Sandy Toes and Salty Kisses

After a little confusion (IE: the hubs giving me the wrong dates for our trip to the beach) it turns out we are leaving tomorrow morning rather than Sunday. The good news is we have an extra day at the beach. The bad news, well there really isn’t any. I managed to get everything done today (and lived to blog about it!)

I started my day with some peanut butter toast and skim milk. (not pictured). I had to go do my long run today since tomorrow I will be in the car from 5:00am on. Since I was pressed for time I just dashed over to my gym to get in a fast 5 miles. I went a little faster than normal which made my stomach ache. This was the first time this has ever happened to me. I am blaming the skim milk and will likely skip that in favor of a banana and water next time.

After my run I showered and left my house sans make-up (gasp!) to make my appointment at Ageless Organic Spa in Lynchburg, VA. The spa was “no frills” in terms of its decor but the services were great. The girls there use organic products for manicures, pedicures, massages, facials, waxing and hair services. I got a manicure and pedicure for $25.00 (a steal right??). They were also nice enough to give me a couple of products to review (more on those later).

My very first organic manicure (even the polish was organic!)

I heart my pedicure in "For Audrey" blue.

After getting pampered I raced over to meet the hubs for lunch. He was working today so I just happened to finish up right in time. We decided to have lunch at Hickory Farms. And, no we didn’t just have beef stick samples and crackers! (Ha!). It turns out you can get wraps in there and they are really good. I chose turkey, cheese, and loads of veggies. I also grabbed a bag of chips and a diet black cherry soda. I ❤ Black Cherry anything so I was pretty excited to find this.

The rest of my afternoon and evening were less than exciting. I paid bills, ran errands, paid more bills, ran more errands and bought all of those random last minute “oh yeah we do need one of those before we leave” items.  The hubs joined me and we finished up the night spending WAY too much at Target. While we were there I decided to get Loreal foundation instead of buying department store foundation for like the one month I am tan (tan is relative in my world. We shall just say I am not see-through at the moment. hehehe.)  I will switch back to Mac in the fall. What is your favorite non-make-up-counter makeup?

After the errand running we stopped for a quick dinner. I picked up 1/2 sammie and chicken tortilla soup. I am just trying to maintain my 35 lb loss while on vacation so I am not stressing too much about food. My plan is to pick whole grains, veggies, and proteins, get in some workouts this week,  and only have a couple of indulgences while at the beach. When I get back I hope to be will be in the mindset to resume my weight loss journey. The mental aspect is more than 1/2 the journey. It’s taken me a while to accept that.

I hope to get in a little beach blogging this week and I will miss you all bunches! You can keep up with my vacation happenings through my twitter feed on the right of this page! Sandy Toes and Salty Kisses are coming my way!

Have A Happy and Healthy Week!

PS: You should totally enter my Delicate Soles giveaway. I am picking a winner when I return from the beach. Extra entry if you post the giveaway on your blog or facebook page!! xoxo

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The Cure For Anything Is Salt Water- Sweat, Tears, or The Sea

I found the quote in my title today and it sort of sums up how I am feeling tonight. Tonight I am getting a little more personal with the blog. For weeks now I have struggled with a plateau, a lack of drive (in many ways), and a plummeting attitude as a result.  I have thought a lot about it and sometimes it feels like that’s all I do. I think, I plan, I talk, and nothing is really getting done.

I’ve decided to use vacation as a time to rejuvenate and re-motivate. I am not going to try to lose any weight while I am at the beach. I do however plan to continue to maintain my 35 lb loss while I am there. When I get back I will be ready to take on the weight loss full force. I am just sick of trying and I am ready to do no matter what it takes. I am ready for the sweat and the tears. I am certainly ready for the sea. Sometimes all it takes is a little change in perspective to get us on the right path. I am going to lumber along until I find my path this week.

Aside from the OpenSky store that I have been talking about this week there are still more changes coming to the blog. Some of these changes are going to help this process along and in my opinion are long overdue.  Thanks for sticking with me.

I can’t be too down on things. Today was great. It was my last workday before leaving for vacation. I officially have 10 days of pure blissful freedom in front of me and I am excited! I am kicking off my vacation tomorrow with a great workout, a mani/pedi at an organic spa, and dinner /drinks with some friends at one of my favorite local places. Then, Saturday will be all about packing and buying those last minute vacation items and finally Sunday morning we will be on our way to South Carolina.

Thankfully tonight is our last night of operation “eat random items in the house”. You can’t hate too much on frozen pizza though I will be glad to get back to actual fresh food while we are on vacation.

I  did a pain free three miles for my training run. I think I was just too excited about vacation to care about the heat or the tiny lizards running around on the trail. Also, it was so crowded this afternoon. Sometimes that annoys me but tonight it felt like a kinship of sorts- a group of grumpy sweaty runners and cyclists brave enough to face the heat and humidity. 😉 Even though I am painfully slow I like being included in that group. People have been surprisingly supportive of me. There are a few jerks (always are right?) but for the most part I have felt welcomed in this community. I think it is more natural for someone to want to share his or her passion so in a way it makes sense. I was just finishing up as the sky opened up and it poured the rain. I smiled because I knew that somewhere out on the trails my hubs was getting drenched too!

I was also sure to get in my huge serving of water today. I have been feeling a little bit gross (yes that is the technical name for it) lately and I think it’s because I haven’t been drinking enough water. I think this ginormous pink container took care of that!

I finally finished up my list for the beach today. Are you a list maker? We always forget something when I don’t make a list. It’s one of life’s little necessary evils for me.

Tonight I am staying up late, watching cheesy movies and snuggling up the hubs and the pups. I cant think a of a sweeter way to start my vacation.

Have a Happy and Healthy Thursday!

PS:  Click HERE to enter my Delicate Soles giveaway for some fabulous rollable flats

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I Heart Shoes- Delicate Soles Give-Away

Did you happen to read my review of Delicate Soles this week? If not you can click HERE to read it. (Go ahead, I’ll wait). If you did catch my review then you know I am in love with these adorable rollable flats. They are stylish, functional, and fun!

The fabulous people at Delicate Soles are giving away a pair of Delicate Soles Rollable Shoes to one lucky Running in Pink Project reader. Your choice of size and color. Fun right?

Here is how to enter: (there are several possible ways to enter so please leave a separate comment for each entry)

1. Go check out the Delicate Soles Website and let me know what color you would pick
2. Subscribe to this Blog (its on a tab to your right) and leave a comment letting me know you’ve done this
3. Become a Fan of Delicate Soles on Facebook and leave a comment letting me know you’ve done this
4. Become a Fan of Running in Pink Project on Facebook and leave a comment letting me know you’ve done this
5. Add Running In Pink Project to your blogroll and leave a comment letting me know you’ve done this
6. Re-post (on your blog or facebook page) or retweet this giveaway and leave a comment letting me know you’ve done this.

Whew! Ok so there are tons of different ways to enter for both bloggers and nonbloggers alike. I will use a random number generator to pick a winner on Monday Aug 9th. (That is my first day back from the beach) which gives you a little over a week to enter. Delicate Soles will ship directly to the winner. 🙂

Good Luck!!

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I’m Just Beachy Keen

So what do you think? You think I can slide in at least one “beach named” blog each day before the trip? I leave on Sunday morning so I am going to give it a shot. 😉 Today was typical in terms of work and just general life. There were a couple of notable shining moments though.

• I got this awesome coupon from the COACH outlets. My love affair with all things COACH is no secret and the beach just happens to be home to a COACH outlet so I am sure I will put this little guy to good use.

• I finally took the photos for my fun Delicate Soles review that I have been DYING to share with you.

• I am whittling down my work “to do list” like its my job. Heh. I am 6 items away from being ready to vacay!

• I got my 6th email from The Healthy Living Summit gals and am now officially signed up to attend a Yoga Fusion class at Chicago’s fabulous Exhale Fitness Spa. How cool is that?

In honor of the countdown to vacation I am going to  include a little tip on staying on track while on vacation each day until I leave. Today’s diet/fitness while on vacation tip: Plan some activity. Vacation is awesome for sleeping in and laying out (don’t get me wrong) but it is also great for early morning runs on the beach (or to explore a new city), biking up the boardwalk, or simply a walking tour. The hubs and I are taking our bikes and running shoes to the beach this week!
I will be back tomorrow with some “moves and eats” but until then….

Have a Happy and Healthy Wednesday.

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Baby Your Feet (Delicate Soles Product Review)

So my penchant for shoes likes these….

is why I need shoes like these.

BUT the fabulous features, colors, and style of Delicate Soles are why
I want them.

Other than the occasional pedicure our tootsies have a pretty rough go of things. We cram them into heels, wedges, peep-toes, and boots. We use them to run and workout. We walk across campuses, offices, and shopping centers. Our feet carry us through it all. Why not baby them a little in return?

Delicate Soles are a fantastic pair of shoes that you can put on and get immediate relief from high heel pain. They are also great for just tossing on and wearing on their own. I have been living in these fabulous pixie dust ones since they were sent to me to review. (I love a pink shoe!).

Delicate Soles are comfortable, durable, and cute. They may look, well, delicate but in fact are sturdy enough to wear out for a day of shopping, to the office, or walking the pups. (Carrie is pleased these shoes match her collar). 😉

The other fun thing about Delicate Soles is just how tiny you can make them. Simply roll the shoes up, place them in their delicate soles bag, and they fit comfortably in your gym bag, briefcase, or even your purse. How perfect would that be after a night out with friends to slip these on for your walk from the restaurant to the cab or from the club to your apartment?

I can think of oodles of great uses for these adorable flats. You could give them as part of your bridesmaid’s gifts (I’m sure my girls would have greatly appreciated that).

You could give them as a baby shower gift for when mom’s feet are starting to swell a little. They would be great for a runner to put on after a race, a 20-something to put on after dancing the night away at a club, a 30-something to put on while commuting to and from work or for anyone to put on to just look stylish and cute. Personally, I cannot wait to use mine later this month when I fly to Chicago! They are going to fit SO nicely in my carry-on.

Delicate Soles come in a variety of colors ( I think I am buying the red ones next) and 3 sizes (S, M, L). The website has a guide to assist you in picking the size that is right for you.

They are portable, easy to incorporate into your wardrobe and have a great price-point- 19.99 with free shipping! (I love some free shipping).

(source)

I am a total shoe girl and I heart these flats! Delicate Soles = Happy Feet. 😉

www.delicatesoles.com

Disclaimer: This product was sent to me by Delicate Soles to review
but the opinions expressed in this blog are my own.

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Some OpenSky Q & A

My post yesterday certainly did a great job of stirring up excitement with several of you and I got a few questions from readers that I thought I would address here:

Q: Do you work for OpenSky?

A: Nope. I am not employed by OpenSky. It is not a job. This is more
like a collaboration (think Eminem and Rhianna), 😉 Basically I find
cool items that I love and OpenSky handles the transaction, gets you
your stuff, and takes care of things if you need to do a return,
exchange, etc.

Q: What kind of items will be featured in your store?

A: My blog features fitness, food, fashion, and fun as its four
staples. Everything I choose will fit into one of those categories. A
lot of my items will center around fitness/running, healthy eating,
and weight loss. That is what is huge in my life right now. But some
fun home décor or fabulous shoes might find their way in there too. 😉

Q: Why wouldn’t I just order from (place a department store name here)?

A: You can certainly still do that. My blog will continue to feature
tons of fun items, some of which might only be found at certain
retailers or websites. I certainly won’t stop my love affair with
Steve Madden shoes just because they aren’t an OpenSky item. The fun
thing about OpenSky is that it works with oodles of small (and large)
businesses to get their products out there. These are vendors you
might have a hard time finding otherwise. I am trying something
fantastic as we speak that is totally changing the way I recover from
a workout. I probably never would have found this product if not for
OpenSky.

Q: Are you going to talk about OpenSky in all of your posts?

A: Nope. When I review an item or have a fun item to share I will
offer a link to my OpenSky store (and hopefully some discounts along
the way) but otherwise my blog content will remain the same.

Q: What made you decide you wanted to partner with OpenSky?

A: My love for all things shopping aside- I wanted to partner with
Opensky after seeing OpenSky stores attached to other blogs. I think
it brings things full circle. Plus I love trying and recommending new
products. Finally, I just think it’s fun and something readers might
enjoy!

Q: Where I can I learn more about OpenSky? (Ok that was not a real
question but I thought you might want to know anyway) 😉

A: Check out their website at www.theopenskyproject.com

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Beach On The Brain

So I guess it’s a common ailment that right before vacation it is hard to think of anything else. The trouble with that is normally the week before vacation brings an extra busy work-week. At least that seems to be the case for me this week. I am trying to avoid going in on Friday so I have been doing 10-hour days this week. (Yes that is just as fun as it sounds). But, I only have one left, a normal 8-hour day on Thursday and then I am beach bound! (Well first I am pedicure bound because my toes are not looking their most fantastic). I am thinking “For Audrey” as my beached out toe color. What is your favorite pedicure color?

(source)

My 2.5 miles were all done at the gym today. It rained again. This seems to be a pattern on Tuesdays. The run went well though I have to admit I am feeling a little lazy today. I am blaming the rain.

Tonight I am making a to-do list for both my beach trip and my upcoming Chicago trip. I cannot believe The 2010 Healthy Living Summit is right around the corner! I am so excited to meet the girls who write some of my favorite blogs. I asked my husband if this made me a geek and he said yes. Ahem. I said I will just have to make geek chic. 😉 Thankfully my Healthy Living Summit roomie does not seem freaked out by my now daily emails. Im an excitable person what can I say?

The hubs and I are currently doing that super fun “we are leaving for a week so lets get creative and eat the random items in the house so nothing goes bad” thing. Tonight’s creation: Cheesy Mac with Veggie Pasta. 🙂

This is a very simple recipe. Simply take 1 box of whole grain pasta (or in this case veggie delight pasta)and prepare as directed. In a large skillet combine ground turkey, sliced onions, and any other veggies you have laying around. In a 2nd skillet make a béchamel (white cheese) sauce or simply buy a jar of your favorite store brand cheese sauce. Drain the meat mixture, stir in the cheese, stir in the prepared pasta and that’s it!

Now on to watch some of my new favorite cheesy show with the hubs… The Gates. Have you seen it?

Have a Happy and Healthy Tuesday (Ugh is it really only Tuesday?)

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Let’s Get it Started! (Something Exciting On the Way)

Are you excited yet? I have been hinting for weeks about some really
fun and positive changes coming to the blog. One of those changes will
be here on August 10th! (and it’s a change to get excited about!)

I often get asked about items featured on the blog. “Where did you
find your reusable water bottle?” Or “Where can I get a pair of those
shoes?”  I am so pleased to announce that I will finally have a simple
answer for you. (Excited yet?)

It seems like there are an infinite amount of items on the market
related to fitness, food, fashion, and fun (the staples of this blog)
and frankly I try out oodles of them (most of which are purchased by
yours truly). A lot of them suck truth be told and they never make my
list of favorites on the blog. But, when I find something that works
for me, that I can’t live without, or simply think is worth a try I
like to share that information with all of you. On August 10th I am
taking my sharing and caring to the next level. (Ok here it comes…get
excited!)

I am going to be linking my very own Open Sky Store to the blog!!! The
idea is really simple. When I find the next great fitness item, some
cute mixing bowls, or a fun item for the house (you get the idea) I
will blog about it just like I always have. The cool thing is I will
then be able to link you to a source where you can buy many of the
items you are interested in. (Fun Right?)

For anyone who reads Running In Pink Project regularly you know that I
Heart (with a capital H) shopping. I think it’s the bees’ knees, cats’
pajamas, or whatever you want to call it. Shopping is my thing. I
thought this would be a really fun way to unite my penchant for the
next great purchase with my other loves: blogging, fashion, fitness,
food and fun.

I feel like I need to mention that I am only putting items in my Open
Sky Store that I personally use and love. So you likely won’t see any
camel backs from me but an eco friendly tote might make the cut.

I will give you some more details over the next couple of weeks but
get excited with me girls (and guys) ;). We’re going shopping! I can’t
wait to get started!

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Oops!

I meant to post all about my super long Monday last night but my mind is somewhere else. Maybe it’s because I am leaving for the beach in just a few days!!

Or Maybe it’s because I had another zero loss on the scale this week and didn’t want to think about it. I mentioned in my last post that I am seeing a doctor about it when I get home from vacation. Im being told by everyone around me that I am “fine” and that my shape is still changing even though my weight isn’t but I still have such a long way to go. I think this visit will just bring some much needed piece of mind.

And finally, maybe I forgot to blog because I fell asleep in my chair right after my dinner of an egg on toast (ahem yes if that gives you any insight into how tired I was yesterday) and I didn’t wake up until this morning. I have no idea how I made it into the bed but whatever. I am now sporting 10 hours of sleep and a new outlook on the day!

But yes, the beach. Isn’t is hard to concentrate right before vacation? I want to pack and look up good food and fun stuff to do online.  But, I do plan to blog about not completely going off the rails while on vacation. I do think vacation is a fine time to indulge a little but not an excuse to have chips and Snickers for breakfast. I hope I can strike up that great balance and share my experience with all of you!

I am SO excited that my summer reading made it from Amazon in time for the trip! I usually get through 2-3 books in 7 days though you will notice they are just fun reads. 🙂 Any suggestions if I need to pick up a 4th read while Im at the beach?

I also couldn’t resist picking up these killer shoes from amazon. They were a steal at 23.00 and a huge thank you to a work pal for letting me copy her fabulous shoe style!

Oh yeah and this weeks training schedule:

• Monday Rest
• Tuesday 2.5 miles
• Wednesday Cross Train (Gym or bike ride for me this week)
• Thursday 3 miles
• Friday Rest (and a pedicure. Ok it doesnt really say that but thats what Im doing!)
• Saturday 4 miles

I will have a new review for you later this week. I HEART delicate soles so be on the lookout for that! Have a Happy and Healthy Tuesday!

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Country Roads

As you might remember (or rather might have read on the “About Me” page) I grew up in a small, boring, but lovely part of WV. The most frustrating thing about being a WV native is perhaps the stereotypes and jokes about the state and the people who live there. WV is actually quite beautiful and I am glad to get to go “home” and visit my family there. This weekend was the first time I have been to WV since November and I was pretty excited to hit the road on Friday.

In our rush to take the pups to visit their Grammy and Grampy (aka the hubs’ parents) we did not grab dinner in town. The hubs pulled into a McDonalds where I got a free (score!) smoothie and a chicken snack wrap. Turns out this was not the most filling choice but it worked in a pinch.

We settled in for the long ride to WV (3 hours). It felt like it took forever possibly due to trying to leave on a Friday evening when it seems every person on the planet has somewhere to drive. Dusk turned into dark and we finally made it to our hotel. I was starving and so so happy to see both a comfy bed and a basket of goodies. I had the pretzels and water and we shared the chocolates.

After some much much needed rest we got up Saturday morning and headed down to the “great room”. For breakfast. Besides the usual breads, pastries and cereal this breakfast had eggs, biscuits and gravy (which the hubs loved), cereal, boiled eggs, yogurt, English muffins, skim milk and fresh fruit. Loads of healthy choices. I was impressed. Not so impressive was the coffee (but of course we had some anyway).

After breakfast we headed out for some reminiscing, “site seeing”, and general fun having before heading over to my parents’ farm. Our first stop was Concord University (my college). I had lots of fabulous times when I went there and I loved getting to tell my hubs all about them. It also really made me miss my college BFF Casie.

Armed with his camera! ❤

My old college

After we left campus we headed on over to my parents’ farm. Ok I did not grow up on said farm. This is something that happened after I moved away. I was living in Memphis while this gorgeous place was being built (by my dad). So while it isn’t my home per say my family is there which makes it home to me.

This is an actual farm with food growing there and animals roaming about. The cows were super friendly during this visit and I was brave enough to sneak over for some close up shots.

It was so great to just be with my parents. My dad and I headed out to pick up lunch for everyone and he stopped along with way for me to snap some blog photos. These don’t do it justice at all but I wanted to show you all just how gorgeous home is.

The mountains seem to roll on forever

After lunch we went in my parents back yard to snap some photos and then we all piled into my parents’ jeep to head into the mountains for some more bonding and picture taking.

My Parents' back yard

Bryan and I

The drive into the mountains/country was full of twists and turns but the view was totally worth the car sickness. 🙂 The guy who owns this land came out to talk with us and gave us permission to walk around and snap photos. He also invited us back in the fall when the leaves change.

After our little trip out it was time for dinner.  Nothing is as yummy as a meal from scratch from your mom. Even the bread was home-made. Yum!

After a few more hours with the fam we parted ways. Bryan and I headed out to see Inception and we watched the sun set on a most fabulous day.

This  morning, after deciding to skip the crappy coffee,we headed back to Virginia. We stopped in Roanoke for a quick lunch at Fork In The Alley (which I LOVE). We had gourmet hotdogs (the smell sucked us in), fries, pickles, and water. Not the best choice. After another zero loss on Saturday I have decided to see a doctor when I get back from the beach and Chicago to rule out any medical issues. I am not too concerned since I have lost nearly another full size in clothing.

It was so much fun to go “home” as a tourist. It always feels a little weird to be a visitor in the place that once was your home.  But I was so happy to see my mom and dad and I hope to visit them again really soon. Tomorrow I get back to my running and diet (and regular blogging) but I wanted to share a little piece of my past with you. Have a Happy and Healthy week!

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