Favorite Things September 2011

Here are some items that I’m glad were invented.

1. Pearl Izumi Arm Warmers – $20.00

Many people have asked which arm warmers I use. I love these things. If I am going to bother with arm warmers, I want them to provide enough warmth to matter, but also be small enough to roll up and shove somewhere (no, not there). These stay in place on my arms (no falling down) and I dig the jazzy design. I ordered mine from REI HERE.

2. Dear Foam Slippers – on sale at Kohl’s for $16.80

I don’t think these are made from actual foam from a deer, but I could be wrong. I live in these things. I hope wearing a cheetah print makes me more of a MILF. I hate being barefoot once we hit September because my feet have the worst circulation and are always freezing. If you don't believe me, ask Ken, because when we get in bed and I touch him with my feet he usually files for divorce. Find them HERE.

3. “Webcam for Seniors 101” on You Tube

This gem was posted last week by these two people’s grand daughter. These two senior citizens were attempting to use their brand new computer to record a video for their grandkids. They didn’t know they recorded themselves until later. The stars: 86 year old Bruce Huffman and his 79 year old wife Esther. It will make you smile (teaser: burp and boobs).

4. Wacky Cake

I grew up on this cake and it’s still a family favorite. It’s called “wacky” because it has no eggs, milk or butter. Plus, it has vinegar in it which is really gross and cool at the same time. People also call it “Depression Cake” because during that time it made sense to bake a moist cake without the expense of milk, butter or eggs.  It’s also vegan and dairy free!

I top it with caramel frosting. Last week I really wanted to bake something but had no eggs so I made this.

See the recipe HERE.

5. Yurbud Earphones – $29.99

Many people have also asked me which are my favorite earphones for running. I have a pair of Yurbuds that I got almost two years ago. I can’t say enough about these for sound quality, reduced wind noise, and MOST importantly, how well they stay in the ear. Get them HERE.

6. Profile Design T2 Aerobars – about $100

In action here (although I’m going around a turn on not using them):

The week before my half ironman, I added these aerboars to my bike. They are just simple clip ons. I didn’t anticipate a huge jump in speed, but I wanted to be comfortable for 56 miles on the bike and was hoping these would help me settle in more.

I am not kidding you when I say my speed increased from about 17-18 mph average to 19-20 mph average.  I am also incredibly comfy when I drop down into these things. I feel I can just power through and GO! I got these at Bicycle Village, but I found them online for much cheaper ($82) HERE.

7. Polar insulated water bottle – $9.99

I know these have been around for awhile, but I am just getting a clue. The two things I love are the size (24 oz) and the fact that they keep your drink cold (duh, hence the “insulated” part). They come in lots of fun designs. I got mine for about $10 and picked up a second one at the Irongirl event for $5. Score. You can get them for $9.99-$11.00 HERE.

8. Room

I actually read this a few months back, but it has been one of my favorite books of the year. It sucks you in. You won’t be able to put it down. That’s all I’m telling you.

What are you liking this month?

SUAR

PS: As is the case with all of my “favorites” lists, these are my personal opinions of tried and true items. I was not asked by any companies for reviews or endorsements.

Yurbud Giveaway Winners!

Running tip: Even if you are completely addicted to your music during runs, try to run every once in awhile without it. This puts you in touch with your breath, your body and the world around you. In fact, some races do not allow iPods for safety reasons, so don't get too dependant on it!

Random.org has done its work, and here are the winners for the Yurbuds!

1. #36: Allie @ that girl's a running fool
2. #44: Trailmomma
3. #174: Jenna Z @ corgi pants
4. #227: Jill @ running2sanity
5. #233: Annika @ a swede abroad
6. #240: Heather @ heathersrunningramblings
7. #267: Dana @ getting my words out
8. #302: Missy @ southern girl running
9. #353: Katye @ runninaround
10. #372: The Neilsen's @ nellyandwoody

Please email me (see upper right corner of blog) as soon as possible and I will give you the details no how to claim your prize. If I don't hear back in five days, I'll select another winner, so don't delay!

Drinking: Kirkland coffee roasted by Starbucks

Another Great Giveaway!

Running tip: Don't always rely on energy gels/gus during your runs for fuel. They contain a lot of sugar, can be hard on your stomach, and are not the healthiest. But, you still need 50 or so carbs per hour. So, mix it up by eating dried fruit, peanut butter and jelly squares, salted nuts, pretzels, or Fig Newtons.

Just like you, I get sick of iPod earbuds. They move around, fall out, or are just plain uncomfortable. I finally resorted to these, made by Sony, and have been fairly happy (although one pair stopped working after only six months).

However...a company called Yurtopia*, makers of Yurbuds, contacted me to try their custom fitted earbuds. I was a bit skeptical 'cause I've been pretty satisfied with my stylish wrap arounds, but I thought I'd give them a try. They ask you to take a picture of a regular ear bud in your ear so they can get an idea about fit. So, I spruced up my ear by cleaning it, shining it, plucking it and waxing it. I actually used to be an ear model. Please try not to focus on the elephant-like wrinkles by my ear, I AM almost 43 for God's sake:

I emailed the pic to Yurbuds and a day or two later got this:

I have now worn these for the past two weeks. They are the BEST. Once placed in your ear, they do not move. The sound quality is great. No wind gets in. They don't make your ears hurt like some buds do. I'm a convert, I'll never go back. Just like that time I had black.

Wanna try some? Yurbuds has given me 10 pairs to give away to 10 readers. You will get the yurphones, the yurbuds and the handy case. A $30 value! Once you are selected as a winner, you will be asked to submit a picture of your wrinkled and shiny ear and then the goods will come straight from Yurbuds to your door.

What are you waiting for? Here's the scoop (don't act like you don't know how this goes).

1. Leave a comment on my blog (zzzzzzzzzzz........) about anything you please or maybe about why you might want some Yurbuds (1 entry)
2. Link back to this giveaway from your blog (+ 1 entry)
3. Become a follower if you're not already (+1 entry)
4. Become a fan on FB if you're not already by clicking here (+ 1 entry)
5. For a bonus entry: do something nice for someone today and leave a comment about it (+ 1 entry)

(Please leave a comment for each of the above so when I do the random generator to pick winners it will give you an entry for each comment).

As Steve Q so sweetly pointed out about my last giveaway: "Corporate sponsors, contests to up your follower and hit counter numbers, cheap laughs with poop and sex jokes... tsk tsk tsk. I expected so much less of you. " He cracks me up. Yep that's what I'm all about.

There will be 10 winners, so your chances are decent! This giveaway ends on February 26.

Good luck, friends and happy earbudding!


Drinking: Kirkland brand coffee made by Starbucks

*Yurtopia sent me the product for free to review on my blog. I did not pay for the item and am not paying for any of the stuff offered in the giveaway, including postage. Got that FTC?