All posts by Alicia

Jabra - Sport Pulse Wireless Earbud Headphones

How Jabra Sport Pulse Fitness Wireless Headphones from Best Buy Will Help Keep Your New Year’s Resolution

Gadgets, Health, , ,

 

Best Buy disclosure

If you know me, you know I’m not a big fan of New Year’s resolutions.   It’s probably because of my fear of failure and thus I prefer not to commit to a resolution I am not 100% sure I can achieve and maintain.  While I didn’t officially announce New Year’s resolutions this year, this year is different.   I started my personal and very quiet New Year’s resolutions in December when I followed up with my physician’s request to see Jabra - Sport Pulse Wireless Earbud Headphonesa neurosurgeon and the neurosurgeon’s request for me to see a Yoga Therapist – amongst other professional physical therapy types.   I have been told by my physician and other doctors for a few years that spine surgery is a very real possibility for me and if I want to reduce that possibility I need to move forward, quickly forward, with a few types of therapy including yoga therapy, aqua therapy, dry needling, and trigger point massage.   In addition to these therapies, I need to exercise regularly, even if it is a slow-paced walk or going up and down our steps several times consecutively several times a day.  Sounds like a blast right?  Well… it is when I have my music or my podcast playing through my headphones.   Even though because of my injury I can’t pick up the pace to the beat of a good pop song, upbeat music or a super geeky tech podcast keeps me going for at least 30 minutes a couple times a day.

If you’re like me and you have a fitness or physical therapy goal you’re working to achieve and know the added boost of good music, an audiobook or podcast helps you get through the walk, run, steps, or strenuous workout, visit your local Best Buy store, the place to shop for headphones.  You will find dozens of brands, styles, fits, and price ranges.  One pair that I particularly find very cool are the Jabra Sport Pulse Fitness Headphones.

Jabra - Sport Pulse Wireless Earbud Headphones

 

The wireless Jabra Sport Pulse Fitness Headphones take training to the next level.  Jabra Sport Pulse Wireless is an all-in-one training solution that combines an in-ear biometric heart rate monitor, immersive Dolby® Digital sound and real-time voice coaching.  It’s like having a personal trainer during your workout!  It’s US Military grade durability certifications will inspire runners, cyclists, and exercisers of all types to beat their best performance.

Jabra - Sport Pulse Wireless Earbud Headphones

With a built-in intelligent app – Jabra Sport Life – exercisers will also get the most out of their Sport Pulse Wireless earbuds, helping them plan, track and evaluate each workout.  It has never been so easy to test fitness levels and aerobic capacity, adjust heart rate zone levels to optimize training, and set goals based on distance, time or calories burned.

More Jabra Sport Pulse Wireless Headphone Features

In-ear heart rate monitor

Offers a precision biometric reading of your exercise intensity to help you reach your fitness goals.

Ergonomic Audio Response Science technology

Delivers a compact, lightweight design and secure fit that lets you concentrate on your training.

Earbud design with earwings

Provides a secure, comfortable fit during your workout.

Rechargeable lithium-ion battery

Provides up to 5 hours of talk time or music play time or up to 240 hours of standby time.

Personalized audio coaching

Provides feedback on your workout in real time.

iOS- and Android-compatible Jabra Sport Life app (download required)

Helps you plan, track and evaluate your workout.

Wind-noise reduction

For crystal-clear audio while outside.

Volume buttons, voice mute, play/pause music and skip track controls

For easy operation of your device’s features.

Compatible with smartphones with BT capabilities.

Product: Jabra Pulse SKU 8954664

Learn more about Jabra Sport Pulse Fitness Headphones online at BestBuy.

 

 

Audio Technica Sonic Fuel ATH-CKX9iS In-ear Headphones with In-line Mic & Control

Gift Guide: Audio-Technica’s SonicFuel™ In-ear Headphones + Giveaway!

Contests, Gadgets, Gifts, , , ,
There’s still time to get these in time for a Christmas or New Year’s gift! Order Audio-Technica’s SonicFuel In-ear Headphones on Amazon.com with your Prime account and get free 2-day shipping!

Gone are the days when earphones with a price point of less than $100 are expected to not provide deep bass and great sound.   Audio-Technica’s SonicFuel™ In-ear Headphones are the answer to many-a-teens request this Christmas with their affordable price of just $49, bass boosting sound, 360˚ rotating eartip, and in-line volume and microphone controls.

Music is likely your teen’s energy for life.   Listening to podcasts gets me through long days whether it’s while I work, while doing laundry, or waiting in the carpool line.  My 15-year-old son gets his chores done quicker when he listens to music while doing chores or yard work, just like you and I might burn more calories if we listen to our favorite jams from the 80’s while working out.  🙂  SonicFuel™ headphones are specifically designed for active, daily use, to power your teen forward by delivering extraordinary comfort, style and an immersive listening experience that never sounds artificial, processed or filtered. Just pure sonic goodness for the high-octane tempo of your life.

Audio Technica Sonic Fuel ATH-CKX9iS In-ear Headphones with In-line Mic & Control

The ATH-CKX5iS SonicFuel in-ear headphones feature stay-in-place fit, providing unique comfort in addition to optimal sound. The C-tip configuration nestles within the ear where it locks in place for extra stability. A 360˚ rotating eartip adjusts to the unique angle of your ear canal for personalized fit and improved sound isolation.

You can adjust the size and fit to your ear, making a HUGE difference when it comes to comfort and sound quality.   The ATH-CKX5iS headphones offer 4 different size eartips (XS, S, M, L), and three c-tips (S, M, L) for a customized fit designed to stay in place, no matter what you’re doing.   The unique eartips rotate a full 360° to automatically align with the angle of your ear canal, directing the sound towards your inner ear to avoid pressure and discomfort, while the c-tips fit the curvature of your ear for maximum stability.

Audio Technica Sonic Fuel ATH-CKX9iS In-ear Headphones with In-line Mic & Control

Thanks to an in-line microphone and controller, the ATH-CKX5iS headphones function as an extension of your or your child’s smartphone allowing you to quickly answer a call, then return to your music.  No more excuse for not answering your call or text while your teen is listening to music!

If you, your partner, or your child love listening to music, podcasts, and being able to talk on your smartphone without holding the phone to your ear for a long period of time, Audio-Technica’s SonicFuel™ In-ear Headphones are a perfect fit for you!

Win Audio-Technica’s SonicFuel™ In-ear Headphones!

We are giving a lucky reader Audio-Technica’s SonicFuel™ In-ear Headphones! Entries accepted December 23, 2014 through 9:30am January 5, 2015. U.S. residents over 18 years of age may enter. Prize will not be shipped to a P.O. Box. This contest is not affiliated with Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. The winner will be randomly chosen by noon January 6, 2015 and will be notified via email. Winner must respond within 24 hours to claim his/her prize.

Purchase Audio-Technica’s SonicFuel™ In-ear Headphones on Amazon.com or check your local Best Buy for availability.

Best Buy holiday gift guide

Gift Guide: Holiday Gift Ideas From Best Buy

Gadgets, Gifts, , ,

Best Buy disclosure

I’ve employed what my husband says is a sneaky technique the last couple of years come holiday wish list time.  I don’t ask my kids to provide me with a wish list but instead I pay attention to what my kids have said they want from starting in September.  If they mention something several times, I consider getting the item as a Christmas gift.  Otherwise, I get a circular with stars and circled products throughout from my daughter and a long list of gadgets from my son.   A few things that have stuck in my son’s and husband’s minds and thus made it to my final list of what they really want for Christmas are the XBOX One, a wireless speaker, headphones, and a GPS unit.  You know what store sells all of these products, right?  Best Buy!  If you want to skip the traffic and parking space wars, click over to Best Buy online and get your shopping done without leaving the house!

Best Buy holiday gift guide

 

holiday gift guide

 Xbox One offers gaming at its best with access to tv shows and apps

XBOX one game console

 

Xbox One was built by gamers, for gamers. With the best exclusive titles (Halo, Sunset Overdrive), the biggest blockbusters (Assassin’s Creed and Call of Duty) the hottest sports franchises (Madden 15, FIFA 15, NBA 2K15) and top family titles (Fantasia: Music Evolved, Just Dance 15, Skylanders) Xbox One takes gaming to a whole new level.

Learn more about XBOX One at Best Buy

In addition to being a great gaming console, Xbox one connects consumers unlike any other device.  Xbox One gives consumers access to the latest TV shows and movies through your favorite apps like Netflix, HBO Go and Amazon Instant Video.  With Xbox One all of your media is at your fingertips when you want it.

holiday gift guideJBL offers superb sound in small packages

 

JBL offers consumers superb sound at affordable prices with products ranging from headphones to wireless speakers.  When Sebastian, my 15 year old, wears headphones while working in the yard and doing his chores he stays more motivated and usually gets finished quicker.  Good trade off if you ask me!

JBL Holiday gifts

JBL Charge 2 – Between the twin passive radiators for deep bass, the massive 6000mAh battery and the hands-free conference speakerphone the key benefit is the Bluetooth Social Mode which allows up to three different users to take their turns to play their own playlists on a single speaker.

Learn more about these and other JBL audio products at Best Buy

JBL Flip 2 – Aside from the dual performance-tuned JBL drivers and a built-in bass port, the key benefit of the JBL Flip 2 is the SoundClear echo and noise cancellation combined with the state-of the art microphone system to pick up calls on the speaker.

JBL Reflect Earbud headphones –  Sweat proof ergonomic design.  With a 5 hour rechargeable battery and a reach of about 40 feet, the JBL Reflect BT’s key benefit is the design of the ergonomic eartips along with the built-in magnets which keep your buds on standby without loose cables.

holiday gift guide

Garmin and TomTom offer peace-of-mind with portable navigation units

 

Fusion TIFF File

For those who don’t want to use their smartphone’s battery life or data, a portable navigation device is a great gift.  The units below feature bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling, traffic and weather updates, lane assist, lifetime traffic and map updates as well as  Voice Recognition Technology.

Learn more about these GPS units at Best Buy

Garmin 52LM

  • 5.0” display
  • Maps of 49 U.S. states, plus lifetime map updates1
  • Lane assist with junction view
  • Displays speed limit and accurate arrival time
  • Easily find addresses and millions of points of interest
  • Spoken turn-by-turn directions
Learn more about these GPS units at Best Buy

Garmin 2597LMT

  • 5.0” display
  • Maps of 49 U.S. states, plus lifetime map updates
  • Lane assist with junction view
  • Displays speed limit and accurate arrival time
  • Easily find addresses and millions of points of interest
  • Spoken turn-by-turn directions
Learn more about these GPS units at Best Buy

TomTom Go 50s

  • Lifetime TomTom Traffic: Drive with TomTom Traffic for the lifetime of your device
  • Lifetime Maps (US, Canada, Mexico): Always drive with the latest map
  • 3D Maps. See buildings and landmarks in stunning 3D
  • 5″ touchscreen with advanced lane guidance

With Best Buy’s expert service and unbeatable prices these gifts can be a reality for your family this Holiday season!

Santa Claus health

Mrs. Claus Wants YOU to Have a Heart-Healthy Holiday Season!

Health, ,

Influence Central disclosure statement

I have been taking a cue from Mrs. Claus and checking my grocery list twice the past few weeks to make sure it has heart healthy elements like Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamins D & E on it. Some foods that have Omega-3 in them are probably your’s and your kids favorites including salmon, sardines, walnuts, and even raspberries and kale! In order to get my daily dose of Omega-3 I not only take a fish oil dietary supplement but I have also been experimenting with smoothies as you might have seen in my post about my new Intel Tablet¹.  You might be wondering what Omega-3 is.  Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for human health but the body can’t make them, you have to get them through food.

Mrs. Claus heart healthStudies show that instances of heart attacks increase over the holiday season.  Sad, isn’t it?   Two of the most beloved holiday icons are leveraging their celebrity this season to bring attention to heart disease – the No. 1 cause of death in the U.S. Mrs. Claus is inviting American families to join her in making the same, heart-healthy lifestyle changes she and Santa are taking on this year to raise awareness for nutrition’s role in heart health.

Adding Omega-3 to your daily diet can help with such ailments as depression, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and ADHD.  Nutrition plays a HUGE role in the development of our children and eating a few raspberries, walnuts, a piece of salmon, or a kale salad, can possibly help reduce the risk of your child having heart issues, or even ADHD.  In addition to eating foods rich in ingredients like omega-3s, Vitamin D and E, and Beta-Glucan, the Clauses and I know it can be difficult to get all the essential nutrients we need from diet alone, so we’ve added supplements to our daily routine.

If you don’t get enough nutritional elements from your diet, ask your doctor about adding supplements like Vitamin D, fish oil and multivitamins.  I, like many busy parents, forget to eat lunch some days so I started taking a vegetable and fruit supplement as well as Omega-3 and my doctor recommended Vitamin D.   Your doctor should be able to do lab work on you to see if you are deficient in any vitamins and minerals.  Maybe getting lab work done to check your heart health (vitamin and mineral levels) is a great resolution for you for the upcoming New Year!

 

Let’s join Mrs. Claus!  Let’s offer our family’s healthier options this holiday season.  Mrs. Claus was kind enough to share some of her favorite heart-healthy recipes with us.  Click here to see four of her favorites (pdf view). There are tons of recipes for healthier cookies than what you and I might have used in the past as well as heart-healthy smoothie recipes your kids will love.  I’m sure Santa and his reindeer will appreciate a heart-healthy chocolate chip cookie and carrots for the reindeer!

To learn more about how your family can make heart-healthy choices this holiday season, visit ClausNutrition.com.  Mrs. Claus will track the progress made by Santa, as well as share tips from experts in nutrition and heart health.  To see tips and recipes, click on the “Links” icon on Mrs. Claus’ video.

Mrs. Claus had the opportunity to ask Dr. Michael Roizen, founder of RealAge.com, a few questions about heart health

Mrs. Claus’ Question:

What advice do you have for keeping heart health top of mind during the holidays and after?

Dr. Michael Roizen’s Answer:

Maintain a healthy diet, be active, keep warm, relax

Mrs. Claus’ Question:

Between Santa and myself, is one of us more likely suffer from heart disease based on gender alone?

Dr. Michael Roizen’s Answer:

No. Research shows the percentage of all deaths from heart disease is nearly 50/50 between men and women. Heart disease is not a gender-specific issue, but rather one that all of us should be focusing on.

Let’s take a peek at the Claus’ routine and see how we can improve our own routine to be more heart-healthy this holiday season!

Santa Claus health

Set a better example for your children by making heart-healthy choices for yourself!

Have a happy, healthy holiday season!

Connect with DSM:

¹ Read about my Intel Tablet and how it has helped in my smoothie journey here

Watercolor holiday cards

Beautiful Illustrated Holiday Cards by Masha D’yans Design + Giveaway {15 Winners}

Contests, Gifts, Giveaways, ,

Every year around the beginning of November, once Halloween has passed, I think I’ll get creative and make things to give friends and family for Christmas. This year I went as far as searching Pinterest for DIY craft ideas made out of tin cans, baby food jars, buttons, etc.. I was really in a creative mood.. in November. December is here now and I just want to do what’s easy.  What’s easy, for me, is buying gifts.  My kids like to give their teachers crafty gifts so we usually go to holiday markets and festivals where we find the most beautiful handmade items to give as gifts.

I feel so lucky to have been contacted by a lovey lady named Masha D’yans, a Los Angeles resident and incredible artist who creates greeting cards for all occasions inspired by nature, fairy tales, Japan, and her refusal to grow up.   Masha’s cards, products and picture books are found in shops around the United States and abroad.   Her illustrated greeting cards are perfect gifts to give teachers, friends, family and coworkers!

Watercolor holiday cards

Masha’s designs are a combination of whimsical and beautiful.  Her artwork appeals to children and adults alike.  Some of my favorites are Eskimo Gift, featuring the Northern Lights, Scratchy XMasTree, and Winter Trees Umbrella Walk.  The cards are $4 for one or $16 for a set of 8.   If you are absolutely in love with one particular card, by all means get a set of that card, but with the variety of designs Masha D’yans offers there’s no reason you shouldn’t get each of your child’s teachers, athletic coaches, friends, your coworkers, and family members a unique card, chosen specifically for them!

Cards are available for all occasions including Christmas, Halloween, wedding, baby, birthday, thank you, sympathy, Valentine’s, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and more!  Take a look at the full selection on Masha D’yans website.

Masha D’yans Design uses soy-based inks on recycled paper and the cards are assembled here in the U.S.

There’s still time to order Masha D’yans Design’s holiday cards!

Your purchase will arrive a few days after placing your order.

Win Masha D'yans watercolor greeting cards

Win a set of 5 Masha D’yans watercolor cards!

Use the form below to enter to win a set of 5 cards from Masha D’yans!  Entries accepted through 1pm December 18, 2014 and open to U.S. residents 18+. No P.O. Boxes.  All entries are optional.  Your information will not be shared with anyone.  This contest is not affiliated with Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.  The winner will be contacted by email December 19th and must respond within 24 hours in order to claim the prize.