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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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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Shoes

It is no secret that I puffy heart shoes. I just love them. I buy
shoes with friends, buy shoes alone, and I even go to shoe charity
events. I love heels, flats, boots, sandals- really I haven’t met a
shoe I couldn’t grow to love. Today, however, my shoe buying was more
purposeful and necessary rather than a luxury. I went shopping for new
running shoes! I start training Monday for the Disney Wine and Dine ½
Marathon and I wanted to have a weekend to break in my new kicks
before putting them to work.

I am learning how particular runners are about shoes, and with good
reason. The wrong shoes can cause discomfort while running, foot pain,
hip pain, and take a lot of enjoyment from the act of running. In
taking the advice of my real life pal Casie “You have to find the
shoes that are right for you”.  This is not always the easiest
process.

I started out my journey into the world of running with some $39.99
Asics from Kohls. I used these to train for the 2010 Princess ½
marathon, used them in the race, and never had a foot or joint issue.
They were great. Needless to say when they took their last steps (rest
in peace sneaks!) I was pretty excited to “upgrade”. I thought for
sure being fitted in an athletic store (note: not a running store
which was my big mistake) and paying 100+ for a better version of my
Asics would enhance my performance. It turns out that was not the
case.

I started to have terrible heel pain and leg pain. I knew I was both
lighter and in better shape than when I’d trained for the Princess ½
so I could not figure out where the pain was coming from. Then it hit
me. It was the shoes.

So here is some advice for those out shopping for their first pair of
running shoes.

• Go to a proper running store and get a fitting. Almost every town has one. They are knowledgeable people who are there to help you!

• Take your time. Buying running shoes is different than buying those  awesome vintage ballet flats. Chances are those ballet flats wont cause debilitating injuries-the wrong running shoes can.

• More cash does not always equal better shoes. My $39.99 Kohls shoes were perfect for a beginner and they didn’t break the bank!

• Research. You can learn a lot from reading other blogs and searching running sites online.

As for me, I am the happy (and now proud) owner of some $39.99 Asics.
I do feel (after some encouraging words from runner/cycling pal Casie)
that if it works for me that is all that matters. With that said I
also have plans to take these shoes that work for me into a proper
running store and see if they can recommend something for me that
works even better. Until then, it’s just going to be my Asics, the
pavement, and me (and sometimes Harlow).

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Friday Night Highlights :)

Tonight was the kick off of my weekend mini-challenge to let someone else have complete and total control of the weekend. It made me smile when the hubs got home that he remembered we needed to take a couple of pictures for the blog. I was so excited about my outfit in my favorite summer color combo and we did a super quick Running in Pink Project photo session before heading out.

I had a sneaking suspicion this next part was going to be in the plans. Bryan decided “why mess with a good thing” and we stayed true to our Friday night movie out. Since I picked Killers last week it was his turn to pick this week and so he chose the remake of The Karate Kid. It was no cinematic masterpiece by any means but it was a lot of fun AND one of my most favorite odd occurrences happened: spontaneous outbreak of applause at the movies. I am not sure why this makes me smile but it does. It doesn’t happen very often but I heart it when it does.

Since the theater was at the mall the hubs decided we would take a little stroll. We went to the bookstore and then stopped to look at shoes. We found a pair of super cute Mukluks for me on final clearance for 10.00!! Crazy! They are black and cream and fantastic. I got on a Mukluk kick last winter and they rock my socks!! Speaking of shoes I am currently lusting after the following pairs-

• Pink rollable flats from Delicate Soles
• The Lorane by Steve Madden in blush
• The Vella in black by Nine West
• The Tracy by Dolce and Gabanna at Zappos

After the movie we headed out for Mexican food. I ordered a quesadilla with grilled chicken/shrimp/onions/mushrooms/peppers/goat cheese which came with rice and guacamole. I didnt touch the guacamole and I barely got through half of my food but it was still really good.

For tomorrow I was told “we are getting up early” and “pack a bag”. Stop by tomorrow night for an update and have a happy and healthy weekend.

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Smile It’s Friday~

So today kicks off my mini challenge of leaving the planning to
someone else for one weekend. That someone else is my husband and I am
patiently waiting for him to get home and let me know what’s going on.
It is kind of exciting to be the one just going along for the ride. I
am normally planning and timing and multi-tasking all over the place.
Instead I am blogging and scoping out the delicate soles website which is a
welcome change of pace. I will be sure to check in with you this
weekend and keep you updated on what the hubs has planned.

So far, today has been relaxing even though there was that whole going
in to the office thing involved. 😉 Sometimes I don’t work on Fridays
but I had to go in for a few hours today. I made the hubs and I ham
and egg English muffins with a touch of mustard for a quick “to go”
breakfast. I also grabbed an organic milk to make sure I got in my
serving of dairy.

Work was quiet as work tends to be on Friday and I was out and about
in that beautiful VA sunshine before I knew it! I had some errands to
run so I headed out to get those taken care of. Today I chose a work
to day out to date night dress. It was the yellow/gray/white dress I
was so excited about last week. I paired it with some strappy brown
sandals and a brown leather bag per the hubs request (hes precious
right?) and my oversized gray sunglasses that I picked up at Sex and
The City girls day out with Kristen a few weeks ago. I went simple
with the jewelry and added a cardigan to keep “the girls” in check. 🙂
I cannot sing the praises of these NY&CO Maxi Dresses enough. I got
oodles of compliments and whats awesome is it felt like I was wearing
my jammies all day. They are so soft and comfy. Pics to come later. 🙂

Now I am home from errand running waiting to see what the weekend has
in store. If you haven’t done so already you should enter my Armpocket
giveaway in your choice of colors! They are a really fun way to store
your stuff while you workout. 🙂 Have a Happy and Healthy weekend !

Just for fun: Any thoughts on what my husband might have planned this weekend? Gosh I hope it involves new shoes or Mexican food!! 😉

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Pretty Shoes in the Nest

I am excited about some change that will be coming to the blog in the next few months. I am about to embark on something a little different with my weight loss journey and I will be sharing it very pretty soon with all of you!

I had a great night at home with the hubs last night. While we were watching Glee (our favorite as a couple can both agree on it show) I decided to make some peanut butter cup brownies for him. I bake when I’m happy and right now I am coming out of some personal issues and am feeling better than I have in quite some time. I am not 100% but life is a process and I am getting there.  Of course I had to try said brownies butI managed to stop with one  and bagged the rest up for the hubs. He is running AND doing P90X so he can have the calories. 😉 Speaking of baking and happiness- I find I am nesting a lot lately. I am cooking and cleaning and care giving all over the place. The hubs and I want children eventually but now just isn’t the right time. I guess hubs, and the pups will have to deal with all of this domestic
diva-ness until a tiny running in pink project fan comes along!

This morning I was the one making the “to-go” breakfast sammies with whole grain English muffins, 1 egg, and 1 slice of turkey sausage. I also made one for the hubs but he prefers his with cheese (I don’t charge 60 cents for the cheese like McDonalds does though!!;) I also grabbed some V8 fusion and headed into the office.

Lunch was nothing exciting (which is sad) just left over stir-fry from Monday night.  Work was  work. I was mildly amused to find my boss and I were both sporting the same shoes. We picked them up at the CASA shoe event that several coworkers and I went to last month. She was a good sport when I asked her foot to pose for the blog!

After work (which I left right on time. Woohoo) I headed over to the gym. Wednesday is cross training or as I fondly referred to it today as 60 minutes of cardio hell. I was pushing myself hard. I feel like I have to in order to keep up with the fabulous people around me dropping weight like it’s their job. Maybe the course on self-comparison at the Healthy Living Summit this year will help me stop doing that.

Tonight’s dinner is whole grain spaghetti with loads of veggies and some ground turkey. Do you have a special spaghetti recipe you would share with me? I am looking for unusual twists on common dinners.

Tonight is some husband, puppies, TIVO bonding (in that order) and writing another card to my Grandpa. I always say he’s my original best guy and being hours apart I miss him like crazy. I am sending a get well card out to a pal ala Caring in Pink project as well as planning a little “urban camping” (ie a sleep over in my back yard) for this weekend. It was my husband’s idea and I am warming to it especially when I was cleared to sleep inside if I wished. Torches and s’mores
ingredients are on my list. What else should I pick up for this little adventure?

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Frilly Friday

So as I mentioned in yesterday’s blog I had banked enough hours at work this week to not have to go in today. Normally on these days I will clean, run errands, etc (all things I could have been doing today). However, today I decided to have some “Me Time”. I love my friends and family as fiercely as anyone can and I love being with them but every now and again every girl needs a little time alone. I know I am busting out yet another old school Sex and The City Quote but, “The most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you can find someone to love the-you-you love, well, that’s just fabulous.” Sometimes you have to take a little time for you! We all need to do that.

I started my morning pretty early since Bryan was up and getting ready for work. I had some organic whole grain waffles with organic peanut butter, a touch of honey and a V8 Fusion (not pictured).

About a 1/2 hour after breakfast I headed to the gym. My trip to the gym was weird but my workout was great. We can start with the weird. I go in and see a sign that says: Members The Ellipticals have not been stolen. They are being repaired and will be returned. Thank you. Random yes? I figured they were trying to make a joke but it was just odd. I hop on one of the machines and a super muscle guy comes over and asks one of the trainer “Where are the rest of the Elliptical’s?” (Umm read the sign helloooo. ) The trainer explains they are being repaired and this guy kind of loses his mind because none are open (never mind there were 10+ treadmills and tons of bikes or stair steppers he could do instead). Anywho he starts ranting about how “f-ing ridiculous it is” and how “this is bull-s*^t”. I so badly wanted to giggle at his temper tantrum but I was scared he was going to knock me in the floor and take my Elliptical! 😉 So I kept on keeping on. I did 60 minutes of the most intense cardio I have done in ages. I felt so great when it was done.  I am so glad I took this little hiatus from running this week. I am ready to go full force back to the trails next week.

After having a handful of All-Bran crackers I showered and got ready to go out. I opted for my new flip flops today. I LOVE plaid and I love flip flops so this was a no brainer when the hubs picked them out for me a couple weekends ago.

I was feeling very Springy so I decided to pull my hair away from my face which is something I never did last summer (in the fear that my face was too chubby). Its funny how things have changed. 🙂

Too bad the weather didn’t match my happy mood. Normally my drives to Roanoke are sunny and fun but everything today was gray.

I cranked the U2 and made the best of the weather situation. At least it didn’t rain. My first stop was Bubblecake to get my fix for the week. 😉 They make the best cupcakes on the planet. I am not kidding. I of course will cut mine into halves or thirds to enjoy in calorie controlled portions BUT I did get one to enjoy in its entirety and the BBQ tomorrow. Mmmm! I will have the calories for it and I am jazzed!

My Berry Shortcake Cupcake. YUM!

Tomorrow this cupcake is MINE!

French Toast Cupcake for Bryan

Cut into thirds to be eaten during the week. Mmmmm

After my quick stop at Bubblecake I headed over to do some shopping. I did not want to spend a ton so I was bargain hunting today. I ended up buying out of season which I do a lot. Since they were fall pieces I did not want to buy the size I am now. I am losing steadily so I bought the size I will be if I keep losing at relatively the same pace. It is not my goal size per say but rather a realistic fall goal size.

I picked up a couple of Spring shirts but then I found this cutness. I love this dress. I think it could work with a blazer at work, a colorful punch of color with a cardigan on the weekend or a shrug for a night out. The “skirt” part has pockets with casual it up a bit and I just think it’s a very cute look. Also, it must be last season because it was tagged $118.00 and I got it for under $20! Shopping Ninja I tell you!

The detail sold me!

After wandering around, trying on some clothes and shoes, and not finding a ton that I was crazy about I headed back through Macys to get to my car. On the way out I spotted a rack of these super cool kimono style shirts. They were 85% off. It was crazy. I tried one on in my current size to get a feel for the shape and they were cute. At $7.00 I could not help but pick one up for the fall. I could wear it with black pants to work or a skirt. My weekend plans would pair it with some dark denim jeans and fun shoes. Maybe my favorite find from the CASA shoe event last week.

The sleeves make me happy

Just a disclaimer: I am not a person who buys something just because it is a good deal. Im also not a cheapskate. 🙂 With that being said I LOVE bargain hunting. Its fun and its practical on those days when I want to get out and shop but my budget is a little tight. I had a great time trying on clothes and finding a couple cool pieces to buy.

After shopping I was really hungry so I looked around the shopping area for food.My options…

1. Pizza??? No
2. Chinese Food??? No
3. Soft Pretzels??? No
4. Fast Food??? No
5. Ben and Jerrys??? Hmmmm 😉 No

Since I did not have time to sit down in a proper restaurant I thought “I will stop at the grocery store since there is lots of food there”. 🙂 I grabbed a huge bottle of water and some sushi.  Salmon and Avocado. This is maybe the best avocado I have ever tasted. This was a big serving so I saved 1/2 for tomorrow.

I headed back home and waited for Bryan to get home from work. We headed out to pick up some food and supplies for a family BBQ tomorrow night. I am really wanting a burger (badly) so I got some 93% lean ground beef for myself, whole grain bun, fat free chips, etc. I will at least look like I am eating what everyone else is eating!

After the hunting and gathering we had a quick dinner out. I had some veggie soup with a touch of pesto and my 1/2 of a turkey and spinach artichoke panini with tomatos and onions.

And that was my Frilly Friday! Fingers crossed there is no rain in Virginia tomorrow or Bryan will have to eat dozens of burgers and a tie-dyed color sheet cake all on his own!

Have a Happy and Healthy Weekend!!

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