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Blog Lifestyle

Getting the New Disney Flex Passport – Southern California Resident

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here.

Disney just announced a new Annual Passport (AP) option — the Disney Flex Passport. This AP will be available on May 21, 2019, but is it the right option for you? Since we recently moved back to Southern California, I’m considering buying this pass rather than the Southern California Select Pass. I’ll walk you through the pros and cons that I see to hopefully help you make your decision too.

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Blog Health + Beauty

Training for a Half Marathon

nikerunning instagram werunsf muffinchanel training for a half marathon

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

I follow NikeRunning on Instagram and a few weeks ago, I started seeing a lot about the Nike Women’s Marathon in San Francisco #werunsf. How fun that would be — to run in San Francisco! I’ve always enjoyed running and have been running off and on for many years. I don’t know if I’d consider myself a “runner” though. A true runner is probably a lot more consistent than I am, but I always enjoy the occasional run.

But this marathon got me thinking — would I even be able to run for 13.1 miles? I’ve done a few 5K races here and there, but 3 miles and 13 miles are very different. When was the last time I ran for more than 3 miles in one run? And then it was decided — I needed to train for a half marathon.

I’m using my Fitbit Flex and my Nike+Running App to track my runs. Over the last five days, I ran 5 miles at 12’03″/mi; 3 miles at 12’03″/mi; and 1.5 miles at 9″51″/mi. I’ve found a few training plans online that I’ll modify and follow. My goal is to be able to run 13.1 miles straight by February! 

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Blog Health + Beauty Lifestyle

Fitbit Flex band breaks — UPDATED

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

Sad news — my Fitbit Flex‘s band is broken.

I popped the tracker out of the band to charge it, and the band separated where the view finder is. I haven’t even had the Flex for that long! This is crazy. I’m super disappointed. At least I have the larger band that I guess I can use.

I didn’t really want to buy the replacement colored bands, but I might have to.

I’m going to check Fitbit.com to see if they have a warranty or something. Or maybe I can do an exchange at Target?

muffinchanel fitbit flex break wrist band broken muffinchanel fitbit flex break wrist band brokenHas this happened to you? if so, what did you do?



UPDATE:

I sent an email through the fitbit.com website at “contact.fitbit.com“, letting them know about my defective wristband. They replied in less than 15 minutes and said they’d be happy to replace my band! So awesome! I replied providing my address, phone number and wristband details like they requested.

UPDATE #2:

muffinchanel fitbit flex break wrist band broken muffinchanel fitbit flex break wrist band brokenSeptember 4. I received my new band in the mail today! Yay! Thanks Fitbit!



Update #3

You can buy your own replacement bands in the classic colors or fun/bright colors online. They come in a three-pack which is nice for some variety & just as a handy replacement in case the band breaks :/

*** Check out my first impressions of the new Fitbit ChargeHR! It even has a heart rate monitor! I love mine!

UPDATEmy Fitbit Charge HR band broke too

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Blog Lifestyle

Top 10 – June Favorites

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

1. Breaking Bad (Streaming on Netflix)

muffinchanel june favorites 2013 breaking badThis show is about meth. Basically, a high school chemistry teacher and his former student start making meth in New Mexico so that he can make money for his family before he becomes too ill with cancer. I’m just starting season 3 and the drug theme reminds me of the show, Weeds, but this show is slightly more hardcore.

2.  B-12 Vitamins

muffinchanel june favorites 2013 raw b 12 vitamins b12

I love my B-12 vitamins. Good for your metabolism, mental & physical energy, central nervous system health, and optimal digestion, these pills help me feel more energized and balanced.

3. Fitbit Flex

muffinchanel june favorites 2013 fitbit flexYou all know how difficult it has been to find one of these fitness wristbands. I’ve been loving mine and all the data it’s tracking for me. From steps taken to sleep patterns — this wristband tracks it all discreetly and comfortably. See the complete review HERE.

4. The Killers – Battle Born

muffinchanel june favorites 2013 killers battle bornThis is my favorite album from The Killers and I’ve been listening to it on repeat all month long. See my posts from the concert in San Francisco HERE.

5. Sharpie Felt Tip Pens

muffinchanel june favorites 2013 sharpie felt pensI love the way these write. No frills, no guessing, no bleeding; just crisp black ink gliding across you paper.

6. Pura Vida Bracelets

muffinchanel june favorites 2013 pura vida braceletsI posted my pack of bracelets a while ago HERE, but I didn’t tell you about the company. Pura Vida Bracelets provides jobs for 30 Costa Rican artisans and it donates 1% back to The Surfrider Foundation through 1% for the Planet. In addition to that, Pura Vida Bracelets also makes special Charity bracelets to support different causes. So, not only can you mix and match these fun bracelets, but you’re also supporting a good cause too.

7. Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

muffinchanel june favorites 2013 urban decay nakedThis palette is my go-to everyday palate. With 12 different neutral, yet shimmery colors, you’re sure to create a beautiful look for day or night. See my complete review HERE

8.  Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card

muffinchanel june favorites 2013 enders game osc

I wanted to read the book before the movie comes out in November. I downloaded it on my phone and finished it in a couple days. Definitely worth the read although slightly disturbing :/

9. Tom Kha Gai Thai Soup with Jasmine Rice

muffinchanel june favorites 2013 thai coconut soup tom kaiIf you like Thai food, you have to try this soup. Make sure you add a little extra spice. This coconut and chicken soup is my absolute favorite! I’ve even found a few recipes online (HERE, HERE, and HERE)so I can make my own. I’ll let you know how that turns out.

10. Nike+ Running App

muffinchanel june favorites 2013 nike runningI’ve told you about this app BEFORE. It’s a great way to track you runs by distance, speed, and pace. Challenge your friends or yourself while listening to your own playlists or feedback from the app. Check out the new Nike Coach Update!

What have you been enjoying this June?

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Blog Health + Beauty Lifestyle

Fitbit Flex – Eureka! First Impressions Review

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

I am so excited! I stopped by Target to pick up a few things and do my routine check to see if the Fitbit Flex had come in, and today I found it! So, of course, I picked one up and cancelled the order I made online.

MuffinChanel fitbit flex target fitness band They only had the black color available, which was my first choice anyway. They also had the extra wristband colors available in the three pack which I might consider later on.

***Update: I got the new Fitbit ChargeHR — see my first impressions here!

MuffinChanel fitbit flex target fitness band unboxingOnce you unbox everything, you’ll need to go to fitbit.com/setup. Select your device, the Fitbit Flex, and it will download some software onto your computer. I’m doing all of this right now so you’re getting the first impressions.

MuffinChanel fitbit flex target fitness band online setup

MuffinChanel fitbit flex target fitness band online setup 2Plug in your USB connector with the Tracker and Set Up a New Fitbit device. From there, you can set up a new Fitbit account or log into your existing one. I’m creating a new account.

Once you’re all set with your account, it’ll prompt you to plug in the Wireless Sync Dongle.




MuffinChanel fitbit flex target fitness band wireless usb dongle chargingThe Wireless Sync Dongle does a quick search for your device. Once it finds your device, you’ll have to double tap gently on the Tracker to “confirm” syncing.

Now, whenever your Fitbit Flex is within 20ft of your Wireless Sync Dongle, it’ll automatically sync. So cool!

Fitbit Flex 101

Charging

Your tracker battery lasts for about 5 days. To charge it, remove the tracker from the band and place it in the charger until all 5 lights are solid.

Syncing

When your Flex is within 20 feet of the Wireless Sync Dongle, your Flex will sync automatically with your Fitbit account. You can also sync via your smartphone if it supports Bluetooth Low Energy (4.0). Learn more about Supported Devices or about Syncing.

Wearing

Your Flex tracker should be placed inside the included wristband and worn on your non-dominant hand for best results. Flex is water resistant and can be worn in the shower and out in the rain.

Goals

On the dashboard, see your progress towards goals for:

  • • Steps
  • • Calories Burned
  • • Distance
  • • Very Active Minutes

Goal Progress

Each light on your Flex tracker represents 20% of your goal. When you reach your goal, Flex will buzz and flash in celebration of your achievement.

Changing Goals

To choose which goal is shown on your Flex display, go toDevice Settings in your account. You can change a goal amount on the corresponding Dashboard tile.

Tracking Sleep

Sleep tracking can be turned on by tapping the top of the Flex display area until you feel the motor vibrate and the 2 outer lights turn on. Once in sleep tracking mode, the Tracker will show two lights moving side-to-side.



Forgot to turn on sleep tracking?

You can add a sleep log on the website or mobile app. Go to the Sleep section and add a sleep log. Need help? Learn More.

Silent Alarms

Set a Silent Alarm from the Devices area of your account.

Overall, I’m impressed with how small and lightweight the wristband is. The tracker came 80% charged, so I’m just waiting until that fifth light stays solid before I start wearing the device.

See my updated review HERE

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Blog Lifestyle

Summer is here! I ordered the Fitbit Flex!

muffinchanel fitbit flex exercise wrist band

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

Despite it being back ordered, I ordered my Fitbit Flex. I ordered the Slate color which was only back ordered 4-6 weeks (instead of the 8-10 weeks for the Black).

I hope it ships sooner than that. I’ll keep you updated!

UPDATE – I found one; see my first impressions

UPDATE – See full review