Meet Andrea

Y'all know I've been active with Mamavation for over a year. I participate in the "Sistahood," the healthy living sorority part of Mamavation that is open to any mom. The support and accountability I have found with these ladies is amazing!

Another part of Mamavation is the Mamavation Mom campaign, where two lucky moms win a virtual bootcamp during which they receive professional nutritional and fitness coaching, as well as mental and emotional coaching. Their lives are on display during the seven weeks. They post a daily food and exercise journal, they post weekly updates, they appear on the weekly Mamavation TV online chat show.

We are currently in the voting stage of Campaign 8. Anyone and everyone with a computer can vote.

I want to introduce you to Andrea, who is one of the finalists. I asked her a few questions so that you can get to know her.  All of the finalists are wonderful and deserving, but I hope after reading about her, you'll consider going over to Mamavation and casting your vote for her!


1. How long have you been involved with Mamavation?

 I found Mamavation last October and started posting my Mamavation Monday posts. I had no idea that I would love it as much as I did, or how wonderful it would be for my weight loss. I was about 217 lbs when I joined and am now down to 196. It has been a slow journey, but being involved in the Sistahood has kept my journey positive.

2. Who are your biggest influences in your desire to be a Mamavation Mom?

My children are the first thing that comes to mind! I want so much for them. I want a childhood free of the food hang-ups I witnessed. They are very young and I want them to describe their Mommy as active, healthy and strong. I am looking for the tools to help me make permanent changes in my mindset and actions. I could lose weight on my own, but Mamavation Moms are given the information and education to do it right. I also want to do this for my husband. He has always been active and athletic, but I keep him from a lot of the activities he enjoys on the weekends. I want us to get out and ride our tandem across the state with Cycle Oregon again, or spend a long weekend skiing. I know this opportunity would change all of our lives for the better.

3. What are your fitness and healthy living goals?

I love scratch cooking and baking! So, I am working hard to find recipes to replace the foods we used to buy pre-made. I would love to increase my garden and recipe repertoire so we are not eating as many preservatives and are self sufficient. As far as fitness goals, a 5K is on the horizon one way or another, but besides that I want to attempt a local triathlon and ride another border to coast Cycle Oregon with my husband. I know. Big goals... but I like to aim high!

4. Where do you look when you need inspiration?

When I need inspiration I look to my old worn out Bible. It has been a faithful friend since my childhood and I often randomly open it to read whatever verses are meant for me that day. I have also come to look to my Mamavation Sistas for inspiration. Such a diverse and amazingly accomplished group of women. With talents and strengths so varied, and there is always someone to look to.

5. How do you encourage your family to make healthy choices?

This is an easy thing for me. I am a Stay-at-home-Mom and make all the meals for our family. Even my farming husband sits down with us for 3 meals a day. So when it comes to food I have complete control. I try to only buy items that are healthy and fresh. As for exercise, I have had more "Wii" nights planned every week. My husband is a good sport when I plan out our evening activities, and he loves being outside and is always willing to plan healthy and active family days. Really, I am much better at doing things right with my family... I am the one who snacks and indulges.

6. What will be the biggest challenge as a Mamavation Mom?

I worry most about "letting go". I am already trying to not be as fussy about the housework, let the kitchen go, or eat simply. I am a perfectionist and my husband has been lately telling me to go to bed and leave things till morning. I know with the amount of exercise required of the Mamavation Moms, I will need my rest, and will not be able to keep my house spotless. Even with the extra hazing and workouts I have had to give myself permission to feel guilty. This week to help out as I am busy working for votes my husband has been put in charge of laundry and I am enlisting the help of my trusty crock pot.


You can view Andrea's application video and cast your vote for her over at Mamavation. She's "notimemom." (You can vote for as many finalists as you want, but you can only vote once per computer.)  If you want to get to know Andrea better, you can also check out her blog.

Andrea also has two giveaways as incentive for voting for her. One for a $25 Amazon gift card and one for an EA Sports Active 2 for Wii (which is one of my faves!).

So go vote for Andrea, then tell her you did by entering her giveaways!