28 Days of Counting My Blessings/Being Thankful!

You may remember I shared THIS link from Olivetorun's blog.  It was a 28 day calendar with space to write something your thankful for each day.  At the end of the challenge we take a picture of our 28 day's and share with everyone.

Click HERE for the follow up post on Olivetorun and directions how to link your calender with all the others.

I loved this exercise!  It fit in really well with my Thankful Thursday posts, and it's a good reminder that you don't have a to have a deep/life changing thankfulness every day.  It's ok to be thankful for little things like your morning cup of coffee.  Just try being thankful before you turn to complaining.

My 28 Days...

What are you thankful for?

We Turkey Trotted!

The highlight of my Turkey Day was running Sky's first race with her!  Mark and I were all grins as we ran alongside her!  A big Thank You to the Beckham family for taking time out of their Thanksgiving morning to come watch Sky run, and to Grandpa for getting up at 3am, driving 4'ish hours over the pass (and 4'ish hours to get back home) to see Sky run for all of about 11 minutes.  It meant a lot to all three of us to have all of you there!    

If you follow on Instagram or FB then these pics are old news, but I'm going to share them here anyway.  A cute little in-race story...There was a lady and two little girls running behind us the whole way, and at different points one of both of the little girls was crying (more like wailing) and Sky was so worried about them.  She kept stopping and turning around to see if they were ok and looking at Mark and I with the most worried look on her face I have ever seen.  It was pretty distracting, but cute to see her concern at the same time.

  Dressed and waiting to go "run, run". 

 A bit of a form issue with that leg kicking out.  ;-)

 She is this happy every single time she runs! 

Running her little heart out.  

It ended up working better for me to be a few steps ahead of her to keep her going in the right direction. She stopped a few times wanting Mark to give her the "Ready, Set, Go" count down before she would start again.  

All the little kiddos were so adorably cute!  I usually cross the finish line of my distance and then head out, so have never seen a tot race before, I'm really glad I got to see all the cuteness!  

We wrapped the day up with Mark's family watching football and eating lot's of yummy food.  I did something wrong though, because after we got home I was hungry again.  Clearly should have gone back for seconds!  It actually felt good to eat a little of everything, but not feel stuffed.  

After Sky was in bed and Mark was relaxing I headed to Target to get Christmas PJ's.  I know there are strong opinions out there about stores being open Thanksgiving evening, but I have to say it was nice to do it last night, and be able to sleep in this morning and hang out with my babe and baby instead of getting up early and shopping.   

I toyed with the idea of getting my run in during Sky's nap today, but I had enough wine after shopping last night, that I feel a bit blah.  So, I'm drinking lot's of water and will get the last of my miles in tomorrow to meet both the 30 Miles in 30 Day's challenge (met that one early last week) and the Pile On The Miles challenge (need 4 miles tomorrow to reach it)!  

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are enjoying the rest of the long weekend!!!

What was you favorite food from yesterday?

What's your plan to get back on track food wise after a day of indulgence?  

Thankful Thursday - A Day Early & Wild Rice and Mushroom Stuffing!

I plan on unplugging tomorrow, from blogging anyway, so am doing my Thankful Thursday post today.  It seems wrong to skip it since it is Thanksgiving!

I can't totally unplug though because this is happening tomorrow....

...Sky's very first race shirt!!!  Her running career (no matter if this is one and done, or she goes on to win Olympic Gold) starts with her very first race tomorrow.  Yep it's only a 1K, and I'm probably more excited than I should be, but I can't help it.  Sky and I have so many good running memories together, and every day she tells me that she loves running.  So, yep I'm exited and I will not be able to keep myself from posting pics at some point tomorrow.  May not be here on the blog, but will be on Instagram and/or Facebook.  Follow me there for all the fun!  (Instagram link is to the right).

Things I'm Thankful For Big and Small:

-For the person ahead of me at Starbucks yesterday who paid for my order!

-That I got to test run the new adidas Glide Boost last night on the group run.  (I'm working on a blog post all about it and the Energy Boost, keep an eye out)!

-That I survived the run last night and this morning.  My lungs didn't love it, and I felt slow and sluggish, but I got it done and feel better today!

-The amazing beautiful sun and warmth for today's stroller run!

-That someone thought Mark and I would be the perfect parents for their baby.  We are not perfect by the way, just perfect for Sky, and she is perfect for us.

-For my babe and my baby.  The two people I love the most in the world.  It's pretty amazing I get to walk through life with them beside me!

-For the family I was born into, the family I married into, and the family I have chosen to surround myself with.  I have some amazing people in my life and I'm thankful for each and every one of them.

-Fleet Feet Tacoma and all the opportunity and people it has added to my life.  Who knew a running store would end up being such in important part of my life, and Sky's life.  I'm thankful for the personal growth, my growth/improvement as a runner, the new friends I have made, and that Sky is always welcome.  Every Wednesday on the way to the Stroller run she talks about who she gets to see, and how "super, duper excited" she is to run.

-For my amazing life.  There have been twists and turns I did not expect or even think I wanted.  But, I wouldn't change a thing!  I'm exactly where I was meant to be and I'm happy being here!

And, I can't not post a Thanksgiving recipes.  No pictures though because I haven't made it yet, but this is my contribution to tomorrow's feast.    I have made it several times before and everyone always loves it!

Wild Rice & Mushroom Stuffing
Serves 8, Prep 1 HR, Bake 1 HR

2 Large Leeks, white and green parts separated and well rinsed
4 1/2 cups chicken of vegetable broth
2 cups wild and whole grain rice mix
7 Tbsp butter - (I will be using coconut oil so it's both GF and Dairy free for Mark).
salt and pepper
3/4 cups sliced almonds
1 lb mixed sliced mushrooms (such as cremini, oyster, morels, shiitake)
1/2 cup dried currants
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tbsp grated lemon zest (from 2 lemons)
3/4 tsp ground allspice

1.  In a large saucepan, combine the leek greens, chicken broth, rice mix, 2 tbsp butter and 1/2 tsp salt.  Bring to a boil, lower the heat, cover and simmer until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the rice is cooked, about 50 minutes.  Discard the leek greens and scrape the rice mixture (including any liquid) into a large bowl.

2.  Preheat the oven to 350.  Grease a 9 x 13 baking dish.  Spread the almonds on a baking sheet and bake until toasted, about 8 minutes.  Add to the rice.

3.  Meanwhile, chop the leek whites.  In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.  Add the leek whites and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.  Transfer to the rice.  Melt the remaining 3 tbsp butter in the skillet and add the mushrooms.  Cook, stirring occasionally, until nicely browned, about 12 minutes.  Scrape into the bowl with the rice and add the currents, parsley, lemon zest, allspice, 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper.  Mix well and transfer to the greased baking dish, patting the stuffing down.  Cover with greased foil and bake until hot, about 45 minutes.  Uncover and bake until lightly browned, about 15 minutes.

Who else is running a Turkey Trot? 

What is your go to stuffing recipe?  

Who's watching football tomorrow...who do you pick to win?

Detroit vs Green Bay - Detroit

Dallas vs Oakland - Dallas

Pittsburgh vs Baltimore - Do you really need to me to even say?  Pittsburgh all the way!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  I hope you enjoy the food, family, running, and fun!








    

Yippy For Indoor Playgrounds!!!

Yesterday (and again today) Sky and I hit up Frog N Kiwi for a little play time.  Since our play dates and classes were all cancelled this week, and I didn't feel up to standing around in the cold while she played, Frog N Kiwi was the perfect solution!

Sky is such a good sharer and really good at taking turns.  What she isn't good with is playing with others, she isn't mean to other kids at all, she would just much rather play on her own.  Such an only child thing, but we are working on it!  

 Climbing and sliding...two of her favorite things! 

 Twirling on the fireman's pole.

She was one tired girl when we got home.  I think we were there for close to 3 hours with her playing the entire time!  More and more it takes lengthy morning play time/activity for her to be tired enough to take a good nap.  I do my best to tire her out, because I'm just not ready to give up my 2-3 hours of nap time...I get so much done!  

I love the set up because I can sit and read or look at FB and Pinterest while she plays, but still see the whole room and keep an eye on her.  Plus, she can see me too which is important.  She is getting better at running off and playing without Mommy, but every once in a while she looks around trying to find me, just to make sure I'm still there.  Controlled independence for both of us.

Once she went down I decided is was Christmas Gifts in a Jar time!  My kitchen went from this...

...to this in 2 hours!!!!

Some jars are not pictured.

I'm not totally done decorating the jars, but at least everything is made!  I'm not going to share what I made because that would ruin it for those that I'm giving them to.  I will say that while everything is made from pantry items and technically edible, it's not all for eating!

Super thankful that I'm feeling better today.  Still coughing crap up, but feeling good enough to go to run group tonight.  Michelle and I were planning on joining the 5 mile group, but that's going to be a game time decision for me.  I'm probably already pushing it by running in the first place, so may just do 3.  

Does anyone else do handmade gifts?  Tell me your go to item!!! 

Anyone else not so patiently waiting to see Catching Fire?  I really hope I find time to sneak away and see it this weekend!

Sick Day

There really isn't much to say about yesterday other than I felt like crap and took a sick day from blogging.  Truth be told I took a sick day from doing anything other than watching football, in pj's, under a blanket, with a heating pad all day long.

Sky was stuck with a sick me, a not feeling so great Daddy who was also working on the master bath all day, and zero outside play time.  Not a great combo for a 2 1/2 year old to be happy with.  But we all muddled through somehow.

I'm lucky really that she is in such a cuddle all day with Mommy stage.  While she needs active play time, she is constantly asking to cuddle and be hugged, so we watched football together and looked at books all day long.

Since I didn't feel up to taking her outside and standing around in the cold while she played I brought her slide inside!  She was so excited, in fact every time she got to the top and was ready to slide she said, "I'm super duper excited to slide"!

She loves being held upside down.  I have no idea why, but she watched almost a whole half of football upside down.

This little desk is perfect for snacks, lunch, and yes even dinner while watching football.  We don't usually eat, snacks or meals, while watching TV, but it was football Sunday, I was sick and didn't want to get off the couch, and there were some really good games on, so we broke the rules.

Taking it easy today.  I really, really want to get a run in, but I'm feeling better and don't want a set-back.  So another day of rest, although I do feel good enough to let Sky get some play time in, and taking it easy.

Happy Monday everyone, I hope you all had amazing weekends!

Tell me something fun you did over the weekend!

I Love My Little Runner!!!

I wasn't going to run this morning, even though I needed .05 to hit my 10 mile goal for the week.  I figured it would be better to call it good enough, and live to run next week, than risk making this nasty cough/crap in my lung thing I have going on any worse.  

Sky had other ideas though.  I thought we were going to the park to play at the playground, but she insisted on running!  While I didn't track it, she ran from the car to the park, played for a bit, then looked at me and said, "I run, run", and took off.  So, I know for a fact I got way more than the .05 I needed...probably closer to .5 or .6 by the time we finally got back to the car.  

She even ran up one of the short but steep hills at Chambers, and when she got to the top she turned and looked at me at said, "I love running."  I know I looked like a fool with a huge grin on my face and tears running down my cheeks.  That little girl has full control of my heart!  I love that she loves running with me so much, and I tend to enjoy this phase for however long it lasts.  

   

After we ran and played and were frozen from head to toe I thought it would be fun to get hot coco and a scone to warm back up.  I was also trying to give Mark as much Sky free time as possible to work on the bathroom.  It's just easier for him to work on painting etc. when she isn't clamoring for his attention.

So we hit up Starbucks and enjoyed some coffee and coco.  It really was a pretty perfect morning!  

  

The rest of the day is full of college football and finishing our Christmas shopping!  

I hope you are enjoying your weekend as well!!!

Tell me something fun you're doing this weekend!

TGIF and From the Kitchen...Sort Of

I love Fridays, mostly because Mark works from home, and even though he's busy working Sky and I are both so happy to have him in the house, and take breaks with him. 

Sometimes it even works out that I get Sky free grocery shopping done!  You know you're a stay at home mom when grocery shopping alone is the best "me" time ever!  I even do my make-up and put on real clothes for kiddo free shopping!

While I did get the non-perishable items I need for GF and Dairy free stuffing, that has even the non-food issue people asking for it every year, I'm not really all about the food on Turkey Day.  Mostly I'm about the football, and this year the Steelers are playing Thanksgiving Night, on network TV, so I get to watch them! 

So, while all the other bloggers are asking what food everyone is looking forward to, I'm over here all Go Steelers!!! 

Speaking of food I'm always amazed at what yummy meals can be created from such simple ingredients.  Our dinners swing from super simple, 3 or 4 ingredients tops, to super complex, 10 to 25 or 30 ingredients (mostly herbs and spices).  The best part is we enjoy simple just as much, sometimes more, than complicated. 

So....Instead of posting the recipe that this turned into I'm giving you a chopped challenge!  BTW - Chopped is my favorite non-sports related show on TV! 

Your ingredients are:
Tomato Paste
Garbanzo Beans
Chicken Broth
Shallots
Pasta
Mexican Chorizo
Flat Leaf Parsley
Red Pepper Flakes

Not pictured because I didn't have any, but the recipe calls for it: Fresh Parmesan and Lemon zest.  Although I wouldn't have used the Parmesan anyway because Mark can't eat it.  Since I adjust recipes for Mark's allergies all the time if you have food issues and need to leave something out then (unlike chopped) feel free to omit the item. 

OK get cooking and let me know what you come up with!  

I will share the recipe in the next few days, or if you really must know you can go back through past food posts and find it, because I have shared it in the past.  

Thankful Thursday - The Epic Fit Edition

A few of the many things I'm thankful for today...

-How hard Mark works so that Sky and I are comfortable at home.  I know it's stressful at times, and that he has spent his fun $$/birthday $$ on not fun things for the house, or cars, or whatever true need pops up.  I don't take it for granted and am truly thankful for every day I get to spend at home with Sky!

-For the millionth time I'm thankful for the awesome cold weather running gear I have, and the jogging stroller for Sky.  Yesterday was the first time it truly felt like winter during a run.  It made me so thankful for the ability to still get out there and run in the rain, snow, wind, sleet, cold with Sky!  I know my running life would not be as happy as it is if I didn't have the fully enclosed, beyond awesome, jogging stroller for Sky, and the appropriate gear for myself.

-Egg Nog!

 and yes, I was drinking it straight from the tap!



-That Sky was totally distracted when this happened...

 ...or it would have been an even bigger mess to clean up.  FYI egg yolk is surprisingly hard to pick up off the floor!

-For these curtains....

...because they hide this...

...the most dreaded, never ending cycle of laundry!  For someone who is theoretically home all day you would think it would be possible to stay caught up with the laundry, but no matter how hard I try there is always more!  Sometimes I just have to close those curtains and pretend it doesn't exist.

-For our 6 month membership to the Olympia Children's Museum because Sky LOVES it!

 Fire Girl Sky! 

 Captain of her own ship!

-That I held it together leaving the Children's Museum today...

...it wasn't pretty people!  Actually it was the ugliest fit I have ever seen her throw.  Impressive really, but horrible at the same time.  It took me at least 7 minutes to get her into the car seat due to the arched back and stiff leg action.  I finally just let her cry in the back seat while I stood outside...she clearly needed some space because she was the maddest at me she has ever been.  I am thankful though that I held myself together.  I didn't get mad, or upset or anything.  I can't blame her really...that place if freaking amazing, and I wouldn't want to leave either.  Staying calm and letting her get it out of her system seemed to work.  I felt like it was partly my fault because we were into lunch/nap time when we left.  She was on the ragged edge already.      

It's funny how fast little emotions change though, not two minutes after we were in the car and driving I hear from the backseat, "Need Hug".  When I told her I couldn't hug her while driving that bottom lip popped out and tears started rolling down her cheeks...broke my heart.  She settled for my hand resting on her leg for a little bit.  

-For the ups and downs of parenting.  There are good times and not so good times, but it seems like I learn something new about myself, about Sky, and about being a parent with every smile and every tear.  It's crazy hard, but crazy rewarding and I LOVE it! 

Anyone else break anything today?

Sky can't be the only epic fit thrower out there...share an epic fit with me!!!  Yours or your kiddos!  

What's your favorite Holiday/Seasonal drink?  
I do love my Egg Nog, but I also love hot spiced wine!  

 

Shake, Shake, Shake...Shake Your Booty!!

I'm so excited to be the proud new owner of this...(this first part has nothing to do with booty shaking)!

...I'm thankful that the Fanatics office is just upstairs, right above the store, so they ran up and got a different size for me to try, and it fit!!!  I was so bummed after last week and trying tops on and finding them to be just not ok, so was ready to jump up and down (or go run a 1/2) when I put this one on!  Now I feel official (because running 3 1/2's and joining the club wasn't official enough?!), and can't wait to wear this for my next 1/2!  (Really not wanting to wait until April)!

I had a great run with the Tuesday Night group last night.  Getting faster and faster running with that group and it feels amazing!  Even if I don't get any faster (I kinda don't care if I do or don't...other than hitting my two PR Goal races next year) I'm loving that I feel like a stronger runner, and that while it's still hard work it's feeling easier, like I'm more efficient. 

I turned around and did it again this morning with the stroller group!  Usually the pace is a good recovery pace from the speedy run the night before, but today we were fast!  It was still a great recovery pace for me, but the group was pushing it and finished 3 to 4 minutes faster than normal!  We did have 3 guys running with us and I think that helped push the pace a bit, everyone hung in though  and finished strong.

Sky Pic's of the day...

 Watching the pink bow while she dances.

 

These go along with the video I posted earlier.  The back story is Mark apparently taught her to shake her booty, but I didn't know that.  So when she climbed up on the bed and started dancing I jumped up to get my phone and take a video.  The best part was she can see herself in my dresser mirror when she's standing on the bed, so the whole time she's dancing she is totally checking herself out in the mirror.  Second best thing...there wasn't even any music playing...she was dancing to her own tune. 

This kid cracks me up.  I'm so thankful I get to have a zillion little moments like this with her every day.  She has her terrible two moments, but for the most part it's all spontaneous dancing, tickling, cuddling and laughing!

What music makes you get up and shake your booty?
Usher and JT every time!

 


 



 

Running Hot Topics

I'm a little slow to post about some of these topics, but better late than never.  Since I'm a runner and these are running related current'ish topics I thought I would share my thoughts. 

How young is too young to run?  You have probably seen THIS story about the 14 year old who has run a marathon on every continent, and THIS story about the 6 year old who ran a half marathon becoming the youngest runner to complete a half, and set a finish time record as well.

There has been a lot of chatter and lot's of bloggers posting about these two young ladies.  Most of the comments have been on the negative/skeptical side.  People seem to be assuming, or are suspicious, that the parents have pushed these two girls into running, and saying that accomplishing too much too young gives them a shorter career...that they will reach the peak too soon and have no where else to go.  

Rather than speculate about how people I don't even know are parenting their children I choose to land on the side of giving the parents the benefit of assuming they have done all they can to make sure the girls are health, safe and having fun!  Just think how far these two can go in their running life, if they choose to stick with it, and in life in general.  They both have a mental determination that a lot of adults don't posses.  Way To Go Girls!!! 

Is it ok to take pictures during a race?  You may have seen THIS story from the Hong Kong Marathon asking runners not to take pictures because a runner taking a selfie caused a pile-up.  I personally am not much of a picture taker during races.  Mostly because I don't like running with my phone.  I have a belt that I like, but I still don't like wearing it for races, and it's the only thing I have to put my phone in while running.  So, I don't have a way to take pictures while running.  I see other runners doing it during races and always think man I wish I had my phone so I could get pics, mostly so I can post them on the blog.  But, I don't plan on using my belt if I don't absolutely have to, so there is always going to be a lack of in-race pictures around here.

I couldn't care less if other runners take pictures during races.  They trained hard to get there, paid good money to register and I don't blame them at all for wanting pictures!  As long as they step to the side and are aware of the other runners around them I don't see the problem.  Granted I have never run a really huge race either, and I can see where it could be a problem when you have thousands of runners on the course at the same time.  I guess I would say to those that don't like it, and think running should be more serious than that...start at the front so you are surround by an elite enough crowd that no one will be taking pics.

Pointless Sky Pic....

 It has nothing to do with this post, other than to break up all the text.  Just chillen on the couch watching cartoons.

Is it silly to put on mak-up and matching outfits for running?  We all know I love my matching/cute running outfits.  So duh, yes it's totally ok to have the matching outfit that looks awesome and makes you feel awesome.  On the flip side if rolling out of bed and throwing on the least smelly thing is what works for you, then great!  Clothing doesn't make you more or less of a runner.

As for make-up I don't wear it when running.  Unless it's an end of the day run, and I put make-up on that morning, then I'll wait to wash my face in the shower after the run.  I can't stand the feel of make-up on my face, or sweat so the idea of combining the two is hideous to me.  I'm always a little surprised when I see others who go the full war paint route for races/long runs, but only because I know how uncomfortable my skin would be if it where me.  If someone wants to race in make-up then go for it.  You will look way better in your race photos then I will for sure!  Unless the mascara runs, then you may look like a raccoon.

Fun Runs vs "Real" Races is one better than the other?  There are a few very vocal blogger/runners out there that hate mud runs/color runs/bubble runs etc because they aren't real races and those that participate aren't real runners.  Anything that get's people off the couch and active is a good thing!!!  Fun runs tend to act as gateway races.  Someone who has never run before gets talked into doing a fun run with friends, and next thing you know they are running a marathon a year later.  I have done fun runs and they are just that FUN!  It's a nice break actually from focused training and races.  If you don't like them don't participate, but don't take a big old dump on others fun!  It's rude and a good way to alienate readers.  

Another pointless to this post picture...

 From our Portland trip.  I posted the happy smiles version of this pic, but they were super serious watching the Mississippi St. game.  There must have been a call against St. or something.  :)

Your turn!!!  Agree, disagree, do you have your own running hot topic?  Let me know what you think!

 

    

TGIM! Yep That's Right Thank Goodness It's Monday!

I may be the only person on the planet that loves Mondays!  I just really look forward to Sky's Monday morning play date.  Actually if I'm being honest it may be more my play date than hers, but I'm not letting Sky know that. 

Today's play date was extra special because Reagan has a new baby brother.  We got to meet Quinn for the first time! 

Sky was all about baby Quinn, even calling him "brother".  She was down right angry when I was holding him and not her.  She kept asking "hold brother"?  It's hard to believe that Sky was ever that little.  I know she was, but I forget just how small they are when their new, until I'm holding one. 

We had a very quiet weekend.  With Mark and Sky both being sick we spent lot's of time just resting and staying snuggled in at home.  A few pictures from the weekend. 

 

 Sunday mornings we get our of bed and right into the snuggle chair to watch ESPN and Fox's Football Pre-game show.  

 I lost track of Sky while I was in the kitchen...found her "working" in Mark's office.

 Sunday morning breakfast!  I love slow Sunday Mornings with yummy food and mimosa's!

Friday Movie Night means snuggling with Daddy!

I hope everyone is having a great Monday and wonderful start to the week!  

Quick Weekend Post

Not a long post, just a few highlights while the babe and baby are taking naps. 

First - Take a look at THIS link.  Lauren Fleshman is a runner who had a baby last year and 3 months later walked the runway for Oiselle at NY fashion week.  She shows the difference between how she looks on the runway and what the non-airbrushed, non flexing, non tummy sucking in version of her looks like.  Bottom line you don't have to look like a runway model (hell runway model's don't even look like runway model's all the time) to feel good about yourself.  It's a quick read with a strong message...just take the time to check it out!  

Second - I have had a new route plotted in my head for months and finally ran it today.  It's only 4 miles, but I LOVE it.  I also love how awesome the pace felt.  Mostly I was excited at how quickly I recovered and dropped back down to goal pace after the hill I had to slowly run up.  It's not a long hill, but it's steep and I hate running it, so getting to the top and getting right back to a 2 minute faster pace was awesome!

Third - A few pics to share...

 She picked the hat out herself, and it looked perfect with her outfit.

Coloring with Grandma is very serious work.  She was so excited when I told her we were seeing Grandma today!

It's a low-key weekend around here.  Lot's of football, cuddling, and pj's!

Anyone doing anything fun this weekend?

I Do Have Non-Running Clothes Believe It Or Not

While I don't think it's possible to have too many running outfits, it is possible to have too much running clothing.  I found this out after months of purging the closet/dresser of items that didn't fit perfect and/or didn't make me feel good while I was wearing them.

It left me with a bunch of really awesome running outfits (that I feel amazing in), a few pairs of jeans, and tons of summer outfits.  Once the weather turned I was in trouble!  Thankfully a little spending money came my way, Thank You Dad!!!, and I got busy shopping!

I actually didn't need to buy a ton of things, just a few cardigans that would work with the 20 million tanks I have, a pair of black skinny stretch jeans that totally dress up or down, a purse that I actually technically didn't need but fell in love with, and yes a few running items did find there way in as well.

Up First...what may be my most favorite top ever!  I don't know how I lived without this top because it seems to be the only thing I wear now!  

Totally love the sweatshirt cut, yet silky material on the front to make it totally dressy.  Balanced by non-silky sleeves, band, and back to keep is casual as well.  Also, those are the black skinny jeans paired with the top.  This outfit is getting ton's of mileage already, and looks great with my black boots!

 

I found a couple of cardigans that are both kind of dressy, but work with jeans as well, and I can put all kinds of colored tanks under them to add a pop of color.  

The cardigan above has cool silver stud detailing on the shoulders.  It doesn't make it look nearly as stuff as it sounds...it really just makes it look extra dressy.  The cardigan in the below picture has an awesome clasp at the waist and is really warm and cuddly.

Fall means orange to me and there is nothing more perfect than an awesome orange handbag to finish an outfit!  

It looks awesome with my greens, tans, creams, and browns, but also adds a great pop of color to black and gray outfits as well.  

It's crazy, but by adding just 3 tops and a pair of black pants I have a ton more outfit options that don't look like I could be going or coming from the gym.  I kind of let myself get lost in "stay at home mommy who only wears comfy clothes" land for a while there.  I'm back now, gym/running clothes when appropriate, dressy/fun outfits for everything else, and doing hair and make up a bit more often.  :)

I couldn't help myself, I did have to get a couple of running items.  Both of which I have had my eye on for a very long time!

I have wanted gray compression socks for a really long time!  Perfect for the fall and running in the rain, the white ones get too dirty.  While I love all the colorful socks, sometimes black or gray are just perfect to complete the outfit.

 

Far End Gear Single Earphones.  Oh my goodness you have no idea how long I have wanted single earphones!  I almost always run with music, but never wear both ears.  That leaves me wrapping the extra earphone around my bra strap to keep it out of the way.  By the end of long runs and 1/2's the extra earphone would be in places it just shouldn't be and/or get so twisted with the bra strap that I had a hard time getting the two untangled sometimes.  I have worn them on a few runs, and LOVE them.  They sound really great, the cord is the perfect length, and no more twisting things into my bra straps!  

What isn't pictured is my Half Fanatic singlet.  Michelle and I had a date last night to buy our singlets, and drink wine after.  I almost had a little melt-down in the dressing room last night.  I am just not comfortable with how the top fits, or how it looks on me.  I know this is so a first world problem, but I worked so hard to qualify and have been so excited to wear the singlet at the next 1/2, and now am bummed at the thought that there won't be one that fits or looks ok (I'll settle on looking ok).  I'm not giving up yet though.  I'm going to see what it looks like with a running bra/running skirt/tights on (I think street cloths didn't help the look), and see if I can get my hands on a different size to see if that makes a difference.  At least I got to have wine with Michelle...it had been way too long!

A few outtakes from my outfit photo shoot this morning...

 That is Sky's Irish Sweater from Michelle's mom Mary, who lives in Ireland.  She loves snuggling in it!  Notice she has my phone on the floor next to her because it has a horse picture on it, and she loves horses.

 She wanted to put on an outfit and pose with Mommy.  

   The flash startled her!  

Tell me something fun you have planned for the weekend!!!  

I have a long run on the schedule for tomorrow morning, keep in mind anything over 5 miles is long to me right now.  I only need 1.2 miles to hit my 10 for the week, but have a new route I want to check out so will get more than that for sure.  

Thankfully, other than running we have zero plans because now Mark and Sky are both sick.  Not fun for anyone.  Thankfully we will be able to snuggle and drink tea all weekend while watching football. 

Thankful Thursday!

Sky has been sick all week, and her little temper is so hard to manage when she's not feeling well.  While the week has been pretty low key she has had to put up with a few things that Mommy needed to do, which meant her being out and about when she probably would rather have just stayed home.  

Today I decided it would be all about what she wants to do.  So far it has included special juice, pancakes, eating breakfast while watching cartoons, cuddling...ton's and ton's of cuddling, way more cartoon watching than I would ever normally allow, mac n cheese for lunch, jumping on the bed and jumping in the puddle in the driveway.  I wonder what adventures will follow nap time!

I'm so thankful that for the most part Sky being sick = lot's of snuggles, and she is still way more easy going than a lot of kiddo's are.

Cuddling with Mommy, Happy Feet, and Violet while watching Mickey Mouse Club House.  She was not all the way awake yet!

Not so patiently waiting for her pancakes.  Sorry Mark, there may still be mush in your chair.  :)

A few other things I'm thankful for today:

-That Sky can teach me a hard lesson with the tremble of a lip and a hurt look on her face.  I totally overreacted and thankfully that little look made me stop cold and take a breath.  I'm the adult, it's up to me to realize she is only 2.  While I don't underestimate her ability and understanding of things, I was expecting a bit much from a little girl who was struggling to hold it together when she didn't feel good at all.  

-That Sky is quick to forgive, and wanted nothing more than a hug and a "I love you" even though I had just yelled at her.  

-I have a night out tonight with Michelle to get our Half Fanatic tops and some wine!

-Birchbox Delivery!  They knocked it out of the park this month...

....hello a full size Ghirardelli Chocolate Bar, which was an extra bonus item on top of all the usual goodies!  So far I have used every item and love them all.  Not usually a fan of dark nail color on my nails, but I painted the nails that dark steel gray color and love it!

-That I figured out the issue with posting pictures on the blog.  I'm loving making them all extra large size.  I'll get over it in a few days, but for now I'm making up for months of only being able to have small pics on the blog!  Sorry if they are all large and in your face.  Actually no I'm not.  ;-)

-The tile is up and done in the master bath!!!  That was a huge labor intensive, detailed part of the remodel.  That had to be done first before anything else can be done.  There is still plenty left to do, but it's all stuff Mark knows how to do, and should be much less complicated than the tile!  

-It's a rest day.  I love to run, but I also love rest days!

Tell me one thing you're thankful for today!