aubrey, bonnie, kimberly, melinda, chelsea
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
open discussion {blogger roundtable part 5}
aubrey, bonnie, kimberly, melinda, chelsea
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
blogging the bach 9.10 {finale part 1}
Monday, July 29, 2013
random rambling...thoughts on running part 2
did you catch part 1 of my running story? if not, check it out here.
I never thought I would run any kind of race much less organize a relay race. After working at a few Ragnar races I decided I wanted to be on the runner side of things. Being in charge of the team was so stressful which made the running part even more stressful. I was runner 8 so I had to wait many hours before my turn to run. After my first leg, I felt a little better about the running part. My last leg was TERRIBLE (6 miles gradual uphill in the 95 degree weather), and I kind of thought I might never run again.
Signing up for my first Wasatch Back made me actual train for the race. Teresa invited me to come run with her running group, Generation Gap. I knew for sure I needed people in order to stick with the training. Before running with the group I had never run more than a 10k and never thought I ever would run more than that. The first time I met up with the group they had a 14 mile run planned. That's 8 more miles than I had ever run in my life ever. Teresa reassured me I would be fine (don't ask me how she knew) so like a crazy person I decided to do it.
I thought I would run with the group to get ready for the relay race and then stop running. That's also complete crazy talk! I ran with them for a little over a month before the relay. I survived Wasatch Back, and I actually really liked it. I also liked the running group so much I just couldn't stop. They all run many marathons a year, and before I knew it they convinced me to sign up for my first marathon.
that's basically part 2. i'll be back to continue the story very soon...
as a completely random side note...happy 1st birthday to my nephew kyler. i have no idea how a year has already gone by.
I never thought I would run any kind of race much less organize a relay race. After working at a few Ragnar races I decided I wanted to be on the runner side of things. Being in charge of the team was so stressful which made the running part even more stressful. I was runner 8 so I had to wait many hours before my turn to run. After my first leg, I felt a little better about the running part. My last leg was TERRIBLE (6 miles gradual uphill in the 95 degree weather), and I kind of thought I might never run again.
Signing up for my first Wasatch Back made me actual train for the race. Teresa invited me to come run with her running group, Generation Gap. I knew for sure I needed people in order to stick with the training. Before running with the group I had never run more than a 10k and never thought I ever would run more than that. The first time I met up with the group they had a 14 mile run planned. That's 8 more miles than I had ever run in my life ever. Teresa reassured me I would be fine (don't ask me how she knew) so like a crazy person I decided to do it.
I thought I would run with the group to get ready for the relay race and then stop running. That's also complete crazy talk! I ran with them for a little over a month before the relay. I survived Wasatch Back, and I actually really liked it. I also liked the running group so much I just couldn't stop. They all run many marathons a year, and before I knew it they convinced me to sign up for my first marathon.
that's basically part 2. i'll be back to continue the story very soon...
as a completely random side note...happy 1st birthday to my nephew kyler. i have no idea how a year has already gone by.
Sunday, July 28, 2013
graduation table
celsey, shawn, and alicia graduated from the university of utah back in may. somehow this party never got blogged. we have pretty much been planning the party ever since we met. we have been so excited for them to get done with school so we could have more time for cake, crafts, and whatever else. (we're still waiting for that to happen, but that's whole different topic). we were in charge of the dessert table and decided on a red, white, and black theme since they graduated from the U. true to form, we had minimal time throughout the week to work on anything. we ended up baking and baking and baking the night before the party. luckily we had a lot of help from basically all of celsey's family and shawn's sister with the cupcakes. we were so happy with the end result and everyone loved it.
here are some mini tutorials for the dessert table
homemade oreos & hot tamales with black ribbon
1. bake homemade oreos
2. frost with cream cheese, buttercream, or your favorite frosting
3. roll in red sprinkles
chocolate dipped marshmallows
this seemed really easy to make BUT it wasn't
1. carefully put stick in marshmallow
2. dip in melted red dipping chocolate
3. roll in crushed oreo pie crust (much easier than crushing regular cookies)
4. turn upside down and hold for several seconds while it dries a little
graduation caps
1. make a tiny hole in the reese's cup with a toothpick and carefully insert stick (be careful not to shove it in or it will break)
2. set square of hershey's chocolate on top with a little frosting
3. use another dot of frosting on top of the square for the tassle (airhead extreme cut into small pieces) and a red hot
4. serve in styrofoam circle enhanced with ribbon
class rings
ring pops (buy at the dollar store) in a vase with black ribbon
diplomas
pepperidge farms pirouline cookies
chocolate cupcakes with white buttercream frosting, red shimmer dust, and silver beads
planning and executing the party was so much fun. i'm definitely adding party planning to my list of things i'm dreaming about someday doing when i'm a stay at home.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
California Recap
i had the week of the 4th of july off work so i went down to california. i was really good about using my camera on the 4th and never pulled it out again. it's so much easier to use my phone. besides celebrating the 4th, we did a few other fun things.
chelsea, karlee, and i got pedicures. we thought karlee was just getting her nails painted, but they gave her the full pedicure...for the full price. lesson learned on that one, but it was still really fun.
we went swimming at night with glow sticks. the kids thought it was so cool. since i'm the favorite aunt (kidding...kind of), i just sent them a package with tons more. hopefully it gets there today so they can do it again.
we played in the yard (well mostly in the pool and the tramp, but the kids did play a little baseball with jeff).
chelsea and i did a few craft projects (actually jeff painted the numbers on this growth chart).
chelsea's making a gallery wall. i love all these fun colors. i keep forgetting to ask if she ever finished it.
as always i was super sad to leave. i looked out the window of the plane, and saw the most amazing sky. i would still rather have been playing with the kids than flying home, but it made me an itty bit happy to be on a plane.
i was really sad when they moved to california thinking i wouldn't be able to see them as much. so far i've been lucky enough to go to california twice besides the move and just booked another trip for september.
ps...if you saw my picture on instagram sunday night of my extremely chipped nails, you'll know i'm kind of a brand snob. i'm hanging out over at just jacq today talking all about it.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
a lot
It's time for some Summer fun!
I am teaming up with these lovely ladies for a $120 PayPal Cash giveaway!
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Tuesday, July 23, 2013
blogging the bach 9.9 {men tell all}
Monday, July 22, 2013
let's connect
i probably sound like a giant broken record, but i seriously really really love connecting with other bloggers. instead of random ramblings today, i have a few opportunities to connect. come join in the fun!
blog hop hosted by mybeautifulcrazylife33
Hello Hello, I have a treat for you guys while I am gone that comes in the form of a blog & hop :) I didn't want this little space of mine to fall off the face of the planet while I was gone so I put together a fun little hop to keep some interaction going on between now and whenever I might return. Who knows if it is a success I might keep it going, but that will be determined at a later date but for now let's hop till you drop!
Rules:
+Frankly the only rule I care much about is to visit at least 2 or 3 other links and follow them :)
I want you guys to connect and make some friends that you might not have found otherwise.
+It's always an added bonus if you care to follow me as well as all the lovely co-hosts for the week because well we want to be your friend too!
+If you feel like it please share the button below on your page so others can join in too!
Meet the lovely co-hosts :)
GRAB A BUTTON & SHARE THIS HOP WITH YOUR FRIENDS :)
Hope you have a great time hopping!
Friday, July 19, 2013
kettle bell kraze
I just got home from another edition of the blogger roundtable. As always, we talked and talked and talked the night away. More to come on that hopefully very soon. I have said it over and over again, my very most favorite part of blogging is the connections I make. Who doesn't like to make more friends?!?
Speaking of friends, Jacquelyn is starting a cool new letter exchange program. The thought of a real letter in the mail sounds like all kinds of fun to me. Head on over to find out more.
Speaking of other friends, I have Carrie here today. We met doing the May 30x30 fashion challenge. The whole group instantly connected over fashion, but it got even more fun when we started learning more about each other. Carrie is a runner too, and she lives in St. Louis. We already have plans to get together next time I go visit the parents (whenever that may be). Back in the day, I was a Crossfit die hard, but then I had hip surgery and never really made it back. I first learned about kettlebells there, and I have really missed them ever since. Carrie is giving us the full rundown today.
Hi! I am Carrie visiting from Mama's Going to Buy You a Mockingbird and today I am going to share with some basic knowledge on kettlebells. Now, I am a runner by heart and I do run 3-4 times a week on average... But, I wanted to add some weight lighting into my weekly workouts, since running is mainly just cardio. Did you know that kettlebells and running are both forms of ancient exercise? Kettlebells were first used in the 1700's by Russian strongmen and humankind has been running as long as they've been around. Intersting, eh? My goal is to work out with weights a couple of times a week and run 3-4 times a week. I know that sounds like a lot and when I am training for some longer races, I usually do drop my weight lifting workouts first. BUT, I try to make the weight lifting workouts fun and on rough weeks I may just do a 30 minute session, but it is better than skipping them.
Are you ready to cover Kettlebells 101 with me?
1. What do you do in a kettlebell workout?
The kettlebell is a cast-iron weight with a handle that you do repetitive exercises with to build strengh and endurance and it works several muscles at once.
2. What do I need in order to do a kettlebell workout?
Kettlebells. I would buy 2-3 different weights. I started with a 7 and a 10 lb. kettlebell, but realized the 7 is wayyy too light. I think a 10, 15 and 20 would be a good to start with. You only use one kettlebell at a time, so you only need one of each weight (unlike some dumb bell exercises).
Grip Gloves. These serve two purposes: (a) they protect your hands from getting sore or developing callouses. (b) it will give you a little extra grip on the kettlebells as you are handling them.
3. What is a good beginner's workout to start with?
I highly suggest Iron Core Kettlebells with Sarah Lurie if you love to workout to DVD's like I do. I first read about working out with kettlebells in one of my magazines (can't remember which) and I thought it would be wonderful to workout to something other than dumb bells for a change.
I love that this DVD contains 4 different workouts and that one of them is only 30 minutes for those days that I don't have a lot of time. It takes a couple of times doing the videos to get a good rhythm going.
There are also a lot of great websites and you tube videos on how to work out with kettlebells, such as these kettlebell exercises on Womens Health Magazine.
Now for the MOST important kettlebell tip:
The best way to get the most out of your workout is to use the appropriate size weight. If you are using too light of a weight, you won't get nearly as much out of your workout.
Also, remember...
Since the weight is concentrated in the body of the kettlebell, your muscles need to work harder to stabilize and counter the weight’s momentum.
Hope you are all geared up to do your first (or to get back into it!) kettlebell exercise. I love to talk about exercise (oh, and fashion, DIY/crafts, travel, recipes... my babies... ahh, what else?) over at Mama's Going to Buy You a Mockingbird. I would love to see you over there, please stop by soon. :) A big thanks to Aubrey for letting me guest post!
I don't know about you, but I'm dying to get my hands on some kettlebells again. Thanks so much Carrie. Now head on over to her blog and say hello.
Speaking of friends, Jacquelyn is starting a cool new letter exchange program. The thought of a real letter in the mail sounds like all kinds of fun to me. Head on over to find out more.
Speaking of other friends, I have Carrie here today. We met doing the May 30x30 fashion challenge. The whole group instantly connected over fashion, but it got even more fun when we started learning more about each other. Carrie is a runner too, and she lives in St. Louis. We already have plans to get together next time I go visit the parents (whenever that may be). Back in the day, I was a Crossfit die hard, but then I had hip surgery and never really made it back. I first learned about kettlebells there, and I have really missed them ever since. Carrie is giving us the full rundown today.
Hi! I am Carrie visiting from Mama's Going to Buy You a Mockingbird and today I am going to share with some basic knowledge on kettlebells. Now, I am a runner by heart and I do run 3-4 times a week on average... But, I wanted to add some weight lighting into my weekly workouts, since running is mainly just cardio. Did you know that kettlebells and running are both forms of ancient exercise? Kettlebells were first used in the 1700's by Russian strongmen and humankind has been running as long as they've been around. Intersting, eh? My goal is to work out with weights a couple of times a week and run 3-4 times a week. I know that sounds like a lot and when I am training for some longer races, I usually do drop my weight lifting workouts first. BUT, I try to make the weight lifting workouts fun and on rough weeks I may just do a 30 minute session, but it is better than skipping them.
Are you ready to cover Kettlebells 101 with me?
1. What do you do in a kettlebell workout?
The kettlebell is a cast-iron weight with a handle that you do repetitive exercises with to build strengh and endurance and it works several muscles at once.
2. What do I need in order to do a kettlebell workout?
Kettlebells. I would buy 2-3 different weights. I started with a 7 and a 10 lb. kettlebell, but realized the 7 is wayyy too light. I think a 10, 15 and 20 would be a good to start with. You only use one kettlebell at a time, so you only need one of each weight (unlike some dumb bell exercises).
Grip Gloves. These serve two purposes: (a) they protect your hands from getting sore or developing callouses. (b) it will give you a little extra grip on the kettlebells as you are handling them.
3. What is a good beginner's workout to start with?
I highly suggest Iron Core Kettlebells with Sarah Lurie if you love to workout to DVD's like I do. I first read about working out with kettlebells in one of my magazines (can't remember which) and I thought it would be wonderful to workout to something other than dumb bells for a change.
I love that this DVD contains 4 different workouts and that one of them is only 30 minutes for those days that I don't have a lot of time. It takes a couple of times doing the videos to get a good rhythm going.
There are also a lot of great websites and you tube videos on how to work out with kettlebells, such as these kettlebell exercises on Womens Health Magazine.
Now for the MOST important kettlebell tip:
The best way to get the most out of your workout is to use the appropriate size weight. If you are using too light of a weight, you won't get nearly as much out of your workout.
Also, remember...
Since the weight is concentrated in the body of the kettlebell, your muscles need to work harder to stabilize and counter the weight’s momentum.
Hope you are all geared up to do your first (or to get back into it!) kettlebell exercise. I love to talk about exercise (oh, and fashion, DIY/crafts, travel, recipes... my babies... ahh, what else?) over at Mama's Going to Buy You a Mockingbird. I would love to see you over there, please stop by soon. :) A big thanks to Aubrey for letting me guest post!
I don't know about you, but I'm dying to get my hands on some kettlebells again. Thanks so much Carrie. Now head on over to her blog and say hello.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Let Freedom Ring
I did a quick little post on the 4th of July with the intention of coming back in the next day or so for a full recap. Well, a day turned into a week, and or so turned into more weeks. I can't really get on top of anything these days so I guess I shouldn't be too surprised that I'm just getting around to this.
My friend Laurann hosted a family party. She is such a great hostess and had the cutest food and decorations. She ordered the patriotic sugar cookies from a neighbor. The drink is made by variation is sugar content. How cute are the plates and wrapped silverware?!?
I spent the 4th in California. Chelsea's friends had a breakfast at the park and bike parade. She signed up for fruit so we went straight to Pinterest. The strawberries turned out pretty cute, and Karson loved them.
My friend Laurann hosted a family party. She is such a great hostess and had the cutest food and decorations. She ordered the patriotic sugar cookies from a neighbor. The drink is made by variation is sugar content. How cute are the plates and wrapped silverware?!?
I spent the 4th in California. Chelsea's friends had a breakfast at the park and bike parade. She signed up for fruit so we went straight to Pinterest. The strawberries turned out pretty cute, and Karson loved them.
We had such a fun day between the breakfast, swimming, matchy matchy nails, and swimming again/BBQ. I really really love the 4th of July a lot.
Sorry for the picture overload, but I really just can't help it #sorrynotsorry
Even Kyler got to be in the parade a little in his stroller.
We needed a few pictures in the patriotic headbands from Grandma. You can tell how hot it was by looking at Karlee's face.
I love America! It was such a fun day full of celebration.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
blogging the bach 9.8 {hometown edition}
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