Review and Giveaway - I don't glisten

I flat out sweat. As much as I love to be active whether it's riding one of my bikes, hiking or even doing yard work, I really hate it when sweat rolls into my eyes. No one likes this but maybe it's worse for those of us who wear contacts.

I was recently given the opportunity to try a hair band designed especially for the Sweaty Betty crowd -- the Sweaty Band. I tried wearing the Sweaty Band under my biking helmet on two rides now and just wore it while using the treadmill. It worked well each time, especially on the treadmill. It's comfortable and stayed in my hair no problem. I really like this product!

Thanks to the generosity of the folks at Sweaty Bands, I have one to give away for you to try.

You or someone you know would look awfully cute wearing this.

Just leave a comment below that includes your email address so I can contact you if the random number generator picks your number on Friday, July 13th. For another entry, leave a second comment if you have "liked" Fitville on facebook. Good luck!

~♥~

you look mahvelous

So true... But here's a quick overview of some cosmetics I've been using to add a little something to the glow of feeling good: 

• Best mascara: Bare Minerals Flawless Definition. Looks great, stays put, is easy to apply. 

• Foundation for us active types: Physician Formula Healthy Wear. Don't know about you, but mineral power is my first choice for the warm/hot days of summer. I use this over  Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer. PF Healthy Wear has an SPF of 50 and it feels like you're wearing nothing while making your skin look pretty good. 

• For the lips: really like the feel, look and staying power of Revlon's Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain. The color that works for me is Honey.

What's working for you these days?

~♥~

starry eyed

 I picked up a star-shaped ice tray the other day with plans to freeze coconut water for use in smoothies. Oh, my. This is a winner!

Chocolate Protein Smoothie 

• One cup unsweetened chocolate flavored almond milk 
• One scoop chocolate whey protein powder 
• One tablespoon chocolate PB2 
• One teaspoon L-Glutamine powder 
• One tablespoon chia seeds 
• Five frozen coconut water stars 

As my niece's little guy likes to declare: Dewicious!

~♥~

let's talk sports bras

It is a glorious day when you find the sports bra that fits and functions exactly how you want. For me, the best is Champion's Vented Shaper Bra #9016. I buy them at Target for $18.99.

Here's what I like:

• the medium size fits perfectly and looks good under T-shirts and cycling jerseys 
• not interested in the "shaping" of the soft cups as much as the headlight prevention  factor, if you know what I mean
• this bra can withstand a lot of machine washing and drying while keeping its great fit
• the inexpensive price
• the ventilated T-strap is very comfortable especially when riding on hot days

I've only been able to find it in black or white. Would be nice if gray was also available.

 Have you found a favorite sports bra?

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rave on

Nike Free Run + 2

For exercise, I basically ride my road bike 20 to 30 miles or walk five miles on the local trail. These shoes have made walking something I love to do. They make me feel like I can walk any distance comfortably. The only downside is that they are so light and well-ventilated that when it was chilly back in December, my feet got cold. Otherwise, it's love.

Walking the right way?

Why It's So Important to Keep Moving

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you've earned it

"Relax or revive sore tight muscles for the next event. You've earned it!
Our natural aromatic herbs will work their magic while you soak or shower."

I've been using this Active Athletic Shower/Bath gel from Kiss My Face in my bath at bedtime and yes, it is just the thing for legs that have been cycling and walking/hiking. Good stuff.

~♥~

indispensable tee

I love this tee shirt! It's J. Crew's Perfect-fit long-sleeve tee. Small or medium works out well, although the sleeves on the medium are a bit long (notice how the long-armed model is even scrunching up the sleeves). This is the perfect layering tee as it is very soft, thin and has a great neckline. I like to buy these at J. Crew outlet stores. Picked up four last week at $7.99 ea.

~♥~

sometimes it's the little things

Here's the latest product I'm wild about...brace yourself. Lip balm. Had some gnarly dry lips after the oral surgery and nothing seemed to help. Until...Dr. Bronners lip balm.

I've also tried Whole Foods organic lip balm and it's equally good, maybe better. Either of these would make great stocking stuffers, especially for people who like to be outside during the winter months.

*mwah*

~♥~

change is good

How do you like the new look around here? Sometimes, you just have to change things up and keep moving along. One thing I'm going to begin to do is feature products, things, food I have discovered* that I like. I still intend to keep this blog ad free but I've benefited from what others have shared on their blogs and feel it's only fair that I "give back."

The first thing out of the gate is this moisturizer with sunscreen. It lives up to the marketing promises: it makes my skin look and feel great. It smells wonderful too. I love to be outdoors so it makes sense to develop a habit of using sunscreen on my face, neck and chest. It's too bad I've arrived late to this party though as I already have some sun exposure damage. I'll give the SPF 30 version a try next time.

Have you tried this product or something similar?

* I discovered quite a few new (to me) skincare and cosmetics when I was prevented from working out while recovering from oral surgeries and bursitis in my right hip.

~♥~

love the skin you're in

Before I left for a trip to DC with my younger sister, I received a bottle of Eucerin's new Daily Skin Balance lotion to try as part of Eucerin's Skin First Movement. I didn't take it with me but I was ready and eager to give it a try once I got home and back into my routine.

Since making some changes in my life such as eating healthier and being more active in order to be fit and healthy as I enter my 50s, one result is that I've begun to show more skin. No, not in a look-at-me-in-my bikini way (not that there's anything wrong with that -- hello, Valerie Bertinelli), but in a wearing sleeveless tops and sundresses way. I've also exposed my body to the elements more than I used to while taking long bike rides. Bottom line is: it's important to take care of your skin as it is your body's natural protective defense against the elements. And, having smooth, healthy looking skin is essential to looking and feeling vibrant.

This is a great product. First, I really like its light, fresh scent. Its mosturization is long-lasting and it never feels sticky or greasy even when it's first applied. I like the body lotion so much, I'm going to purchase the hand creme.

You can learn more about this body lotion and Eucerin's Skin First movement by visiting the Facebook page. Might find some samples and coupons too.

~♥~