Thursday, September 25, 2008

Infomercials...

Normally, I complain and turn the channel. However, a couple years ago I happened upon one that caught my attention. Before I knew it, I was dialing the number and pulling out my credit card. Sheepishly, I confessed to Russ what I'd done that evening. I would love to tell you that he got equally excited about my new items due to arrive in 5-7 business days but he gave me the smirk. You know the smirk. The husband smirk.

This story has a happy ending. The "You can't live without this" product was a DVD serious entitled Turbo Jam. It's like a work-out dance party including songs like "Momma said Knock you out!". I mean, c'mon! Now, before you get all judgmental on my bad stewardship of $$, please know I have gotten my money's worth. Two times over, I've gotten my money's worth.

This workout is unlike anything I've ever done before. I've run half-marathons, taken kickboxing and other aerobic classes and spent a good many-a-night doing Sweatin' to the Oldies in high school. This series works muscles I wasn't aware I had and takes inches off where it seems impossible. I'm serious, peeps. I used it all last summer and then pretty consistently in Guate and I got down to the smallest size I've been in ten years.

I bring this up because I can't move today. I unearthed the goodness from a packed box in the basement and have climbed back on the wagon. And it hurts. Look out, skinny jeans, you're next...

Now, I don't normally do this, but I'm curious about people's experiences with another product. This may seem like a private issue to some, but if Tina Fey can talk about it on the red carpet before the Emmy's than I can blog about it. I'm just going to say it. Spanx. Who's used them? What's your happiness level? While visiting the in-laws, we were all drawn into another infomercial with a similar product and the results were amazing. Of course. But what's the reality? Do they actually work that well? And if so, why don't I already have them? Why doesn't everyone have them? Gimme details, blogees, details.

16 comments:

The Bishops said...

I have a "spanx" type thing I wear under dresses and stuff. I bought it at Target. I love it...it pulls things in just right and makes me feel a little better!

-Maria- said...

yuck i hate them! i got them for a wedding i was in last fall and took them off as soon as i could and returned them to nords, not very comfortable, maybe worth it for a a really form fitting formal dress event but other than that would not use.
maria

Jenny said...

Great question! I have been interested in these ever since I heard about them on Oprah. I would love to hear others opinions as well.

Jon said...

Us guys would like Russ' experience with "Turbo Jam". How's it workin for you Russ? Can you fit in your skinny jeans?

Matt, Katie, and Sophia! said...

I haven't used them personally, but they come highly recommended by a friend of mine.

Anonymous said...

A few of the girls I work with wear the "spanx" type thing. They have amazing curves with them - and they say they're super comfy!

Katie said...

I've been a stalker for awhile. But the "Spanx" topic is one that will pull me out of the shadows.

I used to work at a store that sold Spanx. I, being the great salesperson I was, figured I need to give them a firsthand try.
I'll be honest, I think I cried the first time I tried it on. It's not the most comfortable thing to get into...HOWEVER, the results are as amazing as advertised. No muffin-top. No line on the thighs. I've tried other Spanx-like products and have not been satisfied with the results.

I have found that there is one key to a successful Spanx experience: get the right size! (Use your REAL weight...not the weight on your driver's license!)

Dan and Amanda said...

I've never tried Spanx, but I've heard you don't take them off to pee!!!!!!!!!!! I guess there is an opening for that?????...I don't know sounds weird! (could that be true?) LOVE Turbo Jam though. It totally kicks my butt!

Amanda said...

Katie, I have to say I know you the reason you don't have Spanx or the other "AMAZING" "spanx like" product we saw on that infomercial...it would be the price!!! But, we did come pretty close to trying them out...too bad Russ was right there to keep us from it. ;)
I have thought about getting Turbo Jam...maybe I should just go on and get it!!! Maybe you could let me try yours out while you are in Cancun...then I could make a decision on if it is would be worth my money!!!!

Anonymous said...

I too have just been lurking, but today I'm writing a comment.
I have Turbo Jam and I LOVE IT! My husband has done it a couple of times with me, but he is very reluctant. This week he told me why...it's too hard even though he's an athlete. Ab Jam, kicks my booty. I bought it for my friend who just had a baby and she's thrilled. I would recommend it to anyone.
About "spanx"...I'm in a wedding in a couple weeks and I'm wearing a very clingy dress (why do brides choose these kinds of dresses?), so I was thinking of getting some. I'll let you know how it goes.

Anonymous said...

Okay, now that I have actually introduced myself to you and told you I read your blog, I figure I can comment. We no longer get any TV, but when we did, I was totally addicted to QVC and informercials. Bought the Bare Minerals line and loved, tried many a cleaning product and was just mesmerized by the lady who sells the Hot Pocket type machine. My husband especially liked the Magic Bullet commercial - which my BIL swears by and has made me some pretty darn good daquiries with. Just this week I went in to Linens -N-Things and they now have a whole section dedicated to infomercial type products. I resisted the urge to try a few things. It's much easier to resist without the TV personality telling you how your life won't be worth living without this product! I bought the Spanx Bod-A-Bing pants after my fourth child was born and they do the trick without making you feel like you are in a vise. Good post!

erin said...

Hey Katie. I am big believer in Spanx. Are they comfortable? No way. Do I worry about losing my legs because my circulation is cut off? Yes. However when I am dressing up or want to wear my favorite too small jeans, Spanx to the rescue. I bought the real kind at Nordstroms and they were worth every penny. I think mine are too small, so do get the right size!

Tina said...

Jumpin' on the Spanx bandwagon. I shelled out for the real thing and it was worth every cent. Really smooths things out -if you know what I mean.

Lance and Heather said...

I don't own a pair but I think every Southern girlfriend of mine does...supposedly they are awesome. I've been assisting a photographer at wedding for the past 2 years and seriously, at every wedding 95% of the bridesmaids and brides are wearing them! So, from observing everyone else, I guess they work! Hope that helps. Heather

Amanda said...

my best friend is never without her spanx. I've never tried them, only laughed at her when she flashes them to me!! But she swears by them. They're no miracle worker, but if they make someone feel better, well, they're a lot cheaper than lipo!! :)

The Wagners said...

It is good to be a guy. Nuff said...

Waggles