivery in over 200 cities. They have thousands of products you already love at stores you already shop at. No need to find time to go to the store and figuring out what you need, PlateJoy and InstaCart have everything covered for you. Plus, you get $20 OFF your first Instacart order + FREE delivery when you sign up with PlateJoy. Get an extra $10 off your PlateJoy Sign-up with promo code “FAITH10” 

So, let PlateJoy help you start making easy and healthy habits and put your focus on your amazing Halloween costume this year instead!

Simply take their personalized quiz to start your FREE Trial and Get Started Today!

Want to learn more of that PlateJoy has to offer? Find out more at PlateJoy.com.

 

Categories
christian mom Faith & Self Care

Gluten Free and Allergy Friendly Expo 2018

Why is Gluten Free not a diet for me?

Do I get asked what diet do you follow?  If you look at what I ate and wanted to classify it as a diet it could be considered paleo, keto or Mediterranean but one thing that it will not include is gluten and dairy.  Over this weight loss journey and as I shared along the way a few years ago, I discovered that I had a wheat allergy. Since eliminating wheat from my life, I have found so many positive benefits.  All my life I have had hyperpigmentation and bad skin. No longer I have a healthy glow. I also had to remove wheat from my skincare products.

A Wheat Allergy Diagnosis

I have also suffered from digestive issues such as constipation, leaky gut, and extreme bloating and gas.  My now flat tummy is not only from diligent work but from eliminating wheat in my diet.

Gluten Free and Allergy Friendly Expo

Initially, it was so daunting trying to find products that were gluten-free, tasty and didn’t have a lot of other extra ingredients.  Just because it is gluten-free doesn’t mean it’s healthy. When I went to my first Gluten Free and Allergy Friendly Expo three years ago. It was an excellent opportunity to see all the products that are available to try, see, read ingredients labels. If you are unsure of your food allergies, they have testing available.

 

Other Wellness Products

Last year, I also got to experience other Wellness Products such that helped remove toxins, metals and other adverse things that we accumulate from our lifestyle.  I was able to check out some cool skincare and makeup brands that were wheat free. Was educated at almost every vendor table and the event empowered me to make a living a gluten-free lifestyle and smoother transition.  

The innovation of Allergy Friendly Products

I look forward to it now every year where I get to discover new products, services, and organizations that are revolutionizing food allergies for everyone. Also, because of these products, there are a lot more options that there were years ago.  As companies which are usually founded because of their children or their own food allergies discoveries. You will get to meet innovative people who wouldn’t accept food allergies for what they were and set out to create better products for those afflicted.  

Family Event

The Gluten Free and Allergy Friendly expo is a great family event.  If you are looking for other food alternatives, trying to change your own diet like I was at one point in time or just looking to see what innovations and creations in the food industry. I would highly recommend attending.  

Since completely eliminating Gluten from my diet I feel 100% better and never thought that my allergies could be remedied easily. I am so glad that I have the Gluten Free and Allergy Free Expo to keep me updated on the best products that are out there for me.

Join Me at the Expo

If you want to attend this year, it will be held in the same location as previous years.  

October 13-14, 2018
10:00 am – 3:00 pm on Saturday the 13th
10:00 am – 3:00 pm on Sunday the 14th
Meadowlands Exposition Center
355 Plaza Drive
Secaucus, NJ 07094
Click HERE for directions.
Click HERE for a map.

Parking is free.

The use of strollers, carts or wagons is prohibited except as needed for transporting children or medical equipment.

Call the venue at 201-330-7773
It’s also not too late to grab tickets you can get them here: 
USE PROMO CODE: “ADVANCE” for 20% off until 10/13
I hope you can come! Do you have a food allergy and how have you been able to find products to help make life easier?
I am a Gluten Free and Allergy Friendly Influencer. I received free tickets and tickets for giveaway in exchange for promotion and coverage of the event.  All my opinions are mine and my affiliation did not affect my statements My Full Disclosure Policy