A Valentine Gift for Active Mamas: ibitz Unity

Tomorrow is my first 5K.  I am nervous!  I have been working on improving my body strength, stamina and health for the last several months - still, I wonder how this will go.  One thing that I have been really fond of is my pedometer.  I use a GeoPalz Pedometer (yes, I know they are made for kids - but I think they're cute and I like it that I can track my steps online).

I know I am not the only mam that is working on improving health and likes to track movement.  I mentioned a few weeks ago that GeoPalz was developing a new fitness tracker: ibitz.  I love the colors, I think red or pink or purple would be excellent for a Valentine gift (purple is my personal favorite).

This is what the company says about the ibitz Unity for Parents:

"The ibitz Unity for parents allows users to monitor family health wirelessly, all in one place. The adult app tracks steps, distance, weight, height, overall physical activity and body mass index (BMI) for the entire family. Unity users can also create groups outside of the family, such as a running group, for extra motivation
and streamline progress reporting. The app allows users to sync with other wireless devices including select scales, heart rate monitors and other social fitness apps."


I love it that I could use it with a group as a way to help support and encourage each other!  I also love it that it's a fitness tracker, not just a pedometer.  The ibitz Unity is currently available at Indiegogo and at ibitz.com for just $49.99, that is remarkably less than many of the other fitness trackers on the market right now!

Consider making ibitz a part of your Valentine gift to a favorite mama this month!

** This is not a sponsored post.**

Get Moving 2013 Giveaway! #GetMoving2013

Are you ready to win?  I am ready to share this fantastic giveaway with 6 amazing prizes with one of you!  Here is a reminder about what awesome prizes are in this package that will help you "Get Moving" in 2013:

GeoPalz Pedometer

Active Accessories Pouch

Wholly Guacamole Prize Pack

FitnessUWear Skirt

Collagen Sport

EatSmart Scale

This prize packaged is limited to residents of the USA and closes at midnight on January 31.  The winner will be randomly selected on February 1 and contacted via email.  The winner has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Don't forget to stroll down and see the others prizes being offered in the Get Moving Event!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

Welcome to the Get Moving 2013 Blog Hop and Grand Prize Giveaway Event.  I'm sure it comes as no surprise that getting in shape is one of the top New Year's resolutions.  This year, let's stick with it! 

 Silent Springs, A Lucky Ladybug and Mommy of One and Counting,  have teamed up with almost 20 other bloggers to help you Get Moving in 2013 and actually keep those resolutions this year.  Each blog features a Get Moving 2013 prize worth at least $25, so be sure to hop around and enter them all!  3 different grand prize packages are up for grabs, so be sure to enter here to win! 

Your chance to win begins January 17th and ends at 11:59pm January 31st.  
Giveaways open to US

 Disclosure:  Please note that Silent Springs, A Lucky Ladybug and Mommy of One and Counting and the Get Moving 2013 Giveaway bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. We have represented each sponsor with the expectation they will fulfill their prize and in a timely manner. We will contact the sponsor regarding your prize(s). The sponsors, in most cases, are shipping their items to you directly. We will make every effort to assist you obtaining your prize. If there is an issue with a sponsor, please notify the blog you won a prize from within 4-6 weeks for assistance, after that we may be unable to assist you.

Sponsor Spotlight: GeoPalz #GetMoving2013

GeoPalz helps me get moving and it gets my boys moving!  These super cute pedometers encourage us in many ways to get on our feet each day!


GeoPalz are designed for kids.  They come in so many cute styles and entice children to move by unlocking game time in the GeoPalz arcade as they increase steps.  Look at some of these games:

 


Kids also earn points toward prizes!  Parents can set prizes for their kids when they reach a goal, or kids can choose from prizes pre-set by GeoPalz!  (Below are just a few of the prizes GeoPalz offers to kids for earning points).



Honestly, my boys don't care about the games and prizes.  They just love wearing the stylish pedometers and seeing how many steps they take.  They have to check them out multiple times a day.


Check out this new family of pedometers that GeoPalz is preparing to introduce.  These are called ibitz, they work kind of like the old neopet games - activities are tracked with the pedometer and earn health for your pet that can be accessed through smart devices.  The first model will work with Apple devices. They will sell for $40 and help track the times of days that children are the most active so parents get a better overall picture of what their children are doing during the day!



Great news!  GeoPalz has agreed to participate in the Get Moving event!  They will be contributing a pedometer as part of my fantastic prize package!  Are you interested?  Which pedometer is your favorite? How do you help your children get active?  Would you dare wear a GeoPalz?  (I do).






***Disclaimer: I have received a product or products free for the purpose of review.  All opinions are my own.***


Shared on:

Sneak Peek

Do you remember that I am going to be part of the Get Moving Blog Event in January?  I am super excited about my sponsors.  I can hardly stand waiting to share about their fantastic products with you... so here's a sneak peek of what you can expect.  (Oh, and if you want to get in on the event you can do so for FREE - you don't even have to secure a sponsor to be part of the grand prize drawing entries!)

Keep an eye out in January to learn about these great products and how they get me moving!  This prize package goes to 1 lucky reader.  Total value is over $250.

Stocking Stuffers for Exercise Enthusiasts

I just want to share a few products that I believe are excellent gifts for your favorite exercise fans.  They are moderately priced and small enough to fit into most stockings (or a nice package for another gift giving occasion.

The Active Accessories Pouch is available on Amazon for only $15!  It is the perfect size for an iphone, earbuds, a glucometer, anything you need for carrying with you to the gym.  I believe these would also be perfect for a teenage girl to slip into her bookbag with all of her essential IDs.  (I might even slip a small tampon into it for an emergency).  This pouch comes in 4 color choices and has received a 5 star rating by customers on Amazon!  Click the first link to like them on Facebook and tell them I said hello!

 

GeoPalz pedometers are a super cute way to stimulate activity in kids, and a stylish pedometer for adults.  They cost $25 on the GeoPalz website.  You can also buy a select few on Amazon.  Here is why I love them:  The GeoPalz website invites children to track their daily steps in order to earn points for prizes.  They also have games that are interactive and encourage children to keep moving.  What's more, they have a place for families to track their steps together!  We love GeoPalz and their fantastic assortment of styles and rewards!  Follow GeoPalz on Facebook.

 

Banglz make wrist and ankle weights with sleeves to dress them up!   Sleeves can be bought separately so you can change styles to match your workout clothes.  Prices vary depending on your choice of products.  The same company that makes Banglz sells lycra headbands and hair ties that don't damage your hair!  Check out their simple skirts too - they are incredibly comfortable and cute!

RoadID offers a variety of safety products for those who enjoy exercise.  My favorite product is the wrist ID.  I wear mine almost every day, especially when I am exercising at the gym.  I know that if there is a problem, emergency workers will be able to quickly access all of the information they need about me.  RoadID products vary in price depending on the product.  Take a look at their Facebook page as well!

 

Riley Children's Foundation  has t-shirts in their store online!  What a great stocking stuffer for only $10.50 (plus tax).  Ordering a Riley t-shirt not only gives your loved one a new shirt for working out, but also benefits children in need of hospital and specialist services.  We love Riley because 2 of our children benefit from their excellent quality services.  Learn more about Riley through their Facebook page.

Planet Fitness is a quickly growing gym franchise (in 47 states)!  Membership is extremely affordable.  Our local gym has 2 options $10 or $20 a month depending on which services you choose.  See if there is a Planet Fitness near your favorite exercise lover.  

This mission of Planet Fitness: We at Planet Fitness are here to provide a unique environment in which anyone – and we mean anyone – can be comfortable. A diverse, Judgement Free Zone® where a lasting, active lifestyle can be built. Our product is a tool, a means to an end; not a brand name or a mold-maker, but a tool that can be used by anyone. In the end, it’s all about you. As we evolve and educate ourselves, we will seek to perfect this safe, energetic environment, where everyone feels accepted and respected. We are not here to kiss your butt, only to kick it if that’s what you need. We need you, because face it, our planet wouldn’t be the same without you. You belong! 

Find them on Facebook as well.

Some other favorites

 Water Bottles, heart rate monitors, gym towels, yoga mats, hand weights, earbuds, ipod holders that strap to an arm, athletic shoes, and more!  

What are your favorite stocking stuffers?

Enjoy A Healthier and Happier Thanksgiving Meal - and a giveaway

I announced yesterday that we are expecting baby #4 this summer.  It's an exciting time, but as you may recall, I am diabetic - therefore it is not without challenges.  I have decided that this is going to be my healthiest pregnancy yet (and my doctor seems to think that's a good plan).  As I am working toward health, I've had the priveledge of partnering with GeoPalz once again to share an exciting & fun event! 

As I plan for our holiday season, here are a few tips that I plan to use in keeping our family moving toward health.  Make sure to read to the end so you can learn about a fantastic giveaway from GeoPalz!  (Don't forget to check out their website - they offer great games to help entice young people to exercise!)


1. Snack sparingly throughout the day, choose a healthy option if the kids have to snack. Opt for a full meal instead of high-calorie snacking. It’s difficult to monitor how much the kids are eating when they’re grazing the buffet. Click to Tweet!

2. Create colorful fruit salads and fruit-based desserts for a healthy way to satisfy your kid’s sweet tooth. Make an apple or peach pie using whole-wheat flour instead of white flour. Click to Tweet!

3. Fill your kid’s plate with half veggies, a quarter potatoes, and the rest with meat. Help your kids learn portion control by using normal or undersized portions. Encourage them to fill their plates with healthy and colorful food. Click to Tweet!

4. Have fun and play games together! Promote playtime with fun and physical activities. Play a game of touch football, Frisbee, or kickball together. With younger kids, play hopscotch, jump rope, or tag. Click to Tweet!





Make the most of your Thanksgiving holiday with the children’s pedometer, GeoPalz! To get you started, they’ve provided 12 tips for a healthier and happier Thanksgiving meal. Follow their tips and share them with friends to be entered into a Healthy Family Thanksgiving Giveaway!

At the end of the month, GeoPalz will pick one lucky parent who’s shared these tips via Twitter with a Thanksgiving prize pack including 4 GeoPalz pedometers for your kids and a $100 Target gift card for you!

Here’s how to enter:
1. Click the included link to tweet your favorite tip!
2. Follow GeoPalz on Twitter to find out if you’ve won.

For contest rules and regulations, please visit the GeoPalz blog.

***Disclaimer: I have received a product in exchange for this post.  All opinions expressed are my own.***

Honor the Earth Giveaway Hop

I am SUPER excited about partnering with GeoPalz for the Honor the Earth giveaway hop!  If you haven't heard of GeoPalz, please take a glance at my spotlight post.  They make incredible pedometers for kids, and have a fantastic service for families!  I don't think I have ever been more excited about a pedometer!

GeoPalz wants to help YOU Honor the Earth this Earth day by encouraging your family to get moving!  We're learning to walk to places nearby instead of driving.  

One lucky winner will receive a GeoPalz pedometer for their child!  Of course, you can always choose to keep it for yourself if you prefer.

Enter using the Rafflecopter form below.  Don't forget to read the review to learn all about GeoPalz great products.  Also remember to check out the other great giveaways happening as part of the Honor the Earth hop!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Honor The Earth with your FEET! (sponsor spotlight)

In the Crum household we are battling every day.  We battle to live a greener life, we battle to eat healthier foods, we battle to maintain blood sugar... and the list goes on.

As a diabetic I am highly concerned about what my family eats and how we exercise.  I don't want my 3 beautiful boys to grow up fighting the same battles that we are struggling with now.  We are working on teaching them to live healthier lives by helping them learn to get exercise every day.  

One way that we practice this is through the use of a pedometer.  The Crum family, along with some of my extended family, are taking literal steps toward health.  We are walking "together" although live in different cities.  Each day we report in with our number of steps in a battle toward health.  At the end of the month the one with the most average daily steps will take home a trophy.  We will start again with counting steps for next month.  The winner so far?  My mother (I think).  

Okay, the truth is, the kids are kicking our butts.  They are inspiring us to work harder, walk more, and live healthier.  They are encouraging us to practice what we preach and put our foot where our mouth is... 

At the Crum house, as we learn to increase our steps, we are also learning to Honor the Earth by using our van less frequently.  We are learning to take care of our needs without adding to the poor air quality.

Now, for the sponsor:

GeoPalz!

This has got to be the coolest pedometer we have ever seen!  They are stylish with cute icons on the front so they look cool.  Monkey loves to show his off to anyone that will pay attention.  

This is my favorite.  Isn't it cute?  Earthy and feminine.  Love it!

First I want to tell you about the great quality of pedometers the GeoPalz sells. 

They are made with kids in mind.  The pedometer has a bent angle on the end of the clip to hold it firmly in place on pants or shoes.  There is also a "leash" with it so you can attach it doubly - if it somehow manages to slip off, it will still be holding on with the leash.  Believe me, with an active young boy, this can be useful.

These are durable.  Monkey has dropped his a number of times.  He takes it off regularly to look at the numbers and is not good at putting it back on himself.  When he looks at it, it has frequently landed on the floor.  The cute cover over the pedometer seems to help with protecting it.

GeoPalz calibrates to the individual step.  This gives a more accurate picture of how many steps are being taken.  

The pedometer also has a time and date function.  That helps with tracking steps. One great thing about this function is that you can't forget to reset it in the morning - it 0's at midnight.  (If your time is not set properly, it will reset itself in the middle of the day).

Here is the direction sheet.  I called my sister when I opened it up.  I learned about GeoPalz from her, so she was the one to gripe at about this.  What a huge set of instructions.  It took a little while for me to figure it all out and get the pedometers set up correctly.  It was not as difficult as I expected based on the size of the instruction page.  

We also had occasion to do a little problem solving.  One of the pedometers did not work right for some reason, customer service was very helpful and had no problem replacing it.  They have a lifetime guarantee on their products!

Check this out, not only are these pedometers adorable (who would have thought you could use a word like "adorable" when talking about pedometers?), they offer a website for tracking progress.  You can use their website for free!  Your kids can even earn prizes for accomplishing goals.  There are a variety of neat prizes for kids who own a geopal - they EVEN have prizes for people that sign up with a free account.  

One of the newer features?  Family tracking.  That's right, I can put all of the members of my family on the GeoPalz site, and monitor progress right there with a chart that shows each family member side by side.  I also get an email every week telling me how my children are doing with their walking.  

GeoPalz has an excellent program for helping families get active together.  They have already helped us in the battle against diabetes.  They also help us as we learn to better care for our Earth.

The price?  GeoPalz sell for only $25!  That price is totally worth it for the quality of the pedometer and the service of the website.  Make sure to check them out today!

Thanks GeoPalz!

GeoPalz will be offering a pedometer to one of my readers during the Honor the Earth event from April 12-22.  Happy Earth Day!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, I received a product or products in exchange for review.