Tech Savvy Mama

Parenting in the Digital Age

Gift Guide Picks for Healthy Living (w. giveaways)

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With 2011 nearly behind us and a New Year coming, if you feel inclined to make some resolutions in 2012 to better your health, here are some of my favorite products that can help.  Now please pass the chocolate!
Kalso Solar Too

GIVEAWAY: Kalso Earth Shoes (starting at $130)— Those who believe in no pain, no gain when it comes to shoes have not yet been introduced to Kalso.  With 40 years of manufacturing footwear designed to reward customers with a true whole-body wellness experience, Kalso shoes are stylish and comfortable. The footbed features a cupped heel that supports the foot with proper positioning while toes are cradled to distribute the weight away from toes. From trendy boots to updated Mary-Janes, Kalso Earth Shoes are shoes you can wear comfortably from day until late at night. I received a pair of the Solar Too for review and they are the most comfortable shoes ever. I love the versatility and comfort thanks to thoughtful details.  The glittery detail makes them perfect for dressing up (think skirt or dress layered with leggings for winter) or with a pair of your favorite jeans for everyday wear.  Thanks to the split in the middle of the shoe, there’s no discomfort caused by the movement of your foot that comes with usual Mary Jane styling.  The split allows your foot to move without uncomfortably rubbing against the top. While each pair of Kalso Earth Shoes comes with a higher price tag, you might never look at a pair of shoes the same way again! And trust me, your feet will thank you!  Win the most popular pair of Kalso Earth Shoes in your size at time of prize fulfillment by completing the requirements below!

Pykamo Golf for Everybody sets (about $110 for the PK2 set)— Future PGA hopefuls can enjoy learning on top quality equipment designed especially for them.  Pykamo is a Canadian company founded by golf professional Maurice Duhamel who realized that there was a lack of high quality golf equipment for schools.  All of Pykamo’s equipment is designed by Maurice, fellow golf professionals, and physical education teachers to help even the youngest children learn and master the game.  The most basic PK2 set contains an inron, putter, hold & flagstick, 2 tee-off markers, 4 foam balls and a carry bag for $109 Canadian dollars, or about the same in US, depending on the exchange rate.  Irons are perfectly sized for children’s hands and height plus the triangular shape helps ensure that they learn the proper grip.  Foam balls are designed for inside and outside use and I love that the set comes with a carry bag to store everything in one place when you’re done practicing.  A Pykamo set (PK2 or the larger PK6 that allows the family to play together) is worth the investment for year-round indoor and outdoor fun.
HotPants ($70)— A magical garment that works as a secret weapon against cellulite sounds too good to be true but it really isn’t.  Originally from England, HotPants are brand new to the US and can be worn underneath your clothes or to exercise in and have amazing ability to trim your waist and hips in two weeks when worn for 8 hours a day.  How do they work? For that, I recommend you read this post by my friend Jennifer from The Dirty T-Shirt where she talks about bio-ceramic technology in a most elegant way! Thicker than Spanx, HotPants are about the thickness of neoprene.  If they feel a little snug under your clothes, they won’t be after a couple weeks! They seem to be doing the trick even as I sit here and blog away saying HotPants in my head using my best James Brown voice. And take advantage of the 25% holiday discount for becoming a HotPants fan on Facebook because the name doesn’t lie and you will get a little sweaty under there.  Just sayin’.

Sleep Innovations Gel-Memory Foam Mattress Topper ($99 for twin- $169.99 for king)— The amount of sleep that I’ve been getting each night is downright pitiful but I know that when my body hits the bed that I can rest better thanks to my Sleep Innovations Mattress Topper.  Gel beads infused in the memory foam provide support and a comfortable fit that cradles my body, distributing my weight evenly for a more restful sleep and relieves pressure points that can cause you to wake up at night.   If someone in your home is having back problems and you think it could be due to the mattress, try a Sleep Innovations Mattress Topper first.  They are pricey but not as expensive as a brand new mattress and certainly worth every penny!

NXE Armbands ($29.99 for a set of 2)— I’ve been searching for a way to take my iPhone with me as I run and finally am happy to have found the NXE Armbands that came as a recommendation from Michele.  Unlike others that I’ve tried, these armbands stay exactly where they are supposed to in order to secure your iPhone or an iPod Touch.  The wide band is snug to keep the device firmly around your upper arm yet doesn’t cut off your circulation which is certainly a good thing!

GIVEAWAY: Striiv ($99)— Do you know how many steps you walk each day?  Neither did I until Striiv arrived at my doorstep.  This amazing little device not only works as a pedometer to track your number of steps and convert the distance you travel each day into miles while putting all the data into nice easy to read charts, but there’s also a fun game called MyLand that uses the energy points you earn from physical activity to build a virtual world and a charitable component where your steps contribute towards a global giving component. Trade in the number of steps in order to buy a day’s worth of clean water for a child in South America, immunize a child from polio, or conserve a parking spot size piece of the Tanzania rainforest for a year. Exercising has never been so rewarding!  Easy to charge with the enclosed USB cable, this pocket size device is highly portable.  Mine lives on my bathroom vanity where I charge it at night and slip it in my pocket as I get ready in the morning so I’m never without it!

Invisalign— For those who have always wanted to have a healthy gorgeous smile but have worried about adult braces, Invisialign is worth looking into.  Invisalign uses custom-made aligners- invisible plastic molds over your teeth.  Digital imagery, xrays, and impressions of your teeth help your certified Invisalign dentist or orthodontist create a series of aligners that are replaced every two weeks during the course of your treatment.  With no unsightly wires that poke at the inside of your mouth, the ability to take them out when eating, a certain number of free replacements, fewer office visits that tend to be shorter, and often covered by dental insurance companies, Invisalign treatments are good for teens and adults alike. 

Healthy Kids Plate ($4.99)— With the updated USDA recommendations to make half your plate fruits and veggies and the remaining quarters whole grains and lean proteins, Super Healthy Kids’ Healthy Kids Plate makes it easy to ensure that your family is getting proper portions for a healthier diet.  Developed by Amy, a mom of 3 with a background in health education, Healthy Kids Plates are not just for little kids.  She has plates for ages 2-10 and 11 and up!  All are quite affordable and empower kids of all ages to embrace a healthier lifestyle.  

NewBalance NB639 Fitness Evolved Headphones ($99)— I always find it’s helpful to have goals when I run. Being able to see how far I’ve gone or my pace using an app on my phone is helpful but recently I’ve been using the NewBalance NB639 Fitness Evolved Headphones to get instant feedback. Manufactured in conjunction with iHome, Fitness Evolved Headphones work with your iPhone or iPod and allow you to play music while getting instant feedback as you exercise.  Get mid-workout statistics such as caloric burn, step count, and exercise time by placing your finger on the speech bubble above the New Balance logo and it will pause the song and read workout statistics back. This is a convenient feature for mid-workout feedback and to help maintain motivation! To read my full review, click here.

Filtrete Water Station ($31.78, Amazon)— More useful than a regular filtering water pitcher, the Filtrete Water Station helps you stay hydrated while on the go by filling 4 bottles at a time.  Snap the 4 individual water bottles in place, hold the pitcher under the faucet, fill all 4 at once, then grab one and go!  If you happen to be filling and someone needs a bottle, the automatic valves will cut off the water flow to the bottle that is removed.  Pretty smart, right?  And no worries if you lose a bottle…Additional bottles are available through Amazon.

It’s winter and the frightful weather that hits many parts of the country this time of year threatens outdoor workouts.  These fun games will keep you moving so you can justify that extra dessert or glass of wine:
Your Shape Fitness Evolved 2012 for Xbox Kinect ($39.99, Amazon)— I loved the original Your Shape Fitness Evolved that came out last year and while this version provides similar workouts (boot camp, cardio boxing, and yoga), the new dance classes are fantastic as is the ability to do floor exercises like push ups and situps.   
Zumba Fitness 2 for Wii ($39.99)— Zumba fans or those who have been too intimidated to take a class can Zumba at home using the Wii remote control.  Strap the Wii-mote to you using the enclosed Zumba belt for a hands-free workout featuring 32 routines, 20 different dance styles, and a variety of game modes.  Oh, and choose where you want to get your Zumba on.  You can choose from 5 different locations including a yacht in Miami, urban stage, LA nightclub, and among palm trees in the tropics!
Abba You Can Dance for Wii ($39.99)— Abba fans will love channeling their inner dancing queen to 26 Abba tunes as you dance with 4 friends and have the option to  perform a mini-musical using the songs or use the karaoke mode. There’s no taking on a chance on this new Ubisoft title that is pure fun for the whole family and a good workout!
The Black Eyed Peas Experience for Wii and Xbox Kinect ($49.99)— Wii and Xbox owners can get their Boom Boom Pow on with Fergie and will.i.am at home with the brand new The Black Eyed Peas Experience.  High energy dance moves unique to the Black Eyed Peas are sure to burn calories as you dance to your favorite songs in this multiplayer game that was inspired by their shows and music videos.  Great gift for the ultimate fan!
Self Defense Training Camp for Xbox Kinect ($24.94, Amazon)— Empower yourself to stay safe by learning the best self defense moves while getting in shape.  The game features 30 real self defense moves taught by experienced self defense instructors, boxing moves to improve reflexes, martial arts and kickboxing exercises for cardio, and calming Tai Chi moves.
Kinect Sports Season Two ($49.99)— Tennis, golf, football, baseball, skiing, and darts are part of the newest season of Kinect Sports.  Full body game play and the ability to use voice commands makes you feel like you’re immersed in the game whether you’re engaging in a one to one showdown or connecting with friends via Xbox Live.

Enter to win a Striiv or a pair of Earthies!

TO ENTER: Leave a comment about 1 resolution you are making to lead a healthier lifestyle in 2012.  Valid entries must include an email address or a Twitter handle.
 
For extra entires, you MUST complete the above and do any of the following:
  • Complete the Tech Savvy Mama reader survey if you haven’t completed it as part of my Xbox, Nintendo DS, or Roku giveaways.  Those who have not completed the survey will receive 2 entries- 1 for the survey, 1 for leaving a comment below saying you completed the survey.  If you have completed the survey as an optional entry for another giveaway, leave a comment to let me know you’ve done so and you’ll still get 1 entry into this giveaway.  Please note that all responses will remain anonymous. If your comment is selected, I will check to make sure you really did complete the survey.  If you just comment below without completing the survey, your entry will not be valid. (1 or 2 entries.
  • Share one item from above that you would like to receive as a gift. Include your email/Twitter handle. (1 entry)
  • Subscribe to Tech Savvy Mama via RSS or email. Include your email/Twitter handle to let me know you’ve done so. (1 entry)
  • Tweet this daily and leave your Twitter handle in the comments:  I entered @TechSavvyMama’s #giveaway 4 @Striiv & pair of @KalsoEarthShoes! Enter by 12/25: http://bit.ly/livehealthy2012 (1 entry/day)
  • Blog about this giveaway and include “TechSavvyMama.com is giving away a pair of Earthies shoes and a Stiiv to help you have a healthier lifestyle in 2012″ and include this link .  Leave a permalink and your email/Twitter handle in your comment. (10 entries)

Winner will be randomly selected from valid entries on Sunday, December 25 using Random.org.  Winner will have 48 hours to reply with a U.S. mailing address and phone number before another winner will be selected.  Giveaways are being provided by the companies and will be shipped directly to the winner. Complete rules regarding this giveaway can be found in the Official Sweepstakes Rules.  
 
Samples were received for review purposes. I was not compensated for this post or hosting these giveaways. I attended an  and received a gift bag but all opinions about Invisalign and aforementioned products are my own.  

 

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Original post by Tech Savvy Mama
©2012

Reader Interactions

Comments

  7. anny32 says

    well this next year i want to get out and do more walking..its so hard to get out and do stuff when its so cold. come warm spring days im gonna get out more.
    zippy573 AT netscape DOT net

  11. anny32 says

    i really like the Sleep Innovations Gel-Memory Foam Mattress Topper..my hunnys bed is horrible..i leave there on the weekends wanting my bed.. this would help!
    also love those shoes!
    zippy573 AT netscape DOT net
    @zippy573

  35. John says

    Tell me you aren’t really going to pick a winner on Christmas. 🙂
    We are planning on working out more in the new year.

  41. coriwestphal says

    I quit smoking about 4 years ago, and put on about 25 extra pounds. I’ve been carrying that around this whole time and it’s high time I get rid of it!

    coriwestphal at msn dot com

  46. Michelle Richardson says

    I completed the survey and would love to try out any of the products listed above. I have Earth shoes, and they are fabulous. The memory foam pad is a great gift idea too! Of course, I like all the games because I try to stay as active as possible!

  66. natalie says

    My resolution will be to lose 15 lbs and I plan on taking this seriously in 2012 🙂 nlevdan3 at Yahoo dot com

  68. natalie says

    I really love the striiv and the sleep innovations mattress topper – both great for gifting or getting! nlevdan3 at Yahoo dot com