Fashion, Healthy Living, Holiday Shopping

Did You Know? Running Facts to Motivate You

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Mizuno. The opinions and text are all mine.

Did You Know? Running Facts to Motivate You

Today we are talking about running. The Holidays are here and many of you may be thinking about New Year Resolutions or after overeating you may be thinking about starting to run or even walk for a healthier start to 2018. I searched many resources along with facts I remember in my own head and I want to share the top ones that stick out to me. Motivation is key to success and hopefully these running facts will make you smile or make you more curious to take an extra step closer to starting a healthier routine.

  • Remember this name, Fauja Singh. He is the oldest marathon runner at 100 years old. He finished a marathon in Toronto in 8 hours, 25 minutes, 16 seconds.
  • I have seen in several readings that running 12-18 miles a week can leaves runners with a stronger immune system and are less prone to colds
  • Over 1 billion pairs of running shoes are sold worldwide every year
  • Like stair climbing? In the Great Wall of China Marathon, runners have to climb 5,164 steps (that’s not for me)
  • South African runner Zola Bud won two IAAF World Cross Country titles while running barefoot
  • The average exercise life of a running shoe is about 400 miles
  • The inside will wear faster then the outside in almost every running shoe (Don’t look at a car tire to judge the heath of a car. It’s the engine inside that can have the most problems) such as in the shoes lining or support system

What running shoe am I wearing now? My latest shoe is the Mizuno Wave Rider 21 running shoe. To me, a shoe that I have to ‘break in’ before I feel comfort is not the best running shoe. Like these Mizuno Wave Rider 21 shoes, they should support from the first time you put them on and that should feel comfortable to you.

Before I even stood up and took my first step in these shoes they were comfortable. I have the High Rise Greystone, but they come in 4 total colors – Patriot Blue-White, Baja Blue-Dazzling Blue and Athena-Siver. The redesigned Wave technology offers softer cushioning. Mizuno’s Dynamotion Fit features a breakthrough in “Triple Zone” engineered mesh for breathability, movement, and hold when it is needed while running.

These shoes are made to run and remain comfortable while offering the support your foot needs. Sounds simple, but it is hard to get style, comfort, support and breathability in one shoe. Some have support but rub and cause discomfort. Some shoes are comfortable until later that day when your feet begin hurting from lack of proper support. Some support and are comfortable but it lacks in style and color choices. Mizuno hit it all in one shoe. Know a runner? Share these with them. They may thank you later!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Mizuno. The opinions and text are all mine.

Gift Guides, Holiday Gift Guide 2017, Home

35 Handy Uses For Your Handheld Steamer

I have partnered with Nugeni for feature. Opinions and story are my own

With all the talk about the effects of harsh chemicals can you blame those of us who need alternative cleaning methods? I don’t want to use all of those in my home and I have spent a lot of time mixing essential oils to create my own cleaners when I have those extra messy jobs. Now all I need is my handheld steamer.

When I was sent the nugeni STEAMPAC+ Handheld Steam Cleaner I actually had to research how to use a steamer and what I can use a steamer on. I was a bit ‘steamer’ illiterate and I was amazed at what this lightweight, handheld cleaner can do and without any chemicals!

What can I clean with my Handheld Steamer?

  1. Sanitize Mattress
  2. Clean Draperies
  3. Clean Ceiling Fans
  4. Freshen Clothing
  5. Clean Windows
  6. Clean Tile & Grout
  7. Clean Around Toilets
  8. Shower Doors and Water Spots
  9. Bathtub Scum
  10. Vanity/Mirrors
  11. Toothbrush Holders
  12. Window Screens
  13. Pet Cages
  14. Litter Box
  15. Clogged Drains (Washer/Dryer)
  16. Dirty Desks
  17. Laminate Floors
  18. Disinfect Doorknobs
  19. Sliding Doors
  20. Mirrors & Frames
  21. Mini Blinds
  22. Sealed Hard Flooring
  23. Patio Doors
  24. Pet Stains/Odors
  25. Window Coverings
  26. Coffee Table Stains
  27. Sanitize Toys
  28. Ovens/Cooktops
  29. Stainless Steel
  30. Sinks and Faucets
  31. Backsplash
  32. Baked-On Messes
  33. Car Interior
  34. Window/Slider Door Tracks
  35. RV’s/Boats Interior

Tell me, which of the above surprise you most? Before we moved into our new home this summer I traded mattresses for my son with a neighbor. She had a full and needed a twin for her daughter and I had a twin and wanted to upgrade for my older son. I knew they were clean, didn’t smoke and it was in thee garage for a bit. It still has a musty odor anyway to me.

What a perfect test for the Nugeni Handheld Steamer than to see how well it eliminated that mattress musk. The best part is that I don’t need to use any chemicals or harsh products. I steamed using only the steamer.

contents nugeni handheld

I then went on to attack those hard water spots on my shower. I have been using 2 chemical products to keep these sports and bay. One to eliminate build up and one to clean as no matter how well you spray to protect the build up it happens anyway.

steam clean showers

nugeni steamer handheld

What a great gift! Think of how handy this would be to a family you are shopping for this season or all year long! PS-this steamer also is great to keep in RV’s while traveling away from home! nugeni also has lightweight vacuums too! Visit nugeni to learn more including where you can purchase.

Gift Guides, Holiday Gift Guide 2017, Holiday Shopping, Tips and Tricks

Gift List Organizer – Free Printable

How organized are you right now with your gift giving regimen?

I thought so! Let me help you out and explain how I stay organized as I shop for those on my list. Christmas is a 2 day event for us. Both my husband and I have our families near with both of us within 60 miles of all parents, siblings and some uncles. 

Gift List Organizer - Free Printable

My husbands family hosts Christmas Eve and my family is Christmas Day so that leaves Christmas morning for our boys and us alone for Santa gifts and breakfast.

I need lists! I need ideas too so when I get them I need to keep them in one spot and with me while I shop. I know I can keep notes on my phone but I also use my phone for store apps and coupons so flipping between deals and notes is a pain sometimes.

Now there are a few tips to maximize your organizing when buying multiple gifts……

I kept the spaces wide. You can always print extra copies if you have more names and lines needed, but here is why the space is important. Take a look at my ‘actual’ lit for the kids i shop for (who won’t see this post so no worries about spoiling their gifts they will be getting)

List example

Keep scrolling to print your Gift List Organizer —>

Take Austin, my nephew for example. I sent him a text asking for ideas, he said he wants the game Destiny 2 and after confirming it wasn’t already bought by my SIL I told her he will get it from me. But, then one day I was at Ross and saw some Seahawks PJ pants on clearance and had to get them for him. He is a huge fan so I have 2 gifts to fit into the space. See I am not done with my nieces yet-I still need to pick up gift cards for them.

stay organized

Even your donations can be entered so it stays all together for your budget checks.

Keeping it neat is much batter for your organization so having this much space is just clean and better to look at. I use a binder like the one advertised below to take shopping with me to hold my lists, ads and savings coupons.

You will want these printed out and jot your ideas down as you head shopping. If you purchase, a quick cross out with a pen will keep you from having to remember when your knee deep in gifts days later and shopping that long night is a blur now.

I check the ‘Purchased’ box once I am done with that person. That feeling to see a check mark in every box of your entire list is such a fantastic feeling.

The cost section is for you. To look at and cringe or state your budget in advance. But, hopefully it’s there because you did better than expected and you beat your budget!

*Here it is! Click on the Gift List below and print your copies!*

Happy shopping!***

Shop smart and make sure you visit one of my go-to sites Cuckoo for Coupons. They are on it for on time sales at about every store out there! I always browse her site and take notes on who has the best price on what I need that week! New to couponing or using store apps-she has all your tutorials and info in the website too!

Gift Guides, Holiday Gift Guide 2017, Travel

Atlantic Unite™2 Luggage with Link2Go

I have partnered with Atlantic Luggage for feature

Atlantic Unite™2 Luggage with Link2Go

Where to start? This little carry on piece of luggage is all you would want for a day of travel. While I prefer a 21 inch carry on size, this Atlantic Unite ™2 set comes in 3 sizes and 2 colors – blue or black and in 21″, 25″ and 29″ spinners. Let’s examine this fantastic piece of luggage. I am so excited about this. It arrived even better than I anticipated. I can’t wait to travel with mine.

Like all luggage, the first thing I do is grab the handle to tote around. The grip is cushioned and there is a handle on the side as well as a bottom handle cup for that extra grip when lifting onto the security belt or overhead. This leaves a few carry options. For me, I like to extend the handle and the wheels are a spinner style so they spin freely to keep up with your twists and turns as you walk through the crowds and plane aisles.

The design is as durable inside as it is on the outside. With my blue luggage I have a grey liner with blue straps inside. There are 2 pockets in the liner on the inside-each across from each other to hold smaller items.

The back makes good sense flat and padded once you link your luggage pieces. This is because the Unite™2 has the Link2Go feature where you can attach 2 pieces very easily. Traveling heavy or have a child who won’t push their own luggage? This is where the feature comes in handy.

Once the 2 luggage pieces are back to back you will use these side straps to secure the pieces together then be back on your way.

Oh, and there is a USB charging port too. I know!! That is the greatest right? We have to dig for enough items in the airport from ID, boarding passes, kids snacks and now you don’t have to dig for your charger bank. I always grab our chargers and plug them all in the night before travel on the wall where our luggage is sitting and waiting.

Now I can grab those chargers and unzip the inside pocket to store them and once connected we just plug our devices into the side of the luggage and it is charging when needed again. I don’t know who will love this feature more, me or the boys!

[bctt tweet=”Have you seen the @AtlanticLuggage Unite2 luggage? It has a USB charging pot on the side! #travel ” username=”3sonshavei”]

Did the Atlantic Unite™ 2 luggage piece forget anything? I am not thinking so. Once I attach my neck pillow and fill it with clothes I have all I need to travel. OK….so I bring more than clothes and a pillow. I actually bring a whole lot more so it is a good thing I have enough pockets in this luggage to save room in my lap bag during flight.

Visit Atlantic Luggage to see all of their family-friendly and affordable pieces. It makes a great gift idea for families that travel.