Halloween Candy Deal @ CVS

Hey, all!  Ugh, seriously dragging butt this week.  It's only Tuesday and really feels like Thursday.

I know Halloween is a month away but I couldn't resist this deal before all the good ones like Reese's and Kit Kats are sold out!

Mars chocolate is on sale; 3 bags for $8 - I got 3 bags

Twizzlers, Hershey's, Kit Kat, Reeses, Mounds, etc.  3 bags for $9 (Receive $2 Extra Bucks for next purchase) - I got 6 bags

Sub Total:  $26.00

In store printable coupon $3 off 3 bags:  $3.00

Three $1.50 off manufacturer coupon off of 3 bags = $4.50

Total: $18.50 for 9 bags = $2.06 each when they're normally priced around $5 each.

I received the $2 ECB plus another $5 for HABA items I bought.

I went back the following day to redeem my $7 ECB.  I had one more $1.50 manufacturer's coupon so I paid $1.84 for 3 additional bags.

GRAND total $20.34 for 12 bags (and probably way too much!)  But my coworkers will enjoy the leftovers ;)

*Check out LRWC for more great deals*

5K PR!

I started running in April of 2012 with couch to 5k.   After C25K, we started Bridge to 10k and then decided to sign up for the NJ half marathon.  Two weeks prior to the race after running 9 miles, I threw my back out and was in excruciating pain.  I saw the chiropractor every day for those next 2 weeks and he told me I've come this far and that I need to try to run this race.

Well, I did in 2 hours and 43 minutes.  The first 8 went well and the last 5 were pretty terrible.  My body was telling me I'm not meant for long distance.  I literally couldn't walk after the race and felt sick to my stomach.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After kicking and screaming, I finally got an MRI and learned that I have a low back/disc issue causing sciatica.  I went to PT for a good 6 months or so.

I think Piyo has really been helping my running by strengthening my core.  I know, you use your legs the most during running but your core and back are highly involved as well.  Somehow it's making me run faster.  My legs are a lot stronger and more muscular.

Last night after work, Saro and I did Piyo Full Body Blast.  In this 30 minute video, you use "slides" aka frisbees with felt around it so you can slide around on the floor.  It's a killer workout with a lot of planks and leg work.  I may or may not yell at Chalene Johnson during this video.

We started running together and then I noticed Saro was behind.  I didn't want to stop because my first mile was 9:36 and I thought to myself, if I could keep this pace, I'll obtain my sub 30 minute 5k!  My first mile is almost always my quickest.  My 2nd mile was 9:53 and my 3rd mile was 9:39 - I finished in 30:06!  I know I'll get to that sub 30 goal soon!

Happy Friday Eve and Rosh Hashanah!

Strengths & Weaknesses

Personality strengths and weaknesses, we all have them so I figured I would share mine.  

My strengths:

• Reliable
• On time - work or anywhere.  I have anxiety if I'm late.
• Loyal friend
• Committing to something
• Motivated
• Getting back to people when I say I will
• Not sugar coating things - this is a work in progress

My weaknesses:

• Shy/Timid (still at 30)
• Sensitive
• I have a hard time letting things go
• Feel the need to explain myself when I definitely don't have to
• Talking in front of a group/having all eyes on me
• Being too hard on myself

It's not easy to write these about yourself!  I know I have more but these are the ones that come to my mind first.

Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Creamer

Happy 1st day of Fall!  That time of year when pumpkin spice is all the rage.  

Surprisingly, I have yet to purchase a $5 PSL from Starbucks.  Instead, I've been making my own pumpkin spice creamer at home which saves money and calories.

Homemade pumpkin spice creamer:

1 cup milk (cow's, almond, coconut, etc.)

1 cup half & half (OR 1/2 cup half & half AND 1/2 cup heavy cream)

4 tbsp real maple syrup

4 tbsp canned pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling)

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1 tsp vanilla extract

Whisk all ingredients except for the vanilla extract together and cook on medium until steaming.  Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.  Using a fine strainer or mesh sieve, strain creamer into a jar (to remove pumpkin pulp and some of the spices so it's not gritty-like).  I use a mason jar and it can last up to two weeks (but I usually consume it before then)  ;) 

What's your favorite pumpkin thing?

2 Mile PR

Yesterday morning, I hit a 2 mile PR @ 19:28!

I did Piyo Sculpt prior to the run.  I'm hoping to get 3 runs in this week and 3 next week.

I have a 4 mile race on October 4th.  4 on the 4th!  ;)

Today begins week #13 of Piyo!  Still no weight loss but I absolutely love the program.  I saw my endocrinologist on Friday afternoon and my thyroid levels are 5x lower than what they should be which he said is the definite cause of not being able to lose weight.  I feel a lot tighter, mostly in my legs and waist so I'll take it!

He said I might want to try cutting out things like gluten and dairy completely but I'm on the fence about it.  I'm all for coconut, nuts, etc but I don't have much gluten and dairy to begin with.

Have a good week!

So Close!

Happy Friday Eve!

I'm so close to getting a sub 30 minute 5K.

Last night's run after Piyo:

Distance: 3.1 mi

Pace: 10:02 min/mi

Total time: 31:08

I didn't stop at all and probably could have kept going.  It's funny how some days it's easier than others.

Saro ran with me for the first time in a while (he's usually about 1/4 mile ahead of me at all times) and I think since his pace is generally a bit quicker than mine, but he hasn't been running as often, we evened out last night!

I definitely think Piyo has strengthened my core which I really need to run without low back pain.  My back has been feeling better.  Still a little sore some days but hopefully it'll keep diminishing.

I also started the two Piyo workouts with the "slides."  They look like frisbees with felt around it.  It's an amazing workout!  I am thinking after 5 more weeks of Piyo, I'm going to rotate it with some of the T25 strength videos.

Have a good day!

Wedding Wednesday: No More To-Dos

Our thank you notes are finally signed, sealed and delivered!  Phew.  We decided to do photo post cards from Zazzle and hand write a note to everyone.  

*Tip: if you're currently planning your wedding, don't forget to factor in a few hundred dollar$ just for postage for save the dates, invitations, RSVPs and thank yous.

We actually do still have to order our wedding album but the prices are scary.  My cousin made us a phenomenal wedding/honeymoon scrapbook but I would still like to get the professional album.

Virtual 5K Race Results #DJV5K

Happy Monday!

Saturday morning, Saro ran the 5K with me.  We ran near my high school.  I run there often because it's flat.  I've been trying really hard to manage a sub 30 but came in at 33:15.  It was perfect running weather - cloudy and cool, about 62 degrees. 

Since we didn't stop, I didn't get to take any other pictures.  Plus, they would be boring anyway since it was a residential area.

Next up, a 4 mile race with my cousin in 3 weeks.  She just had a baby 3 months ago and is doing couch to 5K and doing a 2nd round of 21 day fix starting next week.  She's doing great!

Have a good week :)

Fall Decor

Happy Friday!  Yesterday I took a sick day.  I'm feeling a bit better but not 100%.  I'm hoping the DJV5K knocks this cold/allergies out of me tomorrow ;)

I started decorating for Fall a little early this year.  

Most items are from Home Goods, Pier 1 and a local gift shop.  The mini cat pillow is my favorite.

I've also been browsing Etsy and I'm tempted to buy a couple things.

Have a good weekend!

My 5th 5K

This past weekend, I ran my town's 1st annual 5K.  It actually started a block up the street from our house and I knew the route before hand which was nice.  I also knew that the last mile was a steady uphill.  Yikes.  I try to avoid this hill whenever possible.

It was about 80 degrees with 85% humidity which was pretty terrible.  Here are the results:

Distance: 3.2 mi

Duration: 36:06 min.

Pace: 11:18 min/mi

Definitely not my best pace BUT, last Thursday I ran my quickest 5K in a year and a half.  The weather that night was perfect!  Here are those results:

Distance: 3.1 mi

Duration: 32:05

Pace: 10:20 min/mi

I'm so close to getting to a 5K in 30 minutes or less.  My pace has to be 9:40 min/mi or less.  I'm planning on running tonight after a double Piyo and then the virtual DJV5K this Saturday! :)

The *finished* Shed: Part 3

We finally finished the shed last night!  Painting the edges was harder than I thought.  It took 3 hours (grand total 7 hours to paint it) and since the surface is wood/bumpy, it really took a lot of concentration and a steady hand.  My hands are achy today and my hips hurt from clenching myself not to fall of the ladder - LOL.

Looks teal here but it's a blue/gray

Finished!!!

Looks small from standing next to the house ;)

Great Fall Shopping Deals

I've been shopping for some new clothes and shoes for work and currently, DSW and Express have some really awesome online deals but hurry, only a few more days!

DSW

I love DSW.  I buy almost all of my shoes from them online.  Right now, they have $10 off anything, $20 off $99 or $40 off $199.  I scored 4 new pairs of work shoes for $157.  Free shipping and free exchanges if needed.  Use promo code "SHOPFALL."  If you're not a DSW rewards member, you should sign up.  You get 10 points for every dollar you spend and once you hit 1,500 points, you'll get a $10 certificate.  They'll also randomly send you $5 off coupons.

Express

Express has $10 off $30, $30 off $75 or $75 off $150.  This sale started today but yesterday, they had all dress pants for $39.90 so I purchased 2 pairs.  I might use the $75 off $150 to get 2 more pairs and a blouse.  Use promo code "1227."

Don't forget to shop through Ebates!

I am also a huge fan of Ann Taylor LOFT but I'm waiting for their 50% off everything sale ;)

I'd like to know what your favorite apparel and shoe stores are and where you typically find great deals?!

Have a great weekend!

If You Knew Me In High School Link Up

I forgot about this link up so I don't have pictures to share but if I remember tonight, I'll take some and upload them later.

 

If you knew me in high school, you would know...

 

...I only played soccer freshman year.  I was never an athlete but wanted to try it out.  After that, I decided to get a job.

 

...My first job was at TCBY.

 

...I was on the yearbook committee.

 

...I was in the ski club.

 

...My friends and I would hide behind the outdoor hockey rink to try to skip gym class.  Our gym teacher would yell at us but I think she also thought it was funny.  We would hear "Girlsss..!!" and start giggling.

 

...I had 2 boyfriends.  One freshman year into sophomore year and one junior year into freshman year of college.

 

...Senior year, I got drunk for the first time at my friends house off Smirnoff ice and when someone asked if I was drunk I said "I'm not drunk, I just can't walk."  LOL I definitely have that picture somewhere.  OOF.

 

...In the school cafeteria, I would almost always eat a bagel with cream cheese for breakfast, pasta with meat sauce for lunch and two sugar cookies.  Holy carb overload.

 

...I used to fall asleep in Spanish class.

 

...I liked Math and Art the best.

 

 

I have a lot of really great memories from high school!



Runs, Buns, Guns and Ab Challenge

I hope you all had a great Labor Day weekend.  I sure did.  We went to a BBQ and celebrated a friend's surprise 30th birthday.  One cup of sangria and I was toast.  Literally that stuff was super strong.

 

It's also been the hottest it has been all summer here in NJ.  July and August were mild - in the 70s and 80s.  Today?  It's 92 and will remain hot for the rest of the week.  Go figure.

 

I was able to get four runs in last week, despite the heat:

 

8/26:

Distance: 2.3 mi

Pace: 11:00 min/mi

Total Time: 25:49

 

8/29:

Distance: 2 mi

Pace: 9:55 min/mi

Total Time: 19:51

 

8/31:

Distance: 2.7 mi

Pace: 11:13 min/mi

Total Time: 30:03

 

9/1:

Distance: 2 mi

Pace: 10:53 min/mi

Total Time: 21:49

 

 

 

As you can see, my pace is never the same.  I think it depends mainly on the weather and my energy level.  I definitely do better in the cool weather and when I've eaten within 2 hours.  If I run right after work, it's around 6:00.  I have lunch at 12 and a small snack around 3 so that's a pretty big gap.

 

On another note, I signed up on Facebook for this Buns, Guns and Ab challenge through my Beachbody coach.  It started yesterday, but feel free to join and start today!  The leg lifts are done by laying on your back and lifting your legs up and down (together).  It's killer!  I'm doing 3 sets.

 

Here's the schedule:

 

 

Have a great evening!