Showing posts with label giveaway. Show all posts
Showing posts with label giveaway. Show all posts

March 30, 2018

At-Home Teeth Whitening for a Coffee Drinker

Disclosure: Smile Brilliant sent me a complimentary whitening kit to use. My before & after photos are not retouched or filtered. As always all thoughts & opinions are my own.


Something that I haven’t really shared with anyone is that I’m self-conscious of my teeth. They are nice and straight after many years and lots of money as a child/teenager with top & bottom palate expanders and then braces (thanks Mom & Dad). However as someone who loves coffee and tea and other staining foods (like beets and red wine!) my teeth are kinda yellowed. This has come more apparent in the age of selfies and posting photos online. Also the increase in coffee consumption with graduate school and studying for my board exam did not help! Who doesn’t want whiter teeth when showing of those big happy smiles? Don’t worry coffee, I still love you.


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I was really happy to recently try out Smile Brilliant, an easy custom fitted whitening system. This post is obviously sponsored because Smile Brilliant was nice enough to send me complimentary product, but I also truly did have a good experience. At first I was skeptical about the product, but then I actually saw fellow pal and running blogger Hollie’s results and knew I needed to take advantage of this opportunity to help my smile. 


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How does Smile Brilliant compare to other teeth whitening systems?  

Smile Brilliant is a custom whitening treatment for your teeth that you can do at home. Many of the options out there are largely temporary-like the whitening strips I used in high school & college. Unlike strips, charcoal is not ADA-approved and can be abrasive for teeth while also being temporary.  The Smile Brilliant method uses custom molded trays which is similar to the treatment at a dentist but way less expensive. It’s more expensive and a longer process than say whitening strips, but it is better at removing stains more permanently.


October 31, 2017

10 Favorite Things from the Runner's World Half Festival 2017

So I've been stalling writing any blog posts about the Runner's World Half Festival because I had such an amazing time and there is so much to say. It was an absolute honor and pleasure to be invited as part of the RW Half Run Crew. I left with sore legs, sweet bling, and new running friends! Since I love lists, I figured I'd start out my post-race weekend recap the way I blogged about what I was most excited about pre-RW Half Festival! Spoiler alert: some of the things I was excited about beforehand DID turn out to be amazing.
10 Favorite Things from the Runner's World Half Festival 2017

My Top 10 Favorite Things from the RW Half Festival Weekend (not in order!) 

1.  The people: The RW Half Run Crew and all the Runner's World employees I met were so nice (Oh and RUNNING WITH RYAN HALL WAS PRETTY FREAKING COOL TOO). We had a such a great group of people in the RW Half Run Crew. 


RW Half Run Crew with Ryan Hall

2. Meeting Ryan Hall: See above re:running with Ryan Hall. It was great to hear him talk about his kids and biggest tip about marathoning is to relax! He said he races best when he is relaxed. 

February 20, 2017

4 Reasons Why I'm Using Collagen Peptides {Vital Proteins Review & Giveaway}

Disclosure: I was 2 complimentary tubs of Vital Proteins for review. The giveaway is fulfilled by Vital Proteins. As always, all thoughts & opinions are my own. 

Like me, you may have read or heard of people (particularly in the paleo crowd) taking gelatin for health benefits such as a drinking bone broth. However, you may be wondering what do gelatin or collagen peptides actually do? Gelatin, like that JELL-O stuff?  

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, and collagen peptides have the same amino acids as gelatin, however they are just processed differently.
Collagen peptides are hydrolyzed a.k.a. broken down into smaller amino acid chains so they are more easily digestible (I will forever be a chemistry nerd so I LOVE learning about food science). 

I had heard of Vital Proteins from reading about them on various blogs, and then had the chance to talk to the lovely people at the Vital Proteins booth and snag some samples at Natural Products Expo East 2016. Vital Proteins was nice enough to send me a tub of their collagen peptides and collagen beauty greens to try out. 

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The Collagen Peptides powder in the blue container come from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine hides so they are not vegetarian. At first I thought it was a little weird that it was powder from cows, but after that initial moment of weirdness now I love how they are a natural and sustainable source of protein.

The green container of Collagen Beauty Greens contains marine collagen peptides along with greens, probiotics and skin healthy helpers like hyaluronic acid, all in a yummy coconut vanilla flavored powder. 

December 7, 2016

5 Winter Workout Items to Put On Your Wish List {and Athleta Giveaway from one of the best gyms in Pittsburgh}

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by XShadyside. The giveaway gift card is provided by and will be delivered by XShadyside for my readers.

 I'm currently still recovering from my injury, but I can't wait for the day soon that I get to start running again. I'm going to start adding in some workouts this week after not having gotten my sweat on in over a month. That means I'm definitely adding some fun winter running and workout clothes to my Christmas Wish List. Who am I kidding, I rock tights and running clothes as part of my regular wardrobe even if I'm not working out. Here are five items I have my eye on from my favorite brands. 


Also thanks to one of the best gyms in Pittsburgh, there's a giveaway below for a $25 Athleta gift card so you can treat yourself before the holidays! 


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5 Winter Workout Apparel Items to Put On Your Wish List 

1. Women's Distance Long Sleeve Running Shirt from Brooks Running ($44)
This is my favorite color and the shirt looks SO comfortable for working out or lounging around. 

2. Spandos Jane Bra from Oiselle ($64)
I LOVE all of the Spandos line which sells out fast. This bra offers nice coverage and is super cute. 

November 16, 2016

My 4th Blogiversary {Prize Pack Fit Giveaway}

Disclaimer: I was sent complimentary flowers by ProFlowers. I mean, who doesn't like being sent flowers? 

Okay so my 4th blogiversary happened to fall on the day of the Chicago Marathon so it was overshadowed by all that fun and now the subsequent craziness of school and #bootlife afterward.  Thanks so much to ProFlowers for reaching out and sending me a lovely congratulatory blog birthday bouquet, which totally sparked me actually celebrating my blog's birthday. I love having fresh flowers in the apartment-they totally brighten my day. 


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Beautiful Autumn Birthday Wishes bouquet
I've grown a lot blog-wise and personally in the past 4 years. Plus I've run like a LOT more races. As I stated in my very first post, I'm still trying to find peace and balance in my life. I think I get a little bit closer every day. I'm full of gratitude to have my little corner of the Internet to share my thoughts, cool product finds, race recaps, struggles, and accomplishments. I'm mostly grateful for all of the wonderful adventures and people I've met through this blog and places it's lead me. 


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I'm still not a super fancy blogger and despite pretending to be a food blogger, fitness model, fashion blogger, or professional runner some days, I still have plenty of work to do. However I like to laugh at how far I've come. A few phone upgrades also helped a lot! There's many rambling blog posts, terrible dark photos, and messy early posts. I've thought about cleaning some up and maybe I'll refurbish them into new posts, but I like leaving those behind. It's authentic, it's me, and it's something to look back on! 

Here's a couple photos from 2013 that are too bright, dark, and have that lovely chipped nail polish. 


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But for real, I'll cherish my first marathon medal forever. 

In contrast, I've learned a thing or two in 2016 and have a long way to go! 


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Can I just go back to Seawheeze and Vancouver? 

Here's to a even better 5th year of blogging with more running, adventures, and FRIENDS! 


To celebrate and thank all of my fabulous readers I decided to throw together a little fitness prize pack giveaway with not one but TWO winners.  Each winner will receive a prize pack including some of the following: Bondiband headbands, Vibrant Health protein powder packets, Momentum Jewelry, Nuun Hydration electrolyte tablets, Sweat Pink shoelaces, Run10Feed10 bracelets, and a few more goodies. Enter using the Rafflecopter below! 



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a Rafflecopter giveaway This giveaway ends November 23rd, 2016, 12 AM EST. The winner will be notified via email right away. If I don’t hear back from the winner within 24 hours I’ll have to pick a new winner. Prize and delivery of prize is from me and is not associated with any of the brands included in the prize pack.  

What is your favorite topic to read about on blogs? What do you like to see on my blog? 

August 23, 2016

#WeirdWorkout Campaign with Prana and Organic Valley & Grouse Grind-ing.

This post is sponsored by prAna and Organic Valley through my partnership with FitApproach. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I wanted to let you all know about this awesome giveaway hosted by prAna and Organic Valley that is happening because who doesn’t love winning things. Especially when the giveaway is offering 10 winners the chance to earn $300 in credit to use at prAna.com, a 2-month supply of Organic Valley, and lots of free swag. To keep it short and sweet, you can go right ahead now and find out more details and enter here
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The contest runs from August 15th through the 31st , 2016  so hurry up and 
If you aren’t familiar with both brands, they are great. I haven’t had the opportunity to own any prAna gear yet although I’ve tried some on at my local yoga studio. PrAna’s mission is to inspire healthy, active, free-spirited living (which is right up my alley) and create versatile, stylish, and sustainable clothing and accessories to wear during every adventure. 
 Organic Valley’s Organic Fuel shakes are made with only 9 ingredients with protein coming from real organic milk made by pasture-raised cows on Organic Valley family farms. Their product is lactose-free, gluten-free, and free from GMO’s and hormones too which I love.
You can also SAVE 15% on prAna.com purchase right away with my code PFS16BDAS, valid through October 31, 2016.

July 22, 2016

#FuelYourAwesomeness this Summer with Bob's Red Mill Protein {Giveaway}

Disclosure: This giveaway is sponsored by Bob’s Red Mill as part of a campaign through my partnership with SweatPink and Fit Approach. As always all thoughts & opinions are my own!

While the fact that summer is flying by makes me sad, I have been trying to pack my summer with as much awesomeness as I can. I haven’t even been able to keep up blogging but if you follow me on Instagram or Twitter, you know I’ve been having some fun this month in Boston and at November Project Summit 4.0 in Canada last weekend (posts to come!).  Lots of travelling and eating out or on-the-go for sure! 


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Let’s be honest though, travelling and having fun are exhausting so that’s why I was glad to get some new Bob’s Red Mill Protein and Nutritional Boosters in the mail packed with 20g of protein to stay #summerstrong. I received 4 varieties including Vanilla, Chocolate, Chai, and Protein & Fiber Booster. 

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Even if my eating has been full of more treats and less greens, having a post-workout smoothie with some protein and fruit or veggies is an easy way to refuel this summer. 

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If your local store carries Bob’s Red Mill products, you can get a discount on Bob’s Red Mill Nutritional Boosters with this coupon!

GIVEAWAY! ::woop woop::

One lucky reader will win a 16 oz. package ($30 value!) of Bob’s Red Mill Protein Powder NutritionalBooster to fuel their own awesomeness! Enter via Rafflecopter below!

This giveaway ends July 30th, 2016, 12 AM EST. The winner will be notified via email right away. If I don’t hear back from the winner within 24 hours I’ll have to pick a new winner. Delivery of the prize is by Bob’s Red Mill.

How are do you #fuelyourawesomeness this summer?

This post was linked up with my fave Friday Linkup ladies CourtneyMar, and Cynthia  as well as NicoleJilland Amanda .

May 23, 2016

Summer Running Gear Essentials {Miles & Pace hat giveaway}

Disclaimer: I received Miles & Pace product for review. As always all thoughts & opinions are my own. 

As the weather heats up, some different gear gets more heavily rotated in my runs. Think a lot less layers and lighter fabrics.  I rock the neon colors and prints year round but especially love wearing crazy colors when the weather is warm. Instead of protecting myself from the wind and cold, I need to protect myself more from the sun.  Here are some of my summer running gear staples: 


Summer Running Gear Essentials {Miles & Pace hat giveaway}

1. Hat. 

When's it sunny out I need something to protect my head and face from the sun and keep the sun or rain out of my eyes. It's a great way to protect yourself from UV rays in style whether you're logging miles or relaxing on the beach. It did take me years to embrace wearing a hat. If it's not for you, try a visor!


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Or taking a nap outside. 

2. Running Socks. 

Running socks are an important staple year round. I'm partial to Feetures! running socks (I'm an ambassador for the brand!), but at least recommend finding any type of wicking socks that you like. Aside from rainy runs, if you are a sweaty runner like me, during those hot & humid runs the last thing I want is sweaty feet and toes rubbing around in my shoes giving me blisters. Throw down a few extra dollars for some pairs of solid running rocks! 

3. Sunglasses. 

Like hats, sunglasses protect my face and eyes from sun exposure. Plus shades make you look super cool. I also use sunglasses to partially hide some ugly running faces during races-bonus! I always pick up a couple of fun cheap pairs of sunglasses at Target to last me through the summer. 


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4. Shorts.

I am a shorts girl. I just slick some Bodyglide and sunscreen on my thighs, and I'm ready to go in the summer! I love wearing breathable shorts in a fun pattern during the summer instead of my collection of black capris. I'm also a fan of shorts that have a little pocket perfect for my house key or a gel. I have a few pairs of Lululemon, Oiselle, and Under Armour shorts that I really like but this brand new pair in the photos is courtesy of the Old Navy sale rack for less than $10.  They are really light, semi-waterproof, and feature a pretty pattern! 



From my previous Miles & Pace review you know that I'm a big time supporter of the brand. In case you it's been a while since you read my post, to recap Miles & Pace is a super cool and laid back active lifestyle brand that pairs running motivation with awesome graphic tees and trucker hats. Their products totally fit in with my summer style.

As you can tell, I was super excited to receive one of the Miles & Pace trucker hats in the new neon pink style. I LOVE pink & black as a color combo and think neon pink is a perfect summer color. I also received their awesome "Sunday Runday" top in a black tank style perfect for when I'm enjoying a post-run beer on a hot summer day. If summer ever decides to grace us with its presence in the mid-atlantic that is! 

Now Miles & Pace hats and "Sunday Runday" tanks come in many shades of colors so you can choose your favorite (or grab them all!). 


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Trying to look cool modeling this gear. #fail
Since I'm totally on board with the brand's philosophy of spreading inspiration and motivation in the running community, I thought I'd kickoff summer running with a giveaway for my readers. I had an extra black and white trucker hat from a giveaway so I thought I'd pass it along to a fellow runner! I'm giving YOU the chance to win the classic trucker hat.  

All you have to do is enter the Rafflecopter below to win one Miles & Pace trucker hat-giveaway ends June 6th at 12 AM EST. This giveaway is sponsored by me and prize will not be coming directly from Miles & Pace. Open to U.S. residents only, sorry! 

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Check out Miles & Pace on FacebookInstagram, and Twitter

This post was linked up with Weekend Snapshots,

What is your favorite piece of summer running gear?

March 4, 2016

Get MOTOvated with the Moto 360 Sport

Fitness trackers and wearables are all the rage and are only getting more advanced and integrative as we move into 2016. Through my partnership with Fitfluential I was given the chance to try the new watch on the block from Motorola, the Moto 360 Sport. My boyfriend was super jealous because he had been reading about it for a while so I was excited to try it out. 

Now this isn't just a GPS watch, it's a watch for an entire active lifestyle. It has what I need for my everyday life including fitness, run-tracking, music, social media, weather updates, and calls or texts. Now all I need is for it to make me dinner and do my homework for me.


Get MOTOvated with the Moto 360 Sport

Sleek, easy-to use

The Moto 360 Sport works with both IOS and Android platforms, but integrates more of the functionality through Google if you have an Android Device. It connects via Wifi and Bluetooth to your device, and you can download Android Wear™ like I did so everything from my Android phone automatically synced up to the watch. When I first unboxed it, I immediately noticed how sleek the design was. I loved how it looked like a regular watch with the not too larger round LCD screen and silicone band. The watch comes in 3 colors-Black, White, and Flame Orange.

The standard screen is the sport watch face which shows daily steps, number of calories burned, a stopwatch, and how close you are towards a daily goal of 30 minutes of elevated heart activity. However you can change the watch face or download a bunch of other really pretty faces for your watch which completely makes it look more stylish and less like a fitness device.


Get MOTOvated with the Moto 360 Sport

The Moto 360 Sport features Anylight hybrid display which means it looks like an LCD screen indoors but if I'm outside and it's sunny it will use the natural sunlight to illuminate the screen so it isn't all washed out.

Run free

Of course you want to know just like I did how the Moto 360 Sport works as a running watch. It's really easy to just swipe over and open the Moto Running app on the watch. You just choose if you are indoors or outdoors and then can hit quick start or choose a workout goal based on time, distance, or calorie burn and GO! It synced to the GPS easily and allowed me to easily swipe or tap to see my heart rate, and lap details or pause/end the run. The main screen had exactly what I wanted to see displayed during my run-clock time, activity time, miles, and pace. You can also download music onto the watch to listen with Bluetooth headphones or even sync up the app Spotify like I did.

December 23, 2015

lindsay.withlove Handmade Jewelry Instagram Giveaway

Disclosure: I received a $10 discount from lindsay.withlove to purchase my necklace. lindsay.withlove offered to sponsor a giveaway on my Instagram.  As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

On this blog and in photos you mostly see me in running and workout gear. However I am actually the type of girl that loves to get dressed up, but hasn't had a chance to much lately.  I'm a fan of jewelry besides Momentum bracelets including statement necklaces, stacks of bracelets (especially puravida lately, which I stocked up on during Black Friday), costume jewelry rings, and earrings.  I am always on the lookout for funky statement pieces or interesting items.  

Once I saw the jewelry that fellow Fitfluential ambassador Lindsay of The Toasted Pinenut was creating, I was in love! 

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I had actually being eyeing up a few crystal necklace pieces I saw on Etsy already so being able to support a fellow ambassador sold me on treating myself to a necklace this holiday season. 


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I was really drawn to the color of the purple druzy pendant necklace and decided to go with that one. Lindsay gave me a little holiday discount to on the necklace. All of her handmade necklaces normally all retail for $45 on her Etsy shop or Instagram

I was really surprised how nice the necklace actually looked in person. The crystal is a sparkly, vibrant purple stone, and it came on a delicate gold chain.  It's really pretty in person, and I can't wait to wear it during the holidays.  My sister and mom already complimented the necklace so it's definitely something I'm keeping in mind for future gifts since I already finished all of my holiday shopping. 

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November 8, 2015

Pumpkin Hemp Soup {recipe} with Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts Giveaway

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post with Mantioba Harvest through my association with Fit Approach. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was happy to recently receive a sample of Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts to try out through my partnership with Fit Approach as a Sweat Pink ambassador. I've had a few sample packs from various places before. Hemp is a plant and the plants grown in Western Canada are mostly used for hemp foods. Also I recently was reintroduced to making macrame hemp bracelets that girls made when I was younger (yet I had never mastered!)-that string comes from the hemp plant.  

The hard hemp seed is at the top of the plant and this is used to make Hemp Hearts, hemp protein powder, and hemp oil. It's a plant that has been around for centuries. No it will not get you feeling weird-read more about its misconceptions here.

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These raw shelled hemp seeds have a nutty texture and taste like sunflower seeds to me. Although they are small, they are packed with protein and omegas (10g of each per serving!) and are easy to sprinkle on anything from savory dishes, cereal and oatmeal, yogurt or salads. 

I mostly have used them at breakfast time in my oatmeal, cereal, and yogurt but decided to switch things up and try a recipe from Manitoba Harvest's website. I made this seasonal Pumpkin Hemp Soup which was delicious! I happened to have some fresh pumpkin puree around from a roaster pumpkin which gave it lots of extra flavor. I had to substitute onions for shallots and used what milk I had on hand, but the recipe still turned out great. 



The soup is very creamy and flavorful. I loved adding extra hemp hearts on top for a little crunchiness.


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Pumpkin Hemp Soup (adapted original recipe from Manitoba Harvest

September 14, 2015

2nd Annual Fall into Fitness Giveaway Hop-Momentum Footnotes

I love giveaways and enter a ton of them, especially blog-hosted ones. I mean, who doesn't love winning awesome prizes? That's why I was really excited to participate in Runaway Bridal Planner's health & fitness giveaway hop-the 2nd Annual Fall into Fitness Giveaway Hop! 

A blog hop is pretty much just a set of blog posts by different bloggers which are all linked up together.  For the giveaway hop, each blogger is hosting a different health & fitness giveaway , which is all linked up with all the other bloggers' health & fitness giveaways. You'll be able to see the links for all the other giveaways on the bottom of my blog post and hop over to other blogs to enter them all! 


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It's also a really great way to find some new blogs, including Runaway Bridal Planner and this hop's co-host, Hoho Runs.  

The very first two weeks of my training cycle I hosted a Momentum wrap bracelet giveaway so now that the Fall races are quickly approaching, I'll be giving away two Momentum Footnotes. You can keep both and use them on different pairs of shoes, use one on each shoe, or give one to a friend! 

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These lightweight aluminum pendants will not tarnish and are offered in over 30 inspirational mantras to choose from. I love adding these motivational charms to my shoelaces so that at the starting line or during tough miles in the race or training run, I can glance down and get an extra boost of motivation.  

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Check Momentum Jewelry out on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram

As always you can use my ambassador affiliate link to save 10% off any order! 

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Please enter using the Rafflecopter below.  There will be one winner, US only (sorry!), and the giveaway is void where prohibited. Entries to the giveaway end 12:01 AM EST on Monday 9/21/2015.  
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Be sure to hop over and check out all of these other great giveaways!