Rokit Fuel review and giveaway.

Every once in a while I have the good fortune of being introduced to a truly awesome product through this blog, that I continue to use long after my review has started to collect Internet dust out in my archives.


One such product is Rokit Fuel. A few weeks ago I was sent some samples of this "endurance fuel for athletes" and, friends, I am hooked. I love the stuff!

What the heck is Rokit Fuel, you may be asking. Well, Rokit Fuel is a line of cereal and energy mixes that are designed to be taken on the road with you, for convenient refueling whether you're tackling a long run, enjoying a hike or just driving around town with the kids. From the web site:

Rokit Fuel Energy Mix comes in a handy single serve pouch that you can take almost anywhere.  It fits neatly into pockets, backpacks, briefcases and carry-ons.  Simply add enough warm or cold water to the pouch to moisten the Rokit Fuel by massaging with your thumbs, then squeeze the Energy Mix into our mouth as you would an energy gel or GoGurt.  It’s that easy.  No spoon.  No mess.  No problem.  And the all natural energy you get from one serving will give you sustained nutrition for several hours.

Rokit Fuel Cereal Cups are almost as handy as our Energy Mix.  Take along a cup to work, on the plane or into the great outdoors.  Add warm or cold water or milk and you’re set.  No cooking or waiting necessary.  Spoon in the goodness and feel your body say thank you for taking good care of me.  The serving size of our cereal cups is generous for a full meal. 

I tried both the cereal cups and the energy mix. Since I'm in the middle of half-marathon training, I decided to give Rokit Fuel a real test and try it out before some tough runs. The first up was speedwork. I had mile repeats on the schedule and was dreading them (interested? You can read about them over here.). I ate a pouch of the Pumpkin Chocolate Rokit Fuel about an hour before my run. To eat it, I opened the pouch, poured a little water into the mix (which looks a lot like muesli) and worked the water around to moisten it. Then, I ate away. 

Ho -- wow. Yum. I certainly started with the right mix because Pumpkin Chocolate Rokit Fuel is delicious! Oh, so tasty!

Now, if you didn't pop over to my other site to read about that speedwork, I'll let you know that I nailed it. I ran those mile repeats with no problems. I'm not saying it was all due to the Rokit Fuel but I will say that eating Rokit Fuel an hour before a hard workout didn't cause any stomach issues and, in fact, it gave me good energy for some hard running.

I next used Rokit Fuel before an 11 mile run and had the same experience -- no stomach upset just good energy. For that run, I tried Spice Cookie and it was tasty too.

Since those two hard workouts, I've eaten Rokit Fuel after a few runs to refuel and I've tried the cereal cups for breakfast. Both have worked out well. Although, my three-year-old would disagree. He was very interested in trying out the cereal cups so I let him try one and he didn't like it. But, I don't really think he's the target market :-)

One way that I really enjoy the Rokit Fuel cereal is mixed with plain yogurt. I have found that the thickness of the yogurt balances the flavor and many textures of the Rokit Fuel cereal.

Now, let me say that I have only tried Rokit Fuel in my home -- the idea behind the energy mix is that it can be eaten on the run or hike or slopes or what have you. I don't think I could eat it when I'm on the run because I need something much quicker -- I can't stop to open the pouch, pour in water, mush it up and then consume it. For fueling on the run I'll stick to what I currently use. However, I really like it for before and after runs and I can totally see how marathoners, ultra-marathoners or people who like to stop while they are running could like it for during runs. 

OK, so it tastes good and it works well before runs but what's in this stuff? Whole foods! Here's a look at what is in my favorite flavor, Pumpkin Chocolate:

INGREDIENTS: ROLLED OATS, RYE FLAKES, PURE CANE DARK BROWN SUGAR, PUMPKIN FLAKES, FLAX SEED, DARK SEMI SWEET CHOCOLATE CHIPS, PECANS, DATES, SUNFLOWER SEEDS, OAT GROATS, WHOLE WHEAT, PEARLED BARLEY, ALMONDS, SESAME SEEDS, BEE POLLEN, CINNAMON, SEA SALT, MACA ROOT, GOTU KOLA, NUTMEG, CLOVES.Nutrition Facts Serv. Size: 2.2 oz. (64g), Servings Per Container: 1, Amount Per Serving: Calories 230, Calories from Fat 70, Total Fat 8g (12% DV), Saturated Fat 1g (5% DV), Trans Fat 0g, Cholesterol 0mg (0% DV), Sodium 75mg (3% DV), Total Carbohydrates 35g (12% DV), Dietary Fiber 6g (24% DV), Sugars 10g, Protein 7g, Vitamin A (40% DV), Vitamin C (4% DV), Calcium (6% DV), Iron (10% DV), Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. 

You can read about what is in the other flavors (including Holy Pinole, Spice Cookie, Stud Muffin and Cherry Almond and Chocolate Dream cereals) on the web site. 

To buy:

You can order Rokit Fuel from their web site HERE and you can search for a local retailer HERE. 

The giveaway:

Yay! Since I love this stuff so much I super happy that the nice folks at Rokit Fuel have offered to give away a sample pack to one lucky reader!

To enter:

If you would like to give Rokit Fuel a try, leave me a comment and let me know!

Additional entries:

As always, you can gain a few additional entries (leave one comment per entry for the additional ones to count):

• Follow this blog, or let me know that you already do (leave a comment)
• Follow my other blog, or let me know that you already do (leave a comment)
• Become a fan of The Happy Runner on Facebook, or let me know that you already are (leave a comment)
• Become a fan of Rokit Fuel on Facebook (leave a comment)
• Let me know what kind of fuel you currently use for long runs (or other exercise) (leave a comment)
• Link to this giveaway from Facebook or Twitter (do as often as you'd like, just leave a comment  each time)
• Link to this giveaway from your blog (leave a comment with the url)

This giveaway will run through Monday, March 7th at 11:59pm EST and the winner will be announced on Tuesday.

Good luck!


Review/giveaway disclosure: I received samples of Rokit Fuel to try out. I was not otherwise compensated and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Medela Breastmilk Labeling and Storage System winner!

This was a quick one -- thanks, all, for entering!

I used random.org to choose a winner from all of the entries and that winner is . . .



the lovely Jen from GoddessLibrarian!



Now, whenever random.org gives me the number of a person I actually know in real life I feel the need to disclose it. And, indeed, I know Jen in real life. But, as I said, I used random.org to pick the winner and it really was random. No funny stuff!

Congratulations, Jen!

Thanks to Medela/MomSelect for this giveaway!

Have a great weekend, everyone.

Medela Breastmilk Labeling and Storage System review and giveaway

Not sure if I've written about this before but I am a breastfeeding mom. My little guy is 4 months old, so I'm exclusively breastfeeding right now. I also pump occasionally, although not as much as I'd like to. Pumping more and getting my son more comfortable with taking a bottle would no doubt give me more freedom. But it means I have to remember to pump and I'm bad at that.


Anyway, I was contacted to review the new Medela Breastmilk Labeling and Storage System and decided to give it a go.

I currently use a Medela pump and bottles so it made sense to check out their new offering. The idea is that the storage system helps you to quickly and easily see what milk is freshest -- and what milk is oldest -- to avoid waste. This is very appealing because if you've ever pumped breast milk, you know that having to toss some out is an awful feeling. Not only are you wasting milk but you are wasting milk that you produced. 


Here's some information on the system from the Medela web site:

FEATURES AND BENEFITS

• Makes it easy to protect, organize and locate breastmilk bottles in fridge or freezer.
• Holds up to 6 Medela breastmilk bottles.
• Lids are compatible with all Medela polypropylene breastmilk bottles.
• Also compatible with Medela Pump & Save breastmilk bags (sold seperately).

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• 1 tray
• 2 labeling lids
• 2 - 5 oz breastmilk bottles

I found that the tray and the bottles were easy to use. But, because I have a side-by-side refrigerator the tray took up a little more room than I would have liked. Also, since I don't pump regularly, I often only have two bottles of milk in my refrigerator at any one time. The tray seemed to almost require at least four bottles in order for it to be useful.


I could see that this tray would be great for someone who pumps a lot, especially someone who pumps bottles for their baby who goes to daycare or some other babysitter situation. For them, the tray would keep their milk obviously separate and it would make it easy for the care takers to know what milk to use first. 


You can buy the Medela Breastmilk Labeling and Storage System at many retail outlets including Babies R Us, which has it listed for $16.99 and Amazon.com, which has the Medela Breastmilk Storage Systemfor sale for $15.99.


The giveaway


You can also win one Medela Breastmilk Labeling and Storage System by entering my giveaway!


To enter


Leave me a comment and tell me whether you would use this for yourself or give it to another nursing mom.

Additional entries:

As always, you can gain a few additional entries (leave one comment per entry for the additional ones to count):

• Follow this blog, or let me know that you already do (leave a comment)
• Follow my other blog, or let me know that you already do (leave a comment)
• Become a fan of The Happy Runner on Facebook, or let me know that you already are (leave a comment)
• Link to this giveaway from Facebook or Twitter (do as often as you'd like, just leave a comment  each time)
• Link to this giveaway from your blog (leave a comment with the url)

This giveaway will run through Thursday, February 24th at 11:59pm EST and the winner will be announced on Friday.

Good luck!


Review/giveaway disclosure: I received one Medela system from Medela/MomSelect. I was not otherwise compensated and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Green Giant winner!

Thanks to everyone who entered my Green Giant giveaway. I chose one lucky winner using random.org and that person is . . .



Melissa at My Running Journey . . . for better or worse


Congratulations, Melissa! Send me an email with your address: felicehalf at yahoo dot com.


Thanks to Green Giant and MyBlogSpark for this giveaway!

I have some more fun giveaways coming up next week so be sure to check back. In the meantime, have a great weekend!

Orgain contest

A few months ago, I posted about Orgain organic nutritional shakes (check it out HERE). Now, they are running a contest that I wanted to share with you all. 

Every week from February 14 through April 01, Orgain is giving away a month’s supply of its delicious, high-protein organic shakes to one lucky winner through  Facebook. Each giveaway winner will receive three cases of Orgain. Here's some more info from Orgain:

• Orgain is the world’s first organic, ready-to-drink nutritional shake
• Doctor-formulated to provide optimal nutrition for today’s busy lifestyle  
• Use Orgain as a meal re placement, a pre- or post-workout shake, as an antioxidant boost, or complete, organic nutrition during times of illness  
• Orgain is available in Creamy Chocolate Fudge, and Sweet Vanilla Bean, and coming soon, Iced Café Mocha
• Free from caffeine, preservatives, gluten, corn syrup , saturated fat, hormones and antibiotics
• Packaged in a recyclable Tetra Pak carton, Orgain helps keep the earth healthy too!
• Enter the Orgain Giveaway Feb 14, through April 01, 2011 on Facebook

Good luck! 

Stonyfield Farm and Physician's Formula winner

Wow, this was a popular one! Thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway for the Stonyfield Farm yogurt and the Physician's Formula make-up. I used random.org to pick one winner and that lucky duck is . . .




Tina at Gotta Run Now




Congratulations! Send me an email at felicehalf at yahoo dot com so you can get your goodies! And, by the way, I happen to love Tina's blog so do pop over and check her out :-)


Thanks to Stonyfield Farm for this great giveaway!

Green Giant review and giveaway.

I recently was invited to try Green Giant Boxed Vegetables, which are now endorsed by Weight Watchers(R) as part of their "PointsPlus" program. I agreed and was sent this lovely package:

An insulated bag, a cute mixing bowl, a silicone spoon, a pedometer and, of course, the Green Giant frozen veggies. Quite the treat.

Now, before I get too much further along in this review, I have to say that when I agreed to do this review and host the giveaway I didn't realize that I'd be trying veggies in cheese sauce. I just thought they would be plain frozen vegetables, much like what I frequently serve and eat. My husband pointed out that processed food really isn't my cup of tea and he's right. I try to avoid the stuff as much as possible. And yet, here I was trying broccoli with cheese sauce.

Well, that's life. I served the veggies with dinner one evening. Aside from the processed nature of the cheese sauce, my biggest problem with the veggies was the plastic pouch that you cook them in. It was easy enough to cook the veggies -- just make a slit in the plastic pouch and then stick it in the microwave -- but serving them was tough. The whole situation was a little too messy for me. Maybe I'm just spastic, who knows?

At any rate, I did finally serve the veggies and, yes, we did enjoy them. I think I would prefer the sauce-free varieties more next time.

And, now, I have a giveaway!

The giveaway 

One lucky reader will win the package pictured above (but with a coupon for the boxed veggies): An insulated bag, mixing bowl, silicone spoon, pedometer and one coupon for a free box of Green Giant frozen veggies.

To enter:

Leave me a comment telling me you'd like to win.

Additional entries:

As always, you can gain a few additional entries (leave one comment per entry for the additional ones to count):

• Follow this blog, or let me know that you already do (leave a comment)
• Follow my other blog, or let me know that you already do (leave a comment)
• Become a fan of The Happy Runner on Facebook, or let me know that you already are (leave a comment)
• Link to this giveaway from Facebook or Twitter (do as often as you'd like, just leave a comment  each time)
• Link to this giveaway from your blog (leave a comment with the url)

This giveaway will run through Thursday, February 17th at 11:59pm EST and the winner will be announced on Friday.

Good luck!



Review/giveaway disclosure: I received the package from Green Giant via MyBlogSpark. I was not otherwise compensated and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Stonyfield Farm and Physician's Formula giveaway!

Considering the number of times I've mentioned Stonyfield Farm, you all probably know that I'm a fan. And indeed I am. So, it will be no surprise to you that I agreed to sample their yogurt in its newly redesigned packaging, and offer a giveaway to my readers.


Yes, Stonyfield Farm yogurts have gone through a redesign. Their fat free yogurt now has a new "0% fat" graphic on each cup. But, according to Stonyfield Farm, 

While the appearance has changed, our recipe will remain the same – still containing six live active cultures, and made without artificial colors or flavors, and made from organic milk produced without the use of toxic persistent pesticides, chemical fertilizers, antibiotics, or artificial growth hormones (rBST). 

Our 0% Fat organic yogurt is one of the few fat free yogurts on the market today that doesn’t use artificial sweeteners, while still offering all of the protein, calcium and quality organic ingredients people have come to expect from Stonyfield. What’s not to love? 

Here's a look at the new design:

I tried a few containers of the yogurt and it tastes as good as ever. I love Stonyfield Farm yogurt -- I really do! The fat free yogurt is still creamy and fresh tasting. My favorite of the Stonyfield Farm yogurt is the plain low fat variety that I use just about every day for my breakfast smoothie. My son, though, likes the 6oz cups of yogurt, especially peach or blueberry. Yum!


You can learn more about Stonyfield Farm at their web site HERE.


Now, the question is: Would you like to try out some Stonyfield Farm yogurt?


The giveaway:


To celebrate Stonyfield Farms's new look, they are offering a coupon set for their yogurt -- 1 free quart and 2 free 6oz cups -- AND Organic Wear Lip Gloss and Powder/Bronzer, made by Physician’s Formula, and free of Harsh Chemicals, Synthetic Preservatives, Parabens, Synthetic Fragrances, Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO’s), and Animal Cruelty. 


Good stuff if you ask me!



To enter:


Leave me a comment and tell me you'd like to win.


Additional entries:

As always, you can gain a few additional entries (leave one comment per entry for the additional ones to count):

• Follow my other blog, or let me know that you already do (leave a comment)
• Become a fan of The Happy Runner on Facebook, or let me know that you already are (leave a comment)
• Link to this giveaway from Facebook or Twitter (do as often as you'd like, just leave a comment  each time)
• Link to this giveaway from your blog (leave a comment with the url)

This giveaway will run through Monday, February 14th at 11:59pm EST and the winner will be announced on Tuesday.

Good luck!



Review/giveaway disclosure: I received coupons  for free yogurt from Stonyfield Farm. I was not otherwise compensated and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Yoplait Prize Pack winner!

Thanks to everyone who entered the Yoplait Prize Pack giveaway. I had to choose just one winner, using random.org, and that lucky person is . . .


Sef + Sariah at S&S Express

Congratulations! Email me at felicehalf at yahoo dot com with your address and I'll get you hooked up!


Thanks to Yoplait and MyBlogSpark for this great giveaway!

Free sample of Origins Plantscription

Origins is giving away free samples of their new Plantscription anti-aging serum. All you have to do is "like" them on Facebook and fill out a quick form to get your sample.


Enjoy!

PS: Don't forget to enter the Yoplait giveaway.

PPS: And how about giving a quick "like" to the Happy Runner on Facebook? Thanks!