review Archives - Back At Square Zero

5 Tips to Get Better Quality Sleep: An essential part of your running plan

October 27, 2017 by abby 11 Comments

*This post is sponsored by Tomorrow Sleep, but all opinions provided are 100% my own.*

Studies show that getting good, quality sleep can improve your:
– speed
-reaction time
-recovery
All 3 of these can be huge game changers for runners, so how do we as runners go about making sure that we are getting the quality sleep that we need? Follow these 5 Tips to Get Better Quality Sleep in order to ensure you are doing all you can.

Keep in mind that the average person needs 7-9 hours of sleep a night, but just like runners in training need more food/calories to fuel their bodies, they need more sleep too! Sleep allows your body time to rebuild, repair, and recover from the work you are doing. Runners need to aim for an extra hour a night to help with this process. That means try for 8 – 10 hours instead of 7-9.

5 Tips to Get Better Quality Sleep:
1. Stick to a Regular Schedule –
Try to go to bed and wake up close to the same time each and every day. Throwing in one or two late nights a week can really throw off your sleep patterns. Do the best you can to keep you bedtime similar each night and your alarm clock close to the same each morning.

2. Avoid Taking Any Sleep or “Nighttime” Medications –
Not only can these over-the-counter sleep aids disturb the quality of your sleep, but they can also leave you feeling off the next day.
Stick to natural sleep aids like:
– taking a warm bath/shower before bed
– making sure your room is a nice cool temperature
– scenting your room with lavender essential oils
– tossing on a pair of warm, fuzzy socks

3. Reduce Caffeine Consumption –
Caffeine is a stimulant and can make it harder for you to get good, quality sleep. Reducing caffeine can be tough to do in a world where there is a Starbucks on every corner and even one inside of your local grocery store.
Try to stick to these two rules in order to have your caffeine, and still sleep too:
Number 1 – Limit yourself to one caffeinated drink a day. This is best not only for your sleep, but also for your body for numerous reasons.
Number 2 – Cut yourself off from caffeine at least 6 hours before bed. So, if you have a 10pm bedtime to be up for work at 6am that means no caffeine at all after 4pm.

4. Shut Off the Screens –
Screen time provides your brain with constant stimulation and doesn’t allow your brain to process the signals telling it that it is time for sleep. In order to prepare your brain for bed you need to give it a rest from the screen time. At least an hour (some studies suggest closer to two hours) before bed turn off all the screens in your house. That means your TV, computer, tablet, and the screen many of us seem most attached to – your cell phone. If your cell phone is your alarm then set it an hour or two before bed, plug it in, and don’t let yourself touch it again until it goes off the next morning.
Use this screen free hour before bed to take that nice warm shower, put on your comfy pjs, and then relax with a good book.

5. Invest in a High Quality Hybrid Mattress –
A hybrid mattress is the best of both worlds – a top layer of temperature regulating memory foam and a bottom layer made from a stabilizing coil system. This means that you get it all – cool comfort and essential support. You will not believe how much better you will sleep once you have a high quality hybrid mattress like this.
Tomorrow Sleep has an amazing hybrid mattress option that can be delivered directly to your door. Use the following Tomorrow Sleep discount code – RUN100 – to save $100 off any order of $500 or more. Tomorrow Sleep discount code expires 12/31/17.

5 Tips to Get Better Quality Sleep #sponsored @Tomorrow

Click To Tweet

Let me know –
How much sleep do you get?
I admit I usually only get 7 hours a night, but am really trying hard to get closer to 8 when possible.
What tricks and tips do you use to help yourself fall asleep?
I take a warm shower before bed, light a scented candle, and then read for about 30 minutes to calm down a bit.

Tomorrow Sleep Review

October 8, 2017 by abby 12 Comments

*Disclaimer – My Tomorrow Sleep mattress was provided to me in exchange for my review; however, this is my complete and honest opinion on it.

A few weeks ago the people behind Tomorrow Sleep reached out and offered to let me try out one of their new mattresses. My own mattress was seven or eight years old, so I knew this was something I would need to be buying soon, and I was really curious to try one of the online companies that deliver mattresses straight to your door in a box, as that seems to be all the rage lately.

My mattress arrived on my doorstep just a few days later – they provide FREE 2/3 day shipping.

Depending on the size of the mattress you order, the box may weigh a lot. My king sized mattress box weighed about 150 pounds, so be sure you recruit a friend or family member to help you set it it.

The mattress set up was so simple.
Just 5 easy steps:
1. Open box
2. Remove mattress
3. Cut away outer plastic and let mattress roll flat (special cutter provided)
4. Cut away vacuum sealed inner packaging
5. Allow mattress a few minutes to fully expand to thickness
I am not lying when I say that this is the best mattress I have ever owned. I was curious about having a mattress delivered to my door in a box, but oh dear heavens this one is amazing. In fact I already told my best friend that the next time she comes over instead of watching a movie on the couch we are watching a movie in my bed just so she can try it!

What makes Tomorrow Sleep so wonderful?
1. They created a hybrid mattress that is the best of both worlds – a top layer of temperature regulating memory foam and a bottom layer made from a stabilizing coil system. This means that you get the best of both worlds – cool comfort and essential support.
2. Tomorrow Sleep was created and designed with the research and engineering expertise of Serta Simmons Bedding, who have been innovators and masters in the world of mattress for over 100 years!
3. They have tons of wonderful add-ons to maximize you sleep experience. Everything from pillows, sheets, and comforters, to black out drapes and even a sleep monitor.
4. Their product is made right here in the USA in Charlotte, NC.
5. FREE 100 day trial. If you don’t love your Tomorrow Sleep mattress like I LOVE mine you can return it for free within 100 days.
I have been sleeping on my new mattress for 12 nights now and I must say I am noticing a difference.
– I fall asleep quicker than I used to at night.
– I wake up less times throughout the night and sleep more soundly.
– I am better rested than I was before.
– My bed feels cooler (temperature wise) than it used to.

I would really recommend Tomorrow Sleep mattresses to anyone, and with their 100 day trail you have nothing to lose. Try out the best hybrid mattress on the market.
Use the following Tomorrow Sleep discount code – RUN100 – to save $100 off any order of $500 or more. Tomorrow Sleep discount code expires 12/31/17.

”Did you tell the people all about the new bed you got for me mom?” – Harlee

Tomorrow Sleep Review: The best hybrid mattress on the market. #sponsored @tomorrow

Click To Tweet

Stitch Fix Review – September/October 2016

October 13, 2016 by abby 25 Comments

I have been seeing Stitch Fix reviews online for about a year now and always love reading to see what the people get and what they choose to keep. I have been holding off for a bit because I was trying to be good and save up some money, but then suddenly here came fall and I needed some new clothes. For me Stitch Fix was the answer because there were so many reasons why I could justify including it as part of my routine.
Stitch Fix is great because:
– It comes directly to your door saving you a ton of time.
– You can try on items in the comfort of your own home.
– The items you get are high quality pieces that you won’t see everyone else wearing.
– You get your very own stylist just like big time celeb.
– Every piece you get is styled just for you and to your specifications. Here is the deal – just like you I am crazy busy. I work a full time job and on top of that I marathon train and am a running coach myself. Plus I blog and do part time blogging and social media work too, oh and I try to make time for my friends and family, and have a social life – I just don’t have an extra minute. I have no clue how all of you moms with kids do it. I could not even imagine. I really wanted to check out some new fall clothes, but I just don’t have time to go shopping. Plus, I am really picky when I go out shopping. If I am going to spend my money I want something that fits me great, is good quality, and I think will last forever, so to find items like that I have to bounce from store to store to store, and the truth is ain’t nobody got time for that!

So, I decided to let Stitch Fix take the work out of shopping for me and I must admit I was so excited to have a personal stylist for the first time ever, it made me feel like I was getting the celebrity treatment. In order to cover all the work your stylist does reading through your notes, finding the perfect clothes for you, and giving you styling recommendations you do pay an initial $20. However, you don’t lose that money, the $20 you pay initially is subtracted from the price of the first item you by from the box.

I left my stylist really detailed comments because I wanted to help her give me the best box possible. I told her I was looking for fall/winter clothes, but that I live in Charleston where it never gets freezing. I mentioned I loved tunics and longer tops, and that I liked clothes that were professional and responsible enough to wear teaching, but also fun to wear out and about on weekends. I told her honestly about how I have struggled with my weight since getting sick and that I wanted clothes that would be flattering now, but still fit when I start to lose the weight. I also told here which colors I liked, jewel tones and neutrals, and which to stay away from, yellows, oranges, reds, etc. Plus, I mentioned I am a big believer in classic pieces that will last forever over quickly fading trends. When the box came I was over the moon. First, because who doesn’t love getting mail and also because it was a surprise. I mean I felt like a kid opening a birthday present – surprises are so much fun. When I opened the box I found a letter from my stylist. In the letter she explained why she had chosen each piece (I could tell she had really read my comments), and how she thought I could wear them to teach and out on weekends. Then, I found the styling cards which show how you could pair each piece a few different ways to make lots of looks (which is perfect for me who occasionally needs a bit of fashion help), and finally I discovered the pricing list.

However, the most important part, and my favorite, was getting to try on all the clothes.

1. Market & Spruce – Marbled Tunic Sweater = Keep
First, I pulled out this sweater which felt like the softest material ever, I couldn’t stop rubbing it like a creep. As soon as I touched it I was praying it would fit. I usually wear plain colors, and it has a bit of a pattern to it, but it is neutral and fun so I really liked it. When I tried it on I was so happy it fit perfectly. I’ll be wearing this all fall/winter.

2. Market & Spruce – Knotted Cardigan = Return
I wasn’t really sure exactly what was going on with this piece when I pulled it out of the box. There were knots and ruffles and all sorts of things happening. I knew it had the potential to be really cute, or disastrous when I tried it on. The truth was I liked the color, but it was a bit short ( I am 5’10) and I felt there was too much going on in the back so that it accentuated my hips in an unflattering way.

3. Brixon Ivy – Sylvester Split Neck Blouse = Return (Sadly)
I LOVE this color and the tunic style of the topic was perfect. This would work for teaching or for going out. I was so excited about this top. However, when I tried it on I had to be honest with myself – it was an inch or two too short and in the front and if I raised my arms too high you could see my belly. I so badly wanted to keep it, but it was obviously meant for someone not quite so tall.

4. Liverpool – Olive Trouser = Keep
I had asked for pants that had a bit of stretch to them and these Liverpool pants did! (That way they will fit will my fluctuating hypothyroid weight.) I thought the olive color was great for fall/winter and something I don’t own any of. Plus, it is so hard for me to find pants that fit great and are the right length. I had to snap these up.

5. Bay to Baubles – Geometric Tassel = Keep
Let me be honest. I don’t really need any more jewelry. That is what I said when I pulled this out of the box to myself over and over again. However, I loved that I could just pull it on without having to mess with clasps. Plus, it was fun and it will brighten up so many of my plain shirts, and I am a weak, weak woman so I caved.
Overall, I am in LOVE with my stylist – she knocked it out of the park. I kept 3 pieces, and really wanted to keep one other one, so I consider that a great first Stitch Fix box. I know these prices may look like they are a bit much, but honestly that is how much I pay for stuff in the nice boutiques around here. Plus, these are quality pieces from great brands that will last a long time. The truth is it is just so worth it. Having the stylist is amazing, getting the box delivered to my house saved so much time, plus let me just be real – it was a ton of fun! I cannot wait to get my next box. You can set up to have boxes shipped to you automatically every 3 weeks, month, 6 weeks, whatever you want, or you can just get one when you want.

There is no cost to sign up and fill out your profile so I say go for it and see what it is all about today! It is really fun to see what questions they ask and to get to put in all the info for your stylist. Don’t worry though, you won’t be charged until you order you first box. When you order your box you pay that $20 stylist fee, but remember you don’t lose that money – it just come off the cost of the first item you buy from your box. And if you buy the whole box, all 5 items, you get 25% OFF EACH ONE!

If you do decide to return so items, like me, it is super easy. There is a USPS Priority Mail envelope already included so you just shove them in there and you are done.

Let me know –
Do you get Stitch Fix boxes? Are you interested in trying them out?
Which of my items did you like the most.

Stitch Fix Review – September/October 2016: My very first Stitch Fix, why I LOVE it and think you…

Click To Tweet

*Honest Truth: All Stitch Fix links are referral links. Every single person who has a Stitch Fix account from your neighbor to your grandma has a referral link. This does not change anything for you! You still get the exact same awesome service for the same price as everyone else. So what does it do if you click on my link instead of going to the Stitch Fix homepage? – My referral links gives me a little bit off my next Stitch Fix purchase, so if you are interested anyway you could help my to get a piece from my next box. Remember you pay nothing for signing up so go, sign up, and check it out. Then if you decide later you are interested you’ll have your account all ready to go.

Recover Right– the ACE™ Brand Elastic Bandage with ACE Brand Clip

July 18, 2014 by abby 12 Comments

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by and written on behalf of ACE Brand; however, all opinions included in this piece are entirely my own.

We all remember the ACE™ Brand Elastic Bandages of our childhood, and if you were as injury prone as me you probably spent a bit of time wrapped up in one – I was the Queen of sprained/strained ankles.
Those old school bandages had some flaws though:
– the natural color inevitably looked dirty by the end of the day
– the silver clips didn’t stay put
– your clip was constantly getting snagged on something
– you had to readjust and/or re-clip a billion times a day

Well have no fear, the ACE Brand Elastic Bandage has a new and improved ACE Brand Clip.
So why is this new ACE Brand Clip such an upgrade?:
– it is really easy to put on and adjust (hello Velcro)
– the clip snaps in place so you know it is secure and will stay put
– CLICK sound confirms it is attached correctly
– it prevents those pesky clothing snags

I was really easy for me to put the bandage on and use the clip. I wrapped it around my ankle to the level of compression I wanted. Then, I pushed the clip on the end, I was sure it was secured because I could hear it CLICK into place. Finally, I attached the Velcro piece and I was all set. The clip stayed put throughout my workout and did not need to be adjusted.

Other than just the new ACE Brand Clip, there were other features I really liked about this ACE Brand Elastic Bandage:
– the black color means it won’t look dirty
– you can easily take the clip off and wash the bandage
– you can tighten or loosen it to provide the level of compression you want
– it can be used as preventative compression or to treat sprains and strains
– it holds it elasticity after multiple uses (and washings)

I personally use this on my ankle as a preventative measure. Sometimes when I am out running the trail near my house I roll my left ankle just a bit before I catch myself. (This happens more than I care to admit.) While this is not an injury that sidelines me from running, it does make that ankle a bit more tender for a few days following my slip up. By wearing this before my trail runs I can use it as a preventative measure to give that left ankle a bit more compression and stability. Also, if I notice my ankle bothering me after I have rolled it a bit then I can use this ACE Brand Elastic Bandage to compress it and help it to heal and recover.

Be sure to check out the full line of ACE Brand products including: elastic compression bandages, hot & cold therapy products, braces, wraps, and supports.

You can see more about the ACE Brand Elastic Bandage with ACE Brand Clip in this series of funny videos featuring “Arthur, ACE Brand Motivational Sportsgent” talking about how they “Fixed the Clip”!

Video #1: We Fixed the Clip with Motivational Sportsgent, Arthur: “Unleash The Lions” (video above)

Video #2: We Fixed the Clip with Motivational Sportsgent, Arthur: "To the Sport"
Video #3: We Fixed the Clip with Motivational Sportsgent, Arthur: "Did he Mean Lost"

Have you ever worn ACE Brand Elastic Bandages before?
Are you excited for the new ACE Brand Clip? (Woohoo, no more silly silver clips!)

ZICO Premium Coconut Water Review

July 14, 2014 by abby 20 Comments

I was really excited recently to get the opportunity to try out ZICO Premium Coconut Water.
I have been meaning to try coconut water, but I had not yet done so.
This was my perfect opportunity to try it!
The first thing I noticed was their tag line “ZICO. Crack Life Open”. I instantly LOVED it!
I am all about living life to the fullest, finding pleasure in the little things, and trying to live a healthy life, and ZICO Premium Coconut Water encourages just that. I sipped on some ZICO Premium Coconut Water this Fourth of July while I relaxed on the back porch with my dog, Grits. Since this was my first time trying ZICO Premium Coconut Water I wanted to check out the facts, and found that:
– it is made from natural coconut water
– the natural flavor has zero added sugar, zero fat, and zero cholesterol
– it is available in natural, chocolate, pineapple, mango, and passion fruit flavors
– all flavors are gluten free (which is essential for me) and dairy free
– it contains 5 natural electrolytes
– each serving has as much potassium as a banana

It sounded great!
I loved all the health and nutrition information.
Plus, I really liked the taste. The natural was smooth and refreshing while the chocolate flavor…
come on, coconut + chocolate = heaven!
I am a huge coconut fan, usually in ice cream and candy bar form, so having a healthy alternative sounded wonderful.
Over the course of the week, I really tried the ZICO Premium Coconut Water out.
With the electrolytes and potassium, I knew this would be a great drink pre- or post-workout.

I packed it in my gym bag and found it very refreshing after a tough spin class.
I also sipped on it post-run and it really helped me to rehydrate in the HOT South Carolina summer heat and humidity.

For me, life is all about balance, and ZICO Premium Coconut Water helps with that by providing a little natural loving for my body through a healthy, yet delicious drink.
So, after a tough workout, I enjoyed some relaxation time as I sipped some of the chocolate flavor and read a new book by the pool.

ZICO Premium Coconut Water wasn’t just great for workouts or relaxing by the pool though, I also enjoyed it as a treat during my meals. Instead of sipping on a cocktail or soda with my Fourth of July meal, I reached for the ZICO Premium Coconut Water. It was a small, easy change to make, and it was a healthy change I felt good about.

I also loved using ZICO Premium Coconut Water in my smoothies.
I created this Coconut Berry Breakfast Blast smoothie using the natural flavored ZICO Premium Coconut Water.

Coconut Berry Breakfast Blast Ingredients:
– 6 oz. ZICO Premium Coconut Water – Natural flavor
– 1 cup frozen berry blend
– 1 container of Greek yogurt
*Blend well. Double recipe for a large smoothie.

Then I decided, why stop there?
Next up, I invented an awesome dessert smoothie.
You cannot go wrong with healthy treats every now and then!
Check out this PB & Chocolate Covered Coconutty Banana smoothie for a delicious treat.

PB & Chocolate Covered Coconutty Banana Ingredients:
– 6 oz. ZICO Premium Coconut Water – Chocolate flavor
– 2 tablespoons Peanut Butter (I used White Chocolate Wonderful)
– 1 frozen banana, sliced
*Blend well. Double recipe for a large smoothie.

Now it is time to grab some of your own.
Visit ZICO.com to find ZICO Premium Coconut Water in a store near you, or to order online.
Be sure to follow all their social media pages so you can see the fabulous #CrackLifeOpen campaign they have with brand ambassador Jessica Alba. Hashtag away your own ZICO Premium Coconut Water every day adventures.

What ZICO Premium Coconut Water flavor would you most like to try?
Where would you take your ZICO to #CrackLifeOpen?

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by ZICO through their partnership with POPSUGAR. While I was compensated by POPSUGAR to write a post about ZICO, all opinions are my own.

SD Pharmaceuticals Supplement Review

October 23, 2013 by abby 5 Comments

The following post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of SD Pharmaceuticals.

Even though I’ve been trying to lose weight and get in better shape for what seems like quite some time now, I’ve never tried using any supplements before.
The truth is I was too cheap to buy something I wasn’t sure would work if I had a method I knew did work – eat right and exercise.
However, when I got the chance to review some SD Pharmaceuticals through my affiliation with FitFluential I was really excited. Could this be something new that might push me towards my fitness goals? I was ready to give them a shot and see.

Here are the supplements I received:
– Dendrobium 600: a member of the orchid plant family it is one of the 50 fundamental herbs used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Dendrobium has been used in China for over 1000 years to promote the health of the stomach, kidneys and lungs. In addition to its use as a medicine, it is also used as a powerful strengthening tonic.

– Diindolylmethane (DIM): a natural compound formed during the breakdown of plants and the digestion of indole-3-carbinol, from the Brassica genus of plants. (Some of the vegetables of this genus include, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and kale.) Both men and women use DIM to support healthy estrogen metabolism and hormonal balance in the body.

-Garcinia Cambogia 500: a plant that is native to Southeast Asia. The most useful part of Garcinia is the yellow-colored, pumpkin-shaped fruit, which is also called assam fruit. Used in Ayurvedic (Indian) medicine as a digestive aid the Garcinia fruit also has anti-bacterial properties. More recently, in Asia, this ingredient has been used as a food additive because it makes meals feel more filling, which prevents over-eating and supports weight loss.

– Green Coffee Bean (GCB): coffee beans that have not yet been roasted. The roasting of coffee beans reduces the chlorogenic acid levels. That’s why green coffee beans have a higher level of chlorogenic acid compared to regular, roasted coffee beans. Chlorogenic acid from green coffee bean has been shown to have modulating effects on glucose metabolism and it has also been shown to help inhibit fat accumulation and reduce weight in animal and humans studies.

– Raspberry Ketone 200: the main aromatic compound found in red raspberries. It’s a natural phenolic compound that has health-promoting antioxidant properties and can also support fat loss. It has the ability to support a reduction in fat absorption and support a boost in calorie expenditure and fat breakdown.

I was excited to get started as soon as I found out what the supplements were, but since this was my first time trying them out I was a bit hesitant to take all five at once. Instead I decided to focus on SD Pharmaceuticals Ultimate Fat-Loss Stack.
I took one of each pill first thing in the morning when I woke up, about 30 minutes before breakfast. Then repeated the same three pills, one of each, about 30 minutes before lunch.
This had me taking six pills a day total.
My verdict:
I’ve been trying these for about a week and have noticed that I am not gaining as much weight as I thought I would. (I’m currently in marathon taper and that makes me feel like I should be eating everything in sight.) Plus, I feel like I’m making healthier food decisions and have a bit more energy.
I am excited to try these for the entire 30 days so I can see how my body reacts to them after I am out of marathon taper, done running the race, and back to normal (or as normal as I get anyway).
Once these three supplements are gone I plan on trying the other two they sent me so I can see how those work.

For more information on stacking and supplements check out the graphic below and the SD Pharmaceuticals website.

Have you ever tried supplements before?
– If so, what?
– If not, would you be open to trying them in the future?

Nikon CoolPix S6500 – Review

July 11, 2013 by abby 28 Comments

I became really clear to me that I needed to upgrade.
My iPhone camera has gotten worse and worse, probably due to the fact that I run with my phone (for safety) so it is now a permanently, sweat soaked mess. Sorry, I live in the South – it’s hotter than hell and you sweat through every layer you have, just give up and embrace the nasty hot mess fest.

However, on my single, teacher salary there was just no way I could afford the blogger dream DSLR camera. So I began to look at point and shoots that would make my foodie/recipe pictures look better without costing me and arm, leg, and entire month’s salary.

After a lot of research I settled on the Nikon CoolPix S6500.
For more information you can visit the Nikon CoolPix S6500 website, but here is a brief overview of why I finally decided to upgrade from the iPhone to this camera:

– 16 megapixels for a super clear, crisp picture
– 12 x zoom (big upgrade from my phone)
– small enough it still fits in my purse
…and the big reason I went Nikon…
– built in WiFi
(I choose the red because it seemed like a fun, feisty color.)

Overall, I am absolutely loving my new camera. It is super easy to use and small enough to carry around in my purse, which means it goes everywhere. My Sunday recipe pictures look so much better than they did with just my phone and I cannot wait to take it on my marathon trips for some awesome DC and NoLa sightseeing photos.
My biggest concern when getting a new camera was that it wouldn’t be as easy to stay connected to social media as it is with my phone. As a blogger I am constantly uploading pictures to my Instagram account. However, with the built in WiFi you can instantly upload pictures anywhere WiFi is available. I have mine set up so my pictures upload directly to my phone which makes it so easy to Instagram them. Totally worth the few extra bucks to get a WiFi capable camera.

The Nikon CoolPix S6500 retails at $219.95. However, I did some shopping around and found that Costco sold the exact same camera in a packaged deal (with a memory card and case) for $179.95. They even sell the lower model, the S5200, (the big difference is it only has a 6x zoom) for only $149.95 if you are looking to save some money and it too is WiFi ready.

If you’re ready to upgrade from your phone, but not quite ready to shell out the DSLR money, or if you want a great camera that can fit in your purse/bag, I highly suggest the Nikon CoolPix S6500. I have been very happy with my purchase.

Do you use an additional camera along with your phone?
Are you a hot sweaty mess who ruins things too? (Sorry phone.)