Now we're talking

Food and running. Running and food.

I can always talk/write about those two topics, so here goes.

Some of my running faves.

1. Garmin - yes, I love having a Garmin to keep track of time/pace while running, to analyze the heck out of fast runs/slow runs afterward.  It has been a helpful tool for me.  Otherwise,  I would have completely no idea how fast or how far I am running.  This is the one that Hubby and I have. Nothing fancy and we found it on sale at Target.

2. Shoes.  For me, it is the Brooks Adrenaline. I have been wearing these for several years and they are my favorite.  I wear them about a 1/2-1 whole size bigger than my normal shoe size.  They give me enough support that I need, don't seem to rub blisters like some other shoes did, and while they aren't cheap, they definitely aren't the most expensive shoe out there.  I do recommend, go to your local running store and get properly fitted for shoes.  I promise you that it makes a difference.

3. Of course, it's also all about the clothes.  I typically run in jog bras/tanks/tees from Target in the C9 line. Cheap, cute, and made with wicking material is usually good enough for me.  I did discover Old Navy running capris this that have been wonderful.  You can typically find them on sale for $15 and I think for the price, they are as good as the expensive brands.  I also love the Nike Tempo Track shorts, skirts from Brooks, and running jackets from Moving Comfort.   I go back and forth between paying $10 for a shirt to blowing the bank on a Moving Comfort jacket at a race Expo when I didn't properly pack.

4. Just so I can incorporate food into the conversation ... some of my favorite pre-run foods include bananas, oatmeal, whole wheat toast with peanut butter & banana, mini Luna bars or mini Clif bars.  I tend to run primarily in the morning, so breakfast foods are typically what I eat. It also depends on the mileage, time of day, how late I oversleep, and when I ate dinner the previous night if it's an early run.

While running, I like Clif Shot Blocks (a bit chewy, but they tend to be more gentle on my stomach), Honey Stinger chews, or Gu Chomps.   Sometimes I will pack a mini Luna bar, or try to schedule runs so I can pick up a banana from my car.  I have a couple of running buddies who will run with a banana, but I'm not sure if I'm that graceful.

Post-run, I am usually all about coffee, chocolate milk, gatorade, etc. Then, my hunger hits and I try to make healthy choices so I don't ruin the benefits of the run!  Again, I think that meal depends on the mileage, time of day, and when I ate dinner the previous night!

Marathon training officially begins in June, so there will definitely be more on this topic to follow.

On the Valentine's Day Wish List

For Maddy and Libby.

For Moi.

Stop the overload of cute.

Taking me way back

I think I had this same skirt, but I can't remember when. Sophomore year of college?

I was checking out Lands End Canvas to see what is new for Spring, but I think this definitely fits my rule of "If I wore this style more than a decade ago, just say no." Love the madras, though.

Looking for...

Anyone know who else makes a similar product? This one is now unavailable. Here is the link.

Pottery Barn Kids has a few that are similar, but I really like the more simplistic design of this one. Once we moved in the cute kitchen, all I feel like I'm staring at are two big blank walls, oh and 9,000 pieces of Melissa and Doug food.

I thought it would be cute to have somewhere to display Maddy and Libby's artwork from school, along with photos. Or, I could hang the front loader frames that are easy to change out.

Or the clipboard look. Hmmm. As seen here. I kind of love this look.

Cute and practical

These boots from Nine West are hitting many of my loves ... they are wedges, and the fact that they are "practical" since you are getting 2 boots in 1. You can upzip and remove the top if you want to wear them under jeans, or want to go with the shorter boot look. I haven't decided how I feel about ankle boot trend. I still feel like if I wore them in the 7th grade, then I shouldn't be wearing them now. Actually, I don't think I owned any ankle boots back then, but I think the cool girls did and I think we called them granny boots.

One of my friends pointed these out to me in a Southern Living and I've been looking for them ever since and found them on Zappo's.

Brown or black, brown or black ...

I've hit a new point of boring with this post ...

So, I don't blog for a week and now I'm blogging about floors.

Does anyone have the Shark?

For a while now, I've noticed that our hardwood floors never really look clean. Even after they are cleaned by someone other than me who probably really knows what they are doing. I've tried different cleaning products - Murphy's Oil, vinegar & water, plain water, etc and it's always the same result.

This thing just looks like a miracle and I'm wondering if it's as good as it looks. Between two dogs, two adults, and two toddlers, it's an understatement to say that are floors always need a good cleaning.

Has anyone tried it? Do you love it?

White jeans

I bought my first pair of white jeans earlier this year and I'm a little obsessed with them. I want to pair them with every bright top I own, and I'm on the hunt for turquoise blue to wear with them. I know this probably doesn't sound like a big deal, but this is my first pair of white jeans and probably my second pair of white pants that I've ever owned. I think my other white pants were maternity. I'm almost 40, um scratch that ... I'm over 35.

A little background ...

My parents were friends with a couple and the wife always wore white pants that were about a size too tight. Growing up, I can remember my Mom talking about this woman and her tight, white pants. I guess subliminally, it did a number on me to steer clear of this purchase.

I have made it through most of the day and they are surprisingly still clean. Today involved getting children in and out of car seats, getting a big stroller out of the back of my car, holding children who may or may not be dirty, petting black dogs, and general work/household related activities.

I am probably testing the proverbial waters by wearing them to celebrate Cinco de mayo tonight. Salsa! Guacamole! Black beans! Oh, the many things that Oxiclean may end up removing later. Not to mention that y'all already know that I don't dry my jeans and it should also be known that I also wash them in cold.

Let's say a little prayer that I don't come home looking like a 3rd grader after a good day on the playground.

Rewritten

I wrote a long rant about my shopping adventure at WalMart last night, but after reading it, I just felt really judgemental. I know I'm not really being judgemental since I was shopping there too, but let's just say that there were just some very interesting characters shopping and working there last night.

I'm still in a little bit of disbelief about the entire shopping trip.

I'll just sum it up with the fact that the clerk asked me if my coupons were coupons. Huh? What else are small, rectangular shaped pieces of paper that say "Save $1.00 on Pampers?" Isn't there a training that covers that?

Yes & Yes

I'm back on a Lands End kick again. Maybe I was never really off it, but I just hadn't checked out anything in a while.

I looked at the Sears store this weekend and tried on a few things, then went back today for some more browsing.

Aren't these cute for Spring? Plus, it's 20% off everything in the stores.

Also, I keep reading good things about the Lands End Canvas cardigan sweaters. Any opinions out there? They look adorable online and it's hard to beat the versatility of a good cardigan sweater.

Skirts

Has anyone ever been to a Sevier Skirt skirt party before? I noticed that one of my FaceBook friends became a fan, so I went to their page and website. Nosy? Probably. Curious, for sure.

I have to say, that I am in love with almost each and every one.

I would love to have a wardrobe of these fun skirts and then just wear a plain tshirt, turtleneck, or sweater and be done with it. Tights in the winter, bare legs in the summer. You'd always look pulled together and cute.

Surely, someone out there has to know about these adorable skirts. If not, let's throw a party and find out!

Squeal!

It's children's consignment sale season here in my city and I had to share a few finds from last night's shopping adventure. Hubby just laughed at my preppy picks for Maddy and Libby.



I typically match or coordinate Maddy and Libby and will probably do this until they tell me to stop or that I'm ruining their lives by dressing them alike. I just can't help it. I decided that I could match their shirts for these pants, since I couldn't find a mate. Sadly, I don't own any pink toile pants or I might even try to make it the whole Mother/Daughter matching show. It's probably a good thing I don't.

What's not to love about itty bitty seersucker capri pants?

Or itty bitty pink toile pants?

Don't worry, my Moms of Multiples sale is coming up next week, so there's still hope for Spring and Summer coordinating duds.

I have my eye on ...

Not that I need a party dress by any means, but when I go to the Harris-Teeter near our house, I drive by Brooks Brothers on the way out. This dress is on a mannequin in the window and I love the way it looks and I can't help but slow down and look at it every time I'm there.

It's classic, timeless, but still the polka dots make it a little more fun. While I love Brooks Brothers for Hubby's work clothing, I typically find their clothing a little "mature" for me. This model actually looks a little bit stuffy and uptight. I think I may like the headless mannequin version better.

Since I have no party to wear this dress, nor do I have $300 lying around to spend on it, I guess I'll be happy to window shop.

Another Valentine's Day idea

If you have a Kohl's in your city, you know that they are constantly giving great coupons.



If you were in the market for a pair of new PJ's, aren't these for cute and comfy Valentine's pj's? Or for any other day, too.
I know the picture doesn't do it justice, but it's a pink and white heart print that almost looks like an animal print, with a dark grey trim. Plus, you can't beat the price because I'm sure you're going to find a nice 40% off coupon to buy them soon.

Cute, comfy, and perfect for that upcoming Hallmark holiday!

I just got transported back to Middle School

and I think I like it.

Look what the new Lands End Canvas website has!

Tretorns!I remember having a pair of white on white Tretorns, but also a pair with plaid. Loved them.

They also have anklet socks with the pom-pom on the back. I remember having these too.
Plus, all kinds of casual, classic clothes, bathing suits, canvas tote bags, and accessories at reasonable prices. Definitely worth a look.

I feel pretty ...

Oh so pretty ...

Especially when I have a new Fuel Belt bottle with a pink holder, plus it has a fancy-dancy pocket!
I loved my old one for long runs, oh who am I kidding, I typically carry mine on any run I do. But, it didn't have a pocket and it always seemed like a waste of space when there is room to add one.

So, I can definitely pack a Gu for a long run, and even two Gu's.
I may have a hard time cramming the Gu Chomps in the pocket, unfortunately. I'm sure it can be MacGuyvered somehow.CrackBerry can't come along for a ride.But, my keys, inhaler,and chapstick all could. Did I mention it's pink ... and it was 20% off because I bought it at a ladies night event?

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery ...

Since I write about Target nearly every week, I thought I would share another story with you.

I went through their shoe aisle the other day and noticed what from a distance looked like a pair of gold Bonnano sandals! I knew this was obviously too good to be true, but I still checked them out and took out my phone to take a picture.
They are the Merona brand and retail for $19.99.

At first, I didn't know how I felt ... it was as if they had ripped off the Bonanno sandal completely. But, I'm sure that every top designer's styles end up on all of the mass retailers shelves at some point. To me it would be worse if these were on a street corner in Palm Beach trying to be passed off as the real thing.

So, don't be surprised if you suddenly see an increase in gold "Bonnano" wearing ladies in your city this summer. And, just to set the record straight, you cannot beat the handmade, classic beauties of the real Bonnanos and I'm sure that these are nowhere near the quality of the original. My Bonnanos are by far the most comfortable sandal I own and they can literally be paired with almost anything. I'm always excited for the first warm days when I can unpack them for another season.

Happy early Valentine's Day to me, Happy early Valentine's Day to me ...

I think anyone who knows me (or reads this blog), knows that I am a frequenter of Target.

Like every other retailer, the Valentine's Day goodies have been out since Christmas, if not before.

I spotted this set of 3 prep bowls at Target and loved them. They have an entire collection of cups and plates with this alphabet pattern. The cups and plates are plastic and would be cute for a kid's party or as gifts.

Not that I really need another set of bowls, but I kept thinking about them and they found their way in my cart yesterday.

Now, what to do with them? One would definitely make a cute candy bowl, one would be good for my morning oatmeal, the smallest would make a great hand warming latte bowl.

If nothing else, they'll make me smile when I use them to prep ingredients for a meal or to scramble eggs.

Random Monday Musings

This looks incredibly wonderful. Not that I need another kitchen gadget and I especially don't need one that makes pancakes filled with something yummy inside, but don't you want one?
Thank you note writing. I do it every year, but I feel like few reciprocate with me. Is it a lost art? Do you still write thank you notes? I can honestly remember my Mom making me sit down and write them before I was allowed to wear the clothes/play with the toy/spend the money that I had received as a gift. It is a little easier when you have cute new cards like these to use. Thank you, K. and don't worry ... your card will be in the mail tomorrow!Did I show you my $1.27 sofa table? JCP may be my new favorite store. I had to return a chair slipcover because the zipper was broken. I didn't mention that Hubby tried to use pliers to close the zipper, but just the fact that it was broken. Whoops. Anyway, they ended up giving me credit for the exchange, because it was on sale. Then the ottoman slipcover had a spot, so they gave me another credit, but couldn't replace it because it was out of stock. Long story short, I was able to purchase this table for under $2 and spent our credit on it. Not bad. It has 2 storage baskets and fits in well with the rest of our furniture. Those baskets are now filled with bristle blocks and typically get pushed out of the way in 2.4 seconds upon a toddler entering the room.

Trapped

I'm trapped under a sea of slipcovers and will be back next week.

Pretty pool view and throw pillows optional.

Cheerio!

Loving

I live in NC, so typically we have pretty mild winters. I say "typically" because I don't want to jinx us and we'll have some freak Halloween snow storm. This also means you may need a coat to go from your house to the car, but if you're like me, as soon as the car is warm, you're shedding the coat at the stop light. We are lucky that we don't have to always bundle up in multiple layers and wear heavy coats all winter long.

I found this jacket at Lands End. It's weather resistant, will keep you warm without being super bulky, but the cutest thing they don't even show you on the website. On the inside, they have made big pockets that are bright argyle. It was an unexpected surprise on what is a pretty "basic" jacket. Practical and cute.

I also picked up a pair of these pants in black. I'm debating if I should have bought the camel, but you always need black. I've been wondering about how they fit, so I'll give you my full report later. From trying them on, I liked them. A good fit and a bit of stretch, so that normally equals love in my book.

That is all.