Now that the holidays have passed, it’s time to enter into the new year with a plan for self-improvement in the months to come. But how do you move past traditional resolutions relating to weight loss and other aspects of personal reformation and take these efforts to the next level? Consider these luxe-worthy finds in price categories above and below $100 that’ll help boost your health, fitness, beauty and self-care regime this year and beyond.
**************OVER $100**************
Compex Muscle Simulator (www.ShopCompex.com) - $399-$849
Attention fitness fanatics looking to step up your game in the New Year! A high-tech gadget once only available to elite professional athletes is now available to serious minded exercise enthusiasts like runners, triathletes, cyclists, weight lifters, cross fitters and other avid athletes. The FDA-cleared Compex by DJO Global—one of the largest orthopedic and medical device producers in the world—is a mobile/handheld gadget has been used by many professional athletes, including world-famous marathoner Chris "MACCA" McCormack, Mark Sanchez of the Jets, and San Diego marathoner Josh Cox the company reports. In short, the Compex is a sleek muscle stimulating device used for rapid muscle recovery and the removal of lactic acid that makes muscles feel sore post workout. It’s also used for muscle density building among other fitness goals. Many pros and weekend warriors alike use it post work out, on long flights, and in their hotels to supplement their training, build muscle, and recover quicker from work outs. The Compex Muscle Stimulator is available in three different models with various features and accompanying price points.
Whitening Lightning’s Dial A Smile Professional Home Teeth Whitening System (www.WhiteningLighttning.com) - $399
White teeth are a white hot trend right now and, luckily for you, there are a number of extremely effective technology solutions available to consumers who seek a quicker result than with a whitening toothpaste or basic drugstore whitening system. As one fantastic example, Whitening Lightning's Dial A Smile Professional Home Teeth Whitening System is an industry leading teeth whitening product that’ll have your teeth white and bright in a flash. Instead of trays, the package comes with a LED light that replicates the accelerated process of going to a professional office for teeth whitening. With Dial A Smile your teeth can be easily and comfortably whitened at home in only 20 minutes. It’s painless, fast, and can be used anywhere. The system also comes with two complete professional whitening treatments, often making it less expensive than visiting the dentist for the treatments proffering the same immediate results. The company claims users experience 4-7 shades whiter per treatment on average, which makes it great for smokers, wine and coffee lovers, not to mention those who are prepping for veneers or recently had their braces removed.
Tanda Pearl Ionic Teeth Whitening System (www.Tanda.com) - $195
Another novel way to greet the New Year with a sparkling white smile is with the Tanda Pearl--a breakthrough teeth whitening system that uses patented, ionic technology to deliver your whitest smile after only 50 minutes of treatment and with visible results after the first five-minute treatment! Tanda Pearl provides 360° total whitening and breaks down stains set deep inside the teeth without prompting sensitivity or irritation! You can use Tanda Pearl for five days, twice a day for five minutes OR choose the “Smile Emergency” protocol and do all 10 treatments back-to-back for full whitening results in under an hour. A pearly white smile is one New Year’s resolution that’s easier than ever to keep and is sure to get you noticed.
ReFa Pro Platinum Electronic Roller (www.Refausa.com) - $320
Here’s a celeb beauty secret that’s brand new to the United States! The innovative ReFa Pro Platinum Electronic Roller uses solar-powered microcurrent technology to deliver a “spa-like” esthetician level-skin tightening. It’s a pretty great alternative to Botox injections or invasive cosmetic surgery and only takes minutes to do, but the results last 30 hours! The ReFa Pro is perfect for those who want to keep their skin looking beautiful, tight, and rejuvenated, especially when dealing with the emotional and environmental stress of everyday life that can wreak havoc on our skin. Distributed by a division of Toyota, this product sold over 1.2 million units in Japan last year alone and is literally a face lift on-the-go. Now YOU can have skin as good as a Hollywood star!
T-fal ActiFry (www.BedBathandBeyond.com) - $250
The T-fal ActiFry is a versatile, time-saving, and weight-wise kitchen gadget that allows you to prepare and enjoy all your favorite dishes hands-free and healthfully by using little to no oil. It’s unique, hot air circulation technology and stirring paddle allow you to make delicious low fat meals that’ll delight both foodies and picky eaters alike, ranging from meats and chicken to seafood or even French fries. Because food is always cooked at precisely 338°, no preheating is necessary and all meals prepared quickly! Clean up is also a breeze as the pan, lid, paddle, and filter are removable and dishwasher safe. Most importantly, the ActiFry is designed to be safe and family-friendly.
no!no! Skin Professional Acne Clearance System (www.NoNoSkin.com) - $180
Zits be gone! no!no! Skin is the first and only device of its kind to adapt professional acne clearing technology for the home-use market. FDA-approved and dermatologists recommended, no!no! Skin uses LHE (light and heat) technology to painlessly stop pimples in their tracks. In an FDA-controlled clinical study, no!no! Skin delivered up to 81% improvement of acne within 24 hours. The light produces anti-inflammatory results and reduces swelling while heat intensifies the chemical process and gently opens the pore to release the clog and soothe inflammation. It can be used on all skin types and body parts. There are no creams or medications required, and the system does not require any replacement parts. Innovative engineering, fast and simple treatments, and quick results make no!no! Skin the ultimate tech tool to keep pimples under control.
PMD Personal MicroDerm System (www.PersonalMicroderm.com) - $179
If you want to power up your skin rejuvenation, try a clinic-quality microdermabrasion treatment right at home with the PMD Personal MicroDerm system. This system reveals younger looking skin with a fraction of the cost of a spa treatment and offers personal convenience. PMD combines aluminum oxide crystals and a powerful vacuum suction in order to rework the skin’s surface and smooth away dead skin cells. This allows for your skin products to penetrate 20 times deeper, revealing younger, more beautiful skin. The PMD at-home microdermal exfoliation system also softens and reduces fine lines, skin discoloration, acne and pores. You can enjoy healthier skin on your face, hands, chest and neck. Unwind and take some time to use the PMD, Personal Microderm to achieve the same amazing results as an in-clinic treatment due to the professional-grade materials and design.
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My Work Horse Portable Pull-up n Push-up Bar (www.MyWorkHorse.com) - $99.95
Here’s a great solution for those who like to fit a quick exercise session into their day! In just five minutes you can get a great upper body workout with the My Work Horse Portable Pull-up n Push-up Bar. It’s said that pull-ups and push-ups are the quickest way to add shape and tone to your upper body. Unfortunately, 85% of the population can’t do pull-ups. This solution bridges that gap. And, what’s more, you don’t need bolts or a doorway for this product, so it’s far more portable. In fact, you can set it up anywhere—the living room, the office, outdoors, on the road. When you’re finished, fold it up for easy storage. Best of all, there are no tools required to get it set-up initially and get started on your pull-up and push-up regimen. And, this device has been designed to for use for everyone—from fitness beginners to seasoned exercise aficionados.
SPT Professional Juicer (www.Wayfair.com) - $88.60
With eating healthier among the more popular New Year resolutions, committing to those fruits and veggies is far easier with the SPT Professional Juicer. Housed in attractive die cast aluminum, this powerful 850-watt juicer will add beauty and function to your kitchen...and your body with all of the nutrients you’ll benefit from. The unit's extra-large 3" feed tube makes it easy to process all types of whole fruits and vegetables without pre-cutting or peeling. The juicer includes two speed settings and an automatic pulp collecting container. Stainless steel elements and dishwasher-safe parts provide quick cleanup. Also included are a juice jug with froth separator, a cleaning brush, and a pulp container.
Conair Infiniti PRO Steam Waver (www.Conair.com) - $68.99
Even your tresses deserve to be new and improved this year! For sexy waves with no frizz, try the Infiniti PRO by Conair Steam Waver. This unique tool has a two-stage styling system: the ionic steam mist moisturizes hair while ions smooth cuticles and fight frizz for longer-lasting shiny, silky waves. The tourmaline ceramic technology controls kinks with its gentle ceramic plates, creating nothing but glossy winter waves. Frizz and static are eliminated, and this tool also prevents damaging hot spots. The Infiniti Pro Steam Waver has three temperature settings (low, medium, and high), auto-off, a removable water reservoir and a swivel line cord. Those indelibly on-the-go will like the fact that it takes just 30 seconds to heat up.
MyRingGuard (www.MyRingGuard.com) - $49.99
As you take your exercise regime outdoors this New Year, safety is another important consideration. MyRingGuard is a quick, easy, and discreet way to raise the alarm or call for help without fumbling for a phone. Worn on your finger, the ring has a personal panic button that is easy to reach with your thumb. With one swift press of the button, MyRingGuard tells your smartphone to send an urgent distress text and your GPS location to up to four pre-programmed emergency contacts. This is the perfect accessory for runners, real estate agents, women who find themselves outdoors before sunrise/after dark or alone with strangers, including dog walkers, college co-eds, nightshift workers or women out for a night on the town. There is no monthly fee because it works with the user’s existing text/data plan. It is currently available for Android phones and will be available for the iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 by March 2013.
KRUPS Mini Chopper (www.KRUPSUSA.com) - $49.99
No diet-friendly kitchen is complete without the right tools to make eating healthy a breeze. And, here’s an item I’ve come to depend on—the KRUPS Mini Chopper which is perfect when you want to quickly and easily chop, puree, blend and emulsify solid and liquid foods with one touch. The chopper also includes an emulsifying disk for whipping cream and heart healthy oil-based items. This compact but powerful mini chopper is 300 watts and comes with a 13-ounce bowl. The machine starts safely every time as the bowl must be locked in placed and lid closed before you can press the spill-proof lid to start. Its heavy, non-slip motor base ensures the machine stays in one place during use. The ease-of-use and flexibility of the KRUPS Mini Chopper allows it to work with a wide range of foods makes it a must for every kitchen.
LaLicious Sugar Kiss Super Scrub (www.LaLicious.com) - $49
LaLicious is celebrating their 10th Anniversary by collaborating with Finnish fashion designer, Paola Suhonen of Ivana Helsinki. The company is currently offering its bestselling Sugar Kiss Sugar Soufflé Scrub SUPER SIZED in a 32-ounce tub. Featuring antioxidants that have been added to the all-natural, moisturizing formula, this value-sized Super Scrub is available in a limited edition package chicly designed by Paola. Super Scrub features LaLicious’ most popular scent, Sugar Kiss, which is an incredibly light refreshing blend of citrus, aromatic rose, and subtle vanilla. The super scrub line is known to improve moisture and micro-circulation as well as slow the effects of aging and rejuvenate skin cells for glowing, healthy skin.
EatSmart Precision Tracker Digital Bathroom Scale (www.Amazon.com) - $44.95
Not just any old bathroom scale, the EatSmart Precision Tracker is an essential high tech weight management tool that gives users the ability to track their weight over time. After each use, the scale will display three readings: current weight, weight change from the last weigh in, and total change from the starting weight. For those working toward a healthier weight, this scale’s ability to keep track of your progress can provide an added dose of motivation to help you achieve success. The scale’s touch screen interface and automatic “person identifier” makes the Precision Tracker one of the most unique and user-friendly bathroom scales on the market today. Track your diet journey, stay encouraged, and achieve long term weight goals with this scale that’s perfect for those with weight loss resolutions to fulfill as well as athletes, trainers and fitness professionals, pregnant women and all others who are health conscious.
Kitchen Table Bakers 100% Aged Parmesan Crisps (www.KitchenTableBakers.com) - $9.95
My not-so-guilty-pleasure of this season! If you are looking for a great post-workout snack or just want to grab a tasty cure for those unwanted cravings, try Kitchen Table Bakers 100% Aged Parmesan Crisps. These delicious morsels are packed with flavor but are free of gluten, wheat, sugar and trans-fat. They also offer a wide range of health benefits, including only containing 80 calories per satisfying serving. The crisps are also rich in calcium and protein but low in carbohydrates. Besides the savory 100% Aged Parmesan flavor, Kitchen Table Bakers offers many other tantalizing tastes to choose from, including Sesame, Rosemary, Flax Seed, Garlic, Italian Herb, Jalapeno and Everything flavors.
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***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above were provided at no cost to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***
DJO Global
Whitening Lightning
Tanda
T-fal USA
no!no! Skin/Radiancy
PMD
Work Horse Fitness
www.Wayfair.com
www.Conair.com
