Running with PUMA

Those of you who know me know a few months ago I took up a new interest... Running. I have always been the type who have (literally) said, "I hate running! The only time I may actually even think about running is if someone scary is chasing after me... MAYBE I would run... Maybe!"

Having a mom who can run circles around me and recently finished an Ironman triathlon made me figure if she can run 26 miles, swim 3.2 and bike 116 I should be able to run my younger butt a 5K!

I started off the the Couch to 5K app (C25K) and 8 weeks later I was running 3.2 miles in 30 minutes! I even signed up to run my first 5K race so you can imagine how excited I was when I discovered I was accepted to sample some running products from PUMA! Thanks to Crowdtap & PUMA this is what I got to test:

• 1 Pair of PUMA Mobium Elite Running Shoes
• 1 Puma Performance Bodywear Tech ACTV Long Sleeve Top
• 1 Pair of Puma Performance Bodywear Tech ACTV Endurance Tights

Sorry for the sideways pic... I cannot get it to rotate!

I was a little worried about how the shoes would fit; since I didn't get to try them on first, I picked my size and they sent them. I saw lots of people complain about their shoes being a bit big, but as a runner (yes I can now call myself a runner) you want your shoes to have some room for swelling during a run & the shoes I got were perfect! From the warmup walk, to the run to the cool down I noticed a huge difference between those shoes and my previous pair! I actually felt like I could've kept on going (not usual for me).

The shirt was actually different than I was expecting. I received a short sleeve shirt instead and a light long sleeve jacket (PUMA Pure NightCat Reflective Running Jacket). I have to say I love the jacket and shirt so much that I'm not bummed out at all about not getting the long sleeve shirt. The jacket is very reflective (great for the fall/winter shorter days), and the shirt feels so light I feel like I'm just running in my sports bra.

I know I look awful but it's post-workout & early morning!

The pants were pretty crazy when I got them. I was surprised by what I called "traction control" inside them. It essentially looks like little rubber tire treads inside the tights. It does make them a little more difficult to get on, but that may have more to do with the fact that they sent me a small & I could've used a medium. The treads are actually athletic tape strategically placed to actually massage your muscles as you run. I'm not sure how well they worked since it wasn't like a masseuse giving me a massage but I can say the 1 knee that usually gets achy about mid run hasn't bothered me. Not sure if it's that it just decided to quit fighting me, or the massaging tights, or the new shoes (I'm guessing the new shoes helped a lot though).

This new gear really helped motivate me to keep going dispite the dropping temperature, and daylight hours here in Minnesota. I knew I wouldn't keep running outside in the cold so as of last week signed up for a gym membership that has lots of nice indoor treadmills! Thanks again Crowdtap & PUMA!

Activewear at Old Navy

Sheree & I showing our "guns" wearing our Old Navy Activewear

Summer is what everyone looks forward too all winter long... until you realize you're about to head to the beach with a spare tire below your bikini tops, and above your bottoms. This year a friend of mine, Sheree and I have decided to try and get our winter guts under control before we bare it all at the beach. I have to say she's been doing awesome checking in at the YMCA at 4:30 am and listing her workout. I've been doing mostly in-home workouts, walking/jogging and eating better. Anyways, when Old Navy & *Crowdtap granted me an amazing opportunity to head into my local Old-Navy to get some new Activewear, I knew just who to bring!

I asked Sheree to meet me in the store and wasn't real sure what she was coming for. When I busted out the coupons for a free Activewear outfit from Old Navy she couldn't hardly contain herself! She was planning a trip to Old Navy anyways because she loves their Activewear; as do I. I've been wearing it for a couple years now and from the beginner to the hardcore they're Activewear has you covered!

Anyways, away we went to the area we needed to be and they have everything from shoes, to running shorts, to sports bras, capris, jackets, etc. The variety at our store was pretty good and we easily started picking things out here and there and adding them to the cart. We finally made our way to the dressing room and were both completely shocked when we needed to grab SMALLER sizes in everything we picked out. Granted we didn't loose any weight while being there but doesn't it always make you feel better when you can get a medium instead of a large or a small instead of a medium? I'm taking it!

If you've never tried on Old Navy Activewear I highly recommend the Compression Pants. I can't say enough about those things. I still have a long way to go to get back to pre-pregnancy size but when I put those things on I feel like I'm tiny again. I literally get compliments from complete strangers everytime I wear them out and about. The mesh bubble tanks are my favorite this year and I love the bright colors available for summer. Yes, this too I wear running errands or wherever because I am obsessed with this top. It's actually one of my favorite tops right now.

Our jogging outfits

We both ended up walking out with 1 free top and bottom each and a couple extra outfits that the coupons wouldn't work with because they were on clearance! All-in-all it was so much fun and really helps motivate me to keep up the workouts because wearing. Activewear makes me want to be active! If you'd like to check-out Old Navy's selection of Activewear you can find them here.



*This opportunity was provided to me from Crowdtap & Old Navy. If you've never tried Crowdtap it's a website that looks for consumer insight for brands like Old Navy. Sometimes you are provided with sample shares like the one above to review your experience. You can find Crowdtap here.

Shore-ly a Beach Beauty in Old Navy Beachwear!

I know what your thinking... cute swimsuit, right? Well, that's what I was thinking as soon as I saw it online! How lucky for me that I got to go into Old Navy with 3 of my besties and get this swimsuit, flip flops, towel and beach bag FREE?!? Amazing. How? I'm a member of the Old Navy Style Council on Crowdtap. Occasionally they choose people to go in-store for a clothing sample and review the items they received and their in-store experience.

This was an excellent opportunity and we had SO much fun trying out the different styles. If you haven't been to Old Navy swimsuit shopping yet, I highly suggest you check out their swimwear here. They had an amazing variety from 1 piece to tankini to bikini. If you weren't aware of their beach accessories you should check those out as well. I bought a few of their beach towels last year and it was no secret they were and still are my favorite!

Ivory® 2-IN-1 Hair & Body Wash Trial

I recently got an opportunity from a company I'm new to called, Influenster. I had no idea what product they were going to send me aside from the fact that it was a 2-IN-1 shampoo/conditioner &  body wash. It's the kind of thing I'd buy for hubby (who could care less about the hair under his baseball hat all day everyday) and something I'd immediately dismiss for my own use. But figured I'd at least stick to my word and give it a shot. After all, I'm a busy full-time mother of 2. I find it hard enough to find time to change my clothes let alone find enough shower time to shampoo, rinse, condition, rinse, body wash, rinse....

A couple weeks ago I got the package at my door. Excited to see the brand and smell what I'd be showering with for the next 2 weeks (yes, I was going to stick it out for 2 weeks, good or bad before I gave a fair review). Having extremely long, blonde hair I'm very fussy about my hair products because if it doesn't work, I'll be spending all that extra shower time I saved trying to fix whatever it did to my hair each day.

Contents of the package I received from Influenster.

The box arrived shortly after being accepted. Here's what I found:

• Welcome Note
• 1 full sized bottle of Ivory 2-IN-1 Hair & Body Wash
• 3 coupons for $0.75 off 1 bottle of Ivory 2-IN-1 Hair & Body Wash

First things, first... the smell. I had nothing to go on yet aside from the smell since I'd already showered for the day and would start the next day. I gave it a quick sniff and can't say it was anything too overdone. It actually reminded me of a bar of soap. It wasn't real feminine like the products I'm used to, but not masculine either. It was a very clean scent though, one I could live with.

The next day I threw caution to the wind and grabbed it quick before I hit the shower. I was in a hurry anyways so I was really hoping it would cut my shower time down. When I put some in my hand I was surpised it didn't lather quite as much as usual shampoo, but then again it was supposed to be different. Rubbing it in my hair I thought felt a bit odd, but soon enough after a quick washdown and rinse I'd cut my shower time in half (impressive since I usually have to take fast showers anyways, as my 2-year-old allows me little to no privacy).

Rinsing my hair felt clean and ready to go. A quick towel off and I felt fresh head-to-toe. Brushing my hair I have to say wasn't quite as easy as when I use my normal product, but it was much easier then after I use those shampooing conditioner bottles you find in hotels. A quick spritz with my detangling spray and I was set.

I have to say, once my hair dried I was FLOORED! I don't remember the last time my hair was so shiny... yes, actually I do. After the last visit to the salon! I figured for sure that first trial had to be a fluke, surely it must have been the detangler that I sprayed in my hair. I made a mental note to brush through the mess the next day with no detangler. That seemed to work fine anyways because I didn't seem to need it as much the next day (maybe I just had awful bed head the first day)? Later, my hair dried... it sounds so egotistical of me and self centered but it was a sunny day and I had the sunroof open and with the sun shining in on my hair I could NOT stop looking at it.

My mom happened to be visiting and not wanting her to think I was a total ego maniac I told her what'd been going on and I was using the new Ivory 2-IN-1 Hair & Body Wash. Apparently she was intrigued and very excited when I said it was made by Ivory. She said, "Really? Ivory? That means it's affordable too!" Later she was headed to the gym and I caught her sneaking some from my bottle into her portable shampoo holder. She said she was out of shampoo and figured the gym (where she's always in a hurry to shower) would be the perfect place to try. She returned raving about it and telling me I had to give her one of my coupons.

I also tried it out on the kids' bath time and not only is it quick and easy, I found that it doubles as bubble bath. The kiddos love this stuff as much as I do!

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Woolite Washed In Home Botique

A few weeks ago my ladies and I enjoyed a much needed night out. Being a stay-at-home mom now I don't wear much for dress clothes or "clubbing" clothes. The stuff I did have was all pre-babies and just didn't fit me right. Thanks to Woolite and Crowdtap they gave us a great idea doing an, "In-Home Boutique  - the idea is simple, everyone brings some clothes and accessories that they no longer use (I know everyone had SOMETHING that sat in the back of the closet).

We separated items by sizes. Since we had a lot of girls there we had lots of stuff for everyone. We then used one of the dressers to lay out all of the accessories (purses, necklaces, scarves and bracelets). After we organized everything we all tried on clothes and helped each other make outfits for the evening. It was a huge success and we had LOTS of fun making outfits. I wish I'd drank a bit less though so I had remembered to take pictures.

Woolite was kind enough to give me free samples for the ladies and a gift card that I used to buy each of them a mini laundry basket to put their goodies in. After selecting our outfits we got ready for our night out. I got this really cute pink, grey & black sweater & this black Lia Sophia necklace! My sweater wasn't even used, she'd bought the wrong size and was unable to return it. Sarah (on the right) got this black & silver shirt and a cute little black clutch purse!

Went to dinner and enjoyed our night out.

Here's us all at dinner in our new outfits. Hard to see, I know but it was dark in there and cold!

The next morning we woke and went through the items one more time for anything else that people wanted. The items that didn't get picked by anyone I dropped off at our local thrift store on my way home. If you haven't herd of these kinds of parties, I highly suggest you try it! We had SO much fun digging though each other's clothes and we all got a new outfit out of it. The best part is everyone had a laundry basket to carry their dirty clothes out of the room along with a sample of Woolite to wash them in! Thanks again Woolite & Crowdtap!!!

Crowdtap is a company that gets consumer feedback on brands & products. In exchange for your thoughts and input you get points that may be redeemable for prizes, and gift cards. You may also get selected for the occasional sample and share.

It’s Tee Time at Old Navy!

It's spring time again... though you'd never know it by looking out your window here in Minnesota when you see the fresh 6" of snow blanketing everything. Regardless, the weather will warm up eventually and when it does my gal pal, Sheree and I will be ready thanks to Old Navy and Crowdtap! I was on of the lucky ladies chosen on Crowdtap to choose a friend and go shopping at Old Navy for 2 new tee shirts each.

We arrived in our local Old Navy store right around 6:00 pm and got right down to business throwing every variety of shirt we could find in our carts! After about 30 - 45 minutes it was off to the dressing rooms. There was a wonderful girl working the changing area named Meghan. She was extremely helpful, and knowledgeable  In conversation we were surprised to find out she was new!

I loved this grayish black and pink shirt so much I had to take it home!

We tried on so many shirts that I can't even begin to post all the pictures here, or describe them all. But they really are a one-stop-shop for tees. I couldn't believe the variety they had and loved the colors for spring.

Not sure what it is, but something I love about these shirts with the added length to them.

After trying on LOTS of shirts and bringing home LOTS of extra finds, we left the store a few minutes before they closed at 9:00. We had so much fun and hope I get another excellent opportunity sometime to do it again. If you are interested in checking out a portion of the selection you'll find a few styles here: Old Navy Tees

Crowdtap is a company that gets comsumerfeedback on brands and products. In exhange for your thoughts, and opinions you get points that may be redeemable for prizes and gift cards or the occasional sample share.

FREE Old Navy Shorts with Crowdtap

Seems odd to say that summer is right around the corner. I think it showed up early this year with the temperatures we've already had here in Minnesota. Either way when the heat gets turned up even more, I'm happy to say I'll be ready with the FREE Old Navy shorts a friend and I got for being a member of *Crowdtap.

I chose my friend, Sarah to come have a little shopping date with me. It's amazing how rejuvenated you can feel after just a couple hours out of the house spent with a good friend and no kids (I feel like I spent the day at a spa followed by a yoga class - or vice versa). Don't get me wrong, I love my kids and I'd do anything for them but we all need a little "me" time. 

Sarah & I both were looking for different styles right off the bat. I knew I wanted something that'd be comfortable for the boat and would dry fast, and of course something that would give my full legs a tan. After looking online, I was pretty sure I knew exactly what pair I was getting. Sarah was thinking khaki and something longer. She's more of a capri style girl.

Even having a good idea of what we wanted we had SO much fun trying on the various styles. Here are some of the pics:

First style selections - I wasn't feeling the jean shorts but Sarah was

These printed shorts are what I had my heart set on before I even got to the store I knew I was leaving with them, Sarah decided against this style.

Sarah in her khaki style and I totally fell in love with these print shorts (these were my final choice) - cute and comfy!

Sarah's final decision and I can't believe I really loved that style as much as I did.  They are so cute on both of us!

After I tried on about 10 pair of shorts I finally decided on a couple pair of print shorts that I think will be perfect for the boat all summer long and a pair of denim shorts. Sarah chose the shorts in the last picture and we both picked up some cute tanks and a couple other various shirts. I also found a super-cute pair of sandals for my little girl that were on clearance!

Thanks again to Old Navy and Crowdtap for such a wonderful experience. The ladies in our store were excellent and SO helpful even though we both had a mountain of clothes in our dressing rooms and kept bugging them for the occasional pictures.

*Crowdtap is a company that gets consumer feedback on brands and products. In exchange for your thoughts and opinions you get Amazon gift cards and the occasional sample share.

40% off Jeans at Banana Republic Tonight (8/30)

Banana Republic is having a sale; 40% off pants in stores from 5 - 8 pm (local time) or online 5 - 8 pm EST and using the code BRHAPPY upon checkout!

NOTE: You can also get 4% cash back when you shop at BananaRepublic.com when you use Mr. Rebates. You can sign up for Mr. Rebates here.

FREE Suave Sample Box

Walmart has FREE sample boxes of Suave products. Included in your sample box will be Suave Professionals Dry Shampoo, Suave Naturals Sweet Pea & Violet Body Lotion and Suave Men Refreshing Body Wash. Request your sample box here.

$25 for $50 at JC Penny

Hurry to grab a $50 gift certificate to JC Penny right now for only $25 at Plum District. This will be great for back-to-school shopping you may have, or just a little something for yourself. You can find this deal here.

FREE Head & Shoulders for Women Sample

Get a FREE sample of Head & Shoulders for Women here.

$25 Credit to MyHabit - FREE or Cheap Clothes

Amazon has a new site called MyHabit.com and if you're not familiar with it, the idea behind it is each day they've got clothes for men, women & children. The deals go live at 11:00 CST each day and I have to say I'm impressed with them so far. You can check-out the deals here.

My one critique is that the deals are a bit hard to get right now because they are giving you $25 toward a purchase until the end of the month when you use SUMMER25 at checkout.

I'm absolutly in LOVE with the Lords of Liverpool collection right now (HUGE Beatles fan I am). I ordered a bunch for my son. I just looked and they have a few left so thought I'd share the deal. You usually have a chance each day to get something FREE, but it's a bit difficult as the cheapest stuff goes first with people looking for freebies. Find them here.

NOTE: Don't forget to check the men's & women's selections also!