I'm linking up with Cynthia, Courtney, and Mar for the Friday Five.
This week's subject prompt: "5 brands to love."
There are SO MANY brands that I love that it is impossible for me to select just five. Instead, I'm going to take a slightly different spin on this topic. I'll share five product categories in general that I would happily endorse, if given the opportunity.
1. Running gear
Being the runner that I am, this one is a no-brainer. I could easily write several separate posts on all the different running products that I love. When considering overall selections of shoes and apparel, ASICS has probably been the most consistent for me. However, certain other brands have really stood out to me for specific items. E.g., I have a Sugoi jacket that I absolutely love; sports bras from Victoria's Secret that are very flattering; and Balega socks that are so cushy that they make me feel like I'm walking in melted chocolate. We won't even get into fueling, hydration, PT, or recovery products.
2. Dairy products
Cheese, glorious cheese. Cheese makes everything better. I also love ice cream, yogurt, custard, gelato, whipped cream, sour cream, etc., etc., etc. If butter wasn't so unhealthy, I would eat a lot more of it.
3. Scarves
The most versatile accessory known to womankind. They can be worn in any season; in any infinite number of ways; come in a dazzling array of colors, patterns, and styles; and are truly one-size-fits-all.
4. Slow cookers
Cooking doesn't get much easier or faster than with the slow cooker. Just dump in all the ingredients, stir it up, and set the timer. It's a life-saving tool when the schedule is a complete disaster. Not to mention how great it feels to get home after a long day and be greeted with the aroma of a ready-to-eat slow cooker meal.
5. Five honorable mentions (since I had trouble picking a single item to list as fifth)
Toastmasters
The Divvy bike sharing system
The Shazam app for identifying music
Barre classes
My library card
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Your turn! If you could endorse any products or brands of your choice, what would you pick?
What are your favorite slow cooker recipes? I'm always looking for new ideas!
ReplyDeleteApart from the usual chilis, soups, and stews, one of my favorites is Thai curry chicken. There are about a zillion variations out there, but I usually use a version from one of Sandra Lee's cookbooks. Unfortunately I haven't been able to find an online version of it to share here. I can lend you my cookbook if you'd like! Here's another example: http://www.wellplated.com/slow-cooker-thai-chicken/
DeleteFrom an online standpoint, I like Stephanie Odea's website for slow cooker recipes: hhttp://www.ayearofslowcooking.com/2007/12/alphabetical-listing-of-recipes.html
Likewise - please share your favorites! I'm always looking for new ideas, too!
Yum, cheese!!
ReplyDeleteYou already know what I endorse - InkNBurn running gear!! www.inknburn.com
Cheese, glorious cheese!
DeleteInkNBurn seriously couldn't have found a better product spokesperson than you. You are the PERFECT endorser!!!
great list. i love my crock pot and get SO much use out of it :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Courtney! Thanks again for hosting the Friday Five! This is a great topic and I am really loving reading all the posts!
DeleteMy favorite coffee is Aldi Specialty (used to be called "German Coffee"). I loved Trader Joe's Unsalted Blister Peanuts, but now they only carry salted, and oh boy are they ever salted. Wish they would bring back the unsalted, then I could endorse them again! :)
ReplyDeleteLove it! I am a huge fan of Aldi's, too. I try to buy as much as I can from them, and then visit other grocery stores just for fancier items. I've actually never tried or heard of TJ's Blister Peanuts. I was intrigued by the "blister" description and was envisioning some kind of puffy peanuts. But based on a google search they look like regular peanuts. =D In any event - that's a bummer that they started massively salting them! So much for folks trying to reduce sodium consumption for health purposes, eh?
DeleteI love it! I would endorse: Trader Joe's, running & tri gear, books, and for a food category, I agree- I'd pick cheese!
ReplyDeleteWoo hoo! All great selections! I hadn't originally considered endorsing Trader Joe's until you and Pete both mentioned it. But I agree - their products are fantastic! It's so much fun to poke around there!
DeleteI love my Asics too! I am due for a new pair this spring.
ReplyDeleteYAY ASICS!!! Do you wear the Gel Cumulus too, by chance? So exciting to know that a new pair is on the near-term horizon for you!!! There is no better feeling than to go for a run in a brand-spanking new pair of shoes!!!
DeleteThis is why I couldn't do this linkup! too many things to love!
ReplyDeleteI totally understand! It took me a long time just to narrow down to the "general" categories that I listed here. I could write a post just on, say, the five different brands of socks that I love, LOL.
DeleteI love how you changed it a bit and instead endorsed different products. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Zenaida! There were just TOO MANY brands out there to narrow down to just one. So I wanted to keep it as high-level as would make sense. =)
DeleteI think I'm going back to Asics. Those Mizunos I wore to the race on Saturday gave me a huuuge blister. : (
ReplyDeleteOH NOOOOO!!!! Such a bummer that those gorgeous Mizunos are problematic. =( But hey, you can still wear them for things like strength-training, right? I hope the ASICS work much better for you!!!
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