Getting Fit With FitBit Flex

I got a FitBit, the FitBit Flex, for my birthday. You've probably read a lot about the FitBit, including some news stories and comedic commentary which might make you concerned about whether or not the FitBit actually works. I thought I'd share my experiences with it.

I first learned of the FitBit after my brother-in-law had a heart scare and my sister got him one to track his healthy habits. I thought it was a neat, yet pricey, gadget; but once back home in my own routine, I forgot about it. Until the "FitClip" was shown on an episode of Drop Dead Diva, and I was reminded of my interest.

My main interested in the FitBit, or any sort of activity tracking device, was because as a  work-from-home writer and antiques dealer, I was aware how sedentary I've become. No longer do I have any little kids to chase after -- and every flea market I was aware how out of shape I've become. So I wanted something that would both track my activity and remind me to move. After researching a few options, I went with the FitBit Flex. It was the best priced option for me. (And the ones that clip on your bra or belt, well, I knew I would forget to put them on everyday -- which is the whole point! Plus, wearing it on my wrist is a very real reminder to get moving.)

Overall, I am thrilled with the FitBit. It reminds me to get walking. It reminds me that I just need 200 more steps, so at 11:30 at night, I'll get up and take the dogs for a walk until the FitBit vibrates by victory. Waring the FitBit Flex reminds me to reconsider that extra snack. It even reminds me to eat breakfast, a meal I am notorious for skipping (which is horrible for your metabolism, body, and mind.) It's great motivation.

I don't, however, use the FitBit to document my food intake or calories. This seems to be the one area where some people are complaining that the FitBit fails. Seems the caloric intake calculator is not one size fits all and that they've gained weight. But that's a chronic issue with dieting, and mainly why I avoid using that. I simply want to get healthier by walking and moving more.

Yes, you can fake the steps by moving your arm or other devious dead. But it's like Stacy said on Drop Dead Diva, "How can i trust someone who commits fit clip fraud?!" Lying to myself doesn't achieve the goal to get moving.

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Getting Organized & Recharging In The New Year

The New Year means resolutions (and spending that holiday gift cash). If you're like me, one of your resolutions is to get more organized and make your home more enjoyable to live in. After all, for the next few weeks (if not months!), we'll all be nestled inside the house, and while we have lots more to do inside now than we once did, all the electronics and entertainment stuff can make your home full of annoying distractions too. Like all those loops of cable wires and cords that every device needs.

The kind folks at CableOrganizer.com sent me a couple of products to review that address some of these issues. While they have a lot of stuff for organizing your home office and entertainment systems (especially, of course, those cables!), they do have some neat little things that help too.

The BlueLounge® Milo™ Smartphone Holder is a simple, yet elegant, way to hold your smartphone, MP3 player, etc. I don't know about you, but we save our old phones and use them as MP3 players. That way, we are recycling and keeping plenty of storage space free on our current smartphones and their storage cards. This way, we also avoid getting bored with the same-old songs and playlists all the time. Milo will now remain in my home office, on top of the recycled vintage refrigerator drawers, ready for use.

There's a micro-suction "sticky" back which holds the phone in place on the stand, and more of it on the bottom to hold the stand on a flat surface. I can vouch that the stuff is reusable; we have pets (and, I'll confess, dust lol). If the micro-suction pads seem to lose their stickiness, just use some adhesive tape to clean the debris off the pads will be like new again. Honest.

Because the micro-suction pads are reusable, I can move the stand and place it anywhere. And I can rotate which cell phone I now use as an MP3-player -- or remove for charging, as needed. ...Though with the Juicebar® Multi-Device Pocket Solar Charger, I could get months of use out of the same setup!

The Juicebar® Multi-Device Pocket Solar Charger is a neat little charger -- mainly because it is also a solar charger. Sometimes the problem with portable pocket chargers is that you forget to charge them. But the Juicebar holds a charge for months -- so long as you leave the solar part face up. (That's aimed at you, youngest male child!)

The Juicebar comes with a USB cable for standard charging. Simply reverse the connections to send the charge to a device. The device can hold a charge for months, but the built-in LED indicator lets you know when the charge is fading. It also has a flashlight feature, which my kids found pretty neat. (They must prowl around at night more than I thought -- because they sure aren't cleaning under their beds lol)

The only bad thing I can say about the Juicebar is that the shiny stainless steel finish shows fingerprints and smudges. Because of that, and the whole kids-forget-to-charge-the-charger thing, I'm giving the Juicebar mobile charger to my 13 year old son. He definitely does not mind smudges. *wink*

Both the Milo micro-suction stand and the Juicebar mobile solar charger are little things which can go a long way to organizing your home and making it more livable. Now, if we can just get the husbands to do something with all those loops of cords and cables... (Hint, hint; nudge, nudge.)

Moms Making Money In Phone Sex

Awhile ago, I interviewed women who are making money as phone sex operators. According to statements made on The View, there's been a 400% increase the number of work from home moms who make money as phone sex operators in the past 18 months. Economy related? Perhaps. In any case, the story of moms who are PSOs and phone sex work itself will be covered in depth on several ABC news shows this Monday.

My Reviews Are Honest, How About Yours?

All my reviews, no matter where they are published, are honest.

But I'm so sick of hearing about & being suspicious of "blog-ola," paid postings, and other forms of payola -- why can't people & companies just be ethical? that I ranted.

The biggest offenders are the ones complaining about FTC involvement -- they should worry.

Feeling Blue? Put On Your Bra & High-Heeled Shoes

It seems lazy fashion habits may be a part of my fatigue and general malaise.

Slip says not wearing a bra can lead to depression -- and while she's got no science to back her up, I'm beginning to see the facts in my own 'working from home' life.

Also, it seems that Slip's found evidence that high-heeled shoes offer health benefits with some super improvements in your sex life too -- not that I'm suffering there. Yet.

But truth be told, while the motivation to work isn't a problem, the reality is that I do not dress like I am at work. While that once seemed a huge part of the appeal of working from home, I'm beginning to see/feel a slide in attitude and yes, I'll admit it, muscle tone. Thanks to Slip, I now have two simple things I can do to help turn things around.

From now on it would be appropriate for you to picture me wearing a bra & stilettos as I sit and type here. I'll have to wear at least a robe, otherwise I'm sure my sex life will consume my work time -- *giggle* -- but for now, it seems this will be my work attire.