raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens...

I have nothing resembling content to post today, so I think I'll recommend a few of my favorite things:

Cycling stuff

Zoic Wildcat jersey - My red one of these has been my favorite jersey since I bought it early in the summer. I just bought 2 more in lavender and sage (and a size smaller!) last week, and I love them just as much. The fit is similar to a feminine-cut t-shirt, and flattering even for those of us with ample hips (though the seam across the chest may be too high for someone also blessed with ample boobs...it's fine for my borderline B/C-cups). The cap sleeves are enough to protect my shoulders without being too hot in the summer. And I LOVE the zippered pockets, though I sometimes wish they were a little deeper.

Pearl Izumi (PI) shorts - I have the Ultrasensors and the Attacks, and I love them both nearly equally. Right now, I prefer the Attacks slightly because they're a size bigger, but once my ass shrinks a bit more I suspect that I'll flip the other way. What really makes these shorts is the PRT chamois, which is the best of any I've tried for eliminating chafing and pressure.

PI Vortex shoes - these are the shoes I bought with my work fitness incentive back in June, and they're some of the best $75 I ever spent. They're my first pair of road shoes, though, so I can't really compare and contrast. I can say that they're worlds better than my recessed cleat spinning shoes, though--lighter, better ventilated, easier to get in and out of. They also have hole patterns to accept most types of cleats.

Terry Liberator saddle - Third time was the charm on this...I didn't like the saddle that came on my bike, so I originally replaced it with a different one which I liked only marginally better. I was hesitant to try a Terry saddle because they're more expensive than I wanted to go, but I eventually just went ahead with it. Though it's supposedly designed more for more upright riding positions, the cutout in this one seems to be in the right place for me.

And of course, let's not forget...

Trek Pilot 2.1 (the '05 model) - After nearly 1000 miles, I still love her as much as ever. There are times I wish that I had gone with a bike with more traditional riding position, but it's mostly at group rides when I look around and feel like I'm not one of the cool kids. She's comfortable on long rides, durable (as someone with a talent for falling and/or dropping things, this is important for me) and I keep getting faster all the time.

Running Stuff

I don't feel like I can really call myself a runner, but lord knows I've tried as many types of clothing and shoes as your average marathoner. Here are my favorites.

Ryka running shoes - I've tried the Solace and the KM7, and the Solace is the clear winner for me. Before I tried Ryka shoes, I was a devoted New Balance fan, but now I wouldn't go back. These shoes fit like no others I've tried. I'm on my second pair of Solaces, and I still wear the first pair for elliptical workouts and the occasional walk.

Target/Champion C9 anything - I currently have 3 pairs of...I guess you would call them liner shorts, since I don't think they're really compression shorts. I also have a pair of nylon running shorts, a seamless sports bra, and an orange hoodie, all of which I love. The only thing from that line that I tried and didn't like was the liner/short combo running shorts. I don't think the problem was with the shorts, though, as much as with my huge-ass thighs. The built-in liner rode up, and there was that whole chub-rub thing going on. The rest of the liners I have don't do that, which is a quality that's not all that easy to find in cheap workout shorts. They also hold up well to frequent washings.

Target Prospirit drymax? tanks (can't find them online) - I have two of these, and would have more if my local Target ever had *%&$! size larges in stock in non-hideous colors. They're not too loose, not too tight, long enough to provide at least a little butt coverage, super light, have no tags, do a decent job of moisture-wicking, and--most importantly--only cost about $12. They also hold up well to frequent washings (though I have completely washed off the "tag" printed on the inside back of one of them).

Other stuff

iPod Shuffle - You know I love my Mini, but for workouts? It's Shuffle all the way. I totally miss mine. I haven't had time to make it to the Apple store since it broke, but I have high hopes that they'll replace it under warranty. Maybe I'll give that a shot tonight.

Team Estrogen - God, I love this site. Every order I have ever placed with them has arrived on my doorstep in less than 2 days--standard shipping! Their forums are also a good read...best place on the web for cycling info for women, if you ask me.

Starbucks nonfat pumpkin spice latte - It's not at all diet friendly, at 7 points/390 calories for even the non-fat version (grande). Sure, I could order it without the whipped cream (shaves off 100 calories and ALL the fat), but I can say from experience that it kind of sucks without the whip. Even with whip, it's still a poor substitute for the gingerbread latte, which doesn't come out till next month. I swear, that thing is responsible for at least 3 of my 5-7 lbs of holiday weight gain each year. Mmmm...gingerbread.

I love lists like this. Thanks for sharing.

The PI shorts are just the best, aren't they? I absolutely LOVE the way they feel. I have *ONE* pair (because they are so expensive ... *grrr*) of Sugar Shorts and just love to wear them. I do, however, prefer the longer inseam of my cheapie shorts. The PI shorts have a 5 inch inseam, which scrunches up my inner thighs and makes me look like I have sausages stuffed in my pants. Not a pretty sight. Maybe I will save up my pennies and try to get me some PI shorts that have a longer inseam next time.

*nod* I agree on the longer inseam, which is why I think I'll like the ultrasensors better once I grow (shrink?) into them. I purposely bought them in the smaller size because even though they were on sale (I got mine for $60), I didn't want to drop that much cash on something that would be too big in 6 months. I can wear them now, but they're a bit too snug. If I have to go to the bathroom at all on the ride, I'm fighting with my shorts for 5 minutes afterward. :)

The Attacks were the ones I bought first, and a size bigger. They have a 6-inch inseam, and that's just about the shortest I can go without having scrunching problems. They have the same chamois as the ultrasensors, and are considerably cheaper. You might keep an eye out for them...if you catch a good sale, the price could be about the same as the cheapies.

I've never tried the PI shorts - but I splurged on a pair of Castelli shorts this year. They are pretty nice...