Exercise

Travel: Embassyâ„¢ Design Genuine Leather Gym Bag

August 23, 2016 · Leave a Comment

Embassyâ„¢ Design Genuine Leather Gym Bag

I have never been one to pack light.

This travel bag seems like a standard to larger gym bag size and style of bag, but it fits an incredible amount of stuff. It is sturdy and has lots of inner pockets to hold items such as your camera, devices such as phone, chargers, tablets, laptops, hairdryers and shoes. There are also outside pockets for items such as water bottles, sunglasses, wallet, passport, keys and other items you need to access quickly.

QUALITY:
No loose threads or subpar workmanship, it looks more expensive than I expected. Handles and strap are robust enough to hold the contents of the bag. There are two handles but also a long shoulder strap for ease of use.

FOR TRAVEL:
I was able to pack the following with room to spare: one pair of 5″ stiletto heels, a pair of 2″ wedge museum/walking shoes, a pair of ballet flats and a pair of sneakers. Also, it fit three cotton skirts, a pashmina for chilly nights, six t-shirts, two pairs of jeans, two strappy tops, one silk long sleeve button down; two nice short sleeves knit tops, a pair of leggings, one pair capris and one pair of shorts. Also, my camera, my Kindle, my sketch book and pencils, my hairdryer, my makeup and toiletries bag, and a lingerie bag. This all fit into the bag with room to spare, plus all the pockets were empty for last minute additions (I always seem to remember items to pack as I am heading out the door!). I like having extra room for little gifts and items I buy along the way, and additional pockets for any extra little hotel soaps and shampoos I don’t use. This bag is large enough to hold at least two pairs of men’s shoes as well, so it works for both males and females. It held up well stored in the trunk and getting shoved around with the other luggage during my travels. By the end of my trip, it was carrying lots of extra heavy stuff and got the job done.

One thing I particularly like about this bag both for travel and for gym use is the compartment to store dirty clothes. I hate when traveling having dirty and clean clothes all mixed in together, or having clean gym clothes ruined by used gym clothing that needs to be washed.

This bag is not just for travel; it is sturdy enough to carry heavier groceries or bottles, equipment, or for use as a gym bag. It is a very versatile bag; I have no complaints, and I am very pleased to have bought it.

Find this great bag at Amazon.

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bf77hbnT_Xw[/embedyt]

I received this product for testing and review purposes. If you have any questions about my experience with it, leave it in the comments section below, and Iâ€™ll do my best to answer it!

Health and Beauty: Precision Naturals Organic Turmeric Curcumin Complex

August 10, 2016 · Leave a Comment

Supplements have made become a regular part of the beauty routine of many. Sephora, for example, has a whole section dedicated to beauty-boosting supplements. Turmeric has been getting more attention lately not just for its’ significant health benefits – but for its’ beauty benefits as well. Precision Naturals Organic Turmeric Curcumin Complex is a superior formulation of Turmeric.

Precision Naturals Organic Turmeric Curcumin Complex

There have been numerous clinical studies on the value of Turmeric. An article “Turmeric and curcumin: Biological actions and medicinal applications” (Current Science Journal, July 2004) thoroughly documented these two beauty-related benefits of Turmeric: reducing inflammation and having significant anti-oxidant properties.

Turmeric Beauty Benefit #1: Celebrity Dermatologists have been touting the value of anti-oxidants and reducing inflammation as part of a successful anti-aging skin-care beauty routine for years. Turmeric fights inflammation – the nasty source of premature wrinkles, and appearing puffy and bloated, including puffiness around the delicate eye area. So it makes sense to add a Turmeric supplement to your skincare regiment.

Turmeric is also a powerful anti-oxidant. Oxidants and free radicals are a major beauty concern because they accelerate the aging and breakdown of the skin, especially the collagen. Anti-oxidants purge these premature aging culprits from the skin and promote a youthful glow.

Turmeric Beauty Benefit #2: Turmeric has long been used medicinally, including in the form of curry. Turmeric is also beneficial for joint inflammation such as what one might feel after yoga, pilates, or a good spinning class. Turmeric can even help ease the post-workout, day-after soreness of your worst “leg day” exercises.

FINDING A GOOD TURMERIC SUPPLEMENT
Since the FDA does not regulate supplements in the same way they provide stringent standards for prescription medications or food, not all Turmeric supplements are equal. A few things we look for when selecting a quality supplement include

Are there no undesirable additives such as dyes or flavorings?
Does it state all ingredients or preservatives are GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) free?
Does it meet any allergy or dietary restrictions such as being dairy free, yeast free or gluten free?
For vegans: What is the capsule made of? Vegetable Cellulose or an animal byproduct?
Is the dosage adequate to derive benefit?

Precision Naturals Organic Turmeric Curcumin Complex meets all these requirements, so we replaced our previous Turmeric supplement with PrecisionNaturals Turmeric for a few reasons, including some unique ingredients.

What is Unique About Precision Naturals Organic Turmeric Curcumin Complex

A few features that make this Turmeric stand out are what is in it. That includes having 95% curcuminoids and BioPerine Black Pepper Extract.

Curcuminoids are a principal active agent of Turmeric (also known as Curcumin). Curcuminoids need to be standardized for use, and the percentage of curcumin can vary depending on the quality of the standardization a supplement company uses. Clinical research backs that a minimum of 95% curcumin (curcuminoids) is needed in a supplement for the body to absorb enough to see results. This is why Turmeric’s recommended dosage is so high. However, if your supplement does not have 95% or more curcumin, it won’t offer the sought after beauty benefits.

BioPerine is a key factor in making this Turmeric a standout supplement. BioPerine is a black pepper derivative that works as a “bioenhancement”. Bioenhancers increase the absorption of nutrients, including Turmeric. BioPerine is a helpful ingredient when choosing a Turmeric supplement because Curcumin (the basis of Turmeric) is difficult for the body to absorb. BioPerine is also believed to have immune-suppressing, tumor-inhibiting and antidepressant effects and is considered helpful for those who cannot absorb nutrients well.

A third factor is that the Precision Naturals Turmeric is derived from Curcuma longa, or the root of the plant. The root is the most mature, concentrated and purest form of the plant, the most beneficial part of the plant to use. This is the primary form of Turmeric in this supplement, providing the full scope of Turmeric benefits.

These three ingredients collectively result in a much more beneficial Turmeric supplement. The capsules are easy to swallow and do not leave any aftertaste like many other turmeric varieties I have tried before. I noticed that my back was less sore after only a few days, which thrilled me.

CONCLUSION

Tumeric is a highly beneficial supplement for both beauty and health. When selecting a Tumeric Supplement, it is important to find one with a minimum of 95% Curcuminoids and to seek one with quality Turmeric, preferably root based. Precision Naturals provides a high-quality Turmeric free of many additives.

Find it at http://www.precisionnaturals.com

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRF-5VDnyLc[/embedyt]

I received this product in exchange for my unbiased review and received compensation for my time and effort. However, my experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine.

Health: Naturalico Shiatsu Neck & Shoulder Massager

August 10, 2016 · Leave a Comment

Naturalico Shiatsu Neck & Shoulder Massager

I try to get a professional massage as often as I can, but there are times that a quick, at home massage will have to do. There are a lot of massage devices on the market, and it is a bit like Goldilocks – some are too hard, some are too soft. Finding a massager with just the right amount of pressure is hard, and even if it is the right amount of pressure, getting it in the right position is tough. This is why I love the Naturalico Shiatsu Neck & Shoulder Massager.

While Neck and Shoulder are in the name, it can be used on multiple parts of the body. My favorite spot in on my feet, after a long day in high heels. It massages all the soreness out of my insoles and even my ankles. And it can go all the way up the leg too for post-workout soreness.

One thing that differentiates this massager from others is that it has 3-D contouring to fit around your neck and shoulders better than other massagers. It fits the contours of your neck as opposed to being a flat surface that you have to lean into, which defeats the purpose of relaxing your muscles during a massage. This is a very nice feature.

I have a long commute home and frequently get stuck in traffic. One of the other big points in favor of this massager is that it comes with a car adapter. So if I’m feeling sore from a long day, being able to use this in the car is a great feature. I’m looking forward to using the soothing heat feature when the weather turns cold, as well.

I am very happy with this highly versatile massager. Find it at Amazon.com.

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iM0iYVdtF0s[/embedyt]

I received this product in exchange for testing and review purposes. If you have any questions about my experience with it, leave it in the comments section below, and Iâ€™ll do my best to answer it!

Friday Fitness: Sela Fitness Total Core Ab Workout Machine

June 24, 2016 · Leave a Comment

Sela Fitness Total Core Ab Workout Machine

OVERVIEW: This machine is sturdy but easy to lift. There are several exercises that are possible with this unit. Workout program videos available on the website and YouTube. The resistance level is adjustable. Easy to store. Good value.

WHY I NEED A HOME EXERCISE MACHINE
When I am in Grad School, I have ready access to my amazing college gym and keep up a good exercise schedule. When I am home on break, not so much. I have my share of home equipment and contraptions that I don’t use much because they are somewhat flimsy and limited in what I can do with them, so I lost interest in them over time. I also have a treadmill and stationary bike, but nothing for upper body except some hand weights.

ASSEMBLY
It comes mostly assembled except for screwing in the coil that controls the tension, adding a pin, and placing on the arm grip pieces. All the pieces are included. It does come with instructions, but I found the video on their website to be more helpful. I was confused at first with how to get the coil to fit into the slot. Move the handle forward to release the tension and it will be long enough to fit in easily. After that piece is in place, the rest is simple.

The second item that comes with this machine is a rotating disc that can be used with or without the machine. If you place it on the seat base of the machine, you can add a twisting dimension to your core workout.

USING THE MACHINE
A series of exercises video demonstrations and entire suggested 20 minute and quick workouts are available on the website that also give verbal instructions and tips about the machine exercise options. You can also find them on YouTube if you search “Sela Fitness.” Some example exercises are the assisted abdominal crunch (sit on the base of the machine, lean back into the two arm handles, do partial sit-ups with back support) and triceps workouts. The videos incorporate some non-machine based cardio with the machine exercises to get the most out of a home workout.

I like this Sela machine because it is sturdy, but it is easy to lift and move. It is useful for arm and leg exercises. When I did the leg exercises, I was sitting in a chair, which is very convenient. A few times the base tipped a bit which was not a big deal, I prefer that the machine is easy to lift and move than be heavier. For most exercises, one sits on the base of the machine for arm and ab exercises and lays in front of the machine for leg workouts.

STORAGE
The Sela machine can slide underneath a desk, bed, or couch for easy storage when not in use.

EFFECTIVENESS
This Sela machine is worthwhile for someone looking to add to their home workout equipment or someone who has some level of fitness but has not developed core strength. If you are a bodybuilder, you probably won’t get much use from this machine. But if you are getting more serious about fitness but are not ready to join a gym, this is a good starting machine. If you have just finished physical therapy and need to start a home exercise program, this will be a suitable machine. A semi-sedentary lifestyle person could benefit from this machine as it is easy to lift and move and does give some resistance while exercising but it is not too difficult. But it is a solid machine for stay at home Moms; college students home from school who want to keep up their workout, or for days you just can’t get to the gym, or you are short on time and want to find a way to work out at home while watching TV. It is suitable for several days a week use and is easy to use. I like using the machine for doing partial sit-ups because it provides some stability for my back, so I keep good form, and it also provides some resistance, so I get a better core workout. Keeping good form is something I find difficult to do with many of these home exercise machines, so I am happy to find a machine that helps to retain form on a basic core exercise.

CONCLUSION: I would recommend this machine, it is a great price for what you get and is easy to assemble and store. I wish I had watched the assembly video on their website before trying to figure out the written instructions; the video is much easier to follow. No complaints, happy to have a machine that is easy to use and a home workout that is easy to do daily.

Find this great machine at Amazon.com.

I received this item for testing and unbiased review purposes. If you have any questions about my experience with it, leave it in the comments section below, and Iâ€™ll do my best to answer it!

Odyseaco Large Baja Beach Bag Waterproof Canvas Tote

May 29, 2016 · Leave a Comment

Odyseaco Large Baja Beach Bag Waterproof Canvas Tote

I’m not one to travel light. Ever. So for these lovely almost-summer weekends that are a combination of running errands and leisurely brunching, I’m on a constant search for a quality tote bag that carries all my stuff but is comfortable and looks good. I’m quite happy with my new Odyseaco Large Baja Beach Bag Waterproof Canvas Tote.

While this good looking tote is made of ripstop canvas but feels more like a soft and durable cotton weave. The colors are summery but saturated enough that dirt won’t show obviously, and a smudge I did get on it wiped off easily with just water.

The tote is quite generously sized (16.5″x14″x7″), but because of the design, it doesn’t overwhelm smaller women visually. I had a tote in college that was fantastic regarding how much it would carry, but it didn’t have much form to it (despite being a sturdy canvas), so looked too big. This tote has a flat bottom to it so it keeps structure and looks light. I really enjoy the straps: they have a ten-inch drop and is made of a thick, textured rope. It is both comfortable on the shoulder and quite cute!

The side pockets are big enough to hold an iPhone securely, though it is easy enough to reach into the inner pocket for your phone. The zippered inner pocket is large enough to hold ID, keys, phone, and anything else you want to keep a little more secure than in the open tote. Since the pocket is made of the same water resistant material, your valuable items will be safe from any water bottle incidents (of which I have had plenty.)

This tote is quite versatile, between being a weekend bag, a gym bag, a beach bag, or all of the above. I’m planning on using it as a reusable grocery bag: I have some excellent ones, but since those bags don’t fit over my shoulder it is cumbersome to carry. This tote will make for a stylish and comfortable grocery bag!

Find this lovely beach bag at Amazon.com.

I received this product in exchange for my unbiased review, and I was compensated for my time and effort. However, my experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine.