Tag Archives: reviews

Planking with Puma’s Formlite and Compression

The following post is sponsored by Fitfluential LLC, on behalf of PUMA.

I had the chance to participate in my first PUMA campaign, and was spoiled with workout gear and new sneakers. Because that’s just what I need, right?!

They know my signature workout gear color - pink!

They know my signature workout gear color – pink!

I received the Formlite XT Ultra Fluo Women’s Training Shoes, Performance Bodywear Tech ACTV Long Tights, and Ribbed Performance Tank Top. Let’s start with the shoes, which are an awesome “highlighter” coral color. They are extremely lightweight (as their name suggests) thanks to the inclusion of cutouts on much of the surface area. While I’m not sure I’d pay the $70 they retail for, I definitely am highly satisfied with their performance and would recommend the shoes. I tried them out during both Group Power and Group Step. The minimalist design (the outsole was feather-inspired) is not ideal for side-to-side plyometric movements, but I really liked wearing them for weight lifting because of how easily the shoe bent when I was lunging or in a push-up/plank position.

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Cocktails with Home Wet Bar!

This post is brought to you by HomeWetBar.com! I received a complimentary product to review, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I can’t say I was surprised when HomeWetBar.com contacted me to tell me about their site. I feel like my blog has given away the fact that I am a major cocktail enthusiast. I’ve been known to rank drinks and judge mixology competitions. So a product review for an online retailer of alcoholic beverage accessories seemed like a great fit! No, I am not a lush.

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HLS 2012 represent!

I am very into tasting cocktails and observing how they are made, but haven’t had much personal experience in the art of mixology. I decided this was the perfect opportunity to try out my own drink recipe, with the help of the Pro Shaker 10-Piece Bar Set.

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My New Nuttzo

I received a jar of Nuttzo free of charge as part of my participation in this Fitfluential campaign. This is not a compensated post and all opinions on the product are my own.

I’ve already participated in a Fitfluential campaign for Nuttzo, for which I reviewed the Crunchy Seven Nut & Seed Butter. I love love loooooved the stuff and was excited to be chosen once again to review another Nuttzo product!

Man was I sad when I finished this jar.

This time around I was sent the creamy version of the Seven Nut & Seed Butter. I just love the huge variety of nuts and seeds (peanuts, cashews, almonds, Brazilian nuts, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, hazelnuts) that go into this stuff. I am awful at making decisions because I just want to try EVERYTHING. So the best solution for a foodie like me is to throw said everything into one jar. Yes please!

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The Execution of Noa P. Singleton: My Last Meal

I don’t think most are interested in reading a book review unless they’ve either read the book or are definitely planning to read it. That’s why I’m such a big fan of the concept of the From Left to Write online blogger book club. Instead of writing a book review, the book is meant to serve as a writing prompt or inspiration for a post in which I can draw on and blog about my own personal experiences.

Source

July’s book is a debut fiction novel by Elizabeth L. Silver – The Execution of Noa P. Singleton. The story switches between narration by Noa in the first person and narration by the mother of the girl Noa is in prison for killing – in the form of letters to her dead daughter. Immediately Noa is revealed as being on death row for the murder of a girl named Sarah, but we don’t know how said murder or its trial occurred. Slowly, those occurrences are revealed. However, I’m not going to write about them. I’m going to write about a topic discussed at length in one chapter of the book – the last meal.

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Chef’s Tasting at Pond House Grille

My guest and I received a complimentary chef’s tasting for the purpose of writing this post. Beverages were not included. All thoughts and opinions about the experience are my own.

I’ve dined at Pond House Grille several times before, and enjoyed each experience. But they recently re-did their menu and I’ve been anxious to sample Chef Jordan Stein’s creative dishes for awhile now. Thankfully, Pond House invited me and a guest to come in and do just that via a special chef’s tasting, complete with an explanation of each dish by Jordan himself.

Jordan and I! I love his hat and glasses. They're his trademark!

Jordan and I! I love his hat and glasses. They’re his trademark! Please ignore the McDonald’s sign in the background ruining this photo.

I asked Jill to join me because she is a fellow foodie who will try anything (after all, we have shared worms and scorpions in the past). I knew she’d appreciate this opportunity as much as I did!

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Friday Five: Fitness Essentials

Tonight is the last chance for CT residents to enter my giveaway for two free lawn tickets to the Talcott Mountain Music Festival! Entries close tonight at 11:59PM EST.

I really enjoyed recently sharing my (few) beauty essentials, and thought today I’d sneak in some alliteration and give this Friday post a fitness focus – with a little fashion thrown in. I enjoy reading about what other bloggers use/wear during workouts and I hope the feeling is mutual because you’re about to find out my five essential pieces of workout gear. Some items on the list are more general than specific, because how am I supposed to choose, for example, one pair of sneakers?!

1. Sprigs Big Banjees Wrist Wallet

I was sent a free Big Banjees to review but this is an instance of me loving the product so much that if anything were to happen to my Big Banjees, I’d replace it in a second. It’s the only holder big enough for my iPhone (I stream music from iHeartRadio when I work out) when it’s in its case, and the only holder that actually stays in place on my arm.

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My New Set of Eyes from Glasses.com!

This is a sponsored post and I received a complimentary pair of glasses, but all thoughts and opinions on my experience are my own.

My last Fashion Friday post asked for your opinion on the four frames I received for a complimentary In-Home Try-On from Glasses.com. Here’s a quick recap of my choices, in case you missed it:

Option 1: ECO 1049 (also image source)

Option 2: Seventeen SV 5356 (also image source)

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A Lazy Lady’s Beauty Essentials

When it comes to a beauty routine, I am seriously lazy and impatient. Just ask Kaitlin – I’m often telling her tales of attempting to have the patience to stand in one spot for what seems like forever and blow dry my hair, only to give up after about five minutes. I’ve got places to go, people to see. Ain’t nobody got time for that!

Obligatory.

I look at much of what my younger sister and friends do with their makeup, hair, face care, what have you, and I can’t imagine spending that much time on any of it. I grew up looking for anything I could cut out of my morning routine to give me a few extra precious minutes of sleep, and this has made me a beauty routine minimalist.

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Kona Kase Review

I received a complimentary Kona Kase to review as a participant in a Fitfluential campaign. All opinions are my own. This is not a compensated post.

I really enjoy trying out different monthly subscription food boxes, and I’m fortunate enough that this blog gives me the chance to do that free of charge. My latest box to review came to me and other Fitfluential Ambassadors as part of a campaign to promote Kona Kase, which is more a box for active lifestyles than a box for foodies. The box costs $15/month and contains eight different products. You can get an idea of the types of products you might find in your Kona Kase here…or read on!

kona1

I received the June 2013 Kona Kase, and like most subscription boxes I’ve tried, it contained some products I’m really excited about, some I’ll use eventually, and some I’d NEVER use. I usually hope for only one or two of that last category, but alas in this box, I got three.

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I Bestow Upon You a Giveaway!

I received a March Bestowed box for free to review. This is not a compensated post and all opinions about the service are my own.

Oh my goodness, I loved loved LOOOOOVED reading your “Hey, It’s OK!” contributions in the comments of yesterday’s post! Keep ’em coming and I encourage EVERYONE to do a post in that format or any format telling the healthy living blog world just how many stereotypes you break. And heck, I might even do a post soon on the stereotypes I embrace, because there sure are plenty of those too. Brussels sprouts, anyone?

I’m sure you’ve seen reviews/giveaways of Bestowed, a subscription service in which a box of fun, nutritious food finds are delivered monthly to your door. Even if you’ve read other opinions, I hope you’re still interested in reading mine, especially since I am offering a giveaway!

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This is the third monthly food subscription box I’ve tried – I’ve also reviewed Knoshbox and Love With Food. Though Love With Food was cheapest ($10 vs the monthly Bestowed price of $19), the products in the Bestowed box are definitely of higher quality, so the price point makes sense. I opened my box and was excited to see familiar brands I’ve always wanted to try, like Artisana.

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Meet Caitlin

I’m a 28 year old full-time working girl living in Boston (previously lived in Connecticut). I’m passionate about food/drink, restaurants, self-love, fitness, and the ever-present search for balance. I write about that journey on this blog – I hope you enjoy!

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Design Credit

My header was originally designed by Mai Le and later tweaked by Chris Roggi to match this theme, which he helped me customize. He also moved me over to self-hosting! Both can be contacted through their sites for design & development work!

Disclaimer

I am not an RD and do not have any official training, certifications, or degrees in nutrition or fitness. This blog is a way to write about my life. Any views I express are mine alone, based on what works for me, and should never be taken as medical advice. Always talk to your doctor or a trained professional before starting a new diet or fitness plan. In addition, this blog and its content are in no way affiliated with Kate Gosselin, “Kate Plus 8”, TLC, or any related affiliates.

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