#CGG: Saucony Jazz Original Shoe Review & $400 Prize Pack Giveaway

Saucony Women's Jazz Original

“Looking to stand out, but not show off? Since 1981, the Jazz O's have been one of Saucony’s most popular shoe, offering extreme comfort and classic, not-trying-to-hard style with now legendary triangular lugs and plenty of cushioning, and two different laces”.

The Original Jazz shoes for women feature a classic retro design with a cushioned comfort insole to provide all day comfort. With ten color varieties, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect pair to match your personality. The colors available are Gray/Blue, Black/Black, Red/White, Navy/Silver, Light Pink/White, Black/Silver, Slate/Pink, Navy/Pink, Castlerock/Lavender, Purple/White.

Saucony sent me the Black/Silver Jazz shoes to review. Right away, I was impressed with the sizing options. I have a pretty big foot for a woman and finding a size 11 shoe is nearly impossible. The Black/Silver Jazz Original is available as small as a size 5 and go up to a size 12. The shoes fit true to size. Because I can never find a size 11 shoe, I typically wear a 9.5 in men's. The Jazz 11 fits me perfectly.

These shoes have great traction and a removable insole. The black/silver pair I received come with one set of white laces and one set of black laces. The Jazz Original’s feature nylon and suede fabric with classic Saucony detailing.

When it comes to shoes and clothing, I am very particular. The Saucony Jazz shoes I received aren’t exactly my style but are a great value for women who like the classic retro appeal. Although they are incredibly lightweight, I found them to be too firm for me to use as a jogging or running shoe but they would make a great walking shoe.

The Women's Jazz Original retail for $53.00. For more information, please visit www.saucony.com Click here to find a local retailer.

Saucony has put together a fabulous prize pack for one lucky Ultimate Christmas Participant! The winner will receive 7 of Saucony’s best selling items equaling a $400+ value!! 

Jacket: Insulated Run Jacket in pink / Shirt: Optech LX Sportop in black/pink / Shorts: P.E. Revival Short in black / Tights: DryLete Tight in black / Shoes:  Kinvara / Socks: Elite sock / Bag: Backpack

How To Enter:
Visit Saucony and fill out the doc below telling us what your favorite product is other than what's been covered. This entry is mandatory & must be completed for bonus entries to count (Comment entries will not count).

How To Earn Additional Entries:
Fill out a separate form for each additional entry that you complete on the doc that we have provided below. After you click submit and would like to submit another just click refresh to clear form.

1. Follow Saucony & Or Saucony Originals on Twitter ( 1x ea. )
2. Tweet Daily- #Win a $400 #Saucony Prize Pack #giveaway @Jennifer_Marek @Saucony  #UltimateChristmas »»http://bit.ly/9OGqJq «« #fitness #shoes
3. Like Saucony & Or  Saucony Originals on Facebook  ( 1x ea. )
4. Comment on Saucony's FB that you entered Ultimate Christmas at ...
5. Follow us on GFC (1x ea.) Review Retreat - Survey Junkie -  Little Yayas
6. Follow us on Twitter (1x ea.) Review Retreat - Survey Junkie - Little Yayas 
7. Subscribe to our email (1 x ea.) Review Retreat - Survey Junkie - Little Yayas
8. Blog about Giveaway linking to this post ( 2x ) Leave link to your post.
9. Snag the Ultimate Christmas Button (2x) Leave link where we can find it.

Contest Ends Saturday, November 27th at 11:59 pm est

***USA Only***

( Comment entries will not count, you must fill out the Google doc below. Good Luck! )

 

*Disclaimer: Open to US Residents. 18 years of age or older. One entry per household. Winner's are chosen at random.org and have 48 hrs to respond to notification. I was provided with the feature item(s) at no cost by the manufacturer or its PR agency in order to test the product(s) and form my own personal opinions. The opinions and thoughts expressed are my own and may differ from others. I received no other compensation for my review nor was I under any obligation to give a positive review or host a giveaway.

Fit For Fall Sponsors: Coming August 15th, 2010

Chubby… Big-Boned… Plus Size… Thick… Full-Figured…Plump…

Flabby… Voluptuous… Curvy… Chunky… Shapely…

Yes- those are all names I have been called throughout the years. Maybe you’ve heard them too. Either way, it’s not important. What is important is loving ourselves for who we are. No matter our size, it is important to love our shape. 

Getting in shape, looking and feeling good isn't just about exercise. That’s why Simply Stacie, Little Yaya’s and Review Retreat have found the most amazing companies to help us relax, get our bodies into shape, and look good & feel good both inside and out.

Allow me to introduce you to our wonderful Fit For Fall Event Sponsors:

JumpStart

Yoga Clothing

KOR

Aurorae Yoga

Lauras Whole Some Junkfood

Jari Love

Have You Heard About The Fit For Fall Giveaway Event?

I am so honored and excited to be part of the “Fit For Fall” Blog Giveaway Event. Together, Stacie from Simply Stacie, Cindi from Little Yaya’s and myself from Review Retreat have teamed up to bring you the best products to help promote healthy living, relaxation, exercise and fitness.

Fit For Fall will run through August 15-28

This event will be full of reviews and great giveaways to help you become more relaxed, get in shape, and help you to look and feel your best. With more than 40 giveaways so far, this will be an event too good to pass up!

 

5 Ways To Get You Bathing Suit Ready

This is your year! No more hiding behind a enormous beach towel, wearing your baggy t-shirt or borrowing your mom's swimsuit cover-up!

1. Get your mind ready - Believe in yourself and have a positive mindset before you engage in any exercise or weight-loss program. Getting a sleep, toned body is more than just exercising. It is making a commitment to yourself and being your own motivator while pushing forward. Start by changing how you think, from I can't to I can. Think baby steps and set small daily or weekly goals that are attainable. Trying to accomplish too much too fast will only set you up for failure. Tell yourself that everyday you are moving one step closer to accomplishing your healthy/fitness goals, and you WILL do it.

2. Cardio, Cardio, Cardio - I know you are probably reaching out to slap me right now, but as much as you don't want to hear it, it is true. You have to get your heart rate up and sweat if you want to burn fat! If you are able to carry on a conversation while doing a cardio exercise, then you are not working hard enough. Plan to do cardio activity such as running, jogging, kickboxing for 30-60 minutes 3-5 times a week. Even walking for 30 minutes a day will improve your health and help build your endurance.

3. Eat Lean to Be Lean - Eating a healthy diet will not only give you a great physique, but you will also feel better and gain more energy to keep up with your workouts. Eating healthy doesn't have to be boring. You can find great recipes to help spice up your meals. Eat foods high in fiber, whole grains, lean meats, fresh fruits and veggies.

4. Weights are Your Friend - With men, this part is easy but so many women are afraid to lift weights in fear of bulking up. It's very difficult for a woman to bulk up with simple weight lifting exercises. Weights are good for you. Weight training will help to shape your body, speed up your metabolism, tone up and develop stronger bones needed to fight osteoporosis. Aim to do 45-60 minutes of 2-3 times per week.

5. Get Organized - Getting yourself organizes and clutter free will help you feel better, less stressed and more open to accept new things. It may seem like one has nothing to do with the other, but cleaning out a drawer, closet or just getting your home/office organized can lead to a healthier lifestyle. In order to be organized with your workouts, you need to be organized in your life. So go ahead,, clean out a drawer today and see how much better you feel!

Find healthy recipes at All Recipes or American Diabetes Association recipes.

The Benefits of Stretching

As we age, our muscles begin to tighten and we begin to lose the range of motion in our joints. Simple day to day tasks such as buttoning a shirt or reaching for the juice off of the top shelf at the grocery store can become extremely difficult. Stretching regularly can help to lengthen and strengthen you muscles. making daily living easier.

Everyone should stretch, regardless of their age or flexibility. Stretching should be part of your daily routine. It's easy to use an excuse such as " I'm just too busy", or " I don't have the time" , but stretching can be done for just a few minutes each day. You could easily perform stretches while watching TV, getting ready for bed, waiting in line, or even on the computer.

If you are not able to set aside time dedicated to stretching, you should at least try stretching during the activities mentioned above. You can even stretch in bed. So no excuses!

Here are just a few of the benefits you should expect from a regular stretching program:

• Reduced muscle tension
• Increased circulation
  
• Increased energy levels (resulting from increased circulation)
• Enhanced muscular coordination
• Increased range of movement in the joints

Stretching is important for people of all ages. There is no age cut off! When I worked at a WNY fitness facility, we had an 85 year old women who came in every other day. She worked out for an hour everyday, stretching and walking the treadmill. When you do stretch on a regular basis, you increase your range of motion. This means your body's joints can extend further. Your muscles will become stronger and prevent injuries. Stretching should also be done post workout to help to decrease muscle soreness.

For example stretching exercises, please visit The Women's Heart Foundation.