HAPPY FASHION FRIDAY! I’m SO SO SO excited about today’s giveaway but first, I have to give myself a high-five for continuing to do a good job with my gastro-goals! So far I have not missed a day of taking probiotics and I only missed one day of drinking my ACV. That’s pretty good! I honestly sometimes consider skipping the ACV in the morning (best time for me to drink it) but then I remember my blog post and it really does keep me accountable! After all, I don’t want to drink it after work when I’d much rather be drinking my wine – and it’d clash terribly with the taste of dinner and my nighttime snack. So go me for keeping up with my goals!
So about yesterday’s post…I did great with my goals! Then I forgot to drink my ACV this morning. Bah. BUT that doesn’t mean I won’t have it today. There’s always tonight, friends!
Fitfluential Ambassadors all over the blogosphere have been showing they’re nuttz for Nuttzo, and I don’t blame them. I’ve gotten in on a piece of the action myself – or shall I say a jar of it?
In today’s What I Ate Wednesday post (thanks for hosting Jenn!), I want to talk abouta nut butter I’ve been eating on more days than just Wednesday. Ever since receiving this jar of heaven in the mail a couple of weeks ago, I’ve been using it in snacks – or as a snack – almost daily.
Sorry for being MIA yesterday, guys. Work was moi busy. But I did post a cool Tribesports core workout graphic on the blog’s Facebook page, so make sure you head over and check that out. Also, the Captain Jabbo winners may have been chosen, but remember the promo code is still good until 2/17!
Perfect timing, Universe! Gabby Bernstein’s latest vlog is on Body Image. I loved watching and wanted to point you all to her post so that you could watch too! Then watch my vlog, oh geez, I’ve set myself up for embarrassment 😉
Two thumbs up for Caitlin, folks. I so appreciate your encouraging comments and tweets about my plans yesterday to NOT do more of a workout than one Group Step class at the gym, and still go out to a restaurant afterward and enjoy myself. I have to admit, it was tough. I was tempted to skip a snack before the gym because I was trying to restrict and compensate for not working out “enough”. But I didn’t because I knew that I wanted to be strong, fight the ego, and be true to me! And truthfully, Caitlin knows she needs a snack before she works out.
The step class felt great, and though I still felt seeds of doubt about doing enough working out or being “hungry enough” for my dinner, my worries really did dissipate almost completely the moment I sat down. I had great food, drinks, and company. I did not overdo it on food/drinks whatsoever and even ditched my comfort zone and stayed out at the restaurant until 11pm! This morning when I woke up I felt a) exhausted and b) wonky in the stomach area. So I ditched the planned P90X Yoga session and did some basic stretching. That’s IT for me today. I feel REALLY proud right now because though I’ve got some anxiety going on right now, I’m being kind to myself and I have faith in that and know I’m doing what’s right!
Before this post gets going, please read this hilarious Gawker article my friend Rachel sent me about the food menu at this year’s Golden Globes. I hope it brightens your Monday!
I was first introduced to the Tone It Up trainers, Karena and Katrina, through Heather. She’s a huge fan of their workouts, boho style, and general real-ness. I have to agree! I even had the chance to meet the lovely ladies themselves at the Oakley Store in Times Square.
If you like what you see in this post, head over to SaveNowCT.com and purchase today’s daily deal – $15 for $30 to spend at Thirty5! Talk about timing!
I swear one of these days I will write about a topic for which it is impossible to use alliteration in the post title. Today is not that day…I’m sure it’s no coincidence that I chose to visit this restaurant on a Thursday. Last Thursday, to be exact.
My friend Olivia and I made a dinner date at one of West Hartford Center’s newer restaurants, Thirty5 Bar & Grille.Located on 35 LaSalle Road (next door to McLaddens, for those who are WeHa-layout-literate), this spot was formerly Reuben’s Delicatessen, a popular breakfast and lunch destination. As Thirty5, the restaurant still offers the beloved deli-style breakfasts and lunches of Reuben’s, with the addition of a full bar (happy hour!) and a dinner menu featuring apps, small plates, sandwiches, and entrees; some of the dinner menu is available on the late night “bucket list”.
I have seriously been looking for an effective arm iPhone holder to use at the gym for a few years now. I have tried adjustable arm bands before, but they simply never stay in place, even at their tightest adjustment. The Banjees running wallet interested me because of the availability of a design big enough to hold an iPhone that is still in its case. Other running wallets I’ve tried that claim to fit an iPhone have not fit the phone with the case still on. Taking the case on and off is, though minor, an inconvenience. Sprigs promised me the Big model of Banjees would indeed meet my need for a running wallet that would hold my iPhone, case in all, and stay in place.
Just like Earbags, Banjees come in a variety of designs and fabrics. Of course I had to choose a print! Also available are reversible, fleece, organic cotton, and recyclable versions!
Oh you fancy huh?
I’ve never been shy about the fact that I don’t really like running, so you guys might be confused as to why I’ve been in the market for an effective running wallet. Well, you don’t’ have to be running to use one! I actually wanted to try the Banjees because tucking my iPhone into my waistband or sports bra while lifting weights to music (gotta have the music factor) has been super annoying. What better way to test out the Banjees than by using it during one of my fave fitness activities – arm day!
Taking a photo with a phone of a product that is holding your phone is quite difficult!
The verdict is two dumbbells up for the Big Banjees Wrist Wallet! After I took the above photo, I ended up sliding it all the way up to my bicep; this is where I’ve been wearing it since. I honestly use it every time I strength train now. The Banjees doesn’t budge from its perch on my arm and the wallet portion is the perfect size for my phone in my case. I wiggle it into the slot and it stays firmly secure there until I take it out.
The only annoying part of using it is having to take it out of the slot to change the song/check my phone/adjust volume/etc. #fitnessproblems – certainly not a dealbreaker and I’d rather have a convenient place to hold my strength training music than keep putting my phone in my waistband or sports bra. Though the latter place leaves it more easily accessible for music adjustments, it means more to me to have a way to get the iPhone out of my way so that it doesn’t interfere with my weights sessions.
This is where I wear the Banjees on my arm when I lift weights – you’re looking at a satisfied blogger!
Promo Code
Just like with Earbags, Sprigs is offering Cait Plus Ate readers a promo code to use when purchasing Banjees! The code is “CaitBanjees” and will get you 10% off a purchase up to $29.99 or 20% off a purchase $30 and up. The code expires 12/31/12 – perfect for Christmas shopping for others OR yourself 😉 – and the Earbags promo code is good until 12/17/12 too!
Giveaway
Sprigs is doing another giveaway for you guys – one lucky Cait Plus Ate reader will win a Banjees of his or her choice! Ways to enter are similar to the Earbags giveaway, and the entries close at 11:59PM EST this Thursday 11:59PM. Continental US only please! Leave a separate comment for each form of entry or multiple entries won’t count!
Check out the Banjees selection on Sprigs.com and comment on this post telling me which Banjees you’d want most! (mandatory)
Follow @CaitPlusAte on Twitter and comment here saying you did.
Follow @Sprigsville on Twitter and comment here saying you did.
Tweet “I entered to win a @Sprigsville Banjees running wallet from @CaitPlusAte! #fitfluential #fitgear http://wp.me/p1SfTW-1HN” and comment here with the link to the tweet.
General Giveaway Rules: No Purchase Necessary. This giveaway is only open to residents of the continental United States. The email addresses that are collected for this giveaway will only be used for the purpose of contacting the winner and will never be given out to anyone nor sold. The winner will be randomly chosen and contacted via email. The winner will have 72 hours to respond. Please make sure you check your junk mail folder.
I received a complimentary Big Banjees Wrist Wallet from Sprigs for this review. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this post.
Have you ever heard of Sprigs Earbags? Yes, Earbags. Don’t be alarmed. I’m not talking about hanging bags from your ears. I’m talking about bandless earmuffs that keep ears toasty and stay in place well enough to use during runs, hikes, or any outdoor activity in cold weather. For a better idea of what I’m talking about, check out this informative (albeit slightly cheesy) demo:
Sprigs is a customer-centric company that only sells products people have requested and have a need for. Once they establish the need for a product, if it doesn’t exist, they create it. You can read up on the backstory of the Earbags’ creationhere. Sprigs was kind enough to offer me not only my own set of Earbags to review, but a set for my mom to try out too!
I feel like this family review is appropriately timed in light of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday this Thursday! And I am thankful for my wonderful mother every single day, not just around Thanksgiving. She has always been a steady part of my life. As I have gotten older, we have only gotten closer. Well, maybe not when I was an angsty teen. So sue me! Anyway, I’m glad that I was able to include her in my Earbags trial because she works out outdoors way more frequently than me. Her number one love is running, something I have never been able to get really into. My mom also hates living in cold New England, and has the same problem I do – we are ALWAYS COLD. So a product that would stay in place and keep her ears warm during her run peaked her interest.
I’m a fan of the nifty bag they come in!
I picked out the pink fleece Earbags for my mom because she is a lover of all things pink, and I thought the fleece was perfect for keeping her ears at their warmest during long runs! Even the Earbags without fleece on the outside though are lined on the inside with Thinsulate. My mom embarked on her first Earbags run on a chilly weekend morning. About an hour or so after she left, I received the following text:
I nearly died. This blogger has trained her mother well. I did not even request this immediate post-run selfie/opinion. She just sent it! So cute. And she really did love the Earbags, and has continued to wear them on her runs! They stayed in place perfectly and kept her ears cold even through long 8 or 9 milers.
Better selfie view – good job Mom! She said this was one of several attempts…
Don’t they really look like earmuffs?! Just bandless! I tried mine out this past weekend during a special hike in Mystic, CT (more details to come on that this week…) with Maria. She thought they were earmuffs when she first saw me in them!
Smilin’ post-hike!
I went for a cute cable knit pair – black, so that they’d match everything! They’re pretty adorable.
I definitely recommend Earbags for any runners out there, or even just those who spend a lot of time outdoors and don’t want to worry about having to constantly adjust their ear-warming method of choice. Sprigs is offering Cait Plus Ate readers a promo code to use if you are interested in ordering your own pair! Use the code CaitPlusAte20 up until 12/17/12 at 11:59PM EST. It will save you 10% off orders up to $29.99 and or 20% off $30 or more!
Giveaway
Or maybe you’ll be the lucky one Cait Plus Ate reader to win my GIVEAWAY for a pair of Earbags! Sprigs wants to share the Earbags love with a reader too, and you have until this Wednesday at 11:59PM EST to enter. Continental US only please! Here’s how to participate – be sure to leave a separate comment for each method of entry or additional entries don’t count!
Head to the Sprigs Earbags page and tell me which pair you’d want most!
Follow @SpriGsville on Twitter and comment here saying you did.
Follow @CaitPlusAte on Twitter and comment here saying you did.
Tweet “I entered to win @SpriGsville Earbags from @CaitPlusAte! http://wp.me/p1SfTW-1H5 #fitfluential #fitgear” and comment here with the link to the tweet.
General Giveaway Rules: No Purchase Necessary. This giveaway is only open to residents of the continental United States. The email addresses that are collected for this giveaway will only be used for the purpose of contacting the winner and will never be given out to anyone nor sold. The winner will be randomly chosen and contacted via email. The winner will have 72 hours to respond. Please make sure you check your junk mail folder.
Good luck to all who enter! And be sure to let me know if you use the promo code CaitPlusAte20 to purchase your own pair of Earbags! Although I received these Earbags free of charge, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
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!
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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