Frozen Bean Winner!

The winner of the Frozen Bean sample pack is...

Jonesyjl2, email me at juiceboxesandcrayolasATgmailDOTcom to claim your prize!

Frozen Bean Blended Coffee Mixes Review + Giveaway

Hi guys!  I have a yummy product with you today.  You guys know I have a sweet tooth and a coffee addiction, so when Frozen Bean reached out to me asking me to review their frappucino mixes, how could I say no?  Frozen Bean sent me a sample box of single serving pouches of their drink mix.  To make the drink, all you do is mix a handful of ice cubes, a cup or so of liquid (I used almond milk, but you can use milk, water, or coffee), and the beverage powder.  Blend away, and voila!  An iced blended beverage right at home!

The first mix I tried was the Vanilla Latte 50/50 mix.  While I love iced blended coffee drinks like frappucinos, one reason I don't indulge in them very often is because they are usually just not very nutritious. The Frozen Bean 50/50 mix is 1/2 the sugar and fat of the regular line, but still had 320 calories and 9 grams of fat for a 12 oz serving.  That still feels like a lot to me when plain coffee is calorie-free.  The drink was delicious and was the perfect way to cool off after a hard workout on a hot day.  

 I tried the Double Mocha Latte 50/50 mix next, which was also great, although a tad too chocolately for my taste.  I love chocolate, but I prefer to eat it rather than drink it.  Again, the drink was yummy and there was no way you'd know it was less fat/sugar than a regular frappucino.

Frozen Bean + Sign Language Homework

I also tried the No Sugar Added Mocha Latte mix--I was curious to see how it'd compare to the 50/50 Mocha.  Overall, I liked the flavor better than the Double Mocha--it was more like a Wendy's Frosty with a hint of coffee.  I love a good frosty, so this one tasted good to me.  Calorie-wise, this mix was about the same as the rest, but it did have a few less grams of sugar (14 as opposed to 24).

Frozen Bean + Coffee Ice Cubes

The last mix I tried was the salted caramel latte mix.  Because I didn't realize until it was too late that I was out of ice cubes, I ended up blending this drink with frozen coffee cubes.  I'm glad I did--it tasted great!  I was expecting this drink to be on the too-sweet side, but the coffee cubes cut the sweetness, and the result was a delicious post-run snack.

Okay, now for my overall opinion.  I have to be honest that it took me forever to get this review written simply because it took me forever to try the different products.  Why did it take me so long?  Well, it turns out there are just not a lot of times when I think to myself, "Man, I could really go for a frappuccino!"  I drink a home brewed iced or hot coffee every morning, and when I need a cold and refreshing hearty beverage, I usually go for a fruit + spinach smoothie.  Also, the calorie count was way too high for me to drink these on a regular basis.  That being said, they were delicious.  I would recommend Frozen Bean to a person who is a frappuccino lover looking to save a few bucks by making their own blended drinks at home.  They could not possibly be easier to make, and the result is for sure as good as Starbucks.  They make a great "summer treat" too.  

Now for the giveaway:  Frozen Bean has generously offered to give a mixed case of individual serving size beverage mixes to one of my readers.  

Here's how to win: (Feel free to do as many or as few options as you'd like, and leave a separate comment for each entry.)

• Follow Juice Boxes + Crayolas via Bloglovin', Google Friend Connect, via email (see sidebar), or via any other blog reading platform.  Leave a comment below letting me know how you follow! (1 entry)
• "Like" Juice Boxes + Crayolas on Facebook (1 entry)
• Visit the Frozen Bean website and leave a comment letting me know which flavor(s) you would be excited to try (1 entry)
• Share this giveaway on your blog, facebook, or twitter (1 entry for each)

That's 6 possible entries!  This giveaway will end at midnight on Saturday, July 5th.

Disclaimer: I was provided a sample pack of Frozen Bean mixes in exchange for writing my review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Haiku Bag Winner!

The winner of the Haiku Sprint Duffle is...

Lisa!

Congrats, Lisa!  Send me your name, address, and shipping info at juiceboxesandcrayolasATgmailDOTcom by Friday to claim your prize!  

Thanks everyone for entering!  I have another giveaway in the works, so stay tuned!  Here's a hint--it's a DELICIOUS one!

Have a great Wednesday!

Haiku Sprint Duffle Review + Giveaway!

I'm SO excited to have the chance to tell you about my beautiful new workout bag.  The Haiku Sprint Duffle is hands-down the best workout bag I've had to date.

Source: Haiku

I've had my fair share of workout bags, but none of them holds a candle to this bag.  I'd recently been longing for a new bag--I have no shortage of them, that's for sure, but each time I'd go to pack up my gear, my bags either always seemed too big or too small.  (Goldilocks I may be...)  I was browsing online one day when I stumbled across the Haiku Sprint Duffle, and I totally fell in love. 

 One of my coworkers introduced me to Haiku bags awhile ago, and I love their company background.  On their website, Haiku lists their values as: Quality, Understanding and compassion, Empowering women and community, Environmental ethics, Natural and soulful beauty with a sense of humor and adventure.  Love it.  Many of their bags are made partially from recycled materials, which my tree-hugger heart loves.

Source: Haiku

But anyways, back to the duffle.  I was thrilled when the folks at Haiku agreed to let me test it out AND give one away to a reader.  Here's why I love it:

First, the size.  This bag is the PERFECT size for me.  I'd been switching off between a big Champion duffle bag and a little shoulder bag for the gym, with neither being just the right size.  This bag is perfect for a workout or an overnight.  It easily holds my shoes, clothes, shower stuff for the gym, and gear.  Also, one of my favorite parts is that the bag has an adjustable strap across the top to hold your yoga mat or jacket.  This was a huge draw to the bag for me.  I love being able to stick my mat on top and not worry about it.  I also used the bag for gear check at a recent race, and used the strap to hold my jacket to the bag without having to cram it in.

Second, pockets, pockets, pockets!  Haiku definitely knows what they're doing when it comes to organization.  I seriously was discovering new pockets for days after getting the bag.  There are a few outer pockets, including a zipper one, which are perfect for sticking hair ties, CLIF bars, and your gym id.  Inside, there are two elastic trim pockets which are great for keeping miscellaneous accessories--my garmin, my road ID, my pouch of headbands and hair ties.  I also love the ventilated shoe compartment--no need to worry about my shoes smelling up dirtying up my clothes!

Last, it's not only beautiful, but functional too.  I love the color of the Sea Glass bag--it's just plain beautiful, and the embroidered details are so unique.  But not only that, the straps make this bag way more comfortable for carrying than my old bags.  It's also easy to clean--days after busting out the bag for the first time, it had an unfortunate encounter with some muddy spring grass at gear check.  I was able to clean all of the mud off with just a damp cloth.  WIN!

All ready for my after school yoga time!

Clearly I'm obsessed with my Haiku bag, and I'm SO EXCITED to get to give one away to one of you wonderful readers!  I know you will love this bag as much as I do for the gym, races, overnights--it even looks like the perfect size for an under-seat carry on.  Haiku has generously offered to give away one Sprint Duffle in the color of your choosing to a reader.

Here's how to win--Be sure to leave a separate comment below for each entry!

• Follow Juice Boxes + Crayolas via Bloglovin', Google Friend Connect, via email (see sidebar), or via any other blog reading platform.  Leave a comment below letting me know how you follow! (1 entry)
• "Like" Juice Boxes + Crayolas on Facebook (1 entry)
• "Like" Haiku on Facebook (1 entry)
• Visit the Haiku website and leave a comment letting me know which color bag you would choose (1 entry)
• Share this giveaway on your blog, facebook, or twitter (1 entry for each)

That's 7 possible entries!  This giveaway will end at midnight on Tuesday, May 6th.

Disclaimer: I was given one Haiku bag free of charge in exchange for writing this review.  I was not compensated in any other way or encouraged to express a particular opinion.  All thoughts are my own.

Tommie Copper Winner + Sick Days

Hi guys!  I'm sorry I am so late posting the winner of my Tommie Copper giveaway.  I have been battling a sinus/respiratory infection that just won't quit.  All last week I cut out right after school to rest up, and needless to say blogging was not at the forefront of my mind.  I feel sooo much better, but am on round 2 of antibiotics to clear up all the yuckiness in my head and lungs...I am officially done with winter. Speaking of done with winter...we are on school cancellation day #3 of January with school called off again tomorrow!  Not that I'm complaining about days off from school, but seriously, winter, ENOUGH.

Phew, that felt good.  ANYWAYS, thanks so much for the great response to my giveaway!  The winner is...

Amy!

Amy, email me at juiceboxesandcrayolas AT gmail DOT com to claim your prize!!

Stay warm, all my midwestern and northeastern friends!!

Tommie Copper Review + Giveaway!

I recently had the opportunity to try out a few new products from Tommie Copper.  You might remember my posts about Tommie Copper calf compression sleeves and compression shorts in the past couple years.  I looooove compression wear, and I have really liked everything I've tried by Tommie Copper so far, so I was pumped to have the opportunity to try out a few of their new products.

First, Tommie Copper sent me a pair of their compression capris.  They are officially my new favorite capris.  I have never had compression capris before, and these are great--the perfect amount of compression while not being so crazy tight that you can't move.  I have worn them for yoga and around the house, and they are super comfy.  I love the wide waist band, the mid-calf length, and best of all the feel of them--super smooth technical fabric.  Definitely a win.

Second, I got to try a tank top from Tommie Copper's new active fit line.  These items aren't compression wear, but still include TC's signature copper-infused fabric.

Yay for selfies in the kitchen!

I am kind of particular about the fit of my running shirts, and I refuse to wear anything tight.  I ended up needing a large in this top (I am a size 4, and wore a size small in the capris, so this was a little surprising), as the medium I was originally sent was much more fitted than I prefer.  Now that I have the proper size, I can happily report that this tank passed my picky workout top inspection.  I like the suuuper lightweight feel of the material as well as the long length (a non-negotiable IMHO).  I wore it on a treadmill run the other day, and the feel was nice and light.  The only thing I would change would be to give it a racerback, but now we're just getting persnickety.  ;)  (Of course another downside is that clearly this top runs SMALL, so its sizing options may not be able to accommodate everyone.)

Awful self-timer pic...but you get the idea :)

Now, the giveaway!  Tommie Copper has generously offered to give one lucky reader their choice of either a pair of compression capris or an active fit tank from Tommie Copper!  Here's how to enter:

• Leave a comment below sharing your favorite fitness activities (oh, and it'd be awesome if you'd become a follower of my blog too...;)  (+1 entry)
• Visit the Tommie Copper website and let me know which of their items you'd most like to try (+1 entry)
• Like Tommie Copper on facebook (+1 entry)
• Share this post on your blog, facebook, or twitter (+1 entry each)

*Please leave a separate comment for each entry :)

This giveaway will end Wednesday, January 22nd at midnight.

Disclaimer: I was provided with these items in exchange for writing this review.  I received no additional compensation, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. :)

Carson-Dellosa Common Core Connections Review + GIVEAWAY!

I recently had the opportunity to check out some new resources from Carson-Dellosa.  They were kind enough to send me a copy of their new resource books, Common Core Connections Math and Reading.  (I received the Grade 4 books.)

The book I've been able to utilize more in my classroom is the math resource.  What I liked was that there were several pages with quality story problems.  We all know that critical thinking is the life blood of the common core, and word problems are a big part of that.  In fact, this book does a great job incorporating word problems into almost every content strand, not just computation-based word problems.  Students are asked to apply skills like measurement and geometry in real-life contexts on some of the practice pages.

I was surprised to find that a large number of the pages are still rote-practice worksheets.  Let me be clear--I do believe there is a time and place for rote practice!  I still give time tests to my students who struggle with basic facts and many of my students need additional practice with computation in a rote setting before they are able to apply these skills in the critical thinking setting that is demanded on MAP and the upcoming PARCC test.  However, I was a little disappointed that they made up such a large portion of this resource.  The skills are clearly correlated to the Common Core and labeled with standards and "I can" statements, but I was really hoping to see more high-level thinking tasks that are more in line with CC Depth of Knowledge levels 3 & 4.

In short, the math workbook is a good resource and has been useful in my classroom especially for warm-up work and homework pages, but I would still love to see Carson-Dellosa put out a math resource that focuses on critical thinking high DOK tasks.

I also received Carson-Dellosa's Language Arts practice book.  Like the math book, it includes some new resources that I really like as well as others that seem like more rote practice.  One page I particularly liked asked students to read a set of dialogue written like the script from a play and write the next character's lines after making an inference.  Because drama is a new focus in Common Core, I liked this opportunity to practice reading and writing in drama-style.

I also liked the fact that the book includes activities involving paired-passages.  One of the new CC standards for 4th grade asks students to (and I'm totally paraphrasing) read multiple texts on the same topic in order to write and speak knowledgeably on that topic.  As a teacher, finding texts on the same topic can be a gigantic pain, so this is definitely a nice feature.

For the sake of transparency, I must say that I have not yet used any of the language arts practice pages in my classroom.  In the past, I gave literacy practice pages for homework every night, but in recent years my district has shifted away from a heavy homework focus.  My literacy block focuses on Shared Reading and a Daily 5 style guided reading block during which I don't use any worksheets or pencil and paper tasks other than my word work activities.  So, while I like many of the materials, I haven't yet found a way to use them.  Does that make sense?

Anyways, a big thank you to Carson-Dellosa for allowing me the opportunity to try these resources.  I think they demonstrate a great step in the right direction for Carson-Dellosa as we all adapt to the Common Core way of teaching this year, and I look forward to seeing what Carson-Dellosa comes out with next.

Now the giveaway--you can win your very own copy of a Common Core Connections book.  Please leave a comment below sharing which book you'd like to win at which grade level (K-5).  That's all!  Easy peasy lemon squeezy.
(Ex.  I would like to win Common Core Connections Language Arts, 1st grade.) 

This giveaway will end on Saturday, January 11th at midnight.  Thanks for entering!

Disclaimer: I was provided these materials in exchange for writing a review.  I was not compensated in any other way, and all opinions expressed in this post reflect my own thoughts and ideas.

31 Bag Fundraiser Winners

I am of course late as usual posting the winners of my Autism Speaks Fundraiser giveaway.  Thank you to Karen B., Karen G., Kiley, and Megan for supporting a wonderful charity and my first shot at 26.2!  I assigned numbers to each entry based on amount donated and donation order.  Here are the two winners:

Karen B!

Karen G!

Ladies, email me at JuiceboxesandcrayolasATgmailDOTcom by Wednesday to claim your prize!  Whoever responds first will get first pick between the two prizes.  Thank you so much for entering and donating!

Autism Speaks Fundraiser + Awesome 31 Bag GIVEAWAY!!!

Did the word "giveaway" catch your attention?  It's probably because I shouted it at you in all caps.  Sorry for being noisy, but I am super excited.  As you are probably already sick of hearing, I am training for my very FIRST full marathon--the Chicago Marathon on Oct. 13th. Yes, exactly ONE MONTH from now.  Eep! I knew when I started thinking about running a marathon that if I were going to get through 26.2 miles, it would need to be for a cause bigger than myself.  That's why I decided to sign up for Team Up!, the Autism Speaks charity team.  I am so pumped to be running for Autism Speaks, a cause near and dear to my heart.  I've worked with children on the autism spectrum for the past 8+ years as a behavioral therapist, and these unique and amazing children have completely captured my heart along the way.  Here's a picture of me and one of my kiddos:

We started working together when he was just 5 years old.  Now he's a teenager and in eighth grade!

I have worked tirelessly to put in my miles on the pavement, but I've also been working to fundraise as much as I possibly can for this charity that I believe in.  Last weekend I was able to host a Thirty-One party fundraiser!  Are you familiar with Thirty-One bags?  If you're a teacher, you should be!!  These bags are perfect for school, but they are really perfect for anyone who ever has to carry anything anywhere!  Great for moms, travel, work, shopping, anything.  

Now the fun part--the giveaway!  I will be raffling off two amazing gifts from Thirty-One's collection to wonderful readers who would like to support my fundraising efforts by making a donation to Autism Speaks.  

One lucky donor will be able to win...

The Deluxe Beauty Bag in Big Dot (valued at $60)

From the Thirty-One website: This is the perfect style to carry all of your toiletries for a family trip. Lots of pockets make it easy to store all of your items. It comes with a matching pouch and travel bottles that are airport compliant.
This bag is seriously awesome.  There weren't any pictures of the inside of the bag on the site, but I found this youtube video showing all of the compartments and how it unzips all the way open and things.

A second lucky donor will be able to win...

The Organizing Utility Tote Gift Bundle  in Sea Plaid and Brown Woodblock Floral (valued at $63)

Included are the popular Organizing Utility Tote, the Medium Thermal ZIpper Pouch, and the Perfect Bottle Thermal!  An amazing deal.  The Utility Tote has all of these pockets that are great for organizing, and the thermal pouch is the perfect size to stash a snack or something on your way to school, the gym, wherever.  I love this plaid print, too.

How it works:

1. To enter the giveaway, first visit my personal fundraising page here.  Make a donation of whatever amount you'd like.
2. After donating, leave a comment on my blog letting me know your first name and last initial (so I can match you to my donors roster!) and how many dollars you donated.  (Ex. Jane D, $20)
3. For every $5 you donate, I will enter your name into a drawing to win one of these prizes.  For example, if you donate $25, that's FIVE entries!  
4. If you donate and share this giveaway on your blog, facebook, or twitter, you can earn an additional entry as a thank you for helping me spread the word!  Just leave another comment letting me know how you shared.  (Just one, not one for each share.)  
5. When the giveaway closes, I will choose two winners, one for each prize.  Winners will be posted on the blog and will need to contact me to provide their shipping information.  Prizes will be shipped right to you as soon as they are claimed!

To be eligible to win, all donations must be made by midnight on Friday, September 27th.  I will choose two winners and post them to my blog on Saturday, September 28th using random.org.

Easy peasy lemon squeezy!  The best part is, even if you DON'T win, you can feel great about supporting a terrific cause!  And if you do win, you supported a great cause AND have a great new bag.  See, everybody wins here!! :)  

You guys, it would mean so, so much to me if you could spare just $5 to help this worthy cause.  Autism affects millions of individuals worldwide, and Autism Speaks charity does amazing work to help and support those touched by autism and their families, conduct important biomedical research, and create autism awareness in communities.  I am blessed to have the opportunity to run for a cause that means so much to me, and any donation you can make would be so, so appreciated!  Every single dollar makes a difference!  Please consider sharing this giveaway on your blog, facebook, or twitter!

Disclaimer: I was provided both of these gifts free of charge as a hostess exclusive for hosting my Thirty-One Fundraiser/Party.  

Cheribundi Tart Cherry Juice: Review + Giveaway!

I was recently contacted by Cheribundi and asked to try out their tart cherry juice.  I am not a huge juice drinker, but I do love cherries and was intrigued by the "super food" properties of tart cherry juice.  As a CHRONICALLY injured runner, I'm always interested in anything that promises healthy muscles and injury prevention.  According to a pamphlet included in my box o' juice, cherry juice had positive effects on alleviating muscle pain and inflammation in runners.  I don't have any more details than that, but I'm willing to try anything that promises healthy muscles. :)

From the Cheribundi website:
Our tart cherries are harvested at the peak of ripeness to capture as much of the bright cherry color as possible. They taste better and have more powerful phytonutrients than other superfruits. That includes the trendy pomegranate, the acai berry, grapes or blueberries. Rich with nutrients, tart cherries can help you recover from exercise, sleep better, and in general, live life to the fullest because you feel better.

My sample pack included five different kinds of tart cherry juice: Relax, Restore, Rebuild, Light, and Original.  I tried the original tart cherry juice first.  I was super impressed by the ingredients--50 cherries per bottle, 100% juice, and some apple juice added into the cherry juice for sweetness.  I LOVED the taste.  It was tart, but not super sour--similar maybe to the tartness of cranberry juice.  It reminded me of the tart cherry pies my mom makes in summer.  Yum!

 

The other types were also good, although the original was my favorite.  I did like that there was a big variety of juices for different purposes.  The light juice is sweetened with stevia and cuts the apple juice out that's included in the original juice for less sugar.  Here I am enjoying the "Rebuild" juice after the Chicago Spring Half Marathon, which includes 8 grams of added protein to make it a good recovery drink. 

Drinking the "Restore" juice and soaking up it added electrolytes after a particularly sweaty run!

Did I feel a huge change in my muscles and energy level after drinking Cheribundi?  Well no.  But did it taste good?  Yes.  Would I drink it again?  You bet.  I would definitely buy this juice.  To me it's kind of like my thoughts on drinking chocolate milk for recovery--they say it's good for me, and it tastes delicious, so why question it?  If drinking cherry juice helps my muscles and I enjoy drinking it, why not?

The nice folks at Cheribundi offered to give away a sampler pack of tart cherry juice like the one featured pictured to one of my readers!  Here's how to enter:

• Be a follower of my blog through Google Friend Connect, Bloglovin', or any other platform, and leave a comment letting me know that you are! (Mandatory)
• Visit the Cheribundi website and let me know which juice you are most interested in trying (+1 entry)
• Share this giveaway on your blog, facebook, or twitter and leave a comment letting me know that you did (+1 entry each)

That's a total of 5 possible chances to win a whole bunch of delicious juice!  This giveaway will end at midnight on Saturday, June 29th.  I will choose a winner using random.org and post it on this blog on Sunday, June 30th. (Or as quickly as I can get online--I'll be on vacation without consistent internet!)

Disclaimer: I was provided a sampler pack of Cheribundi juice in exchange for writing this review, received no additional compensation.  All opinions expressed are my own--this juice is just plain yummy. :)

Running Book Review + Giveaway!

I recently had the opportunity to review The Ultimate Beginners Running Guide: The Key to Running Inspired by Ryan Robert.  (Check it out on amazon here--it's only $4.99 for a kindle edition.)  This book delivers exactly what its title promises--it lays out a step by step guide for beginner runners and covers topics like form, footwear, warm ups/cool downs, target heart rates, nutrition, and even confidence and motivation (it is, after all, a guide to running inspired!).

I really liked the way the chapters were broken up.  There is a ton of content in this book; it literally covers almost everything a new runner would need to know.  Robert does a nice job of breaking each content-packed chapter with headings, but what I most appreciated was the bulleted summary at the end of each chapter recapping the main points.  I don't know about you, but it drives me crazy when I'm trying to remember one particular tip or suggestion for a book and I have to skim the whole darn thing to find it.  These summaries would be really helpful for a beginner runner referring back to the text during training.

Robert includes several "visualization exercises" in the book.  Some people might think these things are kind of cheesy, but I think visualization can be a completely valid and important exercise for runners.  Since I'm not a new runner anymore, I don't really need to visualize myself putting on my running shoes and running down the block anymore, but I totally use visualization when I'm training for a big race.  The night before I'll try to visualize starting, running, and finishing the race before I go to sleep, and I really think it helps.  The visualization exercises in the book could be really helpful for someone who is JUST getting started with running.

Another really cool feature is that the book includes an appendix with training plans for literally every level of beginner runner, from complete couch potato to active beginner to 50+ runner.  Robert also lets you download these training plans in pdf form for free, which I thought was pretty cool.

Typically, I tend to prefer my running books to be part advice/tips and part memoir/narrative, ala The Courage to Start or The Non-Runner's Guide to the Marathon for Women, but this book really does a great job of giving a new runner nearly everything he or she needs to know to get started.  Definitely a quality book and at 115 pages, it was a quick read.

Now for the giveaway.  Ryan Robert has graciously offered to give away digital copies of The Ultimate Beginner's Guide: The Key to Running Inspired to 3 Juice Boxes + Crayolas readers!  Are you a tired teacher needing a little pep in your step?  A brand new runner looking for tips?  Or a seasoned runner who needs to work on form and nutrition? (cough, me, cough...)  See how to enter below...

Leave a separate comment for each entry...

• Be a Juice Boxes + Crayolas follower, and leave me a comment letting me know! (Mandatory)
• Leave me a comment letting me know why you want to win this book, whether it's for you or to share with a new runner in your life who needs it! (+1 additional entry)
• Share this giveaway on your blog, FB, or twitter and leave a comment letting me know (+1 entry each)

That's it!  Easy peasy lemon squeezy as we say in my 3rd/4th classroom. :)  This giveaway will close at midnight on Saturday, March 2nd, and I will choose a winner the following day using random.org.  (Seriously, how is it almost MARCH already??)  

Disclaimer: I was provided a digital copy of this book by the author for the purpose of writing this review.  I was not compensated in any other way, and all opinions expressed are my own. :)

Sprigs Winner!

Brrrr!  It's cold here in Chicago!  When I checked the hourly forecast last night and saw that it would be only 11 degrees at 4am (Tuesday is my early running day usually), I decided to sleep in instead. :)  I know I'm trying to have a "Just do it" mindset, but cold + 4am = yucky.  Anyways.  This kind of cold calls for a winter accessory winner!  Thanks for entering my Sprigs giveaway!  The winner is...

Sarah, email me at juiceboxesandcrayolas AT gmail DOT com by FRIDAY to claim your prize!!  

Didn't win?  Check out Sprigs.com to get yourself a little something--you deserve it! :)

Sprigs Winter Gear Review + GIVEAWAY!

Have you checked out Sprigs.com yet?  I LOVE this company.  Their Banjee wrist wallet is one of my favorite running accessories, and I absolutely love my yogi arms and cotton infinity scarf.  I am super pumped to have the opportunity to review some of Sprigs's winter accessories.

Banjee Love!

Attempting Crow Pose in my Yogi Arms!

One of the items I got to try was Sprigs's fleece Texting Gloves.  These gloves have little flaps on the thumbs and index fingers of both hands that you can pull back.  The idea is that you can text and use your phone without taking the gloves off.

The gloves work great with a smart phone or touch screen device.  There are a lot of gloves around these days that let you use a touch screen with the gloves on, and I haven't tried any of these gloves so I can't say if they're really better or worse than the Sprigs gloves.  However, there are a few perks to the Sprigs texting gloves.  They can be used for a non-touch screen keyboard like on a blackberry or my dad's qwerty phone as seen below... 

I also was totally loving these gloves when I was taking the train downtown last week.  The train was capital-F-FREEZING, so I kept my gloves on, and I could turn the pages of my book by peeking my index finger out of the gloves.  Cold weather reading WIN!  Olivia loved them too... 

I also got to try Sprigs's Organic Bliss Stitch Hat.  I love the stitching on this hat--it matches my Sprigs yogi arms!  Super cute.  I wish that the hat were a tiny bit bigger so that it covered my ears a little better--I'm gonna admit it, I have a kind of larger than normal head...seriously, I do.  Plus I have about three times the amount of hair as the average person, so hats can be tricky.  I think this hat is super adorable though.  It's not super warm, but it's a nice in-between hat.  It'd be a great spring or fall accessory.

My absolute FAVORITE product, though, is the Winter Infinity Scarf.  This scarf has been my FAVORITE accessory this winter!  This scarf is super warm and cozy, plus it's really soft.  According to the Sprigs website, it's made of acrylic knit yarn.  I hate wool and all things woolen make me sneeze, so this scarf is perfect.  I usually wrap it around twice in two loose loops, but it can be wrapped three times for a super warm fit.  I've been wearing it nonstop since I got it, and I seriously want one in every color!

Do you want to win one of these three Sprigs items to warm your hands and heart this winter?  (If you're a midwestern girl like me, you desperately need them!)  Sprigs has generously offered to let me give away a hat, scarf, or pair of texting gloves to one lucky reader!  Here's how to enter:

(Please leave a separate comment for each entry--7 possible chances to win!)

• Be a follower of Juice Boxes and Crayolas and leave me a comment letting me know! (Mandatory)
• Visit the Sprigs website and check out these winter accessories.  Leave me a comment letting me know which of these three items (and which color!) you'd most like to win! (+ 1 entry)
• Like Sprigs on facebook and leave them a comment saying "Amy from Juice Boxes and Crayolas sent me!" (+1 entry)
• Share this giveaway on your blog, facebook, or twitter (+1 entry each)
• Leave a comment letting me know why you need a little extra warmth this winter!!! (+1 entry)

EDIT:  Whoops, I forgot to post an ending time for the giveaway!  This giveaway will end at midnight on Saturday, January 12th.  I will choose a winner using random.org and post the winner on Sunday!

Disclaimer: I was provided with a hat, scarf, and pair of gloves from Sprigs in exchange for writing this review.  I did not receive any additional compensation, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Not Impressed. (Halloween + a WINNER!)

Happy Monday!  This weekend I took a "rest week" from training and started my Saturday with an easy 3 miles.  I quickly learned that I have to retrain my lungs to be able to tolerate cold air because it was chilly!!  And to think it is only October.  (Side note: I had to break out my scraper for the first time this season when I came downstairs this morning to be greeted by a sheet of frost on my windshield...must remember to call car dealership to price remote start...)  After a day of errands, pretending to lesson plan, couch naps, and an epic fail at attempting to make puppy chow (#reason101whyidon'tcook...), I pulled on the Halloween costume that my awesome mom and dad helped me pull together the night before.  (Yes, I am 25 and I still need my parents to help me with Halloween costumes...)

Get it?  Unfortunately, most people at the Halloween party I attended didn't!  

That face was NOT easy to replicate.  Go ahead, try it in front of a mirror.  I swear normal faces don't work like that!

Oldest Brother dressed up as Quint from Jaws...

Anyways, the party ended up turning into a super late night, and this lame old lady teacher is still recovering two days later!  Holy cow.  I am definitely not in college anymore!  I'll gladly take an early night and a long run next weekend!  Much shorter recovery time. :)

Speaking of recovery, it's time for a giveaway winner!  Thanks so much for entering my CLICK giveaway, and WELCOME to my new followers!!!  Hope you decide to stick around :)  The winner of a CLICK canister and blender bottle is...

#34, Pam!  Based on her comment, it sounds like Pam definitely needs a little CLICK in her life!

 

DOUBLE stroller runs???  Holy super mom!

Pam, email me at juiceboxesandcrayolas AT gmail DOT com by Friday to claim your CLICK. :)

And with that, I'm off to catch up on Revenge, eat pumpkin ice cream, and maybe grade some papers...Have a great week, everyone!