How A Blogging Mom Stays Active - REI Product Review

by Janis Brett Elspas

Pictured at left is me, MommyBlogExpert, on a bike trip, wearing the Women's Airflyte Jacket in Blue Clay/Ice Blue from REI reviewed in this post

Like most busy mommy bloggers, I tend to spend many hours indoors either working on the computer or caring for my family.  Despite the fact that I do get a lot of work done this way, sitting at a desk inside has its downside.  Most notably, it stifles my creative side and in the long run hurts productivity in just about all facets of my usually hectic life.  So every day year-round I make it a point to get outside for some physical activity, ideally with my kids.  After all, I tell the children, a family that exercises together, not only has fun but also stays together, too.

For sure, riding bicycles with the family is currently among my favorite pastimes.  Now that the triplets are 13 and big brother is 14, I feel particularly fortunate that my kids still enjoy cycling together with their parents.  Since all four are currently enrolled in the local public school's independent study program, they're usually home all day.  This gives them luxuries that many of their friends envy, especially the freedom to have less-structured schedules and to do things like bicycle around the neighborhood in the middle of a weekday just about whenever they'd like to.

My middle triplet, also known as Mini MommyBlogExpert because she sometimes writes for this blog, and I have a weekly ritual that just the two of us do together.  That's because Friday mornings, rain or shine, we ride our bikes to the neighborhood Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf to talk and laugh while we each enjoy a coffee or tea drink together on the open air patio and play with friendly dogs sitting under other guests' tables.

It can be a bit nippy on those early morning cycle jaunts, though, even in July in coastal California where we live.  So I was more than happy to have the opportunity to test and write about the Women's OXT Airflyte Running Jacket pictured here that is available exclusively from REI.  This passionate outdoor adventure retailer, if you didn't already know, is the nation's largest consumer co-op with more than 3 million members and 100 stores.

Even though REI markets this particular item as a running jacket, I decided to experiment with it to see if it would also hold up for other sports such as recreational cycling.  From the minute I tried this on, it felt functional, comfortable, tailored and sporty, wrapped all in one.  REI sent me a women's size large since I have long arms -- the only problem with that was it fit me a bit more loosely around the waist than I would have liked.

Among the cooler details of this jacket -- both my teen daughters quickly pointed out -- were the zippered front pocket with headphone portal to manage music from my iPhone while exercising.  Pictured here from the inside is a close-up shot of that feature.  What's more is that I feel safe wearing this because the jacket's sleek reflective trim helps drivers avoid colliding with anyone who wears this.

Yet, by actually wearing this waterproof coat (which according to the tag is also windproof to 60 MPH except for the sides) while vigorously pedaling up steep inclines, I have to say what amazed me most about it was that it actually "breathes."  That's because it's constructed with high tech eVent Fabrics which keep you completely dry since the fibers allow sweat to quickly evaporate to the outside.  Before this, I would have never imagined physically pushing myself this hard, without paying for it with wet workout wear afterward (such as a soaked sweat shirt or wind breaker).  Since that first experience, I've continued to wear the Airflyte whenever I'm cycling and the weather calls for a jacket.  

I've also been pleasantly surprised to discover other uses for it, too.  For example, the jacket is very light weight.  In fact, it packs unbelievably compactly, as you can see here by the tiny box that REI shipped this to me in.  That package, believe it or not, measured just about 9" x 6" x 4".  

This inspired me to bring the Airflyte with me on our family trip to Europe last month.  It was an absolute dream for all the kilometers of sightseeing we did on foot, especially on those rainy days we spent in London shopping and visiting museums with our kids.  Best of all, with this jacket, I didn't end up breaking out into a sweat like I typically do when traveling with my very active family.

At left is my eldest daughter next to one of the colorful elephants in a park near Buckingham Palace in London with the stormy clouds behind her.   Right after I took this photo of her in June, she informed me that she was jealous of the jacket I was wearing (the one from REI that is featured in this review) and wanted it for herself.  When your teen actually threatens to steal your clothes, as a Mom, I take that as a compliment.

Purchase the Women's OXT Airflyte Running Jacket at REI.com in Blue Clay/Ice Blue.  Also available in a similar men's style in Black, North Sea/Carbon, or Red Rock/Carbon.  Compared at $169, REI's price is $99.83.

How do you stay fit as a Mommy Blogger? Please share your comments below this post.

FTC Disclosure: MommyBlogExpert received the Women's OXT Airflyte Running Jacket from REI for this product review but did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post.  See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.
No comments:

Clean That Closet Challenge - Is YOUR Storage Area Messier Than Ours?

CLEAN YOUR CLOSET CONTEST
Win Great Prizes To Keep You 
Organized From Now On

If you're like me, you have way too much stuff everywhere in your house.  Your closets are unbearable with things tumbling out whenever you open any of them.  And your garage?  Well, let's not even go there.

Coming to the rescue is ITW Space Bag, which makes vacuum-seal storage bags that can help you get back a lot of the space your messy house might have consumed.  To help us Americans clear clutter out, this company has announced its Clean That Closet Challenge which is part of Space Bag’s online community called Space Savers. 

Anyone with a messy closet can enter.  The best part is that if you enter this challenge you could end up with a make over, leading to a well-organized LIFE in your home. The first 100 eligible entrants will win Space Bag products and one grand-prize winner will get a private consultation with a professional organizer plus a $1,000 gift card to Bed, Bath & Beyond, and enough Space Bag products to organize your entire home! 

I've already entered this challenge, but hopefully there’s still time for you to be among their first 100 entrants and win free Space Bag products just for entering the contest!

HOW TO ENTER
Visit the SpaceSaversCommunity.com now until Aug. 15, 2010 and in less than 500 words tell why you deserve the grand prize along with a photo or brief video showcasing your messiest closet. If your house is as topsy turvy as mine, you will have a hard time deciding which closet looks the worst.  An added plus, as a member of this great community, everyone that signs up and requests it can receive the Free Booklet 33 Ways to Master Your Muck by organizing expert Kathi Burns.

Also, though not required for this contest, MommyBlogExpert wants to know what your biggest home organization issues are.  So please comment below this post and share.  Afterall, misery loves company, right?

FTC Disclosure:  MommyBlogExpert has entered the Clean That Closet Challenge for a chance to win prizes as described above.  In addition, this post is published for a chance to win some Space Bag organization products.  No monetary exchange took place.  See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.
6 comments:

Integrating Social Media With Marketing & PR - FREE Webinar THIS Thursday, July 8th

This Post Published as a Community Service

A Complimentary Webinar with Doug Hay
Integrated Marketing For Success

THIS Thursday
July 8, 2010
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM PDT | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EST

How to Increase Your Profits by Integrating Social Media With Marketing & PR

Get additional information & register HERE

In Doug's FREE webinar you will learn how to 
  • Integrate the various parts of a marketing, PR and social media into a workable whole
  • Increase your sales and profits with an integrated marketing plan
  • Work backwards from the viewpoint of customers & prospects to give them what they need
Presenter: Doug Hay, founder and CEO of Expansion Plus, a company specializing in Internet marketing, PR and social media services for small and medium sized businesses.  Doug has 30+ years experience in marketing, public relations, and new media.  He  is a sought after speaker and has presented at local, regional and national conferences and workshops and has lectured at several universities.
 

Sign up now online to attend this webinar
Additional information: Contact Doug at 818-326-6784 or email dough@expansionplus.com

FTC Disclosure:  MommyBlogExpert did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post.  See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.     
2 comments:

Classic Pink U-Collar Cachcach Girls Swing Dress in sizes for Toddlers & Girls

by Janis Brett Elspas
MommyBlogExpert.blogspot.com

This Cachcach girls summer dress is exclusively available now til July 6, 2010  from Zulily.com for just $17.99 (regular $40) 
 
Cach is French for "hide and seek" and I think this darling dress, available in various styles and prints, is a great find.  There's something classically vintage yet fresh about this adorable swing dress.  Perfect for warm summer days as well as family portraits with its lovely floral print in woven cotton, exquisite tulle at the bottom (a detail I absolutely love), and knit trim neckline with a retro-style bow.  Elastic at the back for fit.  

The regular price for this is $40 which is quite reasonable for such a stylish outfit.  Lucky for MommyBlogExpert's readers though -- it's on sale right now exclusively at Zulily.com for just $17.99

• 100% cotton
• Machine wash; tumble dry
• Imported
Available for a limited time at Zulily.com in girls size 2T (toddler) to size 5.  But hurry this only went up for sale today and are selling fast.  In fact, some sizes larger and smaller of this particular style have already sold out in this limited run sale that ends July 6 at 7 am PST 


What is Zulily, anyway?
Zulily.com is an online marketplace where you can buy top-quality apparel, gear and other goodies for moms, babies and kids (both boys and girls).  Members can save up to 70% off retail prices—not to mention discover all the exciting new brands showcasing their products here.   Only members can shop their sales, but membership is free and sign up is fast and easy.  After you register, be sure to invite your friends to join, too.  As the Zulily shopping community grows, so will their ability to offer you even better prices and selection.

Based in Seattle, Washington, Zulily.com was formed by retail and e-commerce veterans.  They're dedicated to bringing their members great finds at great prices, as well as giving emerging brands a place to showcase their products.
FTC Disclosure:  MommyBlogExpert is a guest columnisf for Zulily's Blog.  However, MommyBlogExpert did not receive any products, payment or other compensation associated with this post.  See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.
2 comments:

A Mom's Manual That Really is a Must-Have to Survive Birth to Age 6 - BOOK REVIEW

by Janis Brett Elspas

Don't you just hate it when friends or family give you unsolicited advice about raising your kids?  How about feeling that as a mother you must always be doing the same things for your own children that your friends are doing for their's?   And last, but certainly not least, why is it you feel guilty getting a babysitter so that you can go out alone for some quality time with your hubbie once in awhile?

Readers: Don't Forget, after reading this book review to leave a comment below this post sharing the most annoying piece of unsolicited parenting advice you've ever received as a mom.

After you've read The Must-Have Mom Manual from Ballantine Books, a division of Random House, your answers to all those and many other questions about parenting will likely change for the better.  That's at least the essence of what real-life mommies and friends Sara Ellington and Stephanie Triplett intended when they co-authored this unique advice guide for successfully navigating the modern challenges of motherhood from birth to age six.

Ellington, an ultra-organized, bottle-feeding mom who left her job to stay at home and Triplett, a self-described messy, breast-feeding mom who went back to work outside the home, are as different as night and day.  Nevertheless, these two women do an amazing job of finally bringing forward a huge and important concept lurking in the sub-conscious minds of mothers everywhere:  The fact that there really is no one way to be a good mom.  In the words of the introduction, "There is no one-size-fits-all formula for motherhood.  This book is about making your life easier as a mom and paring down a lot of information modern moms have to deal with."

The Must-Have Mom Manual is a book that you will be tempted to approach like any other parenting guide you may have looked at before -- especially if you are feeling desperate.  I mean what mom of us doesn't feel that way at one time or another?.  A word of warning about that:  don't just dive right in.  Instead, take your time getting to know Sara and Stephanie, reading the introduction thoroughly first, before going on to referencing specific chapters because the intro otherwise known as "Momology" is full of valuable insights that will help you get the most out of this book.

Pictured at left are the authors' first children, both daughters, that were born 3 weeks apart.  The girls, who each have since been joined by a brother, are now in elementary school.

Everyone has unrealistic expectations about how wonderful things will be before we become moms.  We might even still be in denial after our beautiful babies have arrived.  Sooner or later, though, we eventually all come to realize that those "magazine moments," as described so aptly by Ellington, are in reality, "far and few."  This book helps put that runaway dream to rest for good, not only for those of us who are already mothers but for those who are now in the before-children honeymoon phase.  Keep reading and you'll discover the authors' list Thirteen Things Not to Feel Guilty About which includes -- among other things -- actually feeling good about getting a babysitter so you can get out of the house without the kids regularly either for a girls' night out or for a romantic dinner for two with your DH.   All that and a whole lot more you'll read and learn about -- before you even finish the first 16 pages of this book.

Practically speaking, beyond the introduction, this book continues to be structured well and speak to mothers as if we are gathered as friends to air our frustrations about our little ones during a playdate.  The title's all-important heavy-duty Momology is followed by 11 substantial chapters with sub-chapters within each to make it easy to zero in on the things that concern moms most.   Green mommies, especially, you'll also be glad to know there are "Clutter-Busting Resources" listed at the end of each part with helpful website addresses and recommended books.  The authors certainly have cut down the research and paper work us moms might have had to do otherwise.

The first chapter, At the Hospital, has an excellent section giving new dads advice on ways -- for example -- of showing their appreciation to the new mother.  After all, no man has any idea of what pregnancy and childbirth are really like, right?  This is followed by chapters that truly speak to moms on coping with baby when she/he comes home for the first time and maximizing the every day life experiences with your child.  Later chapters offer modern advice for a host of other essentials: managing and organizing your household; ensuring the health of your family; enhancing your marriage; balancing work, home, and life; dealing with an expanding family (both new humans and pets), and lastly sharing with others like ourselves in the Mother to Mother chapter.

Get an insider's peek at this book by reading an excerpt from The Must-Have Mom Manual here.  Below is a photo of the authors from Sara's Facebook page.

Overall, this book is quite good and useful.  To be fair, for sure, it covers ground that has not been covered before in a title targeting the motherhood and parenting niches.  However, there are a couple of things that can be improved upon.

First, this manual (even though the title implies it's just for moms) only gives new fathers advice for right after delivery in the book's beginning.  If moms are going to get their significant others to read this and subscribe to its teachings, and ultimately, get our partners to help when we need them most, there ought to be specific tips for dads in every chapter, at every stage.  Women often know naturally what to do and say as mothers, but I think you really need to spell things out for fathers since they don't mind read nor do they speak Woman-ese.  Men need more blatant prompts now and then, otherwise how will they know exactly what we moms need or expect from them?

The only other shortcoming I see with this advice book is that it ends when your child reaches 6, because that's the stage the authors were at when they wrote this title.  As those of us who have older kids know (I'm in the heat of the teen years with 13 year-old TRIPLETS, plus big brother, 14 now) there are challenges at every stage beyond that age.  In fact,  some moms -- myself included -- might argue that it only gets harder to raise our children the older they get.  

For all of our sakes, I hope these two clever mom authors who have brought us moms a truly must-have guide to making it to kindergarten are working on a sequel to address issues that us mom will all have to contend with as we muddle our ways through our kids' elementary, middle and high school years.  Moms, though, with children six and under are truly lucky to have a reference like this available to them right now.

The Must-Have Mom Manual by Sara Ellington and Stephanie Triplett, 544 pages, Ballantine Books, an imprint of Random House, 2009, ISBN 978-0-345-49987-5.  Cover price $17 (U.S.) and $20 (Canada) and available in book stores and from online booksellers.

MommyBlogExpert Wants Your Comments Below
What's the most annoying piece of unsolicited parenting advice you've ever received as a mommy?  Please feel free to vent keeping in mind that this blog's content is family-friendly, and leave a comment about it below this post.

FTC Disclosure: MommyBlogExpert received a copy of The Must-Have Mom Manual for review but did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post.  See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.
1 comment:
Subscribe to: Comments (Atom)