March Recap & Fashion Fast Update

It's April!
Winter is over!

Well, sorta.
This is Iowa.

We definitely had more sunshiny days versus cold ones and I'm glad to say things are finally turning green with the rains of this month.
Even though the rain never stops.
I'm not complaining.
Sorta.

March came and went so fast. I literally blinked and we were 2/3 of the way through the month.
However, I did manage to meet some of my goals:

- Run 100 miles this month: I made 111 miles in the month of March! This turned out to be a goal that kept me sane during this busy month. You can follow all my training on dailymile (I have a widget on the sidebar)
- Finish War & Peace: I'm still reading. I have less than 500 pages to go and a few days to finish. I'm hoping to wrap this up mid-month. I have now checked this out from the library 4 times....

- Send out wedding save the dates: DONE!

- Make some progress on baby Gwen's blanket: About halfway. I didn't have as much time to work on this during March as I would have liked, but it'll get done in April. 

Here is a little update on the rest of my goals for 2013:

- Spend time in the word and prayer more

Thanks to some amazing She Reads Truth plans for Lent and Holy Week, this has been easy. Our small group also started back up and I'm feeling very encouraged and blessed by the things I'm reading in the Bible. I think this is the first time in my life that I really WANT to read the Bible. All of it. Over and over. I want to be one of those people that can relate real-life scenarios to a Bible story.

I've been trying to pray more often and more effectively. She Reads Truth plan for post- Easter is all about prayer and I'm learning so much! Mornings with devotions and prayer has really become a special time for me.

- Stop over committing (rule of 2)

This has been pretty easy. I think I'm getting better at saying 'no' and not having a license sort of makes it impossible to do just do whatever, whenever. I'm really, really, looking forward to tax season being over so I can spend time reading and sitting on my patio writing.

- Get simple (fashion & spending fast)

I broke down.

I forgot I scheduled a Stitch Fix box for the last week of March as a reward for not buying anything for the first quarter. This was before I decided to not buy for the whole year.

Of the 5 things, there were 2 shirts I really liked.

So I caved.

See? how could I resist? I'm calling it an early birthday present and I made myself get rid of 4 shirts as penance. #balance

As for other spending, we booked a trip for our birthdays and I hired a painter for my house...so yeah. I see the trip as a good investment and treat for us. We are seeing one of our favorite bands and visiting lots of friends. It will be a really good time and probably the only trip we take this year. Also- we paid cash for it with bonus/tax money so I didn't charge anything.

- Eat (mostly) vegan

I think I've mentioned more than once how my sugar habit is out.of.control.

Jami did a #whole30 and is now all hatin' on sugar. Like the sugar police.

(I kid, I kid. She's awesome and I live close enough to her we could be real life friends. That may just happen.)

But anyway- it inspired me to be more mindful about my sugar intake and QUIT FEEDING MY FACE WITH DESSERT.

Seriously.

I haven't broke myself of the chai or the latte (I love that creamy spiciness), but I do sugar free when I can and I'm considering a pre-30 years old 30 day clean up of me. In honor of getting old.

At this point, I'm picking one day a week that I get a treat on. This varies because things come up. Last night I had this.

I split it with T and it has vegetables in it so it basically doesn't count and makes up for the vegan peanut butter cup I had on Monday.
Right?

Obviously, I have work to do here.

Use the #imoversugar hashtag on Instagram to share your healthy eats. It's super inspiring.

Also, check back Saturday for  a Homemade Larabar Recipe.

- Give priorities priority (more family, regular volunteering, scheduled write sessions)

I got to spend a lot of time with family this month.

Maybe it doesn't seem like a lot but we aren't the 'see each other every week' kind of family, so a birthday dinner, Easter celebration and whole day with my nieces was a special treat.

Volunteering is going great. I love, love, love serving food to my people downtown.
I'm actually signing up for more days and hoping that I can get to know each one of them a little better.

My scheduled writing sessions have been damnear impossible during tax season, but I expect that to change very soon.
I can't wait.

- Rest in the big picture

You know, T and I have had so many talks about our upcoming marriage and what our future will look like. I was dealing with my old house this month (finding a renter which came through- seriously, Praise Jesus) and we had a serious discussion about our future living arrangement and fears with being in such close quarters together.
We love each other. A lot. But we also love our alone time. It was good to admit that and talk through all those things we might be feeling a little nervous about. And also, to remember that we get to be married. To each other.
It's pretty exciting stuff.
Our future is so bright and the big picture in front of us is an adventure I can't wait to start.

Goals for April:
-#imoversugar: Give this a real shot. No excuses
- Finish War & Peace: i swear. this time. for real. I WILL FINISH.
- Blanket: It's going to be too warm for blankets by the time I finish if it's not April. So this one is getting top priority.
- RELAX:  #restisbest Tax season is coming to a close. Bike season is starting. Taco Tuesdays!! Yesssssss.

How was your March? Can you believe 1/4 of the year is OVER??

What goals do you have for April? What is your favorite thing about spring?

Talk to me, people.

Sunday Seven: 4/7/2013

Even though I had to work almost all weekend....

I didn't let it get me down.
It was absolutely beautiful!!

1. If you follow me on Instagram, you probably saw a barrage of pictures Saturday starting with 1st shorts and tshirt run of the season!

 It was awesome. I got in 8 miles with my girlfriends before I set off for breakfast with this guy before work:

He's my favorite. <3

2. Also, I know not that many people care, but our teams played each other in the NIT tournament this week.

 The Hawks prevailed, but then we lost the championship. Bummer.

3. I'm sort of obsessed with eating everything out of a mason jar.

Tomorrow, read about all the best Mason Jar Foods.

4. Favorite screen shots of the week:

Apple Pie Smoothie- I def want to try

Avocado fries?? Yes Please.

HA! I love this. 

I definitely want to try this

5. I've read Andie's blog for a couple years and I revisited it this week looking for a recipe. These posts: losing your fear of food and being constantly hungry, definitely gave me some food for thought. (pun intended). I yo-yo with food and it's about time I strike a healthy balance.

6. If you haven't gotten your ticket for Influence Conference 2013, you should read this post. I have a little blurb!

7. This week finally felt like spring. There were so many signs of warmer days to come:

Iced coffees

New run shoes!

YELLOW

Patio dinners

How was your week? Are you finally enjoying some signs of spring? Morning and evening walks are good for both me and Roxydog. 

More About Me: The Liebster Award

Just a couple of weeks ago, my dear friend Barbie nominated me for the prestigious Liebster Award!
(sidenote: According to Barbie, this award is one 'fellow bloggers give to boost confidence and give props,  of sorts.' I'm just grateful to be picked to share!)

Here is how this whole thing goes down!

The Rules:

1. You must thank the person who nominated you for the award.

2. You must write eleven facts/things/tidbits about yourself.

3. You must answer eleven questions that were given to you from your nominator.

4. You must nominate eleven other bloggers who have 200 or less followers and tag them in your acceptance post.

5. You must create eleven new questions for your nominees to answer in their acceptance post.

6. You must notify your eleven nominees on their blog, so they can accept their award and pay it forward.

7. You must not nominate the person who nominated you.

8. After all of this is complete, you may add the Liebster Award Button to your blog.

So here goes:

Thank you Barbie for nominating me for this award! I'm looking forward to sharing some stuff about me (like you don't already know everything on this here blog...) and also answering your questions. They are good ones. :)

Stuffs about me:

1.  I never used to paint my nails, 'do' my hair or wear makeup. In the past few years all of that is changed. I'm getting girlier in my old age.

2. I like lace. A lot. This is a new-to-me obsession.

3. When I was in 5th grade I won the spelling bee. I do not remember the winning word. I do remember my losing word was 'orchestra' in 4th grade.

4. Recently, I decided that if given the opportunity to be a homesteader- I would. Stay home and cook and garden and create all day. I would write novels and have fresh baked bread ready at all times. Ahhh.

5. I'm a city girl. Love the city. Oddly contrasting to number 4. I think you can be a homesteader in the city though.

6. I used to be really afraid of cemeteries. Like hyperventilate if I had to go in one for a funeral. Now, one of my favorite running routes is through a cemetery. I find it so peaceful.

7. I had a scary experience on a plane last year and now I get a little nervous each time I fly. I'm hoping it is a phase that will wear off because someday I want to travel the world.

8. Besides running for miles and miles, the kitchen is where I work off stress. There is a rhythm and satisfaction in cooking a meal or baking some delicious from start to finish.

9. I expect and gladly anticipate that 5 years from now my life will look quite differently.

10. When I was a kid and would get mad at my parents, I'd stuff a bunch of clothes in my pillowcase and threaten to run away. My mom would let me wander around the block but I'd always come back. I didn't know if I could live off leaves and twigs. I like food too much.

11. I'm sort of a conundrum- I'm a coffee-drinking, intellectual, Christian who likes crude humor, whiskey and tattoos. Makes perfect sense. :)

Questions from Barbie:

1.  Three items that you would be lost without on a deserted island.
Bible, Lotion and Writing things

2.  The color and make of your dream automobile.
Rolls Royce. Suicide Doors. Blacked out. Driver. Me in the backseat.

3.  Your favorite random memory from growing up.
Playing Yahtzee with my dad and sisters. It drove my mom crazy with all the noise. HA

4.  Is your happy place on a beach, on a trail in the woods, or on a boat?  why?
Hmmm...this changes for me. I love the water- beaches and boats. But I'm learning that mountains and trails are also calming to my soul. Can I say both?

5.  The reason that you started blogging.
An old journal and Thai food fortune told me so.

6.  Your idea of a perfect morning.
Today! I got up and read my #shereadstruth, had a great run with a friend, then we had great conversation over hot oats and coffee. Yoga and shower. Better would have been no work and hours writing in the coffeeshop. :)

7.  Ice cream…best invention, and favorite flavor?
Oh ice cream. Yum. Anything cake batter.

8.  Do you have a favorite book?
It used to be 'White Oleander' by Janet Finch. But it's been so long since I read that book I don't know if I still feel the same. I'm a big fan of James Frey and Jodi Picoult. Again- varied interests.

9.  What color would you dye your hair if you were unafraid of any consequences (chatter, job, etc.)
Purple. I love the color, plus I think it would awesome with my brown eyes and darker complexion.

10.  What is your favorite social media platform?
Instagram. Photography is my favorite.

11.  Favorite number, and why.
8.
My birthday is the 17th. 1+7=8
T and my anniversary is on October 8th.
His birthday is on the 18th.
It's an even number.
I'm a weirdo.

Here are my nominees!

Holly from Girl with the Camo Heels
Deena from 6monthsto100K
Courtney from LivewithLess
Dannette from Chillmoms
Sarah from In Lak'ech Mexico
Kimberly from ThisHealthyEndeavor
Lisa from Lisa Yarns
Mackenzie from Classy Girls Don't Kiss in Bars, You fool
Erin from SoZealous
Mandy from Leaming Log
Emily from Emily Sparkles


Questions for nominees:

1. What is your favorite thing about your personality?
2. Are you a cat or dog person and why?
3. If you had to pick one item of clothing to wear everyday from your current wardrobe, what would it be?
4. What accomplishment in your life are you most proud of and why?
5. If you could live anywhere, where would that be?
6. What is the weirdest dream you've ever had? (that you can remember)
7. Name your top 3 favorite songs.
8. Most loathed food.
9. Something you could get lost for hours doing.
10. Sun or snow?
11. A person that has changed your life and why.

Hope you enjoy this readers and fellow bloggers!!

Favorite Instagrammers & Screen Shots

I realized the other day that I'm addicted to taking pictures of my iPhone screen.
If I see a recipe I like on Instagram or a cool picture, I'll screen shot it to save for later.
Besides Pocket, it's my next favorite invention.

So here is a little bit of what I've been Screen-Shotting (I'm sure that is not grammatically correct) lately:

First of all, if you don't yet, you should follow all these people:

@treehouseohm on Instagram. Zaiden is awesome. She always posts pictures and quotes that challenge my mind and my body. Plus- she's a little sassy and I like that in people. Here are a few awesome things I've found on her instagram:

Workout Part 1

Workout Part 2

Workout Part 3

 I think between these 3 screen shots I have a few things to help keep my fitness mixed up. I'm really interested in trying the 4 minute plank workout.

I love this quote. And someday I'm going to get that bendy. 

These look super delicious. And easy. And nutritious. 

Here are a couple other inspirational fitness people from Instagram:

Elliebean of @Raeble_Raeble: Vegan gal training for a goal weight. She posts a lot of motivational type things and tips. With a little humor mixed in.

I don't know if this burns 1000 calories, but I bet it sure feels like it! 

This makes me laugh. so. hard. 

I love workouts you can do while you are doing other stuff- easy peasy!

I did a little Internet research on this one...and it appears to be true. SUPER interesting. Especially to those that have issues with cholesterol. 

@InstagramFitness: This account has food and fitness. They feature other people who are pushing their fitness levels. It gives me ideas and reminds me that my body is capable of much more than I think it is.

These look awesome

@SimpleGreenSmoothies: I'm pretty sure I've mentioned the 30 day challenge before. I did it for the month of January and pretty much have made this a lifetime commitment- green smoothies often. So good for me! Here are a few recipes that caught my eye:

This protein power drink sounds delicious

I love cranberries and thought this sounded like a great winter recipe.

I love avocado in a smoothie- it's really good. 

I still haven't tried the frozen grapes or goji berries, but I'm adding this one to my list. 

@kmaecags: Krissy is a beast in the best sense of the word. She pushes her body to the limits when working out, has a super interesting story (recovering addict to creator/owner of BAMFit) and some BA tattoos.

This workout scares me. 

Another healthy ball recipe. Try not to laugh when you read that. 

@Mealprepmondays: I'm a huge fan of prepping meals before the week begins. Make lunch and snack packing for work easy. Plus- takes the guess work out of meal planning and grocery shopping. This account always motivates me and gives me ideas on how to mix it up.

African stew? I'll try it. 

I love anything with Dijon and goat cheese. 

Here are a few recipes from my favorite people:

Jenna from Eat, Live, Run

Yum. I love Thai.

Kim from This Healthy Endeavor

I love bananas in anything. 

Amber from Girl with the Red Hair

I'm addicted to Brussels sprouts

And a few more things just because:

That one time Josh Wolf responded to my tweet:

When I 'quit' twitter for awhile and then nonstop tweeted for a whole day.

Klout is so crazy.

A little gem I found in my notes on my phone. I really do love my fiance's hometown.

Do you use the screen shot feature on your phone? Do you love instagram as much as I do?

Hope you are having a good weekend!

Sunday Seven 2-3-13

I can hardly believe it's already February.

January came and went faster than you can say 'Happy New Year!' and here we are just 11 days shy of Valentine's Day.

Yowzers.

With all the exciting things happening this year, I have a feeling the remaining months of the year are going to go just as quickly. 

All evidenced by the fact that Punxsutawney Phil didn't see his shadow.

Spring is coming EARLY!

Which means....

I love bright colors when running outside,
safety first!

Purple windbreaker + SF hat=
Favorite Run outfit. 

1. More running outside! I got in 2 runs outside this week, one on Tuesday and one Saturday with my buddy Jamilee. It felt good to breathe fresh air and run naturally. The treadmill always makes me slack on form. 

I got in 18 miles this week. A few short of my goal, but I felt pretty good about the quality of runs I got in- speed work and conversational pace. Our Saturday route ended up pretty hilly so I covered that too!

 (PS- I have a new running widget on my side bar- check it out! Find me on DailyMile)

2. I worked from home a lot this week.

 One day because I had some business downtown, another day because of this:

And then ANOTHER day because of this:

Roxy really loved having her mom at home:

She loves sleeping in this basket

On Thursday, I didn't feel so hot. Just started feeling really yucky and took the afternoon off to rest (#restisbest!) I ended up sleeping all afternoon- waking to eat some really delicious avocado toast, dozing back off for a couple hours- up to eat again and do a little work stuff, then back asleep until almost 7:30 the next morning. 

I guess I was a little tired? Just glad I avoided getting whatever was creeping on.

I'm also very glad I have an employer that enables me to work from home and take time off when I need it!

3. Speaking of rest...Wednesday night I got to hang out with this guy a little. I cooked us dinner, then we chatted over a beer about wedding plans, our recent church sermon series on 'Living Generously', and the new The Lone Bellow album.

I really like him. <3

4. In my Pocket this week:

• If you read my blog or tweets or instagrams and think why does anyone run that much?!?? - you should read this. Lisa explains the love I have for running in the best way.
• Don't believe it, overcome the lie.
• As a soon-to-be married person, I found this article from Relevant Magazine really interesting.
• So glad someone said this. I can't do Paleo either.
• Wanna be exceptionally healthy? Try these 9 things.

5. I love getting mail.

This week, this came:

Check out A Suburban Menagerie to get in on the study!

And these!

And these!!

Mail and impending marriage are the best.

6. Remember when I mentioned not feeling well Thursday? Well, on Friday, I made sure to eat super healthy and stick with my Simple Green Smoothies and I'm sure that's what made me well.

 I drank a green smoothie every single day of January and I'm keeping it up. Between that and the Kombucha I drank...I felt like a ROCKSTAR.

7. Saturday night date night!

Music from one of our favorite local bands (their new album was recorded in the old building right next to my condo!)

It's back baby.

How was your week? 

What was the highlight?

For me- it was date night with T- live music, cocktails and conversation- the best!