Erica Finds

I’m a SaltStick ambassador again this year! SaltStick FastChews are my (not-so) secret weapon for running in the summer. Humidity is a killer for me and these are a saving grace. I always carry extra to share with my friends in marathon training. SaltStick recently added electrolyte gummies in tart raspberry lemon flavor to their line up. SaltStick Electrolyte Gummies provide a deliciously easy way to stay hydrated.

Do you need a new water bottle for the office or back to school? I can help! For traveling or the office, I love S’well bottles with secure screw tops. No leaking! Last year, they had a sale on a fun collab with Timothy Goodman. He’s known for his unique lettering designs and thought-provoking messages, Goodman’s art and texts have populated walls, packaging, clothes, products, and magazine covers for many major brands. S’well started with the iconic 17-ounce bottle.

If you’ve been around here, you know that heat and humidity are my kryptonite. I had the opportunity to try Buoy Hydration Drops last summer. Since then, I’ve tried a bunch of their products and have been using the Rescue Drops to replenish electrolytes after the brutal runs in summer humidity. Buoy is dedicated to helping individuals with chronic illnesses to live better lives. Led by a pharmacist, they spent two years making clean, effective hydration for every beverage.

I love to try all the natural skin care products and deodorants. I somehow wound up with a bunch of extra full sized products from Salt & Stone, so I am going to share them with a lucky reader! Created in 2017, Salt & Stone is a natural skin care brand based out of Los Angeles. They offer “elevated everyday luxury” in the natural space. The brand offers a variety of products with natural, nourishing ingredients and fragrances in a sleek modern packaging.

It’s the first weekend of the month, so I‘m linking up with Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date. What is the Ultimate Coffee Date? Imagine we are having coffee together… this post is what I would tell you. So grab a cup, “listen” and then tell me what is going on with you in the comments, please! From the ORC – Backcountry logo in cocoa on top! If we were having coffee… I’d tell you that I am SO over the humidity we’re having this week and that I can’t wait for fall.

I tried 2Toms SportShield Anti-Chafe Roll-On in 2016. [See the post here.] It was right after a disastrous chafing incident at the Los Angeles Marathon. The sent me some to use at the NYC Half and it was a success. Recently, they sent me the SportShield Anti-Chafe and SportShield XTRA for “the most grueling conditions – even swimming.” They sent me an extra SportShield to send to a lucky reader. 2Toms SportShield roll-on applies formula smoothly and evenly.

I’ve been a fan of NuGo Bars for years. I first tried them and did a review over TEN years ago. Since then, I’ve enjoyed their Protein Cookies and other bars. A friend suggested I join their ambassador program in 2025, so I’ve been sharing some of my faves and new products with you. These bars are a great healthy snack or part of an on-the-go meal. I realized that I haven’t shared the Slim Vegan line. NuGo Nutrition believes that the freshest, healthiest ingredients are also the best tasting.

It’s the last Friday of the month, so it’s time to join Marcia for “Runfessions!” Runfessions are running truths or “where runners bare their souls and soles.” Here are my August 2026 Runfessions. Theo Worth Park in Minneapolis is gorgeous! I runfess… I did some trail running and an adventure race in Minneapolis and it was super fun. I was out of my element with the orienteering but I set a modest goal (get over 100 points out of 220/go 10000 steps or more in 90 minutes).

I found Create Creatine Gummies at Expo West a few years back. They recently released a new Creatine + Electrolyte Daily Drink Mix. Creatine is all the rage. I tried the gummies and they made me really thirsty so I was excited to see that they added in electrolytes. The drink stick packs are a game changer! Creatine is one of the most researched supplements sports nutrition. Creatine is a natural compound found in your muscles and brain that acts as a quick source of energy.

I’m a big fan of Kitsch hair care and beauty accessories. They make a variety of hair products, accessories and wellness goodies for all hair and skin types. I’m sharing Kitsch’s awesome shampoo and conditioner bars again. They’re great for home to have less plastic waste, but also for travel because they take up less space. They’re also not liquid so they go in carry-on bags. I also checked out their shave butter bar and have one to share.