Another great workout to report. Last night it was Pilates, and I moved freely and felt comfortable in my new fitness wear by Fit Couture.
The look is fabulous. New mom, Amy, designed Fit Couture with a confident, go anywhere style. I could easily get away with wearing my periwinkle sleeveless, v-neck top with a cute skirt and no one would have a clue its workout wear. That fact alone makes me want more. How perfect to be able to wear a top all day long and not have to change when I run to the gym late for class?!
The pants I love. I'll admit, I've been wearing cotton/spandex all winter long to my classes, but now that I'm wearing the Suplex Nylon/Lyrca Fit Couture, I don't know if I can go back. They're slick and sleek. Thicker than the cotton, but more form controlling, so no rolls. And no matter how hot it was in that room last night, I wasn't showing sweat in wearing the NYC pants. They compliment my figure enough that I'm not self conscious at pick-up and drop-off at school, either.
As for the fit: perfect. You all know I'm rather petite, so when I received smalls I was a bit concerned that they weren't XS or petite. But the small Pakm Beach shirt fits perfectly. It adapts to my curves and is cut for a fit body. And while the pants are a tiny bit long, I couldn't go smaller in the hips/waist/butt area. They also shrunk a little bit (though I put them through the dryer, despite the instructions not to). At barely 5'1", they're perfect for pilates or yoga, but I'd go for the capri's if wearing them for kickboxing or step.
Create a great "get fit" look at Fit Couture, where you can mix and match your colors, then order for comfort, style and sweat using code MOMSTYLE for $10 off your purchase.
Look great, stay warm, and get fit in a SkirtSports ToughGirl!
Now that I have had my second baby, my focus is getting back to my pre-baby shape (that's pre-baby number one!). It was so easy to work-out during the summer and fall due to the weather, but now that it's cold out, I need to get myself to the gym, or workout outside and stay warm.
In either of those situations, I have found an awesome, extremely slimming and flattering workout "skirt" called ToughGirl made by SkirtSports. A skirt, you ask? I know, it seems a bit odd to work out, especially in the cold weather, but trust me, this skirt (which is built-in to a pair of awesome, boot-cut workout pants) give your body the illusion of losing 5 pounds while keeping you nice and warm (when outside) and in style. Another bonus of the skirt: it hides two pockets on the hips, allowing you a small place to store a key, your gym card, etc.
The fabric is made of Dupont Supplex, which is extremely soft and supple. Again, let me emphasize how comfortable and slimming this fabric really is! I plan to take this with me on our upcoming trip to Disney as it will be easy to pack and great for all the walking we will be doing there.
All of the clothing at SkirtSports are excellent for fitness and comfort. SkirtSports was founded by professional triathlete, Nicole DeBoom, with an idea that would allow women to never have to sacrifice femininity for performance in their workout clothes.
You may love your ToughGirl so much that you may start wearing it out beyond the gym (as I have!). Now is a great time to try out a Skirt Sport item as they are having a huge clearance sale on many of their popular items. Check it out!
Divas and Babes defines the word diva on the website as "a haute Mama who refuses to compromise fashion for function." Like many of the items we review, their site is all about sassy and stylish products. From ring slings to Mei Tei carriers, to clothes for your baby to clothes for you, you'll find a mix of items to appease your inner diva.
Their latest item I'm loving is the "Comfy Suit." One of my New Years Resolutions is to become more regular with my working out. Which means I'll have to have more work out clothes. (Of course. Another excuse to shop - yay!)
This Comfy Suit is great for the price and versatility - wear it out shopping, wear it to Yoga, wear it running. Pick pink, gray, blue or black. It's $39 for the set and you can use coupon code MWS15 for an additional 15% off the price of that or anything else on the site.
It's a tough lesson that every new parent learns. There are two kinds of bibs out there. The cute decorative ones that don't work - thus causing your child's special outfit to be wrecked, and the ones that work, saving the suit but wrecking the whole look with their cheezy slogans or awful colors.
Silly Billyz bibs toe the line between form and function. Their bibs are basic in appearance (solid colors) and come in a range of colors and styles to suit every type of drooler and messmaker. They won't wreck your look. And perhaps most importantly, they won't allow clothes to be wrecked. They have that perfect combo of absorbant front and waterproof back that keeps kids dry, clean and comfy. The bibs are pvc, vinyl and pthalate free, and no worries about lead. They also wash up really well.
I actually subjected this product to unusually tough testing. I have a friend with a special needs daughter who has a tracheotomy. Because of this, she constantly drools. She is not a toddler anymore and finding a bib for her to wear that is not embaressingly juvenile, or utterly useless, is a real challenge. Despite her disabilities, she still likes to look nice. She wears bibs 24/7 and washes them daily, so they need to perform. Her mom was truly impressed with the quality, function and looks of this product.
I was impressed with Silly Billyz' commitment to making an excellent and functional product and how excited they were to talk with my friend and get her input on their bibs. It is clear that they are a small company that cares about their products and all the people who use them.
Check out the assortment of bibs, including biblets, pocket bibs, and long sleeved bibs on the Silly Billyz website. Mommies with Style get free shipping when you enter the code FREESHIP.
Yoga Mat for the Kids that Mommy's taken a liking to
You may recall a review of Yoga Kids--Yoga DVDs created for children that my family had really taken to. We recently stepped it up a notch, when we were sent a Yoga mat from Lotuspad.
If you're familiar with Pilates, the Lotuspad is similar to the thicker mat that we stick under our sticky-mats to provide for comfort. But the Lotuspad is made for kids--in size and structure. The eco-friendly pad is completely free of PVC, different from all other yoga mats and pads. Its smaller and thicker than an adult pad, too. So that the less-than-graceful downward facing dogs don't end with a painful bounce on the thin pad over the floor, these pads measure 3-5 mm. Available in 3 colors and 2 sizes, kids will take to the pads made for them. And so may their moms. I've been cat-stretching on the mats for superior knee protection from my hardwood floors, and enjoying the firm cushion they create.
Brand new to the Kids Yoga industry, Lotuspad is offering special introductory prices on all their products: $26 for the pad, and $15 for their unique carry straps. Want more than one pad? For a limited time, you'll get an even greater discount of 2 pads for only $48.
Unsure if your child is right for Yoga? I loved the article found on the Lotuspad website. It explains the many reason ways that Yoga is healthy for the mind and body: in children, too.
Yes, that's me, but only when I wear my new duds from Running Divas. I love love love their stuff! Their motto is run it. live it. flaunt it. And who wouldn't want to, sporting one of their clever tees or tanks?
Running Divas was created by Aeron Arlin Genet and her husband, Marc Genet. They are both runners - Aeron is training to compete in the next Olympic Trials for the 1500 meters (which is three miles, and believe me, Aeron looks fast standing still!). They take daily hikes with their two labs, and live a fit, healthy and active lifestyle on the central California Coast.
And their clothes reflect it. Even if you are not a runner, you can still get a smile out of their tank (and my fave) with the slogan "Freakishly Strong." She also sells cute shorts, pants and intimate apparel.
I met Aeron a couple days before I ran the Disneyland Half Marathon this past Labor Day. She sells her Running Divas stuff at the expos before select distance races, when people go to pick up their race bibs (that's the number you pin on your shirt, not to pick up the drool when you're slogging through those final miles). She was very helpful (I purchased a High Mileage tee) and very passionate about her products. And she should be.
You will be too! You can easily order from her website, runningdivas.com. And if you enter MommiesWithStyle in the comment section upon ordering, you'll receive a free "marathong." Aeron said it's her most popular item, and no, it's not to be worn while running a marathon - it's for anyone who enjoys wearing a comfy, cute pair of undies!
Here's a product that made me grin from ear to ear. Toe-less socks. It may sound silly but they are just brilliant. And you need them. You really do. And now you can get them - from Toezies.
Why do you need Toeless socks?
First of all, there is the sweaty foot issue. I am a big fan of physical humor. But when it involves me doing something rather spastic in the middle of my warrior pose, well then, I'll pass. If you are the type that wears flip flops in the shower and wishes you were not so bare-footed and foot fungus exposed at the gym, then you will appreciate the absorbancy and breathability of these socks. And if you don't like landing on your bum, you will appreciate their superior "stick" factor. It is like being barefoot, only better.
Outside of the gym these socks are fun to wear when you get a pedicure - just pop them on before your toenails get painted. Or wear them when you want a little warmth with your flip flops or sandals. Sandals with socks, you ask? The horror! But these are not regular socks. They are Toezies. And you're cool. Really you are. Get ready to be imitated!
Toezies fit up to a women's size 11 and retail for $12. Email your order to info@mytoezies.com and use the subject line "momstyle" and you can get a second pair of Toesies for half price!
...and I have to say, while some of it is due to Lisa, a fantastic instructor, and some due to, well, me, I'm going to have to give a lot of credit to my clothing.
While Life is Good has a huge variety of comfort clothing, that works well for hanging out, lounging, and having fun, I'm giving major kudos to their fitness clothing: Good Tech Harmony. The clothing fits nicely--not too tightly. It seems to absorb moisture, when the intsructor turned on the fan because "even she was sweating," I was surprised--I still felt refreshed in my Good Tech Harmony Tank. I'm wearing a size small. And it fits nicely -- breathing room allows it to move with my movements, but its not so big that I swim in it, or it gets caught in equipment or with quick moves in an aerobics class.
While Good Tech Harmony clothing was created with fitness in mind, its so comfortable that its not just for fitness. My mom has been wearing the line when she's working around the house (and they're constructing a new house in NC this summer, so she's out their wtih the builders in the heat.) She loves how easy it is to wear--and that she can wear it for a very casual get together, a walk in through the neighborhood or cycling class. (Yes, Nana cycles!)
The shirts are slightly fitted, so that they aren't meant to suffocate, but compliment a woman's figure. I also love the knee-lenghth shorts for pilates.
Of course, if you're shopping Life is Good, you're bound to notice the clothing beyond Good Tech Harmony. We're fans of the loungewear, the kids clothing (utterly fantastic--well made, washes well, and the kids love the graphics) and my all-time favorite shirt is my football tee in tulip, which is so soft and light, its like living in pajamas--only it looks cute enough to wear to the store! The accessories have to be mentioned, too. Carson has a train chill hat (velcro closure) that fits like a frat-boy's cap after 4 years of college, perfectly to his head. (I wear a child-size chill cap, too--the adults fit me as well, but I like the graphic on the child one for me). I also just noticed they've introduced tattered chill caps, which must be even more comfortable the instant you put them on. I love the look.
Life is Good is constantly introducing new items. It makes sense to get on their mailing list to make sure you don't miss anything. And, when you get on that mailing list, you'll be entered into a contest that, if you win, Life will be VERY Good. Each month, one newsletter subscriber receives a $50 gift certificate.
No matter how good life is, I have a problem. I love their product so much, that I still haven't mentioned all that we have, and more that we're ordering. Join me on the message boards if you have questions about Life is Good. At this point, I can help you with most of their lines, I'm such a fan. From home to toys, clothing to pets, Life is Good makes life good. Their lines are reasonably priced, and you know you're getting a great value.
And one thing more, I have to point out their fantabulous Customer Service and return policy. Not sure about a size, fit or look? They'll take anything back for exchange, no questions asked, and they'll pay return and exchange shipping. Just contact Life is Good once you recieve your shipment and they'll work with you to make the exchange, because, to make life good, you have to make the customer happy. And Life is Good makes Life Good.
Vitamin water! I know, I know, you're thinking that I just wrote about hydration in my last post. You say you get it - it's hot, drink a lot of water, clear pee, blahdeeblah. Well, since then, I have discovered something that even has DH calling from the store asking me which flavors to get. It's Vitamin water by Glaceau.
There are many different flavors, each containing different combos of vitamins. I especially like to gulp down Revive, which contains potassium, after my long run on the weekend. Each bottle contains 2.5 servings, but that has never stopped me from downing the whole thing. The labels are clever and tell you what each one is suited for. Energy contains vitamin B plus guarana, which they claim gives you an extra "kick" - which also can be from the caffeine in it.
I know you really just want to know how they taste. They are basically true to the label: the fruit punch tastes like fruit punch. The lemonade tastes lemon-y but not as good as the real stuff. The good thing is they are not overly sweet - and they taste much better than Gatorade . But keep in mind they do not contain sodium, which is important after exercise to replace all the salt you sweat out (that's what pretzels are for!).
And if you are anything like me, your kids eat a lot better than you do. I make sure they have either a fruit or vegetable - if not both - on their plates at every meal. But there are times when I don't have the time to even eat, so I feel a little better knowing I'm getting my day's supply of Vitamin C when I drink the Power-C version of Vitamin water.
Glaceau (they also makes Smart Water, which tastes just like water but has added potassium and has our best Friend Jennifer Aniston as its spokesmodel) is not the only one making this stuff. I saw at Target today that Dasani has their version, as does Propel and Crystal Light (but beware, as an unnamed MWS writer once dyed her DD's shirt with the cherry-pomegranate pack, so imagine what it's doing to your insides). It is a personal preference which one you like best. Just make sure to check the sugar content!
For the next few months, I will write about my training for my very first marathon, the Nike Women's in October in San Francisco. I won't bore you with tales of days like Saturday, about how HOT it was or how THIRSTY I was because for some reason NO ONE provided water for us at our first training run. Because, people, that is not why you come to Whitney's fine site. You want to hear about something you can actually buy!
So my goal is to tell you all about different products that runners and all you non-runners can use, from clothes to shoes to clothes to hydration belts to Gu (sounds yummy, no?) And I'm sure I'll manage to sneak in some whining about training and fundraising too, just to see if you're paying attention!
This week we (I'm training with Team in Training, which is the endurance training and fundraising arm of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) had what was billed to be a fashion show at the Nike women's store in our local mall. Also featured on the invite was a chance to "taste healthy food from local restaurants." First, there was no fashion show. Unless you consider the mannequins scattered around the store to be runway models. I can only dream of having a butt that firm.
And I know I don't get out all that much, but as far as I can remember, the local restaurants don't serve crackers in the sleeve, a plastic container of carrots and dip, and bottles of water. Which is what they had for snacks. I'm guessing some nice person from TNT provided the food. No matter. I was there to shop.
This leads me to the explanation of my article's title. For any of you who are still working out in your old cotton college tee shirts, STOP RIGHT NOW. Seriously. Take it off. Give it to your husband to polish his car. Give it to your kids for an art smock. Make it into a quilt. I don't care what you do, just DO NOT wear it to work out!
Another great workout to report. Last night it was Pilates, and I moved freely and felt comfortable in my new fitness wear by Fit Couture. 
Now that I have had my second baby, my focus is getting back to my pre-baby shape (that's pre-baby number one!). It was so easy to work-out during the summer and fall due to the weather, but now that it's cold out, I need to get myself to the gym, or workout outside and stay warm.
Divas and Babes
It's a tough lesson that every new parent learns. There are two kinds of bibs out there. The cute decorative ones that don't work - thus causing your child's special outfit to be wrecked, and the ones that work, saving the suit but wrecking the whole look with their cheezy slogans or awful colors. 
You may recall a review of 
Here's a product that made me grin from ear to ear. Toe-less socks. It may sound silly but they are just brilliant. And you need them. You really do. And now you can get them - from 
...and I have to say, while some of it is due to Lisa, a fantastic instructor, and some due to, well, me, I'm going to have to give a lot of credit to my clothing. 
Of course, if you're shopping 
Vitamin water
For the next few months, I will write about my training for my very first marathon, the Nike Women's in October in San Francisco. I won't bore you with tales of days like Saturday, about how HOT it was or how THIRSTY I was because for some reason NO ONE provided water for us at our first training run. Because, people, that is not why you come to Whitney's fine site. You want to hear about something you can actually buy! 
