Frugal Friday *snicker*

Totally kidding with that title.  Not even Frugal...ever.  I WANT to be frugal, but it RARELY happens.

Example.  I ventured into a nobuy with a interwebz friend, starting October 1 and ending December 1.

How is that going?  Well, thank you for asking.

It's not really going terrible, but it's not going GREAT either.  Since October 1, I can safely say I've purchased 2 pairs of jeans, 2 shirts, 5034823 fingernail polishes (actually probably closer to 5) and I think that sums it up. 

I was told by my nobuy partner that Limited Edition things don't count.  Well, that could go either way.  I did buy LE Halloween polishes from WnW AND, LE polish from L'oreal.  BUT, since the Sally Hansen complete manicure polishes were on clearance at Walgreens, I took that to be LE too, because you know...they're on sale, and then GONE.  So...limited?  Right....

My logic is not flawed.  EVER.

So that brings me to my huge huge HUGE confession. I am a hoarder.  I'm talking...class 5 (out of 5).  I have over 250 polishes....well over.  That was when I counted back in May or something...and since then.  Ugh.  *SHAMEFACE*

I bought some stackable situation from Target (hoarding enabler) that I put some polishes in. That left a 3 drawer container fairly empty.  WHO FILLED IT UP?

ME.  Ugh.  I am barreling toward having enough polish that I could change polish daily and still not wear them all.  I never had this goal.  NEVER.  BUT...will I stop buying?

Nope.  See, we made it almost full circle....to logic.  NOT flawed.

My strategy:  I put all of my unworn polish in the top drawer, and I can only dip back into my worn until I wear all of those.  BUT---(only flawed part) that drawer will never reach the bottom.  FAIL.

Current polish:

Courtesy of All Lacquered Up.

Next up:  Fragrance 

So it's like that, huh?

I woke up this morning with that soft-palate soreness that only indicates that a cold will shortly take up residence in my household.  My household being ME.  Because Mr. Sweetness/O is out of town M-F lately.

Why is this happening?  Oh wait, I haven't had a sickness or cold come to think of it, for probably 2 years. So I suppose it is well overdue that it is my turn.  WTF?  *sigh*  I ALSO suppose that my self-diagnosed presickness will be requiring a night of couchsurfing to cure it.  Yes, this is an official prescription.  Given by Dr. Sillypants.

Along with the couchsurfing I am also prescribing a night of leftover deep-dish pizza.  This is a cure-all.  Mark my words.

Okay, back to the task at hand, which is???

Coffee.  I had this idea LAST friday from a twitter friend that also has a lovely blog.  Shout out to Hollie at http://fueledbylolz.com/.  Go check her funny, humble and honest blog out. DO IT!  (all zero of you).

She is addicted to or at least partakes in gas station coffee.  Exclusively, I would say (I might be mistaken).  BUT, I told her I'm a coffee snob (truth) and that I will make coffee at home.

Hollie said she didn't know how to get "good" coffee at home.  Well, I shared a bit with her and I will enlighten here as well.

I worked as a "Barista" at a locally owned coffee shop here in Iowa-y.  They featured their own roasts of coffee as well as crazy-priced sandwiches which were just "meh" in my opinion.

Coffee must start with a good bean, fresh, un-ground and kept away from heat and light.  NOT IN YOUR FREEZER.  Seriously, who came up with sticking beans in a freezer?  They should be punched repeatedly in the gonads.  Ideally you don't want beans to be much older than 2 weeks old.  But who really has beans for less than 2 weeks.  I know I don't.  So...SINNER.

Then, grind.  I have a burr grinder, which I actually acquired from my Father.  He finally listened to me and started hoarding mid-range/low-range burr grinders when he saw them at Sam's.  A burr grinder unlike a blade grinder actually gets more flavor from the bean.  Crushing them rather than cutting them.  It's some scientific mumbo-jumbo I certainly don't understand but I pretend to get.  It works for me.

Water---preferably filtered.  Yes, I use a Brita filter.  I'm high class like that. No ozonated water here, pure and adulterated class all the way.  You're just lucky I don't use old pantyhose to filter that stuff.  MMMM...

Back to coffee (again).  So really, it comes down to beans, grind, and water.  After that it's just about adjusting your strength.  Most coffee packaging will suggest 1 Tablespoon to 6 oz water.  I like to up it.  Because I like to drink sludge, or less-than seethrough coffee.  I want it to be THICK.  I use probably 1-1 1/4 T. per cup of coffee.  So if it says 4 cups, I use 4-5 HEAPING Tablespoons of coffee grounds.

And then BREW!  I love me some half-and-half too.  I don't do any of that fancy stuff, no creamer, no skim milk, no soy, no almond milk.  HALF and HALF.  And if I'm feeling particularly suicidal....whipping cream.  It takes less and tastes OH SO GOOD.  I am pretty militant about my coffee.

SNOB all the way.

Shoes, Kicks, Sneaks, etc...

So, last week I FINALLY ordered myself some new shoes.  AND, for the first time in HISTORY of me I actually purchased TWO pairs of shoes.  This is like me deciding to buy TWO cars instead of one.  Well, not that big, but it's BIG.  *BIG*

They arrived yesterday and trying to act like an adult I let the box sit untouched for probably oh...20 minutes.  Then I tore into that sucker and retrieved out my two pairs.  *cue angels*

 

I tried to attach an actual photo I took MYSELF, but I'm clearly too big of an idiot to do this.  BUT, they're my first pair of non-motion control/normal shoes.  They're Brooks Pureflow and I think they'll be *just* enough minimal entry that I will get along just fine with them.

I took them out last night after walking my pups (I would put a picture of that too, but alas, still dumb), for a quick spin for about 25 minutes.  LOVELY.  It felt very strange and I definitely felt the difference, but not a bad difference.  

All I know is, I'm not running on horribly worn shoes.  Eeeks.  

Tinytip:  Write your mileage on your calendar with acronyms for your shoes if you have multiple pairs.  It is best to keep track of mileage so you can support any suspicions of worn shoes.

*bows*

Truffle Shuffle!

The title actually has nothing to do with the content of this post.  I decided I was trying to be too "formal" with my blog and be funny, which if you force isn't funny at all.  So here goes, starting small.

GOALS for October

1.  Get out and walk with my pups at least 5 days a week. 

-My husband is currently out of town M-F training for his new job, and when it's all set up he'll have a (most likely) opposite schedule, which means...more mom/dog time.  THUS the dog walking.  Love it.  This fall weather really inspires me to bundle up, hook up the dogs and get out.  :)

2.  Rehab and stretch my legs.

-Currently I'm working with an IT/Quad/Hamstring/Adductor issue with my left leg.  And a Calf/Achilles issue with my right leg.  So all in all, I'm completely jacked up.  Will this stop me?  Nope.  I will keep moving, but I need to stretchstretchstretch like a mo-fo.  And yes...I pretty much listed all things in that left leg, minus the butt.  No butt issues (that I know of).

3.  Eat better and feel better.

-I find myself doing well about 2.5 weeks of the month and then just letting the wheels fall off about 1.5 weeks of the month.  I'm sure that has to do with hormones, but darn it...I am stronger than my stupid hormones. 

4.  Clean out my closets.

-I always preach to others "if you haven't used it in 2 years, pitch it" and then find myself hiding things in my closet that I haven't even PONDERED wearing in the last 2 years.  It is time, unfetter myself from those emotional ties...and pitch it.

I hope I can get some movement on this stuff.

Happy Monday! (I'm trying to pep talk myself)

Beauty POSTTTT!

Huh.  I thought I would post yesterday (Wednesday), but I actually ran out of time during the day.  Yes, that is possible.

But imagine my excitement when my Julep Maven box arrived today.  Okay, so everyone talks mad hype about Glossybox (uk), My glam, Birchbox, Beauty Tubes, etc.  But I really just like nailpolish.  And honestly, you get GOOD stuff with these boxes.  No "surprise" samples, or repeats like face wash, or expired masks, or repackaged stuffs.  Nope...just good old fingernail polish.

WHEE!  So basically receiving this box reminded me that I needed to share some recent faves.  Mostly, but not ALL beauty related.

1.  Physician's Formula Eye Booster liquid liner.  OMG y'all, this marker is AHMAZING.  I have tried L'Oreal's lineur intense (sp?), Napoleon Perdis' liner, NYX, but nothing compares to black liquid ink liner that is Physician's Formula.  Surprised, right? Me too.  But I have been religiously using this stuff about 4 times a week for probably 3 months now and I STILL love it.  It provides a pretty rigid line, that doesn't flake, transfer or fade throughout a full 12+hour day of wear.  I'm not the best at winged liner, but even my hair chick commented on how she loved it.  And she uses the much more expensive L'ancome Artliner.  So there.  Pick one up!

Not my photo:  Courtesy of Beautyscribble-

 

2.  Rescue Beauty Lounge polish-yes it is PRICEY$$$.  I'm talking $20/bottle, up from $18 a bottle.  But if you want some of the more unique shades that you won't find on all your friends (*ahem* CG's For Audrey), then RBL is your polish.  Just look around and you'll find tons of blogs that pay homage to this lovely little cult brand.  And the best part?  If you buy a limited edition polish, you hardly see them come around again. So you feel like you own your private little gem.  $20?  Worth it.  In my opinion, of course.

Image courtesy of AllLacquredUp.  The very lemminged "aqua lilly" which is as you guessed it, SOLD OUT. 

*side note*-if you want some of newly released polish, get on their mailing list and pre-buy your polish

3.  Blistex Lip Medex.  Like Carmex, but not ugly in a yellow/puke container.  You'll thank me.  But only if you like that mentholated feeling on your lips.  Which I do.

***Non-Beauty***

1.  Buckwheat.  I seriously have a hankering for this stuff.  It is technically a seed but I eat it every morning in some kind of porridge mixed with all things tropical and happiness in my stomach.  It keeps me sustained for well over 2+ hours and that is pretty good for me.  I'm a machine...I need fuel.

2.  The Library.  Oh man, I've been a reading MACHINE lately.  So much so, that Mr. O was upset with me for shirking housely duties in order to read.  WHAT?  I couldn't help it.  Sookie Stackhouse was needing to be read.  Yes, I read the entire True Blood series.  There are so many books I am waiting on to come out this year.  Gurgh.

Speaking of favorites...all of them.  What are some of yours?

VIC-TORY!!

*flails arms*  Cheer with me, people...

So...I did it!  I beat my PR from last year.  I made it...and didn't die.  BONUS!

I think I reviewed this race last year, but I'm going to again, because I can.  Suck it up, Buttercup.

The Drake Relays on the Roads race features an 8k and a Half Marathon.  This year there were 2500 total entrants into the race, and I swear most of these entrants are in GOOD shape.  I'm not sure if it is the fact that it is around the Drake Relays or that it's a college town.  But the average finishing pace for the Half was 1:56 or something.  Cuh-RAZY.  It makes me feel average...which is actually pretty good if I think about it.

The only thing that has changed for this race this year was the packet pick-up.  Normally there is a large pick-up on Friday afternoon/evening, but this year they changed it because they provided tickets to events and wanted people to pick up packets on Wednesday and Thursday as well as Saturday.  Also, the venue they used in previous pick-ups was not available, so I think that factored in heavily.  It was annoying picking up packets on Saturday, ONLY because it was not well organized.  That was my only beef with this race.

Course:

The course is heavily, hills.  But now that I look at the map, I feel crazy.  Because there are only two large hills, or even marked hills in the course.  But those hills seem to be a doozy.  There is tons of shade, with great neighborhoods to watch and people at most turns.

Course map:
HERE!!

Miles 1-5 always fly by for me in this race, I feel good, ready to run...

Miles 6-10 are always the worst...the neighborhoods are more spread out and spectators are hard to find.  The ones you do find are amazing-friendly and always cheering.

Miles 10-13 are the miles where you double back up the hill you went out on.  A gradual incline to decline that is well traveled with great traffic control provided by some cute cops (just sayin').

Home stretch:  You know where you start, so you're counting down the blocks...and you can seeeeee the finish, but it seems miles away...and then...PEOPLE everywhere...all along the gates.  Which helps IMMENSELY.  I can't say if I heard just one person yell, but it seems to be a wave of sound that propels you to a good finish.

1:48:56 baby!!



See...I finished....me and my giant legs...again.  :)  I don't mind...they get me where I'm a-going.

The best part about this Half?  THE PRICE.  I think it runs about $45 with fees.  And you get a tech shirt AND socks.  Hello?  Rock on!

The next day my quads were KILLING me...but I will live.

This week?  So far I've been LAZY..no runs.  But I think I'll fire up the 'mill and get something done tonight.  We shall see.

Also...I have some "beauty related" items I will be talking about soon.  REAL soon.

Blog love

I thought about titling this Blog Lovin', but isn't that something else?  Urrrr, I'm not so savvy at this.  Also..."titling" looks funny.  I think you can see what I'm talking about.  *ahembewbs*

It's so funny how cyclical I become.  The winter is beautybeautybeauty, and then the spring arrives, the sun comes out and I'm all "runrunrunrunrunrun".  So predictable.

Also, since I titled (heee) Blog love, I figured I would talk about some of the blogs I love.  I mostly love speedy women...yes I am bias.  For some reason I love speedy, self-deprecating women. Or just a few. 

http://eatdrinkandbemeiri She is hilarious.  Makes seriously funny faces and can always make you feel like you need to lift heavy things to be a "real" woman.

The always famous skinnyrunner.com, who just finished some ridiculous trial and tribulations in the form of race, race, ragnar, race.  Makes me feel like a little sniveling baby. 

The young and rambunctious http://fueledbylolz.com/ who is also speedy, and very cute.  Takes me back to my college days...when I wasn't speedy...but I WAS rambunctious.  *side eye*

Last but not least is my love for http://www.hungryrunnergirl.com/ who is currently pregnant (super cute) and still so fast.  JEALOUS<<<right here.

In the spring I seem to rediscover these blogs...fall back in love and follow them like stalkers.  I suppose you could consider that a second job? 

Nail Obsessed

This won't really be running related.  But I am obsessed with nail polish.  I'm talking STALKERAZZI here.

When I know something new is coming out I will stalk stalk stalk all blogs, to see the swatches and then place orders or drool over pictures and plan out shopping trips.  I need some sort of program for withdrawals.  It's always "I'll stop buying once this launches"...and then...something new...and I wantwantwant.

But I'm currently on a buying ban, and I still want to buy.  Nope, I have to save for 'adult' items such as vacation or home improvement items.  BORING.  But necessary.

On to the running.  I did get my 30 miles last week.  Posted a nice 13.8 on Saturday in 35~ish weather.  I'm in my shorts, turtleneck, tshirt and head/hand cover and everyone else is bundled like it's 10 below.  No thanks...I will keep my legs free and easy.  I was happy to have the roads mostly to myself.  Minus the wayward smashed raccoon.  Poor guy...ick.

So race day is approaching...5 days from today.  The worst part?  They aren't allowing any packet pickup on Friday, which means we'll have to pick up our packet on Saturday morning.  STOOPID.

Whatever, I'm still gonna smoke it. I am not sure of my goal yet...I'll re-assess as the day gets closer.  Which makes my stomach flop.  Ish.

Whether Weather should affect your plans?

You like what I did there?  No.  Well, huh.

So...weather here in the midwest is a BIG topic of conversation.  This would be like the micro-brew conversation to Portlanders (I'm making this up and trying to be relevant and worldly---just go with it).  Yes, so weather is literally the opening and ending to most conversations.  Whether you're a stranger or a good friend.  WEATHER.  It is a four letter word here.

So in March we had some 80 degree days.  And now?  Now...it's cold a rainy.  I throw a big W.T.F. to that.  Whatever.  I will work with it.  But tomorrow, am, it will be a balmy 34 degrees.  I am one of those people that once I stop wearing running pants, I don't want to put them back on.  Yes, I still wear bottoms, but I want my legs freeeee.  I want to feel the wind on my parts...not those parts. 

So, I will most likely be THAT girl, with the cherry-red legs tomorrow, in shorts...while everyone else is wearing pants, and sweatshirts AND jackets.  And I'll be in shorts...because I am that hardheaded.  And dumb. 

The end. 

Sometimes I'm really an A$$hat

So, I'm emailing with a friend today, talking about how she should just up and run a 5k and how it shouldn't be that difficult. But she's coming back from an injury. That was just diagnosed. About 3 weeks ago. *ahem*

So who is the asshat? Yes, that would be me.

See, I don't understand how people have "couch to 5k" programs. I don't get it.

Wait...WAIT. Don't leave. Let me explain myself.

I have the stupid luxury of either being in great shape or completely delusional. "How is that?", you ask.
I'll just up and run 4 miles the first time out each year, if not more. I'll just lace up my shoes (probably too old), head out the door and run for 40 minutes. Yep, 40. So, really, either I'm completely moronic, OR I am just used to that level of pain. And obviously like it.

Do I think it's bad that people do "couch to 5k" programs? Absolutely not. I am excited whenever someone tells me they have found an appreciation for running, or if not...just trying it. It makes me happy. I love to share with people. I am not an elitist, I am just a sucker for over-exerting myself.

Need I remind you that I spent the better part of 8 months injured or at least in some amount of pain because I slammed myself into training for a Marathon? Nope.

I didn't think so.

On a more random note: I love Blistex "lip medex". Old school love right there. I have it slathered all over the bottom third of my face, like an overzealous kindergartner. Sexy, I know.

Running Update and more Randomosities

I made that word up...no not "running" but "randomosities". You can use it at will. You're welcome.

Currently I am at 16.7 miles this week. With the scheduled 1:50-55 run scheduled for Saturday that will put me close to 30 miles...for some sick reason now...I really want those 13.3. Because 30 seems so nice and tidy. And yes, I'm one of THOSE people. The ones that stare at their garmin and run up and down the block when it says ---.23 or ---.96. I have to have a nice ROUND number. Well, not HAVE, but would reallyreallyREALLY prefer.

Also, my first "race" is 4/28. I'm not sure I'm excited. Last year I PR'ed at 1:50 for this half. And it was with wild abandon. I ran without Garmin, with "feel" and just blew myself away. Blurgh. I don't know if it's that weird unspoken fear of "failure", but I'm afraid for next Saturday. YES. I don't know what is HAPPENING to me.

I have had some sort of evolution. From 2004 in my "I love running and no matter the pace" of 10 min/mile running. To last year's 7:40-8:15 feels good to me...what? I hate that. I totally ruined myself. I have raised my expectations and I am RUINED. You hear me? RUINEEED. *clutching hair and moaning*

But. I will run. And I will conquer. So my goal...to meet last year's PR. And run without a garmin...but sadly I want my splits...I want to know. And this isn't a highly timed course. No mats every mile or 5k. *sigh*

My life is so difficult.

Random Musings

I have to reevaluate my last post, not the fact that it was nearly 2 months ago, but the fact that about 2 bars into that box of Protein bars, I changed my mind. Durrr. I do like those stupid things.

But I didn't actually post something to alert anyone to the fact that Nature Valley DOES indeed make a tasty protein bar. Nope.

I wanted to link anyone who reads this or just me to this woman's page. http://www.jensjourney.com/

HOLY crap. Back when I joined Sparkpeople in 2008, I remember collecting friends like some people collect well...collectibles (smrt). I remember jen. She had started her journey the year previous or maybe 2 years...but she looked AMAZING. And she was endlessly positive.

Now, I followed ANOTHER sparkpeople "friend" onto FB and she was a friend of Jen's, and I found her blog again today. WHAT. She's lost even MORE weight, still eats so very well and still has that positive outlook that captivates my attention.

So basically, this is just a shout out to positivity.

Also...I need to do a challenge to myself to blog more than 3 times a month or year...or whatever. Ugh. Sick.

Product Review

Being a lover of Protein and trying to get as much into my diet as palatably possible, *Oh, I like that Alliteration* I wanted to check out the NEW!!!! Nature Valley Protein bars. Now, I am a fan of the chewy ones and especially the crunchy granola bars by Nature Valley, so I figured theses would be a win-win.

They were on sale at Target for $2.99, so I figured that was a nominal fee to try a new bar. With 10 g of protein and 5 g of fiber in a bar with 190 calories, I was thinking it would be a great way to to "treat" myself with good benefits.

Not so. The bar seemed dry, even though it was chewy. Such a weird texture, almost powdery and just not tasty at all. I failed to read the box and was amazed by the "with chocolate FLAVORED chips". The wording is theirs, the capitalization is my own. Chocolate FLAVORED!?! What.

Either way, I think there are better options out there, especially for 190 calories. You can get the Market Pantry version of the Zone bars for $3.99. But they pack 14 g. of protein in there and are much tastier options. PAASSS.

On the running front: 5.7 miles done last night. That puts me over 10 miles this week, and I'm well on my way to my unspoken goal of 20 miles for the week. WHEEE!

(wo)MAN on the run

I got home last night and made sure to get dressed ASAP for a run, and ran I did. Now, it wasn't anything spectacular like busting out 7min. miles, but I did run for 40 minutes, and I made it 4.7 miles. So I am happy with that. My foot is STILL bothering me at times, but I try to just keep a good pace, make sure my form stays secure and I don't compensate or limp.

I finished my run with a nice hot shower, lumpy hot coffee/protein mix and some stretching. Reminder: if you mix coffee with the protein, do the mix + milk and then add hot coffee. Not smart. I had to scoop out the lumps, ate them (blech!) and then gave up altogether and dumped that rancid-ass garbage. *shrug*

Which brings me to review said protein mix. I got two coupons (1 manufacturer and 1 store) that I could use together for the new EAS Lean protein mix.

It is definitely good for being 100 calories with 15 g protein, but I still get bored with just chocolate, so I add flavorings or milk if I need the carbs. The purchase price was $19.99, but with my two coupons, it brought it down to close to $10 for that tub. SCORE! I would recommend if you can find a coupon.

Skinnyrunner really pushes her CLICK protein powders and I'm thinking I'll try those the next time I'm in the market.

What is on the agenda for tonight? Legs...I'm trying to incorporate lifting into two days a week. So I'm thinking Legs, Back and Shoulders (day 1) and Arms, Chest and Calves (day 2). I don't think there is anything I'm missing, but I need to write up a spreadsheet, I am just so lazy sometimes.

*sigh* White girl problems...

Le Balm?

So, for quite some time Revlon has had these Lip Butters out. Raves, rants and swatches aside, I find them sort of...'meh'.

And of course what I find I REALLLY like is L'Oreal's "Le Balm". Le what? Balm. Nothing exciting, in fact---very pigment free. It must mean I am REALLY truly, 12. I am about 2 steps away from Bonnie Bell's lipsmackers. You know...the coveted item of most 8 year old girls (or boys, I don't judge), you all had one. The Dr. Pepper one that has gummed beyond repair, with half the sticker torn off, and the sticker residue collecting random paper bits from your pockets. No?








Huh. I guess I'm alone then.

On the running front: I took an entire week off of anything last week. I take that back, I ran ONE time with a goal of 30 minutes. I did that, then decided I wanted an entire week off. Not so much because I needed one, but because I was little burnt out.

Not from running, but from Jamie Eason's Livefit program. A 12 week weight lifting program that by the 10th week had me yearning for a hot bath and vacation. Neither of which I indulged in, by the way.

But I did take the past week off and I'm back to it this evening. On the agenda? 40 minutes. I will make sure to suit up when I get home, pat the pups on the head and walk out that door.

Also, another goal? Stretching. STREEETCHING is a must. And I am so lazy that I just push it to the side...and then I end up in pain. So...stretching on the menu too.

Oh Monday, why must you be so cruel?

Diversifying

So...awkward moments aside, I have slinked back. Somewhat for my own pleasure as obviously no one is reading these blogs.

Do you know how many people have told me I should do makeup blogs, YT videos? A few...not a plethora (I just wanted to use that word here), but a few. So I'm thinking of diversifying this blog.

Yep, cross over, from health/fitness and beauty. Ramblings if you will. Ramble, that is what I do best.

Current Loves:

1. Return to Running-finally I am feeling better. It only took several months for my heel to heal. I'm talking no bone bruise but obviously lots of tendon issues up in therr.

2. Rimmel Kate Moss #14 lipstick. Yes...I went from running to lipstick. It is a perfect shade for me, which is funny because if you see swatches on other people it looks brown, but on me? Perfect.

3. Mary's YT channel. I love following random people and then just clicking when they recommend different YTers and then I find new ones I love. Oh yes...the link : here.

So I suppose I should remind myself to check in here. I will do that.

Back to running: 5 miles on the agenda for the evening. Though I've been lazy lately and TIRED, but we shall see. No joy in running if isn't purely for the love of motion. :)