I have been an actress for most my life as well as a certified fitness/nutritionist and just plain old health nut! Above all else though, I am a mom. That is my day job, my night job, every weekend and can't imagine doing anything more enjoyable (yet taxing at moments...we have all been there!). One of the hardest things I found after having my son was "How on earth do I squeeze in time for workouts to lose this 50 pounds I've gained?!" As time went on, I then began to ask, "OK, now how do I eat a salad and try not to devour every last french fry my son left behind?"
So many questions ran through my head as I was pregnant and then, after having given birth about getting back to what I knew and felt was a comfortable me. Through this blog here on Momz in the Mix, I hope to help many of you first time moms, pro-moms, and even every lady out there who is looking for some easy tips and/or thoughts on fitness, nutrition, health and even a few beauty tips.
Happy September to Everyone!

As much as I love the summertime, I always look forward to the Fall - even though we don’t get much of one here in LA - a five degree change is nice!

As I mentioned in my last blog, I hinted to some facts and fiction when it comes to skin care. Now, I come by “a love & knowledge” for skin care by some default.
My family’s name and history is synonymous with having made some of the biggest Starlettes of our time beautiful! Everyone from Rita Hayworth, to Marilyn Monroe, to creating Bette Davis Eyes.

There are so many key steps in the world of beauty and great skin but one of the basics is to have a great skin care regime.

There are some key steps that many women skip in order to either save time, not have to buy a ton of products, etc…(which I am all for by the way)…BUT, if you don’t follow a proper order of “skin care” any product you use is useless.

First off there is the make-up remover/cleansing step which most of us do. Secondly, you MUST use a toner. Toner is the key. Without a great toner, none of the following steps of moisture/serums will soak into the skin. Think of a toner as the gateway that opens the pores to accept anything you put on after. With it ON after cleansing, your skin can welcome any moisturizer, anti-aging, serum, etc. and will only enhance the effects of what goes on your skin after.

Now, with that said, I also mentioned why you should NEVER wax anything on your face. I learned this from one of the pros that for any hair removal on your face, you only tweeze. Waxing actually pulls and stretches the skin making it less resistant to future sagging skin. The more you wax (especially around the eyes where its more delicate skin), it continually pulls at the skin and down the road causes that unwanted sagging.
On that note, I am signing off for now but will be back next month with what I have put together as the Healthy Chocolate Chip Banana Bread recipe. Not only did the adults like this one, but the kids flipped out as well!
God Bless,
McKenzie”
With Health and Nutrition being the topic I’m covering, you wouldn’t necessarily put skin care into either one of those catagories. However, when it comes to health and nutrition, skin care is something that does start from within.

This month, I’m sharing a little secret that celebrities have used for years as a “quick fix” in front of the camera. I call it the Fridge Face Lift! It’s as simple as an ingredient that you probably have in your refrigerator right now - egg whites. Now, I’m not saying this is a forever fix to the signs of aging, but when used properly, egg whites can give an instant lift and tightening to the skin.
As we hit 30, we start to lose the collegen in our skin and it’s elasticity can fall by the wayside. With a little egg white pick-me-up, you can go about your day feeling (and looking) years younger at a minimal out of pocket price. Now, egg whites do not have a long term firming power nor do they fight wrinkles or clear age spots however, it has been said they are known to assist with fighting acne.
**Please note though, scientifically, this hasn’t been proven.**

One thing is for sure…egg whites can ABSOLUTELY give your skin a firming sensation!
All you need is:
1 egg white
- Whip until foamy
- Apply a thin layer under your eyes and around the cheek area
- After it dries, apply a second layer, let dry
- Apply your make-up as usual
Two suggestions:
1. Do a patch test first on your arm for signs of irritation.
2. If you have a known allergy to eggs, then this Fridge Face Lift is NOT for you!

If you want to take things one step farther, you can also do a weekly egg white and honey face mask. Honey softens and is a great addition to an egg mask. Here’s the recipe:
1 egg white
1 tablespoon of honey
- Mix two together
- Smooth on your face
- Let dry for 15 minutes
- Rinse with warm water
I love at home remedies such as these! Not only does it save money but time as well.
Until next month, here’s to looking and feeling your best! And while on the topic of skin care, next month I will go into WHY to always use a toner on your skin as well as why NOT to ever wax anything on your face!
Blessings,
McKenzie
xo”

Hello All!
My name is McKenzie Westmore and I have been an actress for most my life as well as a certified fitness/nutritionist and just plain old health nut!
Above all else though, I am a mom. That is my day job, my night job, every weekend and cant imagine doing anything more enjoyable (yet taxing at moments…we have all been there!). One of the hardest things I found after having my son was “How on earth do I squeeze in time for workouts to lose this 50 pounds Ive gained?!” As time went on, I then began to ask, “OK, now how do I eat a salad and try not to devour every last french fry my son left behind?”
So many questions ran through my head as I was pregnant and then, after having given birth about getting back to what I knew and felt was a comfortable me. Through this blog here on Momz in the Mix, I hope to help many of you first time moms, pro-moms, and even every lady out there who is looking for some easy tips and/or thoughts on fitness, nutrition, health and even a few beauty tips.
I feel like I have had some of the greatest experiences with getting to know my body as well as feeling my absolute best After I had my son! I have heard many women say there best years are behind them but I am here to say “Not True”! Just because we pause in our busy lives to have children does not mean we have to stop taking care of ourselves for the rest of our lives! “Cause if Momma ain’t happy, then Nobody is happy!”
Over these last four years watching my son grow, work, and deal with other things life can dish out, I made sure to take that moment to get myself back on track. Some days I am able to actually go to the gym, but most days i take my son and my fitness out doors (or in). I have found some great ways to incorporate fitness into my life and still include my son from birth on up.
And as far as those french fries? I stopped worrying so much, ate my salad AND had a few fries!
I just want every mother and women out there to know that it IS possible to have your cake and eat it too…just in moderation!
Til next time,
Blessings,
Mac