Sunday 7/ 7-6-14

I am snuggled up in bed after a long holiday weekend and I'm realizing how much I've missed sharing little bits of life and thought here. I've missed writing and I've missed interacting here. 

With half the year behind us and the other half full of possibility- I'm making new habits and reinstating old ones. I'm giving myself grace for the months I've slacked off sharing and I am excited to share about some big changes coming to my life.

In the meantime, here are 7 things I'm loving lately.

1. 3 day holiday weekends.

Need I say more? A day off work and days full of fun and friends and music at 80/35 was just what I needed.

2. Shellac

I'm addicted to getting my nails done. I'm too impatient to do my own and having a chip free manicure for 3 weeks makes me feel feminine and put together. 

3. Girlfriends

There was a time in my life when my close circle of girlfriends was very limited. I was skeptical of 'real' relationships with girls and I kept to myself. I'm now surrounded by the most amazing women and when we empower and encourage each other- the results are astounding. I'm so thankful for their influence in my life!

4. Family

In the past couple of months, I've had lunch with my sisters, a visit from my grandma and my cousin, birthday celebrations with my grandparents and a mom/daughter date. I'm enjoying spending time with  them and I'm looking forward to more summer celebrations!

5. Sunshine

I lone summer. I love heat. I loVe having a terrible short tan line from running outside. Keep it up Mother Nature- sunshine makes me happy :)

6. Reading

I'm not sure how it happened, but I slacked off reading for fun. Or really reading anything that was longer than a couple pages or a link on Facebook. I recently finished 'Prodigal Summer' by Barbara Kingsolver and it was soul soothing. What have you been reading?

7. Creative Spark

It's back. I wrote a poem last week. I have a couple of blog posts brewing and I'm even considering editing that book I wrote (yeah- remember that?) I am looking forward to sharing more soon.

What are you loving this summer?

Sunday 7: I'm Alive

Looking at my last post, it’s been awhile since I’ve been on the blog sharing. Over 2 months in fact. How’s that for consistency? 

Hmpf.

I could say I’ve been insanely busy (I have), and that I’ve been working a lot (I have) and that I just don’t have time (I don’t), but really- I haven’t been making writing a priority. At least not here.

I’ve been journaling my devotions most days and writing some other stuff here and there, but I haven’t been having a 2 hour coffee shop session a couple times a week and I really miss it. I’ve been to El Salvador and back, I’ve promoted with Arbonne, I ran the Cherry Blossom race in DC (bucket list!) and I’ve changed and grown and learned and thought and pondered and haven’t shared a single bit of that here. 

I will catch you up on ALL of those things. Soon. I promise.

But for today, here’s 7 things that are making me happy.

1. THIS!! Making time in my schedule to pack up my laptop and throw on my golashes and spend a rainy hour on a Sunday writing. I’m back friends.
2. SPRING. You guys- this winter was hard. Like, I spent countless hours being numbed by Netflix, eating snacks and outgrowing my sweatpants while the bitter cold and wind bore down outside. This was probably the most depressing winter I can remember for quite some time- for many reasons- and I spent a large chunk of the beginning of this year in a funk. Quite like the bulbs sprouting up out of the ground, I feel like I just woke up. And I’m ready to get back into life!
3. EATING CLEAN CHALLENGE. Just last week I started a 28 day eating clean challenge with Arbonne. It is almost exactly like a Whole 30 – eliminating allergenic foods and focusing on lean protein and lots of fruits and veggies. Can I tell you that I feel like a million bucks? And I also already lost 4 lbs of winter layer? I’m always surprised at how quickly I can slide back into bad habits and the minute I stop I feel better. I am promising myself to REMEMBER that this time and just stick with it. Also, the camaraderie our little challenge group has is amazing. I love swapping recipes and tips with these ladies and hearing about how great they are feeling.
4. EASTER. A week from today is Easter Sunday. I can hardly believe it’s here! I didn’t give up anything for Lent really, but I am doing a #lentchallenge to read the entire New Testament. It’s been trying. I’m a bit behind. But I’m committed to finishing. It’s been engaging and enlightening to read through the Gospels and about the growth of the early church and I’m learning so much. The Bible is full of so much wisdom and truth and I’m humbled every time I read it and learn something new. God is so good to us.
5. 84 DEGREES. Yesterday it was 84 degrees. I had the moonroof open, windows down and I was sweating. It was glorious. Enough said.
6. RUNNING. I just ran the Cherry Blossom 10 miler last weekend. This weekend I got in about 10 miles between Saturday and Sunday. 2 weeks from now is the 1^st Half- Marathon of the year and I am just stoked it’s racing season. Training has begun!
7. COOKING. I’ve been absent in the kitchen for awhile. I’ve made a lot of omelets, salads and mix of healthy take out items or meals of hummus and veggies these past few months. I’ve also ate out quite a bit. Doing this challenge has pulled me back into the kitchen and I’m loving it. I went grocery shopping this weekend and made some delicious and nutritious meals for lunch. I can’t wait till the farmer’s market starts next month and I can really start experimenting.

Speaking of cooking…tonight I’m making T and I Quinoa Power Bowls with grilled chicken- a challenge recipe that mixes quinoa with various veggies such as kale, carrots, garlic and tomatoes  and topped with grilled chicken. Look for a picture on IG. You know how I like to take pictures of my food. J

How have you been? What have I missed in your life? 

What’s your favorite thing about spring?

Sunday 7 1-26-14

I haven't done a Sunday 7 since October. Eeek.

January is almost over and we are in a new year. So much is changing and so much is the same. Either way, I have things to share. 

1. I feel it's important to mention this first because it's a big deal. I've made a pretty big decision about my future working self and it involves a lot less corporate and a lot more of being my own boss. I don't have all the details figured out yet, but I have made a goal to get out of the corporate rat race by the end of the year. It's going to be a lot of work and a lot of dedication, but I'm ready. It's time. (This article is cheering me on)

2. I've been working out a lot. Trying to get back up to 30 mile weeks and lifting 2-3 times a week. This means I'm spending a lot of time at the Y and getting up early. It's hard getting up in the dark to workout, but every. single. time. I'm glad I did.

3. It's January. For most of us, that means resolutions of some sort. I've been sticking to my 100 day challenge. I've missed 1 day so far and I don't plan on missing any more. It's been a dark winter and I'm still pulling myself out of the muck on a daily basis, but having intention and purpose helps.

4. I've been reading a lot. I have read 3 books so far this month and I'm currently in the process of reading 3 more. I don't know how to read one book at once, I like a variety. I highly recommend 'We Are Water' by Wally Lamb. Next up for me is Elizabeth Gilbert's latest. 

5. Movies. T and I have seen some good movies so far this year. American Hustle on our annual New Year's Day movie date and just this last week we saw Her. It is bizarre and beautiful. I love the cinematography and the story. Before you think it is a weird movie about a guy in love with his phone, go see it. The message is so much deeper. 

Post movie discussions at the brew pub

6. I'm leaving the country. In about 3 weeks I'll be spending a week in El Salvador with a group of people from my church. I'm nervous and excited and nervous and REALLY EXCITED. This is my first trip out of the country and my first mission trip. I also just got my first passport. So. many. firsts. If you think of it, pray for safe travels and open minds. I've had a little bit of weird anxiety dreams about this trip. Thanks friends.

7. Roxy is a senior citizen. My pup turned 8 this week. Which is really 56 in dog years which means she gets early bird specials and discounted movie tickets. Really, she just remains being the best heater/snuggler ever as evidenced by this sleepy Saturday afternoon nap picture. 

What have you been up to lately? Did you make any goals for 2014? How is your progress?

Life Lately (22/31)

I’ve somehow fallen out of my morning routine. It’s been over half the month and I’ve gotten a little behind on posts. I don’t think I have fewer ideas in my head, I think I just procrastinated, didn’t write during the morning and then lost them.

I moved just over a month ago and I’m not fully adjusted to my new place. I signed up for a new gym and I changed up my morning routine (added writing and some other things) and I haven’t gotten completely on a schedule. I find myself snoozing a LOT lately. Mostly because I can’t seem to fall asleep at night and am up WAY past my bedtime.

I’m hoping to get back on track this week – I feel so much better with a structured morning routine! I really do believe people need that to be their happiest and healthiest selves.

Besides the moving and stuff I’ve done recently, there has been a LOT going on.

For one, I’m starting a new business with Arbonne International. They are a 33 year-old health and wellness company that produces organic, allergen-free and botanically based products. I have been using their products for a few months and really enjoy them. Mostly I’m excited about the opportunities that running my own business create. I have a plan to open that coffee shop in a few years and Arbonne is my vehicle to get there!

I’m also doing something else pretty big in the next month.

My very first Purpose Project with MochaClub.

I will be raising $1000 to provide healthcare and HIV/AIDS care to 25 women for an entire year.

Isn’t that crazy?? $1000 will pay for all of that for a YEAR. I did the math on what I pay for healthcare insurance and $1000 doesn’t cover a year. I’m so happy to be raising money for women that don’t really have any other options. Once I raise the money, I’m doing a couple sort of BIG things:

1.       I’m eliminating 1/3 of my clothes. I’m going to be hosting a local boutique-esque sale at my apartment to sell off the 1/3 of the wardrobe I’m eliminating.

2.       I’m going on a mission trip. With the funds I raise from the boutique sale, I’m going to go on my very first mission trip to El Salvador with my church and Enlace. I’m SUPER EXCITED about traveling outside the country and partnering with such an awesome organization. Spanish lessons started this week!

I can’t wait to share more about these adventures with you in the next couple of weeks!

As for my personal life?

Things are really good.

I’ve gotten a lot of emails and texts checking in to make sure I was okay. I apologize, readers- I didn’t mean to get all kinds of Debbie Downer in my last few posts- just wanted to share some things on my mind. Life isn’t always super happy, you know? Sometimes it’s sad and sometimes it’s work and sometimes those sad, hard times result in something better. A relationship better defined and stronger than before. T and I have been working through some big things together and recently I feel like we’ve turned a corner. I’m happy to say that things are looking up for this little love story of ours. I appreciate all your thoughts, concerns, prayers and listening ears as we continue to navigate this new path we are on. The whole point is we are on it TOGETHER and that makes both of us pretty happy.

I haven’t done a Sunday 7 in a LOOOOONG time, so here are 7 things I’ve been into lately:

1.       Cooking. I made some ratatouille last night from the random assortment of CSA veggies I had in my fridge. It turned out to be pretty tasty! I’m happy to have time to be back in the kitchen messing around. Recipe coming soon!

2.       Fall. For real, Iowa, autumn looks GOOD on you. I love the crispy weather we’ve been having and I hope it stays a little longer. We had snow in the forecast this last week (noooooo!) and I’m hoping it holds off at least until Thanksgiving?

The most perfect fall tree. No filter necessary. 

3.       Yoga. I went back to my yoga studio last week and it felt really good to streeeeetch. I didn’t realize how much I needed that studio time. My good friends are back in the states from Mexico and will be teaching at various studios soon and I can’t wait!

4.       Running. This last weekend I PR’d my second marathon and I’m utterly and completely hooked. I’m already planning to run a spring marathon next year AND maybe a fall marathon. Gotta break 4 hours! #runjunkie

5.       Home. I’ve been feeling a real pull towards home lately. Just wanting to create a comfortable space and just dwell in it. I don’t consider myself too much of an introvert but lately, all I want to do is sip a hot drink, write and read things in this most comfy of new chairs.

So glad we decided the footstool was necessary. 

6.       Scarves. They’re back! I love this time of year. Layers and boots and scarves with every outfit. I can’t get enough.

Scarf courtesy of Olive Mountain Designs- get yourself one!

7.       Coffee. I have picked back up my coffee habit with a VENGEANCE. Seriously. I need to check the budget on that it’s getting ridiculous. Maybe that explains why I can’t sleep at night? HA.

So many things happening in my world. Change is here folks. I can feel my life shifting and some things falling into place and I’m pretty darn excited about it. Thanks for coming here every once in a while to read my ramblings and share in my ups and downs. This place has truly become a great place of reflection for me and I’m so glad I have people to share it with.

If you missed my guest post on Kingdom in the Kitchen this week, check it out on the Many Sparrows blog. Also, make sure you read the rest of the posts in Kayla’s series on Kingdom Living- great stuff!

Also, here are some thoughts form last week I finally got around to posting. Check them out and let me know what you think!

Day 16: When You Just Want Something Creamy

Day 17: Good Fruit

Day 18: Discipline

Day 19:

Day 20:

Day 21: Guest Post at Many Sparrows- Kingdom in the Kitchen

And if you are new to the My Morning Thoughts series, you can catch up on all the posts below:

Day 1: I love mornings

Day 2: Morning Routine

Day 3: Grandpa Marshall

Day 4: Foodie Probs

Day 5: Real Runners

Day 6: Moving

Day 7: Rest

Day 8: Nostalgia

Day 9: Settling In

Day 10: Receive and Believe

Day 11: 

Day 12: My Story

Day 13:

Day 14: Lessons

Day 15: Agreeable Conformity

Be well friends!

P.S. I wrote this post on Tuesday- the 22^nd…I obviously didn’t get back on track with a routine. 31 day of writing is harder than I thought. I guess my failure to get a post in everyday is a testament to how much of a commitment this series is!

Sunday Seven: 07-28-2013

I had high hopes of sticking to the entire #NaBloPoMo but honestly- I got a little bored of the topic prompts. And I don't want to write just to write random junk...so I took a couple days off.

I have been stockpiling a bunch of things in my Pocket and email so I wanted to share that with you today. Here's 7 genres I've been reading about lately. 

Grab yourself a cup of coffee or tea or an ice cold beer...whichever strikes your fancy...and sit back and enjoy!

1. Business-y reads

• This book, Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg, has been recommended to me by multiple people and I started reading it this week. WOW. Get yourself a copy- man or woman. I'm learning so much about my own psyche and how to conduct business and life as a female.
• In other words, don’t stay at the job for safe salary increases over time. That will never get you where you want – freedom from financial worry. Only free time, imagination, creativity, and an ability to disappear will help you deliver value that nobody ever delivered before in the history of mankind. Read this article, take a leap and change your life.
• I come back to this again and again. Make it tonight's homework.
• Quit wasting time.
• Be more productive every day.

2. Empowering reads

• I love this entire blog, but this post really stood out to me. What does it mean to be a radical homemaker? A feminist? A wife/homemaker/mother in today's society?
• Start a revolution today.
• Ask yourself these 2 questions everyday. 

3. Healthy Reads

• It's time to break up with that jerk, Monsanto.
• 22 habits of healthy people.
• Get your energy back.
• Why endurance athletes need green smoothies
• YES. Let's please stop doing this to ourselves.
• Flip the food pyramid and improve your diet.

4. Jesus-y Reads

• The whole damn world is a refugee camp. Thanks to my friend Laura for sharing this.
• My friend Kelsey shared this article. SPOT ON. 

5. Plum Crazy Reads

• This is old news but still insane. 
• His way of living is pretty extreme. Think you could do it?

6. Fun reads

• Videos on how to tie a scarf 9 ways- yah!
• This blog is fun. Lots of great ideas.
• I want to make this body scrub.

7. Foodie Reads

• I can't wait to dive into these recipes.
• New e-book on gluten/dairy/soy free cooking
• Chi chi chi CHIA!

Also, besides Lean In, I'm reading these books right now too:

It Starts With Food

God On Mute

What things have you read, stumbled upon, linked to lately that are stirring your mind and heart? What's inspiring you lately?

Sunday 7: Des Moines: God's Gift to Planet Earth

It's true.
I live in the greatest city in the world.

See?
I even have a t-shirt that says so.

My hood

But really, Des Moines is a pretty awesome midwest city.
In the spirit of Sunday 7 and my ever-evolving love for lists, here are 7 reasons I love this place:

1. Little big city. We have a downtown with bars and restaurants and music venues. But not so big that you have to worry a lot about crime or taking forever to drive somewhere. There is a great young professionals scene (voted #1 in the US for YP's!) and jobs aplenty with us being the insurance capital. It's a perfect size.

On the patio of the Hessen Haus enjoying a nice evening view of downtown

2. Music. We have an awesome music scene and get a lot of national acts in small venues here because we are sort of in the middle of some bigger cities

Greg Laswell & Ingrid Michaelson at Nitefall on the River 2012

80/35 Last Year

.

3. Proximity to bigger towns We are just a couple hours from Kansas City, Omaha, Minneapolis and Chicago. Can you say weekend road trips?


4. Food. Some of the best food I've ever had has been right here in Des Moines. We have a great local food scene with some pretty awesome chefs, including the one and only George Formaro- genius behind some of Des Moines best restaurants: Django, Centro, Gateway Market and Zombie Burger. Not to mention we have a fantastic farmers market.

5. Recreation. Des Moines is home to some fantastic bike paths that can get you from downtown to West Des Moines or to rural areas making commutes and Sunday Funday rides a breeze.

Des Moines is also home to Grays Lake, a 167 acre park surrounded by a 2 mile trail. There is a beach, picnic area, bird watching, rowing, etc. It's a great place to take a run along the water or meet friends for Yoga in the Park. 

It also boasts fantastic views of downtown at night. 

There are also great golf courses and parks a plenty. If you like the outdoors (and the weather cooperates), there is plenty to do!

6. The Culture. Besides being home to a pretty progressive music scene, Des Moines has a thriving arts and theater community as well. The Des Moines Art Festival is one of the biggest in the midwest (coming up at the end of this month so you should come check it out!)

And have I mentioned craft beer? We have quite a few local breweries here in town and next weekend will be hosting the 2013 Iowa Craft Brew Festival. Yum. 

Last but certainly not least....

7. The People. It's true, I'm a born and raised Des Moinesian, which makes me a little partial, but I really think some of the nicest people in the world live here. I've made some incredible friends and if it wasn't for this place, I never would have met T. So...definitely a reason to love this city a little more. :)

I'm linking up over at the Influence Network today- sharing a little bit about where I live with all the other fabulous ladies. Check it out HERE

Ten for Tuesday

1. I didn't do a Sunday Seven this week because I was at the tax office all weekend. But you know that means? Tax season is officially OVER. And I can go back to being #1joblady.

2. I still can't believe what happened yesterday at the Boston Marathon. It's heart-breaking and terrifying and  just plain evil. Pray for the victims, their families, the medical personnel, the investigation and most of all- for humanity. We are a people that seriously need saving.

3. I made Nicbars. My version of a Larabar. You're welcome.

4. It's looked like this for days around here.

Where the heck is spring?? It's cold, windy and yucky. 

At least the green popping up gives us hope it will eventually warm up!

4. I tried this as a warm-up before my Spartacus workout yesterday:

Um yeah.

 I only did half and I thought I was going to puke. HA. 

Thanks Julie! It's a goal now to get through this entire thing with no breaks. 

5. Today I had the opportunity to hear the CEO of my company speak to over 2000 of our team members here in Des Moines. It was really cool. Reminds me how lucky I am to work for an ethically sound and caring company. Also, he's from the Twin Cities. Midwest represent!

6. Once, with my friend Jane, I had this cheese called Fromager D'Affnois (super frenchy sounding). 

Anyway, it's a creamy delicious white cheese that has the consistency of butter and I was super stoked to find it at my favorite local grocery store. 

Which means for breakfast on Sunday I made this:

Pretty much the best sandwich ever. 

7. I am finding that I have more free time on my hands now that I'm not doing social media for the next couple weeks. Which means I am 30 pages away from finishing War & Peace. Believe it. I read almost 500 pages this weekend.

8. We are doing a series on marriage, sex and singleness at church right  now. It's super fascinating and timely for me. Tomorrow, T and I start premarital counseling. I'm so thankful for our small group and the open and honest discussions we can have. It really is a blessing. 

9.  In 3 short weeks I'll be running the Flying Pig Half Marathon in Cincinnati with my friend Kim. I'm so excited! I definitely need to start researching the best local coffee and eats in town. :)

10. Coming up with 10 things is harder than I thought. So I'll leave you with this quote from our small group study guide:

“When I have learnt to love God better than my earthly dearest, I shall love my earthly 

dearest better than I do now.” - CS Lewis

Happy Tuesday. 

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. 

This and That

How was your Easter Weekend?

We were busy living life so today you get a little bit of what I would have done had I been paying attention to what day it was. 

#FMF

My Friday morning routine changed a couple months ago and since then I've pretty much fell off the Five Minute Friday wagon. 

BUT, you  are getting it now. On Tuesday (or Wednesday when most of you will probably read this).

Broken

I was getting a mug out for hot tea when one of my favorite antique teacups fell off it's hook and tumbled onto the counter- the handle flying off in multiple pieces.

Broken.

I found each of the pieces and set them and the mug to the side. 

One of these days I'll find the super glue and put it back together.

It may not be as sturdy as it once was and it will have some visible seams but it will still be useful. The design is not marred so even though it's repaired, it's just as beautiful as an original unscarred cup. 

I think of myself as that cup sometimes.

I've fallen and all of me has felt scattered and lost about.

But I think that is where Jesus comes in. 

He finds all those little bits of us and puts us back together. He might not do it right away, but eventually he'll help us to glue all our bits back together. Maybe we won't be exactly the same- we all wear scars of decisions gone wrong. 

But just as beautiful as when he very first created us. 

I love that 'broken' was the word for #FMF. Perfect for Easter weekend when we think of how broken we are, but also how whole we are because of the gift God gave us through his son Jesus. 

Speaking of Easter....

Sunday 7 3-31-13

1. We had an awesome service on Sunday.

The message was really good. Powerful. 

And we were all dressed up in our Sunday best!

 2. We celebrated Easter on Saturday with my family.

It was a great day. 

Love this picture of the kids. Can't wait to get a big one printed. 

Also, it was my Grandma's 75th Birthday. She's awesome. 

3. Friday I took the day off work to hang out with these ladies.

Being an aunt is seriously the best. :)

We even baked their mom a birthday cake. Hopefully it tasted better than it looked...

4. I really loved this article on finding your passion. And this one on the future sustainability of Earth. I haven't been adding a lot to Pocket because I've been pretty absent from Twitter....

5. I got some good news this week so I celebrated with a cookie dough tornado. It was well worth it. 

6. Lent is over and I get to have coffee again. But I also have a lot of thoughts about what I learned during Lent about fasting and the lack of self-discipline I have...more to come on that.

7. These are the last 2 weeks of tax season. I. cannot. wait. to be back to normal. I'm pretty burnt out on being a #2job lady.

I've been doing a little writing over at Thought Circus. You should check it out. And read all the other posts too- so much good, thought-provoking stuff out there. I feel very blessed to be a part of it!

AND- since you didn't get a meatless munch from me this week- you should just make this. Trust me- it's good.

What have you been up to? How was your Easter weekend? Did you eat ridiculous amounts of chocolate and go to church with your family?

Sunday Seven 3-24-2013

It's been a quiet, snowy Sunday around here.
I ran a quiet and steady 6 miles before church this morning.

Total of 25 miles for this week

I baked some delicious Irish Soda Bread, prepped meals for the week and went on a little clean and purge.

Delicious with a small tab of sweet cream butter

Soup for dinners, rice/veggies/black bean burgers for lunch, overnight oats

It's been a nice day, good ending to a pretty good week:

1. I got my first Voxbox in the mail this week!

So far I've tried the Nectresse all-natural sweetener, the Dickinson's witch hazel wipes and the BelVita breakfast biscuits. So far, I'm really enjoying trying out these products. Thanks to Influenster for sending me the items to try!

2. This was my first Tuesday night off since January.

Yum- Stout beer. 

I enjoyed a little happy hour and chatting with this guy. It's been a long time since we had Tuesday night date night!

3. We got to have a lovely birthday dinner with my mom and sisters

She got a GIANT cookie skillet at the restaurant so I made her pose. :)

Look how tiny baby Gwen looks with Aunt Amy!

I'm not sure what she thinks of me, but I like cuddling her. :)

4. NCAA wrestling tournament was in town this weekend.

T and I volunteered to serve at the IA Craft Brew Tent

We stood in the cold for 6+ hours selling 16 oz beers to a bazillion beefy, squatty, cauliflowered-ear guys. It was pretty entertaining actually.

5. Saturday was a great day: race, relaxing and a birthday party for a friend.

I got 6th in my age group!

Post run oatmeal

Amazing donut cake, cute kids and cool guy. Happy 30th Wayde!

My 2 item makeup routine even worked out perfectly Saturday night. 

6. Screen shots I love from this week:

This made me laugh

Great picture, great quote. 

This sounds fantastic

I love this shot. Mornings are my favorite. 

7. Did you know that Google Reader is going away? I'm sort of irritated about that. Probably because I am 1000 blog posts behind and I don't think I'll be caught up by July. Ha! But I think I'm going to switch over to Feedly. What about you?

How was your week? Did you watch any March Madness? Do any power reading to clear out your Google Reader?