Friday Finds: Another Cool Fitness App, Yay for CTA, Links I Like and More!

Is it wrong that I am so happy that Ann Curry will no longer be a co-host on the Today Show? Probably. I am tempted to write a letter saying “I told you so!” But, she gets $10M to leave so maybe the joke is on me. You win, Ann Curry! (Sorry… back to my regularly scheduled “Friday Finds” blog post.)

So… I have mentioned a bunch of fitness related free aps. For full disclosure, I have not actually used any of them yet. But I really WANT to – does that count?
Check out the free app from Gain Fitness

It has “GAIN Plan” – helps you create a plan and reminds you to work out! You can select an option to get audio clues and hear exercise names and words of encouragement—all in the voice of a real person. There are HD motion images & detailed instructions for every exercise. The free stuff not enough? You can purchase “Expansion Packs” (In-App Purchase) for more advanced training methods and targeted exercises to help you reach unique training goals. (and at least we know how they are trying to make money!)

And Some Deals!

Yay for Groupon and CTA! (Whoever thought I would be cheering for the Chicago Transit Authority here or anywhere else for that matter?!) $9 for a 3 day pass. This is great for visitors OR daily commuters. My commute is $4/day. Over 3 days I could save 25% or more. Limit 4 per person. Pick some up and be popular with your guests.

Have I mentioned my love of peanut butter yet? It is a bit of an issue. But I digress. … My favorite PB company (Peanut Butter and Co.) is offering a FREE 16 oz jar of peanut butter (any flavor) when you order $10 or more of their “peanut butter portables”. To take advantage of this offer place at least $10 worth of peanut butter portables in your cart AND your choice of any 16oz jar of peanut butter. Next apply coupon code PBONTHEGO to the “Discount Codes” field located on the “View Cart” page to see the price of the free jar deducted from your total! Offer ends July 2, 2012. Online orders only. (The only issue is you only get free shipping on orders of $50 or more. So share with your friends or colleagues and get free shipping. Otherwise it is not a great deal!) That being said, the Cinnamon Raisin is AMAZING. When asked by a friend what I would eat it on, I quickly answered “a spoon” before I realized I was speaking aloud. Well, I bet it is good on toast. Mine just never makes it there! Try it, I dare you.

I am oddly intrigued by this offer from Gilt City – or maybe it is just that I am intrigued by Mary Kate and Ashley. This solves for a problem I definitely don’t have, but could be fun to try. Check out this deal for Style Mint – Each month, you’ll get to pick a new top to add to your collection. From summery blouses to simple cotton T’s, StyleMint has exactly what you need, whatever the season. Shipping is free to anywhere in the US. With the help of the StyleProfile questionnaire, all T’s offered are personalized to your individual tastes. Buy for 1 month (20% off), 3 months (27% off) or 6 months (38% off)


– Check out some fun (and random) local deals around the country at Travelzoo – like $5 for Chicago Symphony Orchestra Tickets at Ravinia… or try their Deal Locator for all of the deals where you are!

– Hey Chicago friends, starting Monday July 2nd check out the brand new Revival Massage Therapy and Spa in Andersonville. Not only is Jim awesome, but Revive Massage Therapy & SPA is committed to giving back to our neighborhood and community. The following individuals are entitled to 15% off any regular price 90 Minute Massage : Teachers, Police Officers, Firefighters and Military. They also have a rewards program – you get points for referrals which can be redeemed for a free massage! Help support a new local business and a great massage therapist!

Links I like – Food/Diet Edition

Lactose intolerant? Too personal of a question? Try this yummy frozen summer non-dairy treat from Amanda Skrip! And speaking of healthy options, take a look at the Greatist’s “80 Healthy Recipe Substitutions” for some healthy cooking inspiration.

– And while we are talking food, check out Health magazine’s “25 Foods You Should Never Eat The first bunch are no brainer chain restaurant foods. Toward the end they mention a bunch of “health foods” that you may have around (Um, sorry Amy S. for the Cookies and Cream Power Bar! You did run really fast in the race!) I also liked Health’s “Best and Worst Nuts for Your Health” – at least my almonds and pistachios fared better than my Power Bar!

This made me laugh (but kind of good to know): Answers to “Weird Weight Loss Questions

Last one for today Mind Body Green’s “5 Tips to Sustain A Healthy Life Style – Hmm, the second time someone mentioned meditating to me in 24 hours. Maybe there is something to that?

Oh and one more thing… I still need entries for my GIVE AWAY! (2 actually) Share in my spoils – I received coupon codes for $25 off at Body Language Sportswear and $30 off on cool totes, grocery bags and liners at OG Sack in this month’s Klutch Club box. Want to enter to win the deals? Comment on this post on my blog by Sunday, July 1 with a great link or deal you found and I will pick 2 winners at random! Good luck!

That’s all for now – find any great links lately? Please send them along!