Get the Gear: GO GAGA!

I've had the opportunity to review more than a few products as a mom blogger, but no product has elicited such a reaction from the general public as my Go Gaga bag. I get stopped several times a day by moms and students asking about my special bag. Why? Because Go Gaga features this incredible ergonomic strap that makes carrying the heaviest bag easy.

It works similar to a good, comfy baby sling in the way that it distributes the weight of the bag across the shoulder. I received the super-stylin' Gondola bag, which conveniently comes with a changing mat for baby and insulated cup holders on both sides of the bag. The bag opens easily for me to see inside, which is awesome, because I'm using it to lug around my son's diapers, my lap top and all my gym gear! That's one of the things that is so nice about Go Gaga bags, they don't scream diaper bag or gym bag - they can be used in any way (or, in my case, ways) you need them. I've had lots of moms stop me, but I've had even more students ask about it. The comfort is obvious.

I chose to get my bag in black, because I knew I could use it with anything and dress it up and down, run to the gym with it and then head straight to a meeting. There's lots of room in there for everything! And on the diaper bag front, my husband saw it and immediately said, "Awesome. I could carry that too!" Moms you know what a strong endorsement that is!

I don't know the story behind Go Gaga's name, but I'm guessing it's because you can go gaga (or be a mom on the go) and still go gaga for your bag!

Day 2: Get the Gear - Yoga Paws

I don't own a yoga mat. The thought of dragging along one more thing to the gym makes me...well, you get the idea. But in keeping with Linda Quirks' advice I've been trying to increase my flexibility. Plus I really like yoga. Every parent should do it. I mean an exercise that relaxes and focuses you sounds like just what you need to juggle being a parent, right? So I've been using the communal mats - YUCK. I'm not overly germophobic, but it's a little gross. JamieG, of Yoga-Syz, has the perfect solution, Yoga Paws, the yoga mat for your hands and feet.

I got my Yoga Paws and immediately went into the living room and did a couple of sun salutes. I have to say I am totally impressed. Not only are they super compact and perfect for traveling or using as an everyday yoga mat alternative, they really stick. What can I say? I'm in love! And to top it off, they are made from environmentally friendly material.

Yoga Paws sell for 34.95 and can be purchased here. They also come with a free Yoga-Syz DVD.

Day 1: Get Inspired, Get Fit

As a grandmother of three and a marathon runner, Linda Quirk knows a thing or two about staying fit on the go. When she’s not running marathons, her life is probably a lot like your readers – hectic.



Whether she’s on the road or not, it’s key for Linda to keep running younger for longer. She has some great tips for anyone striving to hit the ground running while battling a busy day-to-day life, such as:


Can’t Touch Your Toes? Stretch, Stretch, Stretch
Flexibility is one of the first and most important steps in getting and staying healthy. Improving flexibility is a gradual process and I like to do yoga to improve my range of motion. Classes are always an option, but tapes at home are my personal favorite: you can fit them into your schedule whenever you have a free hour! Yoga can become a great, relaxing reward in your own home at the end of a hard day and is a great way to exercise your body and mind.



Find Your Calorie-Burning Balance
Everyone’s metabolism and dietary needs are different. It’s important not to starve yourself or over-eat. I encourage you to eat five small meals a day, as that tends to increase your metabolism. Exercise helps increase the amount of calories you can take in, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you can eat whatever you want. Eating a balanced diet of carbohydrates, protein, good fats, and fiber is always going to be the best way to fuel your body no matter how hard you are working out.



Linda recently accomplished an incredible feat: completing seven marathons on seven continents in just under a year…and she’s not done yet. With the support of BP and its fuel product, BP gasoline with Invigorate – an additive which helps cars run younger for longer, Linda is beginning a new mission. She hopes to be the first woman to complete the “4 Deserts” – a series of four, seven-day-long, 155 ultramarathons across some of the most daunting deserts on Earth.