Introduction to Excedrin Program+Giveaway

I've suffered from migraines for the past 10 years of my life. They are usually mild to moderate, but sometimes can be severe.  Migraines are horrible and if you suffer from them, then you understand completely how I feel.  I'm sensitive to light and sometimes sound when I get these pesky things. It usually can help to reduce the pain if I take medicine right away, but if I wait too long then it's too late. The migraine is there to stay for some time. Stress and lack of sleep usually bring them on.  I'm always researching online ways to prevent migraines and figure out what triggers them.

Excedrin Migraine is the #1 neurologist recommended over-the-counter brand for migraine relief. It offers convenient and effective relief for migraines, and was the first non-prescription medicine approved by the FDA to treat all symptoms of a migraine.  Excedrin's migraine medication was amazing. It helped my migraines so much.  They recently recalled it which I was upset over since it was my go-to medication.  I've since gotten a migraine prescription which is working well. It is now back on the shelves.

I recently was asked to be an Excedrin Blogger Ambassador, which I am so excited about! It's very rewarding to be an ambassador for a company that I highly respect.  I'm also looking forward to connecting with other bloggers and sharing tips, stories, and advice.

I was sent an iPod Touch by Excedrin and told to use a special app on it to track my migraines.  The makers of Excedrin along with a leading neurologist, recently developed a new app called My Migraine Triggers.  This is available through the iTunes store and is free to download.  With this app, migraine sufferers can track their migraine triggers and gather the data put into reports and charts that can easily be shared with physicians.

My migraines are tracked in a little notebook that I keep in my purse. I usually can tell if a migraine is coming that day or not.  Everyday I either record my migraines, or if I get lucky enough not to have one, I write "no migraine day!" on the page.  When I do have one, I list which side of my head it's occuring on, what I think the possible triggers could be (lack of sleep, too much salt, etc) and how severe it is.  I use the ranking of 1-10 for severity, with 10 being the highest.  Luckily I've never had a 10 before, I imagine that would be pretty scary.  My migraines are usually around a 3-4.  Sometimes they can be a 5 but I'm grateful that they are mild to moderate.  The pain usually lasts anywhere from 5 to 8 hours.  It really helps me to lay down and close my eyes and put a heated wrap on my head.  If I am at work or out in public, it can be really difficult to deal with the migraines.  I just have to hope that my medicine kicks in quickly enough to help.

The app that I've downloaded is wonderful.  It asks you questions about your migraines, and you fill in the answers.  The questions are more in depth then the information I used to write down in my notepad.  The app asks you things such as what time did the migraine start, how long did it last, how intense was the pain, were warning signs there, did you skip any meals, etc. These questions are helpful in knowing everything you can about this attack. It saves your migraine information daily, so you can go back and look at it whenever you want.  The best part about this app is that you can send your migraine information and trigger chart over to your doctor through email.  How amazing is that? You don't even have to make an appointment to see your doctor, just send them the chart and information and they can respond with their thoughts and advice! If you don't want to email over the information, you can print it out and share it with them that way. I have not shared the app info with my doctor yet, but I will be very soon.

I truly believe this app is a lifesaver.  I love the fact that it exists and is there to help me as much as possible.  I don't know how I lived life without it before.  I look forward to using it on a daily basis.  

If you suffer from migraines, what do you do to track them? What are some of your triggers? I'd love to hear from you in the comments.  Excedrin would also love for you to visit their Facebook page and chime in with its audience for migraine support.  Please feel free to download the app at MigraineResource.com.  It will truly change your life.

*DISCLOSURE* I am a paid blogger ambassador for Excedrin Migraine.

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eLure Guest Post

eLure – For Brighter, more Even-Toned Skin – Fast:

These Elos skin treatment products feature Advanced Skin Brightening Technology, which utilizes a patented natural enzyme formulation known as Melanozyme. Even the most stubborn of discoloration in skin can be quickly minimized using the range of luxurious skin products, which also have the effect of correcting uneven skin tone, revealing a brighter, more radiant complexion.  And all this can be achieved in less than 28 days.

The eLure range includes:

The Advanced Lightening Lotion is a rebalancing skin lotion containing Melanonzyme, which brightens, 

softens, soothes and replenishes the skin. It is suitable for use both during the day and at night.

The Advanced Brightening Night Cream features a moisture rich formula, and advanced recovery hydration complex, with the addition of Melanonzyme. After use, skin looks visibly softer and brighter –for use as part of a night-time regimen.

The Advanced Skin Brightening Technology works best when used in conjunction with eLure’s Advanced Facial Wash. Lathering into a rich, creamy foam, the cleanser removes dead skin cells and dirt, transforming tired, dull-looking skin into skin which looks refreshed and rejuvenated.

Safe and Non-Irritating to Skin:

Unlike many other skin treatment creams and lotions, eLure contains no hydroquinone, or acids, which means there is far less likelihood of any redness or flakiness in the skin. Products can be used just like any other facial cream, under make-up, as well as in conjunction with other beauty regimens.

Clinically Proven:

eLure products have been clinically researched, and found to produce far faster results in skin appearance compared to other competitive products on the market. According to a Skin Brightening Study conducted by Dermscan, after using the products for 28 days, 82% of patients showed a significant decrease in their Melanin levels, while 91% demonstrated overall improvement in skin tone and fairness of complexion.

What to do with all of that leftover turkey?

Thanksgiving will be here before you know it.  If you have the same dilemma each year--what to do with all of that leftover turkey, I have some great recipe ideas for you!

Jennie-O has some wholesome and delicious post-Thanksgiving recipes, which families won’t even recognize as leftovers. 

While lean, tender turkey is an excellent addition to mom’s meal cycle year-round, it’s especially true during the holidays, when something must be done about the leftovers taking up that precious real estate in the fridge.  

If those leftover cold turkey sandwiches are starting to seem bland and boring, take advantage of this year’s extras and “Make The Switch” to fun and creative turkey meals with these tasty recipes from Jennie-O, a brand that is on a mission to show it’s easy to eat well with lean, delicious turkey:

Jennie-O Pulled Turkey Barbeque Sandwiches

Ingredients:

Makes six servings

·       About 18 oz. of leftover JENNIE-O Turkey

·       1 cuplow-sodium barbeque sauce

·       6 buns, split

·       1/2 cup coleslaw

Directions:

Combine turkey and barbeque sauce in slow cooker. Cook on HIGH 3 hours or LOW 6 hours. Always cook turkey to well-done, 165°F. as measured by a meat thermometer.

Remove turkey from slow cooker. Reserve 1/4 cup sauce mixture. Shred turkeywith fork.

Top bottom half of bun with turkey mixture. Drizzle with reserved sauce. Add coleslaw. Cover with bun top.

Jennie-O Mediterranean Pizza

Ingredients:

Makes six servings

·       4 cloves garlic, minced

·       About 18 oz. leftover JENNIE-O turkey cut into strips

·       1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves, crushed

·       1/4 teaspoon salt

·       1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

·       1 (12 inch) pre-baked thin pizza crust

·       2 large ripe tomatoes, or 4 roma tomatoes, thinly sliced

·       1/4 cup ripe olives, pitted and halved

·       3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

·       1/4 cup basil leaves, thinly sliced

Directions:

Heat oven to 450ºF. Coat a large skillet with cooking spray. Heat over medium-high heat; add garlic; cook 1 minute. Add turkey strips; sprinkle with rosemary, salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir fry 3-5 minutes or until turkey is well-done, 165°F. as measured by a meat thermometer. Place pizza crust on a large cookie sheet; top with tomatoes, cooked turkey mixture, olives, and cheese. Bake about 10 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Sprinkle with basil leaves; cut into wedges.

Chipotle Turkey Chili

Ingredients:

Makes six servings

·       1 teaspoon vegetable oil

·       About 20 oz. leftover JENNIE-O turkey chopped into small chunks

·       1 tablespoon chili powder

·       4 cloves garlic, minced

·       1 (14-ounce) can corn kernels, drained

·       1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

·       1 cup chicken broth

·       1 (7-ounce) can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped, plus 1 teaspoon sauce

·       1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

In large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add turkey, chili powder and garlic. Cook the turkey as specified on the package. Always cook to well-done, 165°F. as measured by a meat thermometer.

Add corn, beans, broth, chipotle peppers and adobo sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered 15 to 20 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally. Stir in cilantro.

For more delicious turkey recipes, please visit Jennieo.com or SwitchToTurkey.com.

I hope this gives you some great turkey ideas! I know I can't wait to the make the pulled turkey sandwiches.