The Return of My Favorite Things

Over the years, I've learned a lot about website optimization, SEO, and all the things I should have been doing with my blog to increase its hits. Also during that time, I've encountered many blogs that are "well-optimized," and boy, do they feel impersonal. So that means, I'm just going to carry on however I want (it's not like I'm making any money here [anymore -- yet??])!

I'm going to review a few things, not because I was sent anything (though I'm still happy to do that -- contact me!), but because these are things that I use, and if you are so inclined, so should you!

I will probably be adding more reviews here, since, let's be honest, they are what bring hits to the blog, and I want people to come and read so I don't feel like I'm writing to a cyber vortex!

Invisibobble Hair Tie

I have been using this for close to two years now, first tipped-off by a video by one of my favorite YouTube creators, FrmHeadtoToe. This band supposedly decreases hair bumps that you get from tying your hair, and for someone who has to keep hair out of the way from a grabby baby who also tries to put her hair down at work, I can say this really does work. The only time I get bad bump-age is when I have it on too tightly or if I sleep in it, which are both examples of what I'm going to call user error.

Pro-Tip: It will stretch out over time. When this happens, I will either soak it in boiling water or leave it in a hot car (thanks, SoCal!). I have heard you can put the blow dryer to it, but I rarely ever have that thing out. In this picture, I have it wrapped around my Pokeball so it would stay round!

Apple Watch (Series 2) - previous review linked here

I still have my gift to myself from 2016, though I have to say that it's laggggging. It probably does this on purpose so that I will upgrade. I have been considering this, but I'm trying to be financially responsible. I'll probably wait until I see a great promotion or it's my birthday/holiday/etc. Whar series it current -- 3? 4?

I mostly just use it as, well, a watch, and also to get pinged when messages or calls come through. I do appreciate the Activity Tracker, though I don't usually wear this during workouts anymore so it's not being accurate about my activity levels, which I'm fine with. It does give me a little reminder to keep up and walking! It would be nice to take calls on it without my phone around, though, which is something that the new ones claim to do...

Bluephonic Wireless Headphones

I have gone through a couple of wireless headphones (one is reviewed here, the other was just so bad, I won't even go into it). I had trouble connecting the Jabra after a while, unfortunately. I didn't want to splurge on AirPods, so I spent $29.99 on this one from Amazon, and it's great! It doesn't come with a billion little ear pieces. It stays in my ears, was fairly easy to connect, and has great sound. I've had it for about a month, mostly using it for quiet indoor workouts when everyone is still asleep, but I've run with it quite a few times, too. I don't miss catching my cord with my arm and whacking my phone to the ground while running!

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FTC Disclaimer: I purchased these items on my own and was not compensated to provide any particular opinion on them.

Giveaway Winner! -- Sony W Series MP3 Player (Update)

Updated Post: 3/20/11 As promised, here are the Sony W Series giveaway winners: -- both have been contacted and prizes sent -- Please e-mail me at (Gmail) Nobel4Lit2 with your addresses, and I'll ship out the units soon! Thanks to everyone who entered. Stay tuned for another giveaway soon (maybe later this week)! (Note: I ended up putting everyone's retweets starting after the comments when it came to numbering the entries.) Original Post: 3/10/11 Sunday, March 20 2011, the day I will run LA Marathon for the 4th time (and embark on my 8th 26.2 journey overall), will also be very special because it will mark the 5th year since I did my FIRST training run with the intention of running a marathon. (Check out that life-changing post HERE ). Yep, on March 20, 2006, I went to the track and ran my first 3.25 miles with the dreams of marathon glory (or even half-marathon glory). I think it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I was a sprint/track

Sharkies Prize Pack (giveaway)

It's giveaway time! On a long run recently, I took a couple packs of Sharkies Organic Sports Chews with me to keep me going on a hot day. I got through those 15 miles eating these, versus normal gels. I've been opting to eat chews over gels in my running nowadays because I just find them more palatable and easier on my stomach for some reason. Plus, they do pack a few more calories, which is a good thing in this case. I normally associate cute little chews with candy, but these actually contain natural electrolytes. Plus, they were light to carry and very tasty, too! Each pack is about 140 calories. The only downside I found to the sport chews is that they stuck to my teeth a tiny bit more than my normal choices, and the packaging gave me a fight at times. This could easily be solved by conslidating them into a baggie pre-run, or eating them BEFORE running would be much easier than during. Want to win the prize pack below? It comes with these Sport Chews, a neat

Rebecca Michaels Performance Clothing (Giveaway)

UPDATE: 6/21/12 -- This giveaway is closed, and the winner is #43, Jacqueline!! I will contact you, but if you miss it, please e-mail me! ------ I'd like to credit in advance "The Ukrainian" who helped me stage some photos for this post. =) Perhaps because I don't dress well when working out, I was offered the opportunity to try some fun pieces from the Rebecca Michaels summer collection. Since I complained about my issues with headbands staying on my head, I also got to try their Violet Love headbands. "The Ukrainian" didn't hesitate in throwing one on, and I think he said he looks like Rambo in it. Anyway, I'll start with my experience with the headbands . They are very soft and actually look SUPER cute on! They also cover a large portion of the top of your head, so those little fly-aways don't come drooping down. Or is that just me? My hair is normally cut in layers, so I do experience this quite a bit. Unfortun

A Case of the Runs

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