Get Moving & Motivated With Music & yurbuds® from Best Buy #GetMotivated

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

Music is a huge motivating factor for many, myself included. I tend to clean my house faster and with a bit more pep in my step with a song! For fitness, well, I'm not quite to the point of going for a jog (at least not right now!). But Hubby uses his Jawbone Up pretty consistently in conjunction with music when he works out. Having the right "tools" are great motivators in actually getting off the couch, and music is certainly one of those.

We have a home gym in our garage, and Hubby typically blasts his music pretty loud so all the neighbors can hear if it's late, then it disrupts Buddy's bedtime routine. Normal headphones connected to an iPhone definitely don't work well with weight lifting though, so it creates a bit of an issue on occasion. With newly launched yurbuds®, a wireless earphone, from Best Buy, this would never be an issue!

Studies have shown that music can increase the intensity and duration of a workout by as much as 15%. Unfortunately, most people miss out on those benefits because their earphones hurt and fall out during active use. yurbuds® was founded in 2008 by an Ironman Triathlete and a 24-time marathoner in response to that problem. Our products are ergonomically designed for comfort and exceptional fit, while providing best-in-class audio quality and durability.  yurbuds® is passionate about serving our customers and our community. We listen to and learn from our athletes to produce solutions to their needs. We are dedicated to innovating and creatively changing the industry of sport audio. Our goal is to empower athletes through exceptional products and services to help them to push past their barriers, reach new personal bests, and #neverstop.

Cut the cords and unleash your inner athlete with the Inspire Limited Edition Wireless Sport Earphones. These Stereo-Bluetooth® earphones lock in place comfortably so they never hurt and never fall out. The 15mm drivers provide the biggest sound available, providing the motivation you need to #neverstop. These sweat and water resistant earphones feature full track & call control with a wind-blocking microphone designed for call clarity. The athlete tested battery lasts up to 6 hours and provides visual and audible indicators when running low. This is sound with no strings attached.

The #1 selling sport earphone company, yurbuds®, has introduced a wireless product for a seamless workout experience!

yurbuds Features

• With yurbuds® TwistLock™ Technology and FlexSoft Comfort Fit, these Stereo-Bluetooth® earphones lock in place comfortably and are guaranteed never to hurt or fall out.

• Bigger Sound for music and calls provided by 15mm drivers

• Smart Battery powers a week's worth of workouts and provides visual and audible indicators when running low.

• Dedicated Pairing Button for simple 1-touch pairing.

• Compatible with all Bluetooth® devices.

• Earphones that never hurt and never fall out.

• Bigger Sound provided by 15 mm drivers

Yurbuds® is the #1 selling sport earphone company in the United States and is transforming the athlete experience with its new Inspire Limited Edition Wireless earphones to get you motivated through music. Launching at CES 2014 in Las Vegas this January, athletes and tech enthusiasts will be able to enjoy the first-ever Stereo-Bluetooth® wireless earphones guaranteed to never hurt and never fall out.

Yurbuds® were designed to take potential obstacles out of the way of achieving your fitness goals. Who can argue with that? “We’ve cut the cords so fitness enthusiasts have less in the way of achieving the perfect workout,” said Daniel DeVille, Director of Marketing for yurbuds®. “Designed based on user feedback, we are excited to deliver best-in-class wireless earphones that solve the needs not currently met by other wireless earphones and meet the rigorous standards of even the top professional athletes.”

Ready to revolutionize your workout experience? You can find Best Buy’s large selection of yurbuds® here. To get 20% off ALL yourbuds®, click here to receive a 20% off in-store coupon or use code yurbuds20off online at BestBuy.com. Offer ends 2/22/14.

Be sure to check out all the Health & Fitness products at Best Buy! Enjoy a $5 Best Buy Gift Card when you purchase a qualifying Health and Fitness product at a Best Buy Mobile Specialty Store. Offer ends 2/22/14.

 

Miou :: Certified Fair-Trade Children's Knitwear {Giveaway - Ends 2/7}

 I received complimentary product for review purposes. All opinions are 100% my own.

With each season I strive to find an extra special piece or two to add to Buddy's wardrobe. For children's clothing though, impeccable quality can often be hard to come by. With Miou, a certified fair trade children's knitwear company, I know I can find a gorgeous classic piece that will not only last, but can be passed down to another child too.

For designer quality and simply exquisite style for your small bambinos age 0 to 5, look no further than Miou. Based in Gibsons, BC, Canada, their knitwear is designed by owner Christine Dubin, and hand-knitted by traditional artisans in Peru. Miou believes that children's' fashion can be a force for good on the planet, and provides fair wages for their workers who are even able to work from home and still care for their children or grandchildren. Providing these amazingly talented women with this opportunity allows their families to thrive in a very sustainable way.

 When I opened the package that held Buddy's new Cable Cardigan with Hood I let out a big gasp of excitement! I could hardly believe how soft this cardigan is and how beautiful it is in person.


I really like the cable detail of this sweater, and also the pom pom on the hood as well. The hood is a bit pointy, which I think is adorable and adds a unique touch to this style. I'm happy to note that the size 4-5 fits Buddy well despite him being very tall for just turning 5. This cardigan will easily fit him this Fall into next Winter too.

Unlike an itchy wool sweater you probably tried to wear during the holidays, this one is made from 100% baby alpaca wool that is incredibly soft and definitely not itchy. This natural material is relatively elastic, allowing for room to grow. It bounces back quite well after being stretched or pulled around too.

Buddy can often be fickle about certain materials on his skin, but this sweater is very soft and not irritating for him at all. He also says it's very warm, so it's been perfect for chilly evenings out. It's sophisticated for nicer occasions, but basic enough for just about everything else. It's a staple for every wardrobe!

My English grandmother is an avid knitter herself. Because of this I can easily recognize a high quality knitted garment when I see one, and the skill level required. Miou clearly employs only the best, and the flawless quality is incredible to touch and feel.

Miou is making a difference through their beautiful knitwear, fair wages, and eco-friendly alpaca wool. To learn more about Miou and their clothing, please visit www.mioukids.com.

Price: Cable Cardigan with Hood, $79-$99 CAD

 

Win It!

One winner will receive the unisex Marin Cardigan in Teal ($79-$99 CAD), any size up to 5!

Hard Candy Cases :: Mobile Phone & Device Cases {Giveaway - Ends 1/29 - US/CAN}

I received complimentary products for review purposes. All opinions are 100% my own.

Hard Candy Cases is a manufacturer of mobile phone and device cases. Offering premium protection and stylish designs, they have many different designs to meet your needs.

With so many phone case options out there today, it was a bit of a relief to receive an email from Hard Candy Cases just days after Hubby and I both upgraded to the new iPhone 5c. After browsing their site, I knew these weren't cheapy cases and I wouldn't need to shop elsewhere for a good case.

 This is the ShockDrop Rugged Case that Hubby has been using for over a month so far. He was lucky that his last phone never broke, despite having dropped a dozen times. This time we didn't want to take any chances, especially when we won't be due for an upgrade for two years.

The ShockDrop Rugged Case is comprise of three pieces. The main silicon piece,  a polycarbonate frame with a attached screen protector, and a small polycarbonate piece to keep the case rigid around the camera lens. The main piece is made from shock absorbing silicon, which is even a thick 6mm at the corners for ultimate protection in case of a nice fall. It also features a semi-rigid (replaceable) screen protector which surprising doesn't hinder the touchscreens' sensitivity. There are tear proof flaps for several ports like the phone charger and sound switch on the side of the phone. The on/off and volume buttons are covered and molded into the case.

Now, this isn't the thinnest case out there, but if you need a heavy duty case for your phone, you shouldn't expect anything thin anyway. Real protection requires high quality materials and innovative features to get the job done. The unique texture of the case does make putting your phone in your pants pocket a bit more of an effort, but it's doable, and worth the added protection. The silicon is very soft and has great grip, but it does attract more dust than my Pop Case which is polycarbonate. However, it's a small inconvenience compared to the protection of this case.
 
The ShockDrop Rugged is truly a "rugged" option for anyone who is rough on their phones, whether that's related to their profession, clumsiness or even as a result of having young children. :) The ShockDrop Rugged Case for the iPhone 5c is available in two colors and retails for $39.95.

The Pop Case is what I chose for my lovely new blue iPhone 5c. I wanted the blue to show, so the Pop Case is just perfect! This case is made of two pieces that snap together around your phone in just a few seconds. It's a rigid case that's made of a polycarbonate shell with a fun bubble design on the back.

The Pop Case has a nice grip, and yet will still slide across a table if you'd like. It definitely does not have a slick, shiny finish though. I was worried that this texture might pick up grime easily, but after a month this case is still holding up very well and looks brand new even though I'm pretty hard on my cases.

The access to ports and buttons are really open on this case. I also love that the case's edge comes up above the screen of my phone to offer a good amount of protection when I place my phone upside down on any surface. I'm happy to report that it slides in and out of my back pocket very easily when I need quick access to it. I typically don't keep my phone there, but the option is nice.

I LOVE my new Pop Case. It's everything I want in a phone case - it's functional, fun, and protects my phone. It's slim design and soft, smooth texture will please anyone! The Pop Case for the iPhone 5c is available in five colors and retails for $29.95. 

Next time you need a new mobile phone or device case, be sure to check out Hard Candy Cases or their other site for Gumdrop Cases.

Win It!

One winner will receive any one case from either gumdropcases.com or hardcandycases.com!

Factors to Consider when Choosing a Visa Prepaid Card

Disclosure: This is a guest article.

There are many factors to consider when choosing a Visa pre paid card, and it's important that you pick something suitable for your personal needs and lifestyle. For example, a sleek, reward-laden card might not work at the ATMs closest to you or might come with hidden fees that negate all their benefits. You'll need to ask yourself several questions before committing to a card.

Loading Money
How will you load funds onto your account? Do you have to go through a bank, or are there other options like MoneyGram and direct deposits? Can you use PayPal?

Account Tracking
How will you check your balance? Does the carrier offer their own version of online banking, or will you be forced to track your expenses on your own? Do they keep records of your transactions and spending history?

Smartphone Capabilities
Is it important that you're able to check your funds on the go? Can you access your account wirelessly or via an app? What phones and operating systems are supported?

ATM Charges
How much does it cost to get cash from an ATM? Which banks are on the carrier's network, and where's the nearest one to your home and workplace? Do the services of those banks extend internationally? Will you be able to use your prepaid card on your next vacation?

Customer Service
What if something goes wrong with your card? Will you have access to 24/7 customer service, or are their representatives outsourced, overseas or only available through a 1-800 number?

These are just a few of the questions you should ask when buying a prepaid card. Consider things carefully before giving away your hard-earned money!

 

Disney On Ice presents Rockin' Ever After :: Coming SOON to Sacramento!

I will receive complimentary event tickets for our local show. All opinions are 100% my own.

Get ready to rock out with some of the most magical idols of all in a musical showcase that features the hottest tunes and talent from across the kingdom in Disney On Ice presents Rockin' Ever After! This production will be coming to Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento from Wednesday, February 12 through Monday, February 17th!

Jam to a Scottish jig as a group of royal contenders from the latest Disney/Pixar film, Brave, competes to win the heart of headstrong, sharp-shooting Merida, making her ice debut! Experience a show-stopping performance as Sebastian breaks out of his shell for one night only to make waves with Ariel. A chorus of harmless hooligans from Tangled unleashes musical mayhem when they get a visit from the sassy and spirited Rapunzel and her charming ally Flynn. And, get your feet moving as the Beast and his castle's enchanted entourage take center stage in a spectacular show for Belle.

Show Location: 
Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, California

Show Times:
Wednesday, February 12th: 7PM
Thursday, February 13th: 7PM
Friday, February 14th: 7PM
Saturday, February 15th: 11AM, 3PM, 7PM
Sunday, February 16th: 11AM, 3PM, 7PM
Monday, February 17th: 12PM, 4PM 

Purchase tickets, or view more show information on DisneyOnIce.com.

We had a blast when we attended Disney On Ice presents Passport to Adventure in October, so I'm really excited for this one that seems to be a bit more girly! I'm taking my mom and kid sister this time!

Have you seen a Disney On Ice show before?

 

Brazi Bites :: Gluten-free Cheese Bread Snacks {Giveaway - Ends 1/24}

I received complimentary product for review purposes. All opinions are 100% my own.

Eating gluten-free can be difficult, but alas. The perfect gluten-free appetizer. Yes!

Brazi Bites are a frozen, ready-to-bake Brazilian cheese bread snacks. Apparently this type of snack is a popular choice in South America. I'm really excited to see it make it's way up here, especially since the traditional ingredients are naturally gluten-free and they're incredibly easy to prepare.

Boasting just a handful of simple and natural ingredients, Brazi Bites contain nothing artificial. I love how natural the ingredients are, and I've been told that Brazi Bites are GMO-free (yay!). Tapioca flour is the main ingredient, so these end up being a grain-free treat for those that follow even stricter dietary guidelines than me.

Simply place the desired amount of frozen Brazi Bites on a pan and throw in the oven for 20 minutes. And this is what you get. A perfectly round, crispy morsel that's fluffy and cheesy in the center. The texture is amazzzzzing.

Just. Like. REAL. Bread.
 
Brazi Bites are available in three varieties: original, bacon, and fire-roasted jalapeno. I think they're all delicious, and I've had many occasions where I just crave one flavor or all three so I put a couple of each in. I personally enjoy the original the most, but the bacon is a close second!

You definitely don't have to be gluten-free to love Brazi Bites. They're fabulous in their own right. Seriously, they're the perfect party appetizer. They're also amazing dipped in oil and vinegar (an old fave that I miss dearly), with soup, dunked in butter, or you could eat them plain just the same.
When I eat Brazi Bites, I don't feel like I'm eating a gluten-free bread replacement. It's just a darn good bread in itself. LOVE THEM!

Brazi Bites retail for $6.50 per bag and can be found in the freezer section of natural food stores and specialty markets across the West & Hawaii. Find a retailer near you to buy today, or order online.

 

Win It!

One winner will receive three packages of Brazi Bites (one of each flavor)!