Archives for review

My Week Driving the Lexus CT

Some of you may remember when I had the opportunity to review the 2015 Toyota Pruis C. (If not, feel free to check out that post after this one.) As luck would have it, I was contacted again this year; but this time to test out the Lexus CT 200h. It is another hybrid vehicle like the Prius C, so of course I was STOKED to try it out. And I mean, c’mon, it’s a Lexus. I was much less apprehensive this time around, because I knew the drill. So when they delivered the car to me, I felt like an old pro. šŸ˜‰ Look at this beauty? I’m so happy I got another fun color too!IMG_1842

I was pleased to learn that even though this is a Lexus, it’s not gonna break the bank. It’s reasonably priced with other cars in its class, soĀ the base model is quite affordable at $31,250.

The CT that I received was the F Sport model, which means that even though it’s a hybrid vehicle, it still has the option to get up and GO! The biggest drawback (for me) with the Prius was the lack of horsepower. So I was very excited to know a hybrid car exists with a little more power. (Now, of course I know about Teslas, but I’m talking about an affordable car.)

IMG_1844

At this point, I should emphasize that I am in no way a car expert, so this review is going to be very fluffy. šŸ™‚

IMG_1845

The CT200hĀ had the option to go into Eco, Normal or Sport mode with the twist or tap of a knob. Twist to the right and you are in sport mode, the dash light turns red, and the light around the knob does too! Tap, and you are back in normal mode. Now, if you are really economical you could twist left and get into Eco mode… or the drive super slow with no pick-up mode. šŸ˜‰ Eco mode was blue, and please note Mr. Zucchini Runner took that photo while I was driving.

IMG_2783

When I made a list of things I liked, and things I didn’t like about the car, the LIKE list was much longer. For starters, it was nice and small, so it was very easy to park. Because it was a sport model, it had nice bucket seats whichĀ help you to stay “tucked in” your seat on turns. There was a very handy phone holder in the center console which gave me incredibly easy access to my phone. Also, to put the car in park you simply pushed a little button on the center console! I should also mention shifting was incredibly smooth and easy as well. One of the drawbacks which is worth noting;Ā the backup beeping. The car beeped the entire time you were in reverse and therefore backing up. The first 3 times I thought something was in my way, or a door was ajar… it was very alarming and distracting. I wonder if there is a way to turn if off or if that is standard on every model?

IMG_1840

But back to the good stuff… the drink holder, was the PERFECT size for my water bottle and was nice and deep to hold it snugly in place.

IMG_2474

We looked super cool getting our groceries or taking our friends to dinner. šŸ˜‰ hehe

IMG_1887

Overall, I did enjoy the Lexus CT200h… and if you are super passionate about owning a Lexus but don’t want to break the bank, this car might be a good fit for you! One of my favorite things about hybrid cars is how smooth and quiet they are. You can tell the vehicle you are driving is where all cars will be in the upcoming years. When the time comes for me to get a new car, I KNOW I will be getting a hybrid or electric car.

IMG_2570

M80 Roller Review

A little over a month ago the recovery fairy delivered this amazing M80 Roller to me.

IMG_4589

Ok ok, there is no recovery fairy — but wouldn’t it be cool if there was?! She/He could just wave a magic wand and POOF your muscles are magically ready for the next workout! Well, I may not have received it from a magical fairy, but when things are provided to me from my connection with Run Eat Tweet AZ, it certainly feels like I’m winning something! I could not WAIT to try it out! And guess what?!Ā YOU could win one of your very own as well… keep reading to find out how. šŸ™‚

Let me start out by giving a brief history of my experience with foam rolling. Very brief. I’ve been using a foam roller pretty consistently for the past 3 years. It became a necessary tool in my arsenal of recovery tactics. But after a while, it started to lose it’s impact. I think you can see why in the photo below… a little misshapen.IMG_5907

So I “upgraded” to thisĀ medievalĀ tortureĀ device rumble roller. Which was OK, but honestly since it got SO deep it was a little hard to talk myself into rolling on that sucker. So, you guessed it, I didn’t end up foam rolling at all. That’s a running NO-NO.

IMG_5908

(Here is a side-by-side comparison of all 3 for size, shape, etc.)

IMG_5909

But the M80 Roller seems to be JUUUUUST right! (Zucchini Runner and the ThreeĀ Rollers… new book title?)

So, over the past few months I’ve been adjusting to my orthotics, which have completely alleviated my plantar fasciitis, but seem to have created a new problem — a tight left hamstring. Rolling on the M80 Roller gave me IMMEDIATE relief! It was painful, but the right kind of painful and I could easily reduce the pressure like my orangeĀ foam roller. Their website describes it perfectly: “M80 Roller goes back to the basics of what Self Myofascial Release (Deep Tissue Stimulation) really is.”

IMG_4602

Due to the firmness of the roller and the overall design, it didn’t give way under my weight or smoosh into the carpet either.

IMG_4598

It took less time to get relief and when I stood up to walk around, my hamstring didn’t feel tight! WIN!! You can see the amount of foam padding on the very firm cylinder.Ā IMG_4600

Needless to say, I’ve been using it QUITE a bit over the last month… šŸ™‚

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

So, how can YOU win one of your very own? It’s SO EASY to enter! Just head on over to the Run Eat Tweet AZ’s Facebook pageĀ and comment on the latest M80 Roller giveawayĀ post of the day! We are picking ONE winner each day until this Friday, so don’t hesitate to enter! I already missed out on ONE of the days for you guys sorry — I’ve been really sick. šŸ™ Go enter. Now. Check it out. This is an awesome opportunity you won’t want to miss. (USA residents only please.)