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Giveaway: Armpocket The Ultimate Armband, Jan. 15-29 #MamasNewLook

15 January, 2014 62 Comments

We just rang in 2014 and with a New Year comes the chance to develop a new YOU! Welcome to the 2nd annual Mama’s Got a New Look Giveaway Hop Event. The Blogging Mamas Network, along with co-hosts Mama’s Baby Cupcakes, So Easy Being Green, and Viva Veltoro want to give the special, deserving mamas a chance at a New Look for the New Year!

This event will run from January 15-29 and each blogger in the hop has a great prize, worth at least $25, to help you achieve that new look!

After you enter the giveaway here on My Life: A Work in Progress, keep scrolling down to learn about the grand prize (2 winners!). And, at the very, very bottom of this post, you’ll find a list of blogs participating in the event. You can use this list to “hop” around from blog to blog, entering more awesome giveaways!

Armpocket Ultimate Armband Giveaway

Thank you to Armpocket.com for this awesome giveaway!

Designed by runners, the Armpocket is The Ultimate Armband. The makers of Armpocket understand that not all phones are one-size and neither are you! There are several Armpocket models available to fit your phone model or devices up to 6″ long (with or without a case). Not only that, measure your arm then choose the strap size that fits your arm.

The no-slip memory foam contours to the shape of your arm, making the Armpocket comfortable to wear. The fabric is breathable and moisture wicking. It’s even water resistant, designed to keep your electronics safe.

Each Armpocket model is also large enough to carry small items in addition to your phone like a single key, lip balm, etc. Several models can hold multiple items. My Armpocket model i-25 can hold my phone in its Lifeproof case, my entire set of keys, lip balm, and face blotting sheets!

It’s perfect for busy mothers, making it easier to go from the gym or running trail to the grocery store and home again. See the full review HERE.

One winner will receive the Armpocket of her choice (ARV $29.95 to $39.95)! If you agree to the terms and conditions listed directly below, scroll on down and enter via the Giveaway Tools widget.

Terms & Conditions: Sweepstakes open to residents of the US. Must be 18 years or older. Void where prohibited by law. Two entrants allowed per household. Odds of winning depend on total number of eligible entries received. Once winner has been selected and emailed, winner will have 48 hours to respond or new winner will be selected. Winner’s name may be posted on this blog and other social media and Web sites. My Life: A Work in Progress (MLAWP) is not responsible for prize fulfillment. Sweepstakes not associated with Facebook or any other social media platform. Entrance into the sweepstakes indicates acceptance of these terms and conditions.

Entry -Form

Grand Prize

This wonderful Grand Prize has two packages up for grabs. The first prize pack, Fashion Mama, features a whole Gel Nail Kit from Couture Gel Nail Polish, a $100 Gift Code to the online jewelry retailer The Vintage Pearl, and a crocheted Infinity Scarf in winner’s choice of color from Treasured by Holly. Our second prize pack, New Mama, features a breastfeeding camisole from Undercover Mama, a Chewbeads “Jane” necklace in winner’s choice of color, winner’s choice of fabric for a diapers/wipes carrying case from The Diaper Clutch, Bamboobies set of Multi Pack Pads, and winner’s choice of item shown from Loving Moments by Leading Lady and their Maternity to Nursing line.

Note- My Life: A Work in Progress received a complimentary Armpocket for review purposes but was not compensated for this post.

Body after Baby, fitness

Fitness Friday: 1/10/14

10 January, 2014 59 Comments

*Please join me for weekly Fitness Friday! You don’t have to be a blogger. Let’s motivate each other to be healthier and stronger in this new year!*

It just hit me that it’s 2014- wow! Time flies. The last time I blogged a Fitness Friday post was June 28, 2013. At that time, I’d met my weight loss goals, so I’d decided to stop doing a dedicated “Fitness Friday” series. But now I have actual fitness goals, so it’s time to start again. The original series probably should’ve been “Weight-loss Wednesday” or some such thing, since postpartum weight loss was the goal. If you’re interested, check out my last Fitness Friday post as well as before and after photos. I lost 17 lbs during that series.

So now I’m back.

The numbers on the scale don’t really matter at this point. Last June, I weighed in at 156 lbs (for reference, I’m 5’10”). This morning I weighed 154 lbs, but I can tell you for a fact that I look much smaller than I did in June, even though there’s only a 2 lb difference. And that’s simply because I’ve been losing fat but building muscle. So I don’t expect the numbers on the scale to change that much.

Of course there needs to be photos, to mark where I’m starting! These photos were taken this morning:

Postpartum weight loss and Fitness Friday on My Life: A Work in Progress

Measurements: (taken according to Weight Watchers guidelines)

Height: 5’10”
Weight: 154lbs.
Upper Arm: 12″
Abdomen: 34.5″
Waist: 31″
Hips: 38″
Thighs: 23.5″

Goals:

I wish I had hard and fast numbers I could spout out, but I really don’t know, other than my waist. I’d like to tone my abs; my stomach is still a bit soft from pregnancy. I was surprised that my waist was at 31,” since I’ve been wearing jeans with a 29-30″ waist. I would like to lose a couple inches, to approximately 27-28″ waist. There are jeans in my closet that I haven’t worn in years. I’d love to pull them out!

I want to build more muscle on my arms and rear. At this point, I want to do push-ups, ab and leg exercises every day. I don’t care how many sets yet. It’s just a matter of getting into a habit of doing them. Run 4-5 days a week, and increase my distance and speed as I get closer to my April half marathon. If you’re curious, I keep track of my running times on my personal fitness blog, This Mama Runs.

I’ve been doing great with my diet, but I probably need to start eating more. Since I had my son, I’ve been using MyFitnessPal to track my intake, and I aim for around 1500 calories a day. That has served me well to this point, but as I’m working out more and definitely as I’m running more, I’m going to need to eat more. My goal this week will be to determine what my optimum caloric intake would be, as well as what type of calories (protein vs. carbs, etc).

From now on, I’ll be linking up on Fridays with Jill Conyers at Fitness, Health, and Happiness. Jill is a wife, mom, fitness blogger, and ultra runner. Following her blog is keeping me motivated!

So now it’s your turn. As I said at the beginning of this post, I’d love to have you join in, whether you blog or not. You don’t have to have any crazy goals like run a triathlon (but if you do, that’s very cool!). Your goal can be something as simple as determining to walk an extra 30 minutes a week throughout January. Start with a small, quickly-attainable goal. That will help you give you confidence and motivation to meet the next!

Did you meet your fitness goals this week? What are your goals? What areas of your body or life would you like to improve?

fitness

Review: Handana- sweatbands for running, yoga, cycling, and more!

23 December, 2013 6 Comments

Although I’ve slowed down my half-marathon training to running just twice a week during the holidays, I’ll be picking up the pace soon in the New Year.

One of the things I dislike most about running is the sweat on my face. A good headband keeps my head/hair sweat from trickling down my face, but won’t do anything about my forehead sweat, etc. It’s gross talking about sweat, I know, but that’s part of working out!

Sometimes I remember to bring a little towel with me that I toss in the jogging stroller, but it’s not the most convenient thing to reach for while I’m running. If I’m running without the stroller, then the towel’s just not an option, since I have no way to carry it.

The folks at MyHandana.com sent me one of their Handanas to review. Made of a soft, durable Supplex™ Lycra™ fabric, the handana is worn wrapped around your hand. Use both sides of the Handana to easily wipe sweat from your eyes, forehead, etc. You still have complete movement of your hand and fingers, which is important if you’re biking or want to use your water bottle or open snacks.

Use your Handana for running, yoga, tennis, Zumba, etc. Multiple size and colors are available, and Handanas retail from $13.99 (on sale) to $15.99. Best yet, Handanas are made right here in the USA! See the styles HERE.

Handanas are sweat bands that slip on and wrap around your hand. They're convenient and they work! Find out more on My Life: A Work in Progress

I received the True Red on White Handana in size medium. It’s stretchy and very comfortable to wear, and I got used to the feeling of having something on my hand in just a few minutes. It fits on either hand, which is convenient. I’ve also worn the Handana over my Nike tech running gloves on a cold day.

I haven’t used one of the wrist sweatbands, so I can’t compare the two, but the Handana does a great job of soaking up sweat from my face, and it’s easy to toss in the washing machine with my workout clothes. From looking at wrist sweatbands in the store, I’d say the Handana has a much larger surface area. I’d also assume it’s easier to reach areas of your neck and face with your hand than your wrist.

You can check out Handana and follow them at the links below:

MyHandana.com | Handana on Facebook | Handana on Twitter | Handana on Pinterest

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