MS Ride to the River 2015

Not every day is a good day. If you don't have a bad day, you can't appreciate the good days.

I am learning to love my bike. She is a great bike. She needs a better engine.

I signed up for MS Ride to the River for several reasons. Multiple Sclerosis is close to me. I've watched it slowly change people and impact families. I hate it. We don't know what causes is ... probably a combination of genetics and environment, but we don't know. There are many treatments. Most aren't good. None are curative. I have thought about a MS ride for years, but didn't think I could do the distance. Then I thought, how do I know I can't? And, I thought, at least I have a choice. People with MS don't. So ... to test myself, to motivate myself to get out there and ride more, and to raise money for MS, I signed up. I was lucky enough to have a friend of a friend of a friend who works at HEB and I joined their team. They were so supportive and friendly during weekend training rides. And, it's amazing to have a group to ride with who know lots of different routes for different scenery around time. And, they never left me behind.

My training was sporadic at best, but I had done 55 miles and felt good. I had ridden hills. But, work and other commitments got in the way at the beginning. And a trip to Africa that prevented the final 3 weeks of training. We got home on the Saturday before the ride. I'm still jet-lagged. Work has been stressful this week. The Musician left town the day after we got home to be with his ailing father. My head was not in the game. And, I did a dumb thing. I had my bike retrofit for aerobars while we were gone. So .. 5 days before the ride ... new bike position, new  bike saddle. Do you see where this is leading?

Anyway, packet pick-up was easy and friendly. Got a "congratulations on your fundraising." I set up everything for the ride the night before. Got up early and headed  to the start. 270 HEB teammates. Wow!!! We gathered for a picture. Our team raised over $200K for MS. One person single-handedly (not me) raised $100K of that. There were 1400 riders and over $1M raised. Aything that comes next, is totally worth it. I'm proud to have raised $825 (thanks to great friends and family).

The day was beautiful. Temperatures at the start were in the 60s. Amazing for Texas. And a huge improvement from last year when Day 1 was cancelled due to rain. After announcements, a prayer, the national anthem ... Team HEB was the third starting team and we were off. WOW!!! The new aero-position is amazing. Comfortable. Relaxing. Powerful. The very kind folks at Britton's bike shop were totally right. Why didn't I do this 5 years ago? I didn't stay aero all the time, because I need to get used to the position and handling. But, the saddle was higher and the flight-deck was lower, so my position was still very different than my previous "cruising" position. I did some drafting with some friends from HEB, but even with my new power, I am still not as strong as they are and I fell behind. But, that's OK. I actually like riding "alone" so I can be in my head with my thoughts. I felt great and was on the first rest stop before I knew it. I didn't "need" to stop, but I did. I promised myself, I would stop at every stop to stretch my legs. I didn't stay long. I don't even think I got water. Just a few "hellos" and "tailwinds."

The next 12-ish miles were as good as the first. This was going to be awesome!!!! Again, before I knew it ... rest stop. More greetings. This time,  I filled my bottle and had a Huma. And off we go.

Doc said I wasn't pedaling fast enough to move forward in time to the finish. 

Then ... Mile 30. Things fell apart. Headwinds. Hills. Why did I get a new saddle? It was a fight to get to rest stop #3. Several riders passed and asked if I was OK. Did I really look that bad? I asked one person and he said that he just likes to check on folks who are riding alone. OK ... maybe I don't look like I'm dying. Rest stop #3. OK ... stretch it out. Walk around. Eat something. Refill the bottle. Pretend you don't hurt. Smile for the camera. And, off again.

I needed the Force to be with me. Instead, I had set myself up for defeat. This time. 

My legs HURT!!!! BAD!!!! And, the LB (Lady Bits if you're delicate, but the Librarian calls them Lady Balls which is more appropriate to describe the suffering.)  I could feel every little bump and there was a LOT of chipseal. OK ... just a few miles to lunch stop.  Almost half-way to the hundred. My nose runs when I ride. I don't know why. Somewhere around here, I was particularly snotty. I thought I would attempt something I've never done before ... a snot rocket. OK, close the other side and blow. Fail!!! All over my face ... not one big splat on the pavement. Yuck, had to wipe with my glove. UCK!!! Mile 43 ... both legs seized up. I couldn't pedal. I could barely stand over my bike. I couldn't stretch them. I couldn't do anything. I waited for Sag. Took Sag to lunch. Decided, this was it today. After a quick lunch and conversation with friends, I took Sag to the finish. Quick leg massage made movement possible. Shuttle to the start. Home to see the pups. BUST!!! My first DNF. I have never, no matter how much it hurt, quit before. I tell people it's OK to DNF. Smart, courageous, hard. But, save yourself for another day. Don't hurt yourself. Harder to tell myself than it is to tell someone else.

I had every intention of going back out there for day 2. I had everything set up. I had iced and stretched and hydrated and fueled. But, the alarm went off Sunday morning. I got out of bed. No leg pain. Bonus. But, I was quickly reminded of the saddle and knew I couldn't sit on it again today. Bust! No medal. No conquering. But, it's OK. I have been running ragged all week. I haven't taken a break. My head was still not in the game. I took the day to unpack (finally), rest, play with the dogs, and ...

Yes ... I went there and put this up there for the world to see.

So.... what went right?

1. We raised a lot of money for MS research, treatment, cure
2. I love the new power and relaxation of aero position
3. I put Trusty Garmin on a quick release and used it for my bike computer and liked it
4. Tailwind nutrition ... still good
5. I tested a new Speedfill hydration system on my bike and I like it. No fumbling for bottles

So ... what went wrong? (aka Lessons learned)

1. Never try something new on race day. Even though not a race, perhaps I should have chosen better timing for the new position and new saddle
2. My head wasn't in the game. I thought about not going, but thought I would be filled with self-loathing if I didn't.
3. Training was inadequate. 100 miles is no joke. These hills are no joke. 
4. Snot rocket ... fail.

The positives outweigh the negatives, so I have to put this in the "win" column.

So .... what am I taking from this? 

1. There will be good days and bad days
2. Sometimes your head is not in the game, and that's OK
3. I have a goal. Something to aim for. Something to conquer. I won't let this defeat me. I will find the right saddle. I will train. And, next year, I will Conquer this hilly beast of a ride and next year, I will raise even more $$ to search for ways to defeat MS. 

Wantable Intimates October 2015

Wantable has 5 subscriptions: an Accessory box (I am not a good accessorizor), their Intimate box, Make-up box and their Fitness wear and Style box (try on at home and keep what you want). For the Accessory, Intimate, and Make-up, the cost is $40 the first month and then a 10% discount subsequent months if you keep everything. You can return individual items, though, so it's not a keep all or none sort of thing. When you sign up, you set up a style profile an select things you love, like, and dislike. They will never send something you dislike. Each box is selected for you, so my box will be different from everyone else's box. And, you can return if you want. That's a bonus most boxes don't allow. Aaaannnddd .... you always have the option to skip a month when you just need to take some time off. I chose the Intimates box. Assortment of undergarments, socks, loungewear, etc. Should be 3-4 items per box depending on value of items.

One of the things that impresses me most about Wantable is how quickly they ship. My style profile says that I love Loungewear, Leggings, and Socks. I have reviewed on their site each item I've received and they seem to do a better job selecting my items each time.

I can always count on my Wantable box to be shipped and received on the first of the month. Precisely on September 24, I received email notification that my collection was being prepared. Promptly on October 1, my colection arrived. I didn't receive a special note in this collection, either, but the box was full of value. 

First in by box was Lucky Brand 3-Pack of socks: Of course, I like socks. I also liike multi-packs so I can mis-match my socks, while matching of course. I really wish I had more reasons to wear cute socks. Why do I like socks so much?  Anyway, I like the no-show socks, but I am really hoping for more knee-high socks in the future. Retail $16. My price to keep $6.81.

Next up, Betsey Johnson Rib Knit Slip: This pretty cobalt blue slip is very soft and I love the color. It is a rib knit and a little form fitting. I don't see myself wearing this as a slip under a dress, but it is great for lounging and for sleeping. I would wear shorts or tights with it for coverage. I really like the delicate round and slightly ruffled bottom and especially like the racerback straps. Retail $38. My price to keep $16.17

It's getting into colder weather, so Lucky Brand Aztec Diamond Seamless Leggings were a nice addition. These are very soft and the neutral color is great. I will get great use out of these with a long sweater or layes with jacket and boots. I can also just lounge at home in these very comfortably. Retail $24. My price to keep $10.21

And finally, Rene Rofe Scandal Hipster: Very scandalous indeed. Mesh and lace with a cotton gusset. I am getting used to the lacy and delicate and barely there undies that I'm receiving in the boxes. I am usually a cotton girl. I'm still a cotton girl, so I'm on the fence. Maybe a little change up sometimes is good? Retail $16. My price to keep $10.21

So, what do I think? I'm happy with the selection and the value. I paid $36 and the retail value of the collection is $94

Wantable is changing up how they do things starting in November. Current subscribers pricing will remain the same as long as you remain active, but new subscriber rate for this collection will be $50. They will also be curating the collection according to suites of loungewear and lingerie for coordination. I like that idea. They will also add additional size ranges from XS to 3XL. I received and email that sent the details, but the website does not reflect the change. 

How to Be a RedHead October 2015

I need another subscription box like I need a hole in my head. But, sometimes something comes around that is just irresistable. Thanks to my fellow INKnBURN Ambassador, Eleanor LaRouge (also a Ginger and  PinUp model), I learned about How to Be a Redhead. The website has all kinds of fun and useful information for redheads and sells red-head approved products. So, when they released a box just for red-heads, how could I resist? They only released 500 boxes. I purchased the annual subscription for $180, so it comes out to $15 per box prepaid. I have no idea how much the monthly subscription is because it is now sold out and I can't see the pricing. After the September box, they did open up 20 more boxes for October, but those are also sold out. 

My box arrived while I was still getting settled (I'm not yet) from my hectic September.  I was kinda excited. I love the red box and the red paper. The box included a card with details of the 7 items included. And, a card for taking and posting a selfie ... but I haven't done that. 

I get lip colors in other subscription boxes. Some work. Some don't. For example the color I chose today did not. I must remove it from rotation. And, I admit, when I saw COVERGIRL, Colorlicious Lipstick in Decadent Peach shade, I was unconvinced. Until I put it on and it's great. It really has a great color that goes nicely with pale skin and red hair. This is why I trust H2BAR ... they know what they are doing for redheads. Retail $7

I am pretty religious about sunscreen but sometimes I'm not successful, or I just can't get to it. And, I sometimes just get irritated skin. So, I really appreciate My Body "Calm After the Storm" Soothing Treatment. It smells good and it feels good. It actually feels pretty luxe. Retail $94 

Pureology Reviving Red Illuminating Caring Oil. Thanks to subscription boxes, I have discovered I love hair oil. Shiny and calming on my frizzy curls. This has a red color too, to enhance my natural color. What a score. And I have to say, it also smells nice. Retail $32

This was totally new to me, but what a great idea for bike ride days and beach days. Sunburn Alert UV Stickers. This has only 2 stickers, but I love the idea. You put the sticker on your skin and apply sunscreen. When the sticker changes color, because it is exposed to harmful UVA/UVB rays, you need to re-apply. No more guessing. No more over-lathering (I hate that when I feel like I have so many layers on). Retail $6                                                                                                                                                       More color changing technology. One of the highest rated sunscreens on the market. No chemical absorbers. Goes on clear, but 10% zinc oxide and 5% Titanium oxide. Blue Lizard Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin is amazing. The bottle top changes color with UV exposure, so you have an idea just how intense the sun is and sometimes you just need to be out of the sun. The deeper blue the top becomes, the more harmful UV rays are out. Retail $12

I love masks. BioRepublic Aloe Rescue Revitalizing Sheet Mask. Collagen boosting, Aloe, Vitamin E. Sheet masks seem to be all the rage right now and I understand why. They just feel good and soothing. I have sensitive skin and really enjoy sheet masks. Retail $5











And, Organix OGX Moisture + Vitamin B5 Shampoo & Conditioner Sample Set. I used this on a recent overnight trip. Smells amazing. Great lather from the shampoo. Great smoothing from the conditioner. Supposed to infuse moisture and provide protection against environmental damage. Hard to tell after a single use, but I'm getting highlights in a few weeks and may  be looking for something to protect the color. Retail $5

So, what do I think? I am pretty impressed with H2BAR's first box. It really is redhead-centric and I will be able to use everything without worrying about color. The value was great at $161. I can't wait until October box. My ginger friends need to get on board if they open more subscriptions.

FabFitFun Fall 2015

FabFitFun was my first introduction to Subscription Boxes and may be what got me hooked. I love to receive packages in the mail and surprises make it even better. The box is guaranteed to contain at least $175 full-size, premium products in beauty, fitness, fashion, and Wellness finds. There is a wide range of items included, so for me, it's a lot of fun. . .not a bunch of the same. And, I try things that I might not have otherwise sampled. The cost is $49.99 per season, but there are discount codes available. And, subscribers can purchase extra boxes (usually $39.99) for gifts. I purchased an annual subscription last year for $179.99 and it automatically renewed (annual) at the same price for next year.

There are a few things about this box that make it a different from the rest and I really like that.

1.       You can purchase an annual subscription to receive 4 seasonal boxes, or you can purchase individual boxes. When my subscription was up and it was time for renewal, I was renewed at the annual rate instead of reverting to the quarterly rate.

2.      I like quarterly. Not too much $$ a year and I'm not filling up on too many products. You can also purchase extra boxes (until they sell out) without having an extra commitment. My communication with customer service has been good.

This month, in support of Domestic Violence Awareness month, FabFitFun partnered with Allstate Foundation Purple Purse, so the box was also purple.

Instead of the usual foldout card with details, the box included a magazine-like description of items. But, it was more than that. Items were described with the theme and purpose behind the choice of item. A description of the cause. Interviews with artists and designers. I'm not sure if this is unique to this month or if it is ongoing, but I liked it. It is more than a box, it's a thoughtful curaton. And, I admit, I sometimes feel guilty about receiving boxes, but when the curators are getting behind an important cause to support, it makes me feel better because I feel like I'm helping a bit, too. And the awareness stimulates me to provide more support. 

I wanted to start out with the Purple Purse Charm included in every box. Just like an arm band or a ribbon, the idea of wearing the charm on your bag or key chain demonstrates a personal commitment to raising awareness of the issue of domestic violence and financial abuse against women worldwide. Value ... priceless, but you can buy it for $10

I'm a fan of masks. I think I've said that before. So, the Gold Radiance Luxury Facial mask with Collagen and Rose Oil by Passport to Beauty is a winner for me. There are 2 mass in the package and I love the gold color. Sheet masks make me feel just a little decadent. Retail $65

One of the items I had an option to select was the color of this FabFitFun X Tappan Collective Umbrella. This was designed by FabFitFun and has a cute quirky print. I always appreciate umbrellas and this one is sturdy. I did have some trouble putting it back in the wrap, though. I chose yellow (pink and blue were options) because it reminds me of one of my favorite TV shows that recently ended. Retail $32

I'm trying to increase my glam-factor by wearing make-up slightly more often. But mostly I wear a lip color and mascara. Lucky Lip Stain by Manna Kadar Cosmetics has a nice light color with a glossy finish. It's supposed to act as primer, gloss, and stain and add moisture all at once. Since layers sound challenging to me, I'm down with an all-in-one. The color does seem to last. Retail $24

I love receiving moisturizers in subscription boxes. New brands to try. Flawless Skin Fluid by Doctor D. Schwab is lighweight and is supposed to help balance uneven tones and give a healthy glow. It felt nice and smooth, so should be good under my mineral makeup. Retail $39

Next item that I had a choice was the Glass Cyrstal Bead Bracelet by Tribe Alive. I am a fan of Tribe Alive as they employ poor women from around thee world to provide livable wages. This delicate bracelet was handmade in Honduras. I chose blue. I like the delicate bracelet because I can layer it with other items. Retail $49

I also had the option to choose a color on the HISY Battery Pack. Who doesn't need a portable charger? I don't need to say much more, except maybe that it's kind of nice to have a charger that is feminine. Retail $24.99

















I am not always a fan of gift cards in subscription boxes, because they almost always require you to spend money to use them. The Gift Card by Jeweler's Wife was $15. There isn't a lot on the site for $15, but I did find these cute Pandora sterling and cubic zirconia earrings and I only paid $1.24 for shipping. The Gift Card by Picture It On Canvas was worth $75. I have to find a great pic from a recent vacation and I can use it in it's entirety.

I am always a fan of exercising at home. Less excuse not to do it. And, my running has suffered because of hip weakness. I have no more excuses. The Strength Tubing Ankle & Total BodyTone with Tubing: Lower Body &Core DVD by Merrrithew will be useful if I can get off my butt and use it. There was also a discount coupon for 20% off a $50 purchase at Merrithew if you want to buy more DVDs or equipment. Retail $33

Sponsored item was 3D White Brilliance 2-Step System by Crest: I use whiteners and I use this brand. So ... I will use it.

 So, what do I think? I really love the theme of this box. I love the support of a cause. I like the information about the artisits and the reason behind the choice in curation. I will get use out everyhing. It was very full with lots of items of a wide variety. And, for a retail value of  $366.99 including gift cards, I think the value is definitely there. Looking forward to winter.

PopSugar MustHave September 2015

 PopSugar MustHave is a monthly lifestyle subscription box. I call it a Christmas stocking in a box and I look forward to it every month.  It's filled with items that I might not purchase for myself, but that I will use and love. Just a bit of luxury.

The usual subscription box is $39.99/month, but if you purchase 3 or 6 month subscriptions, there is a little discount. And, they have discounts every month if you find the codes. The current discount code is MUSTHAVE5 for $5 off your subscription.  Black Friday they had a special for $75 off a 6-month subscription. So, my $214.70 ($35.78/box) came to 139.70 ($23.28/box). Not a bad deal when you consider all that's in it. 

I'm super late in my postings. It has been a hectic many weeks with a long vacation ... that I haven't blogged yet, and then some crazy family and work stuff. My October box is arriving, so I have to share my September surprise. This was waiting for me when I got home from vacation. I admit, I had peeked at spoilers, I always do. 

 

As usual the tri-fold card with the item descriptions is always helpful.

 

I really like the Hudson + Bleecker Labyrinth Onyx Travel Trio. The plastic pouch is TSA friendly and I can vouch for that as I have already used it. The bags are labeled for shoes and lingerie, but they are the same size so can really be used for anything. I like tidy and organized packing and I have used these also and was satisfied. It's nice opening an organized suitcase that has pretty sectionals. Retail $42

I really like the Kris Nations "XO" Stud Earrings. I'm kind of into the mis-matching these days, so a pair of earrings that coordinates, but doesn't match is fun for me I like the bras and 14-goldd plate. It shouldn't cause discoloration and will last. Retail $35

I have wonky pale eyebrows. I'm kind of excited (and a little intimidated and nervous) about trying the Too Faced Cosmetics Brow Envy Shaping and Defining Kit. The kit comes with stencils and a guide for the ideal brow shape for eye shapes and instructions for defining the arches. You color inside the stencil and groom what's outside the stencil. As a chronic over-plucker, this may help be stay balanced between waxes. And, as someone with pale brows, I like the ability to add a hint of color to enhance the definition. I have actually used the brow tint and really liked it. Retail $39

Briogeo Rosarco Milk Reparative Leave-In Conditioning Spray. I read the ingredients. No milk and all plant-based with coconut oil among other things. I'm often quick and on the go after the gym, so this will go in my gym bag to increase the speed of my post-workout ritual. It smells nice, too. Retail $20

NCLA So Rich Vitamin E Enriched Cuticle Oil: This is great for me. I can't wear polish, so I don't do manicures very often. But, I work with my hands and it is important they look decent. I love cuticle oils to keep the cuticle soft and the nails shiny. Retail $18

No complaints at all from Nourish Snacks Almonds to Cherries.  I admit, I ate this as soon as I took the picture. Salty and sweet with a little tart. Perfection. Although this is honestly the right proportion. 200 calories and 6 grams of protein. My only complaint is I wanted MORE. I did check the ingredient list and there was nothing added. Just roasted almonds and tart cherries. Retail $2

So, what do I think? I think that PopSugar MustHave has been getting better and better. Total retail $156, so I also really appreciate the value.