Semi Wordless Weekend

-- Friday --

Overeating Snack time

Sam's find - Rebook workout tees for $7 #boughteverycolor #marathonthighs

Afternoon in the "office"

Hydrating "the hounds" on our run

Post Run

Orange tee, black shorts, Purple Compression Socks, Pink Crocs 

#highfashion

Post run recovery meets pre race prep

-- Saturday --

Komen Race for the Cure 5k

Hydrating after the race for my long run

Girls Night 

Recovery - because running 12.93 miles and then wearing wedges is how I roll

#keepittight #vanity #myfriendsmadefunofme #iwascomfy

-- Sunday --

Homemade dog treats

Race recap, how the Running With Your Dog Clinic" changed my life, juicing, and homemade sweet potato dog treat recipe coming soon!

*Sorry for the crappy quality pics - my computer loathes me at moment...

Breaking news: I got my iPhone yesterday!!! Be sure to follow me on Twitter, Instagram - cuz life just got REAL. Also, if you have apps you LOVE let me know, I've been out of the "tech" loop for four long years!


How was YOUR weekend?


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The Best Part Of Waking Up

Warning: As I sit here I'm guzzling a Venti Iced Skinny Caramel Latte (per usual), and have lost the ability to not think/speak a mile a minute. You're welcome.

Somewhere around grad school, I developed an affinity addiction for coffee. I rationalized the uptake of this lifestyle due to beginning graduate school and the subsequent promotion into a new job that requires me to be on call 24/7/365.  And since 1 + 1 = 2 that meant I got 0 sleep. For four years.



The urban gal that I am had never made a pot of coffee. I mean, I've "seen" a coffee pot, but the inner workings of producing liquid sunshine - no clue. So I spent "an absorbent amount of money" (name that movie) to have the kind folks at Starbucks, Kaldi's, (insert coffee shop name - here -) prepare it for me. Which, I count at networking, cuz I made loads of friends. Barista's are the backbone to society, and the sole reason I never climbed to the top of my building late at night and jumped.

Note: Please make sure there is an Espresso bar at my funeral.  Full fat lattes. With whip. Go all out, I would've wanted it that way. But don't "tip a forty to my homeys" and spill a drop.  Cuz that is essentially a hate crime. Don't waste.

When I started my big kid job (almost) eight years ago (eek!) on my way to the kitchen I asked if anyone needed anything. My boss requested a cup of coffee. "Sure!" I replied in my most "I'm right on top of that Rose!" (name that movie) attitude. Enter kitchen. See coffee pot. Get cup. Add coffee - - - mutter to self aloud, "um, do I put stuff in it?". Take said cup to boss, dump out the contents of my hands/pockets onto the table (he's looking at me funny by this point) as I explain in word vomit how the "kind people at Starbucks" make my daily mug of love, and I have no idea what any of this is, so I brought you some of everything. He laughed. I was mortified. Thank God my job did not depend on me delivering the perfectly made cup of java, I would've surely gotten the boot.

Anyway, grad school ends (finally), and life returns back to normal. Until these two came into my (our) lives earlier this year. Any semblance of routine was throw out the window, and we, bleary eyed and sleep deprived trudged through days with one eye open.



Reaching out, asking questions, and googling my heart out I found the answer to my prayers (and salvation of my checking account). So one day, in a sleep deprived haze, I stopped on my way to trial and bought this beauty. The thirty minutes spent in the coffee aisle trying to decipher what kind of coffee to get was comical. I can only imagine the things I muttered aloud to myself...



Armed with the advice of Amy (thanks again Amy!) I set off to brew a beautiful pot of coffee. I even set the timer so I/we could wake to the smell of fresh brewed coffee (and dog urine - oh the joys of puppies and potty training) like in the Folgers commercials. Enter the kitchen, elated to FINALLY have my prayers answered. Procure two mugs so we can each partake in this miracle, grab the carafe and exclaim - Where's all the freaking coffee?!?!

Apparently the "cup" water level size is not literal (2 cups does not make 2 cups of coffee), and there was half a mug (4 oz.) of the thickest coffee I'd ever seen. M opted out of destroying his kidneys at 6 am, but I guzzled it like a fine wine. And was WIRED for 12 hours. Note to self: the coffee equivalent of 2 cups of coffee in 4 oz is lethal.

To save you from embarrassment if you are the other person in all 'Merica that can't brew coffee, these articles - here, here, here are for you.

And, because you asked (pretend like you did), unless it involves french fries or ice cream, my personal favorites (thus far). In order of preference. 

Tanzania Coffee - AMAZING

Beans:

Starbucks Blonde Roast 

Gevalia French Roast

Starbucks Verona

Gevalia Columbian

Add - ins:

Cocoa Via + Sugar in the Raw + Vanilla Soy Milk 

Cocoa Via + Sugar in the Raw 

Sugar in the Raw 

Vanilla Coconut Milk

Coconut Water,  here

I finally joined the living world and got a cool tumbler.  I've already started making ice cubes for iced coffee, and I can't wait to try cold brewing.

I'd also LOVE to do a coffee crawl - anyone know of any in the STL area?

Morale of the story - I LOVES my coffee and my coffee LOVES me...

What do you put in YOUR coffee? I'm still getting the hang of it all, but trying out new combinations has been fun!

Ever been on a coffee crawl? I totally missed the one in STL by a month. Sad day.

Ever cold brew coffee?

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Have you met Jane?

Tori, from Jane Not So Plain  made my day/week/month/year by nominating me for a Liebster Award. If you haven't read her blog, stop by - she posts everything from DIY, recipes, and fitness tips. 

-- begin acceptance speech --

I'd like to thank Tori. She is a kind soul with a gracious heart.  To my fan(s), thank you for sticking around through it all, you each have a special place in my heart. I'm forever humbled by this place in the inter webs, and I thank all of you for the love, support, and encouragement these past (almost) three years.

-- end acceptance speech --

The Liebster Award is given to up and coming bloggers (by fellow bloggers) who have 200 followers or less - it is a fun and easy way to build our blogging community, meet new people, and learn about each other.

The rules:

1. Answer the questions that the nominator set for you, plus create 5 questions for the people you nominate.
2. Choose 5 bloggers to nominate and link to their blogs in your post.
3. Go to their page and tell them about the nomination.
4. Follow and connect with everyone tagged.

Tori's questions for the bloggers she nominated:

What's the best advice you've ever been given? "It's not my business what others think of me."

Do you have a hidden talent? If so, what is it? The ability to consume an entire pint of ice cream, alone, in one sitting. 

Biggest pet peeve? Chewing with yout mouth open

Who is your celebrity crush?Channing Tatum + David Beckham. All day, everyday.

Who or what is your biggest inspiration? My mom. She has the strongest spirit and unwavering resilience of anyone I know.

My nominees: 

1. Tenacity to push past her comfort zone, Kyra - It Takes Nine Months. 
2. Undying willpower to blaze every trail she runs on, Amie - Lassen & Company. 
3. Fierce, undilluted honesty, Jennifer - Keeping It To Myself
4. Creativity of clean living recipes and unique workouts, Nicole - The Running Kidd
5. Reader's Choice - What is YOUR favorite blog?

My Questions:

1. Why did you start blogging? 
2. Treats. Savory or Sweet?
3. Most memorable holiday? Tell me about it.
4. Describe the most thoughtful (non -material) gift you've been given.
5. Name one staple on your grocery list you cannot live without.

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Will Run, for Wine

Guess who finally found the cord and charger for their camera? This girl. So over the next few weeks, among unpacking, organizing, and you know, life, I'll recap on all the great stuff that has been held hostage on my camera.

Look ma, I can eat healthy!

My afternoon coworkers.  Slackers.

Long run paradise: running to a friends house - for wine.

39th Annual University City Memorial Day Run:
MARCIA GINGER crossed the Finish at 08:39 AM
Course time: 01:09:13
Pace: 11:09 min/mi

I don't know about you, but I love the idea of running a race on holidays - it is becoming one of my favorite ways to celebrate. Before the celebration. Now if I could only wake up early every day to run, but that's a whole other story/excuse.  So when I saw that this race was literally steps from my (old) front door and I had someone willing to run with me, I jumped at the chance. I'm normally a solo runner , but it's really comforting to know at least one person on race day, I play where's "so in so" to pass the time when I hit a wall. 

I digress.  

Porta potty alley, folks stretching, music blaring. We found a parking spot, stretched and got in line near the start. What we didn't realize until the gun went off was that it was an uphill start - hot damn. The race wound through University City, down Delmar, Bonhomme, and looping back on residential streets. There were gracious homeowners who had sprinklers on which was heaven considering the HUMIDITY. 

Around mile 5.5 I hit a wall and could not shake it. I was toast. The heat was too much, and I could have sworn they moved the start line. Once the trees part I saw it - like a ray of sun, the finish, and A.  I just remember having tunnel vision "you can stop when you get to A - GO!" I dug deep, and finished strong, running dang near into A. Little did I know my mom and Aunt had come to cheer us on (and were standing next to A)!!! It literally doubles my heart in size when there are people I know at the finish. For people - friends, family, random strangers to take time out of their lives, brave the elements, park God knows how far away and stand on the sidelines to cheer on runners. My cup overflows... THANK YOU :)

Sweaty survivors

Check out official race photos - here, full race recap - here

Warm a Brownie Quest bar in the microwave for about 15 - 20 seconds. Cut into chunks. Scoop Banana Soft Serve on top. Drizzle dark chocolate frosting over that. Top it off with fresh Strawberries. 

So good every item in the sink was fudge covered. For days. #cantstopwontstop #chocolatelover

MAIL TIME!

Zooma sent a care training package to the first some many people registered for each race. Inside is a note, inspirational quotes from other runner (SR!), playlist ideas, training plans and some "swag" from the race sponsors: Muscle Milk Light, Gu, Body Glide,  and Cytomax.

First, I love that this organization is started by two women. GIRL POWER! The care package includes the hydration and gels given on the course, which is both genius and incredibly thoughtful. This is the first race I've ran to give you course hydration to test out BEFORE the race. I can only imagine how amazing this race weekend will be. And I'm hoping to PR - there I said. Train hard to race hard, right? 

57 days until Zooma!

I've been creating in the kitchen - check out my Eat page for the latest. They are yummy, and easy, promise!

My mom got me an AARP card. I have no words.

Need these, YESTERDAY.  And I don't even know what Cross Fit is

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Who you callin' weak?

  Hold on to your hats, short hair is in rare form today. I apologize for this post in advance.

1.) It is 10:46 a.m and I have already lost my sh$t about five times. First, Miles (aka, Houdini) was perched on top of the grill hanging over the fence when I came downstairs this morning.  Which, compared to the little fucker escaping the yard TWICE yesterday is baby stepping in the right direction.  Meanwhile he has tested every fiber in my being, and surely the neighbors think I beat him. To which I say, "jump up my ass", you deal with his diva like ways for twenty minutes straight without wanting to commit suicide. 

2.) Arrive at work only to be bombarded with "why haven't you responded to "X"? Well, because I never received it?  How about that. After a shouting match (initiated by the prick IT dude who assumed I was a martian and didn't understand how attachments work), said email is heading my way for review - a week late and a dollar short. 

3.) During my self imposed "time out" yesterday due to the escape artist tactics (see #1) to keep myself from day drinking and missing speed work I put the dogs down for a nap, and started watching the documentary, "Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead" (full video - here).  It was - moving. I forget how grateful I am to not be plagued with illness, disease, or conditions. It was also empowering. My body is my temple, and should be treated that way. We all indulge in treats, but I think another juice cleanse (past cleanses - here, here) is in order - pronto. I haven't figured out the duration, but I plan to juice from the book, "3-Day Juice Cleanse" (the women behind Blueprint Cleanse) as I know it doesn't upset my sen-si-tive constituiton, plus I felt incredible - my skin was fresh-churned-butter soft. 

4.) In less than 10 minutes I'll be in fat girl heaven. I'm participating in another Hardee's taste test (their test kitchen is in my building).  This time? 1/3 Cheeseburgers. Three of them. And a cookie to say thank you. #ilovefood #getinmybelly #thankgoodnessivegotonstretchyfabric

5.) Iphone is officially ordered. In less than two weeks I'll join the real world again. And actually start posting more frequently on Instagram.  So you should follow me. Please and Spanx. 

6.) Speed work - my first day back from missing two weeks due to Hospital Hill (taper week, rest days). We did our "fastest" mile.  8:56? Not too shabby considering it was 90 + degrees outside and I'm still in race recovery mode.  After I hit up the Rehab tent to ask about my hip/pelvis issues (more - here) and found out it is not Piriformis like I google diagnosed myself, but ITB (IT band).  He recommended laying off the treadmill, foam rolling 24/7, and stretching. Then he said those fateful words - "you have weak glutes". WTH? Don't you know I'm in a fragile mental state (PMS'ing)? So after he paid me life's greatest compliment he starts stretching/pulling/contorting me to loosen my ITB. By George it worked.  My disdain for this poor fellow who told me I have crappy ass muscles, however, still beats strong...

Time to shove my face! 


Who wants to do a cleanse (you pick your own) with me? Bueller?


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Kitsch - ME

The kind, sweet, generous folks over at My Kitsch emailed me awhile back and asked me to review some of their new line. And let me choose the item(s) - which took me a bazillion years, have you seen their site? I mean really - I was overwhelmed with the task. So many great pieces at a super affordable price point. So, in true OCD fashion, sent a "wish list" so I wouldn't have to decide. The next day, (literally) I've got mail. First I get to pick presents and now I get mail (my one true love)?! It's too much, I must lie down...

Darn picture un-rotated itself..oops.

Safari + Golden Goddess Hair Ties

I Luv Me Necklace + Earring Set

Click - here for a photo of the set, as soon as I opened the package I put the necklace on, and that is where it has remained. Every. Day. All. Day. #loveitsomuch #goeswitheverything #justenough

Besides, everytime I wear the necklace I get a compliment. And we all know short hair LOVES the spotlight...Plus my mom keeps trying to steal it when I see her. I love you, but don't touch my gems mom!

Most of all, I was really excited to try out all this fun "arm candy" stuff like the cool kids. 

At Cardinals games

Grabbing java

Saving the world Running. Which came in "SUPER" (get it? haha) handy for this race doing double duty as arm candy AND holding my tresses out of my face whilst I PR'd. Yep. 

- Morale of the story  -

Get some hair ties: These bad boys never tangle in my mane, can be worn as arm candy till I need them so I'm not searching the depths of my handbag dujour for one. Or using a rubber band. Not that I have before...

Take a peeky-looky-see at their website, and/or find them at your local retailer. Then follow them on Instagram. Stalk them on Twitter.  You know, make em' feel "special". And tell them Marcia at Y29 sent ya. 

Would I buy this product? HELL yes. And I  told all my friends, so if your reading this - act surprised when I gift you with some seriously cute stuff. You're welcome :)

*My Kitsch sent me some of their products and asked me to review it on my blog.  All the opinions pertaining to My Kitsch itself and all items are my own.

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