Product Review: Ellie - So In Love!

Okay, I am SO in love with the Ellie fitness wear line!  I recently received the two tops and leggings pictured above.

Why do I love them so much?  Let me break it down:

The sizing is fantastic!  I wear a jean size 27x32 and I have the leggings in small.  They fit perfectly and are long enough!  I've worn them running and for dawn patrol with Imma Uggs (fake Ugg boots since I'm not comfortable with the real ones).  Both occasions they were absolutely perfect and they look so good on!  The waist or ankles aren't too tight (as in uncomfortable tight) but yet they still fit without being baggy.  A perfectly awesome fit!

The shirts I have are just as awesome.  Soft, stretchy fabric that looks amazing.  The long sleeve has thumbholes so that you can pull the sleeves down (easily as well, even for my long arms) and the short sleeve looks so good on.  I got a medium in both since I've got my big surfer shoulders and usually wear a size 8 on top to fit them.  They fit perfect and are stretchy enough so they don't hang on the waist or look baggy.  Keep in mind - I am a total V-shape from swimming and surfing for my entire life.  My shoulders are definitely wider than my hips.  I don't recommend that you choose the same sizes unless you are similarly shaped or are naturally small.  If you're apple shaped with small shoulders you probably want to go the small or medium top with the medium bottom.  Don't frustrate yourself by getting sizes to small for you.  Feel good in what you wear and rock it!

I totally recommend getting an outfit once a month from the Ellie collection.  They look good, are functional, and have a great feel.  I use mine for running, yoga, skateboarding, or just early morning comfort on my way to surf.

Ellie offers women a chic new line in women's fitness apparel.  Save 20% Now.

Book Review: Trading Bases

Bettor up!

 

Wall Street trader Joe Peta needed something to do. After being struck by an FDNY ambulance and knocked off the trading floor for months of recovery; after being fired from a seven-figure job six weeks after returning to work in a wheelchair; after being confined to his apartment, jobless, unable to travel, and largely inhabiting an unfamiliar dark place; he needed something.

 

So Peta delved deep into the game he loved. It lifted his spirits, buoyed his recovery, and returned him to the world of those who sleep. It was healing by baseball.

 

He analyzed all the stats, crunched the numbers, embraced the sabermetric savvy of Bill James and FiveThirtyEight blog’s Nate Silver, put together detailed spreadsheets and created a market model for the 2011 Major League Baseball season. He could now project runs, wins, and take his season projections and convert them to single-game-win expectancies. The study engaged his mind. It became his obsession. And then—as any good trader does—he put his money where his statistical analytics were, and challenged the Las Vegas baseball line. It was gambling with an edge. A big one.

 

Peta sought to recreate the culture, analysis and energy of trading desk to the sports books. Risk management. An intimate knowledge of the marketplace. And discipline. Lots and lots of discipline. And succeeds.

 

TRADING BASES: A Story About Wall Street, Gambling, and Baseball (not necessarily in that order) (Dutton, March 7, 2013)—Peta’s account of the 2011 Major League Baseball season—is an all-American story of bringing Wall Street to Las Vegas via the diamond. From Opening Day to the final game of the 2011 World Series, he makes money on favorites, underdogs, pick-‘ems, you name it to the tune of a 41.03% profit. That’s right, 41%.

 

TRADING BASES also covers:

• The ins and outs of the $380 billion global industry that is sports gambling
• How and why there exists a far greater chance of making money betting on baseball than on football or basketball.
• A thorough examination of skill vs. luck, especially as it applied to the 2010 Tampa Bay Rays
• The age-old question: “Are some players really ‘clutch performers’?”
• The flawed notions that all major league players are capable of having a “good day”
• How the number of runs that a team scores and allows in a season is thought to be a fair representation of the talent of the underlying team
• The most important sabermetric statistic in existence for baseball bettors
• Why baseball has created so many different acronyms in evaluating performance; and asks why other industries haven’t done the same
• How Las Vegas should turn to Wall Street for ideas on ways to increase interest, traffic, and, ultimately, bets in their sports books

 

Portfolio management, Wall Street trading and sports betting are all interrelated, and Joe Peta’s enjoyable prose crosses over these cultures effortlessly. This is no DIY textbook. Michael Lewis’s Moneyball is for the day traders. TRADING BASES is the Wall Street insider’s view of sabermetrics and a brilliant primer on sports betting. Just as he has properly analyzed and then distilled his data, he has thoroughly fleshed-out the thoroughly entertaining epiphanies—one after another—that will tap into the type-A sabermetric aficionado inside all baseball fans.

 

Revelations abound, Peta finds clarity in the numbers. Revel in his dynamic thought processes. Strap yourself in. Dig a little deeper. This is trading in its purest form.  

I've just started in on this and it's a good read so far.  Being a numbers geek this really appeals to me.

 

Product Review Part One: Growth Factor-9

I was recently sent some Growth Factor-9 to try out.  If you know me, you know I'm not one for supplements, especially ones of this sort that promise lean muscle growth, fat loss, etc.  So what is it all about?


How Does Growth Factor-9™ Work?
The functional compound in Growth Factor-9 is an amino acid blend. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and therefore a common and very safe component of the daily diet. But this revolutionary research revealed that a specialized blend of amino acids, when taken on an empty stomach, has a profound effect on the human body. And that effect is on the pituitary gland, where human growth hormone is secreted. Dr. Amy Heaton, PhD, Director of Scientific Affairs for Novex Biotech®, explains, “We believe this is the basis of Growth Factor-9’s efficacy, because after taking its proprietary amino acid blend, study subjects experienced a 682% increase in their serum growth hormone levels. This is a completely groundbreaking discovery, because it shows that people can increase their serum hGH levels more naturally… without having to resort to an artificial form of human growth hormone like prescription injections.”


Who Can Use Growth Factor-9™?
Many so-called “hGH” pills are marketed strictly for men between the ages of 18-30 (which is ironic, considering that young males are already at the peak of their natural production of hGH). But here’s the breakthrough with Growth Factor-9: Its active amino acid blend works not only for young males, but has been shown in clinical trials to be effective even on middle aged men and women. Growth Factor-9 works on young and old, male and female, across the board

I started taking these for 2 days but then got a really bad cold (not from the pills) and stopped.  Now I've picked it back up for just over a week now.  Religiously.  These have to be taken on an empty stomach so I keep them on the nightstand so that I assure to get them in 2 hours before breakfast and 2 hours after dinner.

So far I'm not sure if I see anything, it's probably too soon.  Although - when I did get back in the water  to surf after being sick I felt a bit stronger in my paddling.  In fact, yesterday I paddled quite a long ways and was winded before I was sore.  I'm not really even sore today.  I'm  not sure if that's the placebo effect or if the product is actually working but time will soon tell.  I'm excited to see the results, hopefully it delivers!

FYI - my workouts are surf for 1-2 hours in the morning and then run/bike or both for an hour in the evening.

You can Growth Factor-9 on the web here.

I'll update my progress for you when I'm on the second bottle.

Product Review: Stay Fit, Stay Fashionable With pv.body

I was contacted by pv.body to give them a try and was quite excited to do so!  I've been doing more that just surf so running and yoga have been a big part of my recent fitness plan.  Getting some new fitness clothes for this purpose is a priority for me but I really, really didn't want to pay ridiculous prices for quality gear.  Enter pv.body.  

How does it work?

"Why should you pay $130 or more for yoga pants? That’s just not right! So we’ve embarked on a journey to bring you the best quality active wear that we can find at a fair price. We’ll be curating brands large and small, new and old. So enjoy the selection, we’re positive you’ll love it

We've built relationships with the manufactures of the biggest names in the business - and great new ones you've probably never heard of - so we can bring you an amazing value. With new items arriving each month we make it easy for you to always get cute new gear.

We want to inspire women to live their best life through active living. That's why all of our pieces are hand selected and designed by women, for women, so we can bring you clothing that makes you feel great and look great. Living healthy and actively is a way of life, and we want to look fabulous while doing that. So enjoy the selection, we’re positive you’ll love it!

It's quite simple:

Take the quick quiz and create a personal pv.body style profile.
Experts will put together a personalized outfit for you.
They ship your outfit to your door for free!

The outfit they selected for me was not only high quality but fit fantastically!  I loved the colors, style, and performance.

Try pv.body today and see for yourself!

Get started now and get 20% off by clicking here.

Clothing Review: AUR 2013 Women's Collection for Golf

 

AUR 2013 Women's Collection offers distinctive style, fine quality and an aura of sophistication lends itself nicely to a golf collection that is current and on-the-ball.

 

AUR Active is a performance golf collection with emphasis on the golfers ease of movement. This category features the AUR double-knit Dri-Max™ polyester. These polos feature stretch by using spandex, a soft supple hand feel, and a lightweight drape that makes it ideal for swinging a golf club. Golfers will appreciate the long lasting synthetic fibers, which create a strong, crease resistant fabric that is quick drying and maintains its shape season after season.

 

The AUR DRI-MAX™ Embossed Sleeved polo offers the golfer comfort and breathability, while creating a stand out look on any fairway. This polo is available in bright colors such as Passion pink, Amethyst and Twilight blue, as well as in black and white and features tonal embossing.  I have the Passion pink and love the fit so much.  The color looks great and the fabric moves so well.  My only wish is that it was a touch longer.  As a tall girl of 5'10" I prefer to have my shirts long but it's easily solved by layering a long tank underneath (which I love to do).

Check out their website here where they also have men's fashions.  Next, I've got to try the Black Tulip collection!

 

We Must Do Dog Agility!

Yes, I've decided that my almost 8 month old pitty girl must be an agility dog!  She's super athletic and LOVES to run, skateboard (both pulling me and sitting with me on it), and has a great attitude.  I'm incredibly excited!

I saw some great agility dogs a while back and really enjoyed it.  Now I've got a pup that would be a great dog for this - I'm pumped!

Now, if I can just get my bloodhound to do agility that would be awesome!  Could you imagine all the folds and ears flying?  The pictures would be epic!

Oh, and yes - the pitty will also learn to surf and enter the Huntington Beach Surf Dog contest next year!

Fun Fitness Items for 2013

Check out these awesome accessories to enhance your workout.  You might even stick to those New Year's Resolutions!

HooRag - This is a fun bandana that you can wear a bunch of different ways (check out the video above).  One way they don't mention in the video is a ponytail holder (well, then again, the gentleman in the video doesn't really have the hair for it).  This seamless bandana great for runners, snowboarders, skiers, cyclists, and so much more.  They're even worn by construction workers and SWAT team members.  Pretty fun product, I've got mine holding up all of my hair in a bun right now as I write this.  Check them out here, they'll even do custom orders.


Magneat - Tired of your headphone wires getting in the way?  Try Magneat!  Magneat is the simple, stylish way to win the seemingly endless war against headphone cables that tangle and dangle. Just attach the magnetic clip to your clothes and then wrap the excess wire around it. It's the perfect accessory for iPods, iPhones and MP3 players.  Using the Magneat is easy, and it works with almost any set of buds. Slide the two magnetic halves apart, put one side under your shirt and the other side over the top, and move them until they connect. Wind the loose cable around the clip, and you're ready for a run at the gym or just running around town.  If you need to turn off the tunes and use your ears for something other than music, just pull out your earphones and let them hang free from the Magneat.  Check them out here.


QuikCallus - Have the urge to do so me pull-ups but don't have workout gloves?  Want to lift free weights but it ruins your hands?  Try QuikCallus.  QuikCallus works by bonding to water molecules on the skin, forming a protective coating that alleviates that pain associated with building up calluses.  Guitar players will also find this quite useful (and it even comes with a pick).  Hubby gave it a try when he went to the driving range and said it worked quite well.  Yes, he grips a bit too hard!  Check them out here


ScoreBand - Tell time, keep score, and make it easy?  Yep - it's possible with the ScoreBand!  ScoreBand was developed so that you can focus on your game.  The silicone band also emits negative ions.  Keep score for golf or tennis (or table tennis, hockey, foosball, etc.) with ease!  When the game is over just leave it in watch mode for everyday use.  It's light, comfortable, and comes in black or white.  Check them out here.

Make Your Goals and Resolutions for 2013!

If I could do anything in 2013 it would be to do that awesome jump that Felix Baumgartner pulled off - can you imagine?

Seriously though, I just wanted to throw up a quick post to wish you all a Happy New Year!  May you stick with your resolutions and goals for the whole year!

Hugs & Kisses!

Great Holiday Gift For Golfers (And Everyone Else) - Photo Ball Markers

Yep, it's that time of year again!  If you haven't checked out Photo Ball Marker yet then you need to!  In fact, if you click this link or the little ad on this page you get $5 off your order.

The picture above is one of the sets that they made for me a while back.  They've made me quite a few and I really LOVE them!  I've got some for friends too and they all enjoy them.

What's the deal?  You simply upload your photos to their site and choose if you want a hat clip, divot tool, etc. and wait a bit and then they come in the mail (they come pretty quick).  Super simple!  You get your ball marker with a picture of your choice and a great conversation piece.

Upload pics of your animals, kids, your school, etc.  It's really the perfect gift for any golfer - AND - now it's the perfect gift for anyone since they have necklaces, brooches, and key chains!  It's super cool because you can have 3 different pictures to interchange on whatever you get.

Besides being a cool gift, Ken & Char are super nice people.  They've been so good to me over the last few years.  When my sweet Gus passed away they sent me some PBMs of him.  They've sent me holiday PBMs also.  They're just cool peeps - the type you really want to support!  Buy some PBMs today!  Why not, you get $5 off with my coupon code!

Exotics by Tour Edge 2012 Fall Products

If you haven't tried any of the Tour Edge line you owe it to yourself as a golfer to do so. Headquartered in Batavia, Illinois and founded by David Glod in 1986, Tour Edge has been making industry-leading products beginning with the very well known Bazooka titanium woods. Not just for the more advanced golfer, Tour Edge offers everything from beginning sets for amateurs to the advanced player looking for the same clubs the pros play in their bags. Despite not sponsoring or paying the pros, Tour Edge has a very good showing on the PGA Tour.

Tour Edge has just released their new line of Exotics clubs for fall. The new product will continue on a history of offering unparalleled distance featuring their patented high-density steel body and a tungsten sole plate that are combo-brazed for the ultimate in power and forgiveness. In fact, their tagline is, “The absolute longest line-up in golf. Guaranteed”.

Tour Edge will improve on their already successful XCG line by adding a company first adjustable driver, the XCG6, utilizing “Shot Control Technology (SCT)”, which allows you to adjust four face-angle/loft settings to optimize launch characteristics for maximum distance and control along with two premium shaft offerings suited for players of all different skill levels. 

        

The XCG6 will be the longest Exotics fairway wood yet. The new XCG6 powerhouse design features a 15-3-3-3 beta titanium cup face, a high-density steel body and a tungsten sole plate that are combo-brazed for the ultimate in power and forgiveness. The larger 15-3-3-3 beta titanium cup face provides to-the-limit COR even on off-center hits. The new, high-tech, high-density, steel body is almost as light as titanium allowing more mass to be place in the heel and toe areas of the sole. A heavy tungsten sole plate puts 65% of the total club head weight in the heel and toe areas for a higher moment-of-inertia, reduced club head twisting and greater forgiveness. Boomerang face technology offers multiple levels of variable face thickness that maximize the spring-like effect from more points on the face. Considering the XCG5 fairway was responsible for the fastest ball speed by a fairway wood by the Guiness book of world records the new XCG6 should go down in the record books as well.

EXOTICS XCG6 HYBRID

The hybrid delivers truly extraordinary performance. Featuring a more “pear-shaped” design than its predecessor, the hybrid boasts a maraging steel cup face and a tungsten steel sole and body. Maraging steel is used in the face over stainless steel because it possesses superior strength without losing malleability. As a result, the club face can be made thinner to launch the ball with less spin and at faster ball speeds. The heavier, tungsten steel sole offers extreme heel and toe weighting that provides a high moment-of-inertia for reduced club head twisting and greater forgiveness. Making every shot easier to hit, the club has a shallow face height and more cambered sole that takes on difficult lies with ease. The XCG6’s hexahedron sole weighting moves weight back into the heel and toe areas further enhancing the playability of the club making it easy to hit, exceptionally long, and deadly accurate

XCG6 IRONS

Designed to make hitting great iron shots easy, the XCG6 iron features four tungsten sole weights in the heel and toe. Representing nearly 7-12 grams of each, the tungsten perfectly positions the club’s center of gravity to deliver easy-to-hit high-flying shots even on off-center hits.  The deep undercut cavity and perimeter weighting moves weight away from the face to the perimeter of the club head. These two features along with the tungsten weights produce a higher ball flight and enhance the club’s moment of inertia for remarkable forgiveness. Plus, the ultra-thin face design produces an extremely hot face and great feel. Building on experience from previous iron designs the XCG6 iron set is highly progressive. Each iron is engineered for its specific task including center of gravity location, offset (progressive), face thickness, and top line thickness for a perfect blend of distance and accuracy.

You can get more info on their website here.

Win Tickets To The ESPN College Basketball Tournament

Oops - my apologies for not posting the entire month of October!  I didn't mean for that to happen!  

Check this out though, to make it up to you I have a great giveaway for you!  Check out this event/food drive:

The DIRECTV Classic is a collegiate basketball tournament held over Thanksgiving weekend  at the Anaheim Convention Center (across the street from Disneyland). There are games on the 22^nd, 23^rd, & 25^th.  A single session (two game) ticket is $20, but bring a can of food for each person to the ticket booth for the DIRECTV Classic Food Drive and adults receive a 1/2 price ticket, and children under 18 get in for FREE!  Each person in your group must bring a can of food or non-perishable item.

The DIRECTV Classic is hosting a food drive in partnership with the Orange County Food Bank. The holiday season is a crucial time for all food banks throughout the nation and the DIRECTV Classic is proud to give back to the Orange County community during this time of need.   

The DIRECTV Classic is a men's collegiate basketball tournament with the top 8 teams playing November 22, 23, and 25. It is a great family-friendly event and everyone is welcome to join.  Game times and programs can be found here.

If you'd like to win one of 5 pairs of single-session tickets or a pair of All-Tournament passes all you need to do is send me an email at sportswriter chick(at)gmail(dot)com and let me know you're interested!  You need to send me your interest by November 19th and I'll notify the winners on November 20th!  

Spread the word and good luck!

My Workout Wears Me Out!

I am so toast after my surf contest yesterday.  I'm usually sore but this one really took it out of me.  I had to surf a board that wasn't mine in really small waves.  This means I'm basically paddling for my life.  To top it off, I was in a heat with all guys, half of which were teens.  Yeah, this old lady had a hard time keeping up but gave it her all!

The more competitions I enter, the better I get.  I think I'm going to work with a coach a bit to try to improve.  Back in the day I was so much better.  Age and injuries are taking their toll and I need some help.  No excuses, it just happens.

Thanks to ZJ Boarding House for the fun event yesterday!

Tommy Hilfiger Golf - Preppy with a Twist (Review)

I was sent a couple of Tommy Hilfiger collection samples for review and here is my opinion:

First off - BRAVO!  I am so excited that these shirts are long enough!  I am so tired of women's golf shirts that are super short and show off your midriff when you swing.  Seriously, I am not playing golf to show off my stomach.  I want to be comfortable and have clothes on that cover me, are comfortable, and wear well.  This line does that!  The collection features an assortment of fits accommodating the freedom of movement required in the back swing and longer polo lengths stay firmly tucked during play.

For the Tommy Hilfiger golf collection, the design philosophy of bringing a fresh perspective to Classic American Cool styling was adhered to and the result is a collection true to the Tommy Hilfiger heritage and true to golf. Making this brand appeal to the golf consumer meant designing a line that truly displays golf sportswear that can be worn on and off the golf course.

As golf has evolved over the centuries, so has the apparel worn for golf. Traditionally a cotton driven category, golf wear has followed suit with the emergence of the vast variety of technical apparel that now has a strong place in the golf market. To be a true player in this category, an approach of bringing technical fabrics to this collection was imperative. The end result is an offering that features strong Classics essential for any golf wardrobe and an assortment of Fashion Collections that truly deliver “Preppy with a Twist” to the fairways and greens.

The shirts look good on me and the cut of the sleeveless doesn't make my surfer shoulders look like a linebacker.  To sum in up in 3 words: flattering, comfortable performance.  I think you all know I'm definitely NOT a preppy but these styles still look good on me!  Don't listen to Will Ferrel in the video above, be fashionable and wear Tommy!

Keeping Fit And Healthy This Winter With Indoor Sports

Winter is surely the least loved of the seasons. Waking up to grey skies, sleeting rain, and biting wind, watching your energy bills go through the roof, and enduring three months in a duffel coat that makes you look and feel like the Michelin man. There’s not much to love about the cooler months. Many people also lament their reduced motivation to keep fit, and the less than lovely body that accompanies a decrease in exercise. ‘I just can’t face going for a jog in that arctic cold’ is often offered as an excuse for abandoning exercise.

But winter needn’t spell the end of a good fitness regime. In fact, winter is the perfect time to explore the benefits of indoor sports. Indoor soccer, for example, provides the dual benefits of an extremely enjoyable, fast paced and social game that also increases your all around fitness. Indoor soccer works on your speed, power, endurance, agility, and leg strength. It’s an incredible cardiovascular workout, too. Moreover, an indoor sport such as soccer will relieve you of that ‘it’s just too cold to exercise’ excuse. Companies like Aussie Indoor Sports have various sports and recreational centers. 

Indoor sport will also go a long way to keeping the dreaded cold and flu at bay this winter. By staying active, you’ll be enhancing your immune system function and maintaining good energy levels - so important at a time of the year when getting out of bed can feel like too much effort. Exercise helps your immune system in myriad ways. When your heart rate goes up, the white blood cells - the most essential component of your immune system - circulate more quickly around your body, helping your body to swiftly react and launch its defence against infection.  Sweating helps to eliminate many of the body’s waste products, leaving you less vulnerable to infectious agents that may be circulating in your body.

This is a sponsored post not written by me.

Oxford Golf: Beautiful On And Off The Course - Review

I was recently sent a Susan Sleeveless Polo from Oxford Golf for review.  I immediately fell in love with the name of the color, "coral sea"...of course!  Here's the official description that I was given:

This polo has a “heathered” cotton fabric, giving it the look of texture without adding any bulk or taking away from the softness of the shirt. This polo's fabric is Super Dry® wicking and anti-microbial, making it a go-to shirt whether on the course or going for a walk around the neighborhood. All of the ladies’ sleeveless polos also have bra strap holders on the inside of the shirt sleeves. These ingenious clips keep bra straps from shifting during play. Amazing.

Yes, the bra strap holders are amazing for sure!  I absolutely HATE IT when my straps are showing and this top took that into account and solved it!  That is win number 1.  I seriously cannot get over the bra strap holders.  Win number 2 is the wicking fabric!  I played 18 last week in it and never looked all wet and funky.  The whole design of this shirt was really thought out, even the length.  I just love when I don't have to show off my entire midriff when I swing.  This shirt is long enough for my 5'10" frame, yet still flattering for the more petite ladies.  I mean seriously, I'm not trying to put on a show while I am playing golfing (regardless of what you gents think).  In addition it never stuck to me and got uncomfortable.  Do yourself a favor ladies and check out this style.  Super soft fabric...comfort...no bra straps showing...it has it all.

I wore this with a black Antigua skort and got lots of compliments.  This pinkish color will work on brunettes like me or my fair-haired golfing sisters.

Take a look at Oxford Golf and the Susan Sleeveless Polo - we still have plenty of warm days left in the summer to wear it!

Healthy Eaters Are Snobs

Yeah, this is one of those "ironic" titles.  

I'll admit it.  I am a chronic "healthy eater".  I have been my whole life.  Somehow I am missing the chocolate gene.  Cakes, cookies, and donuts don't sound appetizing and I'd rather have dry mouth than drink soda...

...but it's none of my business what you eat.

I do get annoyed when non-healthy eaters freak out on my food.  Nobody's judging you where I'm sitting so please don't tell me my food smells or looks disgusting.

However...

...around where I live there are many, many great "healthy" options to eat.  Raw, vegan, gluten-free...you name it.  I started to frequent a raw, vegan restaurant near me and totally enjoyed the food.  The part I didn't like was that all of the servers acted like they were doing me a HUGE favor by taking my order.  They were the most aloof, apathetic bunch I had encountered in quite some time.  I brushed it aside and kept calling in my orders and then picking them up.

One day I decided to eat in.  It was an overcast, slightly windy day in Santa Monica and I needed a break from the office.  I went in to be seated and they told me I would have to sit outside (in the cold) or at the bar (which is close to the floor and awkward).  There were tables free in the main area with plenty of singles sitting at them.  I asked for one and was told no.  It was 1:20 pm.

I had an exchange with them on Facebook & Twitter.  They told me that if I wanted to sit in the main dining room that I would have to come before 11 am or after 2 pm.

I'm not sure what it was about me that I couldn't sit in the main dining room.  Oh well.  I'm done with this place and it seems to me that they should be a bit more apologetic or at least a bit kinder to their locals.  This is a pricey, trendy place that may or may not have a long shelf life.

At any rate, when in Santa Monica, avoid Planet Raw.

How many chances do you give someone that gave you bad service?

Product Review: Gold Toe

I was recently sent a 3 pack of Gold Toe Soft Wear Liners for review - not the colorful trio depicted above but simple, classic white.  Liners are great in my opinion since they're lightweight and have a low profile.  These in particular are 96% polyester, 2% nylon, and 2% spandex.  I decided to test them out in very different conditions: skateboarding, running, and golf.  I wear a size 9-9.5 in shoes and tried out the sock size 9-11.

Skateboarding: I wore them with Vans and the fit was great.  The cut worked great to where there wasn't any rub on the back of my heel.  There was no annoying seam on the toes issues.  In fact, I didn't even notice them.  To me, that's the most telling sign of a nice fitting sock/liner: you don't even realize they're on your feet.  Therefore - skateboarding test passed!

Running: For this I tested the liners with adizero Rush running shoes.  Again, these fit so that there was none of the annoying rub against the back of my heel and no toe seam issues.  Running test - passed!

Golf: I wore the liners with a pair of Kikkor Golf shoes during a short game lesson.  Yet again, the performance met my demands and exceeded my expectations.  Golf test - passed!

Overall I would recommend this brand to others that participated in the above activities and beyond.  I did also wear the liners just out and about so I can honestly say that they are comfortable and functional for nearly every activity level.  In each condition they felt lightweight and soft.  You can get some for yourself on the Gold Toe website here where they have some other new summer offerings: the Ultra Soft Liner or the Sport Liner.

Have you tried these?  Do you have a favorite sock/liner for your sports?

Get Golf Ready This Summer!

I jumped at the chance to take part in the Get Golf Ready program this summer.  Here's the description I was sent:


"Golf season is here and several facilities in the Southern California area are hosting Get Golf Ready – a program designed to bring adults into the game in a fast, fun, affordable manner. Get Golf Ready is a series of five lessons designed to make beginner golfers more comfortable out on the course, while developing basic skills of the game for a lifetime at prices starting at $99 (varies by facility).  Five 90-minute lessons from PGA Professionals would cost an average of up to $675, so Get Golf Ready programs offer a huge discount.Facilities continue to add dates, so for the most updated list of programs at facilities near you, visit GetGolfReady.com."


Wow, sounds like a great deal to me - $99 for 5 lessons?  Sign me up!  (Full disclosure: I did not actually pay for my lessons in case you were wondering.)


I opted to take lessons at Westchester, near LAX.  If you haven't been there they've recently redone the driving range for the better and it's fantastic!  Anyways, I missed the first class which I really, really need (putting) but I hope to catch it in the next cycle.  My lessons started with chipping.  Perfect!  My short can only be described as utterly atrocious!  


Guess what?  I had an epiphany and figured it out!  Thank goodness.  Now I just need to take that to the course.  Lynn, my instructor, fixed my grip and helped me figure out how not to swing so darn hard.  It's been difficult to try to tone down my swing.  


I've spent years at the driving range with hubby where it's always a driver party.  In addition, a wise man once told me that your short game doesn't have to be great if you get it really close to the pin.  On top of that, surfing almost every morning has made my upper body strength quite good for a lady.  All of that together means that the driver is my best club.  When I play with my girlfriends we always play best ball and we hit from my drive (and 3 wood shot subsequently if it's a par 4 or 5) and then they get us through to the rest.


How to do it?  Choke down on the club.  So simple.  It totally worked.  I had some doozies and even got one in the hole from about 30 feet away.


The following week was pitching.  Yep, I needed that too.  I got to the lesson, got out my pitching wedge, aimed for a flag that was 80 feet away, and went to it.  Lynn came by and said, "That's great Apryl, now how about some 30 to 40 footers."  Busted.  It took a minute but then I figured out the same thing, choke down on the club.


So far, so good!  I can't wait for the rest to get my swing tuned up.  I would highly recommend getting golf ready this summer,"  The group environment is great and there are golfers of all levels trying to improve (although, mostly beginners).  Go here to find a program near you!