How to Increase Your Water Intake October 8, 2007

I am a sucker for gadgets. When I spotted the HydraCoach Intelligent water bottle at Big 5, I thought of a dozen practical uses for this product and deemed it a must-have. Two months later, I still find it pretty cool and useful.

The water bottle acts as a digital clock, a timer, and a water intake counter. The bottle isn’t always accurate on water intake, but when the bottle does correctly count the intake, it’s a good reminder for me that I’m never drinking as much water as I should. It tracks water intake both by ounces and percentage. The clock and the timer are most useful for me. I use it throughout the workday as a quick time or date reference, or during a hike, so I know about how long I’ve been on a trail. Best of all, it doesn’t retain any yucky plastic taste, so I can refill to my heart’s desire, which is one of the only reasons I kept returning to disposable plastic water bottles. I’m happy to do my part to find a reusable container for my daily water bottle.

The water bottle comes with a one year warranty and is dishwasher safe. I bought mine for $30 at Big 5 Sporting Goods. It is listed on Amazon for for $37.95.

My New Mascara October 7, 2007

Last time I ran out of mascara, I picked up Maybelline’s pink and green Great Lash. I had tried it a couple years ago and found it too clumpy. But since it is so often referred to in beauty magazines, I couldn’t help but wonder if I would change my mind. I didn’t. It’s still too clumpy for me. Any second I have to spend declumping my eyelashes is one second too many. Surprisingly, I am happily using another Maybelline mascara, Sky High Curves. I don’t get any clumps from this mascara, just a little bit of definition. It’s perfect for the quick work morning make up routine. One of these days I’d like to try Dior Show mascara. It always gets rave reviews. For now, I am happy with Sky High Curves.