Lego KIDSFEST Event Giveaway

Do your kids love Legos?  Do YOU secretly love playing with your kids and their Legos??  I am delighted to share that Lego KIDSFEST is on a national tour, with a stop in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, just a couple of hours away from my family!  Little Diva, Little Dude and I cannot wait to attend in June!!!

LEGO KIDSFEST Milwaukee: June 15 – 17



Three Acres of Hands-On Educational Fun for All Ages

The LEGO^® KidsFest national tour stops at Milwaukee’s Frontier Airlines Center June 15 – 17, 2012, bringing all of the creative hands-on, minds-on fun of LEGO building and experiences together in this three acre activity- and  entertainment-packed family event for children of all ages and builders of all skills and interests.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

The LEGO KidsFest is a giant traveling LEGO expo coming to Milwaukee’s Frontier Airlines Center June 15 – 17, 2012. This hands-on, educational, all-ages LEGO extravaganza features millions of LEGO bricks not to mention lots of construction zones, dozens of life-sized LEGO models and displays, LEGO Ninjago and LEGO Games, group builds such as Creation Nation, live LEGO Master Builders, and so much more covering three acres of space.

Five identical Sessions are available. Tickets are $18 for kids and $20 for adults.

For more information and to purchase tickets, log on to www.LEGOKidsFest.com

Among the many LEGO attractions, families will find:

• LEGO Model Gallery: dozens of life-sized models made entirely from LEGO bricks


• LEGO Master Builders: live demonstrations and activities from the crew who get paid to play


• Creation Nation: build your own creation to add to a custom map of the U.S.


• Race Ramps: build your own custom car, then race it down the ramp against friends and family


• LEGO Games Arena: roll the dice to play LEGO board games


• Construction Zones: creative free build, play and display areas


• LEGO DUPLO®: younger visitors can explore imagination through building


• LEGO Retail and KidsFest Marketplace: purchase LEGO merchandise and official KidsFest tour goods


• Brick Pile: a gigantic pile full of LEGO bricks for creative play and enjoyment


• Monochromatic Builds: bricks of a single color to foster group creativity

• Brickscapes: fantastic displays that combine lots of LEGO and DUPLO sets

• And much more, covering over 150,000 square feet of space

“Any family who likes to be inspired, get hands-on and have fun together won’t want to miss LEGO KidsFest,” said Vince Rubino, LEGO events manager. “We’re bringing so many activities for Milwaukee-area families to test and showcase their creativity and building skills in what is sure to be a family event to remember.”

The LEGO KidsFest 2012 tour includes:
Cincinnati (March 23 – 25)
Denver (April 27 – 29)
Milwaukee (June 15 – 17)
Austin (August 31 – September 2)
Detroit (October 12 – 14)
Pittsburg (November 30 – December 2)

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One lucky winner will win
a pair of tickets to the Friday, June 15
Lego KIDSFEST session in
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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 Lego KIDSFEST website HERE and tell me what you learned. LEAVE ME A COMMENT

4 – Become a fan of Lego KIDSFEST 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 Friday, May 18.

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

A New Couch to 5K Journey Begins

Last Tuesday, the journey started for fourteen new members of the next Couch to 5K program.  These ladies signed up through the Sun Prairie Recreation Program's Couch to 5K program this winter and the time is here.  They started last week with their first three training runs and will spend the next nine weeks training for a local 5K. 

Spring 2012 Couch to 5K Participants

I've already told them that it's about having fun ... it's about enjoying yourself ... it's about the journey ... and ahem, it's about the fabulous gear!  I reminded them that still may not enjoy running at the end of this process.  But, they will have learned a lot about themselves and the journey will open the door up to other opportunities ... getting outdoors, paving the path to trying other endurance sports and activities, making new friends, trying new things, stepping out of their comfort zone.

The hardest part was getting to the start line last Tuesday, at that first training run.  Getting to that finish line in June will be a fun, little adventure ... that we will all experience together.

Catalyst Couch to 5K Race Report

Back in February, I started running with a new Couch to 5K Group at Catalyst active store in Madison, Wisconsin (HERE).  The group consisted of women over the age of 50.  These ladies were excited to step-out-of-the-box and try something new. 

Over the past several months, they would run and laugh ... and joke about their aches and pains.  They enjoyed reminding me that they weren't "spring chickens" and that I needed to take it easy on them.  Wishful thinking!  They began with 1/1 intervals of running and walking for 20 minutes and worked themselves up to 35 minutes of running consecutively.  We had a few people stop in throughout the program, and a few withdraw due to injuries.  But, the group of five remained strong.  Some of them even ran together on the weekends to complete their third run of the week.  Habits formed.  Relationships formed.  Lifes were transformed.



First Group Run:  February 2012



Last Group Run:  Excited for their Race!



On April 21, the group ran their first 5K at the American Cancer Society's 31st Annual 5K at Warner Park in Madison, Wisconsin (HERE).  There was also a 10K event.  Sadly, one of the ladies was unable to join us at the event, due to a personal commitment.

I zig-zagged through the sea of runners to run portions of the race with each Couch to 5K participant.  Some ran the entire race and some took a few, small walking breaks.  But, they all finished.  And, they finished strong!!

The ladies all finished between 34-39 minutes and I couldn't have been more proud of them.  Most importantly, they finished with HUGE smiles on their faces. 

I also received this (very appropriate) adorable set from one of the Couch to 5K participants.  I look forward to remembering our fun training runs together, over my morning cup of coffee.  The clipboard will also come in handy with the other groups I am training.  I will be forever grateful for all of the paths that have crossed through this fabulous journey.



The Color Run Entry Winners ...

I was recently given the opportunity to spotlight The Color Run on RDM (HERE).  I can't wait to run The Color Run in Racine, Wisconsin on Saturday, May 19!!

Please visit The Color Run online HERE to see if there is a race scheduled near you!

Three other runners and their friends will be joining me at the Racine, Wisconsin event on Saturday, May 19!

There were 36 entries in my recent giveaway for free race entries!.

Random.org chose ……..

Kayla @ Midwestern Musings (HERE)

Amy @ Running is Cheaper Than Therapy (HERE)
Christina @ One Officially Goofy Mother Runner (HERE)

Congratulations!!  Please email me at ( runningdivamom at yahoo dot com ) 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 yahoo dot com ) ]

Shame on Jane Jewelry Review & Giveaway

I recently was contacted by Shame on Jane (HERE) and am glad that I did.  They have the CUTEST, edgey jewelry line that I've seen in awhile.  I love quotes and phrases and they have so many fun, unique ones on various pieces that I immediately fell in love with!

Some of my favorite pieces include:
Necklaces (HERE) - fun zip codes, initials mongrams, personalizable

Inspirational Rings (HERE) - motivating phrases and they are stackable
Bride/Wedding Themed Rings (HERE) - funny phrases to remind you to stay sane through the wedding planning

Mom Reminder Rings (HERE) - again, funny phrases to remind you to stay sane through parenting

This edgy jewelry company, Shame On Jane, started by lawyer Kim Pauley to “acknowledge different events" in her friends' lives, offers hip, fun necklaces, rings and personalized pieces perfect for hot mamas, divorcees, brides-to-be and just plain sassy gals in general. The line has a piece for everyone -- hot messes, caffeine-junkies and those ready to rock their newly single selves.

Inspirational RemindeRing Set (HERE) by Shame on Jane

I received the Inspirational RemindeRing Set (HERE) that retails for $40 in a size 7 in mixed (gold and silver). 

These five remindeRings were created to inspire all of us to help our community any way we can. I loved this set, because it reminded me of coaching commitment and the changes the process has made in the lives of others ... and myself as their coach.  The rings are sold as a set of five reminders.   You can purchase in sizes 5-8.  My size 7's fit perfectly, even when stacked in sets of 3.  The stack of all five was a little too tight to wear all at once.  Each ring is a metal 2.5mm wide band plated in either silver or gold, engraved with five reminders black enamel.

My favorite RemindeRings from the Inspirational Set include:  Give Back, Inspire Change and Make a Difference.  The other two RemindeRings included in the set are:  Repair the World and Build Hope

Being recently divorced myself, I also love these phrases targeted toward divorcees:
“Trade Up”

“Party with the Girls”

“Get Skinny”

“Rock Your New Body”

“Register…Return”

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

One lucky winner will win a selected item from
Shame on Jane

PLEASE LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY!!!

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

2 – Become a fan of Running Diva Mom on Facebook HERE.  LEAVE ME A COMMENT

3 – Visit the Shame on Jane website HERE and tell me what you think is fabulous.  LEAVE ME A COMMENT

4 – Become a fan of Shame on Jane 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, May 3.

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

My Mascara Runs Faster Than You Tee by Sistas Shirts Winner ...

I was recently given the opportunity to review a tee from Sistas Shirts.  You can read all about my fabulous experience HERE.

Please visit Sistas Shirts online HERE and start shopping.

There were 85 entries in my recent giveaway. One winner was chose at random to receive an "My Mascara Runs Faster than You" tee from Sistas Shirts.

Random.org chose ……..

On the Road
to Skinny Me
(HERE)
Congratulations!!! 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 yahoo dot com ) ]

VitaCoCo Coconut Water Winner ...

I was recently given the opportunity to review Coconut Water from Vita Coco.  You can read all about my fabulous experience HERE.

Please visit Vita Coco online HERE and start shopping.

There were 86 entries in my recent giveaway. One winner was chose at random to receive a case of Vita Coco.

Random.org chose ……..

Holly @
The Pioneer Apron

(HERE)

Congratulations, Holly!!! 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 ) ]

Toenails are for Sissies

My feet take a beating.  They are ugly.  Bulging bunions.  Callused.  Blood blisters.  Missing toenails.  I am actually honored when I get a pedicure and they ask me if I "run a lot".  Yep.  Me and my ugly feet run alot.



Courtesy of One More Mile Apparel



I have had two newish runners tell me this week that they are losing toenails for the first time.  Welcome to the club, Rockstar!  YOU ARE A RUNNER!  I was asked for advice on how to prevent them or how treat them.  I kind of "suffer through the pain", since there seems to be no rhyme-or-reason to my lack of toenails. 

Here are some suggestions I've heard to prevent toenail loss:

- Try thinner socks and make sure you are wearing socks made of a wicking materials.  Your feet may just be sweating too much.

- Go up a half size in your running shoes .. give those piggies some room!

- Keep your toenails trimmed short ... even if you THINK they are already short!

- Treat yourself to a pedicure periodically ... but not TOO often, because it is good to have calluses on your feet when your feet are enduring long distances.

Some people say to release the fluid from the blood blister under your toe.  While, others say just to let it take care of itself.  I've done both, depending on the amount of pain I'm in (it tends to get better day-by-day).  I do find that if I don't release the fluid, that the blister tends to harden up, and get back to normal in 7-10 days.  If I do release the fluid, the pain seems to go away much quicker.

If the weather allows, I tend to wear a lot of flip flops or go barefoot as much as I can when my toes are freshly in pain.  I try to keep any pressure off of my toes, when I'm not running.  Yet, at work I still suffer through the pointy-toed high heels!

If you try all of the above suggestions and you still continue to lose your toenails.  Keep running.  Embrace your nail-free digits ... and join the club of painting imaginary nails with brightly colored polish!

Have you found a way to prevent
toenail loss?

The Color Run -- Race Entry Giveaway

A friend recently told me about The Color Run (HERE).  I was excited to hear that there was a race scheduled closeby in Chicago, but also learned that they added an event in Racine, Wisconsin (HERE).  I'm so excited to be attending the Happiest 5K on the Planet on Saturday, May 19 in Racine!!! 

Check out The Color Run Video (HERE) to see what the hype is all about!!  Intrigued?!?! Of course you are! .......



The Happiest 5k on the Planet



What is the Color Run?



The Color Run is a one of a kind experience that is less about speed and more about enjoying a color crazy day with your friends and family. Our events, are all about people of all different speeds, ages, shapes, and sizes toeing the start line. Whether you are a casual morning mall walker or an Olympic athlete, the 3 miles of the Color Run course will be the most enjoyable real estate you’ve traveled in a VERY long time. You will love this Color Dash of fun!

How does it work?

The Color Run pretty much has 2 SIMPLE rules. 1. White shirts (any mostly white T will work great) mandatory at the start line and 2. Color plastered EVERYTHING at the finish! Runner/walkers begin the 5k at the start line like a brand new pristine coloring book, they end looking like they fell into a Willy Wonka… tie dyed… vat of colored goodness.

What is the Color?

Each kilometer of the event is associated with a designated color. 1k is yellow, 2k is blue, 3k is green, 4k is pink (my fave -- can't WAIT for that!), and the 5k finish is a “Color Extravaganza.”



I am going to be more colorful than ever!!!!!!



As the runners/walkers hit the Kilometer COLOR RUN Zones, they will be blitzed by our volunteers, sponsors, and staff with COLOR. The color is a special “elf made” recipe of magical color dust. All products are 100% natural and safe. You can eat the stuff if you’d like (we have tried it and don’t suggest it, it is surprisingly high in calories and leaves a chalky aftertaste). See the diagram below for the COLOR RUN ZONE specifics:



The Color Zone @ Each Kilometer Mark



Where?

The Color Run is making stops all over the country.  Check out the awesome locations nationwide (HERE) to see if one is near you!!

They also have the most fabulous post-race parties on the planet!!!

Post Race Festivities at the Racine, WI event:
•Post Race Concerts:
6:00 p.m. Razor’s Edge (AC/DC cover band)
7:30 p.m. Hairball (Tribute to arena rock show complete with pyrotechnics, costumes and lights) www.hairballonline.com
Free concert to all race participants. Must be a registered participant to attend.

 

So, are you gonna join me?!?!?!



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

SIX LUCKY WINNERS

will receive FREE RACE ENTIRES

to The Color Run event
in Racine, Wisconsin on Saturday, May 19.
(Event details HERE)

PLEASE LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY!!!

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

2 – Become a fan of Running Diva Mom on Facebook HERE. LEAVE ME A COMMENT

3 – Visit the The Color Run website HERE and tell me what you think is fabulous. LEAVE ME A COMMENT

4 – Become a fan of The Color Run 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 Saturday, April 28.

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



My Mascara Runs Faster Than You Tee by Sistas Shirts Review & Giveaway

I recently was looking for some fun running-related tees online and discovered Sistas Shirts (HERE).  Sistas Shirts sells all sorts of fun, and daring, sayings related to running, motherhood and being a woman.  There are so many hilarious sayings .. I want them all!!!  They also sell tees and onesies for your children on race day.

I saw that they had a burnout tee (HERE) that says My Mascara Runs Faster Than You.  I run makeup most of the time during my runs ... especially eyeliner and mascara.  Many people think it's a little strange.  But, it's me.  And, that's all I can be out on the race course!!  I recently saw a similar phrase on a Nike tee and LOVED it (so did many of you!!). 

My Mascara Runs Faster Than You

I tried the white version in my typical size medium and it fits perfectly.  It would be great with running attire or with casual wear (such as me in my blue jeans).  They are long enough and great for layering (see through).  And, at $25, these are a steal!!!  I washed it twice now and it hasn't shrunk and the fit is still awesome.  Snug, but not too snug.

All of the fun Sistas Shirts sayings:

Run Like A Girl
My Mascara Runs Faster Than You
Bottle Of Wine = 437cal. (5 miles)
We're the Fast Girls Your Mother Warned you About
Labor Of Love
Mom on the Outside, Runner on the Inside
Distance Makes the Heart Grow Fonder
Cancer Schmancer
If Medals Were Made of Chocolate
Run Baby Run
Future Runner
Pastalavista Baby
My Mommy Runs Faster Than Your Daddy
Sorry About the Dust
I'm On A Beer Run
Fight For The Cause, Run For The Cure
Fight For The Cause, Walk For The Cure
Front - Boys Sweat Girls Glisten
1/2 marathon girl...I don't go all the way!
Diamonds are a girls best friend
Eat My Dust
Glisten Girl Glisten
One Martini = 4 miles
Plant Love Grow Hope
I Will Not Kiss and Tell

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

One lucky winner will win a
Tee of their choice from
Sistas Shirts

PLEASE LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY!!!

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

2 – Become a fan of Running Diva Mom on Facebook HERE.  LEAVE ME A COMMENT

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

4 – Become a fan of Sistas Shirts 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 Saturday, April 21.

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

A Date with Little Diva (Spring Break Edition)

Little Diva had Spring Break last week and I took off the two days that I had the kids.  Little Diva and I enjoyed some alone time, while Little Dude was at daycare.  He always has the chance to spend alone time with me once a week.  Our time together was long overdue.  I took the opportunity to plan one active day and one day of girl time and pampering. 

On our active day, we started the morning out by driving to a local playground.  The morning was really cool and breezy, but we survived.  We parked at the playground and I headed out on foot and she headed out on her bike.  There is a really nice neighborhood path that connect several parks.  It's a nice, scenic way to get my runs in and is a safe way for Little Diva to join me.

Ready for a Day of fun with Mom

Little Diva had recently purchased this adorable tee from Justice.  It was a perfect to do list for our day of fun together.

Little Diva's Tee in it's awesomeness
(purchased at Justice)

4 miles together on a local trail

We ended up doing an out-and-back four mile loop.  We chatted ... and smiled ... the entire 40-or-so minutes.  I really find that when we are alone together, especially on our runs like this, that she opens up and talks to me about everything.  We've eliminated other distractions, such as Little Dude trying to over talk her, eliminated my to-do list at home, eliminated the tv and video games.  It's just us.  And our conversation.  She talked to me a lot about our life changes over the past year-and-a-half and how everyone is so much happier, including herself.  She talked to me about the differences at her dad's house and at mine.  Not that either situation or routine are wrong, just that they are different.  And she has come to terms with that.  Little Dude and Little Diva are two happy kids with so many people that love them.  And, even more now.  They know that.

I really enjoyed my time with her and she kept thanking me for letting her join me on my run.  I reminded her that sometimes it's good to "unplug" and step away from what you are doing to do something active and outside and to spend some quality time with someone you care about.  I am sure she will forget that the next time I ask her to step away from Disney Channel to go for a run or a bike ride.  :)

She's speedy; I'm not

At the end of our run, she thanked for the great time and the great conversation.  The girl is so mature beyond her years.

One of many cute bridges on this neighborhood path

After I cleaned up, we headed up to the Wisconsin Dells to the Kalahari Resort.  The resort is well-known for their waterparks.  But, they also added a decent sized indoor theme park a few years back.  You can purchase all day wristbands or individual tickets to the attractions.  When we stayed there a couple of months ago, we were intrigued by their high ropes course.  I decided that it would be worth the trip back up there.  For $7 we got about 20 minutes of fun and exercise together. 

Ready for the Ropes Course

There were dozens of others doing the course while we were participating. The course was a mix of two stories of ropes, beams, stairs and other contraptions. Some were a little more intimidating than others. Little Diva had absolutely no fear. I was a little more hesitant on some of the less stable spots. We had a blast and I would definitely love to do something like this again. 

Ropes Course at Kalahari Resort
in the Wisconsin Dells

We finished our day with lunch, 18 holes at Pirate's Cove and some Cold Stone Creamery Ice Cream.  Day Date #2 followed with less activity:  Three hours of pampering at the local beauty school and me falling asleep at the movie theater, watching Mirror Mirror. 

Power Brain Kids Book Winner ...

I was recently given the opportunity to review the book, Power Brain Kids by Ilchi Lee.  You can read all about my fabulousexperience HERE.

Please visit Power Brain Kids online HERE and start shopping.

There were 20 entries in my recent giveaway on the RDM blog and Facebook page.  One winner was chose at random to receive a copy of Power Brain Kids.

Random.org chose ……..

Amy G @
A Secure Base

(HERE)

Congratulations!!!  Please email me at ( runningdivamom at yahoo dot com ) 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 yahoo dot com ) ]

Marley Coffee Winner ...

I was recently given the opportunity to review an assortment of coffee from Marley Coffee.  You can read all about my fabulousexperience HERE.

Please visit Marley Coffee online HERE and start shopping.

There were 40 entries in my recent giveaway on the RDM blog and Facebook page.  One winner was chose at random to receive an assortment of Marley Coffee.. 

Random.org chose ……..

Kim @
Living Domistically
(HERE)

Congratulations!!!  Please email me at ( runningdivamom at yahoo dot com ) 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 yahoo dot com ) ]

Leading Lady Sports Bra Winner ...

I was recently given the opportunity to review a Yoga Bra from Leading Lady.  You can read all about my fabulous experience HERE.

Please visit Leading Lady online HERE and start shopping.

There were 52 entries in my recent giveaway on the RDM blog and Facebook page.  One winner was chose at random to receive a Yoga Bra from Leading Lady

Random.org chose ……..

Jen @ Just Jen
(HERE)

Congratulations!!!  Please email me at ( runningdivamom at yahoo dot com ) 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 yahoo dot com ) ]