Hickies Laces Review

If you’re looking for a cute and functional stocking stuffer, try out Hickies laces. Well, they are non laces really.  Hickies allow you to turn any pair of shoes into slip ons.  I’m always racing out the door (and who isn’t) and I love being able to just slide my shoes on and off instead of having to tie them.  (Because I never tie them right and they are untied before I make it to the car…)

Hickies laces are made of think but stretchy rubber.  You feed them through your regular lace holes and close them using a small latch system.  I did both of my running shoes in about 20 minutes.  The second one went faster than the first once I knew what I was doing.

I didn’t know if there laces would be tight enough for a run.  I went out for a run in the woods and they stayed snug and comfortable.

The are adorable and give you shoes a fun, clean look.  They come in 16 colors.  I love the idea of using these for kids, teachers, nurses, etc.  Anyone who is on the go and needs to look good.  Ok, that’s everyone!

These make great clutter free stocking stuffers.  They come in 16 colors and each set comes with two bonus Hickies of a complimenting color.  You can, of course, customize your looks and go wild with lots of colors!  Its a great way to dress up a pair of boring pair of athletic shoes and add a bit of personality and style to your daily look.

Take a peek at Hickies at Brookstone:

http://www.brookstone.com/hickies-elastic-shoelaces

Order a pair for every stocking you’re filling and one for yourself!

Go Both Ways

This is today's thought as I try to get back to yoga...being away for part of the summer and then having a hand injury and an illness has kept me from being "on the mat", a place I love and cherish.  I'm hoping to get back to class this week!

Turkey Trot Wrap Up

On Thanksgiving morning, for the third year in a row, I ran the Ridgefield Turkey Trot.  It was the largest the race has ever been and as always it was a lot of fun.

I had stayed out pretty late the night before and eaten some junk food so my stomach was a little upset.  However, I was ready to just go out and have a good time.  I knew I wouldn't PR and I didn't want or need to.  As I've posted before, for various reasons, my training has been put on the back burner and I've been running more for the fun of it than anything else.

I wore long leggings and a long sleeve top.  I was cold at the start and as usual I heated up quite quickly.  I handed over my hat and gloves to my husband at the half way mark.  I could have even unzipped my top a little more.

I hadn't been wearing my barefoot shoes for training and they felt lightweight and amazing on my feet.

So I didn't PR.  As a matter of fact, I didn't push it at all.  I ran slow and steady and since I didn't wear my watch and they didn't call times I have no idea where I was on miles etc.  It was the first race ever that I just truly went out to have fun, and didn't care about timing etc.  It was liberating.

Big thanks to my husband who, as always, got up at the crack of dawn and stood in the cold to take photos.  My uncle also ran with me.  Its so much fun to have a family event like this to look forward to!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hickies Laces Review

If you're looking for a cute and functional stocking stuffer, try out Hickies laces. Well, they are non laces really.  Hickies allow you to turn any pair of shoes into slip ons.  I'm always racing out the door (and who isn't) and I love being able to just slide my shoes on and off instead of having to tie them.  (Because I never tie them right and they are untied before I make it to the car...)

Hickies laces are made of think but stretchy rubber.  You feed them through your regular lace holes and close them using a small latch system.  I did both of my running shoes in about 20 minutes.  The second one went faster than the first once I knew what I was doing.

I didn't know if there laces would be tight enough for a run.  I went out for a run in the woods and they stayed snug and comfortable.

The are adorable and give you shoes a fun, clean look.  They come in 16 colors.  I love the idea of using these for kids, teachers, nurses, etc.  Anyone who is on the go and needs to look good.  Ok, that's everyone!

These make great clutter free stocking stuffers.  They come in 16 colors and each set comes with two bonus Hickies of a complimenting color.  You can, of course, customize your looks and go wild with lots of colors!  Its a great way to dress up a pair of boring pair of athletic shoes and add a bit of personality and style to your daily look.

Take a peek at Hickies at Brookstone:

http://www.brookstone.com/hickies-elastic-shoelaces

Order a pair for every stocking you're filling and one for yourself!

What I've Learned

Well the holidays are just around the corner!  Its amazing to think of what 2012 has brought.  Since the end of the year is fast approaching I wanted to stop and think about what I've accomplished and learned thus far this year.

I've learned that sometimes you can't plan things.  I had some big goals for 2012 and some days I was just focused on making it through the day.

I've learned that I run for the love of it.  While goals are great, running to me means an escape and is a treat to myself.  It does keep me in shape and healthy, but its a best mental workout I can find.  I love running and it will always be part of my life, but not my whole life.

I've learned to be thankful for the little things, like time with family and friends.

I know that I need to be more mindful and present.  Its hard to focus on what you're doing and who you're with in the age of technology, but its important and when you do focus, you have so much more fun.

I love wine.  A good glass of wine at the end of a day really helps me unwind and feels like a little party every day.

I now know that I can't do it all.  I can't be everywhere.  I need to pick and choose what I can do and if something goes undone until tomorrow, the sky won't fall.

What have you learned this year?

Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Review

I was recently able to dry the new Burt’s Bees line of Intense Hydration products.  I have dry skin in the winter and although I love using natural products but sometimes they just haven’t been as effective as their chemical laden counterparts.

I was able to try the Intense Hydration facial cleanser, Night Crème and Mask.

The Cleanser comes out creamy and although I doubted its ability to give me a fresh, clean feel, it did.  And your skin feels soft after washing!

The night crème is thick and luxurious.  It goes on easily and absorbs quickly.  My skin sucks it up immediately and I’m left with soft skin.

The mask was the most perplexing of all.  I read the instructions and it says to apply a thin coat of mask and let it dry.  Then you remove it with a tissue.  Any excess can get rubbed in.  I was really worried that I was going to feel like I needed to wash my face again after using the mask.  I followed the instructions and I was shocked when I was left with really soft skin and a wonderful feeling to my skin.

The best part about the Burt’s Bees Intense Hydration collection is that they are 99% natural.  Oh and they are easy to find at your local store and AFFORDABLE!
They are worth giving a dry during this cold, dry winter season.