Metronome

I've recently discovered the benefits of chi running. One of the best things I learned there was the importance of cadence. A fast cadence (around 85-90 beats per minute) is recommended as this lessens the amount of time your feet are on the ground (minimizes injuries). It's important to maintain the same cadence throughout your run. If you want to speed up your pace, what you adjust is your stride (not your cadence). You lengthen your stride at the back (not the front).

A useful tool we used to learn to keep our stride at 85-90 was a metronome. It's actually a gadget used by musicians. But apparently has applications for runners and bikers as well. It emits a beeping sound following the beats per minute setting that you input. Then you run following the beat of the beep. I ordered the Seiko version via Amazon since it looked like the most portable and the type I could wear during a run. Unfortunately, I'll have to limit wearing this to training runs - can't use it during races since the sound will irritate other runs. Costs $18.

Handpresso Hand-Pump Portable Espresso Machine

I'm not much of a coffee drinker, but I think espresso pods are so cute and hi tech. Then I found out about this espresso machine gadget that's even way cooler. It's an espresso machine that doesn't need electricity nor batteries. It just needs old fashioned muscle power. I ordered it for my friends who are divers. It's a perfect item for them to have aboard their diveboat. Imagine having a nice cup of espresso waiting for you after your dive! Sold as a set in Amazon for $179. Comes with 4 cups and a flask.

Gourmet Writer Food Decorator Pens

I don't get to bake that often anymore nowadays. But these would be really cool to try. I recently ordered these for my sister's friend. They're food decorating pens. The ink is made of food coloring. Perfect for decorating fondant cakes, cookies etc. Available in Amazon for $12.96 for a set of 10 pens.

Chanel Nail Polish: Particuliere

Am loving khaki shades of nail polish this summer. Different shades compliment different skin tones. Chanel's Particuliere looked like a shade that would work well with my skin tone. Unfortunately, my beauty expert sis told me these were difficult to find, even online. They're sold out everywhere. That just challenged me even more to find them :) I finally did via eBay. Cost me around $35. But they were worth it. They look great!