REGISTERED!!

I registered G and I today for the Maui 1/2 Marathon!!!! I am super pumped to be running in my second 1/2 marathon this year and to be doing it in such an amazing place!! I have never been to Hawaii, and while the trip has already started off to be a little pricey, it is going to be well worth it! It's pretty much a once in a life experience (for me) and I am thrilled. Hope my training can continue on and get better in the next 12 weeks.

WAHOO!

Chicken Salad!

So my hubby G is a sometimes cook. He knows how to man the grill (and this is essential since 90% of our meals in the spring - fall our grilled) and occasionally he will help out with stuff in the kitchen. He's kind of one of those "throw things together and hope it works out" kind of cooks.

But there are two things that are his specialty: 1. Chili and 2. Chicken Salad.

These are two dishes that I don't have one hand in what so ever, but to eat it. And both are delicious!! But even though they are his dishes, I wanted to share the chicken salad recipe since its soooo easy! (and quite yummy too!)

Ingredients:
1. store bought rotisserie chicken (any flavor but BBQ is good)
2. white onion (I prefer vadalia onion cause it's sweet)
3. celery
4. walnuts
5. grapes (red or green, we use red. smaller are better, but if they happen to be large, half them)
6. MAYO (real, none of this miracle whip nonsense. small jar)

For the chicken, G likes to shred it with a fork and place in dish. getting as much meat off the chicken as possible. I am more of a cut it off kind of gal, but either works. And eliminate the skin.

Once chicken has been pulled, add chopped onion. I'd say a half an onion will do, but it depends on how much you like.

Then we add the mayo. Again, it's up to you the amount, but the majority of a small jar is usually enough.

Then about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of walnuts. And about 1 1/2 hand fulls of grapes.

(I know my measurements are very specific.. but it's all kind of eyeballed).

And refrigerate!

I am sure there are plenty of other chicken salad recipes, but the reason this is so easy is because of the rotisserie chicken. No sense in boiling chicken when you can buy it already prepared.. and rotisserie chicken is good anyway.

Enjoy! (Today we had this for lunch on whole wheat slim sandwich buns, a slice of swiss cheese, toasted.. YUUUUUUMMMM!!! )

SUCKER!!!!

Lately, I have been the biggest SUCKER for things. My spending is a little out of control due to this as well. Ever since I paid my last car payment, I have been on a little spree, and a lot of times, can't say no to the deals.

For instance:
I went and got my hair done on Saturday. Speaking to my stylist, I was complaining that there aren't very many color protection + volumizing shampoos out there. I have looked. The only one I really know of is Bed Head. But I never stick to the same kind from bottle to bottle. Anway, she told me that the line she carries (which she is exclusive too) has one. So, I totally paid $20 for a new bottle of shampoo... and I just bought shampoo like last weekend!! I totally didnt need it, but I got suckered in. Couldnt help it. Although, there wasnt much arm twisting.
(here's what I bought although mine was volumizing, not urgent care. Not sure of how much I like it just yet though.. we'll see)


I need to get it under control and quit spending.. gotta save up for Hawaii in 3 months!

Georgie Pie's for all your monogramming needs

My cousin just started a new business doing embroidered monograms on personal items. She loves to do stuff for babies and kids, but is able to all sorts of other things too.

She just started a new blog to market her new items, and so I want you to go on over and check it out, become a follower, inquire about items, whatever!

http://mygeorgiepies.blogspot.com

She also has an etsy shop if you want to view some of her current items

http://www.etsy.com/shop/georgiepies

"It's too hot to run"

This has been my excuse for the past several days.. and for good reason too.. it's been in the 90s for about a week now. And not a nice dry heat, but a stuffy, humid heat. Its flat out HOT.

I wanted to get up this morning and try to run at 6am since it was definitely cooler (try 76) but my body told me I needed to stay in bed and sleep an extra hour. So needless to say I haven't ran since last thursday. This is not good for my training schedule. I have to figure out a way to run in the heat so I can stay on track.

I looked up some advice this morning on this topic and thought i'd share it with you.

Tips for Running in the Heat (sources mainly active.com, I have combined similar topics)

Switch gears and adapt. It takes about two weeks for your body to adapt to the heat and cool itself more efficiently. Slow your pace and reduce your intensity and get the run in rather than pushing through it. Doing so will allow you to more efficiently acclimate and continue to run. Your body will gradually become better at cooling itself in the warmer weather allowing you to continue to run at your normal pace.

Work with the heat. Run by your effort level rather than your typical pace until you acclimate. If you are new to running, add power walk breaks every 4 to 8 minutes to cool yourself during your runs. It is all about managing your body core temperature and not allowing it to rise too much, risking overheating and really slowing down. Like a car, if the temperature rises too high you will overheat. Ease into the heat. Do a slow, two- to three-mile walk or very easy run at the hottest part of the day two times per week for three or four weeks to acclimate to the heat. "It makes the morning run feel cool," says Brookner.

Accessorize & Screen it out. Wear light colored, loose fitting wicking running gear. Technical apparel will allow moisture to pass through them to be evaporated, keeping your cooler. Wear sunglasses that filter UVA and UVB rays, waterproof sunscreen, and a hat or visor to protect your skin and eyes from the sun (Cover it with a loose-fitting hat, preferably made of mesh or some other breathable material.) To protect yourself from skin cancer and other skin damage, use sunscreen liberally. Do so even on partly cloudy days; harmful ultraviolet rays are not blocked by cloud cover. Another benefit: Sunscreen can decrease your skin and body temperatures, so you'll stay cooler during exercise.

Timing is everything. Run at cooler times of the day in the morning or in the evening. If you run in the morning, you'll avoid the heat, but may encounter a higher humidity. The air quality is also better in the morning, since ozone levels increase soon after dawn, peak at midday, and then again in the early evening. Times to avoid running are noon till 3pm.

Train at 5 a.m. It's the coolest, most serene part of the day, and there's nothing like a morning run to boost your mood all day long.


Extreme measures. If there is a heat alert or poor air quality day, take your workout indoors. You won't get any super-human reward for pushing in dangerous heat and it most likely will take your body longer to recover from the workout. Train smart.



Heed the Heat Warnings. You need to be very sensitive to the warning signs of heat illness, which, if it progresses, can be fatal. If you feel trouble coming on, you need to stop running, find some shade, get liquids and then find a ride or walk home. Following are signs of impending heat illness:

• Headache or intense heat buildup in the head.
• Confusion or lack of concentration.
• Loss of muscular control.
• Oversweating followed by clammy skin and cessation of sweating.
• Hot and cold flashes.
• Upset stomach, muscle cramps, vomiting, dizziness.

Hydrate during your workouts. For workouts shorter than 45 minutes, water works just fine. For longer runs, research suggests consuming about a cup of sports drink every 15 to 20 minutes to fuel your muscles and aid in maintaining electrolyte levels. Have a hydration plan before you start. Know where your water stops are, either by plotting your runs in areas that have water fountains or by stashing bottles at strategic points along your route ahead of time. Also get in touch with local running clubs and training groups to find out where they might put out jugs, so you can share. Don't just drink the water. A combo run-and-swim workout is perfect on really hot days. One of Brookner's favorites is a three-mile run from the Cocoplum traffic circle to Matheson-Hammock Park in Coral Gables, Florida. There, he and his buddies dive into the cool, clear waters of the nearby lagoon, swim for 15 to 30 minutes, get out, and run back. You can re-create this duathlon anywhere there's a body of water, or even a local pool.

Drink Like Crazy. Even if you don't feel thirsty, drink at least 8 oz. of fluid each hour, and more if you're outside or tend to perspire a lot. You'll run better with adequate fluid intake, and you'll feel better, too. By keeping your water storage high, you'll also improve your body's cooling mechanisms.

Cross-train indoors. Build your cardio base while taking a break from the heat and humidity by swapping an outdoor bike ride for an inside spin class.

Head for Water. Running near water—whether it's along a river, lake or ocean—is usually cooler and breezier. Urban streams often have paths running alongside of them, if you take the time to explore. And even if the air temperature is about the same, you'll likely feel cooler just being near water.

Plan to race in cool temperatures. For Brookner, registering for a fall marathon "up north," such as Marine Corps or New York, basically guarantees relief from the heat. And the cooler race temperature is like a key unlocking the sultry shackles that have bound his feet throughout the summer. "When I show up in New York for the marathon in November and it's in the 70s, the New Yorkers are all like 'ugh,' and I'm saying, 'Bring it on!'"

New books

I am in the market for some new reads. I am not a heavy reader, but I do enjoy it when I have the time and the material is good. But not just "story" books, but also informational type books on various topics.

I would love to have a day to hit the local B&N and find some really helpful/interesting reads.

One book I'd like to get is "The Help". Several people I know are currently reading this and have recommended it to me and said it was a very good book. I dont even know what it is about, but I am a sucker for any recommended reading, or books that are on the best seller list.
But I am also looking for other books. Specifically I want/need some new design books. (I may or may not have said that I am a graphic designer by day. ) But I haven't bought a new design book in a while. May even flood over to photography books so I can get back into that since I have my fancy new camera!!! : )

And I also want to start reading about feng shui and qi and organics and all that other "hippie" stuff (I use the term "hippie" in the sincerest form). Not that I want to get real deep into it, but I am definitely interested in the topic and since I have felt so " out of place" lately, I feel that I need to learn more about it and how to "fix" it. Plus, the idea of healthy, non hormone produced food really gets to me.

Any other recommendations for good reading??

Swimsuit

I found a new swimsuit!! wahooo.

I think swimsuit shopping can be one of the absolute worst things, right after jean shopping and bra shopping.

But I was online the other day, perusing around Target and came across this:
It's brown and white and I just love the pattern. I just hope it fits. And each peice was like $14! SCORE. Can't wait for it to come in...

My swimsuits have seen a better day and some dont fit as well as I would like, so I am thrilled to have a new one.

review

ahh.. the FURminator.... my new best friend.

I got mine in the mail probably 2 weeks ago (time flies, can't keep up) and let me just tell you..

I LOVE IT!!!

It is the best invention since sliced bread... I'm not even lying. It works sooooo well..

Check this out.
This is a ball of hair I brushed of C-dog today. I only had about 5 minutes so I didnt really go to town (plus he was a little rowdy and I was chasing him all the way around the porch). But this is 5 minutes of brushing! Any other brush I have used on charles wont get this much off if I tried to brush him for an hour!! AND!!! I have already brushed him multiple times.. it just keeps coming. I swear my house is less hairy than before.

I <3 this and you should too! Go get one.

Anyone used this?

I may have just gotten suckered.

Apparently this Nivea "Good-bye cellulite" may work. I am tempted to buy it and try it, and possibly do a product review..

Has anyone used this?

blogger template designer

I like the new template designer! So many more options to choose from. Until I get off my lazy butt and create my own layout (that I actually like) this will be fun to play with and use!

Happy monday to me!

(hopefully this week will be filled with better posts.)

Can't get it together

I am out of sorts and just can't seem to get it together. So sorry for my MIA lately. Plus, I am not really sure who is reading and if it is even interesting. I'm in a rut, I guess.

My qi (chi?) or Feng shui or whatever is totally off. Do you ever get that feeling that you are physically in the wrong place? I have had this for the past week now. And I am sure there are many contributing factors: 1. house guest for a week. 2. g's dad and step mom staying with us for a few days 3. the inability to do my P90x because of said house guests... the list goes on and on. I hate the feeling. I get it every now and then and it makes me completely uncomfortable. UGH.. know what I am talking about?

Plus, I feel like i am falling behind on all my "to-dos". I am just tired and hate looking at the ever growing list. I need to get it together and get some things checked off... including my new website that I haven't worked on in 2 weeks!

(wow what a bitch fest!?!)

In lighter news, I started my 1/2 marathon training again Monday. We (g and I) were supposed to start last week, but somehow that never happened. And we have decided to go to Maui for the race ;) The trip for the race will also be in conjunction with our 1 year anniversary. Should be pretty fun but now the planning and flight arrangements begin.... stressful!

So I will run another 3 miles today.

I have also been OK with the calorie counting (did I mention I was doing this? I can't recall) It's really hard though with things being so hectic. Mostly I am trying not to snack too much on bad things and drinking lots of water through out the day. Plus, eating more fruits/veggies and less starch, and I have been trying to eat breakfast every morning, which I so haven't done in my 20 some odd years of existence. And also trying to do a bit of portion control. If I really looked at the numbers, it probably isnt as good as it sounds, but I am trying. I also got a good app on my iphone: My Fitness Pal, to help me log and keep track of all food and exercise.

Speaking of exercise, I just have 2.5 weeks left of P90x! I am determined to finish the whole damn thing even though it's taken me well over 6 months. I like the program, but sometimes life gets in the way..

yes, life gets in the way

(sorry for the long, ranting post.. i'm out of it)

Things on the Brain

- going to the pool tomorrow and catching some rays

- not really wanting to go to my 10 year high school reunion tomorrow night because it is just going to be a series of pointless conversations with information I could have gotten off facebook. Although I like high school, I pretty much made new friends once college came, and everyone from HS stayed together.... I dunno we'll see

- would like a new outfit to look my 'best" at said reunion

- not happy that I skipped 2 days of my workouts... I am soo close to the end of it and I can't quit now

- keeping up my calorie counting and see the effects

- need to start training again for another 1/2 marathon. supposed to have started monday, but that didnt really happen with the holiday and all

- we have decided to go to Maui for our 2nd 1/2 marathon and our 1st anniversary. Gotta get the plane ticket situation figured out and get moving on the plans for the week.

- gotta clean the house a little bit again this weekend because G's parents are coming for 2 days

- charlie dog really needs some good running time in this weekend

- excited for 3 packages to arrive: 1. final 5 pasta bowls to our china, 2. FURminator and 3. a new lens for my camera that i bought for $50!

Recent purchase

I purchased this today, on ebay, for $19 (reg. $65-ish)
What is it, you ask? It's a FURminator.

See, I have one of these. (actually this is mine)
And while I love him to pieces, he sheds.. A LOT. Especially right now. So my house is covered in white dog hair, along with my clothes. And even though we vacuum often, it still seems to be everywhere. You should see the amount of hair I pick up, its ridiculous.

So I bought a FURminator in the hopes that it really works and will reduce my hair problem. Here is a product description, courtesy of Amazon.com:

The patented FURminator Medium deShedding Tool quickly and easily removes (it doesn't cut) the loose, dead undercoat hair that is the underlying source of shedding - a pet owners #1 complaint - and the allergies and cleanliness problems associated with it. The tools unique stainless steel edge grabs loose undercoat hair and removes it without damaging the pets topcoat. Reduces shedding up to 90%. Guaranteed to reduce shedding better than any brush, comb or rake . Works great on all shedding breeds of dogs and cats, (both long and short-haired). Brings out the pet's natural oils, leaving a shiny and healthy topcoat. Features a comfortable, ergonomic grip handle.

Check out their website and watch the video... I bet you will want one too! http://www.furminator.com/
(I have in no way been paid by the FURminator company or Amazon to promote this product, I am merely SOLD by the idea and hope it works, will update when I receive and use)

visitor

look at what scared the crap out of me when I got back to my car after having lunch at home today...Thankfully he was not alive and I was able to get him out of my car pronto.. but he was about 4" long.. crazy..

(better blog post to come, just had to share)