A New Balance Giveaway

Why hello Fall!

Ashley Fall

Even though today’s hazy, warm weather in New York City makes me quickly forget this past weekend’s cool temps and Fall fun, there is no doubt in my mind that Fall running has arrived.  With the arrival of a new running season comes the fun task of switching out my workout drawer. Long sleeve technical tops and jackets replace the tank tops of Summer while I add compression socks to my shorts for just a few more weeks before switching to crops.

Similar to the way I’ve been stalking Loft, Nordstrom and J.Crew for their new Fall trends, I’m also excited to try some new running gear this Fall. In order to help you all with your search for new gear, I wanted to share my five favorite pieces from Reach the Beach weekend with New Balance. When I wasn’t dripping sweat during the hot daytime runs, I was wearing this gear whether relaxing or running at night.

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Before this weekend, I wasn’t familiar with New Balance’s gear beyond their shoes, tanks and shorts which I’ve sworn by for years. Most of their items, including these, tend to be more forgiving and comfortable in their sizing which is a pleasant change from some of the tighter, more bootylicious fits which are so popular with other brands. While I was lucky enough to be sent these items by New Balance, I wanted to share my thoughts with you guys as well as let one lucky reader win one item for themselves!

relaxing in new balance gear

These items, except when noted, run true to size or a bit large, which is perfect for Fall and Winter as typically you have multiple layers up top.

New Balance Premium Performance Print Capri – Stripe

I fell head over heels for these tights the first time I wore them. The horizontal stripes unexpectedly flatter me everywhere while the higher waist flatters the waistline.  The DRY technology wicks away the moisture quickly, allowing me to finish a run or Bar Method class fresh and dry versus a sweaty mess.

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New Balance Vazee Pace

While these are perfect for all seasons, I can’t help but include these in my five favorites as I’m absolutely in love with these shoes! They weigh in at only 6.5 ounces, far lighter than my other shoes and have resulted in faster paces! The material hugs for feet, providing a fast feel while the sole is responsive. Even though it packs all of this into a light package, the sole and heel are still supportive enough for my 20 Reach the Beach miles as well as this weekend’s 10 mile race. I’m currently running in the grey blue but have full intentions of rewarding myself with the hi-lite color if I can set a new half marathon PR this Fall!

new balance beacon

 

New Balance Glow Beacon Vest

On sale right now, this vest will become a layering go to this Fall and Winter as the days grow shorter. The bright color keeps runners safe, even in the pitch dark, and there are zip pockets for storing your keys and money as well as smaller, interior pocket. The women’s version is slim cut so keep that in mind when ordering.

 

New Balance Essentials Plus Classic Sweatpant

It’s straight up embarrassing how much I’ve worn these since they arrived last month.  They combine the comfort of your favorite, worn-in sweatpants with the style of this season’s joggers, scrunching perfectly at the ankles. I have worn these for everything from recovering in the van during Reach the Beach to brunch when styled with Converse and a v-neck tshirt.  When winter comes, I know I’ll throw these on over my shorts or crops for workout classes as well as snuggling on the couch.

impact half zip

New Balance Impact Half Zip

This feminine half zip is perfect to wear to yoga or on a frigid run as it’s made with NB Dry, ensuring that the swick wicks away. I love the ruched detailing and collar notch detail that allows your ponytail to fall over the collar. The rear pocket is large enough to store everything you need for a busy morning of workouts and errands. The $69.99 makes this a great deal and has me tempted to order it in black heather.

Instead of taking my word for it, why don’t you enter my giveaway so you can wine one of the above items in your color and size preference? 

To enter:

1) Leave a comment letting me know what item you would want and why. (Required)

2) Follow @healthyhappier on Instagram and leave a comment letting me know you followed.

3) Follow @healthyhappier in Twitter and leave a comment letting me know you followed.

4) Like A Healthy, Happier Bear page on Facebook and leave a comment letting me know you followed.

This giveaway is only open to US residents and will end Thursday at 11:59pm. While my friends at New Balance invited me to join them for Reach the Beach as well as providing me with this wonderful gear, I am providing the prize with my own money and was not compensated for this post. 

 

 

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A 3-Course Meal for $12.50

Since moving back to NYC, Bo and I have done a better than expected job avoiding the Seamless trap. Seamless is the food delivery service of choice for many New Yorkers, and while convenient, it isn’t exactly cheap nor healthy. Don’t get me wrong, there are, of course, some healthy and inexpensive options on Seamless, but often Bo and I tend to over-order which causes us to waste money on food we don’t need.

So far, it seems like Wednesday nights are when we find ourselves yearning for Seamless or another easy option. Our Wednesday runs tend to be a bit longer which means we don’t get home until 8 pm. We’ve made our way through our weekend produce haul, and we’ve eaten our way through leftovers.

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That’s where the crew at Kitchensurfing, a brand new NYC start-up can come to the rescue! Their goal is to bring healthy, delicious, chef-prepared meals into the comfort of your home. Imagine opening the door to a chef, complete with their ingredients and tools, and then sitting down to dinner just 30 minutes later.

Chef

Last night we had the pleasure of experiencing Kitchensurfing first hand, and it’s safe to say this is a game changer. This service, offered Monday through Friday, is the perfect option when you just haven’t had time to shop for ingredients and don’t have the energy to cook.  For $25 per person, a private chef will prepare, cook and serve you fresh three-course meal and clean up the kitchen in just 30 minutes. Keep in mind that this means that you get to enjoy three courses for $25; a good deal in New York City.

Each day there are four menu options including a gluten free, nut free, vegetarian and healthy options.  They are posted on the website a week in advance so people can choose their favorite dishes before ordering.  Today’s menu options include Cuban-style skirt steak, miso-marinated chicken, salmon en papillote, and handmade pappardelle. Don’t each of those sound delicious? Even better, you can read the user reviews associated with each menu choice to help ensure you choose one that you’ll love!

Kitchen surfing

Last night Bo and I were able to relax on the couch and catch up while our personal chef whipped up dinner in the kitchen. Our menu included lamb meatballs with garlic tzatziki and Mediterranean couscous. It was such a nice change and delight to have someone do everything for us from preparation to cleanup. The aromas coming from the kitchen were a sign that the meal was going to be just as delicious as we’d hoped.


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We couldn’t stop raving about the meal to each other and our friends. Just minutes after finishing our meal we both were texting friends, telling them how wonderful the service was and that they needed to try it one night. This would also be a great option if you wanted to have friends over for a small dinner party but didn’t have time to worry about the details.

Since I consider each of my readers friends, I want you to experience Kitchensurfing for yourself! You can get $25 of your first meal by using the code healthyhappier. This means that you and your friend or significant other can enjoy a three-course meal together for only $25 or $12.50 per person. That’s unheard of in New York City!

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JD Sports Knows the Way to This Girl’s Heart

I’ve been doing my best the past two weeks to find my strength training mojo. There was a time when I was happiest in the gym lifting weights. Lately, I think it’s a good day if I drop and do 15-20 pushups and squeeze in my 5 minute workout.

Luckily, the gang at JD Sports knows the way to a girl’s heart. While I’m loyal to Mizuno these days for all things running, as soon as JD Sports offered me a complimentary pair of trainers, I knew I wanted to finally try the Nike Free shoes.

Drag to spin

Over the past year I’ve seen the Nike Free shoes everywhere from Instagram posts, my friends, magazines and almost every department store. I resisted buying them as my closet is already filled with multiple pairs of shoes for both running and lifting, but I thought that this was the perfect opportunity to treat myself. JD Sports offered 10 different Nike Free 5.0 colors but I knew immediately I wanted the grey, vivid white and pink model. The more subdue colors mean that this shoes can be used for cross training at home or the gym just as much as it can double as a touring shoe when we explore new cities.

Nike Free 5.0

Part of the crosstown running range they are super breathable due to the full mesh body and only weigh 8.2 ounces and is very well cushioned. Super flexible, this is the perfect shoe for packing as you can actually roll it or smush it to make more room in your suitcase! I loved the cushioning when doing jumping jacks, burpees and even short sprints during my workouts. Overall, the shoe is great except for one issue – the sizing. It is definitely not true to size. I messed up the UK to US conversion, ordering a size 12 and they actually fit when I wear socks. Clearly they run a bit small as I normally wear 10.5 or 11.

Thank you JD Sports for letting me test out the shoes I’d been dreaming of and motivating me to start doing strength training. It’s 10x easier when a cute pair of shoes get to be worn for the workout!

Don’t take my word for it though – for just $8.00 JD Sports will ship just about anywhere in the world including Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, and the US to name a few! But, for a limited time, they are offering free international delivery when you spend £75

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