Reviews

#RunWithMe

April 29, 2014 by Michelle 10 Comments

It’s hard to believe, but I started running 4 years ago. L was E’s age and *shocker* she wasn’t sleeping through the night. I was tired and struggling to squeeze in exercise. I wanted to find a workout that required as little prep time as possible , including driving to and from the gym – and I knew I could run. I couldn’t necessarily run FAR, but I knew my body could handle at least 5-6 miles. Around that time, Paula mentioned to me that she was signing up to run Disney’s Inaugural Wine and Dine Half. There was food AND wine after a half? Sign me up! The rest is history… or at the very least documented on this blog.

Why am I reminding you of this? Tribesports asked me to spread the word about their awesome #RunWithMe campaign. They are trying to spread their LOVE and grow their brand.

I picked 5 pictures that I thought represented what running means to me – and they turned it into a gif.

RWM_red

So obviously to ME running means sweaty selfies, PR bell kissing, the Garmin, Jazz Hands, and the Running BFF.

They can also do the same for you. Check out their page - it has instructions on it explaining how anyone can have their own #RunWithMe story made up. While’ll you’re there — take a quick survey about the companies newest clothing products that are going to be hitting their website soon (2-in-1 shorts for men and sports bras for women).

And this just isn’t a post about creating gifs! Tribesports was also kind enough to send me a pair of their new 2-in-1 shorts and Performance Tech Tee to test out.

While I haven’t worn the 2-in-1 shorts yet, I really LOVED their Tee. It was crazy lightweight, breathed in the right places, and was the perfect length. I actually wish they had this tee in multiple colors (maybe some orange, pink, and purple? :)).

I felt compelled to pose like this. At least you can see that the shirt doesn’t ride even when you look stupid.

They would be PERFECT for my summer marathon training (I know I keep bringing it up, what seriously what as I thinking training in the middle of the summer in Florida??).

In five words, what does running mean to you? Even if you don’t run, I bet you can find five words to describe it.

**In full disclosure, Tribesports created the GIF and sent me their products, but the opinions and stupid poses are my very own.**

Zensah Compression Socks + Giveaway

August 1, 2013 by Michelle 25 Comments

Disclosure: Zensah provided me with a free pair of their Argyle Compression socks for this review. However, all opinions and observations are my own.

Woot! It’s my Friday!

It’s really been a hectic week for me and instead of getting better at this whole “getting out the door” business – I think I’m getting worse.

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Seriously woman. Get your act together.

But those complaints are for another post…. What was I saying?

A few weeks ago, Zensah contacted me about doing a review and giveaway for their Argyle socks

My high school self squeeeeed at this because back in the day – I LOVED argyle. Seriously, I had like 20 pairs of argyle socks. I still might have a small collection…

Unfortunately, the color combination that I originally wanted was out in my size (I have large feet, this is a common theme) so instead of the super cute pink socks…

I got the almost equally as cute blue and green socks.

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Resting and recovering from a 4 mile run. Yes, 4 miles requires recovering these days.

So my review…

Well, the socks fit. So that’s a good start. I have compression sleeves from Zensah that are too short, so we’re making progress. As for the compression part — well, they’re not my favorite. However, I was wearing them post run for recovery and I like a thicker more supportive sock to well… compress.

They might be better to run in, but truthfully when it’s 90 degrees outside with 110% humidity – I’m wearing as little as possible – so I haven’t tested them out in those conditions. They ARE more lightweight than Pro Compression (still my go-to socks), which is a plus if you want to run outside and only need light support.

Another difference between the socks I’ve tested is that the sock portion of the Zensah are really thick. This is a feature that I really LIKE, but I like running with thicker socks on, so I think it’s a personal preference.

So my verdict? The socks are really cute, but lower on the “compression” side of things. If you are looking for something fashionable and lightweight to run in – these might worth trying out. If you are looking for a sock to recover in – these might not be your cup of tea. Anyone else have this same experience?

The good news is that, Zensah has offered to give one of you lucky (US Citizen) readers a pair of socks as well. Just leave me a comment telling me what color argyle socks you want and follow Zensah either on Facebook or on Twitter (added extra bonus points that I assume increase your chances if you tweet about the giveaway or follow me on FB/Twitter).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

So go forth and enter… I’ll pick the winner on Monday!

Disclosure: Zensah provided me with a free pair of their Argyle Compression socks for this review. However, all opinions and observations are my own.

Addicted to TV {Apple TV Review}

June 17, 2013 by Michelle 12 Comments

Have you heard of Apple TV?

I’ve heard it mentioned in passing and envisioned a big TV with Mac capability that cost a fortune. Obviously, I had never researched it or thought it would be something that I would need or like.

I was wrong.

Staples contacted me a few weeks ago and wanted to know if I wanted to do a review of any of their accessories. Maybe for a little Father’s Day gift inspiration. When I saw they had Apple products, how could I say no? The item I picked? Yep, Apple TV.

So what is Apple TV?

Apple gives you all the best entertainment right on your widescreen TV. Choose from thousands of current and classic movies and TV shows on iTunes-many in amazing 1080p HD. Watch live sports in HD. Access content from Netflix, YouTube, Vimeo, and more. And with AirPlay, you can play video, show off photos, and enjoy music from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch on your TV.

In short: If you are a Mac/Apple lover like I am, it is AWESOME.

I say this as someone who also has a Wii and a Playstation 3 and has many of the same capabilities — but what makes this even better? Two things: The remote (which makes Apple TV SOOOO easy to use!) and Airplay.

Remotes are exciting!!

Airplay has already allowed up to have hours of dance parties — I just have to tap a button and music streams directly from my iPhone.

This is what a dance party looks like in my house.

Airplay actually has me considering dropping cable all together, since Apple TV allows you to mirror your iPhone, iPad, and Mac computer. Want to watch a college football game that’s not on TV, but is available through an app/online?? Yeah, you can stream it. Want to do a workout that posted onto YouTube? No worries, you just have to access the YouTube app on the Apple TV interface.

Another add bonus is that the Apple TV system is easy to set up, use, and navigate — and you only need to enter your password ONCE (unlike my experiences with other devices). Apple TV connects directly to wifi, so you don’t have to do anything but plus it in and follow the simple set up directions. I have also accessed both Netflix and HuluPlus (I MUST FINISH ALL 5 Seasons of Parks and Recreation!) and have had zero problems. In fact, the only problem I *might* have is getting off the couch!

My views.

So while this review might not have happened in time for Father’s Day, it is definitely worthwhile checking this product out if you are on the fence about canceling cable (the cost of an Apple TV? $99!).

Speaking of Father’s Day… I hope all of the dads out there had a great day. I got to spend the day with two of the best dads I know!

Now excuse me as I go snuggle up with Evan and watch a few hours of TV. If you need me, you know where to find me.

Full disclosure: Staples.com provided me with this product for review. The thoughts and opinions expressed are strictly my own. Feel free to shop their entire line of Mac Accessories online.

Bestowed Box – Review and Giveaway!

June 6, 2013 by Michelle

A few weeks ago (or maybe longer… oops), I was given the opportunity to review a Bestowed Box!

What is a Bestowed Box you ask?? From their site...

Bestowed is the creation of nationally recognized nutritionist and author Heather Bauer and is the answer to all those that have ever stood in the health food section of their local grocery store and said to themselves…”which one of these is really the best??”

Each month, Heather and her team of health and diet experts carefully curate 5 product samples that have caught their attention. Items like nutrition bars, snacks, breakfast cereals, and supplements are just a few of the categories considered.

Bestowed members receive these samples in a box delivered right to their door each month.

We like to think of ourselves as match makers. Introducing the right people to brands that they will absolutely love!

I received April’s box and I have to say, I was pretty impressed. The “samples” were all full-sized and were a good mix of healthy snacks AND treats. I especially enjoyed the Kind Granola – which I ended up snacking on the first week home from the hospital.

I’m pretty sure Evan enjoyed it too… it definitely helped contribute to those chubby cheeks!

Sweet boy ❤❤❤

The boxes are $19 a month or $209 a year (which includes shipping costs) and include some top of the line brands including:

Amy’s Kitchen
Chobani
Nuun
Kind
Nature’s Path
Justin’s
Good Food Made Simple
And MANY others

If you are a big snacker and enjoy trying out healthy treats – this box is for you. I’ve tried other boxes and the products have not been as high quality or have just been tiny samples so I do think it’s worth the $$.

Truthfully, I am not a snacker (I know, I’m weird) so this box isn’t something I would normally be interested in, BUT it would be the PERFECT gift for an expecting or new-mom. I am so freaking hungry from nursing (and occasionally being too busy to remember to eat) having something like this really opened up my options!! (I ate a fig bar on the way to a Dr. appt for the breakfast I forgot to eat and snacked on some dark chocolate with my glass of wine!).

Not only did Bestowed give me a box to try, they also offered to send one to my readers. Who doesn’t like to win free food? Just comment below and tell me what your favorite snack is and you’ll be entered. I’ll announce the giveaway winner next Tuesday!

And if you don’t win? Bestowed is also offering my readers $5 off their monthly or annual subscriptions when they use the code 5OFFBSTOWED01. So go check it out!!

Disclosure: I WAS sent a Bestowed Box for free, but all opinions are my own

In Survival Mode Yawn

May 30, 2013 by Michelle 19 Comments

I’m still in survival mode here. Every day is different — as is every night. One thing is for sure though, this guy likes to eat…

A lot.

He weighed in at 10lbs 9oz at Tuesdays 2-week checkup. Really they just want babies to be back to their birthweight at this point, so he’s an overachiever.

Look at those cheeks!

I’m not going to lie, this part is hard. The nights especially since E is waking up every 2 hours (sometimes more) to eat. While he eats for 15-30 minutes and then immediately goes back to sleep (after a quick diaper change) , it’s the actual waking part that’s hard. *Yawn*

However, I can’t complain. He’s an incredibly sweet boy – and while he’s fussy here and there, he can always be soothed with a boob, paci, or some sweet snuggling.

There are some things getting me (and Evan) through these first few weeks…

Coffee

Some days I drink fully caffeinated, some days I drink half caff. Today is a half caff day. Yesterday, was not.

Motherlove Nipple Cream

Yes, nipple cream. When you have a baby latched on your nipple 20 times a day this is important stuff. I am allergic to lanolin (wool) and everything else has lanolin in it.

And now you guys are thinking about my nipples. You’re welcome.

Thanks lady.

Cabbage

Yes, really, cabbage. I’m actually done with the cabbage now (THANK GOD), but this was a lifesaver after my milk came in and the first week following. WHY? I get extremely engorged and cabbage has an enzyme in it that helps reduce the swelling and open blood vessels to decrease congestion.

Seriously dude. Don’t mock me. It works.

Rock n Play

I am borrowing this from a friend, but where has it been all my life??!! Evan naps in this during the day – and sleeps in it at night. We’ve tried the co-sleeper, but he was fussy – and the last thing you need is a fussy baby at 3am. My neighbor, Meg, mentioned that her son was sleeping in it (he’s 10 days older than E!) and I thought why am I not trying this?

Wubbanub

E now has 3: an elephant, a giraffe, and a turtle.

He loves them. Obviously.

Ultimate Swaddling Blankets

All 3 of my kids have loved these blankets. They are awesome for swaddling – but are also awesome blankets as they get older. Especially for travel! I’ve tried the Miracle Blanket, I’ve tried other Swaddling Blankets — and I always go back to this one. Bonus: it’s big enough so they can’t escape. See…

Medela Freestyle

I’ve already established that I hate pumping, but I have to admit this pump is pretty fancy.

I started pumping in the morning after the first feed to build my back to work/mommy’s freedom stash.

I previously used the Pump in Style Advanced, which did the job JUST FINE, but this time I bought my pump from a friend and this is one she had. At first I was confused (I still don’t know what all the attachments are for – I’m sure I could read the directions, but eh), but it’s so portable it’s amazing! I also like that it tells me how long I’ve been pumping. So for me, it’s definitely been worth the upgrade!

TV Routine

I’ve been out of work for less than 3 weeks, but I already have a TV “routine.” It goes like this: Good Morning America, Live with Kelly & Michael, Today Show, Supernatural — and in the afternoon Ellen, Friends, and Veronica Mars.

These TV people are my friends.

What’s your favorite daytime TV show to watch?

Friends and Family

I am really not cut out to be a stay at home mom – so emailing, texting, and hanging out with friends and family (even when I can’t necessarily form full sentences or have a full thought because I am so exhausted) really helps me get through the LONG and sometimes lonely days!

The Good Stuff

If I drank more than a glass I would pass out (from being exhausted), but it’s nice to relax with a glass of wine before bed these days.

My friend Tracy bought me this as an early birthday present….

I’m pretty sure I won’t be able to fill and finish this glass anytime soon (unless a few people are helping me), but it’s pretty amazing, right?

It just needs a name a la Cougar Town…

Ergo Baby Carrier

Normally, I’m a fan of the Moby Wrap – but this time around I tried out the Ergo right away (this purchase is thanks to many giftcards to Babies R Us!) and E is a huge fan. I’m able to pop him in there to cook dinner and go grocery shopping. E is big enough and has enough head control so I don’t need to use the infant insert.

Bumbleride Stroller

The boy loves being outside and being in this stroller. If he’s fussy (and not hungry/wet), popping him in for a short walk is a miracle!

Sleep Sheep

He LOOOOVES the heartbeat sound of the Sleep Sheep. It’s not obnoxious either and it turns off after 20 minutes. *Love*

Sooo…. I’m pretty sure I am there are 1000 things that have gotten me through these first two and a half weeks that I’m forgetting… but it all goes by in a blur, I thought I would document the stuff that I CAN remember. Are you a mom? What got you through the first few weeks (any tips? It’s been a while!!)?

Now back to chugging the coffee while I have two free hands…

Disclosure: All of the items mentioned here were either purchased by me, or were gifts from friends/family. None of the links are affiliate either – so go ahead and click them Also, if there are major typos in this post – just ignore them, please. This is one time I can blame it on major sleep deprivation going on here!