giveaway

**GIVEAWAY CLOSED**: HOKA ONE ONE — Winner’s Choice!

- Mel 2 Comments

hoke one shoe giveaway marathon

I’ve got an awesome giveaway for you: If you’re not already aware, I’m running the Vermont City Marathon this May. One of the race sponsors is Hoka One One, and they’ve partnered with my blog to provide a pair of shoes to giveaway! Hoka will supply any model to one winner (*provided your choice of shoe is in stock).

Here’s the rules:

That’s it! Giveaway ends at midnight on March 14, 2017. And I’ll announce a Winner at random on March 15.

Hoka One One running shoes VCM
YAY! SHOES!

Disclaimer: Hoka One One is a sponsor of the Vermont City Marathon and is providing one pair of shoes to one winner. I received a free entry to the Vermont City Marathon, courtesy of BibRave.com. Use discount code BibRaveDsct17 to save $5 on your VCM registration!

LIVING WITH A SEAL: {book release and giveaway}

- Mel

I received a copy of LIVING WITH A SEAL on Release Day, and the book written by Jesse Itzler was a really fun read — I finished in two days! Itzler has a unique personality and his hilarious storytelling kept my interest (and his conversational tone made me laugh out loud throughout). His life story is already interesting and his personal success in business and his personal life are already engaging. On top of that, he also runs ultra-marathons. And, uh… he’s also married to the woman who founded Spanx!

Living with a SEAL photo

(This family photo on the book jacket cracks me up.)

In the book, Itzler decides to hire a trainer to shake things up. That trainer happens to be an accomplished Navy SEAL, who he “meets” (nay, stalks) at one of his ultra events, and is widely considered to be “the toughest man on the planet.” There was only one condition from SEAL, however: he would have to do everything SEAL told him — and NOTHING was off limits.

LIVING WITH A SEAL: 31 Days Training with the Toughest Man on the Planet is Itzler’s account of this “month-long experiment to improve his strength and endurance and challenge his will to succeed.”

There are some eye-openers in this regimented training that included sleeping in a wooden chair, jumping into a frozen lake and running-while-wearing a 50-lb weighted vest (and training occurring at all hours of the day and night which SEAL only needs a pair of borrowed gloves for training gear). The book includes the 31-day training plan too, if you’re so inclined to follow (please note: I am not a physician do not encourage you to attempt… you know, unless you’re a SEAL).

LIVING WITH A SEAL is inspirational and motivational, to be sure. But also absolutely insane. And I’m giving a copy away for you to enjoy too!

Living with a Seal book cover

Giveaway: One copy of LIVING WITH A SEAL will be sent to a winner in the US. Leave the craziest thing you’ve ever done for getting in shape in the comments for a chance to win! Giveaway ends on Friday, November 19 at midnight.

Disclaimer: I received an advance copy of LIVING WITH A SEAL from Hachette Book Group for review. The publisher will be providing the giveaway copy as well. All opinions in this post are my own.

Beauty Therapy: derma e skin care products for the gluten-free lifestyle

- Mel

As I’ve written about here several times, I have adopted a gluten-free lifestyle because of some health issues (still, a couple years later, without a lot of answers but at least staying gluten-free keeps my symptoms in check). I am also conscious about gluten in my beauty products — it’s incredible that I haven’t had a single eczema outbreak since I gave up gluten (and remember when I used to get patches on my eyelids???).

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And this is where skin care lines like derma e® wonderfully come into my life. derma e® is an entirely gluten-free, vegan, and cruelty-free natural skincare company. After taking an online evaluation, their site suggested products especially for my skin concerns — and are ideal for those of us with skin sensitivities, allergies or the need to use gluten-free products. derma e® also sent me four full-size products to try out based on my evaluation (I mostly have oily skin but concerns about aging — similar to many late 30-something women): a glycolic facial cleanser, dark eye circle creme, purifying youth serum, and a brightening day creme.

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While I haven’t had much time yet to use, after a couple days I am already impressed by the quality of these products. Sincerely, I can already tell you how much I love the glycolic cleanser!

To bring some additional awareness to the gluten-free lifestyle, derma e® Natural Skincare is celebrating (an unofficial) Gluten-Free Month this September — AND they’re hosting a pretty sweet giveaway! Between September 16-30, 2015, derma e® will host the #ICANTWHEAT Giveaway. One winner will get a $150 gift certificate to shop at www.dermae.com and 1,000 runners-up will win a derma e® Gluten-Free sampler kit!

Participants can enter to win here: http://bit.ly/1ESe4Oe. derma e will also be offering a 25% discount with the promo code ICANTWHEAT through November 15, 2015.

I encourage you to take the derma e evaluation and learn which products are best for your skin concerns.

Disclosure: I received four full-size products from derma e in exchange for review and promotion of the #ICANTWHEAT campaign. All opinions herein are my own.

Start where you are: A journal for self-exploration & a GIVEAWAY!

- Mel

journal practice 30-something

So often we tell ourselves if we just felt better, then the real work we wish to start would be a lot easier.

Artist Meera Lee Patel believes that we need to start NOW to move ourselves forward – no act is too small. Action changes attitude. Taking time to create something – anything – helps with self-awareness and introspection. And thats why I love Meera’s self-exploration journal so much. START WHERE YOU ARE: A Journal for Self-Exploration is her full-color, passion-inspiring journal designed to nurture creativity, explore inner thoughts, and help us focus on what matters most.

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I’ve felt irrationally paralyzed by daily journaling, but it’s a practice that I have wanted to start for some time — especially now, as I’m encountering another life transition. Meera’s book has beautiful illustrations and prompts to get you started. Inspiration can be found on every page:

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I plan to use this journal for writing, doodling, and list-making — an overall creative and reflection space as Meera intends. These creative acts are so important (no matter how small) to our mental health and inner peace… and to moving our lives forward.

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Buy your own journal at Indiebound OR comment below for a chance to win your own personal copy. I’m giving away TWO, thanks to Penguin Random House books. I’ll select my two winners at random on August 28 (so please comment by Thursday, August 27 at midnight).

Do you journal daily — or are you ready to start the practice?

Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of this journal for review, and the publisher is graciously providing two copies for this giveaway. I received no compensation for this post. Winners of this giveaway restricted to Domestic US residents only.

GIVEAWAY {ended}: Annie Chun’s (gluten-free!) Seaweed Crisps

- Mel

{Thanks for entering! Winner has been selected and announced via the Rafflecopter widget.}

I am a snack person. I probably eat 8 meals a day due to my voracious appetite which I manage by (healthy!) snacking. I am hungry every two hours — and who wants to starve and wait for their next meal? In fact, my snack drawer was enacted at my new job before I even had a stapler.

A new-found fave in my cupboard (thanks to all those snack box subscriptions) is seaweed snacks. I even used them as part of my appetizer platter at my holiday Wine & Cheese dinner! And because of snacks is why I am so excited about this giveaway.

Seaweed Crisps Annie Chun's

Annie Chun’s reached out to me to sample their original seaweed crisps but ALSO try two of their new flavors: GO-CHU-JANG and Cinnamon. Cinnamon seaweed snacks, what?! It’s almost like a gluten-free cinnamon twist of my comfort food dreams. It’s a really unique flavor, and I’m definitely a fan.

Because of my nightshade sensitivity, the boyfriend reported back on the peppery ones. He’s already a fan of another brand’s chili seaweed, so I just KNEW he would approve… and he ripped open the package before I even told him what these bags were for (so much for my “hidden” snack stash on top of the fridge).

DID YOU KNOW: Annie Chun’s Seaweed Crisps are a gluten-free and cholesterol-free snack, with only 70 calories per serving and 0 grams of trans fat. You can find Annie Chun’s at Giant Eagle stores in the Pittsburgh area, but check with your local grocer if you’re in another city.

Mmmmm, do I love salads!
Mmmmm, do I love salads!

And if you wanna be like this 30-something, top your salad with these seaweed crisps. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND as a gluten-free crouton alternative.

GIVEAWAY: Annie Chun’s is giving away THREE bags of the Seaweed Crisps to ONE winner. Leave a comment on this post and use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter. Giveaway closes 3/16/15.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: Annie Chun’s sent me a three-pack of seaweed crisps to sample in exchange for a review and a giveaway post. Prize will be provided to the winner directly from Annie Chun’s. All opinions herein are my own.

Weekly Therapy: short on willpower, long on intentions

- Mel

the week:
Drop/Add. Drop a class, add a class. Drop a run, drop another run… add in feeling really overwhelmed. Order from the gluten-free menu, add all the nightshades (and enjoy every bite of intoxicatingly-hot pickled pepper and spicy sausage).

Back to that theme of balance… Ahem. I have been really enjoying my new routine of walking to work and listening to Psychology podcasts — yes, even in winter — but this bitter cold is all TOO MUCH. I decided to skip out on the Cupid’s Undie Run this weekend too because… NOPE.

Needed this inspiration this week.
Needed this inspiration this week.

weekend:
OMG LONG WEEKEND!

After working late Friday, finishing up my final assignments and reflection paper on Saturday (and probably imbibing in something buttery and/or chocolately), I will be looking forward to that extra day off. We’ll be celebrating Valentine’s Day by going to see Casablanca with the Symphony on Sunday evening.

Bee tee dubs: If you’re in the Pittsburgh area — and I KNOW you need to stock up on toilet paper and bread for this snow storm — head over to Giant Eagle on Sunday to sample Annie Chun’s Seaweed Crisps (one of my new favorite snacks!). Stay tuned this week for an Annie Chun’s giveaway!

seven things, seven days:
1. Bought my first pair of ballet shoes since, I don’t know… Kindergarten? INTENTIONS.
2. Went to a networking event from some new local organized event company, and it was quite blah. Also, I couldn’t eat any of the food, didn’t want gin or cheap rum (with the ONE free drink ticket), and they changed the venue at the last minute! Had more fun “networking” with my friends elsewhere… see #3.
3. Heck yeah, I bought a bottle of champagne for me and my friends this week to celebrate. Life is pretty great right now. (And I cannot resist a sparkler.)
4. So much awesome in the mail this week with both my PopSugar Must Haves box and Ipsy sampler.
5. First paycheck!!!
6. “This is going to be the best day ever” and “thank you”: How 11 words and 5 minutes can make every day the best one ever. {via Muse}
7. What it feels like to have iron willpower {via Summer Tomato}

New running goals, new headphones.

- Mel

I need a workout playlist to keep myself motivated to run (hello Marathon relay training!) and endure through tough uncoached workout sessions (I’m drowning out the guys who won’t leave me alone to my weights and machines, for real). But boy do I have a real problem with earbuds. Forget the ones that come with an iPhone — they were definitely not designed with small ear canals in mind; no, not even you “redesigned” iPhone 5 ‘buds. The current pair I use for exercise fit into my ear (thank you, Five Below impulse purchase), but I need to wrap around my headband in order to keep located within my ears area. And then there’s the problem with WHERE DO I PUT ALL THESE WIRES?!

It’s all very #firstworldproblems.

I’ve been looking around for other options of headphones to purchase, especially ones that are wire-free and runner-friendly. Enter: Jaybird.

Jaybird creates state-of-the-art headphones for active lifestyles. The company has a variety of bluetooth headphones that are perfect for every sport and activity! Plus, they have GOOD quality audio, which helps me train away the nagging YOU WILL NEVER BE A RUNNER thoughts that run through my head. Who keeps saying that?!

BlueBuds are the smallest Bluetooth headphones in the world — with remarkable playtime — and are possibly the most progressive headphones available.

Some other sweet benefits:

  • BlueBuds come with multiple size ear buds for comfort AND an over/under-ear fit options. Over-ear lifts cord off the neck, liberating your workout.
  • Do you know about the relationship between white noise and headphones? All other headsets produce listener fatigue. Pure Sound features in these BlueBuds filter white noise out for a better listening experience.
  • BlueBuds have an 8-hour battery life and charge via micro USB.
  • All JayBird products have a lifetime sweat-proof guarantee. I won’t get into sweat issues. If you’re a fitness enthusiast, you know.
  • Compatible with iPhone, iPod Nano and Touch, iPad mini and Android models — basically any bluetooth-enabled stereo device.

Extreme athlete approved… Oh, hey CrossFit athletes:

I bet these would even be awesome for derby, pre-bout warmup too.

Voice prompts? You have my attention, Jenna. With voice prompts, getting to your first track is smooth and simple: put your headphones on, hold the power button and Jenna takes over saying “power on” then “headphones connected.” Push play and your music begins. I’m also digging the music and call controls to change tracks and volume without having to fumble with my iPhone through its armband case.

A special bonus for my 30-something workout warriors: Jaybird is giving away a pair of BlueBuds headphones every. single. day. Giveaway ends December 8, 2013; and one winner is selected daily. You can enter-to-win every day.

Christmas is coming! Wouldn’t these make the perfect gift idea for your fellow fitness enthusiasts! I know these BlueBuds are going on my wish list this year. But I’m definitely entering the daily contest too (Merry Christmas to me!).
30-something approved: BlueBuds retail at $169.95, available in storm white or midnight black, sold via the Jaybird website.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of JayBird.