Deal or No Deal

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I am going to run tomorrow. Are you going to run tomorrow? Let's both run tomorrow :)

CHALLENGE: If I do not do a solid run (5+ miles), then I will not allow myself to have dessert for 2 days. This may seem small to you, but I am used to having something sweet just about everyday- and today I bought some delicious ice cream...so here we go!

A Few First's

These past couple of weeks have brought some "firsts" for myself and my family.

* I ran my first double digit run! I did this on Monday (just an even 10 miles) and it felt GREAT! I was even able to semi-sprint at the end and felt very strong. It was a cleansing and peaceful run that I enjoyed very much. It felt pretty neat to not only beat a goal that at one time seemed impossible, but to actually find joy in doing it was awesome. I praised God for this exciting accomplishment and spent a lot of time with him while on this run.

*Our first Christmas together as a married couple :) A quick little recap of our love story: We met through Jake's cousin (my friend), but I did not want much to do with him- terrible I know! Trust me, I thought he was cute and sweet, but I had just been involved here and there with some fellas that were not so sweet and plus Jake lived in Texas...long distance was not my idea of fun. But, lo and behold, we kept communicating and he snagged me ;) We would talk and talk about everything, send pictures of the sunsets (I used to drive out to the country roads around here just to get a better shot- googly I know), and we then discovered skype= such a blessing! My friend, her fiance (now husband), and myself all flew down and we had this whirlwind first meeting at the airport. He kissed me so fast before he hugged me I wasn't sure what had happened. To say the least, I still get butterflies when I think about it. After too much money spent on plane tickets, 2 moves (I to Texas and then him to Ohio), and a too long engagement- we got married on May 20th, 2012. It was beautiful and a very special and fun day. We honeymooned in Key West, thanks to a wonderful uncle who owns a condo there, and we had an absolute blast! I love him in so many different ways and cherish him so much. I could go on, but I will try to refrain for now, haha.

*My first big pot of chili! I substituted the beef with chicken and spiced it up some...thank goodness it turned out alright and I believe we both ate 2 (maybe 3) bowls!...with cheese of course. 

 

*Going out in public wearing running tights. I have wanted to own a pair for a long time but was struggling with the cost of many of the brands. I found a decent pair to test out before shelling out a huge wad of dough. They are revealing, but at the same time ultra-comfortable to run in. I am a new dedicated fan.

*Admittance. Being honest about issues or needing help with emotional/mental/physical problems is not easy in any circumstance. I am learning that no matter how I feel in the moment, telling those around me what is really going on (instead of saying "okay" or "I'm fine") is better than internalizing.

Caramel, Cheesy, White Cheddar, and Butter Gourmet 
Popcorn have found me...

*Not running for more than 4 days! I have taken about a week off from my normal running schedule. Now, I am not saying that this is necessarily healthy, but I have "allowed" myself to not worry so much about needing to workout or scrutinize everything I eat. I was getting too crazy and almost obsessed with making sure I exercised/ran and stuck to a food plan. These are not unhealthy or bad things, but I was not doing them for the right reasons. It is kind of nice to not be such a worry wart about these things, and I know those around me appreciate not hearing about these "issues" of mine as much. I plan on getting back into the swing of things asap, but spending time with family is my priority right now. This includes indulging on cheesy popcorn with my cheesy husband...hahaha good joke right?

*Signing up for my first half marathon! What?! Never thought I would do something like this, and I am very excited :) I plan on doing one this coming spring and hopefully with one or two friends.--Will keep you updated!

*Reached my 25miles/week running goal (last week).

*Did not count calories for a week! AHH! haha ;) (see previous note)

*Made contacts and networked for positions in a museum close by and also to dabble in personal styling/closet makeovers! Very cool.

Vintage Suede Long Blazer with Retro Wool Pinstripe Button-Up Dress and XXI Necklace
and simple beaded strand Leather 80s Booties and Floral Leather Hobo Bag.

*First real snow :)

What are some fun things/firsts that you have experienced lately? I'd love to listen :)

xoxo

Birthday Stud

Today is my husband's 25th birthday! I am hoping to help his day be beyond wonderful and amazing :) A fun dinner of his choice of course, yellow cake with chocolate frosting, games, a movie, football? It's all up to him!
I love him very much and feel so blessed to cherish him, not only as my husband, but as a best friend and the most caring person I know. 
Happy Birthday!

xoxoxoxoxo

Abundance of BeefCakes

I did not run yesterday. I had to be honest with you. I always do something on Wednesdays so that I can take Fridays off, but I felt lazy and for the first time in a while, I totally gave in. My only excuse for slacking is that it is finals week and my brain is a bit scrambled; but that's all I got. So, today I had 5 miles scheduled, but I told myself I had to do 6. I don't know if it was punishment really, or just to be sure I could still run.

I went to the rec center and started off on the treadmill with a steady 5 miles. I am not sure why, but my body was feeling it today. I was sore and very tired for the last 1.5 miles. Then, the plan was to do my last mile at an easy pace on the indoor track. But, before we get there I must tell you of my view today from the dreadmill. Usually there are a mix of people at the rec, but today it was all beefcakes. Now, I am not using the in a derogatory way. I actually think it's a fun and silly word and it is hard to say without smiling. These guys do make me giggle a little though. They are usually wearing tight UA shirts and constantly glare at their shiny muscles while lifting. I know you need to see your frame to make sure you are lifting correctly, but this is all out self-indulgence, body version. Anyways, I mostly stared out the bottom windows (the cardio equipment and track are upstairs with an open view down below). I watched crazy squirrels chase each other and the occasional runner that obviously just ran by to make me feel bad about working out indoors.

By the time I finished my 5 mile set I was pooped, but still shakily determined. The track was pretty empty, which is my favorite, so I did not mind taking a comfortable pace. I finished up that last mile, lifted upper body, did some core work, and finished with a good stretch. Of course when I got home I ate my oatmeal with PB and banana slices...3 weeks strong guys, almost every single day- I have a problem. I also cleaned up our place a bit- we have all of our Christmas decorations up so it always looks more festive when things are cleaner and there is less puffs of puppy hair floating around.

I hope your week is going great, I will be studying the rest of tonight...I'm sure. But, after finals I have some great recipe and fashion posts coming your way! And, of course, keep me accountable for that running thing I try and do ;)

xoxo 

Running Encouragment

I was needing some encouragment to continue with my running goals and determination after another week of stopping short of a solid 8-mile run. These were some quote of uplifting words and advice that runners of any level can appreciate. Enjoy, and here's to an awesome week of some great runs :)

"You have to wonder at times what you're doing out there. Over the years, I've given myself a thousand reasons to keep running, but it always comes back to where it started. It comes down to self-satisfaction and a sense of achievement."
- Steve Prefontaine

"I always loved running...it was something you could do by yourself, and under your own power. You could go in any direction, fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your lungs."
-Jesse Owens

"The will to win means nothing without the will to prepare."
-Juma Ikangaa, 1989 NYC Marathon winner

"In running, it doesn't matter whether you come in first, in the middle of the pack, or last. You can say, 'I have finished.' There is a lot of satisfaction in that."
-Fred Lebow, New York City Marathon co-founder

"Racing teaches us to challenge ourselves. It teaches us to push beyond where we thought we could go. It helps us to find out what we are made of. This is what we do. This is what it's all about."
-PattiSue Plumer, U.S. Olympian

"Believe that you can run farther or faster. Believe that you're young enough, old enough, strong enough, and so on to accomplish everything you want to do. Don't let worn-out beliefs stop you from moving beyond yourself."
-John Bingham, running speaker and writer

"Running is a big question mark that's there each and every day. It asks you, 'Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today?'"
- Peter Maher, Canadian marathon runner

"Ask yourself: 'Can I give more?'. The answer is usually: 'Yes'."
-Paul Tergat, Kenyan professional marathoner

"We run, not because we think it is doing us good, but because we enjoy it and cannot help ourselves...The more restricted our society and work become, the more necessary it will be to find some outlet for this craving for freedom. No one can say, 'You must not run faster than this, or jump higher than that.' The human spirit is indomitable."
-Sir Roger Bannister, first runner to run a sub-4 minute mile

"The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start."
-John Bingham

xoxo

Typical

One of my favorite blogs, runsforcookies, recently did a post on her typical meals for "healthier eating." I loved the post and found that I ate many of the same snacks and meals. I thought I would do a simple post (in between my normal ideas rambles) about some of my favorite things to eat!

Breakfast:

• I eat cereal everyday, sometimes twice. I know it may not be the best choice, but I try and eat cereals that at least have some benefit to them. My favorites include: Kashi cereals (Honey Sunshine, Original Go Lean...), Cheerios (all kinds), Fiber One for mixing, Total Raisin Bran, Cascadian Farms (I like their cinnamon one!), and some others. Some of these brands can be expensive so I track their sales and also shop at stores like Big Lots sometimes- they offer many of these "organic" or "natural" brands for much less.
• Whole Grain Waffles with mashed berries and smart balance light
• oatmeal...I will get to this later ;)
• 1 cup whole grain cereal with 1/2 cup vanilla Greek yogurt (Fage 2%)

Lunch:

• Yogurt parfait (as a side)...1/2-1 cup vanilla Greek yogurt, handful of frozen berries (unless they are in season) and 1/4 of granola (Bob's Red Mill is my favorite right now) or cereal
• Tuna salad with triscuits (1 package light tuna, 2 tbsp unsweetened vanilla Greek yogurt, cucumber chopped, dill, and black pepper)
• Open faced sandwiches (usually turkey and provolone or Muenster with lettuce as the "top" piece of bread, and I load mine with onion and tomato), serve with popped chips
• LOVE oatmeal with PB and banana (1/2 cup oatmeal, 1 1/2 tbsp PB and sliced banana), usually have with an egg beaters omelet (50 cal worth of egg beaters, 1 slice cheese, chopped onion, spinach if on hand)
• Lots of grapes and apples with lunches
• Carrots and cucumbers are delicious together- with or without dip
• Angie's Naked Pita Chips with Sabre Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

Snacks:

• Fruit: bananas, apples, grapes, berries, oranges, and whatever else might be in season
• cucumbers, carrots, green peppers with or without light dip/ranch
• Kashi bars (really like the dark chocolate coconut and dark chocolate cherry)
• Luna Protein bars
• Mozzarella cheese stick
• Kind Bars (delicious!)
• Fruit or Protein smoothies/shakes (just getting into the protein shake thing- runsforcookies blog has tons of yummy recipes)
• Serving of pretzels with 1/2 cup LF cottage cheese
• Apple slices with 1-2 tbsp PB or PB2
• Handful of peanuts or cashews
• Walnuts mixed with raisins
• Cereal :)

Dinner:

This is harder because we eat all sorts of things for dinner, but these are just ideas to get started maybe...(I have also done and will do some posts on recipes I have used and liked!)

• Quinoa and brown rice...I do a lot of Mexican flare with these using veggies like corn and green and red pepper with black beans, pico de gallo and chicken
• Tuna melts...whole wheat pitas and the above recipe for tuna salad and add cheese!
• Smart Taste Pasta with veggies and chicken or steak (did a post on this one earlier)
• Homemade Pita chips or gyros (did a post on this one earlier)
• Homemade chicken or veggie fried rice with spring rolls
• Soup and bread or grilled cheese :) simple, but comforting
• Enchilada casserole (did a post on this one earlier)
• Pita Pizzas
• Cowboy Beans (will do a post on this)
• Veggie burger or Turkey burgers (for me)
• Breakfast! We love breakfast, so often times we will have omelets and Bob's Red Mill pancakes or waffles, yum.
• Chipotle, Subway, or Mexican food

Dessert:

Elephant Ear Cookies with Cream Cheese or
Cinnamon Sugar Topping- post to come!

• ICE CREAM (I really like the serve yourself fro-yo places and also during the week I try and stick to 1/2 the fat, no sugar added Breyers' or Edy's flavors like vanilla or Neapolitan)
• Protein Brownies (recipe to come!)
• Chunky Cookies (still a dessert, but have walnuts, raisins, and whole wheat flour for an extra boost)
• Frozen Light Cool Whip
• Fruit...when I am being good
• Applesauce with cinnamon
• FiberOne Cookies 90 calories or Flax Seed Choco Chip Raisin Cookies (wal*mart)
• Trail Mixes (like- pretzels, peanuts, choco chips, and raisins)
• CEREAL...yes, again
• Okay, fine...I like sugar. But, I try and keep it special- I usually have a treat everyday and try to mix it up here and there to keep my body guessing. I am not great at not having dessert, so I at least attempt to tone it down here and there. Sometimes you gotta go full fat and do DQ though ;)

These are just some ideas of what gets my tummy rumbling. I hope it might spark some of your own creations. We are not perfect, we like to go out when we can and I do buy "fun" things too for our kitchen. But, I try to keep it balanced and we reserve weekends for a little extra fun. Most importantly, we do not fully restrict ourselves. We like to be active, but we also like to be lazy. I love fruit and cucumbers, but I also like ice cream...so, moderation and keeping these special foods special is an easier way to feel good. I like to experiment and look up new recipes...look for many more to come!

xoxo

Too Much

 

I apologize to you just too much. But, I am sorry for taking a very long and extended pause from blogging. I have so much fun info backlogged it's silly! It's the last couple of weeks before finals, and being almost graduated...it has been just a smidge busy ;) Thank you for your patience and I have a neat post coming your way! I am also scheduled to run...I don't want to today for some reason, but let's hope I tell you later that it was a super inspiring run...mmhmm...
Anyways, have a wonderful rest of your morning and I WILL see you later, xoxo.

Late Night Thoughts

Over the past year and a half I have learned and adopted healthier lifestyle habits that, I feel, are better to stick with than dieting or short-term fixes. Diets and other "tricks" to losing weight or becoming healthier are not okay, period. I am not an expert, but I stand by the fact that in order to be successful you have to lead a healthy LIFEstyle, not a week to week or month to month diet. The minute you stop the fad eating the minute the weight or unhealthy side effects will return.

Now, wait a minute. As I read my own words over again, they made me do a "hmm." The statement that 'week to week' diets do not work seems to have more meaning behind it. Just as a healthy realtionship with food and physical activity is a constant walk so is any relationship, especially one with Jesus Christ. We can see the hard work put into a fruitful relationship, whether it be friends, family, or spouses- each of these require nuturing and attention. This is not to say that these things are always done promptly, but that is why relationships are hard work- but are they not worth it? I'd say yes.

My Mom and Dad :)

I have gone up and down in my search for a healthy lifestyle; mentally, physcially, and emotionally. And, let me share, that to this day I still have many up's and down's, sometimes within an hour. I have lost weight, gained weight, lost weight, cried, felt on top of the world, ran fast, ran slow and had to walk, eaten ice cream when I should not have, not eaten enough. See, it's not uncommon, of course, to have personal high's and low's, but what I tell myself is that it is worth it. There was a long time when I did not believe this, but I thank the Lord he placed some of the most wonderful people in my life to help me. Life is not supposed to be easy. If it was so easy then how much would we really learn or experience? But, God also brings immense joy for us to grasp at any moment- and this is worth the hard work.

Trust me, it is not a flat surface to healthful living, but when you get a taste of it, don't you want more? When I began feeling like myself again, even just a smidge, I knew I wanted more. When I learned eating habits that made my body react in a positive way, I wanted more. When I discovered that I could do more than just go to the gym, I wanted to run further. Every person has outlets, use them, this is growth.




My girls before the wedding :)

Each week is a new week, each day a beginning. Stop beating yourself or anyone else up for wrongdoings, and take those first few steps towards a direction that may have been looming in the distance- or even right around the corner. Atkins, South Beach, 1200 calories a day, sorry, but these are not going to cut it, atleast for myself. I need habits that are going to improve over time, not stay stagnant. I need lifestyle changes that I can feel bettering my inside and outside- ones that I can be proud of. Now, as a disclaimer, I am not all that spiffy. I eat cereal (a lot of it) every day, sometimes I skip workouts when I have them scheduled on our calendar (our calender is not forgiving), and I don't read my Bible everyday. Comdemn me if you feel inclined, or encourage those around you to be accountable of goals you know they hold dear- this is much more helpful.

We are blessings, but that does not mean blessings can't get sweaty every once and a while :)



xoxo

My very handsome husband :)



(A little PS: a couple wonderful girls that are not pictured are Alyssa, Ruthie, and Rebekah- they ALL have been wonderful friends and influences in my life also...just do not have any photos on this computer of them yet- I am procrastination at its best, I know)
 




Preheat Your Ovens!

Today's post is going to be gluttonous. It's all about food, okay only lunch and dessert. I am going to share with you what I had for dessert last night and what I ate for lunch today.

On The Menu:

• Spinach and Tomato "Fancy" Grilled Cheese
• Yogurt Parfait
• Popped Chips-Parmesan Garlic
• Homemade Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

The lunch portion of this is pretty simple, I know. But, it is also pretty delicious. My ingredients included: Aunt Millie's Light Whole Grain Bread (2 slices), Flax seed Oil Butter Spread (1/2 tablespoon worked for me), a couple slices of deli turkey, 1 slice low fat provolone cheese, 1 thinly sliced piece of muenster cheese, good handful of fresh baby spinach, 1 or 2 slices large tomato, basil.
I buttered the slices of bread lightly, placed the provolone down first, then the spinach, tomato, turkey, and muenster cheese. I topped it off with the other slice of bread and sprinkled with a fair amount of basil. Toasted each side until lightly browned- I don't like my grilled cheese very dark :)

Now, for the parfait I used: Dannon Greek Yogurt 0% Vanilla, 1/2 cup of frozen berries and banana slices, and 1/4 cup of natural granola (I used Black Lab Naturals Peanut Crunch Granola that I bought while in Amish Country. It is lower in calories because of the few ingredients used, but is still the most delicious granola I have ever eaten). I seriously have a yogurt parfait everyday, it is out of control! I am just addicted, but I think there could be worse addictions...ice cream? Shoot.

On to dessert! I made this on Saturday, and it was a hit. As I mentioned in an earlier post I started with a recipe from allrecipes.com called "Black Magic Cake" and then made it my own concoction. (I also cut the original measurements in half in order to make a smaller, single layer cake). Here's what you'll need:

3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons whole wheat pastry flour
1 cup sugar (I have thought about only adding 3/4 cup, but have not tested this yet)
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
small 1/2 tsp salt
1 egg
1/2 cup strong black coffee (just adds moisture, is not overpowering in the flavor)
1/2 cup vanilla yogurt (I did not have buttermilk so I used a container of vanilla Greek yogurt and it was wonderful!)
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease square or loaf baking pan. Combine all dry ingredients, mix and then make a well. Add wet ingredients into bowl and mix thoroughly until smooth. The batter is going to be on the thin side, but do not be alarmed, it bakes up great. Pour batter into pan(s) and bake for 35-40 minutes. Take the toothpick test, and if it comes out clean then let cool completely before adding frosting. It is very moist and delicious without any topping, but cream cheese frosting was our favorite (we also added chopped dark chocolate on top). Enjoy!

And, if you are curious...Lunch came in at around 500 calories, while the cake (without toppings) is less than 150 calories for a very decent sized slice.
I know, I should probably go run after this, but it is so gross outside. A cold front came back through and it is windy and wet. Stop whining Allison. I will do something I just don't know what that something will be yet ;)

xoxo.

Veteran's Day

This is a post just centered on the extra special time taken to honor those who have served and are serving our country. They deserve all the prayers and help we can send to them, whether it be just that, prayers, or even letters, photos, cookies, or fresh socks. Please, along with me, take a pledge to not take these men and women's lives for granted. Take a moment, pray, and thank the Lord for keeping His hand over them through many difficult times.
Also, I have been involved and will continue to work with an organization called Honor Flight. If you are interested please see their website here: honorflightnetwork or you can always message/email me for more information. It is a really neat program that raises money to send veteran's to their memorials. It also collects letters for them to read on their trips. It is disappointing to think about the cruel welcome home many veteran's received, especially after Vietnam. This organization encourages those who are involved to welcome these veterans back home with smiling faces, open arms, and grateful hearts. Make the time to see what they do best.

With love and God Bless,
Allison

I would like to extend a personal thank you to a few women and men I know that have served or are serving right now: My father and my grandfather, Christine Asmus and her husband, Jose Artiaga, Brandon Chandler, Jeremy LeBeau, John Savor, Daniel Myatt, Joe Lewis, Dan Wright. I know there are many others, and their families also are owed so much respect for their support at home. Thank you.

Preview

rubypr.com

So what is a girl to do when she has no scheduled run and doesn't have to be into work till 10am? YES, bake a chocolate cake is the only right answer! I played with a recipe I found on allrecipes.com called "Black Magic Cake" submitted by Smuckers. I changed a couple ingredients around and messed with some amounts and voila! I of course had to try some before I left today, and I cannot wait to have more with Neapolitan ice cream tonight as my treat.
So, the next post will have a delicious recipe, a brand new outfit from the shop, and hopefully a good report from my long run due tomorrow morning. I was able to reach my 20 mile goal again, but I have yet to hit that 25 mile mark for the week. I'll keep you updated :)
Have a fabulous day!
xoxo.



Mindful Rambles

Good Morning! I understand yesterday was quite a day. I always am very excited on election day and I hope you took advantage of the time to go through with what you thought would be best. There are quite a few comments from both directions buzzing around, so I am going to leave that be and touch on a few lighter topics.

I was looking through my phone and saw I had some random photos of outfits I had done. I figured it wouldn't hurt to post them and hopefully they might spring some creative ideas for you! These were all done via Mosaic and if a piece stands out then I will definitely be sure to give you its stats :)

 

(All of these looks are put together for under $50!)

 

 

 

 

 Look #1: This outfit comes mostly from H&M (the blouse and the vest) and the skirt is an older, pleated, Anne Klein. I paired it with some dress booties and later a small gold charm necklace, very understated.

Look #2: Dress is H&M (jumper style underneath) and cropped blazer comes from Macy's. I just liked this one because of the complementing patterns.

Look #3: I know there isn't much going on here, just a neat biker jacket that came in and one of my favorite scarves paired with a Moda International shift dress.

Look #4 (Middle Photo): Vest and blouse are both from J. Crew, scarf is via Mosaic, and the denim are express. Paired with caramel riding boots.

Look #5: 80s Lycra long sleeve dress with an Express frayed cardigan and a retro braided pink belt (sorry for the poor quality in photo). Paired with some loafers and a few silver chains.

Look #6: I was just playing one day with our jewelry. We get so many pretty, long stranded necklaces that I thought this was a neat way to change up how you wear them.

Look #7: Beautiful burnt orange handmade skirt paired with a simple beaded slate top from AT Loft and a J. Crew cardigan. Paired with a large bauble beaded necklace and vintage neck scarf. Paired with some Maryjane's.
 
I understand that the quality in picture taking is not spot on here. Also, these looks were just bits and pieces that I hoped might spark some ideas. I apologize if they aren't up to the shiniest standards, but I hope you still enjoyed peeking!

Look out for a running update asap and a new cookie recipe, yum!

xoxo

Dinner and an Outfit

Please don't be mad. I know I have been m.i.a. for a week now and that is totally inexcusable. I should have been working on my blog when all I could do was lay in bed and sniffle. Isn't that silly? You'd think when you're sick you would catch up on the things that don't take a lot of physical effort, but still all I wanted to do was be in my pj's, eat fruit, and watch Hulu. Anyways, that's not a good topic for an interesting blog post, so let me share with you a quick-easy-healthy dinner idea AND an outfit...I know I am totally over-doing it ;)

First, this "recipe" is a mash up of some yummy ingredients and is pretty simple.
 
You will need:

vegetable oil, 1/2 tablespoon
uncooked quinoa, 1/4 to 1/2 cup
vegetable or chicken broth, 1 can (I used most of the can)
1/4 large onion chopped
garlic powder or 1 clove garlic
frozen corn, 1/2 to 2/3 cup
black beans, 1/2 cup
fresh cilantro chopped (I just added more till it smelled about right!) 
cumin, 1 teaspoon
salt and pepper to taste

Pour oil into heated skillet and brown the onions with the garlic for a few minutes. Place the quinoa into the pan and pour the needed amount of broth over mixture. Add the cumin, salt, and pepper then bring to a boil. Let simmer for about 20 minutes. Add the frozen corn, let simmer for a few minutes then add black beans and cilantro, stirring occasionally.
 

*I served mine with a smidge of light sour cream and some delicious salsa. You don't need those add-on's, especially if you throw in some cayenne powder, but they make it extra good :)
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Now, this outfit might seem a little chilly for "almost winter" weather, but darn it I love fall so I will hold onto it for as long as I please...until it snows. The skirt is a handmade bleached denim mini via Mosaic, blouse is vintage (I call it the hippie top) from my mom- you can't see it too well in the photos, but the lace detailing on this is so pretty, the vest is just a simple find from rue 21 via Mosaic, the heart necklace is my mom's from the 80s and the copper chains are via Mosaic and are a super neat piece. I paired the outfit with some distressed brown booties and some high knit stockings. Enjoy!
(PS: whole outfit is under $50!!)

Goodnight and talk to you soon! I have a fun story about a run this past Saturday; it involves squirrels... xoxo.

Apology and Good News

I am very sorry. I have slacked incredibly on posting for a week or so now. I have so much to share too! I have some great dinner recipes, a new "dirt" cookie recipe, an awesome running article to share about benefitting from no electronics while training, more fashion posts, and some fun running diddies...or mishaps even. I have a huge exam tomorrow so I will probably not post again tonight, but expect them to start pouring in!

Also...I did my first solid 7 miles this past Saturday. I ran at a local park, probably my new favorite spot, and it felt great! It wasn't super fast or anything, but I kept it as close to a 9ish minute mile as possible. Since I was sick after that and into this week I eased back into my training and did my first over 5 mile run yesterday. I was going to shoot for 8 this weekend, but we will see. Anyways, have a wonderful day and I promise I will be talking to you soon :)

xoxo

Amish Country...pretty pictures always help to spice up a

dull, apologetic blog post right? I hope so!

On My Way

My last post was a little sad...well I have encouraging news, I did kick myself in gear and have proved that I can still run, some. I did two solid runs on Monday and Tuesday of this week (5 and 4 miles), an easy 3 this morning, and I have a cardio abs class my girlfriend signed us up for. Hmm...I am excited and nervous. Nervous that I will look ridiculous while everyone else looks cool and ripped, but that's silly right?
 
I have scheduled a cross training/ upper body gym day tomorrow- I usually go pretty early so that it isn't too packed. Once 9:30 a.m. rolls around good luck finding a clean towel or a free machine. One plus of the rec center being packed is people watching. I ran on the track once when all the machines were taken and I really think that there was about 30 people on a normal-sized indoor track. It was just crazy; some guy kept looking back at me thinking I was following him, but really there just wasn't room anywhere else. Needless to say I slowed down and sped up my pace a lot that day so people wouldn't think I was stalking them.
 
I think my new goal, aside from finding a 10k to run, is to up my weekly mileage. I am just hitting a hair under 20 miles and would love to increase that to 25 in the next couple of months. I think hope that is do-able. Speaking of these next few months...cold is coming. Fun to Christmas shop in, make fires, play in for 45 minutes tops, but not as fun to run in. I still would like to keep my running up during the winter months, but this will be my first winter as a "legit/wanna-be" runner...so I am trying to prepare. I have read up on screws that you can place in the bottom of your tennis shoe for better traction- which I would definitely do on an older pair of shoes. Also, yesterday I went to TJ Maxx to hunt for some legit and discounted running clothes. I found pants, a couple long sleeve tops, and the grand treasure: a Calvin Klein insulated fleece zip up with inner compartments for everything. I have been looking for a good jacket to wear for layering when it's cold, but they were all so expensive or not quite right. This one is functional AND pretty.

My next post will be a fashion one- I miss doing those! Also, I am trying a new recipe for dinner tonight with quinoa, corn, black beans, lots of spices and garlic, salsa, and some other tasty foods. If it is worth it I will post about that later also. Have a beautiful day, xoxo.

Oh, and here are those photos of the costume party- goodness :)

           

 

                              

 

Re-Alignment

I need a swift kick in the behind asap. My running has been off, my eating habits have been off, and therefore I am not feeling my best. Now, granted it has been fun to take time off, but I do miss the discipline and the joy I get from great runs and feeling healthy. This is not to say I am going cold turkey on relaxation or good food, but I have been over-indulging and under-moving. A little while back I did a post on apple picking (caramel covered oxymoron) where I explained the numerous doughnuts and other treats I got to enjoy, then there were some trips we took where dining out and dessert was very much included...then this past weekend we had a costume party (pictures to come!) with lots of goodies and also visited Amish country yesterday; menu included: broasted chicken, mashed potatoes, dressing, gravy, salad bar, bread, noodles, fruit, chocolate, ice cream, cookies, ah! Very delicious, but also feeling a bit heavy these last couple of weeks.

(DISCLAIMER: although we did eat lots of rich foods, I was able to pick up some fresh items and great pastry flour from a local market in town...just to save a few dignity points)

I have also been struggling with my running. The last 5 mile I did was a week ago and it wasn't even consecutive. Since then I have had great gym workouts but even my short (3 mile) runs have been rough! My chest gives out quickly and I cannot seem to get my breathing down. I am not sure if I need to stretch more or if it has to do with what I am eating but I need to kick it up a few notches. I also let myself down this past week and took 2 days off from running that I shouldn't have. I just read a blog post from one of my favorite blogs (runsforcookies) and she just completed a marathon today. This is inspiration to continue to work hard in getting back my running legs. I also spoke to a running friend and he gave me some advice- get another goal. After a race it is hard to have the same mindset as when training. So, I am planning on starting off slow just to get my distance back then work on speed again.

Just for fun here is a recipe I made last weekend for breakfast...indulgent but still has several healthy benefits, enjoy!

Whole Wheat Pumpkin Pancakes

2 cups whole wheat flour (the pumpkin covers this up so it's not even noticeable!)
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups milk (I used 1%)
1 to 1 1/3 cups pumpkin puree
1 egg
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

 

 

It is a pretty thick batter and they rise really well. They are not too sweet and have a great texture. I do not care for syrup on my pancakes, but my husband used maple and loved it. Yum :)

Here's to a wonderful start to the week, xoxo.


PS: what do you do to encourage yourself to get back into an exercise routine?