Please let me know what you think of the show…and please share your tips for working through the rough patches and making a marriage a happy and lasting one!

XO

Ali

Hi everyone!

Keep your eye peeled for me as you watch the Super Bowl this Sunday because I’m going to be on an NBC spot during the broadcast! Each year one of my favorite parts of the Super Bowl is watching the commercials that air during the game. I’m really excited to be part of one this year!  

What are you looking forward to most the ads or the actual game?

XO

Ali

Pin It

Hi everyone

The Super Bowl is coming up this weekend and it can be difficult to find some healthy alternatives for party snacks. Whether you are throwing a party at your house or taking something to one I have a great healthy snack that will make everyone happy!

Chickpeas are high in fiber and protein and this snack is easy to make. It’s a healthy low-calorie snack mix that won’t hurt your bank account:

Spiced Chickpeas

• 2 cans chickpeas drained rinsed and patted dry
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon salt-free seasoning mix
• 1 teaspoon chili powder

Mix the ingredients until the chickpeas are evenly covered with the olive oil and spices. Pre-heat your oven to 425 F and bake the chickpeas on a cookie sheet for approximately 30 minutes or until the chickpeas are lightly brown and crunchy. 

Are you having a Super Bowl Party this year? Tell me what snacks you plan to have in the comments below.

XO

Ali

Hi everyone! 

What did you all think about last night's Biggest Loser? 

For my full analysis of the episode check out my blog on People.com.

I’m proud of Adrian and Daphne the brother and sister of the Aqua team for losing 50 pounds at home to earn a spot back on the ranch! 

Were you surprised by the remaining contestants' reactions to their return?

XO

Ali

Did you watch last week and see how things are shaping up between Sami and Rafe?

If you missed it check out a full recap at Soaps.com.

Do you think Sami will keep her promise to be more open and honest with Rafe? 

XO

Ali

P.S. Remember to tune in to The Biggest Loser tonight on NBC at 8/7c! 

Today’s post is proudly sponsored by

Hi everyone
 
Today I’m sharing an in-depth article about how I got back on track thanks to The Biggest Loser. Before I had been cutting calories but they weren’t always the right ones. For example I learned that a Caesar salad is not a health food. It’s actually one of the highest-calorie salads you can eat!
 
The show has brought so much inspiration into my own eating habits and I wouldn’t be where I am today without it.
 
How has The Biggest Loser changed your diet and exercise habits? Tell me in the comments below.
 
XO
 
Ali
 

Ali

Hi everyone!
 
This week I’m on location for The Biggest Loser and having a good time! I can’t wait for you to see all the fun we’re getting into. So what did you guys think of what happened on Tuesday?
 
For my full breakdown of the episode this week check out my blog on People.com.

What did you guys think of this week's episode?

XO

Ali

Organic foods work to keep your body healthy from the inside out while acupuncture and cupping work from the outside in. They can help you lose weight and relieve stress but are also especially helpful for problems associated with back pain a condition that plagues so many of us on a daily basis. If you suffer from chronic back pain you may have wondered if acupuncture and cupping for it is a genuine form of therapy. For people just like you Beverly Hills back pain acupuncture and holistic healing provider YB Clinic aims to educate the public about the connection between acupuncture and pain management.

Following your series of treatments at their Beverly Hills back pain acupuncture clinic your arthritic pain should be significantly reduced. Imagine going about your daily routine without back pain keeping you from the things you love to do.

Check out this testimonial from one of Dr. Bae’s patients:

The YB Clinic also accepts many forms of insurance so the cost to you could be minimal.

And now Alison Sweeney readers from Los Angeles who “Like” the YB Clinic on Facebook and comment on this post will be entered to win one free cupping therapy and one free liver detox treatment.

The YB Clinic is located in Beverly Hills and Downtown Los Angeles. If you don’t live in Los Angeles you can “Like” the YB Clinic on Facebook for access to tips and information or even ask Dr. Bae direct questions about Chinese medicine or specific issues you are having!

To learn more about the YB Clinic visit their website. Los Angeles residents be sure to become a fan on Facebook and comment on the post below for your chance to win free treatments!

Contest ends January 31 2012 at 11:59PM PST.

Update: We've chosen our winner! Congrats Lauren!

Today’s post is proudly sponsored by

Hi everyone
 
On Sunday night I went to NBCUniversal’s 69th Annual Golden Globes After Party and had so much fun. Of course seeing who wins the awards is exciting but I must admit that one of the highlights of the evening for me is checking out the incredible fashion. In person the gowns are drop-dead gorgeous! Did you watch the Globes? Who was your pick for best dressed?
 
XO
Ali

p.s. Tune in to The Biggest Loser tonight to see how the contestants deal with temptation...and to catch a seriously surprising decision!

Hi everyone -

Did you watch last week as Kate and Sami figured out a plan to find the right person to be the face of Countess Wilhelmina?

If you missed it check out a full recap at Soaps.com.

Do you think Sami's idea will work?

XO

Ali

Hi everyone

Last Friday night after a long work week that included a very dirty BL challenge I got gussied up for a big NBC event. Kristian Alfonso KJAlfonso  and I had a blast at the NBC party this past weekend. It’s always fun to see her outside of work!  Check out this little video that we made for all of you:
 

 
I also got to hang out with a few of my other co-workers. Don't be jealous.

But the best part of last weekend was Saturday morning when I stayed home and made breakfast with my kids. Can't beat that! What's your favorite part of the weekend?
 
XO
Ali

You don’t need to worry about security or hidden fees either. There are no credit cards required no trial periods and no gimmicks to sign up. We’ll update your credit score and debt profile for free every single month.

And to make certain that you receive fair savings options for your unique credit needs CreditSesame.com is only paid when you close a loan.

So get those holiday credit card statements under control right now by signing up at CreditSesame.com. It’s the best way to manage your credit loans and debt and all for free!

Today’s post is proudly sponsored by

What are your favorite sweet...and not-so-sweet...Sami moments from the past 19 years? Please share them in the comment section below! 

XO

Ali
 
p.s. Don't forget to tune in to tonight’s episode of The Biggest Loser!

Want to get caught up on what happened in Salem last week? In case you missed anything here is a recap of what went on including lots of info about Sami's new job.

What did you think of last week on Days?

XO

Ali

Ali

This definitely took me out of my comfort zone but it's so good to do things like that. Trying new things is great for the brain as well as the body even if it's not always easy on the ego! One of my intentions for this year is to challenge myself by trying new things more often.
 
What's one new thing you want to try this year?

XO

Ali

What did you think of the premiere of the new season of The Biggest Loser? Do you have any early favorites? Check out my detailed analysis of the episode on my blog at People.com!

Does watching BL inspire you to eat differently or exercise more? Do you have any New Year's "intentions" I don't do resolutions! relating to fitness and health? Please tell us about your goals for the year in the comment section below.

XO

Ali

Ali

Hi everyone

I want to wish you the happiest of holidays.  I hope you'll all be able to relax enjoy being with your family and friends and celebrate the meaning of the season. After a crazy year and hectic fall I am taking some time off from work to be with my family. Please know how grateful I am for all of you. I look forward to catching up with you first thing in 2012.

XO

Ali

Hi everyone

Last year my parents gave Ben a hula-hoop for Christmas. I loved that because it's such a simple classic toy and it's all about moving! It certainly gets me moving when I "borrow" it! If you're trying to come up with last-minute gift ideas how about a gift that encourages someone you love to be active? This doesn't have to be an expensive present. You could give a new mom the gift of a few hours of babysitting so she can get out of the house and exercise. You could give a friend the promise of a workout buddy once a week for a month or two or more. You could give your babysitter a drop-in pass to the yoga studio she's been wanting to try. You could give your mom a set of exercise bands or hand weights. You could give your spouse a subscription to a health and fitness magazine. Or you could give someone a hula-hoop!

Are you giving any fitness-related gifts this year? Please share your ideas in the comment section below.

XO

Ali

Hi everyone

Today was a big day for Sami on Days. Kate approached her with an enigmatic proposal that left her head spinning. In case you missed it find out why Kate said to Sami: "Santa has come for you early Sami. I'm here to change your life."

Given Sami's history with Kate do you think Kate's offer could be anything but bad news?

XO

Ali

Hi everyone

On Sunday I hosted one of my very favorite events of the holiday season—a Christmas dinner for my closest friends. For more than ten years my two best girlfriends and I have celebrated together in the week or two before Christmas. Sometimes it's a very small gathering and other years there are more people there but no matter what we always have a white elephant gift exchange which is so funny! and lots of fun cooking together. These days spouses and kids join in the festivities. It's adorable to see the kids playing together and it's great for the adults to have a little time to catch up while the little ones entertain each other!

Do you and your friends have any fun holiday traditions?

XO

Ali

Hi everyone

The party we had last week after the finale of The Biggest Loser was such a blast! One of my favorite parts of these celebrations is catching up with contestants from past seasons. I just had to share this photo of Season 8 finalist Amanda Arlauskas and me. I love it. Doesn't she look amazing?! She is an inspiration! 

What are your tricks for keeping weight off once you lose it? 

XO

Ali

Hi everyone
 
If you haven't seen the premiere of Hollywood Moms Night yet I have good news. You can catch it this weekend!

It's airing again Saturday on TV Guide Network at 12pm PST. You can also check your local listings at tvguide.com for other air times.
 
Watch Ali Landry Denise Richards Niecy Nash LaLa Vazquez Anthony and me enjoy a girls night in at my house! and dish about everything from contractions and adoption to the men in our lives and how we handle the challenges of motherhood in the Hollywood spotlight. 
 
For those of you who have seen Hollywood Moms Night already let me know what you think of the show in the comments section below.
 
XO
 
Ali

Hi everyone

Sometimes when you're a parent you have to divide and conquer...so last night while I was at work filming season 13 of The Biggest Loser Dave took Ben and Megan to Disney On Ice. I was really bummed that I couldn't be there I think most working moms can relate to that feeling! but of course I didn't want them to miss it! And they had a ball.

What fun and festive activities are you doing with your kids this month?

XO

Ali

Hi everyone
 
Congratulations to John Rhode for winning season 12 of The Biggest Loser! What a life-changing accomplishment. His remarkable transformation is so inspirational and I couldn’t be more proud of him and all of his hard work.

Every single one of the contestants on this journey did such a fantastic job and I loved spending time with them. The end of season 12 is bittersweet for me. To read more of my thoughts about the finale check out my blog on people.com.
 
What was your favorite part of last night's finale?
 
XO
 
Ali

P.S. For those of you who were wondering that amazing dress I wore last night was by Gucci!

Hi everyone

I'm excited to announce that The Mommy Diet is now available in paperback...just in time for the holidays!

On her witty blog Break For Moms Jennifer gave her followers a heads-up about the paperback yesterday and also interviewed me about several holiday topics including my family's traditions. And she got me to dish about my most embarrassing mom moment! 

What was your most embarrassing moment as a mom? Please tell us about it in the comment section below!

XO

Ali 

Hi everyone

A lot went down on Days last week and Sami had some seriously emotionally charged scenes from her confrontation with Madison to an unwelcome visit from Marlena. In case you missed any of the action check out the weekly blog on soaps.com for a full recap.

Do you think Sami will earn Madison's respect? Or will Kate's scheme actually work? 

XO

Ali

PS: Don't forget to tune in to the Biggest Loser finale tomorrow night. There will be a live performance by...wait for it...Train! I cannot wait!!!

Hi everyone

Guess who's here! It's Bryan Dattilo!

What do you think Lucas and Sami might be up to? 

XO

Ali

Hi everyone

This was a very exciting week on Biggest Loser. The final four took on a major challenge: the Biggest Loser Marathon! I took this tout video at the starting line right before all the excitement and agony! began. To read more about the BL Marathon and get the inside scoop on a fun surprise we have in store for next week's BL check out my blog on people.com.

The amazing BL contestants have inspired me to train for the L.A. Marathon which I'll be running in March.

Are you up for running a marathon? Or have you already run one? Any training tips?

XO

Ali

We’ve all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day but the benefits reach far beyond health. And we’re not just talking about the great prizes you have a chance to win. Imagine if you used that small block of time in the morning to fuel up AND connect with your family. We’re always in a rush to do something whether it’s morning noon or night but sitting down for a family breakfast can start everyone’s day off on the right foot…then the left foot and the right foot…then jazz hands!   

Kellogg’s has teamed up with Disney to put a melodic spin on the classic and critical  meal that is breakfast. Breakfast: The Musical is an imaginative campy look at how much fun breakfast can be with the family; proving it doesn’t take much to make the first meal of the day the best meal of the day. Take a look at the video below to get a taste of breakfast when you add a groovy beat:

You don’t have to perform a musical number to set things right at home. Just a simple morning conversation over a healthy bowl of cereal can do wonders. Take the time to find out what's going on in everyone’s life and prepare for the busy day ahead. It can turn frowns into smiles and who knows maybe you’ll even want to break out into song.

Want to win some cash and prizes that the entire family can enjoy? Enter the CeReality Sweepstakes. Everything from digital tablets to gift cards is up for grabs. Head on over here to find out the official rules and how to enter.

While you’re there be sure to check out all of the Breakfast: The Musical episodes. They cover rap country and everything in between. 

Enjoy the show and enjoy the most important meal of the day together as a family. We know you’ll be cheering for an encore.

Today’s post is proudly sponsored by

Hi everyone

If you've been keeping up with Days you know Sami has been doing some cheating on Rafe. And she's not the only one juggling men! Jennifer has been torn between two guys as well… Click here to read an interview with Melissa Reeves about what she thinks about Jennifer's two-timing ways.

Do you think Jennifer should pick Jack or Daniel? 

XO

Ali

Hi everyone

Poor Ari…her throat hurts and she had a coughing attack in the middle of a scene! I have to admit it was kinda funny. And now she's not even allowed to talk! She's on voice rest and I thought I would embarrass her all in good fun of course. Feel better Ari! 

Do you have any tricks to help avoid this season's coughs and colds?

XO

Ali

Hi everyone

It's officially Christmastime at my house! I love having all my decorations up and so do my kids!. How are you decorating your tree this year? Do you have a theme or do you use a mix of all your favorite ornaments? What color lights?

Please post pictures of your tree here!

XO

Ali 

Hi everyone

Sami's up to no good again! Anyone surprised? In case you missed any of the recent action in Salem this week check out this juicy recap.

What do you think about Sami's latest secret?

XO

Ali

Hi everyone

It’s barely been a week since Thanksgiving and the holidays have already taken over. Between the newspaper ads TV commercials email newsletters and billboards it’s hard to NOT become stressed thinking about the big event.

Sometimes when the stress increases so does the snacking. One cookie at the mall and a few chips at home can really add up to sabotage all of your hard work! It is possible to control the cravings it just takes a little effort and self-observation.

Here are a couple tips courtesy of Walk with Walgreens to help fight the de-stress snacking!

• Become aware of your triggers. Do you snack when you balance the checkbook? When you’re shopping for gifts? When you know when and why you snack it’s easier to arm yourself with healthier options or combat the pattern altogether.

• Don’t completely deprive yourself. This may cause even more stress which can lead to binging at a later time. Eat a smaller portion of what you’re craving and remember – it’s not an excuse to give up for the day!

• Drink a glass of water. Yes I know you’ve heard this before we think it’s really important! but it really works. Filling your stomach with zero-calorie H2O will help you curb your craving.

Do you snack when you’re stressed? If not what’s your favorite way to de-stress?

Learn even more tips and tricks to staying on track this holiday season over at Walk with Walgreens.

XO

Ali

Hi everyone

I'm on Ellen today! So much fun. To find out what time it's on in your area click here.

I'll be sharing a few funny stories and giving a sneak peek at my family's holiday card. And I'll be demonstrating my favorite couch workouts yes really and sharing tips on how to stay healthy during the holiday season.   

Do you have any tricks for resisting the unhealthy temptations that always come up around the holidays?

XO

Ali

Hi everyone

It’s the holiday season which means it’s a great time for window-shopping. Sometimes I like to park at the far end of the lot and increase the distance of my walk into the mall. Then even when I’m not looking to spend money I can get in a great walk just from window-shopping and getting ideas for great gifts.

Walking is easy and you can do it anywhere! Not to mention the health benefits are extraordinary. Walking is proven to help lower cholesterol manage your weight and even boost your mood.

On Walk with Walgreens you’ll find a community of walkers ready to support you in your effort to improve your health and get active. On the site you can track your goals log your steps and get a ton of tips and tricks to get yourself in tip-top shape – despite the pumpkin pie and egg nog!

If you’d like even more tips or to log your walks head on over to Walk with Walgreens.

How do you stay active during the busy holiday season?

XO

Ali

Hi everyone

Come on over to Hollywood Moms Night at my house! Ali Landry and I host this fun moms-only get-together and it's on TV Guide Network Sunday night from 8 to 9 pm. This is the perfect way to relax and listen in on some good Hollywood gossip at the end of your holiday weekend. Cheers!

XO

Ali

Hi everyone

I love all holidays as you probably know if you're a regular visitor to AlisonSweeney.com! but I especially love Thanksgiving because it's simply about spending time with family and friends and being grateful for our blessings. This year as always I am so thankful for my wonderful amazing family. And after an insanely busy fall I'm really looking forward to relaxing with them and enjoying a long holiday weekend. I am also very thankful for the fans of Days and Biggest Loser and for the AlisonSweeney.com community! Thank you for your support interest and insightful comments.

Please take a moment to post a comment below and tell us all three things that you're thankful for this year!

XO

Ali

Hey Everyone

I have a really fun announcement especially if your kids are talented budding writers. Pets Add Life is always doing so much to help out adorable pets in need of adoption and they’d like to get children expressing how amazing it is to own a pet.

That’s why the 4th Annual Pets Add Life Children’s Poetry Contest is now accepting entries. Your child can enter individually or even get his or her entire classroom to participate!

It’s so simple to enter too. He or she just needs to write a poem about pets on any angle they’d like to take for example what they love about them the joys they bring or what they dressed up as for Halloween. They then must post it on the Pets Add Life Poetry Contest site.

Six poets one per grades 3-8th nationwide will win:

- A “by-line” in the nationally circulated Everydog Magazine

- A 250 gift card for pet products AND

- A 1000 scholarship for their classroom for pet-related education like a field trip to the zoo or a pet for the classroom!

How fantastic are those prizes? Both your kids and your pets win!

Deadline for submissions is January 31 2012 at 5:00pm EST so if your little ones are interested they should get started on a first draft soon!

You can check out all of the details on how to enter and the complete contest rules on the official site.

If you’re a teacher feel free to send your classroom’s poems in one package with one submission form included so that they may contact you if one of your students’ poems wins.

And don’t forget to Like the Pets Add Life Facebook page and follow them on Twitter. They’re always updating with great information about pet adoption and fun activities.

Happy writing!

XO

Ali

Today’s post is proudly sponsored by

I took this tout video with Sam at the BL ranch about two weeks before he suffered a terrible accident. He was extremely injured and he had to fight for his life. Tune in tonight for an update on how he's doing.

During this time of giving thanks we thank you our amazing fans for watching the show sharing your stories with us and keeping us motivated. You all are so special to us. So the Biggest Loser Thanksgiving special is for you—we hope you'll enjoy the stroll down memory lane laugh cry and be inspired. You'll also get some good tips from us on how to host a healthier Thanksgiving meal!

I am so grateful blessed and lucky to be able to share this journey with all of you. Thank you.

Love

Ali

Hi everyone

I have a lot of TV appearances happening this week. No wonder this fall has been so crazy. Whew! Here's where to catch the action:

Tonight: As usual I'll be on NBC’s The Biggest Loser 8-10 pm ET/PT. In this episode I'll be introducing a Thanksgiving-themed challenge to the contestants who'll learn the calorie counts of some traditional Thanksgiving treats as well as some healthier alternatives. This is a helpful one if you're getting ready for a big meal on Thursday! And tonight I'll also be on Access Hollywood check local listings.

Wednesday November 23: I'm hosting NBC’s The Biggest Loser Where Are They Now Special 9-11 pm ET/PT which features a celebration of successful Biggest Loser transformations bloopers you've never seen before and a surprise announcement from a former fan-favorite contestant. Check back here tomorrow for more about this special event!

Sunday November 27: On TV Guide Network's Hollywood Moms Night 8-9 pm ET/PT Ali Landry and I host a girls-only dinner party—at my house—where we share stories of motherhood and plenty of gossip with guests including Denise Richards Niecy Nash and La La Anthony. I was also the executive producer of this one!

All week: Of course I'll also be on NBC’s Days of our Lives check local listings. This is a great week to watch. I know you think you've seen everything Sami can do but she's going to shock even longtime fans this week…

I hope you'll tune in and let me know what you think!

XO

Ali

Often times it’s difficult to come up with exciting new activities to do with the family over a long holiday like Thanksgiving weekend. You can only play so many board games before the kids revolt. If you’re feeling a little stumped on how to turn up the family fun and keep the pre-teens entertained take a visit to The Possibility Shop brought to you by the creative minds at Disney and Jim Henson.

The Possibility Shop is a charming video series designed to inspire kids’ imaginations and provide creative inspiration for the whole family. Anything’s possible in The Possibility Shop so you’re sure to find something everyone will love doing together when the usual just gets boring. 

Check out the video below of just one of the fun ideas created at The Possibility Shop. When it’s too cold outside to pitch a tent bring the great outdoors indoors with a Slumber Party Camp-In! 

As you can see from the video there are all kinds of creative ways to enjoy family time. Indoor camping and shadow puppet theater is just the beginning!

Want even more Disney family fun ideas for home? The Possibility Shop is stocked full of fantastic ones. Head on over to check out other great episodes or browse the detailed activity guides. They even have a fun Thanksgiving craft activity creating table talkers that all of your guests will be talking about. 

The Possibility Shop is always open so stop by anytime. You can take the kids along or bring back some ideas to keep them happy during their time off from school. After you see their restlessness fade away you’re sure to be a frequent visitor.

What fun activities do you think you’ll try this Thanksgiving weekend? 

Today’s post is proudly sponsored by

Hi everyone

 
We like to have fun on the set of Days when we have a second between takes which is rare. Last week we decided to celebrate our 46th anniversary by having champagne – in the middle of the day. That's definitely not something I do very often!
 
What's your favorite way to have a spontaneous little celebration? Happy Friday!
 
XO
 
Ali

Hi everyone

I wear my hair in a lot of different styles for The Biggest Loser and Days but I rarely make any major permanent changes. This week though I suddenly had the urge for bangs so I cut my hair. I'm getting used to them and I think I like them. What do you think? Have you ever made a drastic change to your hair that you ended up loving? Or...oops...not liking so much?

Tell us about it and please post before and after pictures!

XO

Ali

Hi everyone

Last week we were talking in the make-up room about restaurants putting bread on the table before the meal arrives. Seriously who's idea was that? People don't do that at home! Right? What is the point of filling up on empty calories while you're waiting for the food you actually ordered to arrive? My husband calls it "filler." I wrote about this in The Mommy Diet too. I think everyone should follow a simple rule when eating out: Skip the bread! Ask your server not to bring it to the table so you don't start nibbling mindlessly. This is an easy fix and it could save you literally hundreds of calories.

Are you tempted by the bread basket? Do you have any easy rules for maintaining healthy eating in restaurants?

XO

Ali

Hi everyone

As some of you know I had to miss the annual Day of Days event this year. It was my first time missing it and I really wish I could have been there but I had to be in New York. To get the inside scoop on the festivities check out the coverage on soaps.com.

Hope to see you there next year!

XO

Ali

At some point in early December the holiday season has a sneaky way of morphing from dreamy and cozy to stressful and over-budget—like when you’re racking your brain for gift ideas wondering whatever happened to sleigh bells and crackling fires.

Take a deep breath. It’s going to be alright. The holidays can be magical and nearly stress-free because starting now you can enter for a chance to win 1000 to spend at Target or Target.com this year on holiday shopping.

And another 1000 next year.

Yup you heard us right: Thanks to DailyWorth FIVE WINNERS get 1000 this year and 1000 next year to spend any time at Target or online at Target.com.

Whatever you want you can get – that’s two whole holiday shopping seasons on us. If it makes your holiday merrier your new year shinier or just lifts the stress of holiday shopping it’s yours.

Here’s how to enter: Visit our website and enter between now and 12/7/2011. Sign up to get one entry—then spread the word via email Twitter or Facebook.

And the best part is every time a friend you refer enters too you get an extra entry. So enter and share away!

About DailyWorth

DailyWorth is a daily money email for women. It delivers insightful tips empowering ideas and financial news that are relevant to your life—everything you need to be financially fluent.

Today's post is proudly sponsored by

Hi everyone

Many people asked me about the red dress I wore on last night's episode. Glad you liked it...I did too! It was by Trina Turk.

For more thoughts on the show check out my Biggest Loser blog at people.com!

XO

Ali

Hi everyone

Happy 46th Anniversary to Day of our Lives! We are all so happy to work together on this amazing long-running show. Yikes...I can't believe I've been playing Sami since 1993.

What is your favorite Days storyline ever? 

XO

Ali

Hi everyone

This question came to me from rcmslp: Ali_Sweeney Have come to find out that 1200 calories is not a lot.  Any tips for low calorie foods that are filling?

Great question! I think yogurt is filling and satisfying and nonfat yogurt is fairly low in calories. I am also a muncher. I like having sliced bell peppers red and yellow are my favorites carrots and cucumbers and dipping them in a little hummus. Also I know it sounds preachy but foods that are rich in vitamins and nutrients are actually more filling and satisfying than other foods. So if you're snacking on empty unsatisfying "low-cal" snacks because you are "dieting" you will remain hungry!

What are your favorite filling foods that are rich in nutrients and low in calories?

XO 

Ali

Hi everyone

Over the past few weeks I’ve been sharing with you some dog and cat videos that never fail to make me laugh. People in animal costumes just tickle my funny bone I guess.

I’ve also told you about Pets Add Life an organization that wants to find good homes for great deserving animals. Especially homes with pets that could use a brother or sister to keep them company.

Well PAL has officially declared November 19th National Get a Pal For Your Pet Day! You can even RSVP by heading over to their Facebook event page. PAL recognizes the benefits of owning multiple pets and encourages pet parents to consider adopting additional furry winged and finned family members.

As an owner of a rescue dog named Winky who loves his brother Jorge very much I really can speak to the benefits of having another furry friend around. If you’d like to consider getting a second third or tenth pet you should definitely check out PetsAddLife.org to learn about all the great things they’re doing.

You can also see some more funny videos on their Facebook page and follow them on Twitter for the latest information and even fun pet contests!

Be sure to RSVP for National Get a Pal For Your Pet Day and tell PAL which pets in your family would love a new friend.

There’s the perfect pet out there looking for a mom just like you.

XO

Ali

Today’s post is proudly sponsored by

Hi everyone

I just wanted to say I'm so glad that Christie Clark Carrie and Patrick Muldoon Austin are back and we are all working together again on DOOL. Check out their Halloween stories here. Hope you all had a great Halloween too!

XO

Ali

Hi everyone

The "Day of Days" event is this Saturday November 5. It's one of my favorite events of the year and I was planning to be there as I always am but I just found out that I can't be. NBC needs me to be in NYC that day. This also means I will miss the spin class on November 6. I am so sad about this and so very very sorry. Apparently I need an evil twin!

Check back here for news about a special treat for those who were planning to attend the spin class with me on Sunday.

XO

Ali

Hi everyone

For those of you who liked the yellow and gray sweater I wore during the challenge on Tuesday night's episode of Biggest Loser here's the scoop!

Do you have a favorite fall sweater?

XO

Ali

Hi everyone

As I was cleaning up my Halloween decorations to make room for Thanksgiving! I'm glad I was paying attention because I found a REAL black widow spider hanging from one of my outdoor spooky signs. It definitely creeped me out! 

But in my family we turn everything into a science project. So Dave VERY CAREFULLY removed the spider and we temporarily put it in a glass jar so we could take a good look at it. The video of that cracks me up because it shows Megan's true personality! She is totally grossed out by the spider who can blame her? and yet she can't help but come back for another peek. She calls all spiders pretend and real "yucky spiders" and loves nothing more than to shriek and squeal and then want to do it "again!" Hmmm...where does she get that flair for the dramatic?!

XO

Ali

Hi everyone

I hope you all had fun Halloween celebrations last night. Ben and Megan had a fantastic time yesterday starting with Ben's costume parade at school. He was thrilled with his Angry Bird Blackbird costume. That took some searching to find. Many thanks to all of you who tweeted with advice about where to look!

Then Dave and I took the kids to visit a neighborhood party. I got Megan an adorable Alice in Wonderland costume and as a result I found myself chasing her around the party trying to keep her from spilling on her darling dress. As frustrating as that was for me I'm sure I'll forget the feeling by next year and get her another sweet princess dress. For as long as I get to have a say in what she wears I'm going to go for it!

Next we hit the town for trick-or-treating. We actually only went to eight or nine houses.  We let Ben and Megan have a few pieces of candy while we were running around and when we got home we talked with Ben about the "Switch Witch" who brings a toy in exchange for the candy he collected while trick-or-treating and how she'd probably get him a better toy if he left her more candy. It totally worked. He wrote her a nice note asking to trade in his candy for an Angry Bird plush toy. We're happy to deliver on a toy to get that candy out of our house. Everybody wins!

Did any of you try the Switch Witch this year?  What do you do with the leftover candy? Dare I ask?!?

XO

Ali

Hi everyone
 
Last weekend I took Ben and Megan to the annual Halloween carnival at Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times. We had so much fun!

Megan and Ben want to wish everyone a Happy Halloween! 

XO

Ali

Hi everyone

So many people tweeted great ideas for non-candy Halloween treats. Here are my favorites.

From GitZeit: Ali_Sweeney raisins! Nature's candy! Halloween

Yup this is a classic choice!

From TinkerTeri: Ali_Sweeney We have diabetic children in our neighborhood so am I so we buy small bags of popcorn 4 them & temp tattoos instead of candy.

Ben is a huge fan of temporary tattoos so in our house this would definitely be a winner!

From ImperialScum: Ali_Sweeney I bought little things of play dough instead of candy for Halloween. My hubby predicts they will egg our house.  :

It's true—there is a bit of a popularity contest going on at Halloween. Don't we all want to be the cool house that trick-or-treaters love? But so many people give candy! I think this is a clever idea and it doesn't disappear in two bites! Kids will be enjoying this "treat" for days!

From GalenShawnGirl: Ali_Sweeney we are giving out mini microwave popcorn bags for Halloween.

This is one of my favorite treats. What a clever giveaway!

From smileyri: Ali_Sweeney There was one person that gave out Halloween pencils & erasers every year. Kids go through lots of them in school. lol

I'm totally into back-to-school supplies for Halloween. This also seems fun because the recipient gets tons of use out of it. Way more satisfying than a 30 second sugar rush!

What are you giving out for Halloween this year?

XO

Ali

Hi everyone
 
I thought I'd share my little secret for relieving stress in the middle of a long work day. All you need is a pair of running shoes and workout clothes. No gym required! And it's good to remember that even on days when you don't have 90 minutes for a yoga class or you won't make it to your favorite spin class on time you can squeeze in some fitness.
 
What's your favorite quick workout to do when you want to burn tension and get moving...but you don't have much time?

XO
 
Ali

Hi everyone
 
The other night I went to a Los Angeles Kings hockey game. Intense! I knew there wouldn't be great healthy food options there so I met friends beforehand for sushi.

What strategies do you use to avoid getting hungry in places where you know there won't be healthy food choices? 
 
XO
 
Ali

In the above video from Pets Add Life you have a couple of experienced cats giving their friend some advice. I love how happy their help makes him. Without them around he’d be totally lost! Cats just like dogs or any other animal are a lot happier when they have a friend around. Black cats especially. Since many people think of them as bad luck they are only half as likely to get adopted as cats of other colors.

That’s why Pets Add Life will donate 1000 to Black Cat Rescue of Boston if they can get 6000 followers on Twitter before Halloween. It’ll be on behalf of Romeo the Cat a blog dedicated to raising money for animal shelters and it’ll make a huge difference in the lives of some very sweet kitties. 

If you live in the Greater Boston area you can head over to Black Cat Rescue to see some of the adorable cats they have up for adoption. If you already have a cat think about getting him or her a friend. We got Winky a rescue dog with only one eye so that Jorge could have someone to talk to while we were out of the house :

Be sure to follow Pets Add Life on Twitter so they can get to 6000 followers and make a 1000 donation to Black Cat Rescue. Your help is greatly appreciated!

XO

Ali

Today's post is proudly sponsored by

source: www.fitnessmagazine.com

Hi everyone

Check out my feature in the newest issue of FitnessMagazine! In it I show you a total-body workout you can do in your living room or in a hotel room in less than half an hour. Seriously there's no excuse to skip your workout when it's this convenient!

Do you have any exercises that you do while you're watching TV or when you have a few spare minutes at home? Please tell us about them…and post a photo of yourself in action!

XO
 
Ali

Hi everyone
 
Overseeing your kids' schedules on top of your own! requires serious organizational skills. Here are some of the tricks we use at my house to make school days go smoothly.

• Ben has his own alarm clock. He's very proud of the fact that he switches it on himself and knows why he has it. I had a friend over the other day and he showed it to her and announced "When this goes off in the morning I have to get up and go!"

• Ben and Megan know exactly what the order of events is in the morning before they head out the door. They always start by getting dressed then eat breakfast and then brush their teeth.

• When Ben gets home from school he empties out his lunch box. It's a very eco-friendly lunch box—all the packaging for drinks snacks and sandwiches is reusable. Everything gets washed right away and then his lunch for the next day is packed so it's ready to go and there's no last-minute rush in the morning to put a healthy lunch together.

• After school Ben can have a snack and relax for about 30 minutes but then he knows it's homework time. When he finishes he puts all his papers back into his folder and that goes into his backpack for the next day. We make sure this all gets done before dinner so we can have family time in the evening. And again there's no last-minute scramble to find anything in the morning!

• I keep three calendars and one is just for the kids. I use it to track all of their important school dates daily and weekly activities treat days and play dates so we don't miss anything.

• When an early call time keeps me from taking Ben to school or if I have a late night at work and miss bedtime Ben and I leave each other notes. A note from Ben makes my day! It's the cutest. And I know that he gets really excited to discover a note from me waiting for him—and this way I'm part of his routine even when I can't be there. 

How do you manage your kids' routines? If you have any great tips for staying organized and getting out the door on time please share them!
 
XO

Ali

For those of you who asked I wanted to share with you what I wore on Tuesday’s Biggest Loser!

At the beginning of the episode I was wearing a bright yellow T-shirt by Son of John with some Joe’s Jeans. While introducing the challenge I was wearing a brown jacket by Tory Burch.

Finally during the weigh in I wore this pretty lavender top by Equipment. Isn’t the color great? We paired it with a Diane von Furstenberg skirt and a brown belt. I’ve been loving belts lately thanks to Liza!

Which one of these looks would you be most likely to wear?

XO

Ali

Hi everyone
 
Last night Bob put on a cowboy hat and rode a mechanical bull! That moment might just be my favorite Bob Harper moment in Biggest Loser history. To read more about what I thought about last night's episode go to my people.com blog. 

Next week is our Halloween episode and Bob Dolvett Anna and I will all be in costume!

Can you guess what we are going to be for Halloween? 

XO
 
Ali

PS – Whoever guesses our costumes correctly will get a prize! And I might just throw out a couple of hints over the next week…

Hi everyone

Don't forget to tune in to BL tonight! Bob says this was his favorite week on the show ever and by the end I think you'll understand why. You'll also see all the reasons why I adore him and feel so lucky to work with him.

What do you love about Bob?

XO

Ali

Hi everyone

I just wanted to remind everyone about the wonderful cause Yoplait is supporting at Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch. For every pumpkin purchased Yoplait will donate 1 to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank up to 10000! So if you live in the area and need some more pumpkins please drop by and pick some up. It’s a great family outing too – the kids will love it!
 
What Halloween traditions do you have with your family?
 
XO
 
Ali

Hi everyone

Days fans will be swarming Universal City Walk on November 5 for the annual "Day of Days" event. It's going to be a blast. But what happens after a fan-filled day? Want to join me on November 6 for a spin class?

Check out the video and Tout me back to win a spot in class! Hope to see you soon.

XO

Ali

He everyone

For the weigh-in on Tuesday night's episode of Biggest Loser I wore a navy blue Alice and Olivia dress paired with a sparkly gold belt. As Liza says adding a belt can really bring a solid dress up a notch. I loved the hint of gold sparkle against the dark blue! 

Do you have any sparkly accessories for fall?

XO

Ali

We all need a good laugh every now and then. It's healthy and it just brightens your day. Like many of you sometimes I head to YouTube to find a funny video. What I found was not only hilarious but heartfelt. I had to share it with you.

In the video above you have two dogs clearly best friends talking about everyday things…just like we do with our own friends. I love the message that we all need friends even our pets and was quickly thinking about all of the amazing adoptable animals sitting in shelters waiting for a good home. My two dogs Winky and Jorge are the best of friends. I can only imagine the types of conversations they have while we're out of the house. :

If you liked that video check out even more hilarious animal videos on PAL’s YouTube channel. There is a video featuring three cats who are buddies and another with two lizards. Adorable! All of them!

You can also learn more about PAL and the great benefits of multiple pet ownership by checking out their Facebook page or following them on Twitter.

XO

Ali

Today’s post is proudly sponsored by

Hi everyone

This weekend I took Ben and Megan to Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch to choose pumpkins. Ben got his face painted like a skeleton and Megan opted to have a butterfly painted on her arm. The more Halloween activities we do together the more Megan is warming to the idea of Halloween. She was all smiles at the pumpkin patch even when she saw her brother's scary face paint! 

Another exciting part of our pumpkin patch outing was that it supported a wonderful cause! For every pumpkin purchased at Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch Yoplait will donate 1 to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank up to 10000! This fundraiser continues until Halloween so if you live in the area and need some pumpkins make sure to stop by Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch! I love it when I can combine a fun family adventure with a way to give back to the community and help other families.  

What Halloween adventures do you have planned for your family?

XO

Ali

PS: Don't forget to tune in to Biggest Loser tonight! You'll see a side of Bob you've never seen before...  

National Family Pajama Night™ is a little more than a month away. Are you ready to bring the excitement?

These days it seems like families are being pulled in a thousand different directions making it easy to lose track of the importance of spending quality time together. That’s why The Company Store a home and lifestyle brand now celebrating their 100th anniversary is kicking off National Family Pajama Night.

Set for Saturday November 19th 2011 National Family Pajama Night is aimed at helping families like yours have a fun-filled evening at home doing unique activities that create special memories for children. There are endless ways to enjoy the time as a family and forget about the rest. For instance you could:

• Put together a family time capsule with some of your favorite memories.
• Pull out the glue and construction paper for some arts and crafts time.
• Turn old socks into hilarious puppets and put on a show.    

And those are just a few ideas!

For more details visit The Company Store’s PJ Night and share your own unique ideas for the big night. You can pledge your participation read about fun “memory maker” ideas and post your own unique ideas for the big night.

And once The Company Store reaches their goal of 20000 pledges they will make a donation of 20000 worth of PJs from their new collection to Pajama Program a not-for-profit organization that provides new pajamas and books to children in need in the United States.

You can even grab a new pair of pajamas for the event and get a 20 gift card with the purchase of 100 or more. Just use promo code PAJAMA at the store here.  

Head on over to The Company Store’s PJ Night now to start planning your big night in on November 19th!  Also get even more updates and fun ideas by following them on Facebook and Twitter.

Today’s post is proudly sponsored by

Hi everyone

Thanks for your tips for helping Megan to get over her Halloween and spider fears. She helped put together this necklace and it's really working! She laughs and counts the mini spiders on it! Brilliant!

What are your kids afraid of and how have you helped them?

XO

Ali

Hi everyone
 
I started putting up my Halloween decorations this week and Megan had a fit! Now I love Halloween and I love decorating my house for it—for any holiday really. So I was definitely surprised by Megan's reaction. She's seen the stuff before and she kinda liked it last year. In fact last Halloween she coined a family phrase—"yucky spiders" said in a joking-cute-girly-grossed out way. It was funny.
 
Not this year. Wow. She started shrieking like someone was really hurting her when she saw the spiders decoration. I immediately promised to take the offending spider away and I just figured we wouldn't use that one this year or that I might be able to warm her up to it over the next couple weeks. But then she freaked every time she saw something else new! By the way my stuff is not meant to be gross or scary... just silly and fun. What should I do? She's going to see Halloween decorations at the mall and school and other places. So we're taking it one day at a time here and trying to get her comfortable with a few additions.

Any advice for acclimating kids who don't like change? Please share!
 
XO

Ali

On the other side of the color spectrum the blue shirt by Burberry I wore during the workouts is so sweet and sporty! It's a feminine take on a classic polo and the details give it a little something special. I love the iconic Burberry pattern along the neckline and the subtle pleating of the sleeves. This is a perfect everyday shirt. For a similar look for less try this. 

To read more of my thoughts on last night's Biggest Loser check out my blog at people.com.

What do you wear when you want to feel confident? 

XO

Ali

Hi everyone

This is NFL week on The Biggest Loser. That's always one of my favorite episodes of the season. What's not to love? Tim Teebow Tony Gonzalez Shawne Merriman Eric Dickerson and Drew Brees are all on the show some working out with the contestants...and others competing against them. Yikes! Check it out and let me know what you think.

Which professional athletes motivate and inspire you?

XO

Ali

Hi everyone

My stylist Liza helped me with a great accessorizing option: adding a belt to a dress! 

If your dress needs a little something to spice it up try a belt. You'll transform the look in an instant. The right belt can give a dress  structure emphasize a waistline and add polish. And it's so easy! 

Do you have any accessorizing ideas to share? 

XO

Ali

Ali_Sweeney what advice would you have for a college freshman trying to avoid the freshman 15 and drop some pounds?? :

The first thing to remember is that it's easier not to gain 15 pounds than it is to gain it and then try to lose it. But if you do find that you've added some weight don't beat yourself up about it! Just try to nip it in the bud before it turns into the freshman 50!

You have to be aware of the many reasons why so many college freshmen gain weight. If you eat in a typical dining hall you're facing an all-you-can-eat buffet at every meal! That's tough. So be prepared. Focus on the salad bar not all the dressings though steamed veggies fruit yogurt skim milk and dishes that aren't covered in cheese or creamy sauces. And don't keep refilling your plate. Just because you can doesn't mean you should! Also carry a water bottle with you and take a big drink before you head in to eat.

But it's not just the dining hall. Consuming alcohol might be a factor…beer is definitely not calorie-free. And then there are the late-night binges on pizza and other junk foods. My advice on those 2 a.m. feeding frenzies is to skip them entirely. Because when you're tired your judgment isn't always great and who knows if you'll be able to limit yourself to just a slice or whatever. Hang out with your friends sure but make a simple rule about no eating after a certain time and stick to it!

What advice do you all have for avoiding the freshman 15?

XO

Ali

BL Executive Producer Todd Lubin and I accepted the award with heartfelt thanks to all of you who have made this show what it is.
 
Prevention is a fantastic magazine. They always have such important and useful information to share with readers and I love that they took the time to acknowledge the shows that are helping to raise awareness about healthy living.  I met the creator of The Big C and Valerie Bertinelli and I shared some laughs about how she hits the treadmill while watching BL on Tuesday nights.  She's not the only one…I hear that a lot! What do you do on Tuesday nights to be a little healthier??
 
Dolvett Quince also came to celebrate the accomplishment. We were talking about how amazing some of the contestants look. Wait till you see! I have really enjoyed getting to know Dolvett.  He's such a great addition to BL.

One of the things I mentioned when accepting the award for BL is that I think the show is about much more than just weight loss. We demonstrate every week that when people set their minds to something they can accomplish and overcome anything. It's truly miraculous.
 
I'm so proud to be part of such a positive show. Please join me in congratulating the Biggest Loser team on this well-deserved recognition.
 
XO

Ali

Hi everyone!

This question came to me from nikilanctot1206: Ali_Sweeney do u have any great kid/family friendly workouts you like to do w/ your kids to stay in shape?

It's such a good question. I love the idea of working out with kids for lots of reasons. It sets a fantastic example for them and gets them moving and if you think of ways to exercise with your kids you don't have to find a babysitter every time you want to work out. And you can't use your kids as an excuse not to exercise!

My favorite thing to do with my kids is hike. When they were babies I put them in a Baby Bjorn or a hiking backpack and now they hike along with me. That means we don't move as quickly as I would on my own there's a lot of exploring of flowers and rocks and bugs on the side of the trail so when they take breaks I do pushups or lunges or something else to keep my heart rate up.

I also like just getting outside and playing with them. In order to make it a workout I really get into it. I run I jump I play soccer and I work hard on my hula-hoop skills.

Of course I think it's very important for you to get out and exercise on your own on a regular basis too so you get a mental break and a more intense workout.  But incorporating family workouts into your routine is great for everyone!

What family workouts do you like? Please share your ideas in the comment section below!

XO

Ali

Hi everyone

Here's a pic of the cute headband I wore on the last night's episode with a shirt by James Perse. My stylist Liza calls it my "work horse" shirt because I have it in six different colors and it works for so many different occassions. It's an instant classic and it looks good on all kinds of body types.

The headband is from a collection by my friend Joleen. You can see more of them on her website.

I tease her because the idea for making one of her fab necklaces into a headband was actually mine! I had a few of her necklaces and one day I at Days I was searchng for a headband that went with a new Sami outfit. I mentioned that her necklace would be exactly what I needed if only it were a headband!

Joleen's wheels started turning and she figured out how to make it work. I was tested it for her and it was perfect. It doesn't pull your hair at all if you were wondering that. And presto! A new design was born.
 
Have you come up with any creative ways to use jewelry and accessories? Please tell us about them!
 
XO

Ali

Hi everyone

These little donuts make an appearance on tonight's episode of The Biggest Loser.  And whoa...take a look at the grease left behind in the bags they were shipped in. Gross! Would you eat these donuts if you saw these bags?

Are you looking forward to tonight's episode? Do you have any early favorites among the contestants?

XO

Ali

Hi everyone 
 
I don't know about you guys but my favorite part of last week's episode was riding up in that tank! 
 
Now that you've been introduced to our new trainers AnnaKournikova and dolvett you probably know that this season we're going to go hard as if we don't always go hard!.  Anna's tougher than she looks right?  And Dolvett…his guns are no joke! 
 
What was your favorite part of last week's episode? 
 
XO
 
Ali

Hi everyone
 
Prevention magazine is hosting the first-ever "Prevention Healthy TV Awards" tomorrow night. This is an event honoring television programming that delivers the best messages and showcases role models for healthier lifestyles. 
 
I am so excited that The Biggest Loser is a Prevention Healthy TV Winner.  A fit and healthy lifestyle is something I work hard at and urge everyone to strive for so to be celebrated for encouraging positive health choices is something that makes me proud of the whole BL team. 

Other shows being honored include The Dr. Oz Show The Big C and Parenthood.

What are your favorite health-conscious TV shows? 
 
XO
 
Ali

Hi everyone
 
My birthday week this year was awesome!!
 
Between Days the premiere of The Biggest Loser Season 12 and the first post of my new weekly blog on people.com it's been a total whirlwind - but in a good way!

A lot has happened since my last birthday it's so much fun to be able to go back and look!. My birthday wish is that this will be another fulfilling year - professionally and personally - and that i will be able to spend as much time as possible with my family. 

What was your birthday wish for this year? Has it come true yet?  
 
XO
 
Ali

Hi everyone
 
I’m loving nude fishnet stockings for fall. As the seasons change we still want to wear our favorite skirts even if there's a chill in the air. That’s when these stockings come in handy!   
 
From far away your legs simply look tan and sculpted. But close up you can see the net detailing. It's very sexy but super subtle:   

The brand I’m wearing is Wolford and the style is "Twenties Tights" in Honey. 

If you're shopping on a budget you can also try Target or H&M.
 
Do you have any suggestions for pieces that help transition a wardrobe from summer to fall?
 
XO
 
Ali

 
And during the challenge I wore this comfy T-shirt from Gap a pair of Joe’s Jeans and last but not least a Biggest Loser trucker hat. Easy hair day!
 

Would you guys rather get dressed up or keep it casual? 
 
 
XO
 
Ali

P.S. Find out more about last night's episode on my new weekly blog at people.com!

Hi everyone!
 
Get ready...Season 12 of The Biggest Loser premieres TONIGHT with two new trainers!

Tennis star Anna Kournikova and trainer Dolvett Quince join Bob Harper in the quest to help our contestants lose weight and gain confidence. I'm a huge tennis fan so I love that Anna will be part of the BL family and Dolvett is an incredible trainer. And of course everyone adores Bob. It's going to be an amazing season.

The contestants will have the chance to pick their trainer after completing their first challenge. Who would you choose?

XO

Ali

Hi everyone!

I had a great birthday yesterday. I spent the day working which is no surprise given that I've been working practically non-stop lately.

Last night I attended a viewing party kicking off Season 12 of The Biggest Loser with the cast and crew.  The entire crew sang "Happy Birthday" to me and there was an amazing cake loaded with fresh berries. I feel really lucky to work with people who take such good care of me check out the video of me blowing out my candles above!.

Speaking of BL check back a little later today for a post about the season premiere which is tonight!

XO

Ali