Casall Compression Running Pants And Asics Shoes

Hi there!

Better late than never, that's all I've got to say. I needed to make this post already about a year ago when Casall sent me these awesome compression pants to be tested with my bad back but then things went wrong with my foot and I couldn't exercise at all (*ouch*).

Last spring I was so excited about getting fit, so I increased my daily amount of walking/running and other exercises. I was feeling great and the ruptured disc in my back was liking all the sports. Then all of a sudden my left foot got really sore and I couldn't walk. My doctor said it was repetitive strain injury and I had to stay off from my foot for a while. To make matters worse my back also started to hurt little after that, and I ended up spending the entire summer just laying around and doing nothing. To some people that would have been awesome but I hated it. I like to be active.

Finally, a year later, my foot is somewhat better and I can walk/run as long as I don't over do it. My back, however, has its own life and some days it is fine and then others not. I just go with it the best I can.

Besides the year old compression pants that I have barely worn, I decided to treat myself to new running shoes. My old ones weren't good for my feet anymore because they were too tight. Running shoes are supposed have plenty of room for your toes or else you might run into trouble (*pun intended, haha*). It took me ages to find a pair that fit my narrow and long feet well. 

If I got a pair that had the room for my toes, it got too wide else where and then my heel lifted up when I walked (*not good*). Why do shoe manufactures think that if you have big feet that they are automatically wide too? Plus it is nuts how much good shoes cost.

I ended up buying a pair of gel cushioned Asics. They felt the best for my feet in the price range of shoes that I could afford. I haven't run much yet because I'm still taking it easy but I have tested these with many long walks. They seem to be really good.

But that's it about the shoes. I want to write about the rad colored Casall Hit Fast Track Tights that Casall was so nice to send to me for free (*thank you*). I probably would have never bought myself a pair because of the price. It is so much more cheaper to buy sports pants from stores like H&M or Lindex but after wearing a pair of real compression pants I know why people like them. You feel supported and snug but in a good way. Kinda a like a super hero.

To be a super hero in tights requires some work though because they are, well, tight. You need to squeeze yourself into the pants and work your way to having the right body parts in right places. You can't just throw them on in a hurry. You also feel like you have gained at least five pounds and you have massive ass and tights (*giggle*). But once you are passed the struggle of getting dressed into compression gear, you feel like a winner. And that's even before you have started your workout. 

Casall's AR2 compression material is rubbery to the touch but amazingly breathable. I thought I would have sweated way too much in them but somehow they let the heat and sweat out. Knee parts have special netting that also provides extra cooling. On the sides and other strategic places are reinforcements to support and compress your body. They also feel like rubber but don't bother you when you are wearing the pants.

I'm not sure if you know how some little kids complain how their shirt is on wrong or the socks feel funny and then you have to spend precious moments of your busy morning to fix it for them. Well, that was, and still is, me. I absolutely hate stupid tags and seams that itch my sensitive skin. That is why I love these pants; they have special laminated seam technology that makes them seamless. Awesome, just awesome.

That all being said, once you are in them, you don't want to take them off. I have actually gone to work couple times wearing these because I knew I had to stay on my feet all day (*I'm a lucky one since we don't have a strict dress code at work because we don't see our clients in person*). These pants make you feel more supported and they ease your afternoon swollen calves.

The little running I have done so far, feels also great because you don't even remember that you are wearing the pants. You actually notice the difference when you don't have them on and you have to run. Everything jiggles and not in a good way.

These pants have made me realize that compression products are worth the investment. I'm hoping to buy myself a compression shirt as well as 3/4 length pants for the summer. But I'm also still sure that I will keep buying cheaper sports pants and tops too. It all depends on your mood and the type of exercise you're doing that day. I don't want to be a super hero every day. Some days I like to take it easy and bum around in loose fitting gear. And that is why girls need bigger closets...

Anyway, whatever you decide to wear just remember to keep moving because it is good for you. Kisses and hugs!!

Good Buys / Girly Stuff

Hi there!

I have been on a savings kick lately, so I haven't really been buying new stuff, and that is why my posts have been more about free stuff like nature or exercising (*or lack of it due to my stupid sore foot*).

But as everyone knows a girl needs her cosmetics, so eventually she must buy at least the very basics. My recent basic purchases included lip balm, hair care stuff, lipstick and a necklace (*I'm pretty sure a new necklace every now and then is a must, giggle*).

Most of the new stuff I bought are brands I haven't tried before, so I was really surprised how good they are. I usually won't recommend anything easily but these items are an exception, and no, I didn't get paid to write this.

Here's pics and details...

Awesome 100% organic lip balm by BalmBalm. It has tea tree oil that not only soothes and moisturizes but also is antibacterial. Can be used on chapped lips and stubborn hangnails.

I had never heard about hair care product line called Rich but once I tried a sample of their goodies, I was hooked. Their shampoo, conditioner and especially argan oil elixir are so moisturizing. Definitely a must for hair that has been dried by summer heat, sun shine and salty sea water.

Many people have asked me if I have hair extensions because my hair is long and super thick. It is actually all natural hair due to good genes but also because of good hair products. I always make sure I'm treating my hair well. It helps to have a sister who is a hair stylist too (*giggle*).

 I usually don't use much lipstick because I'm more of a lip gloss kind of a girl, but one day I felt like my new outfit called for delicious red lips (*oops, I guess I also bought new clothes*). I marched to the nearest store and bought this Lumene's awesome lipstick. It is exactly the shade of red I had in mind.

 Not only is the color intense and beautiful but it also stays on really well without staining teeth.

 Pucker up!

 Red lipstick is great for hot summer days. You can keep the rest of your makeup really light and just highlight the lips.

This is the new outfit that made me thought about red lips. Both skirt and the top are from H&M. Shoes are few years old. Hat is from our trip to Spain.

Now Jinx would need something red too (*giggle*).

Last but not least my new necklace from No bad design. It is a Finnish company that makes jewelry and other accessories from recycled materials. For example my necklace that is made out of an American quarter.

No bad has many cool items. I bought this one because I like the long chain, plus the American coin reminds me of all the American loved ones that I have (*kisses to you all*).

You can wear the necklace by itself or to pair it up with other necklaces. I have been wearing these two together on few occasions now.

There you go, my list of good purchases from this summer. What are your favorite cosmetics or brands? Anything you want to recommend to me?

Hump Day Post

Hello!

I can't believe how cold it is in Finland right now! I actually had to start wearing a hat and gloves again on my way to work because it is so fricking cold. I know it is June but it feels like October (*brrr!*). I hate summers like this. It's nearly Mid-Summer and it should be warm. I want back to Spain...

No time for vacations to hot beaches and exciting new places though. I'm busy at work and it seems like there is a ton of stuff I would need to do at home too. Plus needing to have time to watch world cup and all the summer TV series (*True Blood starts soon!*). Oh, and I shouldn't forget working out either. I haven't gone to the gym for couple weeks but I have been running.

Today's pics are just random snaps along the week. Enjoy!

Getting motivated to change into more office appropriate clothes in the morning...

...ok, all changed up.

Fricking cold! That's only about 48F degrees.

Thank goodness Arnold's was handing out free Croniz. That chocolaty mix of croissant and doughnut made me forget the cold weather. At least for a little bit.

Regardless of the cold weather, nature still looks beautiful with its many flowers.

 My wickedly awesome running pants that I got from Casall. I'm so excited about them! I'll write more about these later on. I don't have time right now (*sorry*).

Me bundled up in the morning. Brrrr!

Happy Wednesday!

Kaurasydän Bread By Vaasan

Hello and Happy Thursday!

I'm still working out like crazy my dear darlings. All my spare time is either spent at the gym or jogging with Jinx. Working out is so good for you, not only do you get a killer body but you also lower your cholesterol level. Just like healthy food does too.

And that brings me to this awesome heart friendly bread by Vaasan bread company that I had a chance of tasting not too long ago. Vaasan provided me with their new Kaurasydän bread that is said to lower your cholesterol.

I probably haven't mentioned that my cholesterol level is a tad bit over what it should be, so I'm very interested about products that help to lower it. That is why I was keen to taste Vaasan Kaurasydän bread (*Oat heart in English*).

Vaasan promises that if you eat 3 slices of this bread each day, you should be able to see lowered cholesterol level within 2-3 weeks. Of course results vary depending on a person. Since I didn't eat the bread that long or went to test out my cholesterol levels again, I can't say if it works or not. What I did notice though was the fact that Kaurasydän is full of fiber. My stomach was working very regularly in the course of few days I ate it.

Also Kaurasydän bread is really yummy. I enjoy the taste of oats to begin with, so Kaurasydän is right up on my alley. They have three delicious flavors; apple-muesli, carrot and regular oat. I can't pick my favorite because I liked them all. I ate the bread mostly in the mornings as well as in the evenings. I just popped it in a toaster for a minute and then spread some margarine on it. Yummy! 

The texture of the bread is kinda soft and floppy. It has a nutty feel to it even though it doesn't have nuts. It is the oats that do that. Scott didn't like it but he ate it anyway though. I loved the texture.

Exciting new product that gets my two thumbs up. Thanks Vaasan!

Jinx's New Bed

Hi there!

Everyone knows that good sleep is essential to everyone. Even for dogs. Our poor Jinxie must have had really terrible sleep because his old mattress was in very bad shape. It was so worn that some of the seams were ripped and the stuffing was completely flat. I actually caught Jinx trying to fluff up his pillow one morning. He was sifting the stuffing with his front paws (*aww*).

It made me feel so sad that Jinx had been sleeping on the crappy mattress, so very next day I marched to the nearest Musti&Mirri to buy a new bed for him. I bought this cute and soft bed that is actually designed by Finnish design firm Ivana Helsinki. It was a bit pricey but Jinx loves his new bed so much that it was well worth it. Just check out the pics below.

Sweet Dreams!

My Weekend Full Of Christmas Stuff

Hello!
Since I had a long weekend due to Finnish Independence Day, I got a ton of Christmas stuff accomplished. I wrote all my xmas cards, baked gingerbread cookies (*I'll make a separate post about them*), went for a walk in the wintery woods and cooked a yummy dinner. Here's pictures of course...
Huge pile of xmas cards.

I love the xmas stamps that the Finnish postal service published this year. They are cute!

New winter inspired book by Jenni Peltonen. I figured that since I can't fight the winter, I might as well join it. Thus, I bought this book. It has so many awesome ideas I want to try.

Teriyaki Salmon with carrot-paprika noodles. Yummy!

Ready for a walk!

I hate winter but I love how it looks. What a crazy love/hate relationship!

Jinx enjoys walks in the woods with or without snow.

Happy Week Everyone! Only 15 days till Christmas...