More “Chick on Chick” action: The Jess Chronicles

by

Ready for the fourth installment of Chick-on-Chick interviews? I am!

In case you missed earlier installments, you can rewind (and click on the names) to learn more about Brooke, Meri and Bec.

jessicaJess and her Bug

Jess and I haven’t actually met in person…yet! But Meri has never led me wrong with a friendship connection, so when she suggested I chat with the lovely Jess, I did. A beautiful friendship was born!

Vic: You’re a new mom! Aside from the handsome boy we all adore, how has your life changed since he was born?

Jess: Gosh, how has it NOT changed? Besides the obvious things, like weekends filled with play dates, early mornings (and really early bedtimes!), and needing to attend to his needs 24/7, I think my perspective has completely shifted. I don’t get hyped up about the little things quite as much, which I think is a good thing! I can be high strung, so it’s good to have him as a reminder of what’s really important.

Vic: What do you like to do when you ultimately get some time to yourself?

Jess: I love to shop! I go down to Union Square and get an iced coffee then kind of wander around. Inevitably I’ll come home with something for Bug. Baby Gap owns me!

I get a couple hours to myself when he goes to bed, too, so I’ll catch up on celebrity gossip and DVRed shows, or cuddle with Mister Jess. Or read! Reading is up there, and I don’t get to do it often enough anymore.

Vic: Time seems to fly away from me too. Which chick did you meet first and how did you meet her?

Jess: Meri was the first chick I met. We started talking online due to a shared love of writing and then met for real at Comic Con down in San Diego in 2010 (which is kind of hilarious because we are definitely not the Comic Con demographic). But I remember that moment of seeing her in the airport and running toward her clear as day! We hugged for about ten minutes. It was very romantic. 😉

Vic: That sounds so dreamy. And I have had similar encounters with Meri in airports. By the way, am I the only one you haven’t met in person? We must rectify that!!!

Jess: I haven’t met Bec either! But yes, we must rectify it SOON!

Vic: Tell us more about your love of dance! Did you train and take lessons as a child? What is your fave dance style?

Jess: I did take lessons when I was little. I did ballet with my cousin, Charity, and dabbled in tap and jazz. But I think when it comes to dance, I’m just a free spirit. As much as I would love to be an accomplished dancer prancing around on the stage of “So You Think You Can Dance”, choreography and I just never really mixed. I have to do my own thing!

But dancing makes me happy, in any capacity. I have such a strong emotional connection to music and I think dancing is an extension of that.

Vic: Aw, I love it. How did you meet your husband, Mr. Jess? Through dance? How long have you known each other?

Jess: We met online in an AOL chat room. Seriously! This was eleven years ago before Match and eHarmony and basically any other kind of dating website. And neither of us were there to date anyway. It was just all very random and kismet-y, right place at the right time, etc. I have an entry in my journal from that first night we “met” where I said I was going to marry him, and lo and behold, I did!

Vic: That was so meant to be! You have what many fashionistas would consider a dream job! Please tell is about what you do and why you love it.

Jess: I’m a product developer for a makeup company, which basically means that I get to create some of the makeup shades and kits that people eventually see on shelves (and hopefully buy). It’s what I went to school for, although I focused on apparel there. Then I did an internship at another local cosmetics company and fell in love with the industry, and eventually ended up at my current company.

Sometimes I look at my job from afar and think, “whoa, this is pretty cool!” It’s definitely a unique industry, and I also love that it’s female-dominated. Seeing so many successful women around me really inspires me.

Vic: That is pretty inspirational. 🙂 What feat are you most proud of in your post-college life?

Jess: I’m proud of the fact that I left home at 19 to go to college in a different state (my mom is probably crying reading this, haha. I love you, Mom!). I’ve dealt with anxiety and panic attacks for most of my life, so looking back I’m like, “how the hell did I do that?” I’m proud of the fact that I got through some of my roughest years anxiety-wise, and that I didn’t give up on staying in California with Mister Jess. Just overall, given the (often self-imposed) obstacles I faced, I’m really, really proud of the life I’ve built.

Vic: As you should be! So… what fitness accessory can you not live without and why?

Jess: My Fitbit! This will surprise no one, as I have mentioned on the blog and our Twitter how obsessed I am. I freaking love that thing and I get upset if I forget to put it on. It’s so fun to see how many steps I’ve taken at the end of the day, how many calories I’ve burned, how many stairs I’ve climbed. I feel like such a bad ass!

Vic: You ARE a bad-ass! But what, if anything, would you change about yourself?

Jess: Definitely my anxiety. I mean, it’s certainly taught me things and I think I’ve grown from my struggles with it, but I feel like even when I have no reason to be anxious, the thoughts just pop up and I can’t control them. That’s the most frustrating part about it, that thoughts just come without permission and then they kind of take root there. I think about when Bug gets older, is he going to see me struggle with it? Will that affect him in any way? I want to protect him from it, but at the same time it’s such a part of me that I know I won’t be able to 100%.

Vic: You’ve definitely grown over the years. We all do! Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Jess: Given how fast this year has gone, that’s right around the corner! I don’t know where I’ll be…maybe in the ‘burbs. Hopefully I’ll be writing. I’ll be the mom of an almost-10-year-old (ack!). Still dancing, of course. And happy. I definitely see myself being happy.

There you go! That was the chronicles of our own Jess. Is there anything more you’d like to ask Jess? Anything you want to know for future Chick interviews? If so, let us know in the comments!

The Color Run vs. Color Vibe

by

It’s time for the results of our good-natured color throwdown!

Remember back in the spring when we told you I would run several color-themed 5k races in western New York this summer? Ah yes, we’re going back a few months.

The Color Run and Color Vibe both graciously offered me entries to run each event. Although the color was theirs, all opinions are my own.

I enjoyed both events, but let me say its rather tricky to compare two colorful 5k races that I ran in different cities and in different weather conditions.

You may recall that when I ran the Color Vibe back in April, the sky opened up on the runners. It hailed, it snowed and it was darn windy. As a result, few stuck around for the after party. (Was there one? I don’t actually know.)

after4yes, that’s snow (Color Vibe)

Last weekend, I headed to Buffalo, NY with my friend and colleague Tina for The Color Run and Tina’s first-ever 5k.

I blogged specifically about Saturday’s race on my work blog. (Click HERE to read)

tina blueThe blue color zone along Lake Erie (The Color Run)

So let’s try a comparison breakdown of the two races:

Participants:

Both events touted thousands of runners (8,000 or so for the Color Vibe and 10,000 for The Color Run, according to race organizers.) Both figures seemed a bit inflated, but I’d certainly agree that thousands of people took part in each event. Let’s just say both races were crowded, but it was never overwhelming. Race organizers knew how to move the crowd.

At the Color Vibe, the first group of runners didn’t begin until about 10-15 minutes after the appointed race start time, which on a normal day wasn’t a big deal. But the temps had dropped to the 30s and the skies were dark, Plus there was confusion about the start time, so we actually waited about 45 minutes for the race to begin.

colorfunLindsay, Deb and Charlotte running through campus (Color Vibe)

In comparison, The Color Run started at its appointed start time, though it took Tina and me an extra 20 or so minutes to reach the start area after the the first runners set off. (We actually watched the first folks finish!)

waldoA sea of white shirts. Can you spot me? (The Color Run)

Round 1 goes to The Color Run

Color Zones: At both races, we ran through four color zones.

Color Vibe participants were doused with color packets right out of the gate. I loved that idea – get runners with a burst of color right from the start! Unfortunately, I wasn’t ready for it, so I basically missed the first of four color zones. (My fault, not theirs.)

pinkThink pink! (The Color Run)

The Color Run seemed to have more volunteers throwing powered color on participants, so it was hard for anyone to get past a zone without a hint of color.

That said, in any color race, ASK the throwers to hit you with color if you want to be covered. They will oblige.

If you want minimal color, try to zip past and dodge the throwers. Stay in the middle, where other runners act as a color buffer.

Round 2 is a draw

The course: Obviously this will vary greatly from race to race. My suggestion for all future color event participants is to pay attention to the 3.1-mile course you will be running.

The Color Vibe was entirely housed on the campus of a local community college. It’s a smart move because its self-contained and doesn’t require race organizers to close roads and divert traffic. That said, the route includes a large amount of parking lots… which also means less event parking.

The Color Run’s route was a refreshing surprise to me. You guessed it, I didn’t check out the course before the event because I knew I’d be walking much of it. The 5k course started in Buffalo’s Canalside Park, next to the First Niagara Center and followed some downtown roads and lakeside roads, into a marina along Lake Erie and back.

colorrun2Along Lake Erie (The Color Run)

Because of its location, The Color Run route seemed far more picturesque.

Round 3 winner: The Color Run

Race swag: Entry to the two races are pretty much the same. $45 for the Color Vibe and $50 for The Color Run.

With the Color Vibe entry, I received a race shirt (which I wore for the run), one color packet, sunglasses and Boston bracelets, a thoughtful gesture by race organizers as we ran several days after the Boston Marathon bombings.

The Color Run entry included a race shirt (again, I wore it), a race headband, a color packet and some stickers.

Both events sold a number of other products. The Color Run organizers repeatedly threw swag such as race socks and bags into the crowd.

Round 4 winner: Color Vibe

After party: Both events hosted pre-race and post-race parties, which included music, dancing and a celebratory atmosphere.

Because of the wintry weather at the Color Vibe, most participants ran for their cars and shelter after finishing the course. Few people stuck around to sing and dance in the snow and hail. (Gee? Why?) and most volunteers apparently abandoned their post-race posts. I heard there was a photo booth, but never found it. I spotted bottles of water in a pile, though no one was handing them out.

I never saw a big-post race color throw take place by the stage. Instead, participants doused each other with packets of color at or near the finish line. We still had fun, but couldn’t help but wonder if I’d missed something.

after2Our own color throw (Color Vibe)

The Color Run’s after-party was a huge event. The weather was perfect, thousands of people danced to the music and we watched three separate color tosses take place in the 30 minutes after we finished our race.

20130820-143026.jpgA color throw at the Buffalo after-party (The Color Run)

Volunteers passed out Kind bars and offered a water bottle for thirsty runners.

Round 5 winner: The Color Run

colorizedI’m an oompaloompa (The Color Run)

Both events were a blast, though different. All of my running partners were a joy! And I love how color events are untimed races, geared toward beginners. The events aren’t about winning, but the joy of running.

But overall, the top winner was THE COLOR RUN. Congrats to the Happiest 5K on the Planet!

What Color event is your top choice? What stood out to you to make that event better than its competitors? Tell us in the comments!

Sweaty Bands Winner

by

sweatybandwinner

Hey gang! We had a terrific response to our Sweaty Bands giveaway! Some of you are tried and true Sweaty Bands users, while other lamented along with me about slippery headbands/odd-shaped heads and want to give the Sweaty Bands a try for the first time.

Let’s give a hand to the winner of the Pearls of Wisdom Sweaty Bands…

sbwinnerEmelia, also known as Half Crazy Mama, you are our winner! The Scoot a Doot chicks salute you and will be emailing you shortly about your prize.

For those who didn’t win, definitely check out the Sweaty Bands page, find them at a nearby retailer, or look for them at expos this fall!

 

It’s Training Time

by

My oldest girl started kindergarten last week. Watching her smooth her dress down before entering the class, and smile shyly at her new teacher reminded me of all my years of back-to-school butterflies. Will I like my teacher? Will I make friends in my class? Of course, it only took one day; she’s already found a new buddy in class, she adores her teacher and she’s excited to tell me about her day every afternoon. 

While she fretted about going to a new school and meeting new people, I experienced some anxiety of my own. Half-marathon training began for me this week, and the thought of adding an extra day of running, and increasing my mileage is daunting, to say the least. It’s a busy time of year- sure, two of my kids are back in school, but with that comes dance class, soccer, homework, making lunches, and car lines. (Times two and across town from each other, natch.) I’m also taking on a new volunteer opportunity and joining a couple of baby playgroups. And have I mentioned that Little Dude doesn’t sleep through the night? (I have. I know. Take a nap for me, okay?)

When I trained for my first half-marathon two years ago, I ran on the treadmill on weekdays, once the girls were in bed. This time around, we no longer have a treadmill (boo) and now I have a laundry list of chores to complete once my littles are asleep (Oh! Laundry. I should add that to the list.) I’d also rather spend my evenings relaxing with a book. Or my husband.

Remember the girl who loved her treadmill? Well, she’s left the building, folks. I’ve moved on (mostly) to pavement and jogging strollers and running with friends. I’ve become a morning runner, and I plan to keep it up through racing season. Running right after I wake up will give me more time with my family and more time to accomplish everything else.

I’m pretty nervous about doing it all. I know there will be times when the dishes don’t get done before I go to bed, or I trade time with my kettlebell for a nap. I know I will probably miss a blog entry or two because I just don’t have time to write. I also know that I can do this. I’m excited to run longer distances. I’m excited to see my friends in November. I’m excited to run hard and do my best. For now, I’m just going to enjoy that flutter of anticipation in my belly because I know it’s leading to something amazing.

What Do You Put On Your Race-Day Face?

by

When I was a four years old, my aunt let me play with her make-up. Shimmery pink blush, purple eye shadow, frosted fuschia on the lips and voila- I was beautiful. My mom wasn’t happy about it, but after that, it became a ritual. Every time I visited my aunt, I headed straight for her vanity. My experimenting continued as I got older; in high school, my friends and I would drive to the best mall in our city and head straight for the make-up counter at Saks. In college, my friends would “schedule” appointments with me for make-up before sorority functions. I still love make-up. I love to wear it. I love to play with it. I have fun trying different products and colors (I wore a bright fuschia lip recently, much to my husband’s dismay. He prefers my “natural” look). I could spend an hour in Sephora and then head across the street to Ulta. (Sorry, husband.)

Fun make-up for a super cool concert we saw a few weeks ago. Alright, it was Kidz Bop. Le sigh.

Fun make-up for a super cool concert we saw a few weeks ago. Alright, it was Kidz Bop. Le sigh.

Earlier this month, I went for a run at 3pm. That morning, I applied some light make-up, and neglected to scrub it off before heading outside to exercise. Well, within five minutes, my tinted moisturizer and mascara were stinging my eyes! Ouch. I sweat a lot when I run, and get pretty flushed, so there’s really no need for make-up. If it didn’t melt off of my face (or into my eyes), one wouldn’t be able to see it post-race anyway. I wondered if my friends wore make-up during their races, especially my girly-gals, so I decided it was time for some chick chat.

BEC:

I don’t think I ever realized that people wore makeup for races until I was getting ready for last year’s Color Me Rad with my friend Heather and she was doing her eyes. And honestly, I was shocked. It had never occurred to me to put makeup on for a race. Even once I knew that this was a thing people do, I didn’t. Most of the time, I’m all ‘I’m a girl! I like pink! I like sparkle! I like pretty!’. But on race day, in addition to being a nervous wreck, I’m all ‘I’m about to go get truly gross and stinky and sweaty. You can keep your eyeshadow, thanks.’ The most you’ll see me rocking on race day is tinted moisturizer. And I promise you, that’s pushing it.

CAM:

I wear waterproof mascara occasionally. But usually I’m just al natural.

JESS:

I rarely go out into the world without makeup. The first 8 weeks of Bug’s life were an exception, mainly because I barely knew my own name! I don’t always view makeup as a necessity, but I love how it makes me feel (yes, and look) and I really try to wear makeup with good-for-me ingredients so I’m not gunking up my skin. 

A small fraction of Jess's make-up stash.

A small fraction of Jess’s make-up stash.

At any rate, I do almost always wear makeup on race day. I have to be camera-ready, even if I end up sweating the majority of it off! Typically, I wear a lightweight powder foundation with SPF to get my sun protection on, a coat of waterproof mascara, and a little bit of blush or bronzer to keep me from looking too pale. Finally, I swipe on some lip balm and I’m good to go! 

MERI:

Nope. None, except for Chapstick. I used to skip it occasionally until my lip started to crack and bleed during the AC April Fool’s Half Marathon. Otherwise, au naturale for this gal. Though I will do my hair sometimes, only to have it immediately frizz up once I start running. Good times, good times.

Fresh-faced Brooke and Meri before the Rothman Institute 8k.

Fresh-faced Brooke and Meri before the Rothman Institute 8k.

VIC:

If I remember to apply eyeliner before I grab my homebrewed coffee and leave for work, I consider my morning routine a success. I am a eyeliner and chapstick girl. I wear little and figure that my glasses hide most of what I don’t want people to see. (Please don’t tell me if I am wrong here, I really don’t want to know if the glasses are actually high-lighting wrinkles and dark circles.)

I’m sure it’s no surprise to hear I run without any makeup on. And races? Forgetaboutit. I’m lucky if I can get out the door with everything I need. I have a few friends who style their hair and apply makeup before sporting competitions. Hair? Hell yes, I am guilty as I love sporting pigtails.

A few years back, when I rowed in an 8-woman boat at the Head of the Charles regatta in Boston, I came across some other masters’ women wearing makeup. The killer? The group applied next to the portajohns, which no longer housed any toilet paper. (Free tip for HOTC-goers – bring LOTS tissue packs. It will save you.)

But those ladies? They were far more concerned about looking great and putting their faces on pre-race and taking some pictures. Me – I’ll stretch, check my footstretchers and use those tissues for a last-minute toilet stop.

Do you wear make-up for a race? Let us know in the comments! 


Recipe Box: Vic’s summer salad

by

I’m obsessed with avocado. And black beans. And salad. In the summer months, I often throw together a salad a-la-random-things-in-my-fridge.

But I often come back to one recipe, which started as a recommendation of salad ingredients from a friend and has been tweaked over recent years.

20130818-190203.jpgNom Nom Nom

Here’s what you need:

Ingredients
Romaine lettuce – half a head, washed and chopped
Cherry tomatoes – halved
Red onion – chopped, maybe a 1/4 cup. A little goes a long way
Corn – one ear, cut off cob (frozen will work as well)
Peas – half package of frozen peas, cooked then rinsed
Avocado – chopped

Topped with lemon juice, salt and freshly-ground pepper to taste.

Hand mix it all. That’s right, get your hands in there and dirty.

My above list is really a basic starting point – delete an item you don’t like or don’t have on hand. Try a different kind of beans or add a cucumber. Last week I made this same salad minus the onion and beans and instead added chicken.

The idea is to keep it light and tasty with an avocado base.

Enjoy!

Are you a salad muncher? What ingredient must be included in your go-to summer salad? Tell us in the comments!

A little ‘Chick on Chick’ action – Part 3

by

Ready for the third installment of Chick-on-Chick interviews? Join us as we ask questions and sing “Getting To Know You” – but not at the same time. Missed the first two interviews? Just click here and here to get to know Meri and Bec!

Jess on Brooke

Screen shot 2013-08-15 at 7.55.38 PM

 

Brooke and I met a few years ago and hit it off right away. We have a ton in common: we are mega girly-girls, huge readers, love to shop, and our adorable boys were born within weeks of each other. Needless to say, it’s probably a good thing that we are on separate coasts or I’d be at her house every day wanting to hang out! She is sweet, funny, has a killer smile and is basically just all-around fabulous.

Want to get to know her better? Of course you do. Read on!

Jess: You’ve got some of the cutest kids in the world. What’s your favorite thing to do with them?

Brooke: Awww, thanks! I think they’re pretty cool too. I love to do art projects with them. We have an art cart that is loaded with paints, pencils, crayons, markers, oil pastels-you name it, we’ve got it. They love to draw and paint, and it’s neat to see what they create when they have free art time. Of course, I organize projects for them too. A friend and I co-hosted “Messy Art Mondays” this summer, and we had a lot of fun with that. 

Jess: And what’s your favorite thing to do when you have that oh-so-coveted “me time”?

Brooke: Sleep! Go to yoga (which I get to do this weekend). Read. It’s hard with the baby- he’s still nursing frequently and sleeping on me. We do attachment parenting, so I don’t get a lot of alone time, and if I do, it isn’t a very long amount of time! That’s why hot yoga is difficult to schedule; the class itself is 80 minutes long, plus a 35 minute drive there, and then home, at which point I have to shower because I’m literally drenched. 

Jess: Ah yes, I love trying to time activities between nursing sessions and/or naps! It’s the ultimate ticking clock.

Jess: Do you have a favorite tradition from childhood? Is it something you’ve implemented with your own kiddos, or have you made new traditions as a family?

Brooke: My childhood traditions were centered around holidays. We always went to sunrise service on Easter, which we started doing two years ago (before that it was way too hard to make a 6am church service). We watched “A Christmas Story” on Christmas Eve, which we don’t do yet because the kids are a little young. My husband’s family always had an Easter egg hunt, and we do that still, with my in-laws (and we grown-ups hunt for eggs with money in them!). 

One of our new traditions is a holiday party the day before Christmas Eve; we have a group of friends and family who come over for tacos and margaritas. 

Jess: Christmas Eve would be one of the times you’d find me on your doorstep. Tacos and margaritas are two of my favorite things.

Jess: We’re both big shoppers. It’s one of the first thing we did together when we hung out, and I adore your style! What do you have your eye on these days (so I can add it to my own list)?

Brooke: I love your style! That was before we had talked a lot online, and we clicked right away, over shoes and make-up at Nordstrom. I can’t wait to go back to SF so I can see you again. 

I really want these boots: http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/search/28752921.jsp?cm_vc=SEARCH_RESULTS. Anthro has some pretty shoes this season! 

Jess: You need to come back soon! My wallet would disagree, but what does it know? I love those boots, by the way. I always think of you when I go to Anthro.

Jess: You can only watch one movie for the rest of your life. What is it?

Brooke: Oh geez, that’s a tough question. Probably Sleepless in Seattle or maybe Clueless or Mean Girls. Those are movies I’ve watched over and over again and they never get old. 

Jess: Tell me about your best date ever.

Brooke: Ever?! Hmmm. You know, I dated a very romantic boy in high school who took me for a picnic on the beach. He came up with the idea all on his own, and that was the first time I felt really wooed, you know? Of course, my first date with Josh would have to be labeled the “best ever” since he became my husband and my best friend and the love of my life. We met to hear some live music at a local bar- ten years ago this month, actually. 

Jess: Awww. You two are adorable. A beach picnic in high school is pretty romantic, too, especially for high school!

Jess: When it comes to fitness, what’s something you’ve achieved that you’re really proud of?

Brooke: My PR half, definitely. (1:57:52) I hope I have a faster time in me but if not, I know I worked really hard to achieve that time. 

Jess: You are a rock star, B!

Jess: This interview wouldn’t be complete without a book-related question. It’s how most of us Scoot chicks met, after all! So, tell me: what’s a book you could read over and over again?

Brooke: Any of the Pigeon books by Mo Willems, haha. I do read those over and over already. Probably Pride and Prejudice. I adore Mr. Darcy!

There you have it, the fabulosity that is Chick Brooke! Did I miss any questions? Anything you want to know for future Chick interviews? If so, let us know in the comments!

Road Tested: Sweaty Bands

by

Folks, I have a problem. For the life of me, I’m not able to keep a headband on my head.

I know, I know. This is what we classify as a “first world problem”. Alert the media! Sound the alarm! Ring the bell!

sweatybandsbeehiveThis is a dramatic reenactment of what usually occurs when I wear a headband while working out. Notice the large and in charge beehive-like bun on my head that catches the headband as it slowly works its way off my head. Most of the time I’m so caught up in whatever I’m doing (usually running or strength training) that I don’t realize the band has slid off until it’s too late. I’ve lost more than one headband in this manner.

If I don’t lose them, they still don’t last very long into a run. When I actually feel slippage occurring, rather than losing the pretty band, I just rip it from my head and put it away in my trusty SPIbelt. Such was the case at runDisney’s Princess Half Marathon in 2012 – if you look at the pictures you’ll see that both Brooke and Vic are wearing their awesomely sparkly headbands. My SPIbelt was wearing mine.

So, when I had the opportunity to check out Sweaty Bands, let’s just say that I was a bit nervous. Because, really, who wants to admit defeat and publicly say “my head just doesn’t want a headband on it!” However, the Sweaty Bands tagline is “OMG… they don’t slip!” And guess what…

OMG… they really don’t!

sweatybandgreenSweaty Bands has a plethora of designs, colors, sports teams and even Greek letters, ripe for the picking. They graciously provided a Sweaty Band for me to check out and review.

There were two in the package; the black and chartreuse matched the dress I planned to wear for a cousin’s baby shower so naturally I imprinted on it (the other one? Well, stay tuned for its fate). If the Sweaty Band could stay on my head for a four hour shower, it might have success during a crazy intense work out.

sweatybandstryoutRoad Test #1 – Cousin’s baby shower

Hair was down for this one (top picture). I considered this a warm up for the actual Road Test. Because, really, how sweaty do you really get playing Baby Shower Bingo and Guess the Number of Chocolate Kisses in the Bottle? Not very. However, I did get many compliments on the band and it stayed put the entire time. The material on the inside of the band is velvety and once I pushed it back a bit, it stayed right where it was placed.

Sweaty Bands recommends that you wear it closer to the hairline when working out so that was the plan for the work out.

Road Test #2 – Tuesdays with Ron

Tuesday morning I woke up at my regular 5:10am. Got dressed in the clothes I’d laid out the previous night and threw my hair into a ponytail before placing my Sweaty Band at the hairline. Snapped the selfie (bottom picture) and off I went.

Two mile warm up on the bike, two mile run and then an hour of deadlifts, cleans, push press, bench press, walking lunges, situps, repeaters on a tire, and tricep dips, just to name a few. I kept patting my head, checking on the Sweaty Band and sure enough, it was still there. Sitting pretty! Naturally, I was a hot mess and the Sweaty Band was… sweaty. But absolutely awesome!

Washing the Sweaty Band is easy peasy lemon squeezy – hand wash (I used a bit of Woolite) and drip dry. I’m definitely bringing this bad boy along with me to Florida where I’m assured I’ll sweat even more than I do here. I’m not sure that’s physically possible, but at least I’ll look cute!

sweatybandsgiveaway

Click the pic to enter!

Sweaty Bands was awesome enough to provide one for me to test out and one for Scoot a Doot to give away! If you’d like a chance, check out our Rafflecopter giveaway by clicking on the picture or swinging by our Facebook page.  This contest runs from 8/15/13 – 8/22/13.

Disclaimer: I received one Sweaty Bands headband for review. All words and opinions are my own. Giveaway prize donated by Sweaty Bands.

Recipe Box: Thai Peanut Chicken Salad

by

Well friends, it’s been fun, but now it’s time to say goodbye. To summer, that is. My two girls went back to school this week and with that comes afternoons and evenings filled with activities, homework, and lunchbox prep. My days will be quieter (the little dude is napping next to me as I type), and lunch for me will be one big question mark, since I don’t have my girls eating with me (Which really means no more Chick-Fil-a, if we’re being honest). PB&J? Cereal? Leftovers? Soup? If I waited to decide at lunchtime, I’d probably end up eating something random and unsatisfying.

A few weeks ago, one of my friends posted some beautiful jarred salads on Instagram (Are you following us?) and I knew it was something I wanted to try once school began. I bookmarked some tips and recipes, and then another friend gave me a recipe for a Thai peanut chicken salad in a jar. Peanuts, spinach, edamame? Definitely my kind of salad!

photo(33)

Last Sunday, my husband grilled some extra chicken with dinner so I could prepare these. I know jarred salads aren’t a new thing, but they’re new to me, and planning something healthy-and delicious- ahead of time is the perfect solution for this mama.

photo(34)

Thai Peanut Chicken Salad
Serves 3

INGREDIENTS

6 Tbsp. sesame-ginger dressing*
1 ½ cups cooked whole wheat spaghetti
3/4 cup shelled edamame beans
thawed from frozen
1 cup julienned carrots
6 Tbsp. chopped red onions
1 ½ tsp. chopped cilantro
1 ½ tsp. diced jalapeno
1 ½ tsp. chopped basil
1 cup chopped chicken breast,
pre-cooked
3 cups chopped fresh spinach
3 Tbsp. peanuts

DIRECTIONS

To prepare, divide ingredients among three 2-cup capacity glass canning jars in this order: 1/ 2 cup spaghetti, ¼ cup edamame beans, 1/3 cup carrots, 2 tablespoons onion, 1/2 teaspoon cilantro, 1/2 teaspoon jalapeno, 1/2 teaspoon basil, 1/3 cup chicken, 1 cup spinach and 1 tablespoon peanuts.
To serve, remove lid, invert jar and dump onto plate or eat straight from the jar. May be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.

*The original recipe called for Lifehouse Thai Peanut dressing, but my grocery store didn’t carry it. I used Newman’s Own Sesame Ginger dressing instead, and it was delicious (though I wish I could find the peanut dressing, because peanuts! Yum.)

Recipe from Living Lighthouse Blog

What make-ahead salads have you tried? Any tips? Please let me know in the comments.

Nuun – flavored hydration

by

I guzzle at least a gallon of water daily. Crisp, cold, refreshing — and oh so necessary in the summer months.

So when I heard other runners rave about Nuun, I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. I loved my water. And really, I didn’t see the need to replace it.

Last spring, I first sampled Nuun at my local running store. Employees put it out instead of water after a Saturday morning group run. It quenched my thirst, but I wasn’t used to flavor as I usually just drink plain, old water. I liked it, but promptly forgot all about it.

Months passed, and a few friends mentioned Nuun. They loved it, they raved about it, they wanted more. I knew I had tried it, and didn’t hate it, but remembered little else.

So in June, I ordered a variety pack of Nuun tablets. I’ve been sampling ever since.

A few of the chicks decided to test it out with me. Here’s what the chicks had to say about our taste test experiment.

Brooke

Hydration is important for any athlete, especially one who lives and in Florida. As my daughter would say, “It’s soaking hot,” even when one runs in the early morning.

I used to use Nuun regularly after my long runs. My favorite flavor is the Tropical Fruit, which I actually purchased because I liked the color of the tube. I’m a big water drinker, but sometimes, it’s nice to have something with a bit of flavor.

I hate to admit this, but I’ve also found that Nuun can help a hangover. We used to host a fiesta on Christmas Eve, with tacos, my mom’s fabulous enchiladas and margaritas, natch. Well…tequila and Santa do not mix, friends. My husband and I were exhausted. Lucky for us, the kids were a little too young for Christmas Morning Excitement and Nuun helped us feel much more festive. (And we’ve since moved the party to a couple of days before Christmas, haha!)

Meri

Nuun chatter is everywhere! I first heard rumblings about it on Twitter and it quickly spread to blogs that I enjoy reading. Now personally, I’m a water drinking gal, but curiosity got the best of me and I had to give it a go. The kiddo and I made our way over to the local running store (you know the cartoon characters that have dollar signs in their eyes? That’s what happens when I walk through the door) and checked out the flavors they had to offer. After chatting with the employee, I settled on tri-berry and lemon-lime.

nuun1Meri’s Nuun stash

I’m a big fan of the tri-berry and will be picking more of it up soon. You’ll notice in my picture that the tube’s gone. Yeah, used that all. Lemon-lime is decent but not my favorite. The watermelon was a gift from Victoria. Who gives tubes of Nuun as gifts? These running nerds, that’s who!

And friends, the watermelon is my favorite favorite (so good that it deserves two favorites)! Since my running store doesn’t have it in stock, I’m going to have to order more. I’m heading south to Florida soon and plan to use my Amphipod handheld bottle with Nuun during my runs down there. I’ll admit, I’m a bit nervous about hitting the pavement down there but I think that the Nuun will help keep me hydrated and balanced.

Vic

As I’m sure you already guessed, I’m a watermelon Nuun girl. I’m actually drinking a glass as I write this.

I first tried a few flavors from a mix pack. I expected to love the fruit punch flavor…you know, because I love fruit punch. Yeah. Not so much. I enjoyed the grape (it’s not purple, folks!) and was surprisingly wooed by tropical fruit. I don’t like tropical fruits, how can this be? The only thing I like about pineapples is chopping them up!

I was thrilled to find tubes of watermelon at my local running store. It was love at first sip.

You want to know more about Nuun? So did I.

According to the product info on the Nuun website, Nuun is packed with electrolytes, light flavor, no sugars or carbs, and is portable.

Nuun comes in tubes, 12 tabs are inside each tube. You drop one tab into a pint glass of cold water and watch it dance!!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOhR9p5Cq3k&w=480&h=360]

We three chicks are sold! And there are many more flavors to try. (But not lemon-lime. Thanks for taking that one for the team, Meri.)

But don’t worry, we still love our good, old water. It’s not going anywhere.

Have you tried Nuun? What flavor are you obsessed with? What flavors do you want to try? How do you hydrate?