Sunday, November 30, 2014

Saucony Triumph ISO Review #whoaface

Disclaimer:  The Captain received a pair of Saucony Triumph ISO running shoes through a campaign with FitFluential LLC.

A few days after we arrived back from our Las Vegas getaway, The Captain opened the door to a special delivery, just for him. that doesn't happen very often here so he could hardly wait to see what was inside the carton.

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A very unusual box… and when he opened it, it not only alarmed him, but revealed its bright and bold contents…

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The new Saucony Triumph ISO running shoes.  Very exciting!


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He couldn’t wait to get them on… and he was thrilled that they fit so nicely.  He  has a lot of things to say about them, too.  Here are the main points in his own words:
  • They are so comfortable. I feel like I am wearing slippers
  • I wonder how much they weigh? They are the lightest shoes I have ever put on.
  • They fit perfectly. I have wide feet and there is a lot of room to wiggle my toes in these shoes.
  • The laces are kinda stretchy so they snug up nicely.  And the bow doesn’t slip so they stay done up.
  • I was a bit thrown by the plastic eyelets but I guess that is one of the reasons the shoes are so light.
  • I really like the colors. Do you like the colors? Do you think they are too bright for me?
  • I like lots of cushioning and these shoes have that. They feel very soft underfoot. Running in them is comfortable… no pounding.

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But here are some of the highlights according to Saucony:
  • ULTRA-SOFT INNER SLEEVE CRAFTED OUT OF STRETCHABLE AIR MESH
  • MORPHS TO THE FOOT FOR A SOCK-LIKE FEEL
  • FLOATING SUPPORT CAGE CRADLES THE FOOT
  • POWERGRID+ PREMIUM CONDITIONING FOAM  - 20% MORE CUSHIONING THAN STANDARD MIDSOLES
  • OPTIMIZED GEOMETRY AND MATERIALS WORK WITH THE RUNNER'S STRIDE
  • MAINTAINS FLUID TRANSITIONS FOR A SMOOTH RIDE
You can find Saucony at:

http://instagram.com/saucony
https://twitter.com/saucony
https://www.facebook.com/Saucony
 
Oh yeah.. that box. Really weird.

What is your favorite running shoe these days?

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Small Stuff… Faves and Raves

I have been pretty much of a wimp since coming home from Las Vegas last week, with a terrible cold… it moved from my head into my chest and I have done little in the way of workouts since.  Lots of walking, but no running or strength training at all. My stamina is almost non-existant.  So, I rest.

The Captain on the other hand, has been out enjoying his new Saucony Triumph ISO running shoes, thanks to being involved in a FitFluential campaign… more about that next week.  But, aren’t they beautiful?

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I received a nice little package in the mail yesterday with some Footlogix creme mousse.  It is an intensive care dry skin preparation for feet and I won it recently in a giveaway hosted by Janice at The Fitness Cheerleader.  Looks yummy and I know my feet are going to love it this winter.

Nov 27 Footlogix 001

I am starting to get into the holiday spirit a little… yesterday we picked up a new little artificial Christmas tree, some lights for it and a tree topper.  We can’t have a real tree in our apartment.  On the boat, we had a couple of very small trees and we used them here in the apartment for the past couple of years… but the ornaments we have been collecting are too much for them, so a larger small tree was in order.  I think we will decorate this weekend.

Some great blog posts I read over the past couple of weeks… I won’t comment on them individually… they all have good and common sense information… about things we all I need to be reminded of occasionally. 







How about you?  Any holiday spirit at your house yet?  

Does it snow where you live?

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

I Mustache You Some Questions

Rachelle, who writes Livin the Sweat Life, tagged me to answer the questions in this fun Q&A that is going around right now.  Thanks, Rachelle!  A great way to lighten things up!




Here goes:

1.  4 names that people call me, other than my real name:
Squirrel, Lewis, Missy, Elle
 
2.  4 jobs I’ve had:
Retail sales clerk, credit grantor, computer programmer, systems analyst
 
3.  4 movies I’ve watched more than once:
Ghost, Gone With The Wind, Brave, Dirty Dancing

4.  4 books I’d recommend:
How about 4 authors I love instead… Leon Uris, Sue Grafton, Pearl S. Buck, James Patterson
 
5.  4 places I have lived:
Calgary in Alberta,  Port Ludlow in Washington, Victoria in British Columbia
 
6.  4 places I have been:
Austria, Denmark, Sweden, Germany
 
7.  4 places I’d rather be right now:
I love it right where I am – although I love to travel, I love where I live
 
8.  4 things I don’t eat:
I have eaten these things but never will, knowingly, again: escagot, squid, octopus, eel


9.  4 of my favorite foods:
Squashes of all kinds, sweet potatoes, nuts, raisins


10.  4 TV shows that I watch:
Big Bang Theory, Blue Bloods,  Gracepoint, NCIS Los Angeles
 
11.  4 things I’m looking forward this year:
New job with Weight Watchers, Spring cruise to Hawaii, golf and tennis in the Summer, whatever comes up!

12. 4 things I’m always saying:
I honestly cannot think of anything here... I should probably have asked The Captain. He might say that I am always telling him to turn the radio down!  
 
4 people I tag:

Anna at Piper’s Run
Karin at Go Goggy Go
Kyria at Travel Spot
Lea at Running With Ollie

If you would like, jump right in and start playing too...

I haven't seen much about MOvember this year.  Have you?



Wednesday, November 19, 2014

My 10 Travel Musts... I Don't Leave Home Without Them!

I love to travel, and over many, many years of travelling both for business and for pleasure, I have become pretty good at packing.  I recently spent a week in Las Vegas and managed to go with only a carry-on suitcase and a large tote (small purse inside).  And I had room for a bit of shopping even with that.

I don’t always travel light  but this trip I was determined not to waste time waiting for baggage to come off my plane, or take the chance of having my luggage lost. I made do with only two dresses and one pair of dressy shoes, but it was worth it.  As it turns out, Las Vegas is not all that glamorous!

I did take trial sizes of my favorite cosmetic items and relied on the the hotel hair drier, but all in all it worked out well.  There are some things that I cannot do without though, and will always make room for.  Nope, not my new smart phone, or my laptop, or even my favorite lip gloss and mascara.  Oh sure, I would definitely take some of those things, but for the most part, I could either do without them or replace them if necessary.




The things I cannot travel without are those I need for my physical well-being and comfort… and here they are, not in any particular order:

1. Protein powders, a shaker, healthy snacks.
Good protein powders are versatile enough to be a meal or a hearty snack. I usually choose those that can be made with water, and in a couple of different flavors.  This time I packed several VEGA ONE nutritional shakes in chocolate and vanilla chai.  The shaker can double as a water bottle if necessary. I also like to pack some nuts and bars.  I never rely on airplane food and don’t like to be caught hungry anywhere at anytime!
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2. Novitra
This is the only cold sore lip remedy that has ever worked for me and I cannot find it for sale anymore.  I have a few tubes left from previous shopping trips thankfully.  It’s active ingredient is Zincum Oxydatyn 2X, HPUS.  Yes, I have tried others but they don’t seem to be as effective.  If I get run down or am out in the sun too long without a good sunscreen on my mouth, I am in danger of a breakout.  If I put this on when I first feel a tingle, I am confident that it will not develop into a full blown blister..

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3. Zinc lozenges
On shorter trips I don’t pack lots of vitamins but do like to have zinc/vitamin C lozenges for those times I am feeling a bit run down.  They also soothe a sore throat, or one that has been around too much cigarette smoke. yuk.

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4. Natural Calm and Fermented L-Glutamine powders
When space is limited I don’t take the jars, but put a few spoonfuls of each in a baggie and label them. I take the Natural Calm mixed in water every night before bed… and when I am particularly active, during the day as well.  It is a magnesium citrate powder.  It prevents leg cramps while I am sleeping… so that I CAN sleep.  I take the Fermented L-Glutamine mixed in water when I get up in the morning.  It is a great start to my day and also supports muscle comfort and recovery.  I rely on these supplements every day at home so would never be without them.
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5. Plug in water heater, instant coffee, and tea bags.
I normally stay in hotel rooms that have coffee makers or Keurig machines, but they don’t always leave me enough coffee and I hate having to go out for it.  Instant is not my favorite, but it is better than nothing when I need a cuppa.  And sometimes I just want a cup of tea.  I usually take both black tea and herbal blends.  The water heater plugs into the wall socket and brings a cup of water to the boiling point in about a minute.
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6. ENERGYbits
These little bits of spirulina algae are a good pick-me-up or just a snack when I need a little something.  I hate being caught without them.
Nov 8 Energy Bits


7. DRIP DROP
This medical grade rehydration powder is a must. I like to take it on days I am flying or driving long distances and don’t gave an opportunity to drink enough water. It is also great for long days on my feet sight-seeing or sitting in meetings. It comes in two flavors and both are tasty...  and one of the best things about it is that it has no salty taste like some other electrolyte formulations do.

Sept 5 Drip Drop 001

8. Tiger Balm
I have found that this is the best linament to use on aching muscles.  Period. It comes in many forms and formulations. I use the ones that do not stain my clothing or bedsheets.
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9.  Mustard Packets
I know this sounds crazy, but eating a spoonful of mustard stops a muscle cramp in its tracks.  I KNOW!  I have used it several times when I have over-taxed the leg muscles. Pickle juice works too but is much harder to pack!

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10.  Tommie Copper compression leggings
There is nothing that feels better after a long day on my feet than having a hot bath and then slipping into some TC compression leggings…  It feels like a giant hug.  I take along a tee shirt too.  I wish they would start making a body stocking!
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There’s my list.

What is on yours?

Do you have a good cold sore remedy?  Would love to know what it is in case I cannot get more of mine.

Saturday, November 8, 2014

#LivePositive With Tommie Copper

Have you seen the posts, tweets and instagram pics using the #LivePositive hashtag?  Here is what it’s all about…

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Tommie Copper has an exciting promotion happening right now and you all know that they are one of my favorite brands... I have been using their compression garments to prevent and recover from muscle soreness and fatigue for several years now.

So that is way, as part of their  Fall #LivePositive campaign, I am very excited to help share the news that Tommie Copper’s BIG ACT OF KINDNESS CONTEST  launched last week!

Contest details:

NOMINATE -  someone you know who is deserving of a BIG ACT OF KINDNESS – Tommie Copper will award one winner $10,000!

SUBMIT -  a photo, video, tell their #LivePositive story, and when you make a nomination you will enjoy 15% off your next Tommie Copper order

(enter at www.tommiecopper.com or through social media sites)

SHARE  - using #LivePositive on all your favorite social sites

VOTE – come back to vote November 24th through December 7th. The winner will be announced on December 8th, just in time for the holidays!



DARA

Are you a Tommie Copper fan, too?

Can you think of someone who deserves to win this prize?







Sunday, November 2, 2014

Help… I am ‘app’less

So you all know I finally made a decision about a new cell phone and am now the very happy ecstatic owner of a lovely little Android device… I am completely enamoured.  I love that I can have all of my email accounts open at the same time and just flip back and forth between them.  And I am slowly getting the hang of the camera, too.  SLOWLY being the operative word here.

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But I am in desperate need of some APPS… anyone willing to help a girl out with some advice here? 

I do have the usual social media accounts, but I know I am missing some great practical and fun things… in particular:


  • a photo editor…mostly for Instagram pics. The one in Instagram is really not adequate.  And HOW DO YOU get those PicMoneky collages (if that is what they are) onto Instagram?  So many things to figure out here.

  • a route tracker – would love to track my hikes or runs.  A friend of ours does this on his iphone while out cruising in his sailboat and then uploads to his pc – it is so fun to see where he has been on his latest outing.


And that is just the tip of the iceberg, I know it.  There must be a bazillion things out there that I am not even aware of… and yes, I have not really been paying attention.  My bad.

So hit me!  What is your favorite app or two or three?  Thanks so much for your help.