Chica Bands Product Review & Giveaway

Last month, I was contacted by the wonderful "Commander-in-Chica", Meg, from Chica Bands (HERE). Little Diva and I were able to select some fun, non-slip headbands from her ever-growing collection. I chose a glittery fuschia number and Little Diva chose a fun zebra print headband.

Chica Bands are a non-slip, nonbinding Hair Band. There are several of these on the market right now. They are all the rage and prices seem to really vary, depending on the creator. Chica Bands are relatively affordable. The prices range from $12-17 for adult headbands.

Little Diva is almost seven years and sported an adult size headband. The Chicitas collection (HERE) is recommended for ages 4 and under.

These headbands are great for running, walking and any other aerobic activity. They're great for sports, dance, gymnastics, too. Your little one and their teamates will love the Sports Bands (HERE) and Team Colors Bands (HERE).

The bands are made with a special lining that keeps it in place -- no fuss. We've worn these running, walking and just bumming around town. They're super cute with your hair up or down. Perfect for keeping the whispies (and sweat) out of your eyes.

Over 200 styles to choose from!!!

Thin Bands (HERE)

Thick Bands (HERE)

Solids (HERE)

Reflective (HERE)

Sports (HERE)

Team Colors (HERE)

Glitzy (HERE)

Chica Bands will even make custom headbands for you and your running group or sports team!

Chica Bands are easy to handwash and drip dry. These have held up well wear after wear.

******************************

One lucky winner will win

a two-pack of

Chica Bands

PLEASE LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY!!!

1 – Become a follower of my blog or already are?! LEAVE ME A COMMENT

2 – Follow Running Diva Mom on Facebook HERE. LEAVE ME A COMMENT

3 – Visit the Chica Bands website HERE and tell me what you think is fabulous. LEAVE ME A COMMENT

4 – Become a fan of Chica Bands on Facebook HERE (and let them know Running Diva Mom sent you!). LEAVE ME A COMMENT

5 – Post about this giveaway on your blog, Facebook or Twitter account. LEAVE ME A COMMENT FOR EACH.

Enter now though Thursday, November 4.
Winner will be announced on Friday.

[If you would like YOUR product or website featured on Running Diva Mom, please email me at ( runningdivamom at charter dot net ) ]

Skater Socks Winners ...

My family was recently given the opportunity to review tube socks from Skater Socks. You can read all about my fabulous experience HERE.

Please visit Skater Socks online HERE and start shopping.

There were 87 entries in my recent giveaway. Two winners were chosen at random to receive one of the awesome Skater Socks prize packages (pictured above).

Random.org chose ……..

Jill @ Run for the Hills (HERE)
Karyn @ This Mama's 26.2 mile Journey (HERE)

Congratulations, Jill & Karyn!!! Please email me at ( runningdivamom at charter dot net ) with your name, email and mailing address. And, I will get you your prize!

Thank you for following my journey!!

[If you would like YOUR product or website featured on Running Diva Mom, please email me at ( runningdivamom at charter dot net ) ]

My 10/10/10 10K Virtual Race Report

Recently, I hosted a 10/10/10 10K Virtual Race (HERE) in honor of October 10, 2010. My run was pretty un eventful.

I ran it it on the treadmill. And, I did not "race" it. I ran a comfortable 6.6 MPH pace (my odd pace that I always run at on the 'mill). I ran with Little Dude playing along side me and watching Diego on DVD. I stopped 3 times for snacks for the little guy and Go Diego Go DVD malfunctions! I sped up a bit and sprinted at the end. I ran my 6.2 miles in 55:50. This has unfortunately, been my longest run since the marathon ... sigh.

Several of you have emailed me with a link to your race report ... but I know that many of you have not. If you did run the virtual race and posted a report on your blog, please email me ( runningdivamom at charter dot net ) with a link. I hope to get my act together and post the results and prizes early next week. I have really enjoyed reading all of the posts and seeing all of the fun photos ... and great finishing times! You people rock!

Mileage has pretty much sucked this month. I have a half marathon next Saturday and have not put anything in longer than this virtual 10K, since my marathon on October 3rd. I ran low mileage the week after my 26.2 mile journey, just to recover. I was going to run twelve miles last weekend, but ran nothing after I caught strep throat. Since getting strep, I have had a mongo cold and cough all week and have taken much needed rest (thanks to Nyquil).

I'm heading out for a girls only shopping weekend with my mom tomorrow and I really am looking forward to working out with her at the hotel gym (if we don't have too many drinks the night before!). Excuses, excuses ...

If you completed the virtual race and posted

a race report on your blog, please email me

( runningdivamom at charter dot net )

with a link.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND !!!!!

A Trip to Schuster's Playtime Farm

On Sunday, I had a terrible night's sleep. I couldn't breath, due to a cold and couldn't swallow. I went to the doctor to find out that I had gotten Little Dude's strep throat (grrr...two weeks later!). We had our pumpkin patch adventure on the calendar for over a month and it's the only date we could fit it in on a weekend. So, off we went.

And, it was a blast. I browsed the Moms in Madison website (HERE) for some ideas on pumpkin patches and day trips. Ultimately, we decided to visit Schuster's Playtime Farm (HERE) in Deerfield, WI this year. It's not too far from our house and we had visited the farm five years ago with Little Diva.


WOW. The farm expended .... tremendously ... over the past five years. The place was packed, the sun was out and the day was beautiful. Suddenly, I felt a little better (or perhaps the Penicillin was kicking in?!?!?)! They had ample parking and had several new play areas and attractions. They also had an adorable barn with some crafts and a bakery that sold seasonal fudge (think pumpkin pie!), caramel apples and other sweet treats.

Well worth a one-two hour drive if you are looking for a day trip. We spent about four hours there with with the kids that afternoon.

We each purchased a $7 wrist band for the farm fun package (pricing list here) . It included entry into the small corn maze, the play yard, a ticket for one ride/attraction, animal farm/petting zoo, pig races, and a hay ride out to the pumpkin patch (pumpkin not included).

Tons of port-o-potties and even two outdoor family restrooms with regular toilets and sinks. It was great for one that is potty training and another that has to go all the time at the last minute!


They added these adorable little play houses that the kids spent FOREVER playing in. One was set up like a school and the other like a general store. They enjoyed playing together, playing pretend and making new friends.

They also had some fun attractions that you could purchase cheap tickets for: Jumping pillow, Corn cannon OR Pumpkin blaster, Barrel Train ride (which the kids are enjoying below), Gemstone Mining (which was really popular), and several other fun activities in the evening such as haunted forest, mazes and bonfires.

The kids can enjoy digging in the mini kiddie tobacco barn maze and play in the corn sand box. Here, Little Diva is making a "corn angel".

The hayride seemed to be coming back every 20-30 minutes and the lines were getting long, but there was plenty of room for everyone. We took about a 10 minute ride out to a pumpkin patch and grabbed some fun, unique pumpkins this year. We paid for our pumpkins by the pound after we returned back to the farm. We purchased five nice pumpkins and only had to pay $8. We also porchased several fun mini pumpkins later on at the farm.

I laughed when someone told Little Diva that we certainly had some interesting pumpkins. She said, "Well, we're an interesting family!". Love that kid!

Amy Cornwell Designs $25 Gift Certificate Winner ...

I was recently given the opportunity to review a custom necklace from Amy Cornwell Designs. You can read all about my fabulous experience HERE.

Please visit Amy Cornwell Designs online HERE and start shopping.

There were 177 entries in my recent giveaway. One winner was chose at random to receive a $25 gift certificate to Amy Cornwell Designs' online store.

Random.org chose ……..

Sarah from A Runner's Heart (HERE)

Congratulations, Sarah!!! Please email me at ( runningdivamom at charter dot net ) with your name, email and mailing address. And, I will get you your prize!

Thank you for following my journey!!

[If you would like YOUR product or website featured on Running Diva Mom, please email me at ( runningdivamom at charter dot net ) ]

Runalicious Tee Winner ...

I was recently given the opportunity to review a long sleeve Marathon Girl Tee from Runalicious. You can read all about my fabulous experience HERE.

Please visit Runalicious online HERE and start shopping.

There were 161 entries in my recent giveaway. One winner was chose at random to receive a "Runalicious" Short Sleeve Tee

Random.org chose ……..

Colleen from Iron Diva (HERE)

Congratulations, Colleen!!! Please email me at ( runningdivamom at charter dot net ) with your name, email and mailing address. And, I will get you your prize!

Thank you for following my journey!!

[If you would like YOUR product or website featured on Running Diva Mom, please email me at ( runningdivamom at charter dot net ) ]

David Inside Out -- Book Winner ....

I was recently given the opportunity to review David Inside Out by Lee Bantle. You can read all about my fabulous experience HERE.

Please visit author, Lee Bantle, online HERE and start learning about this and other titles.

One winner was chose at random to receive a copy of David Inside Out.

Random.org chose ……..

Heather from (G)O'Donnell (HERE)

Congratulations, Heather!!! Please email me at ( runningdivamom at charter dot net ) with your name, email and mailing address. And, I will get you your prize!

Thank you for following my journey!!

[If you would like YOUR product or website featured on Running Diva Mom, please email me at ( runningdivamom at charter dot net ) ]

Tag*a*Long Winner ...

I was recently given the opportunity to review a Tag*a*Long for Little Dude and Little Diva. You can read all about my fabulous experience HERE.

Please visit Tag*a*Long online HERE and start shopping.

One winner was chose at random to receive a Tag*a*Long of their choice.

Random.org chose ……..

Catey from Random Thoughts from the Zoo (HERE)

She has seven children, and can definitely use this Tag*a*Long!!

Congratulations, Catey!!! Please email me at ( runningdivamom at charter dot net ) with your name, email and mailing address. And, I will get you your prize!

Thank you for following my journey!!

Skater Socks Review & Giveaway

I was introduced to Skater Socks (HERE) earlier this summer. The family run business has customer service as their number one priority, while selling their quality, retro tube socks. All socks are Made in the USA. They also offer 100% money back guarantee if you are not satisfied for any reason. Afraid of a blister or that the knee high socks will fall down? Why not try them out and see?

Little Diva, Little Dude and I were all able to try out Skater Socks tube socks. Don’t we look like a cool family from the 1960’s?!?!

I was able to run in them just fine, without them falling down. They were actually quite comfy. I always love how the knee high socks look, when paired with a running skirt or pair of shorts. But, hate it if they fall down. These stayed in place while walking and running. I’ve worn them a couple of times now. Our socks have washed up well. Colors did not fade, fit did not change and there was no shrinkage.

Skater Socks sells tube socks for infants, children and adults.

Infants/Babies (HERE)

Kids (HERE)

Adult – Several Sizes (HERE)

Skater socks also offers Low-Cut Moisture Control Socks (HERE). I tried these socks out on a few shorter distance runs over the summer (six miles or less). These socks are made for athletic peeps, like myself, that need socks to meet the demands of our sport, yes, even running. The site states that they are super soft … and I agree. They are comfy and great for walking or running. They kept my feet dry and sweat-free during my runs. The cut of the socks was great (not too high and not too low). I don’t like when “low-cut” socks are too low and move or shift during running. 65% Olefin, 20% Nylon, and 15 % Lycra/Spandex

******************************

Two lucky winners will win

a Skater Socks

Prize Package

PLEASE LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY!!!

1 – Become a follower of my blog or already are?! LEAVE ME A COMMENT

2 – Follow Running Diva Mom on Facebook HERE. LEAVE ME A COMMENT

3 – Visit the Skater Socks website HERE and tell me what you think is fabulous. LEAVE ME A COMMENT

4 – Become a fan of Skater Socks on Facebook HERE (and let them know Running Diva Mom sent you!). LEAVE ME A COMMENT

5 – Post about this giveaway on your blog, Facebook or Twitter account. LEAVE ME A COMMENT FOR EACH.

Enter now though Sunday, October 24th.
Winner will be announced on Monday.

[If you would like YOUR product or website featured on Running Diva Mom, please email me at ( runningdivamom at charter dot net ) ]

Introducing ... Our New Home Gym

A couple of months ago our treadmill (whom I knew for 10 years and only had a relationship with for the past five years!!) finally called it quits. RIP.



We kept our old treadmill in the lower level of our home that is unfinished and used for storage. There were no windows, no sunlight and the walls weren't drywalled. So, we were running next to insulation. We were inhaling all that icky stuff, it was starting to stink down there and those long (and even short) runs felt even longer. The kids enjoyed coming downstairs with me to exercise, and we kept toys down there. However, it was a job just to get everyone situated down in the "dungeon" with snacks, drinks, toys, etc.



We purchased a new treadmill a few weeks ago from Sears. I will be posting a review on my new NordicTrack T5 zi Treadmill (HERE) really soon. It was a sensible purchase. Reasonable amount of bells and whistles. It rocks.



My dad suggested that we move the treadmill upstairs. We have four bedrooms, but three rooms were taken as bedrooms. The fourth was used as our home office and toy room. I decided to clear out some of the big toys and get rid of things they've grown out of. After that was done, I cleared out our home office. This mongo-desk takes up two walls in the room. We purged a ton and packed away items that we wanted to keep, but didn't necessarily need to access.



The result is a nice, multi-functional space: a home office, a toy room ... and a new home gym!!

I now have sunlight and am able to open up the windows and air out the room and keep it cool. This has made such a difference!

My new view from the treadmill:

TV (visual entertainment), computer (iTunes!), windows (sunlight)

Where I blog!!

The kids can play on the computer while I run, too.

The desk is filled with cabinets, shelves and under-lighting. These cabinets use to be filled with books, junk and more junk. Now, they are a great way to display all of our race photos and memorabilia.

My assortment of headbands

Tons of toys to keep the kiddos entertained while I workout. (Sadly, this is only one of three rooms that houses their toys!).

Since Wisconsin Winter is right around the corner ... I have a feeling that we'll be spending a lot of time in this room (for several reasons). I am looking forward to lots of fun times ... and lots of calories burned ... in our new space.

A Break from the Whining for some Wollersheim Wine

I had last week off of work to take in the "moment of the marathon", relax and spend each day focusing on something or someone different in my life. It was a very nice week, filled with tons of fun, relaxation and productivity.

Thursday was my day with hubby. Little Diva was in school and we sent Little Dude to daycare, since we had to pay for the day anyway. We had a little break from the kids for the day. It was wierd not carrying around a diaper bag all day!!

We started the day off with breakfast, ran some errands and then headed over to Sauk City (Wisconsin) to the Wollersheim Winery (HERE). It was well worth the 30+ minute drive (just a short drive from Madison). The fall colors were beautiful along the way, too.

We had been to the winery a few years back, when they held their annual fall festival. However, the even grew too big that they could not accommodate it any longer. We still have enjoyed picking up Wollersheim Wine from the grocery store. My favorites are River Gold, White Riesling and Prairie Fume (HERE).

We enjoy touring places and factories with the kids. This was the first we'd done by ourselves in awhile. It wouldn't have been quite the same experience with the kiddos! The property is beautiful and day was absolutely gorgeous. The grounds are well-kept and there were several folks on site that day, spiffing up the place.

They had remodeled since we were last there and had a very nice store and gift shop. They had tons of wine, accessories and all the treats and fixings to go with it. If we would have planned better, I would have brought stuff for a picnic and planned to spend the afternoon outside after the tour. I saw several people with coolers, picnic baskets and blankets.

Wollersheim Winery is open daily from 10 am - 5 pm year round. The tours are hourly from 10:15-4:15. No reservations are necessary. We had a full group at 12:15 on a Thursday (about 20 people). It was only $3.50 for each of us to take the tour. Our guide was really knowledgeable about the property, the owners and the process. We watched a couple of videos and saw all sorts of places on property. The winery tour last about 45 mins (inside and outside on the grounds). Plus there was a wine tasting afterwards.

We sampled five wines from the list. Some were new to me, some were my favorites. Plus we were able to try other wines that weren't on the sample list. It was an awesome way to spend the afternoon, affordable, and the wine rocked, too.

We love touring places / factories
with our family.

Do you have a fun place to suggest?!