Tag: Health

The 49ers signed free agent wide receiver Mike Evans to a three-year, $42.5 million contract in the offseason, a move that drew high praise for both the San Francisco front office and Evans himself, as the All-Pro wideout could have seen a much bigger payday on the open market.

After just the first week of training camp, with Friday being the first practice in pads, the arrival of Evans already appears to be paying off for quarterback Brock Purdy, who has not had an accomplished target at wide receiver quite like the 32-year-old NFL veteran.

In particular, when it comes to Evans and his 6-foot-5 “cheat code” type of height.

Mike Evans Shares His “Still Open” Philosophy Following a Highlight Reel TD Catch

Following Friday’s practice, which featured a couple of brief scuffles involving some key star players, Evans explained what he talks about with Brock Purdy and the rest of the 49ers’ quarterbacks.

Specifically, when it comes to the red zone, where Evans caught an absurd one-handed touchdown pass from Purdy during practice.

“I’m 6’5″, I have the ability and I’ve done it throughout my career,” Evans said in response to a question about the catch.

“It’s a thing that you just talk to the quarterbacks about. Like when I’m covered, I’m still pretty open if you throw the ball up with some air, and Brock threw a great ball. That’s one of the biggest things in my game.”

“It’s a thing that you talk to quarterbacks about. Like when I’m covered, I’m still pretty open if you throw the ball up with some air, and Brock threw a great ball… Brock is super accurate.”

Mike Evans while talking about a leaping one-handed TD catch he made at practice today… pic.twitter.com/NsHCj7z7yj

— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) July 31, 2026

“Brock is super accurate, he’s a super accurate quarterback,” Evans continued. “He hasn’t overthrown me yet … he’s just super accurate.”

There are probably very few lines that an NFL quarterback would love to hear from one of their wide receivers that could topple, “When I’m covered, I’m still pretty open.”

Although making a very clear and concerted effort to put a spotlight on Purdy’s accuracy certainly doesn’t hurt either, and will likely assist in helping the duo evolve their chemistry throughout training camp.

But, yes, it is very typical to to hear all sorts of positivity and praise emanating from NFL training camps across the league. In this case, however, the words from Evans do come with the highlight to prove it.

Good luck trying to cover Mike Evans this season pic.twitter.com/nK1C04V0Ts

— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) July 31, 2026

Additionally, when it comes to Evans and his ridiculous list of NFL career accomplishments, including matching the great Jerry Rice and his record of 11 consecutive seasons with 1,000-plus receiving yards, this isn’t exactly a rookie arriving to the 49ers locker room who would ever feel the need to throw extra sauce on quotes to the media if he didn’t really mean what he was saying.

Considering how brief the video of the touchdown was, here’s a great shot of the catch that was captured from Purdy’s viewpoint.

This pic of Mike Evans hauling in his red zone TD goes crazy 🔥

Via: @49ers pic.twitter.com/hwrPPLNGUK

— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) July 31, 2026

There’s just not really much second-year cornerback Upton Stout could have done here other than possibly disrupt the right arm enough to shake the ball loose.

To put Evans’ distinct height advantage of 6-foot-5 in proper perspective, San Francisco’s All-Pro tight end George Kittle, a frequent and favorite red zone target of Purdy’s over the last four seasons, stands at 6-foot-4.

In regard to the free agent contract Evans signed with the 49ers, it essentially equates to a one-year deal worth a total of $16.3 million, with team options for the 2027 and 2028 seasons.

Related: 41 Years Ago Today: 5 Managers Waited, Then Miss Elizabeth Walked In for Randy Savage

Following its record-breaking preview day at the box office, beating out Marvel juggernauts like Avengers: Endgame, Spider-Man: Brand New Day can add another accolade to its list.

The fourth Spider-Man outing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), starring Tom Holland as the titular arachnid superhero, holds a 98% audience score on movie review site Rotten Tomatoes as of July 31. This score, should it continue into Brand New Day’s further days and weeks in theaters, places it as the highest-scoring MCU Spider-Man movie among audiences so far.

This is especially good news for Holland, who admitted that, along with his co-star (and now wife) Zendaya and Jacob Batalon, who plays Ned Leeds in the four MCU Spidey films, they “hated” an early cut of the film, designed to please audiences.

In the interview, Holland, on behalf of the trio, said the edit was based on recent test screenings with audiences, but the cast, led by Holland, pushed for a cut more in line with their creative vision for the film. Ultimately, it seems, that Holland and the cast knew best.

Critically, however, there’s another record broken — and it’s a slightly different story. Among the four MCU Spider-Man movies, Brand New Day has the lowest score among critics. Although critical reviews are still coming in, as of July 31, Brand New Day has a critical score of 90%.

Holland’s first three Spidey outings, Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019), and Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), have scores of 92%, 91%, and 93%, respectively.

It is doubtful, however, that director Daniel Destin Cretton, along with the all-star cast, will be too disappointed by this still-stellar critical score. To put things in perspective, the original Spider-Man film, released in 2002 and starring Tobey Maguire, stands at 90%, with Spider-Man 3 (2007) sitting at the much lower score of 62%. Andrew Garfield’s films, The Amazing Spider-Man (2012) and The Amazing Spider-Man 2, have respective critic scores of 71% and 50%.

Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services.  If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

In This Story

Why We Love This Deal

What’s Richard Karn, better known as the flannel-clad Al Borland from Home Improvement, been up to since he left the set of Tool Time? In a way, it’s like he never left at all. The actor has taken on a host of roles on shows like Assembly Required and Shifting Gears, but he’s also served as a spokesperson for various DIY and tool products. The most notable might be the Pocket Hose, a practical yard tool that’s gone viral on its own merits.

Now, you can actually get the Pocket Hose Ballistic Expandable 50-Foot Garden Hose for 50% off on Amazon. Over 10,000 of these hoses have recently been sold, and the reasoning goes way beyond Karn’s celebrity endorsement. They’re just plain practical for modern living arrangements.

Pocket Hose Ballistic Expandable 50-Foot Garden Hose, $45 (was $90) on Amazon

What Shoppers Should Know

• Sizes Available: The best value for most shoppers will come from the 50-foot version, but there are 25, 75, and 100-foot versions, too.
• Material: UV-protected latex and copper
• Shrinks To When Off: ⅓ of its in-use size

This hose looks like a tiny, coiled-up rattlesnake that triples in size and becomes a full-sized garden hose once the water is turned on. When done, it reverts to its original size. Protected by a UV-blocking coat and fashioned from a polymer used in bulletproof applications, this hose is going to last a long time, being convenient as well.

Besides the Richard Karn tie-in, perfect seasonality, and the cool tech, what’s making this hose do so well right now? I think it goes deeper, with people overall trying to buy items more deliberately, and ones that can move easily, never becoming a permanent fixture. Who wants a hose lying around the front and back yard, when you can get one hose that you can pull out whenever you need it and easily get started at either location?

It’s also an essential hose for apartment dwellers who would like to be able to use one for car cleaning and the like, then store it in a small bag and bring it home, without treating neighbors to their personal belongings.

Related: Pegboards Are One of the Best Garage Storage Hacks, and Walmart Has Them on Sale for $28

See It in Action

“I’m Rich Karn, and everyone loves my hose, but your hose? I don’t think so,” taunts Karn at the beginning of the commercial, showing off the hose’s expandable nature, advanced spigot, and bragging about its 100+ patents.

The Pocket Hose Ballistic Expandable 50-Foot Garden Hose is just $45 while this deal lasts.

Shop More Deals

• Biswing 2-Way Garden Hose Splitter, $9 (was $12) on Amazon
• Bigwave Turbo Oscillating Water Sprinkler, $18 (was $20) on Amazon
• Capin 1-Gallon Pump Sprayer for Home & Garden, $15 (was $20) on Amazon

Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services.  If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

The biggest problem with folding e-bikes has never been the folding—it’s the weight. Most models weigh well over 60 pounds, making them difficult to carry up apartment stairs, lift into a car trunk, or bring onto public transit. The Urtopia Carbon Fold ST changes that by using a full carbon fiber frame to keep the total weight to just 31 pounds. After testing it in real-world commuting scenarios, it’s one of the few folding electric bikes I’ve used that actually delivers on the promise of portability without sacrificing ride quality—while still providing decent daily range.

Urtopia Carbon Fold ST Folding E-Bike Review

Urtopia built its reputation on making carbon fiber e-bikes more attainable, and the Carbon Fold ST is their most compelling proof of concept yet. The carbon fiber frame and fork help with vibration dampening but the ride still feels stiff enough for responsive handling. Combine that with the low step-through geometry and you get a bike that’s genuinely easy to mount and dismount in stop-and-go city traffic, regardless of flexibility or fitness level.

Fit specs say it can accommodate riders from 4’11” to 6’5″, though it’s worth flagging: riders north of 6’2″ should test ride one first, since the telescoping stem maxes out at around 5’11” before the cockpit can start to feel cramped. I’m 6’3″ but have a longer torso and it fit me fine; I even ended up lowering the stem down a bit to get a little more comfy.

The Fold Actually Works

Most folding bikes suffer from a specific problem: once folded, they swing back open the moment you try to lift them if there’s no latching mechanism. Urtopia solved this with magnetic retention plates on the fork leg and rear frame that hold the bike in place when folded. Because the Carbon Fold ST is so light at 31 pounds, the magnets do work—it holds when you’re lifting and moving the folded bike—though I’d like to see them use a bit stronger of a magnet, it can pop off if jostled or set down awkwardly.

Folded dimensions come in at 28 high, 32 long, and 19 inches wide—compact enough for a car trunk, an elevator, or under a desk. The whole process takes about 30 seconds once you’ve done it a few times.

Motor, Ride Feel, and the Smart Mode Worth Using

The 250 watt rear hub motor peaks at 500 watts and delivers 42Nm of torque through a torque sensor rather than a cadence sensor, which means power delivery scales with how hard you’re pedaling rather than just detecting rotation. Acceleration is smooth and consistent—not punchy or aggressive, just smooth and capable. Four assist modes cover the range from Eco to Boost, but the standout is Smart mode, which dynamically reads both torque and cadence to determine the right assist level automatically. I ended up keeping it in Smart mode most of the time, the takeoff torque seemed punchier and smoother than in my other most frequent choice, Boost.

I would also suggest upgrading to the thumb throttle, it made takeoffs and cruising more enjoyable and relaxing. Without it you’ll have to pedal (obviously) to get the motor to assist you, which can be slightly annoying depending on the situation. Having the option for both is well worth the extra $29.

Urtopia’s bikes have a consistent signature across the lineup—quiet motors and a refined, smooth ride—and the Carbon Fold ST delivers both. There’s no motor whine, no jerky power delivery, just a pleasant riding experience.

Braking comes from Tektro 2-piston hydraulic disc brakes with 160mm rotors front and rear—nice hardware for a bike this light, and they gave me plenty stopping confidence in wet or dry conditions. The 7-speed Shimano drivetrain with a 14-28T cassette handles varied terrain without complaint, and a chain guard keeps grease off your pant leg. Though be warned that the easiest way to carry the bike will put the rest of the chain close to contacting your leg—if you have nice work pants on you may end up with a black streak or two if you’re not careful when toting it around.

Range: Honest Numbers

Urtopia claims up to 50 miles. Real-world testing tells a more conservative story. In Boost mode, expect around 17 miles; in Eco mode, I got around 35 miles on relatively flat terrain. Like most range estimates, that 50-mile figure requires near-perfect conditions—zero elevation gain, no wind, and a rider well under the 220-pound weight limit. For most urban commuters covering 10 to 15 miles round-trip, charging while at work or nightly means range is never a concern. Just don’t rely on the specs for a long-haul jaunts.

The 252Wh battery integrates into the removable seatpost, so you can either plug in at the top of the post or pull it out and bring it inside. A 3.5-hour fast charger ships in the box—practical for daily commuters who don’t want to wait around all day for a full charge.

The Trade-offs

The 220-pound weight limit excludes heavier riders (though I’m 230 and it performed well for me), and the small 252Wh battery is the unavoidable cost of keeping the whole package under 31 pounds, though you can buy another battery for $449 and carry it with you if you need to double your range. There’s no suspension, so rough urban pavement can be felt in your hands—the carbon frame softens it somewhat, but don’t expect a super plush ride. And the Carbon Fold ST doesn’t connect to the Urtopia app, so all settings live in the on-board display menu, which is easy to navigate but means no remote diagnostics or firmware updates.

I did test riding the bike with battery assist turned off, and found it light enough that pedalling on flats and small hills felt pretty much the same as riding a non-powered bike. The only drawback was the amount of effort I had to put in, as a large person, made the stem flex more than I was comfortable with (hence why I moved it down a bit) and the plastic fold up pedals made some concerning groaning noises. One upgrade that I may do is swapping the pedals out for some metal folding models.

Urtopia Carbon Fold ST Pros & Cons

Pros

• Exceptionally light at just 31 pounds
• Premium carbon fiber frame and fork
• Smooth, natural-feeling torque sensor
• Fold stays securely closed with magnetic retention
• Excellent hydraulic brakes
• Quiet motor and refined ride quality
• Compact enough for apartments, offices, and public transit
• Outstanding value for a carbon fiber e-bike

Cons

• Real-world range is well below the advertised maximum
• 220-pound rider weight limit
• No suspension for rough pavement
• No smartphone app connectivity
• Cockpit can feel cramped for taller riders

Is the Urtopia Carbon Fold ST Worth Buying?

The Urtopia Carbon Fold ST solves the one problem that has made folding e-bikes more theoretical than practical for most city riders: it’s actually light enough to use the way folding bikes are supposed to be used. The ride quality is genuinely good, the fold mechanism stays folded (mostly), the hydraulic brakes and torque sensor are top quality for the price point, and the carbon fiber frame delivers a premium feel that no aluminum competitor at this price can replicate. If you’ve written off folding e-bikes because you couldn’t stomach the idea of wrestling 65 pounds up a flight of stairs every day, the Carbon Fold ST is worth a serious look.

Urtopia Carbon Fold ST Specs

• Motor: 250W rear hub, 500W peak, 42Nm torque
• Battery: 36V, 7Ah (252Wh)
• Top Speed: 28 mph
• Folded Dimensions: 28 x 32 x 19 in.
• Weight: 31 lbs.
• Range: Up to 50 miles; 16.5–35 miles real-world
• Price: $1,599

Hiiii! Happy Friday! What do you have going on?? This week has been packed with back to school events (orientation, meet the teacher, parents’ night) and the kids go back next week. I’m bummed that summer went by so quickly, but have tried to really make the most of it. This week has been filled with swimming, driving teenagers around to the mall, Chick Fil A, and Liv having friends over until bedtime most nights, movies, sleeping in, and being all in my feels that we have a freshman in high school.

We brought her home from the hospital as a newborn yesterday. High school seemed impossibly far away. It’s here, it’s wild, and I just hope she has a good experience. High school was not my high point in life, but the school that she’s attending has incredible teachers and a great community, so I’m feeling cautiously optimistic.

P is also starting a new school – the teachers and homework load were a huge source of the anxiety she dealt with a couple of years ago at her previous school- and I’m hopeful that it will be better for her. If it’s not, I mean at this point, we’re just going to pack it up and move lol.

(Hot yoga wisdom)

It’s time for the weekly Friday Faves roundup! This is where I share some of my favorite finds from the week and around the web. I always love hearing about your faves, too, so please shout out something you’re loving in the comments section below.

(Friendly reminder that affiliate links are included in Friday Faves! Thank you so much for supporting the blog)

7.31 Friday Faves

Fashion, beauty, random:

These shoes! I ordered them from the Nordstrom sale when I saw that my favorite flats brand was there. (It honestly it was made me look at the sale in the first place since it was such a disappointment the past couple of years.) I have two pairs from Spain that I got last summer and they still look brand new, they have zero break-in time, they’re supportive, classy, cute.

These ones are a little bit furry (?) which was a surprise to me, but I love them. They run small, so definitely size up one full size. If you’re in between sizes, size up a size and a half. I’m usually a 38 and wear a 39 in these. All my Nordstrom Sale picks are in this post.

This dress! The Bettina dress is one of my fave shirtdress styles (and I loooove a shirtdress). The Callahan from Tuckernuck  is my other top fave.

Olive & June gel manis. I think I finally solved my nail dilemma. I took my dip nails off in early May after having dip consecutively for about 6 years. I just got so sick of the time such – driving to the nail salon, sitting there for an hour, and driving home was about 2 hours out of the day – the toxins, and the cost (around $90-100 every 3 weeks). I figured I’d let my nails breathe for a while, but I’ve tried some options because I still love pretty nails.

I found press-ons, and while they look cute, they don’t last long, especially if you’re washing dishes often and doing chores. I think they’re good for events!

Olive & June sent me a gel manicure set and I’m HOOKED.

This took 20 minutes to do, it has the thick shiny look I adore, it has a peel-off base coat that doesn’t damage your nails, nontoxic, it checks all of the boxes. I’ll report back on how long it lasts but I’m super happy so far!! You can grab a kit here.

This month’s Vivrelle pick!! It looks brand new and the color is chef’s kiss. I lost my ShopMy link when they deactivted my account, but if you’d like to try it, the link is here and the code is: L66PH1ZH70

 

Last day for Oliveda BOGO! You can buy one, get one free of their previous label since they’re updating the labeling. I use and love so many of their products. If you need specific recs, please lmk; I’d love to help.

Read, watch, listen:

The Pilot was gone this week, so I watched TV downstairs every night in the evening.

Some of the highlights:

– Project Hail Mary. This 100% lived up to the hype. I want to read the book now, and definitely would see the movie again.

– Finally finished Emily in Paris. I started the most recent season over the holidays and it’s taken me 7 months, but it was perfection.

– The new Dancing with the Stars: the Next Pro. It’s kind of campy and cheesy, but I love it??? I’m cheering so hard for Adele.

This episode with Alex Hormozi was incredible.

Fitness, health, and good eats:

(The usual PEMF, red light, and journaling stack)

This Mediterranean beef bowl is such a hit. We’ve had it a handful of times.

Thank you so much for stopping by today, friends! Have an amazing weekend and I’ll see ya soon!

xoxo

Gina

The post 7.31 Friday Faves appeared first on The Fitnessista.

Hiiii! Happy Friday! What are you up to this weekend? We’re enjoying some pool time after lots of rain this week, the Pilot is home (wahoo!), and we have an NCL event. I hope that you have a fun and relaxing weekend ahead! When do your kiddos go back to school? We have a little over a week left and I can’t even believe it. Liv is going to be in HIGH SCHOOL. How?!

(this week’s gorgeous flowers from Trader Joe’s. The whole bouquet was only $15 to put together.)

It’s time for the weekly Friday Faves roundup! This is where I share some of my favorite finds from the week and around the web. I always love hearing about your faves, too, so please shout out something you’re loving in the comments section below.

7.24 Friday Faves

Fashion, beauty, random:

A trip to Orlando! We headed to Orlando last weekend to visit our friends who live in Sevilla. They’re in Florida for the month, so it was our only chance to meet up with them before school starts. The crazy thing about pilot family life is that you can decide to take a trip at the very last minute if there’s availability. We went back and forth on options and figured out we could make it happen maybe 36 hours before landing in Orlando.

(so grateful our kiddos picked each other as best buddy soulmates when they were 2 1/2 years old)

Whenever we see them, we pick up where we left off, and the girls had the BEST time together. We stayed at a hotel with an awesome pool and lazy river, did a day at Epcot, Disney Springs, dinner at Medieval Times, and just enjoyed hanging out together. It was a 5 day trip and we packed so much fun into that time; it was perfect.

Worth mentioning here that Epcot was a BLAST. We haven’t gone in years since we usually opt for Animal Kingdom or Disney World, but we thoroughly enjoyed the food, rides (Test Track and Ratatouille were amazing and the kids were obsessed with Figment), and the slower pace. It didn’t feel as busy or chaotic as the other parks, and the fireworks show was incredible.

Also, for my gluten-free friends, I have two 10/10 meal recommendations for you:

(since we booked this at the last minute, I didn’t have time to plan as well as I usually do, but I found this Instagram page and she has TONS of gf options!! I booked dining while I was lurking her page on the plane)

Chefs de France in Epcot. They were so knowledeable about gf options and brought gf bread to the table for me and P,

and the kids chocolate mousse was to diiiiieeee for.

The shaved ice in Japan is also gf and you need it. (With coconut creme on top!)

(LOLing at the fact that I put on press-on nails that lasted one day and I put them on upside down. I’m a professional as you can see)

My other rec is Sunny House on the Lake in Disney Springs. SO many of their menu options can be made gf, the vibe and food were fantastic. It was dark while we were eating but you get the idea with this GF CHEESY BREAD. AHHHHHHHH.

Loving this Xirena dress! True to size and the fabric quality is lovely.

NEW goodies from my friends at HigherDOSE! They sent me their new Healthy Hair Ritual set, including a dermal stamper, their new light-activated hair serum, and amaaaazing accupressure brush. You can stack the full routine with my favorite red light cap. Check out the new set here and use LIGHTACTIVED for a discount through tomorrow!

Read, watch, listen:

I’ve watched this way too many times.

Finished this book (devoured it on the plane) and getting into this one.

What’s your policy on bad language?? We are hard nos on it around here even though I admitedly let an F bomb slip every now and again lol.

Don’t forget to check out my roundup of Nordstrom Sale faves here!

An excellent podcast episode with two of my faves.

Fitness, health, and good eats:

The return of the famous Jennifer Aniston salad. For soccer practice nights, I’ll usually make something in advance that I can eat while P is playing. I’m eating at every single practice lol. For this one, I air fried some chicken thighs and chopped them up and served with a side of pineaple. So easy, so good, and leftovers are amazing for lunch the next day.

You don’t have to strength train a ton to see benefits.

Thank you so much for stopping by the blog today! Have an amazing weekend and I’ll see ya soon!

xoxo

Gina

The post 7.24 Friday Faves appeared first on The Fitnessista.

Sharing my top picks from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Affiliate links are included below – thank you so much for your support. 

Hi friends! How are you? I hope that you’re enjoying the week so far. We’re trying to squeeze out the last bit of summer fun. The kids start school in a couple of weeks and we’re NOT ready.

For today’s post, I wanted to share a roundup of picks from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I’ve shared this on the blog for so many years, but the last few years have kind of been duds and lots of repeats from previous years. Do we all need the Spanx faux leather leggings… the ones from 2018… again?? I think no.

But, while we were flying back from Orlando, I decided to just take a little peek, and was pleasantly surprised by *some* of the offerings this year.

I wanted to include them in today’s post if you’re shopping the sale, which ends on August 10. It’s always a great chance to stock up on back-to-school finds, things you love for fall before they hit full-price, and essentials, like bras, socks, and pajamas. The best of the best is linked below; as usual, I’m not wasting your time on things that I don’t think are worth it.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks

For women:

These are a repeat from every year I’ve shared the sale, but I still get at least one or two new sets each year because it’s the best price.

Love these Zella leggings

If you have any fall weddings or events, this dress is GORGEOUS

Obsessed with these sweat sets.

Baggy jeans for $46.

These sneakers are adorable and great transition sneakers into fall

Always stock up on Bombas socks during the sale

Women’s shoes, beauty, and accessories:

Saw so many of this handbag style last summer in Spain.

Phlur is one of my clean frangrance faves.

These look so much more expensive than they are.

Classic curling iron.

Ordered these! This is my favorite flats brand – just size one full size up. (I’m always a 38 and wear a 39 in these)

Always stock up on Hanky Panky. I *should* switch to organic cotton but these are pretty and last

These are my go-to summer exploring shoes. I’ve gone through three pairs already!

Classic heels, perfect for fall, and not too high.

Set of two earrings for $35

Great price on these Gazelles (and lovely color for fall)

So happy scarves have made a comeback!

Fig is my fave candle scent, so I might have to order this.

While there isn’t a ton of Farm Rio on the sale, they have quite a few sale options under Nordstrom For Good.

For the men:

These loafers are cute and look like they’re great quality

These low-top sneakers

Good time to stock up on boxers

This necklace would make a great gift, and it’s only $25!

The Pilot is always so happy when it’s quarter zip season. He needs this one.

I’ll usually use this sale to refresh his polo collection. I like this one, but he’s been loving the Vuori polos the most lately.

For kids:

Sambas sneakers

Tangle teasers. Our girls both have these and use them daily.

This leopard jacket

Ordered this hoodie for P

Also ordered this jacket for her

Initial necklace for $20 (great for stocking stuffers)

If you’re shopping for a baby, we used and LOVED this bouncer for both girls (it was the only way I could take a shower!)

Another great baby must-have

Kids love a rain boot

Cutie pajama sets

The best time of year to get kids’ Uggs. The water resistant ones are way better

Getting this tutu dress for our niece 

 

Hope you have a wonderful day and I’ll see ya soon. Thanks so much for stopping by the blog today!

xo

Gina

The post Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks appeared first on The Fitnessista.

Sharing a full review of Vivrelle and if I think it’s worth it. If you want to give it a try, you can use my referral code L66PH1ZH70.

Hi hi! How are you? I hope you’re having a lovely morning so far! I have a call this morning and then we’re off to the pool for the day. I also have to stop by UPS to send back my latest Vivrelle bag; one of my faves I’ve borrowed so far!

For today’s post, I wanted to share an updated review of Vivrelle now that I’ve been using their service (and loooooving it) for the past 6 months or so.

If you’ve been wanting to try different designer bags and jewelry without the designer price tag, you’ve probably heard of Vivrelle.

It’s been around for a while, but I feel like it has surged in popularity recently. Today I figured I’d chat about what it costs, the brands they carry, and whether it’s actually worth it.

TLDR version: I LOVE IT, but it might not be for everyone. Let’s break it all down.

Vivrelle Review: Is It Worth It? (My Honest Thoughts + How It Works)

What is Vivrelle?

Vivrelle is a luxury accessories membership that gives you access to a shared closet of designer handbags, jewelry, watches, and more for a monthly fee.

Instead of buying a $2,500 bag, you can borrow it, wear it as long as you want, and then swap it for something new.

It’s pretty much like Rent the Runway, but for designer bags and jewelry. (My full review of Rent the Runway Unlimited is here!)

How Vivrelle Works

The process is actually really simple:

Apply for a membership (they do a quick approval process. It doesn’t take long, I promise)

Choose your membership tier

Browse their collection and select an item

Your item ships to your door (shipping and returns are included)

Keep it as long as you want, then swap it out for something new

There’s also no strict return deadline. You can keep an item for a month or longer if you love it.

If you really fall in love with something, you can actually purchase it at a discounted member price, which is a huge perk.

Vivrelle Membership Cost

Vivrelle has multiple pricing tiers depending on what level of luxury you want access to.

Typical pricing looks like this:

Premier: around $45–$49/month (jewelry + select bags)

Classique: around $119–$139/month (bags up to ~$4,000 value)

Couture: around $219–$239/month (higher-end and rare pieces)

Couture+: around $309–$339/month (2 items at a time)

Each tier unlocks a different “closet,” and the higher you go, the more exclusive the pieces.

There is also usually a 3-month minimum commitment, which is something to keep in mind.

If you want to try it, you can use my referral code: L66PH1ZH70

Brands Available on Vivrelle

This is one of the biggest selling points.

Vivrelle carries real luxury brands. These aren’t dupes or lookalikes. Every item is authenticated by their team or third-party experts. Everything I’ve received has felt brand new. No signs of wear or use at all.

Some of the brands you’ll typically see include:

Chanel

Louis Vuitton

Gucci

Prada

Saint Laurent

Dior

Bottega Veneta

You can use this as a way to test-drive bags before committing to a purchase, which I think is genius. There have been bags I’ve wanted to purchase but I didn’t know how much I’d actually like them when it came down to everyday use. This sealed the deal for me. (It solidified the fact that yes, I do indeed want a Chanel caviar bag in tan. Pilot, are you reading?? Are you here?)

My Experience Using Vivrelle

For me, Vivrelle is one of those things that just makes getting dressed more fun. Also I think I have a problem. I love new things or new-to-me things. This is why Rent the Runway and Vivrelle give me an enormous dopamine hit without spending thousands of dollars.

I love that I can switch out bags based on:

season

travel

events

mood

It’s also perfect if you don’t want to commit to one expensive bag or you like variety without cluttering your closet.

And honestly, there’s something really fun about carrying a bag you wouldn’t normally buy, just to give it a lil test whirl.

Pros of Vivrelle

The biggest advantage is access.

You can wear luxury pieces without spending thousands of dollars upfront, which makes it feel way more approachable.

It’s also:

A great way to try before you buy

Perfect for special events or travel

Constantly refreshed with new inventory

Includes free shipping and returns

Lets you swap items as often as you want

Many users also love the flexibility and say it elevates their everyday outfits instantly.

Cons of Vivrelle

Like anything, there are a few downsides to consider.

The biggest one is cost over time. While the monthly fee is lower than buying a bag outright, it does add up if you stay subscribed long-term.

Availability can also be an issue. Popular items go quickly, so you might not always get your first choice right away. (Pro tip: I get on the waitlist for all of my faves so I’m notified when they’re back in stock.)

A few other things to keep in mind:

There’s a membership commitment (typically 3 months)

You don’t own the items (unless you purchase separately)

Inventory depends on demand

Is Vivrelle Worth It?

This really depends on your lifestyle.

Vivrelle is 100% worth it if:

You love designer bags but don’t want to commit to buying them

You like switching up your style frequently

You have events, travel, or content creation where accessories matter

You want to test bags before investing

It may not be worth it if:

You prefer to own and keep your items

You rarely switch bags

You’re trying to minimize monthly expenses

Vivrelle is one of those services that feels very “extra”… but in the best way.

It makes luxury more accessible, adds variety to your wardrobe, and honestly just makes getting dressed more fun.

For me, it’s been worth it for the flexibility, the experience, and the ability to try pieces I wouldn’t otherwise buy.

If you’ve been curious, it’s definitely something fun to try, especially since you can test it out with a free month! (Heads up they do have a minimum 3-month commitment.)

You can check it out here and use my referral code: L66PH1ZH70

I hope you love it as much as I do!

xo

Gina

The post Vivrelle Review: Is It Worth It? (My Honest Thoughts + How It Works) appeared first on The Fitnessista.

Sharing the last of my Japan posts! We had the most magical time in Kyoto and I’m excited to share the details with you if you’re considering adding this to your travel list!

More posts from our incredible time in Seoul and Tokyo:

Seoul recap

Korean head spa experience

Tokyo recap and why I love Japan

and Tokyo eats + gf picks

Kyoto recap, bamboo forest, and monkey park

So many of our friends had told us to take a bullet train to explore nearby areas while we were in Tokyo. Okinawa, Nara, Kyoto, and Osaka were highly recommended. I think I mentioned in a previous post that I was intimiated by planning this trip, and adding another travel leg felt like a little too much for my brain. One of my friends told us that we’d regret going to Tokyo and not seeing Kyoto, so we decided to make it happen… and it ended up being my personal highlight of the trip.

While Tokyo is bustling with bright lights and tall buildings, Kyoto feels like more cinematic, serene Japan. Think lantern-lined streets, temples, and geishas.

The bullet train was SUCH a cool experience – we were going 200mph and it was so pleasant and way more enjoyable/hassle-free than air travel –

(Mt Fuji!!)

and before we knew it, we were checked into our hotel in Kyoto.

We stayed at the Gion Elite Terrace, which I booked through Amex travel (<— our referral link) and would highly recommend. We will absolutely stay there again. The lobby was stocked with amenities, tea, hot cooca and coffee, and the rooms were super clean and modern. The girls had to flip a coin over who could sleep in the loft area… P won.

It also had an oxygenated bathtub which infuses the water with tiny oxygen bubbles. They claim to help eliminate free radicals (great for anti-aging), improve skin texture, keep your skin warm after the bath (you don’t feel cold afterwards), and help with sleep. I found all of these things to be true. I looked at purchasing one with the bathroom remodel and mold remediation thing we’re doing but it’s a casual 27k. It’s cheaper for me to fly back to Japan and use it there lol.

We spent our first night exploring. Gion is absolutely breathtaking and we walked over the bridge and saw TONS of cute shops and restaurants.

(dress is here!)

(Saw a nutria in the river which is apparently an invasive species but we all loved him)

Dinner was at Pontocho Shabushabu Sukiyaki Kiraku, which I found on Tabelog. It’s a restaurant review service used by locals (this was popular in Korea, too) and a friend told us that anything over a 3.0 is going to be excellent. They did not lead us astray.

Shabu shabu is like Japanese hot pot with a boiling pot of broth on the table and veggies and meat to cook. There are different sauces to dip and multiple courses. We had wagyu and kobe beef, lots of tasty veggies, and afterwards, they made noodles for Liv and the Pilot and egg soup for me and P (gluten-free option) using the broth.

The next day, we woke up early and headed to the Bamboo Park, which was one of my favorite parts of the entire trip.

We were surrounded by bamboo. It was just so lush, green, and peaceful. We made the hike up to Arashiyama monkey park, where monkeys roam freely around you. One kept walking inches away from my legs!

The rest of the day was spent shopping and lunch was at Engine Ramen. They have a gluten-free ramen option and it was everything. SO flavorful and satisfying. I’ll dream about this bowl of ramen until we’re back!

The next day, we headed back to Ginza, where we spent another night and day before finishing out the trip.

I still have Japression and am doing what I can to find tiny pieces of Japan here. I think one of the things I love most about trips like this isn’t necessarily the location (even though in this case, the location was truly breathtaking), but the uninterrupted time with family, chance to slow down, more walking and time in nature. Less time scrolling, more time enjoying. I feel like I’m being annoying about how much it changed my life, but this trip really affecting me on a soul level. It was unlike anything I’ve experienced, and it was meaningful to see how traditional and current can coexist, the way everyone in Japan seems to take enormous pride in what they do, the community acting for the good of others instead of selfishness. It was a lot to soak in. We’ve been home a month and I still think about it every day.

Thank you for reading about our adventures!! What have you been up to this summer? Any fun trips on the horizon?

xo

Gina

The post Kyoto recap, bamboo forest, and monkey park appeared first on The Fitnessista.

Adding more shock and awe to this already active NBA offscreen, the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers have agreed to a major trade, according to the one and only Shams Charania. According to the senior ESPN analyst, Boston is trading Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia in exchange for Paul George, two first-round draft picks, and two second-round draft picks. 

This news comes after weeks of speculation that the Celtics were entertaining breaking up the blockbuster duo of Brown and Jayson Tatum after the team blew a 3-1 lead to the 76ers in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals, losing in Game 7 of the series. While the Celtics were rumored to be entertaining several offers, it was the 76ers who ironically had the right offer. 

Did Boston Really Appreciate Jaylen Brown? 

Respectfully, I’m just not sold on the decision-making here from Celtics President Brad Stevens. Unless there was a lot of tension in the Celtics locker room, especially between Brown and Tatum, I can’t understand breaking them up and shipping Brown off. Sure, the team bumbling that 3-1 lead was almost inexcusable. However, Brown and Tatum have a proven track record of winning a championship together. Plus, let’s not forget that Tatum was out for the majority of last season, only returning in April. That didn’t give the lineup a lot of time to work out all the kinks and adjustments needed to rework Tatum back into the roster. 

This brings us to Brown’s phenomenal year with the Celtics. He had the best year of his career, and Boston greatly benefited from it, especially with Tatum out due to his ruptured Achilles tendon. According to Basketball Reference, Brown averaged 28.9 points, 5 assists, and 7.2 rebounds. Although he wasn’t solely the reason for the Celtics’ success, he carried a big weight for the team this season and was the leader Boston needed him to be. 

76ers Are Now a Bonafide Contender for the Championship Title

Provided Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey remain healthy over the course of the season, adding Brown to the 76ers roster makes them a big threat in the Eastern Conference. Embiid and Maxey were already an impressive duo, but adding one of the best two-way players in the league in the mix arguably makes them a “Big Three.” 

Plus, Brown has always struck me as the type to make people live to regret underappreciating him. I expect him to play like he has something to prove and with a big chip on his shoulder, so he probably will have another standout year. But hey, what do you think?