When the Indo Board arrived at the office, the first thing that came to mind was “law suit”. Either myself or a co-worker was going to take a digger on this balance board and that would be the end. Corrynn went first and I didn’t mind that she was the guinea pig. The competition set in, because she was great right off the bat, so I had to go next. This toy is like a wide skateboard deck without wheels that you ride on top of a roller. It engages the core and quads all while helping you have better balance for any sport you may participate in.

Peeling myself away from my desk to “practice” is my new favorite distraction and it couldn’t have come at a better time, before my surf trip to Costa Rica. I have even had a dream that I was the Indo Board World Champion, but realized that I have to practice more to even come close! The come in varying designs and sizes depending on skill level. www.indoboard.com Msrp 99.95

I have to say, when I decided to test out some women’s specific cycling clothes, I got nervous. I was hoping that they didn’t send me something with that damn hibiscus print or even worse ANYthing in pink. The cutesy, stylistic designs on many products these days for us drives me nuts. Granted, we all have our own tastes and opinions….and those are mine.

When the Floyd Cylces clothing box arrived, I was more than happy with the contents. At quick glance, great fabrication with subtle design features. Slick contrast stitching on the Racer shorts(msrp $94) gives them a nice flare. The Shauna tank top(msrp $72) included a shelf bra and a handful of buttons down the front, in a mellow blue…not pink! I was even more impressed, when I put the top and shorts on, with the fit and feel. The shorts were definitely designed with our body shape in mind and that contrast stitching turned out to be really flattering. No chaffing on many long rides and the chamois wasn’t too big. The top breathes well and looks great on…and yes the buttons add a bit of sexiness to the look. Well done. Finally, cycling clothes that look like none other…and that’s a good thing!
www.floydcycles.com

Got Skype?

After pressure from friends who live abroad and a co-worker who has dreams of living in a Skype-nation, I finally broke down and signed up. A painless procedure really. It hurt more to THINK about jumping on the tech train of communication. Why was I so hesitant? Was it because my pre-conceived notions of “those” people who do Skype are of hipsters and teens who have extensive profiles on Facebook and Myspace and entirely too much time on their hands? Was it that I don’t REALLY need to sit in front of my computer more than I already do? Why is it free? Am I going to be getting even more random porn spam in my inbox? It probably was the optional headset that was freaking me out. I never aspired to be a person with a headset on talking at my computer. Either way, I tossed my reservations aside and dove in to see what this world looks like.

I had one video chat and was sold. I quickly called my dad and forced him and my mom to sign up. After gingerly walking him through the process (he lacks any tech savvy) for the first time, we could talk and see each other in real time. We hung up. I immediately called my brothers to get them signed up. I pleaded my case that, as a family who is scattered around the west, this will be a beautiful way to be in each others lives a little deeper. I can’t wait to see everyone in my family with an account. I will get to see my 5 year old nephew and he will get to “hang out with his grandparents”. I am excited about this new world. It isn’t my first choice in mode of spending time with my family, but if it fills the space between visits then I am more than willing to jump on the train!

According to the International Bottled Water Association, Americans spent more than $10 billion on the elixir that costs more than gasoline. That’s a lot of nonbiodegradable plastic that ends up floating around in our oceans and creates mountains in our landfills.

The solution? Klean Kanteen is here. This alternative to plastic is made of a nonleaching lightweight stainless steel with no coating on the inside. Because stainless steel is inert, there is no need to worry about it taking on the taste of vitamin drinks or wine, and it’s machine washable. It even has a “sippy cup” lid for children.

This invincible bottle will last through all your adventures and help make the world a cleaner place. You can find the Klean Kanteen at REI and in select packs from Patagonia. $14–$24. www.kleankanteen.com

I love my accessories. I seek out chunky bracelets and big hoop earrings. Every girl knows how a good accent to an outfitcan make all the difference. Well my new favorite accessory is my Eagles Nest Outfitters hammock.

No I can’t dangle it from my ears or wear it on my wrist, but I can dangle IN it…..anywhere. It is light, packable and goes with me everywhere. On a roadtrip, in my backpack for a canyon adventure or in my backyard. Treat yourself, and accessorize! The ENO hammock will complete your outdoor outfit. MSRP 49.95 www.eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com