Kona Kase review ...

Recently, I was given the opportunity to try out Kona Kase.

Never heard of it before? I'm not shocked. I hadn't either. But, after checking out the Kona Kase website, I was intrigued.

Kona Kase, established in 2012, allows monthly subscribers to receive Kona Kases filled with 8-10 endurance nutrition samples for just $15 a month.

opening this was like Christmas morning ...

Since the box varies from month to month, subscribers are treated to a vast variety of products (some full sized, like the bars), allowing you to see what products work (and taste) best without having to commit to purchasing, and possibly wasting, a full-sized container. It's kind of a brilliant idea.

But, is it worth your $15?

Yes and No. And here's why ...

Yes:

• If you are on a budget and don't know what endurance nutrition products you like, then Kona Kase is a great choice. You get quite a bit for your money and you will eventually find your perfect nutrition products.
• If you are like to try new things and like variety, the Kona Kase would be a monthly bundle of happiness. Personally, I had heard of, but never tried anything in my Kona Kase. Some of it, I hadn't even heard of.
• If you are interested, but not ready to commit. This goes for both Kona Kase and the samples in the box. You can cancel your Kona Kase subscription at any time, with no penalty. And since you are only getting samples of the products, you won't be left with unfinished containers sitting in your pantry. It's really a win-win.
• You really like getting mail. If you love getting packages and are willing to spend $15 a month to do so, then Kona Kase would be an awesome surprise each month.

No:

• If you have food allergies or intolerances, then skip Kona Kase for now. Currently, you can not customize your box in any way, which means that there is the possibility that you could get a Kona Kase filled with products you can't try. However, check back in the future as the company is hoping to offer customization a few months down the line.
• If you know what you like and what works for you. If you have your nutrition plan set, you probably don't need a subscription. I mean, it's likely that you've tried pretty much everything out there anyway.

Disclaimer: I received Kona Kase free of charge. However, the opinions stated here are entirely my own.

Tommie Copper Review ...

A few weeks back, I was offered the opportunity to test out some compression gear from Tommie Copper. Not one to turn down a chance to try out a product I think I will utilize, I decided to test both the calf sleeves and the knee sleeves.

Prior to being contacted by Tommie Copper, I knew very little about the company and their products. So, I did a little digging and here's what I learned.

"Tommie Copper compression garments are specifically designed to form-fit the user's physique. They are extremely comfortable and lightweight, unlike ordinary compression wear. Because of the enormous surface area of copper in our exclusive fabric, circulation and oxygen flow of the blood are greatly enhanced. (Tommie Copper offers ankle, calf, knee and elbow sleeves, compression shirts and compression gloves.)

Until now, compression wear was designed primarily for athletes to be worn for short periods of time to increase performance, enhance recovery and alleviate pain. Today, everyone can tap into these benefits with Tommie Copper. Our product line is enhanced with copper infused yarn and engineered to be worn all day, everyday. It acts as a support to aching joints and muscles, and delivers the benefits of copper at the point of your discomfort."

Interesting. I am a big fan of compression, but I had never heard of the benefits of copper. And I bet you haven't either. Until now ...

"Copper is necessary for the growth, development, and maintenance of bone, connective tissue, brain, heart, and many other body organs. It is involved in the formation of red blood cells, the absorption and utilization of iron, and the synthesis and release of life-sustaining proteins and enzymes. These enzymes in turn produce cellular energy and regulate nerve transmission, blood clotting, and oxygen transport.

Copper stimulates the immune system to fight infections, repair injured tissues, and promote healing. Copper also helps to neutralize "free-radicals" which can cause severe damage to cells. Symptoms of copper deficiency include osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis."

Armed with that knowledge, I put on the calf sleeves and let the testing begin. I was immediately impressed by how quickly my calves felt refreshed. In fact, I tweeted this ...

Montel Williams even took note ...

I wore the sleeves all day and when I ran later that evening, my legs felt awesome. The following morning, I left my knee-high socks at home and donned my Tommie Copper calf sleeves for my long run ...

I'm pretty sure G thought I had been possessed.

The sleeves performed well during the run. On a rather hot day, my legs felt cool and my calves were strong (no chafe, either). I'm not sure if it was the copper or the compression, but either way, I was satisfied with the results. However, I do wish that there was a little bit more "squeeze" to the sleeves, as I like slightly more compression.

I tested the knee sleeves only in the post run time frame (while wearing my compression socks, of course).

Personally, I felt that it was harder to judge the effectiveness of these sleeves as I was not experiencing any knee pain at the time, however, considering how much I liked the calf sleeves, I am sure that if you suffer from knee ailments, these sleeves would provide relief. In addition, I felt that the elastic on the knee sleeve was far too tight for my liking, despite the fact that I ordered the proper size based on my leg measurement (perhaps, "the quad" was just too much to handle).

All in all, I was a fan of the Tommie Copper line and will continue to use their products.

To learn more about Tommie Copper, visit their website HERE, Facebook HERE or Twitter HERE.

Note: I was provided these items for free to review. However, the opinions stated here are all my own.

Races2Remember Giveaway ...

Remember that post before my marathon where I told you about all of those things I had grown to love during training? You know, the one - HERE, where I reviewed the awesome Pace Bands and MyName Bib I received from Races2Remember.

In case you don't know, Races2Remember offers a variety of customizable products ranging from Pace Bands and MyName Bibs to Tattoos and Back Bibs. With all the options of products and customizable features, your Races2Remember products promise to be unique.

In the past, I just wrote my paces on my arm, like this ...

But I will never do that again. In fact, I loved the pace bands I wore during National Marathon so much, that I already ordered more for my upcoming half.

(I taped two pace bands together to give me a range of paces.)

And now, thanks to the husband and wife team of Al and Molly at Races2Remember, one lucky reader will get to try out the Races2Remember product of their choice (excluding the Cheering Signs).

Here's how to enter (separate comments, please):

1. Visit Races2Remember and leave a comment to let me know what you would choose if you win.
2. Become a follower of this blog and leave me a comment.
3. Become a Facebook fan of Races2Remember HERE and let them know I sent you. Comment here to let me know you did.
4. Become a Facebook fan of Racing With Babes HERE and comment to let me know.
5. Repost this giveaway on your blog, Facebook, Twitter, wherever and comment to let me know.

Entries will be accepted until Tuesday, April 12. Winner will be randomly selected and announced on Wednesday, April 13.

Disclaimer: I received this product for free, but the opinions expressed here are all my own.

Easy Canvas Prints Review ...

About two weeks ago, Megan from Easy Canvas Prints (and BuildASign) contacted me to see if I would be interested in reviewing a product from their recently launched site.

Um, of course. I loved the stickers (HERE) I received when I worked with BuildASign and I have been complaining for MONTHS that we needed a new family portrait printed. It seemed like the perfect partnership. (Note: The most recent family photo displayed in our home was from 2007. Dilly's not even in it.)

And with that, I got started. Easy Canvas Prints allows you to transform your digital photos into canvas prints in just four easy steps. And the best part is that you can customize your canvas with a variety of styles and effects.

I decided to transform this picture from our Disney vacation in December. Don't we look cute?

The process was easy.

First, you choose your canvas size up to 40" x 40" and your wrap thickness, either .75" or 1.5". I went with a 16" x 20" canvas with a 1.5" wrap.

Second, you upload your photo. Easy peasy. The site will even let you know whether or not your photo quality is high enough to make a good print.

Third, you choose your border. I opted for the mirror image, but you can also select an image wrap or a border color.

Finally, you select your image options which include color finishing and image retouching. Once you've made your selections, that's it.

A few days later, this arrived at my door (yes, I hung it up immediately.)


I think it turned out fantastic and I absolutely love it. Plus, I'm pretty sure that once the rest of my family sees it, they are going to want one of their own. You (and they) can check out Easy Canvas Prints HERE ...

Note: I received one canvas print free of charge. The opinions, however, are all my own.