Tuesday's Training

Ok so I know I promised to share with you all my fun surprise that I got in the mail today..but I have decided to start a weekly template for certain days..how does this sound "What to wear Wednesdays" I thought it would be a fun way to do weekly updates on fun fashions and trends that I find throughout the week..so that being said you will all have to wait on more day to see/ hear about the surprise!

So not that I will always rhyme with my days but I did want to update you all on training, so hey here it is: Tuesday's Training!



Plus fun/ scary fact of the day, the MCM marathon is in EXACTLY 2 months!!!!!

I will be the first to say, training is not for the un-dedicated or easily peer-pressured person, I have found that I am needing to be more dedicated and committed to this training then ever before.. especially with football season coming up, thank goodness the games fall on a Saturday after my long runs ;)

But as of now training is going well I have done one 16 miler and one 17 miler and have an 18 miler this Saturday! I have found that my long runs almost seem to be easier than my shorter ones I do after work on the weekdays, I guess I sike myself up so much on Friday nights to prepare for the Saturday mornings!

This past weekend I ventured out with the "really-early morningers" and we started at 6am, which means waking up at 5:30am..at first I hated it and wanted to crawl right back into bed, but once I got out there it was amazing, so nice to be done with everything an hour earlier, plus the heat was so much more manageable! Definitely think I am going to stick with the early risers from now on!

I am also pumped about racing my first half marathon, I will be running the International Freedom Day race on 9/11, it is taking place in Washington DC and although I am a little scared for the actual race I am definitely excited!

Tuesday's Training

Ok so I know I promised to share with you all my fun surprise that I got in the mail today..but I have decided to start a weekly template for certain days..how does this sound "What to wear Wednesdays" I thought it would be a fun way to do weekly updates on fun fashions and trends that I find throughout the week..so that being said you will all have to wait on more day to see/ hear about the surprise!

So not that I will always rhyme with my days but I did want to update you all on training, so hey here it is: Tuesday's Training!



Plus fun/ scary fact of the day, the MCM marathon is in EXACTLY 2 months!!!!!

I will be the first to say, training is not for the un-dedicated or easily peer-pressured person, I have found that I am needing to be more dedicated and committed to this training then ever before.. especially with football season coming up, thank goodness the games fall on a Saturday after my long runs ;)

But as of now training is going well I have done one 16 miler and one 17 miler and have an 18 miler this Saturday! I have found that my long runs almost seem to be easier than my shorter ones I do after work on the weekdays, I guess I sike myself up so much on Friday nights to prepare for the Saturday mornings!

This past weekend I ventured out with the "really-early morningers" and we started at 6am, which means waking up at 5:30am..at first I hated it and wanted to crawl right back into bed, but once I got out there it was amazing, so nice to be done with everything an hour earlier, plus the heat was so much more manageable! Definitely think I am going to stick with the early risers from now on!

I am also pumped about racing my first half marathon, I will be running the International Freedom Day race on 9/11, it is taking place in Washington DC and although I am a little scared for the actual race I am definitely excited!

EMMYs = Mad Men Love!

Ok so I am not sure if I have informed you all of my deep obsession with Mad Men! I got into this show a year or so ago and have pretty much gotten everyone that is close to me also obsessed with the show! I own some of the seasons and have watched every episode probably more than once!

So yes you can say I may of been some-what excited with the results of last nights Emmys!

I know, I know this wasn't a huge surprise for the Emmy world but hey they are much deserved and after 4 seasons the show continues to shock their audience weekly, plus the fashion and style is incomparable with any other show that is running these days!

Personally I was a huge fan of January Jones, she was rocking the a-symmetrical bob like no other, plus as much as people hated on her dress I thought she did a great job pulling it off..plus it was really one of the only "more-daring" outfits of the night!

Here is a great picture of the 3 fabulous ladies!


By the way did anyone else see, Christina Hendrick's husband (shocker) but they seemed adorable!

I will also give a quick shout-out to Glee, they also won some great Emmys, and I am also a fan!
And I absolutely loved lea Michele's look last night! I thought she looked absolutely perfect in her navy gown (which by the way..wow was Navy the color of the Emmys 2010!) loved it!



That's it for this Monday! I did have a fun surprise come in the mail today! I will post pictures tomorrow!

Hope everyone has a fantastic week!!

EMMYs = Mad Men Love!

Ok so I am not sure if I have informed you all of my deep obsession with Mad Men! I got into this show a year or so ago and have pretty much gotten everyone that is close to me also obsessed with the show! I own some of the seasons and have watched every episode probably more than once!

So yes you can say I may of been some-what excited with the results of last nights Emmys!

I know, I know this wasn't a huge surprise for the Emmy world but hey they are much deserved and after 4 seasons the show continues to shock their audience weekly, plus the fashion and style is incomparable with any other show that is running these days!

Personally I was a huge fan of January Jones, she was rocking the a-symmetrical bob like no other, plus as much as people hated on her dress I thought she did a great job pulling it off..plus it was really one of the only "more-daring" outfits of the night!

Here is a great picture of the 3 fabulous ladies!


By the way did anyone else see, Christina Hendrick's husband (shocker) but they seemed adorable!

I will also give a quick shout-out to Glee, they also won some great Emmys, and I am also a fan!
And I absolutely loved lea Michele's look last night! I thought she looked absolutely perfect in her navy gown (which by the way..wow was Navy the color of the Emmys 2010!) loved it!



That's it for this Monday! I did have a fun surprise come in the mail today! I will post pictures tomorrow!

Hope everyone has a fantastic week!!

Simplicity

I'll start off by saying that naturally I am a very on-the-go kinda of girl..always feel like I must be doing things, and usually more than just a few things.. but I also am one that has learned the importance of simplicity theres a true beauty to doing nothing!

In today's world and especially in America there is a stigma to always be multi-tasking, no matter where you are or what your doing you should be juggling at least 5 or more items..and if your not usually looked down upon, but why? What has happened to our society and appreciating the simplicity of life? What happened to stop and smell the roses..smart phones?

As I said above I am a sucker for the go, go, go and the never ending to do list..but I have found through life that if you cant stop and appreciate the quiet then you can simply get rushed through life without noticing or remembering what you did last week..

So put down your cell phone, turn off your laptop and go outside and take a walk, or sit on your patio with a glass of wine and do nothing..you'll realize its ok do to nothing for awhile! It can actually be quite refreshing!

Well thats all for now..as I have been laying around my house doing nothing all day..as lazy as I feel..I couldn't of asked for a better day!

Hope everyone had a great weekend, Emmy's tonight...

Simplicity

I'll start off by saying that naturally I am a very on-the-go kinda of girl..always feel like I must be doing things, and usually more than just a few things.. but I also am one that has learned the importance of simplicity theres a true beauty to doing nothing!

In today's world and especially in America there is a stigma to always be multi-tasking, no matter where you are or what your doing you should be juggling at least 5 or more items..and if your not usually looked down upon, but why? What has happened to our society and appreciating the simplicity of life? What happened to stop and smell the roses..smart phones?

As I said above I am a sucker for the go, go, go and the never ending to do list..but I have found through life that if you cant stop and appreciate the quiet then you can simply get rushed through life without noticing or remembering what you did last week..

So put down your cell phone, turn off your laptop and go outside and take a walk, or sit on your patio with a glass of wine and do nothing..you'll realize its ok do to nothing for awhile! It can actually be quite refreshing!

Well thats all for now..as I have been laying around my house doing nothing all day..as lazy as I feel..I couldn't of asked for a better day!

Hope everyone had a great weekend, Emmy's tonight...

Goals!

Whether they are daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, or the famous "New Year's" goals are (well should) be a part of everyone's life!

At times we have "time-lines/mandated schedules" in our lives such as: getting through grade school, graduating from high school, going to college..but after those were left on our own..



For some it may be to get married, have some kids, have the big house with the picket fence
For others you focus on your career, get a job, find something you love doing, go back to school...

But for everyone you should set yourself some sort of goals, looking back at my life I have always been told to set goals, and in reality those are the things that I am most proud of

No I would never be one to say I have met every goal I have set, but those I do meet I feel a huge rush of accomplishment!

I also believe in having both small and large goals..i think some days my goal is just to get out of bed and make it to work on time.. other days its different but each time you can set a goal, you can strive for more and feel the sense of accomplishment!

I recently looked back at a set of goals I made at the end of December 2009, I am not one to usually make the traditional New Year's goals but for some reason on the plane ride from Chicago back to DC this year I got inspired! I was extremely pleased after looking at the goals I had made 8 months ago to see most of them have either been accomplished or are in the works currently! It was a sense of accomplishment that I don't think I could of received any other way!

So there's my two sense on goals and life for this Wednesday...


NEED NEW IDEAS FOR NEW NAME....

By the way I am looking for new ideas for my blog name..I had come up with this name over a year ago before I ever really gave this blog a chance..I think there is definitely a title out there that would fit better..anyways if you are feeling creative and want to throw out some ideas it would be much appreciative! (for those of you who read, and don't follow..feel free to leave me a message or email with ideas)

Goals!

Whether they are daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, or the famous "New Year's" goals are (well should) be a part of everyone's life!

At times we have "time-lines/mandated schedules" in our lives such as: getting through grade school, graduating from high school, going to college..but after those were left on our own..



For some it may be to get married, have some kids, have the big house with the picket fence
For others you focus on your career, get a job, find something you love doing, go back to school...

But for everyone you should set yourself some sort of goals, looking back at my life I have always been told to set goals, and in reality those are the things that I am most proud of

No I would never be one to say I have met every goal I have set, but those I do meet I feel a huge rush of accomplishment!

I also believe in having both small and large goals..i think some days my goal is just to get out of bed and make it to work on time.. other days its different but each time you can set a goal, you can strive for more and feel the sense of accomplishment!

I recently looked back at a set of goals I made at the end of December 2009, I am not one to usually make the traditional New Year's goals but for some reason on the plane ride from Chicago back to DC this year I got inspired! I was extremely pleased after looking at the goals I had made 8 months ago to see most of them have either been accomplished or are in the works currently! It was a sense of accomplishment that I don't think I could of received any other way!

So there's my two sense on goals and life for this Wednesday...


NEED NEW IDEAS FOR NEW NAME....

By the way I am looking for new ideas for my blog name..I had come up with this name over a year ago before I ever really gave this blog a chance..I think there is definitely a title out there that would fit better..anyways if you are feeling creative and want to throw out some ideas it would be much appreciative! (for those of you who read, and don't follow..feel free to leave me a message or email with ideas)

Happy Birthday!!!!

Ok, so I know its getting crazy, 2 post in one day..but I of course can NOT sit back and ignore one of the most special days of the year... My Mom's Birthday!!




Here's to you mom, the inspiration that carries me through everyday (every run) and the unconditional love that you have given to me for the past 23 + years of my life! I could never wish or even think of having a better mentor, best friend and mother in the whole world!!

I love you and wish I was there to celebrate this very special day with you!

Happy Birthday!!!!

Ok, so I know its getting crazy, 2 post in one day..but I of course can NOT sit back and ignore one of the most special days of the year... My Mom's Birthday!!




Here's to you mom, the inspiration that carries me through everyday (every run) and the unconditional love that you have given to me for the past 23 + years of my life! I could never wish or even think of having a better mentor, best friend and mother in the whole world!!

I love you and wish I was there to celebrate this very special day with you!

The Big Apple!

As I mentioned last week, I spent this last weekend in the Big Apple, otherwise known as New York City!!!


Friday afternoon my friend and I boarded the VaMoose bus from Arlington to NYC! There are seriously a TON of different buses you can take from DC-NYC but with the convenience of leaving only about a block from my apartment we opted for the VaMoose! I had my hesitation about riding a bus for 4 (more like 5 hours) but thought I would at least give it a try!

The bus actually turned out to be very nice, could of used a little more leg room, but comfy seats, clean and free WiFi! Unfortunately by leaving on a Friday the traffic out of DC and through Baltimore was NOT pleasant but we did manage to make it up to the city in about 5 hours. (partially thanks to our crazy bus driver and his off-roading, through the middle of a highway intersection..)

Anyways..we did finally make it and I was very proud of myself for making it through the maze, otherwise known as Penn station and finally to the lower east side where my friend lives. She met us on the street and we followed her back to their new apartment. Talk about a surprise, their apartment was so clean, spacious and brand new everything (or recently re-done) I had NO idea these places existed in NYC let alone at a somewhat reasonable rent!

WOW..is all I got to say, I wont get into too much detail about our evening/ early morning adventures! Saturday morning/ afternoon we awoke finally... got ourselves a yummy "real" NY bagel and then set off into Union Square for some shopping! The weather was perfect!

Me and the friend didn't have a ton of money to spend so we hit up the "cheap-but-good" stores that were all 3 times as large as their sister stores in DC. We both managed to do a little shopping and both accomplished the main goal, of finding a fun outfit for that night! Last minute I found a killer brown satchel/messenger bag which I got for such a steal and I think will now become a new favorite especially for the fall.

Saturday evening after shopping and stopping at our new favorite grocery store (which we managed to go to 3 times within 48 hrs) got some yummy cheese and wine and headed back to the friends apartment! We leisurely got ready and met up with my friend who hostess at Buddakan! (fun fact: this is the restaurant in Sex & City where Carrie & Big have their rehearsal dinner-- I even saw the big long table)
The few appetizers we tried were amazing, favorite was the edamame dumplings!



This is the exact room from the movie!


Later we ventured out in the Meat-packing district!

Sunday we met up with my friend's cousin over near little Italy and Soho for a delicious brunch/ lunch! Then sadly returned to the VaMoose to head back to DC!

All in all I couldn't of asked for a better weekend! There is definitely something about that city that draws me in every time!!

We have already made plans to return for a birthday in the end of September!

The Big Apple!

As I mentioned last week, I spent this last weekend in the Big Apple, otherwise known as New York City!!!


Friday afternoon my friend and I boarded the VaMoose bus from Arlington to NYC! There are seriously a TON of different buses you can take from DC-NYC but with the convenience of leaving only about a block from my apartment we opted for the VaMoose! I had my hesitation about riding a bus for 4 (more like 5 hours) but thought I would at least give it a try!

The bus actually turned out to be very nice, could of used a little more leg room, but comfy seats, clean and free WiFi! Unfortunately by leaving on a Friday the traffic out of DC and through Baltimore was NOT pleasant but we did manage to make it up to the city in about 5 hours. (partially thanks to our crazy bus driver and his off-roading, through the middle of a highway intersection..)

Anyways..we did finally make it and I was very proud of myself for making it through the maze, otherwise known as Penn station and finally to the lower east side where my friend lives. She met us on the street and we followed her back to their new apartment. Talk about a surprise, their apartment was so clean, spacious and brand new everything (or recently re-done) I had NO idea these places existed in NYC let alone at a somewhat reasonable rent!

WOW..is all I got to say, I wont get into too much detail about our evening/ early morning adventures! Saturday morning/ afternoon we awoke finally... got ourselves a yummy "real" NY bagel and then set off into Union Square for some shopping! The weather was perfect!

Me and the friend didn't have a ton of money to spend so we hit up the "cheap-but-good" stores that were all 3 times as large as their sister stores in DC. We both managed to do a little shopping and both accomplished the main goal, of finding a fun outfit for that night! Last minute I found a killer brown satchel/messenger bag which I got for such a steal and I think will now become a new favorite especially for the fall.

Saturday evening after shopping and stopping at our new favorite grocery store (which we managed to go to 3 times within 48 hrs) got some yummy cheese and wine and headed back to the friends apartment! We leisurely got ready and met up with my friend who hostess at Buddakan! (fun fact: this is the restaurant in Sex & City where Carrie & Big have their rehearsal dinner-- I even saw the big long table)
The few appetizers we tried were amazing, favorite was the edamame dumplings!



This is the exact room from the movie!


Later we ventured out in the Meat-packing district!

Sunday we met up with my friend's cousin over near little Italy and Soho for a delicious brunch/ lunch! Then sadly returned to the VaMoose to head back to DC!

All in all I couldn't of asked for a better weekend! There is definitely something about that city that draws me in every time!!

We have already made plans to return for a birthday in the end of September!

Indulegences!!

So a few weeks ago one of my good friends up here in DC reminded me that "DC restaurant week" was fast approaching and asked if I would want to make some reservations ahead time to take full advantage in this wonderful week affair! Of course I quickly agreed and we started our search for great restaurants in the city! Those of you who are not familiar with DC or its restaurants I will need to brag some..in the last say 5 to 10 years DC has grown to become of the most culinary diverse and delicious cities in America..whether its ethnic cuisines or your world famous burgers DC has almost anything you could ever want! (minus a really good BBQ joint..but don't get me started)


So after some searching on the site and open table we agreed to RIS, which is a place I had been hearing about quite frequently (especially from my boss) named after the chef herself, RIS.


After weeks of waiting the night finally arrived..the restaurant was busy but not overly crowded which was nice (but kinda surprising considering how late we went)


We both of course got the restaurant week 3 course special and even found they had special restaurant week specials on bottles of wine (score)!


Earlier in the day we had promised we both would each get different items for each course so instead of only trying 3 things we were able to try 6!


To start I got the Gnudi (more or less like gnocchi) it kinda surpirsed me when it first arrived at the table because I was met by 3 small gnudi's, not that I would of wanted a huge plate to start..but still. To my surprise after one I was completely satisfied! It was complimented by steamed spinach and a savory tomato sauce, and the cheese that was one top was extremely salty but matched perfectly with the other flavors!


Friend: got a delicious salad filled with about everything you could imagine, goat and blue cheese, crispy whole wheat croutons, onions, mixed greens, sweetened pecans and more...


Next..main course. I opted for the salmon with a side of greek salad (which was a combo between a greek salad and cesaer salad) The salmon came out and to our surpirse was NOT pink/ or the regular salmon color at first I didn't think anything of it and thought it was very good, but after I passed it over to my friend she made the comment and assured me this was NOT salmon.. after some friendly back and forth discussion, we decided to ask the waiter..he advised us that depending on what the salmon eats (aka: their diet) depends on the tint of pink-to-white they are. So indeed it was salmon (1 pt for me)


Friend- she got the lamb shank..which was one of the decisions we both had made hours before we even got there, when we both looked at the menu earlier in the day! It was amazing, tender right off the bone, rich and juicy!

Finally came the dessert, both of us were already extremely full, we even both had our own doggie bags by this point..but who could say no to a free dessert!

On this final course we both broke the rules by ordering the same item! But we were both extremely happy that we did so because the dessert of our choice ended up being absolutely fabulous! Key lime tart, with the perfect graham cracker crust, alongside of a tart raspberry sauce and three huge blackberries!

Sorry I forgot to take pictures of the other courses but I did get a good one of the final course,
and even got our lovely Malbec in the shot as well!



Sorry the quality from the iphone, to my email to this blog isn't the best, but you get the jist!

Anyways sorry for my lack of blogging this week..I have been feeling a little under the weather and have been quite busy! I am off to Round 2 of restaurant week tonight, Art & Soul, a restaurant I have been dying to go to since I moved here! Its famous chef Art Smith (I first knew of him from his guest appearances on Top Chef) but he also famously was Oprah's private chef for a number of years!! Cannot wait for tonight!

Other exciting news..I will be headed to NYC tomorrow for a weekend in the Big Apple, to finally see one of my best friends from college! Can hardly wait! Hope to have lots of fun stories and pictures upon my return!

Happy (thirsty) Thursday to all!

Indulegences!!

So a few weeks ago one of my good friends up here in DC reminded me that "DC restaurant week" was fast approaching and asked if I would want to make some reservations ahead time to take full advantage in this wonderful week affair! Of course I quickly agreed and we started our search for great restaurants in the city! Those of you who are not familiar with DC or its restaurants I will need to brag some..in the last say 5 to 10 years DC has grown to become of the most culinary diverse and delicious cities in America..whether its ethnic cuisines or your world famous burgers DC has almost anything you could ever want! (minus a really good BBQ joint..but don't get me started)


So after some searching on the site and open table we agreed to RIS, which is a place I had been hearing about quite frequently (especially from my boss) named after the chef herself, RIS.


After weeks of waiting the night finally arrived..the restaurant was busy but not overly crowded which was nice (but kinda surprising considering how late we went)


We both of course got the restaurant week 3 course special and even found they had special restaurant week specials on bottles of wine (score)!


Earlier in the day we had promised we both would each get different items for each course so instead of only trying 3 things we were able to try 6!


To start I got the Gnudi (more or less like gnocchi) it kinda surpirsed me when it first arrived at the table because I was met by 3 small gnudi's, not that I would of wanted a huge plate to start..but still. To my surprise after one I was completely satisfied! It was complimented by steamed spinach and a savory tomato sauce, and the cheese that was one top was extremely salty but matched perfectly with the other flavors!


Friend: got a delicious salad filled with about everything you could imagine, goat and blue cheese, crispy whole wheat croutons, onions, mixed greens, sweetened pecans and more...


Next..main course. I opted for the salmon with a side of greek salad (which was a combo between a greek salad and cesaer salad) The salmon came out and to our surpirse was NOT pink/ or the regular salmon color at first I didn't think anything of it and thought it was very good, but after I passed it over to my friend she made the comment and assured me this was NOT salmon.. after some friendly back and forth discussion, we decided to ask the waiter..he advised us that depending on what the salmon eats (aka: their diet) depends on the tint of pink-to-white they are. So indeed it was salmon (1 pt for me)


Friend- she got the lamb shank..which was one of the decisions we both had made hours before we even got there, when we both looked at the menu earlier in the day! It was amazing, tender right off the bone, rich and juicy!

Finally came the dessert, both of us were already extremely full, we even both had our own doggie bags by this point..but who could say no to a free dessert!

On this final course we both broke the rules by ordering the same item! But we were both extremely happy that we did so because the dessert of our choice ended up being absolutely fabulous! Key lime tart, with the perfect graham cracker crust, alongside of a tart raspberry sauce and three huge blackberries!

Sorry I forgot to take pictures of the other courses but I did get a good one of the final course,
and even got our lovely Malbec in the shot as well!



Sorry the quality from the iphone, to my email to this blog isn't the best, but you get the jist!

Anyways sorry for my lack of blogging this week..I have been feeling a little under the weather and have been quite busy! I am off to Round 2 of restaurant week tonight, Art & Soul, a restaurant I have been dying to go to since I moved here! Its famous chef Art Smith (I first knew of him from his guest appearances on Top Chef) but he also famously was Oprah's private chef for a number of years!! Cannot wait for tonight!

Other exciting news..I will be headed to NYC tomorrow for a weekend in the Big Apple, to finally see one of my best friends from college! Can hardly wait! Hope to have lots of fun stories and pictures upon my return!

Happy (thirsty) Thursday to all!

A little Inspiration

So as you all know I am training for my first marathon! I apologize if you are not a runner and could care less about my interest in this obnoxious sport..but considering it has taken a large chunk of my very precious free time out of my life..I do slightly obsess over it!

That being said I am grateful to all those who share my passion in running or at least think I am so crazy that they at least seem somewhat proud of me.. I do however have a few good friends that are as crazy as myself and are also training for either a half or full marathon..and to them I am extremely grateful to share my struggles with!

A few weeks ago a good friend of mine shared a title of a book that she recommended to me.. "The NONrunner's marathon Guide for Women: Get off your butt and on with you training" because of my recent lack of free time I wasn't super excited about losing even more of it to start on a new book..but within hours this book's title kept creeping up in conversation, before I knew it I felt as if everyone involved in some sort of training was talking about it!




A few days later and a quick trip over to amazon.com I ordered the book and waited anxiously!

I received the book in the mail on Friday afternoon..and I am proud/embarrassed to say I only have about another 5o pages to go..it is amazing!!! I honestly can't put the book down! It is one of the first books that I can say you will find me hysterically laughing out loud!

Dawn Dais, is a hilarious, realistic and yet extremely REAL woman who set a goal to run a marathon, she shares each and every painful yet rewarding moment! I do not want to get into too much detail because I highly recommend it to any and all runners (men not secluded) and honestly you don;t even necessarily need to be training for a marathon, it really is a great book for those wanting to set a goal that they think is unreachable! (although you will definitely have a LOT of comparisons and laughs if you are training)

That all being said, go out a get the book..for me it has been a HUGE help already!

Thanks again to katie G and jess for advice! I will be holding-on-closely to this book throughout the next few months of training!!

A little Inspiration

So as you all know I am training for my first marathon! I apologize if you are not a runner and could care less about my interest in this obnoxious sport..but considering it has taken a large chunk of my very precious free time out of my life..I do slightly obsess over it!

That being said I am grateful to all those who share my passion in running or at least think I am so crazy that they at least seem somewhat proud of me.. I do however have a few good friends that are as crazy as myself and are also training for either a half or full marathon..and to them I am extremely grateful to share my struggles with!

A few weeks ago a good friend of mine shared a title of a book that she recommended to me.. "The NONrunner's marathon Guide for Women: Get off your butt and on with you training" because of my recent lack of free time I wasn't super excited about losing even more of it to start on a new book..but within hours this book's title kept creeping up in conversation, before I knew it I felt as if everyone involved in some sort of training was talking about it!




A few days later and a quick trip over to amazon.com I ordered the book and waited anxiously!

I received the book in the mail on Friday afternoon..and I am proud/embarrassed to say I only have about another 5o pages to go..it is amazing!!! I honestly can't put the book down! It is one of the first books that I can say you will find me hysterically laughing out loud!

Dawn Dais, is a hilarious, realistic and yet extremely REAL woman who set a goal to run a marathon, she shares each and every painful yet rewarding moment! I do not want to get into too much detail because I highly recommend it to any and all runners (men not secluded) and honestly you don;t even necessarily need to be training for a marathon, it really is a great book for those wanting to set a goal that they think is unreachable! (although you will definitely have a LOT of comparisons and laughs if you are training)

That all being said, go out a get the book..for me it has been a HUGE help already!

Thanks again to katie G and jess for advice! I will be holding-on-closely to this book throughout the next few months of training!!

Family Favorites

For the past 2 weeks all I have wanted to do is bake, I always get inspired during the day while I am at the office and then by the time I get home, (usually run) and eat I am too exhausted to even think about lifting out my KitchenAid and start combining the sugar and flour...

Well finally with a little motivation of someone getting back into town after being MIA all week I decided I would commit, and what's not better than baking a family favorite!!

I was VERY blessed to have a mother who was an awesome baker! We rarely went an evening without some sort of homemade dessert (definitely a plus back then..but now not so much)

Anyways one of our ALL time Whiteside Family favorites, is homemade apple pie! After many of years of helping and watching my mom stand by the big KitchenAid mixer I finally was able to give my on try on the recipe a few years ago! I won't say I have yet perfected it but I will say I am pretty darn close!



The key is definitely all in the topping, there's just something about the crumbly soft and sugar topping, that one usually rarely doesn't find on your standard apple pie!



(I will say this wasn't my best, but considering I did it without any recipe and limited supplies and I was quite pleased!)

Hope everyone has a wonderful Friday!

What are you all doing this weekend? Maybe some baking?

Family Favorites

For the past 2 weeks all I have wanted to do is bake, I always get inspired during the day while I am at the office and then by the time I get home, (usually run) and eat I am too exhausted to even think about lifting out my KitchenAid and start combining the sugar and flour...

Well finally with a little motivation of someone getting back into town after being MIA all week I decided I would commit, and what's not better than baking a family favorite!!

I was VERY blessed to have a mother who was an awesome baker! We rarely went an evening without some sort of homemade dessert (definitely a plus back then..but now not so much)

Anyways one of our ALL time Whiteside Family favorites, is homemade apple pie! After many of years of helping and watching my mom stand by the big KitchenAid mixer I finally was able to give my on try on the recipe a few years ago! I won't say I have yet perfected it but I will say I am pretty darn close!



The key is definitely all in the topping, there's just something about the crumbly soft and sugar topping, that one usually rarely doesn't find on your standard apple pie!



(I will say this wasn't my best, but considering I did it without any recipe and limited supplies and I was quite pleased!)

Hope everyone has a wonderful Friday!

What are you all doing this weekend? Maybe some baking?

Fun New Finds!!!

Ok so this afternoon has turned into the not-so productive work afternoon..but it does mean a much more productive day for blogging and finding all of you out there in blogging world FUN NEW FINDs!!

1. Mini ABC cookie cutters

How much fun would it be to make fun little words, sayings and messages to your friends and family! I love the idea of surprising someone you care for a sweet message with sweet cookies!

Get them for yourself at: http://www.bakeitpretty.com/item_55/Mini-Alphabet-Cookie-Cutter-Set-of-26.htm


2. Super Sweet Cupcake Wrappers


Plus so many more, thanks again to the Bake It Pretty site
http://www.bakeitpretty.com/item_1044/Midnight-Stars-Cupcake-Wrappers.htm

3. Bacon & Egg Bandages!!! Who doesn't ALWAYS want some eggs and bacon..well your wish can come true, as along as your as "un-graceful" as I am and seemed to get cuts and bruises consistently..

How funny are these?! although it might make others around you a little hungry...


4. Awkward Family Photos- coffee table Classic
If you haven't seen this site, then you have DEFINITELY been missing out.. but what might be even better is getting an ENTIRE coffee table book of these classics!

For those of you who NEED a quick fix ... http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com/ ...now you can see how this is a MUST for every coffee table!


5. Curious Frenchie Hook

So for those of you who don't know this little tid-bit about me..but I LOVE french bulldogs and currently have a very special one in my life right now! So for those of you that are dog lovers you will hopefully love this as much as I do.. Anthro also has other dog breeds but I saw this and of course got so excited!

http://www.anthropologie.com/


6. Coastal Del Sol Pitcher (Anthropologie)


I was very luck to grow up with many vintage pieces in our kitchen handed down from our relatives..some of my very favorite were those from the farm that my mom grew up on.. this pitcher, although is not vintage it has the feel and the colors are absolutely magnificent!


7. Flutter Chandelier


I believe there is something absolutely magical about a beautiful chandelier! whether its super expensive or you found an old one from a yard sale there is an absolute magical beauty to them!

I especially love this flutter Chandelier, it reminds me of a soft rain storm!


Well that is all for now..I guess I should get back to work, before my entire afternoon is wasted! I hope you all enjoyed some of these Fun New Finds!! Please feel free to add your own, there's millions out there!

Fun New Finds!!!

Ok so this afternoon has turned into the not-so productive work afternoon..but it does mean a much more productive day for blogging and finding all of you out there in blogging world FUN NEW FINDs!!

1. Mini ABC cookie cutters

How much fun would it be to make fun little words, sayings and messages to your friends and family! I love the idea of surprising someone you care for a sweet message with sweet cookies!

Get them for yourself at: http://www.bakeitpretty.com/item_55/Mini-Alphabet-Cookie-Cutter-Set-of-26.htm


2. Super Sweet Cupcake Wrappers


Plus so many more, thanks again to the Bake It Pretty site
http://www.bakeitpretty.com/item_1044/Midnight-Stars-Cupcake-Wrappers.htm

3. Bacon & Egg Bandages!!! Who doesn't ALWAYS want some eggs and bacon..well your wish can come true, as along as your as "un-graceful" as I am and seemed to get cuts and bruises consistently..

How funny are these?! although it might make others around you a little hungry...


4. Awkward Family Photos- coffee table Classic
If you haven't seen this site, then you have DEFINITELY been missing out.. but what might be even better is getting an ENTIRE coffee table book of these classics!

For those of you who NEED a quick fix ... http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com/ ...now you can see how this is a MUST for every coffee table!


5. Curious Frenchie Hook

So for those of you who don't know this little tid-bit about me..but I LOVE french bulldogs and currently have a very special one in my life right now! So for those of you that are dog lovers you will hopefully love this as much as I do.. Anthro also has other dog breeds but I saw this and of course got so excited!

http://www.anthropologie.com/


6. Coastal Del Sol Pitcher (Anthropologie)


I was very luck to grow up with many vintage pieces in our kitchen handed down from our relatives..some of my very favorite were those from the farm that my mom grew up on.. this pitcher, although is not vintage it has the feel and the colors are absolutely magnificent!


7. Flutter Chandelier


I believe there is something absolutely magical about a beautiful chandelier! whether its super expensive or you found an old one from a yard sale there is an absolute magical beauty to them!

I especially love this flutter Chandelier, it reminds me of a soft rain storm!


Well that is all for now..I guess I should get back to work, before my entire afternoon is wasted! I hope you all enjoyed some of these Fun New Finds!! Please feel free to add your own, there's millions out there!

Would you dare...Sequins?

Metallic sequined bell skirt

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_feature/jcrewcollection/bottoms/PRDOVR~29021/29021.jsp


Seth plaid boy shirt & Sequins

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_feature/NewArrivals/shirts/PRDOVR~30163/30163.jsp

Ok..so all of us girls (and maybe some of you boys) can admit to owning at least one sparkly sequin clothing item growing up..whether it was part of one your dance recital pieces or your favorite "wanna-be" Dorothy red slippers we all had at least ONE item!

I don't recall having one specific sequin favorite as a child but I know by looking back at numerous dance outfits as well as regular day-wear I was a fan of the sparkly sequins!

Well for all of us that never thought we could fully indulge ourselves back into this ultra-fun sparkly fashion again. . . . JCrew has brought back the light!!!

I understand that the sparkly sequin pants may not be for everyone but I do encourage that you at least try something with a little sequin sparkle...whether its just a headband or maybe a sequin tank layered with a structured blazer you should at least give it a try!

Hey if nothing else it just might put a smile on your face on that dreadful Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday morning...

Happy Hump day to all!

Would you dare...Sequins?

Metallic sequined bell skirt

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_feature/jcrewcollection/bottoms/PRDOVR~29021/29021.jsp


Seth plaid boy shirt & Sequins

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_feature/NewArrivals/shirts/PRDOVR~30163/30163.jsp

Ok..so all of us girls (and maybe some of you boys) can admit to owning at least one sparkly sequin clothing item growing up..whether it was part of one your dance recital pieces or your favorite "wanna-be" Dorothy red slippers we all had at least ONE item!

I don't recall having one specific sequin favorite as a child but I know by looking back at numerous dance outfits as well as regular day-wear I was a fan of the sparkly sequins!

Well for all of us that never thought we could fully indulge ourselves back into this ultra-fun sparkly fashion again. . . . JCrew has brought back the light!!!

I understand that the sparkly sequin pants may not be for everyone but I do encourage that you at least try something with a little sequin sparkle...whether its just a headband or maybe a sequin tank layered with a structured blazer you should at least give it a try!

Hey if nothing else it just might put a smile on your face on that dreadful Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday morning...

Happy Hump day to all!

Blackberry vs. iPhone

So here it goes..I know many of you will probably disagree with me, especially those that are in the DC metropolitan area..but I am going to say the fatal words.. I HIGHLY DISLIKE BLACKBERRY's and LOVE MY iPHONE!!!

I am completely allowed to say this statement because after the last 2 months I have been an owner of both...I will admit I may of been slightly prejudice from the get-go but I "tried" to give the Blackberry a fair chance.




Blackberry

PRO:
BBM- i only was able to get 3 contacts to work on mine while being a BB owner but I will say for those 3 users it was slightly more convienent.

CONS:
Extremely difficult to use
Email was awful
Web- was significantly slower
Never fully understood all the apps (or what they like to call apps)

iPhone

PRO:
Very easy to use
Brighter images
Faster web
Easy email, and capability of multiple emails
endless FREE apps
iTunes
much more stylish

CON:
somewhat bad reception depending on your phone
sometimes a stronger likelihood of dropped calls (depending on the specific phone & area)

Ok, so as I said I only had the BB for about a month and honestly I really just never understood it...but it is SOO nice to finally have my iPhone back!

(quick shout-out goes to KK for the replacement)

Happy Monday! off to run the national mall!

Blackberry vs. iPhone

So here it goes..I know many of you will probably disagree with me, especially those that are in the DC metropolitan area..but I am going to say the fatal words.. I HIGHLY DISLIKE BLACKBERRY's and LOVE MY iPHONE!!!

I am completely allowed to say this statement because after the last 2 months I have been an owner of both...I will admit I may of been slightly prejudice from the get-go but I "tried" to give the Blackberry a fair chance.




Blackberry

PRO:
BBM- i only was able to get 3 contacts to work on mine while being a BB owner but I will say for those 3 users it was slightly more convienent.

CONS:
Extremely difficult to use
Email was awful
Web- was significantly slower
Never fully understood all the apps (or what they like to call apps)

iPhone

PRO:
Very easy to use
Brighter images
Faster web
Easy email, and capability of multiple emails
endless FREE apps
iTunes
much more stylish

CON:
somewhat bad reception depending on your phone
sometimes a stronger likelihood of dropped calls (depending on the specific phone & area)

Ok, so as I said I only had the BB for about a month and honestly I really just never understood it...but it is SOO nice to finally have my iPhone back!

(quick shout-out goes to KK for the replacement)

Happy Monday! off to run the national mall!

New beginnings!

What a week!

1 new employee, one AWESOME performance review, resulting in a MUCH needed raise for ME! :) and one application completely filled out for a BRAND new apartment with an AWESOME roommate!!



As you can see I have been just a little busy! It all started on Wednesday with our new employee starting...

Our previous employee left last Friday..to start off on a whole new adventure in grad school.

In an office of 4 (but usually only 3) 1 person, as you can imagine makes quite the difference...
I was definitely excited that we found a great replacement way ahead of time, and didn't really have any "in-between" without an employee!

The new girl, is different from our last, but its kinda nice for me to finally NOT be the new girl!
Its been exciting yet stressful to train her but I feel like I am hopefully doing a good job in being positive yet en forceful!

NEXT..came the awesome performance review and raise! This is something that I had been discussing with my bosses for quite some time but wasn't exactly sure when it would land.. especially with our week we've had things have been crazy busy..so you can say i was QUITE surprised when my boss called me in at 5:00pm yesterday!

and FINALLY..last night after work the roommate and I headed to finally look at the apartments that we had been eyeing from afar last weekend, because the apartments are at full occupancy they unfortunately didn't have any open ones to see..but between the roommate's diligence and some luck we were able to look at our "hopefully" NEW apartment last night!

From the moment we walked in it definitely felt right and we fell in love...the building is brand new and the apartment is quite spacious considering its just a 2 bedroom and all of the other places we had looked..


(this is not a picture of our apartment)

As you can see I will be quite the busy bee in the next few weeks leading up to the big move, but I couldn't be more excited!!

Happy Friday and Hope everyone has a great weekend! I've got a 15 mile run tomorrow morning..so wish me luck :)