Ellie.com Exercise clothes GIVEAWAY for TWO FREE pieces!! USA only-excluding signature pieces.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don't forget to check out their website: 

www.Ellie.com 

to view all their collections. 

You can also look back at previous posts and pictures I have done about my Ellie clothes that I've gotten since being a member last fall. 

They have now expanded their lines to include size XL as well as including removable cups in their shelf bra tank tops. 

You can click on this link to get 20% off your first month subscription (making it $39.96) or you can click on my side toolbar as well.

http://ellie.evyy.net/c/48928/58557/1664

Pretty Muddy Womens Obstacle Race in Richmond VA Sept 28th- $20 off code!!

http://prettymuddywomensrun.com/

I will be participating in the Pretty Muddy womens only obstacle run in Northern VA on September 28th. I will be doing the 12:30 wave if anyone wants to join me!

I'm excited about this race because I've never done a fun obstacle race before! My family and I will be driving up the morning of the race, so I picked a later time so I would have enough time to drive there and back home. I'm still not sure what to wear because I don't know how muddy and dirty I will get and I don't  want to ruin any of my clothes! Any suggestions??

I got an email this week with a special code to share with my readers for the Richmond VA race next month!!

Sign up here at the link below and dont forget to use the code "GALPAL" for $20 off!! I don't know when this code expires so don't delay in using it!!
https://endurancecui.active.com/legacy/event-reg/select-race?e=4255001

Heres a great picture for #toneituptuesday that Pretty Muddy posted on their facebook page! 

The Happy 10k virtual race and my results!

The HAPPY 10K

A virtual race to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Bring fun to your run and do some good for the world while you're at it!

Run, walk, skip or crawl for 6.2 miles (that's a 10K!) anytime between July 15 and August 24 in any place you want!

Earn a unique medal and share runs through social media to win prizes!

The details:

Win Prizes: Every week we will have a drawing for a fantastic prize pack from our sponsors, including a Run HAPPY Races t-shirt! Your registration will grant you your first raffle entry. To earn more, take lots of pictures! We want to see how you tackle this challenge. Post pictures and show us how HAPPY you are!

Ways to Share:  
Twitter Users: Tag @runHAPPYraces and hashtag #runHAPPY
Facebook Users: "Like" the Run HAPPY Races Facebook Page http://www.facebook.com/RunHAPPYRaces
Each time you share with us, you will earn an additional chance to win!

The Bling: Every finisher will earn a unique dye-cast medal!
When you have completed your 10K, just let us know! Post your victory photo and, once the race is completed on August 24, we will send you your medal! Be sure to wear it to school, the office, the grocery store, the mall... show off how strong, victorious and HAPPY you are!

Our Purpose: All proceeds from the HAPPY 10K will go to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. We run in honor of Vanessa, Marianne, Henry, John, Tracy, Sharon, Tommy, Jim and all cancer patients and their families. The mission of LLS is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. By running or walking HAPPY you can help improve the quality of life for patients and their families and help find cures and better treatments for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma.

Our Sponsors: With gratitude for their generosity, check out our sponsors!
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This is a picture from my 10k virtual race over a week ago. My run was part of my race training for my first half marathon!

This virtual race is only thru August 24th so dont delay in signing up!! 

Chris Freytag Back to school challenge starts Sept 3rd!

THIS WAS POSTED ON THE CHRIS FREYTAG FACEBOOK PAGE TODAY: 

HEY YOU-sign up to be a part of Chris Freytag's BACK TO SCHOOL BACK INTO SHAPE fitness challenge sponsored by BiProUSA! So while we do the happy dance as the kids are off to school for another year, the harsh reality of too many bbq’s, margaritas and lazy days by the pool may have caught up to us-so let's start SEPT off with a bang! If you've never been a part of my past challenges, get signed up on Challenge Loop...All info about this simple challenge is in the app- you can use your mobile phone. If you are not exercising at all - THIS WILL GET YOU GOING. If you are already exercising... add this challenge to your routine for extra credit... we start SEPT 3rd!!

http://www.challengeloop.com/challenge/backtoschool

Details/Rules:

Welcome to Chris Freytag's BACK TO SCHOOL BACK INTO SHAPE fitness challenge!

So while we do the happy dance as the kids are off to school for another year the harsh reality of too many bbq’s, margaritas and lazy days by the pool have caught up to us. My kids are all grown, but I still love the feeling of "Back to School" time and how it brings change. Yes, I'm always a little melancholy about giving up the fun summer, but I also welcome the idea of getting back into a routine. As we plan our children’s schedules for the school year we must remember the importance of planning ours as well. If we don’t schedule time for our health no one will!

The challenge is to do these three exercises daily:

25 Split Jumps,

25 overhead pulls with abs

25 tricep dips

The winner will receive two 2lb. jars, 2 on the go boxes (14 single serve packets each), 1 blender bottle, and 1 of each of BiPRO's cookbooks. The challenge starts September 3rd and ends September 30th.

Just accept the challenge, log in via the website or download the app on your iPhone - and leave a comment or post a photo every day that you complete the exercises. (To be entered into the contest, you must post on the challenge page that you did the exercises at least 15 of the 27 days ). Do the exercises...keep up your energy and keep up your strength. I will keep track of everyone who completes the challenge and pick the winner at random.

The official hashtag for this challenge is #backtoschoolchallenge

Doesn't this sound great??!! I'm going to have a hard time deciding what challenges to do once September starts!! I know I can't do all of them, especially with my knee injury and my last 3 weeks of race training... 
What challenges are you starting next month???

Fun September Fitness events!! Mommyrunfast virtual races, SuzanneBowenFitness Be Your Best You Challenge & JessicaSmithTV Fall Fitness Challenge

Fall is almost here, which means the start of school and the re commitment to a healthy lifestyle before the holidays hit us!! 

I've found some fun fitness events going on in the month of September that I will personally be involved in, so I wanted to share them with my readers as well!! 

I only have 4 more weeks left of my half marathon training and then I can "take it easy" and get back to my strength and cardio training. ;-)  

Can't wait to start these fun challenges after September 1st! Make sure to check the individual websites for more info.

WHAT:  Run your 5 or 10 mile virtual race by the 5th of each month.

WHEN: The fall series will run from September- December, 2013.

WHERE: Anywhere you’d like- with friends, on a trail, or as part of your long run or a local race.

MEDALS: An optional medal will be available at the end of the series.

HOW: Sign up below at the link and add your race to the RESULTS spreadsheet to be eligible for prizes each month.

http://www.mommyrunfast.com/fall-5-and-10-virtual-race-series-registration-is-open/

Suzanne Bowen Fitness is offering an upcoming Six Week SBF Be Your Best You Transformation Challenge that we will be launching on Sep 2, 2013. She will have more specifics over the next couple of weeks, so check our her blog. She will be offering a grand prize and runner up prizes for before/after photos, transformation stories and testimonials. Everyone who signs up for the challenge will be sent a SBF ball. You will need to subscribe to her streaming videos in order to participate in her contest. 

Membership to Suzanne Bowen Fitness Streaming Fitness Classes includes (3) new 30 minute workouts each week (posted on M/W/F) and access to Suzanne Bowen Fitness’ on-demand video library. Workouts are accessible using any of the following devices with an internet connection: Desktop Computer, Laptop Computer, iPhone, iPad, Android powered smartphones and tablets and Apple TV. Membership is $9.99/month.

http://suzannebowenfitness.com/blog/

WHAT IS THE Jessica Smith TV 2013 FALL FITNESS CHALLENGE ALL ABOUT?

We want to help you have more energy this fall! Why? Because when you have more energy, its easier to reach all of your goals – whether you are striving to lose weight or simply feel great, boosting your energy level is the perfect place to start.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

We’ll be posting a specific workout schedule featuring workouts exclusively offered FREE on JESSICASMITHTV (the fall challenge schedule will be posted on jessicasmithtv.com on September 1, 2013). We’ll be working out together 7 days a week, but for no more than 30 minutes a day (unless you want to do more!). Once you complete the workout video for the day, check in by posting a comment on the YouTube video page. We encourage you to connect with our community – ask and answer each other questions, cheer each other on, etc. I’ll be personally replying to each daily check in on the assigned day.

HOW LONG WILL IT LAST? 20 Days (Sept 2 – 21st, 2013)

WILL THERE BE A DIET PLAN INCLUDED? There is no specific diet or eating plan with the challenge (I’m not a nutrition expert, so I don’t give out nutrition advice since that’s not my area of expertise). Instead, I encourage you to make healthy choices for yourself based on the question, “will this improve my energy?” (If you’d like more specific nutrition advice, please check out our Great Abs Guide which includes eating guide created by a registered dietitian).

WILL THERE BE PRIZES? Yes! Everyone who checks-in on YouTube after completing their workout for the day, for all 20 days, will be eligible for our random grand prize drawing. I’ll be giving away copies of my latest DVDs – Walking for Weight Loss, Wellness & Energy and Total Body Balance along with an exclusive copy of Peanut’s new 2014 calendar [be sure to watch the vid for more details about this!]

HOW DO I JOIN? Subscribe to our YouTube channel JESSICASMITHTV and follow us on Twitter and/orFacebook, and subscribe to our blog [there's more info about how to do all of this in this vid].

August free virtual race with JillConyers.com #13in2013

 

WHO: Anyone that wants to join. You do not have to be a 13 in 2013 participant to join and be eligible for prizes.
WHAT:  A virtual race is running a specified distance (you choose the distance.), timing yourself, without actually being present in the race location.
WHEN:  You pick the day from August 2 to August 25.
WHERE:  Pick your favorite local route or jump on the treadmill.
WHY:  For the love of running and….PRIZES (multiple winners)!
HOW:  Sign up below and indicate what distance you will be running (5k, 10k, half marathon, full marathon or trail). Email addresses will only be used to communicate information about the races and to contact the winners.

http://jillconyers.com/2013/07/jill-and-jens-birthday-virtual-race/

 



 

 

I signed up last week when I saw this posted and did my 10k race time this past Saturday.

This is my accountability picture I posted on Instagram. (rdevaughn4)

We made this event a family activity-my husband and boys rode their bikes while I did jogging walking intervals. It was perfect weather and a wonderful morning with my family!  

 

What distance are you running??

Ellie August sneak peek video! Bon Voyage collection!!

Ellie's Newest Collection is almost here!!
Bon Voyage was inspired by exotic beach destinations.
This collection will motivate you to get that perfect beach bod for your favorite summer getaway!

EVERY piece will be offered in XL

ALL tops will have removable cups for added support

CLICK BELOW TO VIEW THE AUGUST SNEAK PEEK!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEYkiTZH3sA&feature=youtu.be

You can click on this link to get 20% off your first month subscription (making it $39.96) or you can click on my side toolbar as well.

http://ellie.evyy.net/c/48928/58557/1664

Vitacost products review! ARO, Hydroxycut, FitMiss protein... LONG review with pictures!

 

Last month I joined a VitaCost Bloggers Facebook group referred to me by my sweatpink ambassadorship. I was so excited to join this small group (less than 100) and was told we could pick as many items as we wanted to review. They posted about 75 pictures of items, so I went through each one and picked out a bunch of stuff that I and my family could personally use.

 

The next thing I know, the group went from less than 100 to almost 500 people that week because they opened it to the public. And then they changed the rules to requesting a set number of products and then they changed it again to a requesting a set price value of products.

 

I'm sharing this because although I am always grateful to try new products for product reviews, I do not like being told about a blogger opportunity that I thought was exclusive to my sweatpink ambassadorship program; and that the company changed the rules of requesting items after the fact because the group got too big. ESPECIALLY since I was specifically told there was no limit and could request anything and everything I wanted that was posted for product review picks. They emailed me to tell me they had a $60 product limit and would go thru my list that I submitted and pick and choose for me what they would send. That pretty much took the excitement out of what I had originally thought I would be getting for product reviews...

 

Below is my instagram picture of what I received from Vitacost for free for product review purposes about 5 weeks ago.     

 

 

ARO-Vitacost Creatine Raw Unflavored -- 5 g - 1.1 lb (500 g)

"enhances muscle performance during high intensity exercise"

Attack - Recover - Optimize

Quality ingredients. Real results.

Get ripped, without getting ripped off.

http://www.vitacost.com/aro-vitacost-creatine-raw-unflavored-5-g-1-1-lb-500-g?csrc=Blogger:crafts-n-fitness

Gave this to my husband to use for his P90x workouts. He likes that its unflavored so he can add it to whatever liquid he wants to make smoothies. He doesn't taste anything and it mixes up nicely. I personally didn't want to take something that may add "bulk" to my body! ;-)

 

Promax Fit 'n Crisp Protein Snack Cinnamon Crunch -- 12 Bars

•  High in Protein

•  Crispy Treat Texture

•  Peanut Free Snack

•  13g Protein

•  140 Calories

•  3g Fat

•  Naturally Flavored, Cinnamon, Crispy Treat

http://www.vitacost.com/promax-fit-n-crisp-protein-snack-cinnamon-crunch-12-bars-3?csrc=Blogger:crafts-n-fitness

I've eaten a couple of these and they are okay... they taste kind of sugary and gritty so I don't plan on buying these. I would be interested in trying another flavor though because I don't like strong cinnamon tastes and they do offer other flavors.

 

Hydroxycut Pro Clinical Hydroxycut™ Wild Berry -- 21 Packets

• Lose More Weight than Dieting Alone

• Significantly Reduce BMI

• Increase Energy

• Zero Sugar 

http://www.vitacost.com/hydroxycut-pro-clinical-hydroxycut-wild-berry-21-packets?csrc=Blogger:crafts-n-fitness

I REALLY like these!! In fact, I went online to Vitacost about 2 weeks ago and ordered 2 more boxes since they were on sale. I like that it tastes good and that I can add it to my cold water. I don't relaly like or remember to take pills. I find that I do eat less in the afternoons after I drink this! 

 The only thing I DONT like is the obvious red dye :-( Hoping they come out with another packet flavor to add to water free of dyes or at least no red dyes.

 

(2) Homemade Dressings French Garden Salad Dressing Mix and Rub -- 3.6 oz 

Homemade Dressings French Garden is a blend of herbs and spices, including tarragon and dill, that bring out the wonderful flavors found in French cooking.  Use your favorite ingredients to make salad dressings, marinades, dry rub and more just for you.

• 100% Natural

• No Sugar Added

• Gluten Free

• Makes Eight - 8

http://www.vitacost.com/homemade-dressings-french-garden-salad-dressing-mix-and-rub-3-6-oz?csrc=Blogger:crafts-n-fitness 

I don't know why they sent me 2 of the same flavor when I requested different flavors but oh well. We've added this mix to salad and chicken and macaroni salad so far. I use it like I would use my "mrs dash" seasoning. I really like it. I would get more of these seasonings when they are on sale.

 

Vitacost Multi-Vitamin Gummies for Kids -- 150 Gummies

Fun, yummy gummies for kids! Naturally flavored and colored with fruit and vegetable concentrates—not chemicals!

http://www.vitacost.com/vitacost-multi-vitamin-gummies-for-kids-150-gummies-2?csrc=Blogger:crafts-n-fitness

Gave these to my kids to try today. I like that it doesn't have any dyes-my youngest can't have anything with red dye including vitamins and medicine so I was very excited to find this!

 

Method Pure Naked Moisturizing Body Wash - Magnolia with Aloe Vera -- 18 fl oz

 Naked Is Natural

Naked is natural. It's pure. It's undisguised. Just like this body wash. Which is packed with naturally derived moisturizers without any dirty stuff, like parabens, phthalates or EDTA. Leaving your birthday suit soft, clean and party ready.

http://www.vitacost.com/method-pure-naked-moisturizing-body-wash-magnolia-with-aloe-vera-18-fl-oz?csrc=Blogger:crafts-n-fitness

Haven't tried this yet but its in the bathroom for our whole family to try. I'm super sensitive to body washes and they typically make my skin break out so I'll be curious to see what happens to my skin when I try it this weekend.

 

 

Even though I was seriously ticked off about the whole "changing of the blogging rules and product reviews" from the VitaCost blogger facebook group; I did go online to look at more of their products this month and did purchase stuff on my own (so these things below were NOT sent to me for free for blog review).

I found they offer a lot of great sales and the shipping is not expensive and is super fast!!   

 

I ordered the ARO™ Whey Protein Complex Plus – Performance & Recovery* in natural vanilla

20 grams of pure protein

Natural vanilla flavor – great taste!

With more than 4.5 grams of BCAAs, plus MCTs, fiber, vitamins & minerals

Promotes optimal workout performance*

Helps maintain lean muscle mass*

Helps promote muscle recovery from sports activities*

http://www.vitacost.com/aro-vitacost-whey-protein-complex-plus-natural-vanilla-2-lb-908-g-3?csrc=Blogger:crafts-n-fitness

 I haven't tried it yet, but I typically mix my protein powders with water and frozen fruit after my workouts.

 

 

ARO™ Pre-Workout Concentrate – Natural Fruit Punch Flavor, 30 servings

With 1.5 grams of premium CarnoSyn® beta-alanine

Exclusive herbal blend -- ginkgo, guarana, green coffee bean, yerba mate and more

Energy boost from pure caffeine*

Antioxidant polyphenols from green tea*

1,000 mg of creatine monohydrate

Great-tasting, refreshing drink – easy to mix!

Natural flavor – no artificial colors or dyes

 http://www.vitacost.com/aro-vitacost-pre-workout-concentrate-natural-fruit-punch-8-45-oz-240-g?csrc=Blogger:crafts-n-fitness

This is LIQUID GOLD for me!! This is the first time I've tried a PRE workout drink and I'm 2 weeks into my half marathon race training so this has helped me ALOT!! I typically get up at 6am to workout on an empty stomach, but halfway thru my workouts (especially as the workouts get longer in length) I feel so tried and fatigued!! I've tried this 2 or 3 times this week and I feel great and more energized!! I'm really sensitive to caffeine and products, so I was pleasantly surprised I did not have any issues or jitteriness or headaches from this. I used a scoop with ice water. They also offer other flavors.

Last week when I ordered this from Vitacost, if I bought 2 ARO products, they were discounted more and I got a free ARO large tshirt. :-)  

 

FitMiss Delight™ Women's Premium Healthy Nutrition Shake Strawberries N' Cream -- 1.15 lbs

High Protein / Low Calorie

Use as a Meal or Healthy Snack

Curb Your Hunger for Hours

Eat Less.

Feel Fuller.

Lose Weight.

Finally. A nutrition shake for WOMEN that satisfies hunger while providing real results. FitMiss Delight brings a full day's essential nutrients with quality calories and delivers optimal levels of protein, digestive enzymes, vitamins and minerals. The source of this natural goodness is a unique blend of fruits and vegetables. The protein mix contains whey isolate protein that digests and absorbs rapidly, along with the newest weight-loss innovation. Solathin®. This vegetable-based protein helps you feel full faster. The gluten-free balance of carbohydrates, fats, and high-quality proteins provide sustained energy and appetite satisfaction. Drink FitMiss Delight every day - you'll feel more satisfied, and lose weight! This combination of healthy ingredients works together synergistically to provide nutritional support for lean muscle tissue, fat loss and increasing energy.

http://www.vitacost.com/fitmiss-delight-womens-premium-healthy-nutrition-shake-strawberries-n-cream?csrc=Blogger:crafts-n-fitness

I mixed this with water, frozen blueberries and banana and it was good! I may need to take my lactaid pill the next time I drink it though because I noticed my stomach was a little uneasy afterwards. I like that they offer a strawberry flavor instead of the typical vanilla and chocolate.

I've also ordered other FitMiss products because I've been seeing a lot of sales and pictures on their instagram and facebook feeds. I love that their products are made for women!

 

 

 

Overall, I'm really pleased with the quality and selection that VitaCost.com offers. I love that they have sales and cheap but FAST shipping!! In fact, as I'm writing this review, my husband called to say that I got another vitacost box in the mail! :-)