Elementary Spirits, A Very Chaotic Denver Mom Blog
Mom blog in Denver with homeschool advice, pr talks for mommy bloggers, and general insanity.
List your blog giveaways here. Readers are encouraged to enter these contests to win prizes!
Just put the direct link to your giveaway with the expiration date at the end.
Happy winning!
Just as a reminder, member of my site The Coupon Cupboard can leave their giveaways anytime they want for free so go join up over there too!
I rarely write reviews on this blog but I am writing this one because EVERYWHERE I go wearing my Sketchers Shape Ups women stop and ask me if they are worth it.
I bought mine as a New Years Day present to myself and planned to write a review on them because I know so many people are curious: at $100 plus a pop, do they work? I held off writing the review this long because I wanted to give them a fair shot.
So, do they work?
Yes and no. If I wear them to the mall or Costco I do notice my calves are a little sore the next day which tells me they are doing something. I never felt any difference in my thighs, butt or abs as the ads claim. And I haven’t lost any weight simply by wearing them and walking around normally.
They ARE super comfy. Once you get used to them it feels like walking on air. They were a little weird to get used to. I kept feeling like I was going to roll an ankle but I never did.
I did learn not to wear them on a treadmill. Just too fast to get the kind of step needed in for them. Also, they are not the greatest in snow or icy conditions (duh, I know, but I live in Denver so you never know what the day may bring)
They are cute and stylish (at least in my opinion) and people do notice them.
I didn’t notice any change in my posture but I did notice that it changed the way I walk even when I am not in them (so is that a change in posture?). The shoes force you to walk heel to toe like you would on the beach. I absolutely catch myself doing that now more.
So do I recommend them?
IF $110 is not that big of a deal for you to spend on shoes than I say sure. But if it is, you can more than live without these things. I will continue to wear mine around during errands and such but more because I like how comfy they are and if I am going to do the walking anyway, why not? I have already spent the money.
UGH! I am getting sick. I knew it would happen. Every time my body goes through major stress it is followed by a bout with something. Today I woke up with a really sore throat and a cough that sounds like a barking seal. Great, we promised the kids we would go skiing tomorrow—-which as you all know means me sitting in the lodge watching movies, doing some posting and doing the VERY important job of holding a table for lunch.
Don’t feel too sorry for me though. I have some very cool movies to entertain me tomorrow. I am not ashamed to admit they are all lighthearted, silly and yes, maybe a little young for me but a little fun is the perfect RX for me right now (oh, make sure you read to the bottom, there may be a reward in it for you!)
THE SIMPSONS: SEASON 20
I love the Simpsons. I seriously do. There is something so comforting about the fact that Bart never grows up and their family never changes. 20 Years??? Seriously??? I remember when this was ground breaking stuff. This DVD (also available in Blu-Ray) covers 21 episodes from 2008-2009. Let’s see…that is about 10 1/2 hours of laughs for me!
10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU: VOLUME ONE
Based on the movie 10 Things I Hate About You. I just recently reviewed the movie was Heath Ledger so I am looking forward to seeing how the TV series shapes up. Teenage drama at its best? I am a closet fan of Secret Life of the American Teenager so I am betting this is going to be one I like as well.
MAKE IT OR BREAK IT: VOLUME ONE (EXTENDED EDITION)
Story line direct from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment:
How far will they go to achieve their ultimate dream? Experience the rivalry and romance of four teenage girls on their path to Olympic gold in the original ABC Family series that has fans and critics cheering all across the nation. “You’ll flip for…Make It Or Break It,” raves David Hinkley of the New York Daily News.
Who will rank #1 at Nationals and what will it take to get there? Viewers will flip for this engaging series chronicling the triumphs and heartbreaks as close friends balance their lives as high school students with the intense world of competitive gymnastics. Fans can relive the series that raises the bar on family drama, complete with a never-before-seen extended episode, and go behind the scenes to discover what it takes to perform such amazing stunts—only on DVD!
I HAVE FREE REDBOX CODES FOR YOU
That would not be cool of me to talk about all the movies I have to watch without offering you a chance too, would it? Redbox has graciously given me some free rental codes for you to use. I recently discovered Redbox while driving to Las Vegas in October. I know, I must live in a hole to not use it before. Great way to rent movies for $.99 and you can return them anywhere which makes it the ultimate road trip tool for me 
The codes are unique, one time codes so I will give one away to the first ten people to comment. I will email you the codes so make sure that you fill your email addy in the little box that only I see! Tell me what you want to rent and the code is yours
*oops forgot my ever, all important FTC disclaimer. Yes, I was compensated by the respective parties mentioned above and you know what is even more shocking??? Micheal Jordan got PAID to wear Nike shoes….shhhh, don’t tell the FTC!
to my little corner of the blogosphere. I am Barb, an ex-public school teacher turned blogger and forum owner. Read all about our family antics as we muddle through the chaos that occurs daily when you mix a work-at-home-mom with an unschooled, wheeling, tween and a teen in Catholic school. Not to mention my very traditional high school sweetheart turned husband of 17 years. Hey, at least I am giving my kids something to talk about in therapy when they get older...
