Are you looking for the perfect gift for the traveler in your life? Look no further. Here are the 10 gifts that the traveler in your life will love.
This post may contain affiliate links, and I may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost.
The Wander Club
The Wander Club are engraved tokens for every place that you visit. You can choose from Nationals Parks, countries, cities, and landmarks. Pick out the token, purchase a token holder, and clip it onto your purse or bag when it arrives. It is a great way to remember all the great places you have traveled. My sister gave me the token holder and some tokens for my birthday. I smile each time I see it because it reminds me of all the beautiful places I have been over the years.
There are a few other things I love about this gift. First, the holder and the tokens are made in the USA. I love to purchase products that are made here at home. Second, the token holder is $25.00, and the tokens are $5.00 apiece. It is a reasonably priced gift. Third, for every order placed, the company provides a meal to a child. So why not purchase a gift that pays it forward? You can find them here.
Mixtiles
Mixtiles are the newest rage, and rightfully so. These stylish frames stick to any surface and look great. I ordered 24 of them for my office wall. I chose photos from various vacations, and they came out great. Mixtiles always seem to have a sale, so be sure to check for any coupon codes. I found their site easy to use, and can be done straight from your phone. Individual tiles are $11.00, but they offer bulk discounts. As I said, I purchased 24 tiles and paid $132.00. I thought it was very reasonable. Check them out.
MotherLode Backpack by Ebags
My whole family loves this backpack; we each have one and use it as our carry-on item when traveling. It is also the perfect weekend bag. Here are some of the features.
- KEY FEATURES: Padded laptop sleeve fits up to 19″, zip expansion for an extra 1.5″ and stowable backpack straps
- TRAVEL BENEFITS: 2 exterior quick-grab zip pockets, side zip water bottle pocket and bottom and side carry handles and 4 exterior compression straps
- ORGANIZATION: Easy access front zip compartment with several interior pockets and key leash, large main compartment with compression straps & fold-down shelf and interior zip-around mesh panel pocket
- BREATHABLE & COMFORTABLE: Breathable back panel for comfort; removable, adjustable sternum strap
- DIMENSIONS: Exterior Dimensions – 22″ X 14″ X 9″; Linear Inches – 45″; Laptop Compartment Dimensions – 19″ X 11.75″ X 1.5″; Weight: 3 lbs, 15 oz; Capacity: 3299 cu. in.
We have found the bags carry a lot! I am currently on a plane to Florida as I type, and my bag is stuffed. It is exceptionally durable and has survived the luggage gods when we have done bag check. Ebags is one of my favorite brands. All our packing cubes and toiletry items are from Ebags. Right now, the Motherlode Backpack is $119.00 on Amazon. Check out how I pack using this awesome bag.
The Birdie Personal Alarm
The She’s Birdie is a personal safety alarm made by women for women. However, I plan on buying one for each of my boys, as you can never be too safe, in my opinion. This personal alarm has a 130db alarm and flashing strobe light designed to deter an attack. It can attach to your keys, your purse, or throw in your pocket. I am also going to get one for myself to use when out running.
Travel Coffee Press
Coffee lovers rejoice! Finding a good cup of coffee when traveling is not always an easy feat. The AeroPress Go Portable Coffee Press is lightweight and easy to use. It makes coffee, espresso, and cold brew in one minute.
Adventure Log and Journal
This log is the perfect gift for the people in your life who take many road trips, go camping, or vacation using an RV. There is enough space in this book to record 59 trips, and the book is small enough not to take up a lot of room in the RV.
Filtered Water Bottle
Another gift for the hiker in your life is a filtered water bottle. The LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle
- Removes bacteria as well as parasites
- Two stages of filtration technology
- Durable and reusable
- 23-ounce leak-proof bottle
- Remove micro plastics and viruses
- Reduce lead and heavy metal as well as chlorine & bad taste also.
Cord Keeper Pouch/Electronics Organizer
If you are anything like me, you have a million gadgets you travel with, along with the cords. I travel with a Nook, FitBit, Garmin running watch, wireless headphones, etc. You get the picture. I needed something to keep all the cords organized and found this great organzier. There are 12 high-quality elastic loops and different sizes of mesh pockets in the cable organizer case. It allows for better storage of batteries, keys, USB, laptop accessories, etc.
Mini Clothing Steamer
I try and only bring wrinkle-resistant clothes while traveling, but sometimes that is not possible. This handy travel steamer is the perfect fix. The steamer removes wrinkles, softens, defrost & cleans any type of fabric. Use it on wool, cotton, satin, linen, nylon, sequins, embroidery, beads. It includes a bonus brush that is gentle & safe to use on delicates, including silk & lace.
AirBnB Gift Card
There are some unique Airbnbs out there. Why not a gift card and perhaps a printout of some of the more unique ones in the country. It may inspire someone to adventure out to a place they may not have thought of before. You can grab a gift card here.
How about you? Do you see anything you want on this list? What are your favorite travel items?
This post may contain affiliate links, and I may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.
Happy New Year! 2020 is in the past, and for most people, this is a good thing. What a year it has been! I recently wrote about the positives 2020 brought into my life, but there were some struggles. Some of those struggles were in terms of the goals I had set for myself and could not meet. In speaking with friends and my readers, this was a source of frustration for various reasons. A few got sidetracked due to the pandemic. Circumstances in their life got in the way, and their goals were put on hold. The last year threw us all for a loop.
For example, my goal to lose some weight was derailed by what I call the quarantine 15. In the beginning, I turned to one of my favorite stress relievers, baking! Another example, working from home full time, was a big adjustment for me. My time management went out the window, and I became too wrapped up in my work. I let things, like my running, slide. I also do not do well with a lot of free time. I work best with routine and a schedule. It took me a while to establish that. The less time I have, the more I accomplish. Does that make sense?
Stop Making Resolutions-Set Goals
So, how can you and I make 2021 different? The first thing is to stop making resolutions! Instead of resolutions, set goals. Wait, you may be shaking your head and thinking, aren’t these the same thing? Actually, no, resolutions and goals are not the same things. According to the dictionary, a resolution is a firm decision to do or not to do something. It is a statement of what you want to change. A goal involves setting, planning, preparing, and taking action.
For example, a pretty common resolution is “I want to lose weight.” To change this from a resolution to a goal, you need an action plan. What do you need to do to reach that goal? How are you going to change your eating habits? What kind of exercise will you do? How many times a week will you exercise. Remember, a goal must be SMART – Specific, Measurable, Assignable, Relevant, and Time-Based. It also needs to be written down. I suggest a pen to paper rather than on your phone. Research shows our brain remembers better and more when something is written down on paper.
A regular old notebook would do, but I bought this goal planner over on Amazon. I love it.
How to Accomplish your Goals.
Goals are personal to each person. However, to accomplish any goal, we need to be at our best. We need to feel our best. The environment we work and live in must be free from chaos and clutter. We need to eliminate any unnecessary stressors. How do we do that? It is my firm belief if we add these nine goals to our list, accomplishing everything else will become just that much easier.
Create a Morning Routine
How we start our day sets the tone of the day ahead, controls our schedules, and prioritizes our time. Now what you do is up to you. It could be mediatation, prayer, exercise, journaling, or reading. Mine is checking off some to-do lists for my blog and social media before my workday begins, all while drinking a nice cup of coffee. By accomplishing these small tasks, I feel less pressured to get these things done later in the day, and it gives me a chance to wake up slowly. I highly suggest The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod. It helped me establish my routine.
Move Every Day
Exercise is key to helping us feel better. The endorphins released when exercising makes us feel happier and more confident. It keeps us younger. It does not have to be hardcore either. Go for a walk, do some yoga, find a video on YouTube to follow. Just get out and move. I become bored very quickly with strength training, so I need to mix it up. I subscribe to a streaming service that is all workouts. It cost less than my local gym, and I do them all from the coziness of my home.
Drink More Water
Hydrate, hydrate, and hydrate! Water is the most critical thing that we can put in our bodies. It delivers oxygen to our bodies and flushes out toxins. It aids with weight loss. Our skin looks healthier when we hydrate. The list goes on and on. If my water intake is slacking, I feel sluggish, and accomplishing anything on my list is that much harder to do. Here are some tips on how to hydrate more.
Declutter your House
I don’t know about you, but I can’t concentrate if there are clutter and chaos all around. It is all I can think of, and it serves as a colossal distraction. Therefore, the need to declutter and keep my house as organized as best as possible is essential. As I sit here and write this, my dining room table is a mess with Christmas stuff. As soon as I am done with this post, I will spend my day organizing, as I will get nothing else done on my list. Of course, one of my goals for 2021 is to declutter each room, so this goal serves a couple of purposes.
Take control of your Finances
Worrying about money can be all-consuming. It can creep into all other aspects of your life and affect your mood and motivation. Knowing exactly where your money goes every month and having a plan to save for the future can go a long way. If any of your goals involve money, like saving for a trip, new furniture, a retirement goal, etc., you must know how much is coming into the household and how much is going out of the household.
Reconnect with Old Friends
This one makes your heart full. I had a visit from an old friend last week, and it did wonders for my mood. The rest of my day was so productive as I was feeling so good from her visit.
Take time for Self Care
Make sure you are doing something that rejuvenates you. I love to relax by reading or scrapbooking. all while listening to your favorite book on Audible sound? Like heaven to me. How does a bubble bath Whatever it is, please make time to do it each week.
Eat better
It is that simple. Eat more fruits, veggies, whole grains, and less sugar, and you will be amazed at how much better you will feel. You naturally will have more energy to get through the day.
Get More Sleep
I fought this one for a very long time. I still struggle with it from time to time. It is not because I can’t sleep; it is because I don’t want to sleep. I always looked at it as a waste of time. However, research has shown, and my body agrees we need sleep. Sleep keeps us laser-focused to accomplish our to-do lists and keep us on track to reach our goals. Set a regular bedtime and stick to it. Not only does the amount of sleep matter, the quality of sleep matters as well. According to one study, we need anywhere between 1.5 to 1.8 hours of deep sleep a night. This is roughly 20% of our overall sleep. I find if I take a sleep supplement, it helps me achieve that number. I started using NUUN Rest, and it has changed the quality of my sleep.
Wrapping up
If you have not figured it out by now, the nine goals listed above are about making us feel and perform at our best. Again, if we feel our best, we can set out and achieve any goal we want. It starts within ourselves.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this. Please leave me a comment below. Happy New Year!
This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.
I may be a little late to the party, but my Love of Week is essential oils. Though people have been using oils for a while, I had started using them until recently. I suffer from seasonal allergies. I have tried many things and have quite a routine in the morning. Earlier this year, my sister recommended I try essential oils. I ordered myself a diffuser, some oils marketed to help with allergies, and gave it a try. I am happy to report; I LOVED it!
I bought the diffuser on Amazon. I decided on the VicTsing Essential Oil Diffuser. I wanted something quiet, with an extended mist output and a diffuser acting as a cool-mist humidifier.
- It is a 500 ml diffuser that runs up to 14 hours on low mist mode and 7 hours on high mist mode.
- It is quiet and turns off automatically when the water runs out.
- It has a high/low button to choose the proper setting time.
- The diffuser has soothing LED lights to act as a night light.
- Made from BPA-free material.
As for oils, I went with a company called Revive.
I wanted something that was 100% all-natural. As you can imagine, some companies market their products as 100% all-natural, and they are not. All of REVIVE’s Oils are 100% pure therapeutic grade, free from any additives, adulterants, fillers, synthetics, or dilutions. REVIVE also has a 100% money-back guarantee. I love companies that stand by their products.
I started with the Peppermint, Lavender, and Lemon to concoct my own allergy-fighting blend. As I learned more about the oils, I discovered REVIVE makes the blends for you. I am currently using the Allergy Relief oil at night. It consists of Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Peppermint, and Lavender. It eases congestion and soothes allergies. On the days I work from home or hanging around the house, I diffuse Energy or Lemon. REVIVE Energy is a blend of Lavender, Sweet Orange, Osmanthus Extract, Amyris, Litsea, Ylang, Ylang, and Violet. Lemon is an antioxidant and has antibacterial properties to help detoxify and boost the immune system. Since I began using essential oils, I have seen significant improvement. I still take a daily allergy med and perform a sinus rinse, but I feel better overall since I started diffusing the oils.
I have a number of other blends. I have one for headache relief, one for sleeping, and one for digestion. All of them have worked pretty well, some more than others. I find with my headaches, I have to time it right or else it is too late.
What about you? Do you use essential oils? I would love to hear your thoughts.
In mid-March, life as we know it came to a screeching halt. Schools were closed, non -essential businesses shut down. Many of us were asked to work from home, homeschool our kids for the first time and social distance from everyone we know and love. These are stressful times.
So how do you release your stress? A significant stress reliever for me is exercise. Exercise lifts my mood and helps me keep a clear head. Running is my anti-depressant of choice for the reasons I just described and many more. If you would like to read more about the mental benefits of exercise, you can do so here.
Perhaps you are not a runner. Or maybe you like the gym and desperately missing it right now. Even though I run, I have to incorporate strength training in my routine to prevent injury. How do I do this? From the comfort of my own home.
Beachbody on Demand (BOD) is a streaming service that provides hundreds of workouts to assist people in achieving their health and fitness goals. BOD can be streamed on a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Members can also stream BOD through a TV using Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast, or via the Beachbody On Demand app for iOS and Android. Apple Watch users can stream their workouts on their iPhone or iPad, and Apple Watch will project real-time heart rate and caloric burn on those screens. Take a peek.
This is the perfect alternative to the gym, and I feel I have not skipped a beat in my fitness journey. Also, for those of you looking for help with nutrition, BOD includes easy to follow nutrition plans. Click here to get started. I love my membership, hence why it is my love of the week!
This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.
I received such a great response to my post So You Want to be a Runner- 8 Tips for Beginners, I have decided to do a series of posts on the topic of running. Every few weeks or so, I will write about a topic related to my favorite sport. Today,
According to Women’s Running website
- 34 % feel afraid of running alone.
- 33 %say they will switch to indoor activities.
- 34 % of those take some added precautions such as a wearable safety item that contacts help when activated or deterrent, such as pepper spray.
- The number of pedestrians killed — 6,283, an increase of 3.4 percent from the previous year — was the highest such number since 1990.
I don’t know about you, but I have enough to worry about on a day to day basis. I want and should be able to lace up my running shoes and head out the door without worrying about a distracted driver hitting me or being assaulted. I refuse to cave into fear and not live my life, nor should you. Here are eight safety tips for runners(or walkers and cyclists for that matter).
Do not run in the dark.
If this is the only time your schedules permits, run with a friend. Use the buddy system and make sure you are wearing proper reflective gear .
Do not run with earbuds.
I need to be listening to something while running. I always have either a podcast or an audiobook on while out for my run. Instead of earbuds, I wear AfterShokz. AfterShokz are wireless bone conduction headphones that sit outside your ear. I can hear my podcast and everything that is going on around me. The sound quality is excellent, and they fit comfortably around my head.
Alter your routes.
Do not run the same route every day. I have 5-6 different routes I rotate throughout the month.
Do not post your route on social media.
Runners love to post their runs, whether it be on social media or onan app like Strava or RunKeeper. However, you don’t know who can see that route, so play it safe, don’t publish it. There are ways to leave it out of your post. Check your privacy features on your apps for more information.
Carry your phone.
Always have your phone on hand in case you need to call for help. Also, you can be found by the GPS on your phone, so god forbid you are hurt or taken, it may become a useful tool in finding you.
Carry identification.
Instead of carrying my license, I wear a Road ID band. It is a stretchy silicone bracelet that slides over your hand. It includes your personal information, your emergency contact information, and any medical issues you may have. I make sure to wear mine each time I go out for a run.
Carry pepper spray or mace.
Though not legal in all states, if it is, it is a good option. I carried it for some time, but after spraying a groundhog thinking he was an evil person lurking in the bushes, my husband bought me the Wearsafe Tag. The Wearsafe Tag is a modern-day panic button. You press a button, and it sends an alert to your emergency contacts. It includes your GPS coordinates and audio of what is happening around you. I love it.
Be seen.
There are many distracted drivers out there. People zone out when driving. It is vital that people see you. Wear reflective and bright clothing, run against traffic, obey all traffic laws, and run on sidewalks if all possible. Also, appear assertive. Look people in the eye when passing by — those who seem confident and assertive are less likely to be bothered.
I hope these tips are helpful and give you the tools you need to go out and exercise safely and in peace.
Be safe and happy Running!
This post may contain affiliate links, and I may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.
I have a confession to make. I use to hate sleep. I thought it was a colossal waste of time. There was always so much to do, and sleep was not one of them. I blame law school. While in law school fulltime, I worked three jobs. In addition to that, I needed to keep my B average. One can not do this while sleeping! I averaged 4 hours a night. It became a habit. Then I turned 40.
40 happens to be when I started running. What began as me wanting to lose a few pounds became much, much more. I fell in love with running and wanted to make sure I was always feeling my best. To accomplish this, I learned sleep was so important. I made an effort to get at least 6 hours but aimed for 7 hours of sleep a night. It was working well. Fast forward to last summer. I was now 47 and started to experience changes in my sleep. I had some trouble falling asleep. The quality of sleep was not great. I was not able to fall into that deep sleep that is important.
During one of my runs, I was listening to a podcast. The hosts, both women, were talking about sleep and what has helped them. One of the products was Nuun Rest.
Nuun Rest is part of the Nuun family of products. Nuun is a hydrating beverage without all the extra additives and sugars. It’s product offerings originally were for sports hydration, but have expanded to everyday hydration. Nuun Rest is a blend of magnesium, potassium, and tart-cherry. Tart cherry has shown to reduce muscle soreness and improve sleep quality. It increases the level of melatonin and helps improve the quality of sleep and duration. Magnesium has shown to relax the body and to aid with sleep. Since I started drinking Nuun Rest, my time in deep sleep has increased. I feel more rested in the morning. According to one study, we need between anywhere between 1.5 to 1.8 hours of deep sleep a night. This is roughly 20% of our overall sleep. Like the other Nuun products, Nuun Rest is vegan, kosher, non-GMO, and gluten-free. It comes in Blackberry Vanilla and Lemon Chamomille. I love the Blackberry Vanilla. One tablet of Nuun Rest has ten calories and 1 gram of sugar. Mix it with 8 ounces of water and you are good to go.
I have been taking Nuun Rest every night for the last six months. I am hitting my deep sleep target about 99% of the time. It has been a game-changer for me. For those of you wondering, I am still not a fan of sleep, but we have agreed to co-exist. 🙂
This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.
The new year is upon us, and many people take this time to start something new. Notice how I don’t use the word resolution. I’m not too fond of the word, and much prefer to use the term goal. See my prior post for my reasons why. In any case, perhaps you want to take up running in the new year. Running is an excellent form of exercise, both physically and mentally. There is nothing better than a run to clear your head. I love “running” through my problems. I love the people I have met through the sport. I have even learned to love the burn. You get the point; I love to run.
People often ask how I got I started. Or say things like I don’t know how you do it? I could never run. Well, I am here to tell you, you can! Here are eight tips on how to start running.
Invest in the Right Shoes
Not all running shoes are created equal, and what works for me may not work for you. It is best to be fitted by someone knowledgeable in this area. Head over to your local running store and ask to be fitted for shoes. The salesperson should have you walk around the store so he/she can examine your gait. Based on what they see, they will have you try on a few different types of shoes. Once you have a pair or two that are comfortable, the salesperson should have you try them out by running, either outside or on a treadmill in the store. Make sure the store has a 30-day return policy if, for some reason, the shoes do not work out.
Set Small Attainable Goals
On day one, I went out and ran 3 miles in the hot July sun. I would not recommend that! Aim for small goals. If you aim too high, you put too much pressure on yourself, and it takes the joy out of the process. Perhaps start running for time and not distance. For example, start by running three times a week for 20 mins. Once you are comfortable with that, add 5 mins and build from there.
Schedule your Runs
Take out your planner, your calendar on your phone or whatever it is you use to schedule your appointments and schedule in those runs just like you would a doctor’s appointment or a meeting with your boss. You would not cancel on them, so why cancel on yourself. I plan my runs out a month at a time. It helps!
Gradually Increase Your Mileage (or Time)
The rule of thumb is to increase your mileage by no more than 10% each week. I prefer every two weeks. Ramping up the mileage too quickly can lead to injury.
Keep a Running Journal
A running journal is more than just a place to track your mileage. It tells a story. As I track my runs, I note the weather, the mood I was in, how hydrated I was, how much sleep I had the night before, and what I had to eat that day. These are all contributing factors to any run, good or bad. I started to see patterns. I found if I was not hydrated, my runs were a bit sluggish. It is also neat to look back and see how far I have come when training for a race.
Add Strength Training
I learned this the hard way. I hated to exercise most of my life. It wasn’t until I turned 40 that I decided running was for me. I went all out. Once I find something I like, I do it. This lead to shin splints and tightness in my hips and glutes. Once I began strength training, my problems started to dissipate. Oh, and make sure to add stretching to the routine as well. You can read all about the benefits of stretching here.
Join a Running Group
Runners are the NICEST people. When I started running, I joined a running group at my local running store. It was fantastic. It gave me one night a week that was all about me and my new venture. Most groups ( I say most because there is always an exception) welcome new runners with open arms. It also helps you up your game. We tend to want to try more when we are with others. I have done some of my best runs while running with a group.
Follow a Training Plan
There many apps or free training plans available to help you get you started. Couch to 5K is a great app. Jeff Galloway, former Olympian runner, and runDisney consultant has some fantastic training plans. Jeff has perfected the run/walk method, and his plans are fantastic for beginners. Another great resource is Another Mother Runner. I am starting their heart rate training plan this upcoming weekend. I talk about it here.
Follow these tips, and you will be off and running, literally! Starting to run was one of the best things I ever did. It changed my life, and it could change yours.
This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.
It is the middle of December. Winter is about a week away, and snowy days are upon us. Well, at least for those of us that live in the north! One of my favorite things to do after a long day at work is to snuggle up with a good book and a nice cup of tea. For those of you in the south, this may be a lovely iced tea.
Now, it can’t be just any tea. Over the years, I have developed a taste for loose leaf tea. Loose-leaf teas are more flavorful and overall better quality. Loose leaf tea tends to be larger than the tea in a teabag. The tea in a tea bag is broken down or crushed. Therefore, the essential oils in the tea, which give the tea flavor, is destroyed. The loose leaf tea is allowed to circulate in the boiling water, swells, therefore, giving off a robust flavor.
When my favorite tea shop closed, I had to seek out an alternative. Thankfully, it did not take me long. Last Christmas, my sister introduced me to David’s Tea. David’s Tea started back in 2008 in Toronto, Canada. Today, there are over 230 stores over Canada, and the U.S. David’s Tea has over 100 flavors. This includes traditional teas, exotic infusions from around the world, exclusive blends, pure and flavored matcha, unique blends, and limited edition seasonal collections. David’s also boasts the most extensive selection of organic teas and infusions in North America.
You can buy as little as 2 ounces or as much as 40 ounces of a flavor of tea. The teas come in a container, as shown above, or in a resealable pouch. The smaller tins are magnetic. They stack nicely on top of one another and stay put. As you can see, I have a variety of flavors. Now that the seasons are changing, I will be ordering some seasonable flavors. There is a maple chai I have my eye on. Speaking of flavors, David’s Tea has some fantastic teas for the holidays. I highly recommend their Candy Cane.
It has white chocolate chips, candy snowflakes, and pieces of crushed candy cane. It makes for a delicious after-dinner treat without the guilt.
In addition to teas, Davids sells accessories to go with the tea. There are mugs, travel mugs, rock candy sugars, steepers, ice tea pitchers, infusers, and more. It has everything for your tea needs.
Tell me, are you a tea drinker? What is your favorite flavor? Share below as I am always looking for a new tea to try.
This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.
Do you have a runner in your life? Are you struggling with what to buy them this holiday season? As a runner, I always have at least one running-related item on my Christmas list. I surveyed quite a few of my running friends and came up with the ultimate gift guide for runners. Whether your runner is a beginner or has been running for years, there is something for everyone on this list.
AfterShokz Headphones
If your runner is like me, I need something to distract me when running. I love listening to a podcast or an audiobook. However, safety comes first. AfterShokz is a wireless bone conduction headphone that sits outside your ear. I can hear my podcast and everything that is going on around me. The sound quality is excellent, and they fit comfortably around my head.
A Good Running Watch
Most runners love gadgets, especially gadgets that will track their mileage, pace, etc. I have had a few running watches over the years and partial to Garmin. Their product is superb, and I have never had an issue with any of their watches. There are several models to choose from, each a little bit different. I currently am using the Garmin Forerunner 235 and love it.
FlipBelt
For short runs, I am okay with carrying my phone in my pocket or even in my hand. However, if I am going to run for over an hour, I will need fuel, perhaps my keys (if racing), chapstick, phone, etc. The FlipBelt is a great place to store it all. The belt sits snuggly around your waist and has pockets that hold quite a bit of stuff. It even has a clip inside to hold your keys.
Headbands
There is nothing more annoying than having my hair fly into my face as I am running. A good headband is a must. I have very thick hair and have found the brand Sweaty Bands work best. These are non-slip headbands that come in various colors and designs. I won’t buy anything else.
Hydration Vest
For those long runs, no one should be without water. Runners need to stay hydrated. Hand-held water bottles are fine, but after a while, my hand starts to cramp, or I run out of water too soon into my run. I solved that problem this summer by investing in a hydration vest. It holds 2 liters of water, has pockets for other fuel like Nuun or chews, and a place for your phone. It is lightweight and surprisingly comfortable.
Sunglasses
Just like our skin, we need to protect our eyes from the sun. Goodrs are all the rage at the moment. These are no-slip, no-bounce polarized sunglasses that come in different colors and prints. If I did not wear prescription glasses, I would have quite a few of these beauties in my closet.
Reflective Clothing/Gadgets
Many of us, at one time or another, have had to run in the dark. Reflective clothing is an absolute must. My favorite is the Tracer 360 Visibility Vest. It is lightweight, water-resistant, and can be seen up to a 1/4 mile away.
Gift Basket or Stocking Full of Goodies
I become giddy when I see that Santa filled my stocking with some of my favorite running things. Some great ideas are socks, Body Glide, lip balm. Nuun, GU, and gloves.
Recovery Tools
Recovery and self-care are essential when running. A foam roller will help work out any kinks, help relieve the muscles, and keep you running longer. I call it the necessary evil.
Stretching is also vital for runnings. A runner should be stretching before and after their workout. If someone is suffering from a particular ailment, such as piriformis syndrome, stretching even on the days that you do not run, is just as important. I found a great book that goes over many different types of stretches and takes the guesswork out of what we should be doing.
Nothing feels better than a comfy pair of shoes after a long run. This is especially true having just a runDisney race and then spending all day in the park. On my last trip, I discovered OOfos. The foam technology used in these shoes absorbs 37% more impact than traditional footwear foam materials to reduce the stress on your feet and joints.
Road ID Bracelet
Another favorite safety product of mine is the Road ID bracelet. It is a stretchy silicone bracelet that slides over your hand. It includes your personal information, your emergency contact information, and any medical issues you may have. I make sure to wear mine each time I go out for a run.
Run or as the case may be Shop Happy!
This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.
Whoa, it is the middle of August! Say what? Where did the summer go? It has been a busy one for sure. I am typing this post from my hotel room in Huntsville, AL. My youngest son, Nicholas, is attending Space Camp at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center for the week. I can’t wait to see him on Friday and hear all about it. Last month we were in North Carolina, and next week we head to Disney World for the opening of Galaxy’s Edge.
Before the summer is a thing of the past, I wanted to share a couple of my new favorite products. These mainly come in handy when dealing with this HOT weather. Hence why I have entitled this post, Love of the Week- Summer Edition.
My first Love of the Week is Nuun. Nuun is a hydrating beverage without all the extra additives and sugars. It’s product offerings originally were for sports hydration, but have expanded to everyday hydration. I use a few different Nuun products and love each one for various reasons.
First, I use Nuun Sport during all my long runs and for when I run in weather 85 degrees or higher.
Nuun Sport is a blend of electrolytes and minerals. It aids in muscle function, helps burn energy efficiently, and may aid with muscle cramps. I use one tablet for every 16 ounces of water. I drink it as I run, and it not only does it keep me hydrated, but it gives me the energy to keep going. Nuun Sport comes in 13 different flavors. It is vegan, kosher, non-GMO, and gluten-free. Each tablet is 10-15 calories with 1-2 grams of sugar depending on the flavor. A much better alternative to other sports drinks on the market.
The second product I love is Nuun Immunity. Nuun Immunity is a blend of botanicals and electrolytes for ongoing immune health. I use it a few days prior to travel, on the plane, right before we head home, and for a few days after that. It assists in warding off any of the germs I may have picked up along the way. Each tablet has 15 calories and 2 grams of sugar. It is vegan, kosher, non-GMO, and gluten-free. There are two flavors, Blueberry Tangerine and Orange Citrus. The Blueberry Tangerine is my favorite.
The third and final product I use from the Nuun family is Nuun Rest. Nuun Rest is a blend of magnesium, potassium, and tart-cherry. Tart cherry has been shown to reduce muscle soreness and improve sleep quality. It increases the level of melatonin and helps improve the quality of sleep and duration. Magnesium has shown to relax the body and to aid with sleep. Since I started drinking Nuun Rest, my time in deep sleep has increased. I feel more rested in the morning. According to one study we need between anywhere between 1.5 to 1.8 hours of deep sleep a night. This is roughly 20% of our overall sleep. Like the other Nuun products, Nuun Rest is vegan, kosher, non-GMO, and gluten-free. It comes in Blackberry Vanilla and Lemon Chamomille. I love the Blackberry Vanilla. This has ten calories and 1 gram of sugar.
My second Love of the Week also has to do with hydration. It is my new hydration vest by Nathan. Unfortunately, I was only able to wear it once before I got injured. However, I love it and look forward to using it again.
As you can see from the photo, it is worn like a vest, with the 1.5L hydration bladder sits in the back. It has front storage for fuel and phone. There are other pockets to carry all sorts of things. It is adjustable and has soft material to prevent chafing. Once the bladder is full, the vest weighs 9.5oz. It was extremely comfortable when running.
There you have it, my Love of the Week Summer Edition. With the start of the school year, I already have a list of products I want to try. We will have to see if they end up being one of my Loves of the Week.
