Summer Bucket List

I'm linking up with Holly & Trista today to share my summer bucket list.

We don't have any major plans this summer but: 

To begin, we have a friend's wedding this weekend which I'm looking forward to.  They've been together for close to 10 years :)

Saro's birthday is June 23rd and he will be 38.  We will probably celebrate that and Father's Day with the girls one of the two weekends.  His mom's birthday is June 22nd so that will be celebrated too!

I'm signed up for a 10K on June 9th.  I'm still not sure if I will be able to do it or not.  I'm feeling a lot better even from just last week, but I don't want to worsen anything.  That's still 10 days away, so we'll see.  I can always walk it.

I'm signed up for a 4 week MELT class beginning in June.  I have no idea what it is but I heard it's good for injuries.

I'd like to do a few day trips to the beach.  Our favorite spot is Bradley Beach, NJ.  No boardwalk, nice & quiet.  I'm not sure how the conditions are there after Sandy but I'm sure it'll be open.

July 9th is our 6 year anniversary! :)  Fun fact - we randomly chose that date.  It was early summer 2007, that's all we know!

We are going camping in July for the weekend.  We go at least once a year and absolutely love it.  Yup, tent camping.  Right on the Delaware River in PA.  We will raft on Saturday.  It's a lot of work to set up camp but it's relaxing from there on.  No cell service.  Just us, nature, the sound of the river, drunk people being loud until 3am.

We will most likely host a BBQ as we do every year, just not sure when yet.

That's pretty much all I've got!

So What?! Wednesday Link Up

Happy Hump Day!  I'm glad it's already Wednesday even though it feels like Tuesday.  Today is the 155th day in a row I've logged in to My Fitness Pal (it would be more but I forgot to log in on Christmas Day!).  If you'd like to be friends on there, my user name is rayac1221.  I complete my food and exercise diary 99% of the time, even if it was a "bad" day calorie wise.

I'm linking up with Shannon today for SO WHAT Wednesday!

So what if:

*I'm up 5 lbs (!) since I last weighed in about a week ago!  I woke up feeling EXTREMELY thirsty and bloated today so I'm hoping it's water weight!  Soo frustrating because I worked out continuously all weekend and last night.

*I continue to stop for that coffee in the morning (and sometimes at lunch) because it just tastes THAT much better.  I still think I need to stop this though.

*There are dishes in the sink from last night.

*There is still folded laundry from Saturday sitting on my dresser.

*We've lived in our house for over 2 years and still don't have permanent window treatments.  Do you KNOW how much they cost?  Oof.

*If I had too much beer this weekend and that's probably the cause of being up 5 lbs - lol.

What are you saying "so what?" about this week?

Long Weekend Recap

This weekend was great despite the heavy rain we had all day on Saturday.  We attempted a movie on Friday night but the mall was INSANE.  We figured we'd get there early since I got out of work an hour early.  I guess everyone had the same idea.  Who knew the mall/movies would be so crowded so friggen' early.  So we skipped that and went out to dinner (so much for not eating out) BUT I had a $25 restaurant.com certificate so it wasn't terrible.  In case you didn't know, you can often get them for $4 when they have promotions.

Saturday's weather was windy, rainy and cold.  We ended up at a matinee movie.  Hangover 3.  It was okay.  Alan was the funniest.

Sunday morning I cleaned, got a work out in and then we went to a friends for a BBQ.  It was a lot of fun.  We may or may not have had early afternoon shots of Cafe Patron, played flip cup and drank lots of beer.  Just sayin'.

Yesterday was another party - a friend's surprise 30th at their house.  That too was a lot of fun.

Tuesday...time to detox and get back on track food wise.  Although it wasn't too terrible I guess.  I had oatmeal & fruit for breakfast all weekend and got to work out, so that cancels out the burgers, dips, beer, sausage and desserts right?  Not.  My friend made these amazing bacon wrapped baked potatoes with a spicy sour cream dip....so good and worth the calories.

I hope you all had a great weekend too!  Short work week and a friend's wedding this coming Saturday :)

"300" Abs - 30 Day Challenge

Happy Friday and Happy 3 Day MDW!  This year will be bittersweet.  For many years, we spent MDW at the Jersey Shore at Mean Ang's family's house.  If you read her blog, you would know the house had about 3 feet of water after Hurricane Sandy.  Gladly, the house it still standing but needs a lot of work.  This weekend we will all still be together at a some parties.  Day drinking & shenanigans may or may not be involved.

I'm feeling super sore after 2 days of boot camp in the park this week and hot yoga last night.

I decided to join in on the Ab Challenge with Holly and others.  I actually saw this on Pinterest about a year ago and tried it once or twice and then gave up.  It's really tough but should only take 15-20 minutes of my day so I know I can do it!  I started last night and took a before picture.  Not sure I'll have the guts to post before & after pictures but we'll see.

This should motivate me to continue eating clean so I can see real results in 4 weeks.

I hope you all have a great & safe Memorial Day Weekend and while we are BBQing, let's also remember why we celebrate this holiday in the first place.

Name Change & Farmer's Market

I'm thinking about changing my blog name.  I named it when I was full force into my half marathon training & high on life about running.  It's three weeks after the race and I'm still not walking with a "normal" step on my left side and my body is definitely telling me to take it easy.  I know this could change in a few weeks, months, a year but I don't know.

I'm glad I can do other types of exercises - Ripped in 30, yoga, pilates, etc.

Now to think of a new blog name!  Ideas are welcomed.  I don't blog about just one topic so I'm open to ideas.  I like to garden and live in the Garden State so that might be a start.


Our first peony from the plant we planted last year.

Last night we went to an indoor farmer's market and gladly walked out with 7 or 8 bags full of stuff for $56.  That included two containers of nuts for $5 each so we got TONS of fresh produce for about $46.  Now to eat it all this week before it goes bad!  It's definitely worth the drive through our county's busiest area.

Oh wait, almost anywhere in NJ is extremely crowded except for the Pine Barrens.

I'm looking forward to the outdoor farmer's market which is about a mile from our house.  It opens in about a month.

We are planning on doing a large vegetable garden this year.  Pictures and details soon to follow.

Enjoy your day and I hope you all have a 3 day weekend coming up!



He's not allowed on the couch but he'll sometimes try, especially when Tux, the cat is on the couch.



Saro & I



Nope, We Are NOT 21 Anymore

Yup, I'm still feeling "off" after drinking all weekend but it was worth it for a fun time with my friends!

Friday we were at the NJ shore for night #1 of the bachelorette party.  Good times and lots of laughs had by all with some TMI moments in there always makes for a fun time.

Saturday we lounged around in the morning and afternoon and then drove to AC (Atlantic City for my non-Jersey readers) for the night.  Again, good times, laughs and lots of drinks had by all!  Our friend gets married in two weeks - looking forward to the wedding now :)

Bad food choices also happened.  Dips, cheese steak, bacon & lots of it, and bagels.  Yum!

It's a fresh new week & here's my plan for the week:

#1 - Get back on track food wise.  So far, so good.  I had 1 egg, berries and a Think Thin bar today.

#2 - Workout Plans
Monday - Workout in the park
Tuesday - Rest
Wednesday - Workout in the park
Thursday - I have a work training about 45 minutes away from home... I'm currently signed up for hot yoga so if I'm back in time, I'll go.
Friday - Hot Yoga
Saturday - RI30
Sunday - RI30

Have a good week!

Hot Yoga

Last night I tried hot yoga for the first time.  I really liked it!  I got dizzy a few times when we had to touch our toes and then bring your head up but that was it.  The room is at 105 degrees with 40% humidity so you pretty much start sweating upon entering the room.  It was 60 minutes of vinyasa/flow yoga so you're constantly moving. 

Yesterday on my lunch break I went out to buy a heart rate monitor.  Well I had it on but I don't think I set it up properly, lol, so I estimated that I burned 500 calories after googling and looking at different results.

I plan on going back next Thursday and Friday.

As for my injury, a few of the moves irritated it a little bit but I'm hoping after the 10 classes, I'll feel better.

It's a cute little studio and it's only about 2 miles away from my house.  I'm always looking for convenience for a gym/workout studio.

Happy Friday!  Enjoy your weekend.  I will be going to Atlantic City to celebrate a friends bachelorette party :)

Thirsty Thursday Linkup Party!

Today I'm linking up with Alicia & Kristin to share a drink recipe!

Last night I was in the mood for fajitas and a margarita so I went on Skinny Taste for the fajita recipe and I Googled a recipe for skinny margaritas. 

Skinny Margaritas:

12 limes, juiced

6 lemons, juiced

2 oranges, juiced

Tequila

Agave nectar or raw honey

Ice

Blend and enjoy!  Next time, I would use fewer limes & lemons and more oranges - it was a little too bitter even with the agave nectar.

DIY Salad Dressing

Saro bought us a NutriBullet a few weeks ago (after the cat kicked the blender off the counter and broke it!) and I've been using it for fruit shakes in the morning.  Loving it!

Last night I figured, why not make the salad dressing in it?  I've been making my own salad dressing for almost a year, just whisking all of the ingredients in a bowl.  I figured since this would blend better, I'd give it a try.

Here's the recipe which I found online but altered a little:

1 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar (Trader Joe's)
2 tbsp dijon mustard
3 crushed garlic cloves
1 tbsp Italian Seasoning (McCormick) or you can use fresh herbs
2 tsp raw organic honey (Trader Joe's)
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Blend for 30 seconds.  Store in fridge for up to 10 days.

I'm having it today with a spring mix/cranberry/goat cheese/almond salad.

A lot of bottled dressings aren't good for you and I've learned over the last year that low fat and fat free aren't necessarily healthier.  Stick to good fats and eat clean.  Raw nuts, avocado, olive oil, coconut oil, natural peanut butter (not Skippy, Jif, Peter Pan).

You have to wonder - what does fat free dressing have if it doesn't have olive oil?  Probably vegetable oil which is chemically processed.  Yes, EVOO is high in calories and fat but it's good for your body.

Just food for thought :)

Eating Out..Or Not

Ok, this might be hard but the last few months, I feel we've spent too much $ eating out.  We frequent a few local restaurants that take coupons from restaurant.com, however it's the same 1 or 2 so it can get old quick and when it's not there, the bill ends up being $50 for 2 of us.

This should include coffee.  $2 a day doesn't seem like a lot but times 30 that's $60 a month.  I definitely don't get coffee out every day so it's probably closer to 15-20 but still.  Unnecessary.  I can make it at home.  1 k-cup = 50 cents.

It's tempting, especially on Fridays after work.  We live next to a town that has a ton of restaurants with outdoor seating so now that the weather is nice & warm, it's definitely hard to resist.

So starting today, even though it's the 13th of the month, I vow to not eat out for 1 month unless someone else is paying, LOL...kidding.

It's off to a good start minus the coffee stop this morning.  I had an apple and a Think Thin bar for breakfast, am about to have some strawberries I packed and I have leftover dinner for lunch today (chicken madeira with vegetables and potato).

Not to mention that eating out is not usually healthy.

How often do you eat out?  Do you feel like you usually spend the same for 2 people?



Jake & Holly's Finish The Sentence Linkup

Linking up with Holly & Jake today!

 

 

 

 

Unlike my sibling(s) (that I love very much)...Born & raised an only child, folks.

 

My best friend says..."Imma stab you" when someone pisses her off. Mean Ang

 

People call me...Pinky because I'm fair skinned and turn red easily if embarrassed or worked up about something.  Oh and my family calls me Rat beacuse my 2 front teeth are a LITTLE bigger than the rest. 

Nice right?  Haha I'm so used to it though.  29 and they still call me that, I just respond as if they said my real name.  I have a collection of toy rats, magnets, from said family members.

 

I most often dream...a LOT when I sleep for more than 8 hours.  It's so weird.  7-8 hours and I'm good.  Anything more than 8, very vivid and sometimes scary dreams.

 

The best part of my day...driving home from work!  Especially when it's nice out, windows down & knowing I'll be home in 8 minutes.

 

I really don't understand...why Murphy (the dog) has to take a toy outside with him every time he has to poop.


I get really annoyed...when Saro leaves a drop of something left in the fridge.  Like a drop of 1/2 &1/2.  "But I left it for you" he'll say.  Hmmmmmm.

 

There's nothing like a...good, sweaty work out!

 

Lately, I can't get enough...Ice cream.  Whoops.

 

One thing I am NOT is...high strung.

 

I spent too much money on...new work clothes recently, and I still *need* more pants.

 

I want to learn....how to drive stick shift.

 

If I ever met Channing Tatum, I would...faint.

 

 

 

I can't stop...couponing.  I'm not extreme but even when ordering online, I look for a coupon code or deal first.

 

Never have I ever...gone for a run and regretted it.  Even the 13.1 miles this past Sunday and dealing with pretty severe pain currently.  Nope, not an oz. of regret.

 

 

Reese Witherspoon...

I'd Rather Give Birth...

Not that I know what it feels like but this sciatica or whatever it is, is freakin' killing.  I'm going to ask the chiropractor again tonight why he thinks it is not sciatica.  I'm uncomfortable whether I sit, stand or walk.  Luckily, no problems sleeping but I have been putting a pillow between my knees.

It's a pinching, burning, stinging and cramping pain that moves from my lower back to my hip and now all the way the bottom of my foot.  I can't take a normal step because it hurts my hip to do so.  So I've been keeping my leg as straight as I can when walking.  I do not know what else it COULD be.

I was supposed to go to hot yoga tonight but I'm not going to.  I'm taking Advil every 4 hours but I don't even think it's helping.

I've only done one day of the Jillian Michaels challenge.  I hate not being able to be active but it is what it is. 

Half Marathon Weekend Recap

Good Morning all.  Get comfy because this is going to be a long post.

As most of you know, after running 9 miles two weeks ago during my training, I experienced what the doctor says and what I think is sciatica (from a herniated disc in my lower back).  It's a shooting pain from my lower back, through my hip, down my hamstring to my knee.  I'm even feeling it in my heel now.

I went to the chiroporacter 4x last week and he thinks it is not sciatica and that my spine just needs to be aligned.  He definitely made me feel better, loosened me up, so whatever.  He's all for running as he used to run himself. 

The "real" doctor who's an ortho/sports med doctor, does not think running is for me.  I don't really like that answer.  I've made it this far, haven't I?  Ok so maybe long distance isn't my thing but don't a lot of people feel SOME KIND OF pain after running 9+ miles?!

I mean when I started Couch to 5K in February 2012, running for 3 minutes straight was like WHOA and Sunday I ran for 163 minutes straight (with the exception of stopping for maybe 1/2 mile total and stopping for water).  The most I ran in my life was the mile that we HAD to run in school.

Saturday we headed to where the marathon starts to pick up our bibs, shirts and to check out the expo they had going on.  It's a little over an hour drive south.  We hung out there for a bit and I purchased a bondiband.  I'm very glad I did because it held my bangs down and didn't slip at all.  Very light weight too.



My bondiband ~ Bright & early pre race




Corral E AKA the slowest one, lol.

 Saturday night I got everything together - my outfit, sports beans, CEP socks, water belt (I didn't end up wearing it - there were water stations every mile or 2).

Sunday morning:
Alarm set for 3am but my eyes open at 2:45, so I get up.  I showered right before bed so no need to shower again.  I freshen up and get dressed in my outfit (with sweat pants over because it is COLD out - low 40s).  We eat a bagel with peanut butter on the way down and some strawberries.  A coffee too.

We arrive at 5:15am (minimal traffic pulling into the parking lot at this time) and sit in the car for a few, people watching.  So many interesting people here.  People are running around the parking lot, warming up?  We are like - why waste your energy?  Lol.

We wait in line for the bathroom and then head over to the starting line.  The race starts at 6:45.  We were in the last corral so we started around 7:00.  Those 15 minutes felt like forever.  The adrenaline is pumping, my heart is racing and I'm very eager to start.

We start and Saro takes off in front of me.  I see him for maybe 30 seconds but then he's lost in the crowd.  So many people and I'm loving it. 

For the first mile, people are passing me, I'm passing others.  I honestly was so busy looking around at the sights and other people, that the first 4 miles went by so quick.  Up until mile 5 or 6, I can't remember exactly, I was feeling great.  People were on their lawns cheering for us, holding signs, playing music - it was so cool.  About halfway through, my lower back was hurting but not terribly.  I stopped at almost every water station and stopped to stretch my back 2-3 times.  At mile 8, I got a text from Angela that said "I don't know where you are in the race but keep going!"  I had stopped to stretch at this point so I saw her text and told her I only had 5 miles left.  ONLY 5?!  A year ago - 5 seemed impossible and after running 8, I was so glad I only had 5 left.  In a way I didn't want it to end though.  It was a weird feeling

The rest is a blur.  I had noticed this girl near me the whole time - we were at the same pace.  The last 1/4 mile, she saw me hurting as I stopped to walk.  She grabbed my arm and said "I saw we were together the whole time - come on we'll finish together, I'm hurting too!"  So we ran the rest of the way together.




Me at 12.5 miles.  Saro's sister took the picture.


I saw Saro in the crowd and he was so happy to see me!!  The finish line was so close but so far it seemed.  I crossed it after 2 hours & 43 minutes.  I am happy with this time considering my injury.  I wanted to finish in 3 hours so I'm satisfied.

Saro's sister, brother in law, daughters and my cousin and her husband were waiting for us at the end.



Saro finished in 2 hours, 17 minutes!



It was such an amazing experience.  I still can't believe I ran that far.  Ran, jogged, whatever!  Either one isn't easy.  I would definitely do it again as long as my body is feeling better!

Thanks for reading and enjoy your day :)

If I Make It In Under Three Hours...

...I will be happy.  They give you 3 hours & 15 minutes to finish.  Each day for the last two weeks, I've had a different pain or pinch anywhere from my middle back to my knees.  Today it's my hips.  This tells me it has to be nerves and not muscle pain.  I haven't pushed myself the last 2 weeks.  I've walked and done a few exercises but nothing over the top.

Today I'm wearing a Thermacare heat wrap on my back.  At least if I REALLY can't finish, I will know I tried anything and everything two weeks prior to race day.

Until Monday peeps...wish me luck.  I'm extremely nervous.  I already have a knot in my stomach and it's two days away.

What's Your Favorite Resort?

Preferably in the Caribbean - but it doesn't have to be.  Also preferably an all inslusive but doesn't have to be, lol.  Sometimes it's just easier.  The two I've been to were both amazing!


Riu - Ocho Rios, Jamaica

We loved this one because it was our first trip together back in 2009.  It is a HUGE resort, as you can see.  We kind of liked the size because there was always something going on, a bunch of restaurants and bars, etc.  


Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana

We really liked this one too.  It was smaller than the Riu but still had a lot going on, different restaurants, etc.  The food was excellent and the beach was gorgeous.

So, I'm curious if you've been to a resort that you love and want to share :)

Enjoy your day...one more day until Friday!

Fruit Chia Shake

This morning I tried my first breakfast shake with chia seeds.  Not bad.  It was 1.5 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk, 1 tbsp PB2, one cup frozen berries, 1/2 TBSP chia.  I do however, have to find a different protein powder.  The one I'm currently using has fake sugar in it.  Not a fan.  Does anyone like a powder that lacks sugar AND fake sugar?  Let me know!  I'd rather throw a little raw honey in there for sweetener, if needed.

Today I will also be joining in on the May Meltdown with some other bloggers.  We are going to do a Jillian Michaels DVD of our choice for a month.  I'm hoping to do it 5x a week.

Mean Ang and I will be doing Ripped in 30 together tonight!



Ripped in 30 and this morning's shake.



As for the half which in just FOUR days, I'm still on the fence.  I am feeling MUCH better than I was on Monday (I've gone to the chiro twice and tonight will be the third).  I think it's definitely nerve damage because when my heel strikes, I feel a pain in my hip and sometimes it shoots around my hamstring and knee.  It's not a sore muscle.

Even if I decide not to run it, I will know I've tried EVERYTHING I can think of this week.  Even down to wrapping my leg with Saran and an Ace bandage at night.  Taking anti-inflammatories, resting, stretching.  Sunday might be scary because by then, it'll be two weeks since I ran.  Maybe that will be a good thing!

I'm hoping to step outside again at lunch to walk 1.5-2 miles.

Enjoy your day and join the JM challenge with us :)