tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68412443176295047482024-03-13T12:34:00.945-04:00Chocolate and PavementSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00126257573165074461noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841244317629504748.post-62018399316265456332013-09-02T22:00:00.003-04:002013-09-02T22:00:59.998-04:0025 Acts of Kindness<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I hope you all enjoyed a fun and relaxing Labor Day weekend! I spent a few days on the Cape with friends, taking it easy and avoiding the craziness that is Boston's prime moving weekend.</span></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I started writing this post a couple of weeks ago and finally want to share it...</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Every year around the second week of August I start hearing the inevitable question, "What do you want to do for your birthday?" And every year when I'm asked that question my answer tends to be, "I don't know," "I don't care" or "I don't want to make a big deal out of it."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Yes, I'm an often overbearing type-A planner who jumps </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">(often too quickly)</span> at the opportunity to plan things for others, but when it comes to planning something that leaves me as the center of attention? No thank you, I'll pass.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Awhile back I read an article (I couldn't find it to share with you, but found a similar one <a href="http://32randomactsofkindness.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here</a>) about a woman who celebrated her birthday by committing as many acts of kindness as the number of candles on her birthday cake. It was such a fun message, and since I'm a sucker for a good life lesson, this year I decided to try it for myself. </span><br />
<br />
<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-5319a668-97a6-14a4-3072-74d134c2299e" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><i>1.</i> <i>Pay it forward</i>.</span> I paid for the man behind me in the drive thru at Dunkin' Donuts last weekend. It may sound odd, but I've done this a few times (mostly around the holidays) and it always makes me smile thinking about their face when they're handed their free coffee and told to have a great day.<span style="color: #ea9999;"><i> </i></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><i>2. Be appreciative.</i></span> I bought simple flowers for my wonderful roommate/best friend, who outdid herself planning my birthday festivities as a reminder that I think she's awesome.</span></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGb4TSBzwuiwjDnmNdvHAsN1-1ucelxALLZ3t9LkvQno-yW_WUaznKF4dPiaK9JCdn5wqoAgLpypr584pMtDRyzp9Df02wNww-eSLA3AE51jL5Xpv65naQ3wZws35J_Zwz-jJn-v40f0A/s1600/Flowers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGb4TSBzwuiwjDnmNdvHAsN1-1ucelxALLZ3t9LkvQno-yW_WUaznKF4dPiaK9JCdn5wqoAgLpypr584pMtDRyzp9Df02wNww-eSLA3AE51jL5Xpv65naQ3wZws35J_Zwz-jJn-v40f0A/s1600/Flowers.JPG" height="395" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><i>3. Kill 'em with kindness.</i></span> People who leave stingy tips at restaurants bug me. You never know what someone's story<span style="font-size: small;"> is or what kind of day they're having,</span> so even if you don't get the greatest of service - kill 'em with kindness. I had a less than impressive waitress at a restaurant a couple of weeks ago, and instead of reflecting my disappointment in her tip, I chose to be generous... and left a smiley face on a napkin. </span></span></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="color: #ea9999;">4. Reward goodness</span>.</i> On that note, I had an <i>awesome</i> waiter at a different restaurant last week. He was incredibly thoughtful and helpful and just genuinely <i>nice</i>. <i>I love nice people. </i>We left him a great tip as well and thanked him multiple times for making our experience such a great one.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><i>5. Speak up.</i></span> I
sent a card to a friend who I haven't seen in far too long, but have
been thinking about a lot lately, just to say hello and let her know I
miss her.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4c7YAdoam-QbqEVt0cTLdqz4Bx8a_iwbxUlIWm1b7HvFu46RgnyCbRx4QK0B5JCXOx6it1IIwBVbEaFm1HfPGtkaU5E7jrxOWVa-Oe71fH3_rE_kPBYB272vbhWoWyEHeRDwvVUpKqb0/s1600/Note.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4c7YAdoam-QbqEVt0cTLdqz4Bx8a_iwbxUlIWm1b7HvFu46RgnyCbRx4QK0B5JCXOx6it1IIwBVbEaFm1HfPGtkaU5E7jrxOWVa-Oe71fH3_rE_kPBYB272vbhWoWyEHeRDwvVUpKqb0/s1600/Note.JPG" height="307" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><i>6. Acknowledge those who inspire you.</i></span> I donated $25 to <a href="https://twitter.com/chasedreamsnow" target="_blank">Chase Your Dreams Now</a>, a wonderful foundation that was started by a close (and awesome) <a href="https://twitter.com/aharri21" target="_blank">family friend</a> to honor his sister and nephew by supporting kids in the pursuit of their dreams.<i> </i></span></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><i>7. Find ways to give back through your passions.</i></span> I finally tested out the <a href="http://www.charitymiles.org/" target="_blank">Charity Miles</a> app, which allows you to raise money for charities just by completing workouts.</span></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><i>8. Be a source of love and support.</i></span> I picked up some things to send to my little sister who just moved into college<span style="font-size: small;"> for the f<span style="font-size: small;">irst time</span></span>. I learned while I was home last weekend, however, that she's pretty set with care packages at the moment, so I think I'll save this one for a later date!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><i><span style="color: #ea9999;">9. Donate what you don't need/use.</span> </i>In my cleaning spree a couple of weeks ago I donated two bags of clothes to goodwill.<i> </i></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQE2eBkm_rvpsVbOAT529U-BTR8DbUhcqXirCogbgsc95oHRVQRJEWbcu4b6muASL60VHj08JFQE7y10N_KFWqwl1Lw-eUt3N8lOSlLCsYSBty7ygPCyFebRP2B7jwHzxpxPOJsBHDTE/s1600/Clothes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQE2eBkm_rvpsVbOAT529U-BTR8DbUhcqXirCogbgsc95oHRVQRJEWbcu4b6muASL60VHj08JFQE7y10N_KFWqwl1Lw-eUt3N8lOSlLCsYSBty7ygPCyFebRP2B7jwHzxpxPOJsBHDTE/s1600/Clothes.JPG" height="320" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><i> </i><span style="color: #ea9999;"><i>10. Round up.</i> </span>I clicked 'yes' on the option to round up my total purchase of <a href="http://www.bostonducktours.com/" target="_blank">Duck Tour</a> tickets and donate the change to charity. More and more businesses are doing this, and while it may only be a few cents added to your purchase - it all adds up.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><i>11. Help a stranger.</i></span> In the age of smart phones and hand-held GPS technology this one doesn't happen as often, but I helped two people who stopped me on my walk home from work and asked for directions.</span></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><i><span style="color: #ea9999;">12. Promote brains (and crayons).</span> </i>While I was shopping for care package items for my sister, I picked up some school supplies to donate to<span style="font-size: small;"><i> </i>a local program.</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><i></i></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFvh1B5jeUla8Y-_vpo9K9JEAId1hTwH9NSF3JEKzXtyByVZGZ63ED9AtKNfIM7p64r0ehqE6MW4Z8PhRGcOHzUHscjrr7VIThtfJODxL0d5WStRiy-761o17UeFIR8NVba8i_C635sw/s1600/School+Supplies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFvh1B5jeUla8Y-_vpo9K9JEAId1hTwH9NSF3JEKzXtyByVZGZ63ED9AtKNfIM7p64r0ehqE6MW4Z8PhRGcOHzUHscjrr7VIThtfJODxL0d5WStRiy-761o17UeFIR8NVba8i_C635sw/s1600/School+Supplies.JPG" height="312" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><i> 13. Remind those you love.</i></span> I cooked a nice dinner for my boyfriend, just to remind him that I think he's pretty special.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><i>14. Just add sprinkles.</i></span> I followed up aforementioned dinner with homemade cupcakes, since he had been claiming that I never bake for him (lies).</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><i>15. Share inspiration</i>.</span> I've shared a few quotes in the past couple of weeks, but this one from my last Thursday Thoughts post is my favorite.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTSy4aPLkNqsenMr31JU-f-64Hdlpi6x7ZzHBrImv82645a15LjLV-h-80en989IAzkrS4gHQN1OtIDnVpRXw3HwRJfA7stV5we-iTLPvc9P7rE1Ka01qOqBgc6j7B8o0Vv0v2frmDrf0/s1600/Blessings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTSy4aPLkNqsenMr31JU-f-64Hdlpi6x7ZzHBrImv82645a15LjLV-h-80en989IAzkrS4gHQN1OtIDnVpRXw3HwRJfA7stV5we-iTLPvc9P7rE1Ka01qOqBgc6j7B8o0Vv0v2frmDrf0/s1600/Blessings.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><i><span style="color: #ea9999;">16. Sweeten someones day.</span></i> I baked <a href="http://chocolateandpavement.blogspot.com/2013/08/thursday-thoughts-blueberry-banana.html" target="_blank">blu</a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://chocolateandpavement.blogspot.com/2013/08/thursday-thoughts-blueberry-banana.html" target="_blank">eberry </a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://chocolateandpavement.blogspot.com/2013/08/thursday-thoughts-blueberry-banana.html" target="_blank">banana muffins</a> for some awesome people I'm l<span style="font-size: small;">ucky enough to call my co-workers.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><i><span style="color: #ea9999;">17. Spread the word.</span> </i>As a Marketing professional, and as a consumer who utilizes reviews on a daily basis, I know how important recommendations can be. Thus, I took some time to write glowing reviews on five of my favorite restaurants on <a href="http://www.yelp.com/" target="_blank">Yelp</a>.<i> </i></span></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><i>18. Teach.</i> </span>I helped a woman at the laundromat learn how to operate the washing machine.<i> </i></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><i><span style="color: #ea9999;">19. Donate more.</span> </i>While wrangling up old clothes to donate, I also collected and donated a bag of old textbooks and other books that were just taking up space.<i> </i></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxyeUqKIL4YkeVt_YY1ZO9oR0fdExBGO5qyhOePsTJDtP7BVMlNu0SF1RRmDCJc50e_8vwJJxYuynwj0ukbqKpp58DYS9Wn0bC51hwZ-POcFo1oOPd8e5kAGRvmGhUn3oMnqMXXmQKUJc/s1600/books.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxyeUqKIL4YkeVt_YY1ZO9oR0fdExBGO5qyhOePsTJDtP7BVMlNu0SF1RRmDCJc50e_8vwJJxYuynwj0ukbqKpp58DYS9Wn0bC51hwZ-POcFo1oOPd8e5kAGRvmGhUn3oMnqMXXmQKUJc/s1600/books.png" height="378" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><i>20. Give a smile.</i></span> I sent a card to a friend of mine who has been pretty sick lately, just to reminder her that she's loved.<i> </i></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><i>21. Spread the love and discover.</i></span> Few bloggers will argue that they'd prefer not to get positive comments on their posts. In an effort to spread some kindness, and read some new blogs, I went on a blog comment crawl, clicking through from blog to blog and leaving nice, positive comments.<i> </i></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><i><span style="color: #ea9999;">22. Don't be a jerk.</span> </i>I consciously made an effort to be a nicer driver, let people in and stop being so impatient. <i>I live in Boston, people. This is difficult sometimes.</i><i> </i></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><i>23. Spread some sunshine.</i> </span>I also made a conscious effort to smile at strangers and say hello. This, I like to think, is pretty normal for me, but is sometimes harder to do after a long day. Instead of imposing your exhaustion, stress and frustration on others, make someone smile or laugh. You'll be amazed at how much better you feel.</span></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><i>24. Put away the technology</i>.</span> This is something I constantly battle, I'm <i>always</i> connected. But I've made an effort to put the iPhone, laptop, etc. down and just enjoy what (and who) is around me. This is one I'd like to c<span style="font-size: small;">ontinue to work on.</span><span style="color: #ea9999;"><span style="color: black;"></span><i> </i></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><i>25. Say thank you.</i></span> Like many other things on this list, I'd like to think that I do this on a daily basis, but I know it can get lost in the shuffle of life. I've tried to say <i>thank you</i> a lot more in the past couple of weeks. To my family, to my friends, to the people who make my coffee, even to the waitress who's service was less than impressive. Oh, and thank you to <i>you</i>. If you're reading this, you're pretty special in my book.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Now, I don't usually solicit birthday presents, but if you're feeling really generous today and want to join the celebration...</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Do something kind. Share it with others, feel good about yourself, and let it make you smile. </b></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Leave a comment and tell me about it! I'd love to hear<span style="font-size: small;"> about a<span style="font-size: small;">n act of kindness you did for someone e<span style="font-size: small;">lse<span style="font-size: small;">, recently or in the past.</span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span><b> </b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Have you every been the recipient of a random act of kindness?</b></span></span></span></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00126257573165074461noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841244317629504748.post-68917809754517128522013-08-29T18:31:00.003-04:002013-08-29T18:31:07.349-04:00Thursday Thoughts<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1. Fact: when I was younger, I used to see my parents, family and friends with key chains and think, "I can't wait until I'm old enough and cool enough to have a key chain like that." Now? I don't know what the heck I thought was so cool about it but mine is getting a little too clunky for my liking. Oh the random things we wish for as kids.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKuHVFmNtm08dw7jwH_PF56R1jsQFeg1RFiFaEY2DH5J51lBwp3XkN6RaZbtYBZbhGApXe-x3Uzsqq6gc34k4lNh-SOSBKkmeQSMWvARER8WqrXnA7fx3dODyvz6bsJK1pbH4NLsypEyQ/s1600/Keys.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKuHVFmNtm08dw7jwH_PF56R1jsQFeg1RFiFaEY2DH5J51lBwp3XkN6RaZbtYBZbhGApXe-x3Uzsqq6gc34k4lNh-SOSBKkmeQSMWvARER8WqrXnA7fx3dODyvz6bsJK1pbH4NLsypEyQ/s1600/Keys.JPG" height="388" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2.
I'm finally trying to add speed and hill training back into my workouts.
For awhile when I was just starting to get back into running, I shied
away from doing anything but slow and steady paced runs. This week I did
a short progression run (WU, mile 1 (10:00), mile 2 (9:41), mile 3
(9:20), CD) followed by a shorter trail run the next day with <i>plenty</i>
of hills. My hips/glutes are super tight today, so trying to remember
to stretch and foam roll when I can, but so happy to have some variation
back.</span> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">3. This:</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVQQ-Y1kkdKEKSsi1h1cdu2JjaLYdPlM5K46qL3EXUDpT7JBCpfhL9yCIhAx5ODp1CcdQOH4SwTHq07cAhYFbccyNGXExmEKd2ZmDwOG1OrctioChc6a3qGe5EgpxSMykg1hAC_hGPbE/s1600/Blessings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVQQ-Y1kkdKEKSsi1h1cdu2JjaLYdPlM5K46qL3EXUDpT7JBCpfhL9yCIhAx5ODp1CcdQOH4SwTHq07cAhYFbccyNGXExmEKd2ZmDwOG1OrctioChc6a3qGe5EgpxSMykg1hAC_hGPbE/s1600/Blessings.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">4. I don't like crunchy cookies. The softer, the better. I prefer dough, actually, but for some reason the directions always say bake. Oreos are my exception. A weakness of mine, if you will. My mom bought me <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Flour-Spectacular-Recipes-Bostons-Bakery/dp/081186944X" target="_blank">this cookbook</a> for my birthday after we <a href="http://chocolateandpavement.blogspot.com/2013/08/birthdays-concerts-and-cupcakes-oh-my.html" target="_blank">tried out the bakery</a> for lunch earlier this month when she came to visit. Earlier this week my little sister and I tested out the <a href="http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/food/articles/2009/07/08/recipe_for_homemade_oreos/" target="_blank">recipe</a> for homemade Oreos. Oh my. They were delightful.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR99Q_y7i8-_-trP-88Uc4r7spZh4FPIDQuGAshkTgLl3VwyAByoXA4pkmfJFmR7xxGosFhYYs79sBI2XefUKDGHL3bVvQEtiri-JxYljhXS6LMFs3qGAb8mu6EQEYQbqra82bNL5PbHc/s1600/Oreos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR99Q_y7i8-_-trP-88Uc4r7spZh4FPIDQuGAshkTgLl3VwyAByoXA4pkmfJFmR7xxGosFhYYs79sBI2XefUKDGHL3bVvQEtiri-JxYljhXS6LMFs3qGAb8mu6EQEYQbqra82bNL5PbHc/s1600/Oreos.JPG" height="321" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">5.
It's cool and rainy in the Boston area today. I'm diggin' it. The bf
and I are planning to order pizza and (hopefully) watch a movie. I'm
thinking of picking up the Great Gatsby without asking his input, since
I've been dying to see it since it came out in theaters.</span></span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>What's on your keychain? Or something you remember wanting as a kid that adults had?</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Chewy or crunchy cookies?</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Favorite pizza toppings?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I'm totally boring and almost always opt for cheese. If I'm making homemade pizza I'll be a lot more adventurous with toppings - veggie and avocado or BBQ chicken usually.<b> </b></span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00126257573165074461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841244317629504748.post-58257642744316994352013-08-26T22:43:00.002-04:002013-08-26T22:43:34.829-04:00A Tired Birthday GirlThree days later, I'm finally getting a chance to sit down and scroll through the many Happy Birthday wall posts that so nicely graced my Facebook page on Saturday. Truthfully, as much as I appreciate the social media love, my weekend was as far removed from the wonderful world of the web as it has been in a long time... and I'm OK with that.<br />
<br />
In the few seconds that I feel like I have had to myself in the past several days, I wondered how I would write this post. Recapping a weekend packed with 25th birthday celebrations and time spent with family celebrating the life of my Grandmother and Uncle. I can't say that those were two events that I was looking forward to pairing together, but it wasn't about me and I was grateful in the end to be surrounded by the people who mean the most.<br />
<br />
So, for now, I'm choosing not to write any lengthy recaps, and leaving you with a simple birthday photo and a promise that I will share more soon. For now, this tired birthday girl is getting some much needed sleep and enjoying time with her family that doesn't involve plans scheduled down to the minute.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4scOijNHz96gCzVZ73P6AUgRhBxJJPDu6-NVg2IlosxZ77tXuvbXZqioSelK9y-Qe7t-47pAAhkVaAlAu51XNSytgz0HnUEE4oSVy3CsvHuBWcK9iA2Gi4iMUeiBVn3vcqqpC5zFsaU/s1600/Bday5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4scOijNHz96gCzVZ73P6AUgRhBxJJPDu6-NVg2IlosxZ77tXuvbXZqioSelK9y-Qe7t-47pAAhkVaAlAu51XNSytgz0HnUEE4oSVy3CsvHuBWcK9iA2Gi4iMUeiBVn3vcqqpC5zFsaU/s1600/Bday5.jpg" /> </a> </div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00126257573165074461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841244317629504748.post-35869406200750715252013-08-22T22:41:00.001-04:002013-08-23T11:14:15.738-04:00Thursday Thoughts & Blueberry Banana Muffins<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1. Lately I've been having trouble falling asleep, which seems to have made waking up in the morning that much more painful. No, but really, those first few minutes after my alarm goes off, I kind of feel like the world is ending. I know I don't help my cause by pressing snooze 10,000 times, I just can't help it. I need to fix this, and fix it soon, since it's clearly not going to get any easier in the next few months once it's totally dark outside until at least 7am.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">3. I came up with a new business plan idea! Recruit handsome men for runners to hire to help them stretch out after workouts. Anyone want in? Seriously, I think this has potential.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjDPXVq23yjvF6r9pxo8DDD9xN5jCndwCCNaJ5VG5S92ohtBFTQXkTHFgaF6Y2UgVXzT3Rh3sX4G5XbKO5L5ULcMa53KNjTP3lE9-SyefI-e3ChRvibjXm7DwlnNnFfvderUyBWBPy13Y/s1600/Jon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjDPXVq23yjvF6r9pxo8DDD9xN5jCndwCCNaJ5VG5S92ohtBFTQXkTHFgaF6Y2UgVXzT3Rh3sX4G5XbKO5L5ULcMa53KNjTP3lE9-SyefI-e3ChRvibjXm7DwlnNnFfvderUyBWBPy13Y/s1600/Jon.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2.
It's back to school season. This terrifies me. Not only does it bring
back those nostalgic, "I remember when I was packing up to head back to
school" feelings, it also brings a nice slap in the face of, "Hey Sarah,
you're an adult. Get your butt out of bed and go to work." That abuse I
consider tolerable, but chaos throughout my beloved Target? No, thank
you. Aisles lined with massive cardboard bins filled with items to be
snatched up by desperate college students who don't even realize that
no, you don't actually need purple toaster for your dorm room.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">4. Today begins a weekend filled with birthday festivities! Yes, it's true, I turn 25 on Saturday. I've been brainstorming ways to get out of it but haven't come up with anything good yet. I'm pretty excited though, since I'll be spending my time celebrating with lots of people that I love - including Kenny Chesney and Eric Church who so nicely agreed that Countryfest should be held on my special day. Aren't they thoughtful? Tonight I kicked things off with a fantastic mani/pedi after work, followed by dinner with a handful of my favorite people. I have the best girlfriends, they seriously make my world go 'round. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">5. I made you guys muffins! Well, kind of. I made muffins and am sharing the recipe with you so that you can return the favor. This recipe is based on one my Dad has used for years and is one of my favorites. Simple and yummy. Enjoy!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRRiuWRQ_wsqaK7iWNeiqAj9iH1y5KgyQJLj-vry-LWfyKmCldu0aMZHHkH66Iff6_LFzI5MDOl299ZIceSZ3KIxtFvJGherdRARGox5cAWnjpTpJVJ8WKcSBOB4UmAK-EdXiRsONVls/s1600/Blueberry+Muffins.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRRiuWRQ_wsqaK7iWNeiqAj9iH1y5KgyQJLj-vry-LWfyKmCldu0aMZHHkH66Iff6_LFzI5MDOl299ZIceSZ3KIxtFvJGherdRARGox5cAWnjpTpJVJ8WKcSBOB4UmAK-EdXiRsONVls/s1600/Blueberry+Muffins.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Blueberry Banana Muffins</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>yields ~18 muffins</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i> </i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2 cups flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1/3 cup sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">3/4 cup milk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1/2 cup vegetable oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1/2 cup vanilla or plain Greek yogurt </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1 egg</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">3 tsp baking powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1 tsp salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1/2 tsp cinnamon </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1 medium ripe banana (mashed)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1 cup+ blueberries (<i>+ if you're ambitious, or like me and just love blueberries</i>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Combine flour, sugar, milk, oil, yogurt, egg, baking powder, salt and cinnamon in a medium mixing bowl with a whisk until incorporated. Add banana and blueberries, mix well with a rubber spatula.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Spoon batter into lined muffin pan until cups are ~3/4 full. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Bake at 400* for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are lightly browned and a toothpick comes out clean.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Are you a morning person? Any brilliant tips/tricks to get out of bed?</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Something you brought to college with you but never actually needed?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I remember convincing my step dad that I <i>needed</i> a tool kit (like, hammer, nails, screwdriver, bolts, etc.) going into each school year. I might have used the screwdriver once, which is debatable.<b> </b> </span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00126257573165074461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841244317629504748.post-24478551663702507462013-08-20T07:19:00.001-04:002013-08-20T07:19:53.099-04:00Easy Snack Ideas<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">In case you haven't figured it out already, I'm a planner. I don't do surprises well, and my day is just peachy when everything goes according to plan. I'm also a snacker. I'm hungry ALL. THE. TIME. Especially when I'm running a lot. Or even when I'm not. What can I say, I love food. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> I'm not a
big fan of running around in the morning trying to piece together
breakfast, snack and/or lunch options. Rushing usually leads me toward
poor decisions. Sure, that roll of thin mints counts as breakfast, why
not? </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">As a result, I try to plan ahead and make it easy to make the healthiest choices possible when it comes to things to munch on during the work day. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP2WqK1xJbtdHox2NojHUk_1hJf-n-PiGcb8h8vyMtLnMQblv86lVIU3a6eQZK7QTWW_lZTM3FPWlluxUkkbJOgg0CGE9j9X7q_U9-KFphMEs_htK10Ra2yld3sECQpnIPRXUxKlbRIhA/s1600/Snack+Ideas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP2WqK1xJbtdHox2NojHUk_1hJf-n-PiGcb8h8vyMtLnMQblv86lVIU3a6eQZK7QTWW_lZTM3FPWlluxUkkbJOgg0CGE9j9X7q_U9-KFphMEs_htK10Ra2yld3sECQpnIPRXUxKlbRIhA/s1600/Snack+Ideas.jpg" height="303" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We all know that convenience is huge when it comes to snacking (and meal planning/eating in general). Pre-made munchies are easier to grab-and-go, and if those pre-made munchies are healthy? Winning all around.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3uraWCR0H8CbTCLySOBU_02rTwVUk65MA4u9_602Mso6981gUiX-2uKv9IU3KM4_UibJfRRE-DhvxQ_yxqpsD09-1uxjIEvPgp2o-WqSbfZDzavBjKl2YJ1SCOOrrh5grgL5umXrqDE/s1600/Supplies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3uraWCR0H8CbTCLySOBU_02rTwVUk65MA4u9_602Mso6981gUiX-2uKv9IU3KM4_UibJfRRE-DhvxQ_yxqpsD09-1uxjIEvPgp2o-WqSbfZDzavBjKl2YJ1SCOOrrh5grgL5umXrqDE/s1600/Supplies.jpg" height="112" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1. Snack size baggies - great for portion control!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2. Restaurant cups and covers. I buy these in bulk at iParty and use them for e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g. Dips, salad dressing, you name it. So convenient.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-O_e6I8MGdVMCon3zSPc_wX461MPlEqlJ0aZnJnwXrRLqxuz_LHwLpXUNtILPwxNzz5mckGil7t5ZnZHJ5Y8ZZ1D_lAjo73nBBs7YwYpLEt0HcCwjOUiospBazCYkfw61pWT9SsFcoVA/s1600/Sweet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-O_e6I8MGdVMCon3zSPc_wX461MPlEqlJ0aZnJnwXrRLqxuz_LHwLpXUNtILPwxNzz5mckGil7t5ZnZHJ5Y8ZZ1D_lAjo73nBBs7YwYpLEt0HcCwjOUiospBazCYkfw61pWT9SsFcoVA/s1600/Sweet.jpg" height="216" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">3. Trail mix with chocolate, nuts, and dried fruit. Make your own or buy in bulk.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">4. Grapes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">5. Strawberries (with fruit you can even use your little cups for some Greek yogurt for dipping!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">6. Kettlecorn</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">7. Cookies. There's nothing wrong with a little indulgence, but pre-portion them and leave the sleeve at home!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbhr8NKC1Mk-5sp4UiX9jMuMqtGYLuUlGnSi9ZvMFNgGucIDI0lGGVGunDAX2GCWH3qneYSp_lWrJEj5yY-ea8mSHRxK37OnAhQkqVQ1nrAQ1gqzRPSVW1jb1AY8bVz5XFZNQjHiUM_F4/s1600/Salty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbhr8NKC1Mk-5sp4UiX9jMuMqtGYLuUlGnSi9ZvMFNgGucIDI0lGGVGunDAX2GCWH3qneYSp_lWrJEj5yY-ea8mSHRxK37OnAhQkqVQ1nrAQ1gqzRPSVW1jb1AY8bVz5XFZNQjHiUM_F4/s1600/Salty.jpg" height="258" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">8. Crackers and cheese</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">9. Baby carrots and hummus</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">10. Celery sticks and ranch</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">11. Smartfood or lightly salted popcorn</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">12. Almonds or other nuts</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Set aside some time on Sunday evenings and prep several snack bags for the week - you'll thank yourself later.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Happy snacking!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>What are your favorite go-to snacks during the week?</b></span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00126257573165074461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841244317629504748.post-24559693531090689942013-08-19T08:18:00.001-04:002013-08-19T11:32:36.794-04:00A Weekend Collage<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Similar to <a href="http://chocolateandpavement.blogspot.com/2013/08/birthdays-concerts-and-cupcakes-oh-my.html" target="_blank">last weekend's festivities</a>, it's safe to say I may need a second cup of coffee today. I swear I'm not complaining, since it was all good stuff, but I'm opting to keep this recap short and sweet with a collage of pictures.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEgT_ySK9b1mQ1PsrDvAUaCfusp6NM6XHfQd-ZiAhvI1pHlpixZSlxOBUkZTBh-78uPipZT924vQ5tYcuIV7Anld92gKDYW7J0S_5J5eGPpu62DwGes8NCz0Efx6lonGl0LmEGxDKYRLI/s1600/wknd+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEgT_ySK9b1mQ1PsrDvAUaCfusp6NM6XHfQd-ZiAhvI1pHlpixZSlxOBUkZTBh-78uPipZT924vQ5tYcuIV7Anld92gKDYW7J0S_5J5eGPpu62DwGes8NCz0Efx6lonGl0LmEGxDKYRLI/s1600/wknd+collage.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Longest run (and pain-free) since March? Check.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Four concerts in five days? Check.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Sarah is totally spoiled? Double check. Trust me, I know... and am so grateful.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Country concert or rock concert?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Love both, couldn't pick one or the other. Love me some hip-hop on my iPod but no desire to see it live.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>How do you drink your coffee?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Iced (always), a little extra milk and no sugar.</span><b> </b>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00126257573165074461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841244317629504748.post-49826634738263047382013-08-16T07:37:00.001-04:002013-08-16T07:37:19.787-04:00Thursday Thoughts<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Yes, guilty. Published Friday AM again.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i> </i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It feels like another gorgeous fall-like day in Boston and even though it's still August, I'm totally OK with it. If you could combine the long days of summer with the crisper temperatures of fall, I'd be one happy camper.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1. <i>I'm thankful for</i>: spending time with girlfriends. Between birthdays, concerts, dinner and froyo dates, and even early morning workouts, I've spent a lot of time with my girlfriends in the past week or two. Things have been busy lately, and though plans with them are still plans, I've really enjoyed them.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7j-9Kx2_Jm9MyblungXpjdRgbnJu7bah3VXIQn3JT_3NPtl69bSbGhePKr49vqJkmRNvjxj17YbiQNLgmb8SA3D-fQsLNVlMioP49nhtUQIIykziH6dZ4agZ178RNqCGXNIyUHKvHC6I/s1600/Cottage+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7j-9Kx2_Jm9MyblungXpjdRgbnJu7bah3VXIQn3JT_3NPtl69bSbGhePKr49vqJkmRNvjxj17YbiQNLgmb8SA3D-fQsLNVlMioP49nhtUQIIykziH6dZ4agZ178RNqCGXNIyUHKvHC6I/s1600/Cottage+Collage.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2. <i>I'm frustrated with</i>: running. This is not a new one. Coming back from an injury after having taken several months off of running is... surprise... not fun. Trying to come back in the middle of the busiest part of summer? Crazy. My mileage has plateaued around 3.5 mile runs, and though I have had a couple of strong ones, for the most part my workouts have left me tired and feeling really out of shape. I'm focusing on keeping things in perspective (I really have only been easing back to running for a few weeks), staying positive and continuing to make it a priority.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">3. <i>I'm loving: </i>This perspective...</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/128915608056744222/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj40OZJ4I9wRf5G2oDXPanUsFjapDVjTcaGaRFAgjChxE5Us5qTxl7JNW0BAzTE5PdnaEfyLJe2kGDprnCe4xTDrjq44f2osUs5YIrgR7eMYEqWhtTUdSCgjlVcCE5xOoB-l0nMQmg2MQc/s1600/You're+in+Control.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">4. <i>I'm listening to:</i> Parachute. All day, every day. They're a band I fell in love with awhile back when they popped up on my Matt Nathanson Pandora station. Since then, I've downloaded a few songs here and there. When I discovered they'd be playing in Boston at a small venue in Cambridge, I jumped at the opportunity to grab my girlfriends, some tickets and go. The concert was Wednesday night and it was one of the best I've been to. Seeing them, and seeing them in a smaller, much more intimate venue was just awesome. If you like Maroon 5, Matt Nathanson, Mat Kearney, John Mayer or any similar sounding alternative-meets-rock-meets-pop-meets-R&B type music, check them out. Or just do it because I told you to.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy63O5JpTiWUZXbFTSEFkeSSSv7XTdcJtO-21d_XBjlUfNkounAkvYqX6YB9-sWzfpTFFh3S5P7hzE_H0VZaJjEAb4Cf7_W5n4zbVi9a3VfCKpuU7J6mOBKr8DUKJgBOpg4M4sLoyyls8/s1600/Parachute+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy63O5JpTiWUZXbFTSEFkeSSSv7XTdcJtO-21d_XBjlUfNkounAkvYqX6YB9-sWzfpTFFh3S5P7hzE_H0VZaJjEAb4Cf7_W5n4zbVi9a3VfCKpuU7J6mOBKr8DUKJgBOpg4M4sLoyyls8/s1600/Parachute+Collage.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">5. <i>I'm craving</i>: All things fall. This weather has me all kinds of confused. I see pumpkin spice lattes, baked apples with cinnamon, crockpot meals and casseroles, and I can almost taste them. In my defense my Twitter and Pinterest feeds seem to be confirming that I'm not alone in these cravings. I won't wish away the freshness and simplicity of summer veggies and meals on the grill or tossed together in a salad, but sometimes a girl just needs gourds and comfort food in her life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Enjoy your weekend!</span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00126257573165074461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841244317629504748.post-86103702530667305382013-08-13T07:38:00.000-04:002013-08-13T07:36:40.142-04:00Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I love water.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">No, but really, I do. I'm that person who probably annoys wait staff at restaurants because they have to refill my glass ~123456 times during meals. And I'm OK with it.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I have friends who rarely drink water, even dislike it, and primarily drink soda water, diet sodas, juice, coffee, etc. instead. Me? Good ole' plain H2O, please. Aside from an iced coffee on the daily and whatever I might choose for a cocktail, I don't need bubbles, sugar or flavor.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The amount of water your body needs per day can depend on a number of factors. Are you male or female? Active or inactive? What's your diet like? According to <a href="http://beta.active.com/articles/the-diet-detective-hydration-basics">this article</a> by Active, women should consume 91 oz. of water per day, vs. 125 oz. for men - but only 45-50% of that consumption actually comes from fluids, with 35% coming from what we eat and the rest from metabolism.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Regardless, I know I feel <i>better</i> when I'm well hydrated, but it's easy to "forget" to drink water. For me, it's easiest to forget during the summer. Plans get crazy, it's hot, and I tend to dehydrate that much more easily. So I tossed together 5 simple tips to help boost your hydration habits...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiACV1N-lzOyeaeX9mnqb3K7zTxJ3hfgzghIC4SDqE-ehUMcOL4dyUZtRHdvCKlmxP304zjyTEVrrvoPOuRfLoZbU4USxZhy9TElHP6HVdyGf_tgV8uCgrRHfg2I2qj03P7uoVBTd-PTu8/s1600/5+Tips+-+Water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiACV1N-lzOyeaeX9mnqb3K7zTxJ3hfgzghIC4SDqE-ehUMcOL4dyUZtRHdvCKlmxP304zjyTEVrrvoPOuRfLoZbU4USxZhy9TElHP6HVdyGf_tgV8uCgrRHfg2I2qj03P7uoVBTd-PTu8/s1600/5+Tips+-+Water.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1. Jump start your day.</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Multiple articles cite that drinking more water jump starts your metabolism. Chug a nice cold glass of H2O first thing in the morning to refresh you and wake you up. Just do it before your body has a chance to realize what's going on.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span> <b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2. Set benchmarks.</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">An old co-worker of mine set a resolution once to drink more water. To help motivate her, she used stickers and dry erase markers on her water bottle to set time benchmarks for how much she wanted to drink by a given time of day. It gave her goals, helped her hold herself accountable and form a healthy habit.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=ih3yWmfTg5ydCM&tbnid=fsjXpzPp3N9HWM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onesmallstep.com%2Freusable-bottles%2F128-nalgene-tritan-32oz-bottle-narrow-mouth.html&ei=2TDlUf-mMNbe4APt9IDwBQ&bvm=bv.48705608,d.dmg&psig=AFQjCNHf7NkZN9OWV0eLiqGmrqem6qSpig&ust=1374061142020218" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDu6WFtNza_5EKduxMRBzRdp1C24VTehXQ9bzrMFCRwBDXo5_nFILD2VQdZzq5kZQhqusevwNzFq83Bd-ub5HQfVOn6zyDLGlZbTDWlF5JbgtjqevBs_SBvSd5wEoJygQVtGZ3fvdAUg/s1600/Nalgene.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> 3. Use a fun water bottle.</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Yes, I know, I sound like a 5 year old, but seriously - aren't you more likely to use something you <i>like</i>?
Walk into any sporting goods store, even Target, and you'll find 20+
options for water bottles. Plus - using a bottle you can reuse is good
for the environment! Personally? I love <a href="http://store.nalgene.com/Nalgene-32-Ounce-Narrow-Mouth-p/32%20ounce%20narrow%20mouth.htm" target="_blank">my Nalgene</a> (same as the one picture above). It comes almost
everywhere with me. It holds 32 oz. of H2O, so I'm not constantly
getting up to refill it, it's my favorite color, and it has a smaller
mouth so I'm not spilling all over my graceful self. Just remember - BPA
free, please.</span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">4. Add flavor.</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">If you're not a big plain H2O fan, that's fine. There are so many ways to add flavor to your water to make it more enticing. I'm not a big crystal light fan, but some people love it. I would, however, suggest trying natural flavor enhancers like lemon or lime - even raspberries or cucumber. Or you can join the <a href="http://www.nuun.com/" target="_blank">Nuun</a> club and boost your electrolyte intake without the added sugar or carbs - try the tropical, it's my favorite (thus far).</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtgMwgGuPoYtAXAyVRWEU_hJEFYJUf0Ka1RPrAsEEfZIRrOzFDtNW9FXpGRGbJBDsDPaY5Lnc7XrXdRYh7oj9URXCQKOQXbCm8zkv5B9693EXhbubA5tGO4J_6Kd5QFq8_hdGYfCusFL4/s1600/Water+Flavor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtgMwgGuPoYtAXAyVRWEU_hJEFYJUf0Ka1RPrAsEEfZIRrOzFDtNW9FXpGRGbJBDsDPaY5Lnc7XrXdRYh7oj9URXCQKOQXbCm8zkv5B9693EXhbubA5tGO4J_6Kd5QFq8_hdGYfCusFL4/s1600/Water+Flavor.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://shop.nuun.com/tropical" target="_blank">Nuun</a>, <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/196258496232119093/" target="_blank">Cube1</a>, <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/38421403044096018/" target="_blank">Cube 2</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">5. Use a straw.</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We're getting down to basics here, and I know straws are considered kind of a "girl thing", but seriously. Love them. I tend to drink more, faster when using a straw. Plus, they're fun.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Be smart, healthy and safe. Be knowledgeable about how much you're drinking and how hydrated (or dehydrated) you are at any given time. <a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/drinks-hydration/8-hydration-myths-busted" target="_blank">This recent article</a> from Runner's World busts 8 common hydration myths and clarifies some common misconceptions.</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Some more resources on hydration below:</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://www.active.com/running/Articles/Runners-Ultimate-Guide-to-Hydration.htm" target="_blank">Runner's Ultimate Guide to Hydration</a> - Active</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://womensrunning.competitor.com/2012/04/race-tips/running-in-hot-weather_1602" target="_blank">Running in Hot Weather</a> - Women's Running</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/running-tips/tips-for-running-in-humidity" target="_blank">Tips for Running in Humidity</a> - Runner's World</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Water? Soda water? Nuun? Milkshakes?</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>How do you remind yourself to stay hydrated? </b> </span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00126257573165074461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841244317629504748.post-2506244711005452332013-08-11T15:45:00.001-04:002013-08-11T15:45:59.690-04:00Birthdays, Concerts and Cupcakes... Oh my!What a weekend.<br />
<br />
As I bleerily type this, I've basically just woken up from a much-needed, two hour nap. Between Friday and Saturday night I'm running on limited sleep and it has definitely caught up to me. I'm not complaining, though, since this weekend was jam-packed with some awesome memories with some awesome people.<br />
<br />
Friday happened to be the birthday of one of my fabulous girlfriends and also happened to be the night of the Maroon 5 and Kelly Clarkson concert. We tied both of those events up with a cute little bow and ventured down to Mansfield for the first show of the weekend.<br />
<br />
Two and a half hours of traffic later (ew, it should take about 45 minutes), we made it in to see the tail-end of Kelly's set, but thankfully caught <i>Since You've Been Gone</i> which, clearly, was all I really cared about. She is seriously such a bombshell. I adore her cute and bubbly personality and think she's such a badass.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_HH1vd9sBOk2DpR-kGlWf0Gjgcltz3dDmb17Kv8IwO8muqtTyuNvgR9HUj1A9LMLSUQy6fIspNLwsqeie4fRyUkneHusxU2XYjUmIzy9wvSt8xdeNDT2zP8mNytPQT9-hf0I67kf_ok/s1600/Kel+Bday+M5+KC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_HH1vd9sBOk2DpR-kGlWf0Gjgcltz3dDmb17Kv8IwO8muqtTyuNvgR9HUj1A9LMLSUQy6fIspNLwsqeie4fRyUkneHusxU2XYjUmIzy9wvSt8xdeNDT2zP8mNytPQT9-hf0I67kf_ok/s1600/Kel+Bday+M5+KC.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally, Maroon 5 rocked the house, per usual. I fell in love with this band when I was fourteen years old and never looked back. They're one of my favorites to see live, probably because I know the lyrics to every song and, let's face it, it doesn't suck to stare at Adam Levine for a couple of hours.<br />
<br />
We had a blast and ended the night with birthday cupcakes from <a href="http://www.treatcupcakebar.com/" target="_blank">Treat Cupcake Bar</a> and possibly me downloading and using the Dominos app for the first time when we got home. Oops? Not ashamed.<br />
<br />
Saturday morning I was up bright and early to welcome my Mom to Boston for her belated 50th birthday celebration. We ventured into the city and spent the morning walking around and taking a Duck Tour. I've lived in Massachusetts my whole life, been to Boston countless times, and called this city home for the past eight years (if we're technical and counting college) and yet have never taken a Duck Tour. It was an awesome experience and I'd recommend it to anyone - resident or visiting for the weekend.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvNDS_dXQGyZZQjBjNXO38BNCPEVeROS3W6R-_3FKs9y3aF8ExYHjdQVBADJnll41zgh3i4Kr6kKFZGG5W5wWJncwqkCsm68xhdlP6MNkRvE-3l2dZstwbLYKkp77tmsrQn2SzHLNNQcY/s1600/Duck+Tour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvNDS_dXQGyZZQjBjNXO38BNCPEVeROS3W6R-_3FKs9y3aF8ExYHjdQVBADJnll41zgh3i4Kr6kKFZGG5W5wWJncwqkCsm68xhdlP6MNkRvE-3l2dZstwbLYKkp77tmsrQn2SzHLNNQcY/s1600/Duck+Tour.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
We followed up our tour with lunch at <a href="http://flourbakery.com/" target="_blank">Flour Bakery</a>, which came highly recommended by multiple friends of mine. I completely devoured my grilled chicken panini with brie, caramelized onion, and roasted red pepper as well as a homemade raspberry seltzer. So delicious. We then walked around a bit more and picked up cupcakes from <a href="http://www.georgetowncupcake.com/hours_locations.html" target="_blank">Georgetown Cupcake</a> on Newbury street to bring with us for the night. I can't say no to cupcakes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVKSOLV8Gguvhgw5ciJd5ESsjbJSXzbxn9lmSyC9Zo3tCDSLbk_8yRDu0fZEo1mFg0dTWjS1dXqnNf0JvhrhcVKw6WyQP5Q3CvPOW8Fc0uj0n1HjlA5UJz5s4mQJ_OhK-1pP0WeVI57cA/s1600/Boston+Food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVKSOLV8Gguvhgw5ciJd5ESsjbJSXzbxn9lmSyC9Zo3tCDSLbk_8yRDu0fZEo1mFg0dTWjS1dXqnNf0JvhrhcVKw6WyQP5Q3CvPOW8Fc0uj0n1HjlA5UJz5s4mQJ_OhK-1pP0WeVI57cA/s1600/Boston+Food.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
We headed back to my apartment to relax for a bit before heading down to the Comcast Center for the second night in a row to to tailgate and see my main man, Keith Urban.<br />
<br />
My Mom got me hooked on Keith a few years back and since I first saw him during the summer of 2010, I fell in love. Not only am I a huge fan of his music but I could gush about his concerts all day long. He is, by far, the best concert I have ever been to and I have seen my fair share of shows. He is such a talented vocalist and guitarist and has this incredible stage presence and energy that you can't get enough of. You can that tell he genuinely <i>loves</i> his fans and performing and has so much fun with it. OK, I'm done gushing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPElamMK9zDE8MPpjGzUWJSD2Q1SsL31thh6O-S2mOAFh0zqpRX12QvjqJPNiziJ2uX2v3hBeWSbgJozc0hI55tDKUkaXNxVSZGtwBx9z3Jjh1phYRYrMoq_0VL8k2t_1EuXwHaDjcesA/s1600/KU+Mom+Bday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPElamMK9zDE8MPpjGzUWJSD2Q1SsL31thh6O-S2mOAFh0zqpRX12QvjqJPNiziJ2uX2v3hBeWSbgJozc0hI55tDKUkaXNxVSZGtwBx9z3Jjh1phYRYrMoq_0VL8k2t_1EuXwHaDjcesA/s1600/KU+Mom+Bday.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
We had a blast with my best and her Mom and capped off our second night of festivities with another round of birthday cupcakes!<br />
<br />
This morning my Mom and I ventured to my favorite breakfast spot (I've mentioned <a href="http://www.in-a-pickle.com/" target="_blank">In a Pickle</a> before) to spend a bit more time together before she left to head back home. We had a great time this weekend and I loved having her here.<br />
<br />
Now that I'm finally feeling a bit more awake, I'm going to grab an iced coffee and venture over to see the boy and relax, grill and enjoy what's left of my weekend. I hope you all had wonderful weekends!<br />
<br />
<b>Do you feel like you've thoroughly explored the city where you live (or closest to you)?</b><br />
I feel like there's so much about Boston I don't know or haven't seen, and I always enjoy when I get the chance to explore it further.<br />
<b> </b><br />
<b> Cake or frosting?</b><br />
Cake!<b> </b>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00126257573165074461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841244317629504748.post-53027854128369997512013-08-09T07:57:00.001-04:002013-08-09T07:57:34.786-04:00Thursday ThoughtsYes, yes, I know. It's Friday morning. Work with me here, people.<br />
<br />
1. Yesterday morning I dragged my bum out of bed to meet up with Molly, the usual running buddy suspect, for an "easy" warm up run and circuit workout in the park. Turns out, the 1.5 mile warm up didn't feel so easy after having run hard on Wednesday morning and my legs were questioning why it was necessary for me to use them so early for the second day in a row. Sorry guys, I'm the boss here. Per usual, I was reminded just how weak I am when it comes to strength training and the workout was quite literally a pain in my butt. I've been gingerly sitting and walking since yesterday afternoon.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZg2-U1XDt9yKpTpzIjdckrYgtIwPlJYIs230zQCz22Aw77nGzghcd7UuCOnstO3bOFzUXZu7vitijI8IQAfvlcbb0AjIJWMrgegpezXCPNVqS9kb5v2gtMwQ2_i6EfTADS1JWwGviqEI/s1600/Circuit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZg2-U1XDt9yKpTpzIjdckrYgtIwPlJYIs230zQCz22Aw77nGzghcd7UuCOnstO3bOFzUXZu7vitijI8IQAfvlcbb0AjIJWMrgegpezXCPNVqS9kb5v2gtMwQ2_i6EfTADS1JWwGviqEI/s1600/Circuit.jpg" height="400" width="369" /></a></div>
<br />
2. I'm excited for this weekend for a few wonderful reasons:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Birthdays! Maroon 5! Kelly Clarkson! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Duck Boats! Mom! Flour Bakery! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Little Big Town! Keith Urban!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
...was that more than a few? Oops. More details on these fun things later.<br />
<br />
3. I read <a href="http://6thfloor.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/07/31/george-saunderss-advice-to-graduates/?_r=0" target="_blank">this article</a> yesterday on George Saunders' speech from Syracuse University's graduation this year. If you haven't taken the time to read it, please do. It's a beautiful reminder to all of us that kindness goes a long way when it comes to living a fulfilled life and one without regrets.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/3307399699404361/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-rMyyQpQh02OkCVbMWq8pY8gObrsqkaTOXREwlQB1DAg6rzoOf_X3FbsewzKfonkPp9TTWAW6A2zif4Q8QhEVzzby2RSc2J3Cq813TJor16DQF5Wf6Hs7wglNCywpP2WvwvW6LyoHEZQ/s1600/kindness.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
4. It's currently 7:02AM and I'm baking. That's normal... right? No? <br />
<br />
5. Did you know that Pinkberry can make absolutely any day a million times better? It's true. I've thoroughly tested this idea.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3CRBPlpMcgdyFBD1IGi6fNZC9KEtp14azXU2ZhtuhKNKh4v5ANaeHIR4DuYLec9hl8hHWp3MAsidfQOuWWSidSPWs99by-9oUzmSOFhGPW7r6swkXhCRaUMroT4lkzCQoFrn_ENylpk/s1600/Pinkberry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3CRBPlpMcgdyFBD1IGi6fNZC9KEtp14azXU2ZhtuhKNKh4v5ANaeHIR4DuYLec9hl8hHWp3MAsidfQOuWWSidSPWs99by-9oUzmSOFhGPW7r6swkXhCRaUMroT4lkzCQoFrn_ENylpk/s1600/Pinkberry.jpg" height="400" width="341" /></a></div>
<br />
<span id="goog_1959488279"></span><span id="goog_1959488280"></span><b>Feelings on running/working out in the rain?</b><br />
Molly and I got soaked during our workout yesterday morning - total downpour. I lean toward loving it. There's something so refreshing about it... so long as it's warm(ish) outside.<br />
<br />
<b>Favorite fro-yo toppings?</b><br />
It varies for me depending on flavor, but usually involves chocolate (shocking) and I always get a waffle cookie if it's Pinkberry!<b> </b>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00126257573165074461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841244317629504748.post-2884857486921343272013-08-07T08:00:00.001-04:002013-08-07T08:00:03.671-04:00BBQ Veggie & Kielbasa Skewers<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Has anyone else noticed that food tends to be that much more popular when presented on a stick? I'm not entirely sure if it's because it's easier to eat, it makes food cute, or what. Regardless, I've been on this bandwagon since I was little. Flinstones push-up pops, anyone?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">To give our <a href="http://chocolateandpavement.blogspot.com/2013/06/gluten-free-tailgating.html" target="_blank">gluten-free tailgate</a> (yes, that one, from June) a little oomph we decided on some kielbasa and veggie skewers. Since we weren't bringing a grill with us this time we decided these would be good even when prepped ahead of time and still give us a little BBQ feel.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">One of my favorite things about skewers, or kebabs as you may call them, is that you can pretty much use whatever you want in assembly. I've used chicken, steak, pineapple, brussels sprouts... you name it. For these, we kept to the basics.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Buckle up folks, I'm about to tell you how to assemble food on a stick. Take notes. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-ZmZipYdnQkM7-Hy1-EPKtNmO0Zo6KpAyg3f7YXSBcXeN-ZhwsEWmhBentU1EP0XggHwsngzP4biWTcr2dKGo6YvKaKPIgU_T25vPJLBikEF5eZ2o0U8BXMiHfoLHJY9Pk3xAOHrtPw/s1600/Skewer+Prep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-ZmZipYdnQkM7-Hy1-EPKtNmO0Zo6KpAyg3f7YXSBcXeN-ZhwsEWmhBentU1EP0XggHwsngzP4biWTcr2dKGo6YvKaKPIgU_T25vPJLBikEF5eZ2o0U8BXMiHfoLHJY9Pk3xAOHrtPw/s1600/Skewer+Prep.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://chocolateandpavement.blogspot.com/2013/06/gluten-free-tailgating.html" target="_blank">Gluten-Free Tailgating</a> Recipe (3/6)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>BBQ Veggie & Kielbasa Skewers</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1 red bell pepper </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1 green bell pepper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1/2 yellow onion</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1 small zucchini</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1 package kielbasa</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1/2 C BBQ sauce (personal preference: Sweet Baby Rays)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Wood or metal skewers </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Cube bell peppers, onion and zucchini into about 1" x 1" pieces. Cut kielbasa into 1" slices.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Assemble onto skewers. I cut our wood skewers in half to make them a bit more manageable and snack-like. Place 1-2 cooling racks on a baking sheet and spray with non-stick spray before placing assembled skewers side by side.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Brush skewers with BBQ sauce until thoroughly coated. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJEXIw9sE1Y4_6tGAfgkz7yN1qFL2iNeelY0RqXejbFmJF7_zGN9Y3CKeVdbKvIauhmxEksMdPJkX2Ihl34Oorbf2HF8mfltasjl13_NYVNHhN7bRZRw4inL5GVRJF2K4b9IpE5at5Tg/s1600/BBQ+Skewers+2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJEXIw9sE1Y4_6tGAfgkz7yN1qFL2iNeelY0RqXejbFmJF7_zGN9Y3CKeVdbKvIauhmxEksMdPJkX2Ihl34Oorbf2HF8mfltasjl13_NYVNHhN7bRZRw4inL5GVRJF2K4b9IpE5at5Tg/s1600/BBQ+Skewers+2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Bake at 350* for 15 minutes. Brush with additional BBQ sauce if desired and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until veggies and kielbasa have cooked through.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You could also pop these babies on a grill and they'd taste just as yummy, if not more so.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Favorite skewer ingredients?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I'm asking you because I need new ideas, duh.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Do you call them <i>kebabs</i> or <i>skewers</i>?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I've used both and tend to mix and match. Major points for consistency, Sarah.<b> </b> </span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00126257573165074461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841244317629504748.post-70925900693006449352013-08-05T18:32:00.000-04:002013-08-05T18:32:18.641-04:00New Hampshire Lovin'<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">After a long, emotional week, Friday was a welcome break. Since my family ultimately decided to wait on holding any services for <a href="http://chocolateandpavement.blogspot.com/2013/08/thursday-thoughts.html" target="_blank">my grandmother</a> until our family from out of town can join us, my weekend was free and my original plans of escaping to NH held up.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It was a wonderful weekend with friends and a much-needed break to relax and get away from it all. We arrived late Friday night and relaxed in yoga pants with wine and yummy homemade brownies. As I'm sure some of you may have seen via <a href="https://twitter.com/sarah_messer/status/363357778221363200" target="_blank">my Twitter account</a>, I adopted a new friend on Friday afternoon. Meet Stuart the minion. While I may be almost 25, this thoughtful little gift has made us laugh all weekend long!</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig6yRyy31mDIVGkOD45uxvDJUlhXPxI19kYdiufwWb4N-DQ1vM1NOzIN0XnPpyEyGM9rhRYwG5mxQ586F8aQU5e6P775ii6DeCvmmqsOMUvowO9v9coEwczflFOi0yhKQtG6gY5Au4D2Y/s1600/Stuart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig6yRyy31mDIVGkOD45uxvDJUlhXPxI19kYdiufwWb4N-DQ1vM1NOzIN0XnPpyEyGM9rhRYwG5mxQ586F8aQU5e6P775ii6DeCvmmqsOMUvowO9v9coEwczflFOi0yhKQtG6gY5Au4D2Y/s1600/Stuart.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stuart enjoys wine almost as much as I do... almost.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Saturday we slept in a bit and lounged around before heading down to the lake for the afternoon. I had them drop me at the bottom of the hill (really, it's a mountain) and I ran the rest of the way to the beach. I'm loving being back to a point where I can run miles consecutively again but at the moment am reminded each time how out of shape I feel. I haven't lost all of my endurance, which I'm thankful for, but I'm definitely not where I was four months ago. Baby steps I guess.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnGX58MPjDsP39EwKg_c0wAMv1FH7mYSVpO7M79f_juKw1EzAmpXs6LZEwU3hnny0Jn0Hls5G08EhugwsZcse8Ir01uEmA4c42iAoaFvvDS2S70P2KF6n3gVcKo8yFyNASsDmHiS32Fy8/s1600/Run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnGX58MPjDsP39EwKg_c0wAMv1FH7mYSVpO7M79f_juKw1EzAmpXs6LZEwU3hnny0Jn0Hls5G08EhugwsZcse8Ir01uEmA4c42iAoaFvvDS2S70P2KF6n3gVcKo8yFyNASsDmHiS32Fy8/s1600/Run.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We lounged on the beach, swam in the lake, and eventually took the boat out for a nice little sunset cruise. I started reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Born-Run-Hidden-Superathletes-Greatest/dp/0307279189" target="_blank"><i>Born to Run</i></a> this weekend and am liking it so far. I've heard good things so I decided to take the plunge, hoping for some motivation as I start back up again!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPrXwfjeRc_dBud0rSvrll16ZyPOjIhmRSltK6KTH3PVI7NQHSqAi4Jhi6lr8Staz2XU5g2-I7ETuyrU2pgeStTIac5L10CQha5Riw32nb4pxSiEdKnjy6oZaJlcGTTdFDx4utjSi3UG4/s1600/Lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPrXwfjeRc_dBud0rSvrll16ZyPOjIhmRSltK6KTH3PVI7NQHSqAi4Jhi6lr8Staz2XU5g2-I7ETuyrU2pgeStTIac5L10CQha5Riw32nb4pxSiEdKnjy6oZaJlcGTTdFDx4utjSi3UG4/s1600/Lake.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the boat as we cruised around Saturday evening. Gorgeous!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Each time we escape up north I'm amazed at how beautiful it is. The lake, the view of the mountains from the deck, and pretty much wherever you look. I woke up at 5am both mornings and just stared at the sunrise until eventually falling back asleep, which was pretty easy considering how tired I was.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabtCsx3_d4BT9ZU3HnNMd9CLynxNieCHdTOsMTtiw-uhi71LchUwjd7a_YjD6s8vklti-k1w0ikLS7SBeYs7Etp3DuZrk1_uJngamH7ZRskQz-ebOzEeItqmCqk5_Fr4NUwfaFZzkVPw/s1600/NH+Sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabtCsx3_d4BT9ZU3HnNMd9CLynxNieCHdTOsMTtiw-uhi71LchUwjd7a_YjD6s8vklti-k1w0ikLS7SBeYs7Etp3DuZrk1_uJngamH7ZRskQz-ebOzEeItqmCqk5_Fr4NUwfaFZzkVPw/s1600/NH+Sunset.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the deck as the sun was setting. Please don't make me go home... ever.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Saturday night consisted of relaxing, snacking on fresh guacamole and crackers and cheese and watching some fabulous ladies cook me dinner. I stirred the risotto a couple of times but ultimately sat back and ate almost an entire wheel of brie by myself. Oops.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYdXANQgpwEJ89pTO3jp91pfsZum33wj43ue_kuuGQS5DIf5fT3RIqTglCG5ButxMtmqMU3Rykjln0p5-uhCv5O9rSrtXkTEXXVE7V2zMPDuUMcQ6v0yClzg1dGIIfm6SGIHtmoZfqkc/s1600/Dinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYdXANQgpwEJ89pTO3jp91pfsZum33wj43ue_kuuGQS5DIf5fT3RIqTglCG5ButxMtmqMU3Rykjln0p5-uhCv5O9rSrtXkTEXXVE7V2zMPDuUMcQ6v0yClzg1dGIIfm6SGIHtmoZfqkc/s1600/Dinner.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chef Allie starting the risotto and popping some pineapple champagne - YUM.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Sunday we ventured into some local shops but ultimately ended up back at the beach before taking our time heading back down toward Boston.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI8n3XCQxBqPzqis5Ao4uJIhLw-JsIKF0hdW6zUQWIiLzua7Ng409SS1umEJgXAl-sLL-BDsVN2wZMvkm5LHBcL5KStdar16hs93ufj__VGEi9NYtRHMwJ89c3sRLOM4mxQ-RHp7J-nOc/s1600/Tryst+Weekend.jpg" height="400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're completely ridiculous most of the time, but that's the way I like it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Overall it was a great weekend and just what I wanted and needed after a long and exhausting week. It stinks that it often takes not-so-fun situations to remind you to be appreciative, but </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I'm so thankful to have the most amazing friends and family, and the best support system around.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Reading any good books right now?</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Favorite place to get away?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">My best's family's NH house is definitely up at the top of that list, but sometimes it's as simple as going home to western MA for a weekend - though those weekends aren't quite so relaxing most of the time! </span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00126257573165074461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841244317629504748.post-62977797381184171952013-08-01T08:04:00.000-04:002013-08-01T08:04:40.205-04:00Thursday ThoughtsI'm an introverted person. I don't like being the center of attention, I don't like confrontation and I'm probably as change and risk-averse as they get.<br />
<br />
That's not to say that I can't <i>handle</i> these things, I simply don't like them.<br />
<br />
<i>Then why the hell did you start a blog, Sarah?</i><br />
<br />
I deal with my feelings internally, reflecting on things until I've come to terms with them and feel like I can move on.<br />
<br />
This is not always a strength of mine, which is somewhat ironic since I often see it as being strong so that I don't need the support of someone else. It can (and has) gotten me into trouble when feelings have just built up until they finally bubble over into an often overly emotional, ugly meltdown complete with the heaving-I-can't-breathe shakes, snot and blotchy skin. TMI? Seriously, it's true.<br />
<br />
This past weekend was a bittersweet one. I celebrated a friend's beautiful wedding and the beginning of her life with a wonderful man who is beyond perfect for her. I cried, sniffles included, but very happy tears.<br />
<br />
The following day, I sat in a hospital room and watched my grandmother pass away in front of my eyes.<br />
<br />
In the past few days, I've had several ugly, emotional meltdowns. My feelings have bounced all over the place. Thankfulness for being able to say goodbye. Relief that she's no longer struggling. Overwhelming sadness. Anger with myself for reacting so emotionally instead of staying strong for my mom and my family. Guilt for not going to see her sooner.<br />
<br />
And then there's that elephant in the room feeling. The divide between those people who know and those that don't. Those that tip toe around your feelings and offer their sympathy and support, and those that without realizing it only remind you that regardless of how you feel - <i>life goes on</i>.<br />
<br />
Is there really an appropriate or right way to acknowledge a loss, especially when many people now learn things through social media vs. the local newspaper? I've never been an advocate for posting things like this on Facebook or Twitter. While I understand the effectiveness of the avenues in regards to sharing information, it's always seemed a little disrespectful and attention-seeking to me, at least when those feelings of loss and grief are still so raw. And yet here I am posting it on my blog, so maybe I'm wrong.<br />
<br />
I think in this case, I simply needed to acknowledge it. Not because I want the attention, but because it would have felt wrong (and still does to some extent) to move on without saying something. Then again, I could write for days and probably still feel as though I didn't accurately capture my feelings or her life.<br />
<br />
So instead, just know that right now, I'm sad. I love my Grandma, and I'll miss her for a very long time to come.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00126257573165074461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841244317629504748.post-84927529520224942672013-07-25T07:48:00.001-04:002013-07-25T07:48:02.974-04:00Thursday ThoughtsGood morning!<br />
<br />
1. I. Am. Done. With this heat and humidity. Holy moly. I feel like I'm melting. Thankfully this week has been an improvement over last, but it's still a bit much. Our apartment has a built in AC unit in the living room but since our windows are large and slide left to right there's no [easy] way to put units in our bedrooms. Typically I'm OK with the windows open at night and a fan but last weekend we resorted to sleepovers in the living room. Yes, I'm totally serious.<br />
<br />
2. <i>*Crossing fingers*</i> runs are still going well. I've been taking it the every-other-day approach with strength/cross training in between. Thankfully this weather leaves something to be desired for motivation to get outside and go, but I'm still so appreciative of the fact that I am running again in the first place that I can't wait to get back to a regular schedule and more miles.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wmNwiWmo_DoTRgTLJQgqNYPQ4G_tk7Xe7W605VQ0LE4VDTPrZNrXvhWnw5u8uERxSNxZjdqptr9Y3_uSNNGVzW322sWuhqgqzoI3pPTHBuXmLxEFOPde5VRUy64YxgkI-Sl_8vOoM3A/s1600/Run+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wmNwiWmo_DoTRgTLJQgqNYPQ4G_tk7Xe7W605VQ0LE4VDTPrZNrXvhWnw5u8uERxSNxZjdqptr9Y3_uSNNGVzW322sWuhqgqzoI3pPTHBuXmLxEFOPde5VRUy64YxgkI-Sl_8vOoM3A/s1600/Run+Collage.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
3. The boy is still in California through Sunday. Apparently my coping mechanism for missing him is to bake/cook. I know, I do that a lot anyways, but for real this time. I've made <a href="http://chocolateandpavement.blogspot.com/2013/07/chocolate-salted-caramel-popcorn.html" target="_blank">this delicious popcorn</a>, blueberry banana muffins, black bean burgers, <a href="http://chocolateandpavement.blogspot.com/2013/01/chocolate-hazelnut-cupcakes.html" target="_blank">these cupcakes</a> (twice), and tested out popsicle recipes. That's not including regular dinners and lunches. I'm hoping I can at least share the recipes so you guys benefit from my craziness.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8cbsRAaXn9drYXDC6GQ9G6E-_KKOmCtXyC8BxaDReG2E2Box6kM7FDvoAWEIl1mQG0bRF9z6klKcTSh4W11e2PESdZRm4DC6Vu2ozRMjt8eYWPIDU6eQLj3nJ5nMJFRPRgVFpUInz-g/s1600/Royal+Baby+Fever.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8cbsRAaXn9drYXDC6GQ9G6E-_KKOmCtXyC8BxaDReG2E2Box6kM7FDvoAWEIl1mQG0bRF9z6klKcTSh4W11e2PESdZRm4DC6Vu2ozRMjt8eYWPIDU6eQLj3nJ5nMJFRPRgVFpUInz-g/s1600/Royal+Baby+Fever.jpg" height="261" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
4. I'm headed home this weekend (I feel like I've been saying that a lot lately) to celebrate the wedding of one of my high school girlfriends. From teaching Model UN together and traveling Turkey and the Netherlands, to countless late nights and sleepovers, to commiserating over running and marathons, I'm so thankful for the memories I have with her. I absolutely adore this girl and could not be happier for her and her soon-to-be-hubby!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjESYiYfgLC5QPphKfp5aynDU6Cvv16juEk43rl4y60L8M0OkPODY6yg7Zk077XtdDtcsZqclD03H-hb_sHDUn3TdVZb5uKt0xOa88zS7PeNIqtCPfqk5V1Tf-YaRIYk8QqPf4-zh4dszs/s1600/Lily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjESYiYfgLC5QPphKfp5aynDU6Cvv16juEk43rl4y60L8M0OkPODY6yg7Zk077XtdDtcsZqclD03H-hb_sHDUn3TdVZb5uKt0xOa88zS7PeNIqtCPfqk5V1Tf-YaRIYk8QqPf4-zh4dszs/s1600/Lily.jpg" height="301" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lily and I our senior year of high school in Amsterdam. My apologies for the<br />
filter, I couldn't find the original!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
5. On a slightly different and much sadder note, Twitter and other local news sources were blowing up yesterday with the news of a <a href="http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2013/07/24/southie/T3pRIehmw8M271WbFDEThI/story.html" target="_blank">local homicide</a>.<br />
<br />
Clearly any time things like this occur my heart breaks for the victims, their friends and their families, but this time the horrific incident hit far too close to home. Amy was a fellow Bentley grad and while I did not know her personally my Facebook and Twitter feeds have been overcome with expressions of disbelief, sadness, grief, thoughts and prayers. Further, she was a 24 year old young woman living in the Boston community that I and so many friends call home. Other incidents, similar in nature or atrocity, have riddled the news lately and I find it literally sickening to consider that there are human beings capable of doing these things to each other.<br />
<br />
As a young female, as a runner, and as a member of the Boston community, I ask you to please, please, please <b>be smart and be careful</b>, wherever you are. Be aware of your surroundings and look out for yourself and for others around you. Runners, take heed of <a href="http://beta.active.com/running/articles/6-running-safety-tips" target="_blank">advice</a> to change up your routes, run with a buddy off-hours and try running without headphones to increase your awareness. It's sad that it needs to be said but you truly never know what could happen, and the more precautions you take to protect yourself the better.<br />
<br />
<b>What safety precautions do you take, as a runner or in general?</b><br />
I've gotten better about always having my cell phone with me, I never run with headphones outside, and I try to always be aware of my surroundings - places, people and things.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00126257573165074461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841244317629504748.post-12148156244390215442013-07-23T07:33:00.000-04:002013-07-23T07:33:13.790-04:00Chocolate Salted Caramel PopcornOne of my favorite Christmas traditions with my family is that my Mom <i>always</i> gives me dark chocolate Moose Munch in my stocking. Yes, I'm 24 and my Mom still gives me a stocking, and let's face it - I'm not letting go of that goodness anytime soon.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKzO3rhQUUnmxeOvasnafV_oNDsVfONocBzplPyirzntu5OgTHd7z-yFKiDI4xLVL_tdcrD21bOqQr08fDVUOTXFALsuXNyqgRl3klK-4vMba2cmE04Y05RrwnXxVHoVVeUJ6En0gPn8/s1600/Popcorn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKzO3rhQUUnmxeOvasnafV_oNDsVfONocBzplPyirzntu5OgTHd7z-yFKiDI4xLVL_tdcrD21bOqQr08fDVUOTXFALsuXNyqgRl3klK-4vMba2cmE04Y05RrwnXxVHoVVeUJ6En0gPn8/s1600/Popcorn.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
What's not to love about combining delicious, crunchy, salty, sweet, caramel covered popcorn and drizzling it in smooth dark chocolate? Yeah, nothing.<br />
<br />
I've been craving chocolate <i>all week long</i> (clearly nothing new, hence the name of this blog), and have been torturing myself perusing the <i>Food and Drink</i> section of Pinterest for new ideas and stumbled across <a href="http://www.howdoesshe.com/munchy-crunchy-crazy-yummy/" target="_blank">this recipe</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVE4xXTDDhmwr-dd6Qgf27JTWJmpGByr2aU-Nki6zuy_rRyWwndANMMqgP3yorvJrBzs2myiHOTFKoxmKRN4yNNYvwKleS47iwSbo3WD0fKQ-1ICRonpoHIsrRiaPhudvMQD8gqXqNP0/s1600/Caramel1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVE4xXTDDhmwr-dd6Qgf27JTWJmpGByr2aU-Nki6zuy_rRyWwndANMMqgP3yorvJrBzs2myiHOTFKoxmKRN4yNNYvwKleS47iwSbo3WD0fKQ-1ICRonpoHIsrRiaPhudvMQD8gqXqNP0/s1600/Caramel1.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
One of my girlfriends and I were headed to an engagement party this past weekend and I had the brilliant idea of adding something delicious and homemade to our simple wine gift. Yes, Sarah, complicate things, please. You know what? I'm glad I did, because I'm so pumped about how this came out I can't even be mad about the time spent making it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
For someone who has never in her life attempted homemade, stovetop popcorn and has an irrational fear of sudden loud noises - this process was a bit intimidating.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrA_aKE79x-C0BJaxrOrm51yCWVFQu7h2mIBj7woogFLjnU9ugxASJJ7qqGC78oQ9nUzcE0XYMw7j2ljm8QMM9JdSJyrxf5NxlPVKb4zkCckFMcvbPhjas3v_h4UXXUpcULN8STCb1_Mk/s1600/Caramel2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrA_aKE79x-C0BJaxrOrm51yCWVFQu7h2mIBj7woogFLjnU9ugxASJJ7qqGC78oQ9nUzcE0XYMw7j2ljm8QMM9JdSJyrxf5NxlPVKb4zkCckFMcvbPhjas3v_h4UXXUpcULN8STCb1_Mk/s1600/Caramel2.jpg" height="400" width="325" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh did I mention I've also never made caramel before, and have been warned by a number of people how easy it is to screw up? Great, just great.<br />
<br />
Guess what? I did both and lived to tell you about it. Lucky for you, neither were nearly as scary as I thought. I know, you're secretly shaking your head at me thinking <i>this chick is out of her tree.</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1egeXiZmsg6DdpuPbtvXJLUicycbkmDuYCocI1HrIa8R1S59OFx_pHxfP8vkIJbEOcbUgQJ9FVXQK80XuOdfO8sxu078WRXCJ316ZuIfOAu5gH4Oxd0duzcREeTIawqigs9Mb_5c3KLU/s1600/Moose.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1egeXiZmsg6DdpuPbtvXJLUicycbkmDuYCocI1HrIa8R1S59OFx_pHxfP8vkIJbEOcbUgQJ9FVXQK80XuOdfO8sxu078WRXCJ316ZuIfOAu5gH4Oxd0duzcREeTIawqigs9Mb_5c3KLU/s1600/Moose.JPG" height="288" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>DISCLAIMER</b>: I dare you to try and make this and not snack throughout the process. Honestly, I'm surprised there was anything left to package up for the party. It's so poppable and yummy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXmm0B3_NJohluGQY1n0PXpt1f1qxpQDkKJAdahWhysbKvZ7IktlKTBTGAPfvHRCEbdCsLFxDqq_6QJMkuFRVY-gPPsHtanGG-ijIU7NqeoG6ZVNUKuo9Wf4I-smv15XoITwL2-4zpjM/s1600/Choco+SC+Popcorn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXmm0B3_NJohluGQY1n0PXpt1f1qxpQDkKJAdahWhysbKvZ7IktlKTBTGAPfvHRCEbdCsLFxDqq_6QJMkuFRVY-gPPsHtanGG-ijIU7NqeoG6ZVNUKuo9Wf4I-smv15XoITwL2-4zpjM/s1600/Choco+SC+Popcorn.jpg" height="283" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
<i><b>Caramel Popcorn</b></i><br />
<i>I used <a href="http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/perfect_popcorn/" target="_blank">this recipe</a> for stove top popcorn, but doubled it. Yes, I needed a recipe for that, and yes, I actually counted out loud. Then used the caramel sauce from <a href="http://www.howdoesshe.com/munchy-crunchy-crazy-yummy/" target="_blank">this recipe</a>. </i><br />
~15 cups popped popcorn<br />
1 cup brown sugar<br />
1/2 cup butter<br />
1/4 cup corn syrup<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
1/2 tsp baking soda<br />
<br />
<i><b>Other</b></i><br />
1 Tbs sea salt<br />
1 cup dark chocolate chips<br />
1 tsp vegetable oil<br />
<br />
1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees<br />
2. Prepare popcorn as directed, set aside in a large bowl<br />
3. In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, corn syrup and salt<br />
4. Heat on medium, stirring occasionally<br />
5. When bubbles begin to appear, cook for 5 more minutes without stirring<br />
6. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda<br />
7. Pour over popcorn and mix until coated<br />
8. Spread mixture evenly onto two greased baking sheets<br />
10. Sprinkle sea salt over caramel corn - use more or less as desired <br />
9. Cook for 1 hour, turning every 15 minutes<br />
10. Let caramel corn cool, and break apart<br />
11. Using a double boiler or carefully microwaving in spurts, melt chocolate, stirring in vegetable oil when nearly completely melted<br />
12. Drizzle melted chocolate over caramel corn, let cool until the chocolate has hardened<br />
<br />
You could get creative with this - mix in additional toppings like M&Ms, nuts, pretzels, sprinkles - you name it!<br />
<br />
<i>Enjoy!</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiR6qcWn_mnBmTlKNBX0WlYtWCahG07OqsH1O4JGPr-ziBx2RH3E3UA1xhyvl7dVGjZKGqIUOJAzY-wZvUTRHHTOpdHpyoW4a_SU5795bdNr5v5gdzTzpakYyc8m3WNE35wA5AWzqJUBw/s1600/Drizzle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiR6qcWn_mnBmTlKNBX0WlYtWCahG07OqsH1O4JGPr-ziBx2RH3E3UA1xhyvl7dVGjZKGqIUOJAzY-wZvUTRHHTOpdHpyoW4a_SU5795bdNr5v5gdzTzpakYyc8m3WNE35wA5AWzqJUBw/s1600/Drizzle.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I like to consider myself slightly challenged when it comes to efficiently drizzling chocolate, so I use this method nearly every time. Place a sandwich sized plastic bag in a cup and fill with melted chocolate. Seal the bag and cut a small hole in the corner, gently squeezing the chocolate out as you go. Just be careful - the melted chocolate is hot!<i><b> </b> </i>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00126257573165074461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841244317629504748.post-8453296710910861482013-07-21T08:37:00.001-04:002013-07-21T08:37:29.130-04:00July Workout Playlist<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I'm loving this weekend. Since the boy is in Cali for the week and I only had an engagement party on my to-do list as Friday wound down, I really had free reign to do whatever I wanted. It was nice to go into the weekend not knowing that my time was booked down to the minute as it has been for the past several weeks.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Friday I headed to the gym after work for what turned out to be an amazing workout. It was one of those days where I couldn't wait to run, and that energy carried me through 45 blissful minutes. My lungs, legs and head all seemed to be aligned and I felt happy and strong. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG0EBRAw0EnXkq6aIGxjf3zBKCLv8Qi7qzZLKtCBJmXkkW1MgHnJfTqy3rdHB4PZBUWQ9uKYyLaJz9CwNSngZUw7DTgyoJxzfhBpfKXbFkj8GiAPMEulUhpF76UI_ZEzap-tNAeBCPujw/s1600/Run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG0EBRAw0EnXkq6aIGxjf3zBKCLv8Qi7qzZLKtCBJmXkkW1MgHnJfTqy3rdHB4PZBUWQ9uKYyLaJz9CwNSngZUw7DTgyoJxzfhBpfKXbFkj8GiAPMEulUhpF76UI_ZEzap-tNAeBCPujw/s1600/Run.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I'm still playing it safe with <a href="http://chocolateandpavement.blogspot.com/2013/05/thoughts-of-injured-runner.html" target="_blank">the knee</a>, but I feel confident about how things are progressing and felt very little of any kind of ache/pain during the run. I actually miss the long runs, speed workouts and hills (don't quote me on that), but know I need to be patient and smart. Yay for 4.3 miles - new longest since March - and a new plank PR of 1:45. Clearly core has not be enough of a priority for me, but I'll take any kind of progress!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I have to tell you a secret... I'm not a music runner.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">GASP.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I know, I get a lot of weird reactions when people learn that. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Let me clarify. I'm not a music runner when I run outside. I like being completely aware of my surroundings, being in tune with my body and just enjoying it (usually). Indoors? Heck yes, anything to help get me through the dragging, long miles on a treadmill.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It has been HOT in Boston lately. Hot and humid. Needless to say, I've been spending a decent amount of time at the gym instead of outside, so I beefed up my playlist a bit.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fLnDbpQcHNu1Sa2wTJT3pD7IUqC75QMyaghwXDekwbxE47UHG0jVHw3qymGQUKAn9x9pylWQeGMdZp4IW0hx03YIk9D1tj1D8QZ7GKWn3mZ5_cBiYrWqIXkkL2lVwb4Lz_j2MZ7ZkwU/s1600/Playlist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fLnDbpQcHNu1Sa2wTJT3pD7IUqC75QMyaghwXDekwbxE47UHG0jVHw3qymGQUKAn9x9pylWQeGMdZp4IW0hx03YIk9D1tj1D8QZ7GKWn3mZ5_cBiYrWqIXkkL2lVwb4Lz_j2MZ7ZkwU/s1600/Playlist.jpg" height="400" width="396" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AT29gXp6mss" target="_blank">Wake Me Up</a> - Avicii</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmSbXsFE3l8" target="_blank">Cups</a> - Anna Kendrick</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">3. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oozQ4yV__Vw" target="_blank">Gone, Gone, Gone</a> - Phillip Phillips</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">4. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvtXgNtYFMs" target="_blank">I Want Crazy </a>- Hunter Hayes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">5. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YcIgow6TDk" target="_blank">Holy Grail</a> - Jay-Z & Justin Timberlake</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">6. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktvTqknDobU" target="_blank">Radioactive</a> - Imagine Dragons</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">7. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zNSgSzhBfM" target="_blank">Can't Hold Us</a> - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">8. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hT_nvWreIhg" target="_blank">Counting Stars</a> - One Republic</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">9. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFpsAfNvUkw" target="_blank">Church</a> - T-Pain</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">10. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDeRyvnPN5k" target="_blank">Run</a> - Kill It Kid</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">11. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUQsqBqxoR4" target="_blank">Brave</a> - Sara Bareilles</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">12. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbUBMklQSVU" target="_blank">She Doesn't Mind</a> - Sean Paul</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">13. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfHZ_dUvdLU" target="_blank">Anywhere With You</a> - Jake Owen</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">14. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBmMU_iwe6U" target="_blank">Run the World (Girls)</a> - Beyonce</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">15. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkIWmsP3c_s" target="_blank">My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark</a> - Fall Out Boy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">16. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJKhkubgDOY" target="_blank">What I Know</a> - Parachute</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">In total, this runs just under an hour. Clearly I have a diverse love of music (I really do enjoy nearly everything), but I love mixing it up to keep me going and entertained.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Enjoy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Do you listen to music when you run?</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>What's a staple on your current workout playlist?</b></span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00126257573165074461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841244317629504748.post-85844177372934254932013-07-18T08:08:00.000-04:002013-07-18T08:08:01.083-04:00Thursday Thoughts<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Happy Thursday!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />1. I finally got a chance to dig into the latest issue of Runner's World this week. I always feel like they have such good timing with their articles, like they tapped right into my brain and said, "Let's write about this just for Sarah." ...hey a girl can dream right?</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhgESGMuRgWY6bYg-RuprjUSDx1krP0z5Ob26HIiSx0CxysyqqEJfsBujzOJV0nRssvRdTylvrWfj3OkkVnP0mZY-ujYxiR0ZbNhgJjlecbjFXRn4LaLnMcIEIepi2XbbP_uf5UVyXnJk/s1600/RW+Aug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhgESGMuRgWY6bYg-RuprjUSDx1krP0z5Ob26HIiSx0CxysyqqEJfsBujzOJV0nRssvRdTylvrWfj3OkkVnP0mZY-ujYxiR0ZbNhgJjlecbjFXRn4LaLnMcIEIepi2XbbP_uf5UVyXnJk/s1600/RW+Aug.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2. I keep coming up with new recipes to share on the blog, but the same thing happens every time... I get excited, I buy ingredients, I cook, and then realize I forgot to write down any kind of measurements. I tend to go by taste and guesstimates. I'll work on that.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">3. Please listen to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUQsqBqxoR4" target="_blank">this song</a> and download immediately. I adore Sara Bareilles and think shes such badass and a talented artist, so I was pumped when she released her new album. Most of the songs are slower, but I've been loving "Brave" as a new addition to my workout playlist. The music video is fun too.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY-9FZM9wwwMLV1TEfrvJVVqoz6x_oVJtJPoJ5rk43kq3BCjuv82Zuy6LdsvlpMSVzYClp_QyOYcFGsj16D5x7bxj7W6pXgB54FhZLF3oZzySbMe86S4Yzz9VxUySOYtGmcaN-GgS1zcI/s1600/Brave.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY-9FZM9wwwMLV1TEfrvJVVqoz6x_oVJtJPoJ5rk43kq3BCjuv82Zuy6LdsvlpMSVzYClp_QyOYcFGsj16D5x7bxj7W6pXgB54FhZLF3oZzySbMe86S4Yzz9VxUySOYtGmcaN-GgS1zcI/s1600/Brave.PNG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">4. I was worried after pushing it a bit too hard last week that there would be a lingering tightness/ache in my knee this week but have been pleasantly surprised. I've only done a couple of workouts so far and kept it easy to be safe, but for the most part no knee issues.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Monday</b>: 3 miles (5 min WU, intervals of 8 min run/1 min walk, 3 min CD)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Wednesday</b>: Spin class</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">5. A small dose of inspiration courtesy of Pinterest. I love this.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENrwZO0RJ8Mqi2XdRNt6d-T0C4G4IcAO1ayujQUfYy-umdXgxBtcIshy9aifL-4Cp4HGrnobjrO3kvZiqxZFMc_I7KJ23HHp5dUZ05qpKXECAq1QYGvyhEMLwYR7N8pHrIZWZSHhhqCc/s1600/Motivation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENrwZO0RJ8Mqi2XdRNt6d-T0C4G4IcAO1ayujQUfYy-umdXgxBtcIshy9aifL-4Cp4HGrnobjrO3kvZiqxZFMc_I7KJ23HHp5dUZ05qpKXECAq1QYGvyhEMLwYR7N8pHrIZWZSHhhqCc/s1600/Motivation.jpg" height="400" width="281" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/483151866243869877/" target="_blank">Source</a>]</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Explore the best that you can be, push those limits to be better and clear your mind of can't.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Are you a recipe person or go-with-the-flow when it comes to cooking/baking?</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Recently discovered pump-up or workout song that you're loving? </b> </span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00126257573165074461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841244317629504748.post-5619695207498565092013-07-14T19:33:00.000-04:002013-07-14T19:33:07.755-04:00The Perks of Heading HomeHello friends! Happy Sunday! I have such a love/hate relationship with Sundays. On the one hand, it can be a nice wind-down from weekend festivities, on the other - it means the weekend is almost over and Monday is just around the corner.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnDxZDBDZr_IR1QE4QhJUbW6d_N-pfNrh-Gm84B1vAg9TpiB_NHpH1mrXmd6xzGoWrOq2WiCCnzyQ4CbTyglPM6PEPyyPBslhnljfDrXkvw8_QgIrSe_kaMmsdvn68UIqpVurY1oFJJM/s1600/IMG_4088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnDxZDBDZr_IR1QE4QhJUbW6d_N-pfNrh-Gm84B1vAg9TpiB_NHpH1mrXmd6xzGoWrOq2WiCCnzyQ4CbTyglPM6PEPyyPBslhnljfDrXkvw8_QgIrSe_kaMmsdvn68UIqpVurY1oFJJM/s1600/IMG_4088.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset at home Friday night</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I spent this weekend back in western MA to celebrate my fabulous Momma's 50th birthday. We celebrated with pedicures, the best pizza in town, visiting family and eventually cocktails and a yummy dinner out. I won daughter of the year for tagging along (and driving) as 11th wheel for dinner with lots of their friends since the bf wasn't able to make it home with me. <i>Shhh... in reality I didn't mind at all and had a great time.</i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhBm2WnVvIHKWlTY7uudUhHmUC47-a-H2YcsY_7um5LxqMt1Ov25DKO0nctHwTgfzc0OQsZgakERrTCmTM593vBNXGfUTCu5E_jdfTGoMG_cNtuWeNwFUli64ZO99-wioJroCcavPq-c/s1600/Mom+Bday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhBm2WnVvIHKWlTY7uudUhHmUC47-a-H2YcsY_7um5LxqMt1Ov25DKO0nctHwTgfzc0OQsZgakERrTCmTM593vBNXGfUTCu5E_jdfTGoMG_cNtuWeNwFUli64ZO99-wioJroCcavPq-c/s1600/Mom+Bday.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How cute is she? Doesn't look 50 at all!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Per usual, it was wonderful to spend time with lots of people I love. It also seriously doesn't hurt to be sent back to Boston with yummy treats nearly every time. Summertime is my favorite since between my Dad's and grandfather's gardens, I get lots of fresh produce. The harvest for this year has only just begun. Yum!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgazTfUAWo7LnTsDRckqrhBdO91PsgO2vAovzPu5J4gm0lEY10fm_95WqBQBhg2Kew0vheV2GlfIdAF78iROR9Dm7s6b0I7rCewyxolKITU2M5vl97t7lu5_MCvV9VEBsJDCXovfBnRm9Q/s1600/Produce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgazTfUAWo7LnTsDRckqrhBdO91PsgO2vAovzPu5J4gm0lEY10fm_95WqBQBhg2Kew0vheV2GlfIdAF78iROR9Dm7s6b0I7rCewyxolKITU2M5vl97t7lu5_MCvV9VEBsJDCXovfBnRm9Q/s1600/Produce.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basil, zucchini, summer squash, peppers, broccoli and Grandma's cookies!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I stayed off the knee and took a few days off from running after irritating it a bit last week with overuse, but took a couple nice long walks and stretched/foam rolled. Crossing fingers I can get in a couple of good runs this week with no pain.<br />
<br />
I'm off to enjoy the rest of my Sunday evening with some dinner, wine and maybe a couple of episodes of Friday Night Lights with the best. Perhaps I'll toss some food prep in there as well since I have plenty of fresh fruits and veggies for the week!<br />
<br />
<b>Favorite summer fruit and/or veggie?</b><br />
Toss up between blueberries and strawberries for fruit - probably summer squash and zucchini for veggies. Love them all!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00126257573165074461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841244317629504748.post-30060958630909536382013-07-11T16:51:00.000-04:002013-07-11T21:11:07.981-04:00Thursday Thoughts<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Happy almost Friday, all! Onto our Thursday Thoughts for this week.</span><br>
<br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1. If anyone wants to get me a minion as an early birthday present, I wouldn't hate it. Also, If you haven't yet gone to see <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlbnGSMJQbQ">Despicable Me 2</a>, please do yourself a favor and go.</span><br>
<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpIRRkjnjl4w9R1GuC0W3VSLkygm5cZ_Yrn-UkTPfE_HiVClqZ3hEB6i_NS9mcTERPCXiUhj1J6kHTmp0Yn4KJAZbEZVDeKR4tN3LFcU8fobdSHtWor07arAN2lod3Hc5CbKNZ4eLt0Lo/s1600/tumblr_inline_mp54vwI67f1r79k32.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpIRRkjnjl4w9R1GuC0W3VSLkygm5cZ_Yrn-UkTPfE_HiVClqZ3hEB6i_NS9mcTERPCXiUhj1J6kHTmp0Yn4KJAZbEZVDeKR4tN3LFcU8fobdSHtWor07arAN2lod3Hc5CbKNZ4eLt0Lo/s1600/tumblr_inline_mp54vwI67f1r79k32.gif" height="211" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[<a href="http://media.tumblr.com/3f2feaa7015dda26351b33aec1d72ca6/tumblr_inline_mp54vwI67f1r79k32.gif">Source</a>]</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2. I've been on a Greek salad kick lately. OK, so more for like the past 3 months. I love them, and can't seem to get enough. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">When I was younger I was strictly an iceberg lettuce, carrots, cucumber with Italian dressing kind of girl. Now?</span> I tend to use the mindset of "the more the merrier" when it comes to toppings.</span><br>
<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH05_7Ad6AN-AZI7fzZ8FCO-wfZhekmeAeSZhPD7Y41oY405nLuvb6yBjW8oofDbsMUwl5AbwhAAwVftc5FCQyvnc5iGf7LhvJYaTYfqOiZPCTCIQmjREcxobkUwQXAH1N9SJ5xfh62Lw/s1600/Greek+Salad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH05_7Ad6AN-AZI7fzZ8FCO-wfZhekmeAeSZhPD7Y41oY405nLuvb6yBjW8oofDbsMUwl5AbwhAAwVftc5FCQyvnc5iGf7LhvJYaTYfqOiZPCTCIQmjREcxobkUwQXAH1N9SJ5xfh62Lw/s1600/Greek+Salad.JPG" height="290" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch: Pasta salad and Greek salad with black olives carrots, cukes & feta.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">3. I've had three solid workouts this week:</span><br>
<br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Monday</b>: 4 miles (5 min WU, intervals of 8 min run/1 min walk x 4, 3 min CD)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Wednesday</b>: 4 miles (5 min WU, intervals of 9 min run/1 min walk x 3, 6 min run, 3 min CD)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Thursday</b>: .7 mi run, stair repeats, arms/core, .7 mi walk</span><br>
<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5heDX2N3uFzj35p64AMTr8GkQERFXj78qnLiMXOLgHT79FhZSPVrlk9rgx6sgJGW6yfWLA1I5yo9kSjL8i2xppedZtIFhwynZAvDhj3OdzYPv-wMsLhPBkVlMVz9asYpMT2wWEWHcE-Q/s1600/Stairs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5heDX2N3uFzj35p64AMTr8GkQERFXj78qnLiMXOLgHT79FhZSPVrlk9rgx6sgJGW6yfWLA1I5yo9kSjL8i2xppedZtIFhwynZAvDhj3OdzYPv-wMsLhPBkVlMVz9asYpMT2wWEWHcE-Q/s1600/Stairs.JPG" height="400" width="300"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Don't let the trees fool you - these go on f o r e v e r.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I would say I couldn't be happier, but I would be lying. I could feel the twinge in my knee toward the end of my run last night (hence the 6 min final interval vs. 9) and while I should have taken that as a sign to rest today I didn't want to break my workout date. The knee held up for most of the stairs but again, could feel it toward the end and walked instead of ran home. Lots of foam rolling and stretching, and will probably take the next couple of days off from running to be safe. I'm not so good at this "ease back into things" mindset.</span></div>
</div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">4. Texting with my Dad this morning and this made me smile:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCJhAc4dWBNcGhlAeGdXJXaSPNJlzHwtIvD6LVU5TFfJtI5iD4nJNac40MoXHNVSEbdhbf41N4ixskvX7QU43gLjL_r5gmgnz8eRnediIC1O5dLSWFDUtvTQTdcsMLGyjLzveXycpo0w/s1600/Daddy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCJhAc4dWBNcGhlAeGdXJXaSPNJlzHwtIvD6LVU5TFfJtI5iD4nJNac40MoXHNVSEbdhbf41N4ixskvX7QU43gLjL_r5gmgnz8eRnediIC1O5dLSWFDUtvTQTdcsMLGyjLzveXycpo0w/s1600/Daddy.JPG" height="274" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">My family lives on-campus at a New England prep school out in Western Massachusetts so the roads and trails out there are prime real estate for some gorgeous (and often hilly) runs. My Dad had gotten into the sport awhile back, and at the time running was not on my radar aside from field hockey and basketball. </span><br>
<br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I remember hearing him talk about running often - with friends, early mornings by himself, and being so proud and a little envious. It made him happy and it was something he was visibly passionate about. Life got in the way a little bit, as did some injuries, but I'm so happy to see he's starting up again - even if it's just once in awhile!</span><br>
<br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">5. Finally, I've been thinking a lot lately about making the switch from Blogger to self-hosted Wordpress. When I started C&P I wasn't sure where it would go, but ultimately I've enjoyed blogging and would like more flexibility and freedom to grow. From some of the blog posts and articles I've read, there are <i>plenty</i> of other bloggers out there who have debated the same and made the switch successfully, and I'd like to explore my options. As a result, I'd like to know:</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>What were some helpful resources you used to help make the switch?</b></span><br>
<br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>What's the best piece of advice you have to offer someone looking to make the switch?</b></span><br>
<br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I'd greatly appreciate any insights you can share - articles, links to your own blog posts on the topic, preferred design/theme source, preferred host, you name it.<b> </b></span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00126257573165074461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841244317629504748.post-84104653905942807962013-07-09T17:59:00.002-04:002013-07-09T18:02:51.990-04:00Progress, America's Birthday and Thankfulness<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I had the nicest blog post written up to recap this weekend. And then my computer ate it. No, but really, one second it was there and the next... POOF. Not what you want to experience on a Monday night, but hey - I guess it happens.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">As a result, you get my lovely long weekend recap in photos:</span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7FBJbK7grWhP5m9ZAseBve50Z04PRMSOOYaNoERZcNIzNDW8ow8B0tAlkXsYpc8eoAVJ4jrDxfsFmpJapAmSKRGRiFOJkfgtvmwbhnd2oJ7AsmsdfFgCF735DFJuqnLMHDrBtrVsBZ0/s1600/Workout.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7FBJbK7grWhP5m9ZAseBve50Z04PRMSOOYaNoERZcNIzNDW8ow8B0tAlkXsYpc8eoAVJ4jrDxfsFmpJapAmSKRGRiFOJkfgtvmwbhnd2oJ7AsmsdfFgCF735DFJuqnLMHDrBtrVsBZ0/s1600/Workout.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgisscCFp3sx2ZJ9ceIr3bqTKw3ygGjDdg-wO3wL29MXqUCR4BItvLIbYbPUwXZXpDxKt6653vhimX6qutxJfRq4Mjpp7JHC_9f8M0wALnatjXVzxMkDg3M0Q3XpaQEcXJSibcyoSjQ7t8/s1600/Cookies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgisscCFp3sx2ZJ9ceIr3bqTKw3ygGjDdg-wO3wL29MXqUCR4BItvLIbYbPUwXZXpDxKt6653vhimX6qutxJfRq4Mjpp7JHC_9f8M0wALnatjXVzxMkDg3M0Q3XpaQEcXJSibcyoSjQ7t8/s1600/Cookies.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLrf9mvkt5XQYRUa2jk_9HXqUKHSezdvGhJcEF4hNykjqrhnb_K_He417xs4Do7cq_zFUB-sxcKjVBA8sHZmYoibl-mfMS9onTD9CF7vqNYl6aysxSzC3EcwbtOOwLfjFtljj5SeaMdmQ/s1600/Ocean.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLrf9mvkt5XQYRUa2jk_9HXqUKHSezdvGhJcEF4hNykjqrhnb_K_He417xs4Do7cq_zFUB-sxcKjVBA8sHZmYoibl-mfMS9onTD9CF7vqNYl6aysxSzC3EcwbtOOwLfjFtljj5SeaMdmQ/s1600/Ocean.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLsCLoTQqkfV4uV2JYLGYVsQS50Vwk3aSYeciGD5cHUJtNAq8S5QNjpD7fVKlU8i6kSS6658UDjcc5KD69BZepjhp3JNiwMkiORS-xUGM1DV8GUOgG5QotyCYBSe_X4Btge0ptkh-oME/s1600/Sandcastle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLsCLoTQqkfV4uV2JYLGYVsQS50Vwk3aSYeciGD5cHUJtNAq8S5QNjpD7fVKlU8i6kSS6658UDjcc5KD69BZepjhp3JNiwMkiORS-xUGM1DV8GUOgG5QotyCYBSe_X4Btge0ptkh-oME/s1600/Sandcastle.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">... I know, I slacked on photos this weekend big time too, but you get the jist. Awesome run progress, delicious cookies and BBQs with friends to celebrate America's birthday and Cape time with the family.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This past Saturday also marked a year since my big step-sister, Sarah, passed away. <i>Yes, we shared the same name</i>. Thinking back on the past twelve months, I can't believe a year has passed. I spent the majority of Saturday morning feeling guilty that I wasn't home to spend the day with my Mom's side of the family, remembering Sarah and celebrating her life. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrn2S3PHCmgojTAzrZrEWO9Q1fe1tlMRNDFxRZx3UZkNcq492AbVtROjBxj4EODt51wyFKqS1A1Oz9tdjbusZfDwSMcTk-Od1Md_Y1cPs2ZLc1GWCSYO9vL95UqT6dgWjktkOHBVEuxM/s1600/Sarah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrn2S3PHCmgojTAzrZrEWO9Q1fe1tlMRNDFxRZx3UZkNcq492AbVtROjBxj4EODt51wyFKqS1A1Oz9tdjbusZfDwSMcTk-Od1Md_Y1cPs2ZLc1GWCSYO9vL95UqT6dgWjktkOHBVEuxM/s1600/Sarah.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my step-siblings, Tim and Sarah, when we were little.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Truthfully, I've spent a lot of time feeling guilty in the past year. Guilty that I didn't spend more time with her, guilty that I didn't reach out as much as I could have, guilty that I never got a chance to say goodbye, and then guilty that I was grieving when I felt as though I didn't deserve to... if that even makes any sense. I can imagine these often come along with coping with a loss, but they certainly aren't easy feelings to dismiss.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">If there has been any particular lesson I've learned in the past year, I'd say that I've become that much more of a thankful person. Thankful that though Sarah passed, she passed peacefully. Thankful for my amazing family and friends who love me unconditionally and who I love right back. Thankful for my job, living in such a wonderful city and being able to support myself. Thankful for the little moments and things that often go unnoticed but mean so much.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">"Life is short. Break the rules, forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably, and never regret anything that made you smile."</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I hope you had a wonderful long weekend, full of things that made you smile.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>What's something that reminds you to be thankful?</b> </span></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00126257573165074461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841244317629504748.post-13187728053795562062013-07-01T11:40:00.000-04:002013-07-01T21:16:26.790-04:00Closing Out June<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It's July?! How is that even possible? I'm loving that this will be a short week and a long weekend.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This past weekend was a great one - though slightly expensive - and I enjoyed spending time with lots of favorites.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Friday I skipped down to the Seaport after work to meet up with the boy and some friends for some post-work beers. It's been grossly humid in Boston for the past week with <i>constant</i> thunderstorm warnings, but it was nice to be on the water and enjoy the breeze and atmosphere.</span><br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyCZoRqAXy5V7Ni32nfm7_5YcIruu20tM-D-PuWZAnsUBPBpgJWgFHOC_-bzW6IxQmLIF2fcEYzPrFGY1Bl2caykvEPu3mORoApycvRJpFey5DSS_W0KRuV2T3grYKH1xELrzh7vat2X8/s350/Blue+Moon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyCZoRqAXy5V7Ni32nfm7_5YcIruu20tM-D-PuWZAnsUBPBpgJWgFHOC_-bzW6IxQmLIF2fcEYzPrFGY1Bl2caykvEPu3mORoApycvRJpFey5DSS_W0KRuV2T3grYKH1xELrzh7vat2X8/s350/Blue+Moon.JPG" height="320" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Saturday was spent having breakfast with one of my college roommates for her birthday at <a href="http://www.in-a-pickle.com/">In a Pickle</a> in Waltham. This was one of our favorite spots while we were at Bentley and they just recently moved to a new location on Moody St. I'm totally in love with their breakfasts so we both thoroughly enjoyed celebrating her 25th over eggs, bacon, home fries and chocolate chip pancakes! If you're ever in the Boston area, I highly recommend you stop by. There always seems to be a line but I can assure you that it's worth the wait.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Post-indulgent breakfast I lounged around for a bit and headed to the gym to complete my PT "homework." I have to admit that I've become a much bigger fan of said homework since it's started to include running intervals along with the strength training exercises. After a 5 minute warm-up I finished 4 rounds of 1 min walk/5 min run intervals and a quick cool-down. I was thrilled that I felt <i>good</i> the whole time - no knee pain and strong strides. It has been so long since I could say that, and it's such a blessing. Here's to hoping the progress continues!</span><br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwk1vC2isUSpQW-VxW2_pq8PvKbCVgS5ZoabB8ZTR5Vgm5xfmoS0xGcF4WUenfWJygqEZ0Txozm10GtWhcbiMngJi47fA70VQQruUTXhqansAfp8tN3go8DN9q9a_gcJv8VOOuv-IMlE/s350/Run.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwk1vC2isUSpQW-VxW2_pq8PvKbCVgS5ZoabB8ZTR5Vgm5xfmoS0xGcF4WUenfWJygqEZ0Txozm10GtWhcbiMngJi47fA70VQQruUTXhqansAfp8tN3go8DN9q9a_gcJv8VOOuv-IMlE/s350/Run.JPG" height="320" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Saturday night was spent at the Comcast Center with Love and Theft, Brantley Gilbert and Tim McGraw with my best, her mom and her mom's best (so fun!). This was the third time I've seen Tim live and it was a great show. He definitely started the hot country hunk phenomenon.</span><br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBlaigAZAzknrz06lo1PgGuvPuK1xsdqHSaFA-h8X7S9y0kC2Zq-K-xE7aV0Pa-V0kLGvRSlIJSRfGsyuf0pI3EuOyzAE0eqpq50UD-6eWII2WkwtjA4UpgPj2j8qnlc0B2hFI4FrDYCY/s350/Tim.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBlaigAZAzknrz06lo1PgGuvPuK1xsdqHSaFA-h8X7S9y0kC2Zq-K-xE7aV0Pa-V0kLGvRSlIJSRfGsyuf0pI3EuOyzAE0eqpq50UD-6eWII2WkwtjA4UpgPj2j8qnlc0B2hFI4FrDYCY/s350/Tim.JPG" height="320" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm_HP-d8gtvjrbmYQyxUWnF7ro9lqIxTe3EzJwdw2Tt-jXCfRKSpH9zZYVvp1vEHllpOLG9CzDljvgYmpz2K0-NwWubGJjpGyrGDMOWMi9P7kcvQWLFnxvymzT6XS6tG60n49q6aWiaJQ/s350/Concert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm_HP-d8gtvjrbmYQyxUWnF7ro9lqIxTe3EzJwdw2Tt-jXCfRKSpH9zZYVvp1vEHllpOLG9CzDljvgYmpz2K0-NwWubGJjpGyrGDMOWMi9P7kcvQWLFnxvymzT6XS6tG60n49q6aWiaJQ/s350/Concert.jpg" height="320" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Sunday was fairly low key - running some errands, baking, relaxing and foam rolling. We topped the weekend off by heading back into the Seaport to meet some girlfriends for a surprise birthday dinner for previously-mentioned college roommate. It was a perfect summer evening. </span><div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br></span></div><div><font face="Georgia, Times New Roman, serif"><b>Favorite breakfast food?</b></font></div><div><font face="Georgia, Times New Roman, serif">I don't know that I'm capable of choosing... It's all good!</font></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00126257573165074461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841244317629504748.post-16840753329923676912013-06-27T23:31:00.000-04:002013-06-28T07:45:23.259-04:00Thursday Thoughts<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It's the most wonderful time of the week! I actually look forward to writing these posts. Primarily because I've forced myself into at least one weekly blog post (structure is clearly lacking here), but also because I can write whatever I want - even if it makes no sense at all. Lucky readers, you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1. So this happened:</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggktKBUTZlmjjDQKVQ18fu2sjOl7j-Dk9oC7XqMsky8DXFhxhhY5valIOsVMR4kaTiMBbP8ZUb51wG6Uxc2HaLdtixkGnk68paR-jX4y4OpsnP8N4jH0oU8jKClByMElCKZrPjDTX3XzE/s480/Tmill.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggktKBUTZlmjjDQKVQ18fu2sjOl7j-Dk9oC7XqMsky8DXFhxhhY5valIOsVMR4kaTiMBbP8ZUb51wG6Uxc2HaLdtixkGnk68paR-jX4y4OpsnP8N4jH0oU8jKClByMElCKZrPjDTX3XzE/s480/Tmill.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">...see that?! That's a treadmill! I haven't seen one of those in MONTHS! My PT surprised me on Tuesday with an interval assignment. I'm fairly sure my face lit up at the thought of running again, so she immediately killed my vibe with a, "Don't even go there, Sarah. Think of this as a task you need to complete - not a RUN. You've got a ways to go before you're in the clear." ...party pooper. Truthfully I'm glad she did because it's so easy to think you can just jump back into things full force and potentially ruin the progress you've made - cough, what I did with my last PT, cough.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Anywho. Intervals at the appt. Tuesday were 1 min walk/2 min run x3 for .8 miles total. Intervals as homework yesterday were 1 min walk/3 min run x 4 (plus 10 min walking warm up) for 2.15 miles total. Intervals at the appt. this morning were 1 min walk/5 min run x 3 for about 1.8 miles total. It's frustrating to have to reign myself in, although slightly easier since it's glaringly obvious how out of shape I am vs. even 3 months ago. I can still feel tightness start to develop in my knee toward the end of the workout, but not the same sharp pain I was feeling before. Baby steps to greatness.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2. My gorgeous cousin had a beautiful baby boy this morning! I am so thrilled for her and her husband, as well as the rest of my blonde-haired, blue-eyed Jacksonville family. Tripp is the first great-grandchild for my grandparents as well which is super exciting, and I can't wait to meet the little nugget ASAP.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">3. What's up with this weekend's forecast, Boston? Not cool.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ480cxQtZVKWit4-KJEahVqwTqWgRBWOnOmcror8SkSgiYcmz-rGzcR__qZuMEiwKeGdJ67L7sLydpp1b2DhL3Yd_NeYBI8W87w23dufhKYJpv6NSdaZsHAgGg2eCriTFl0q4NfHe9pQ/s426/Weather.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ480cxQtZVKWit4-KJEahVqwTqWgRBWOnOmcror8SkSgiYcmz-rGzcR__qZuMEiwKeGdJ67L7sLydpp1b2DhL3Yd_NeYBI8W87w23dufhKYJpv6NSdaZsHAgGg2eCriTFl0q4NfHe9pQ/s426/Weather.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">4. I spent the latter part of this past weekend on the Cape with my family for a belated Father's Day celebration. We ate fresh seafood, went out for ice cream, played mini golf and went to the beach - all packed into about 24 hours. It was a bit hectic, but I loved every minute.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9s7aBbXrIEB2b4EMUwZPPyrLEVm108pjfLVr6jJDyWAiXaW1Bgka6_HIxDYUMmBqpT_7NTblQC9KoTjEsjqsKLhvsiC0jLrF20YLJk2u74yQV20aNePAkwxVN01eqZEfxgnZklZadkQ/s350/Cape+Sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9s7aBbXrIEB2b4EMUwZPPyrLEVm108pjfLVr6jJDyWAiXaW1Bgka6_HIxDYUMmBqpT_7NTblQC9KoTjEsjqsKLhvsiC0jLrF20YLJk2u74yQV20aNePAkwxVN01eqZEfxgnZklZadkQ/s350/Cape+Sunset.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sisters at sunset!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1eBivv15tO4yid-KyWesCApX5_6VpRq75lGedWbsMYGK65Z7ZSl_s3UIvHMGQ1FdfeoMxewL9Y6KYnVyczpZV-7z1Zjp0_VsYvfNERmh6kivNwJv-Nee-tLkwN6XtssgYdk13Dig4MYg/s480/Ice+Cream.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1eBivv15tO4yid-KyWesCApX5_6VpRq75lGedWbsMYGK65Z7ZSl_s3UIvHMGQ1FdfeoMxewL9Y6KYnVyczpZV-7z1Zjp0_VsYvfNERmh6kivNwJv-Nee-tLkwN6XtssgYdk13Dig4MYg/s480/Ice+Cream.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nutella and black raspberry ice cream w/ rainbow sprinkles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigK_9PYPLOZA24OnCcoiIPEcEq3SA7wv_G9I4_m1gnryX8Ck8wdajS2WF4YVr8dY0GeHh74BOG1w2OlTvWdVptLjqTBTmYcrpXMYpDe3aWtOQ-ojf8l762QmiPUYuwGqg9gumcYlOdRDs/s350/GSC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigK_9PYPLOZA24OnCcoiIPEcEq3SA7wv_G9I4_m1gnryX8Ck8wdajS2WF4YVr8dY0GeHh74BOG1w2OlTvWdVptLjqTBTmYcrpXMYpDe3aWtOQ-ojf8l762QmiPUYuwGqg9gumcYlOdRDs/s350/GSC.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marylou's ice coffee - famous on the Cape (and YUMMY!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePCTuGAen6c6P5MyKWTkqfoOiZNo1iHEFUUE8MRCPAHbBdc5rSDjBzoUyjTXwmr1lbMse_dFV7fHoTTMnsL4UGbDTDmoJ-ZjchdYKpARMVzWnqm1L6Kd2-nbfqEg5GRdvJeOzegi8Myk/s480/Beach.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePCTuGAen6c6P5MyKWTkqfoOiZNo1iHEFUUE8MRCPAHbBdc5rSDjBzoUyjTXwmr1lbMse_dFV7fHoTTMnsL4UGbDTDmoJ-ZjchdYKpARMVzWnqm1L6Kd2-nbfqEg5GRdvJeOzegi8Myk/s480/Beach.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous day for the beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZ_H43-DjQeX3RPsOnkFl5j1n11oBUKkp5aMooqx-MNpUG0GKwpRPW_DsH9T42IaeY9_4m_XUDa8Fem9MaaWAto6-It5mPpvURkUH7qgzDcKc4FSCFN_YbTJn0wfGZtE4XREG2q4OQ2M/s350/Mini+Golf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZ_H43-DjQeX3RPsOnkFl5j1n11oBUKkp5aMooqx-MNpUG0GKwpRPW_DsH9T42IaeY9_4m_XUDa8Fem9MaaWAto6-It5mPpvURkUH7qgzDcKc4FSCFN_YbTJn0wfGZtE4XREG2q4OQ2M/s350/Mini+Golf.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sister & I locked up - clearly these stocks were not made<br />
for tall people. Rude.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">5. Remember when I <a href="http://chocolateandpavement.blogspot.com/2013/06/gluten-free-tailgating.html" target="_blank">confessed</a> that I'm lucky enough to go to a LOT of concerts during the summer? Yeah, this weekend we'll be seeing Tim McGraw. He puts on a great show AND has great opening acts this year in <span class="mal-container" itemprop="attendees">Brantley Gilbert and Love and Theft. Totally pumped, minus the fact that the rain will probably put a bit of a damper on our tailgating festivities.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="mal-container" itemprop="attendees">Finally, I'm not ready to talk about what happened earlier this week regarding a certain Cup. Yes, I'm heartbroken. Yes, I cried. Yes, I cried again watching <a href="http://video.bruins.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=1369&id=260895&cmpid=embed-share-video" target="_blank">this video</a>. Oh man, what a season. I'm certainly not wishing summer away but I cannot wait to have hockey back. Thanks for the crazy ride, Bruins.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="mal-container" itemprop="attendees"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="mal-container" itemprop="attendees">I hope you all have wonderful weekends planned, some of you hopefully with a bit better weather than is expected to grace the Boston area!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="mal-container" itemprop="attendees"><b>Favorite ice cream flavor and topping?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="mal-container" itemprop="attendees">Flavor is a toss up between anything chocolate (shocking) and black raspberry. Topping is most definitely rainbow sprinkles... in case you haven't noticed.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="mal-container" itemprop="attendees"><b>Favorite family pastime? </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="mal-container" itemprop="attendees">Mini golf always seems to be a part of any family vacation, but I'd say wiffle ball is up there too. My family is only <i>slightly</i> competitive. </span></span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00126257573165074461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841244317629504748.post-59554674285735905262013-06-24T07:54:00.001-04:002013-06-24T07:54:11.175-04:00Running SurveyHeather over at <a href="http://www.fitncookies.com/2013/06/20/running-survey/" target="_blank">Fit n' Cookies</a> re-posted this fun little running survey the other day and I thought I'd take the plunge myself. Thanks for posting, Heather!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>1. On average how many races do you run a year?</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I've only really been into <a href="http://chocolateandpavement.blogspot.com/p/races.html" target="_blank">races</a> for the past few years, but I'd say 3. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>2. Head accessories, things you have to run
with: a hat, a visor, sunglasses, chapstick, sunscreen, head band,
ponytail, braids, sweat band?</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I always run with my hair in a ponytail, and on sunny days (especially for long runs) will wear a hat. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>3. Where do your workouts come from? A training plan, a coach, whatever you feel like doing that day or what your training partner is doing that day?</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
When I'm training for a race I'll have a training plan in place that I follow pretty religiously. I actually LOVE training plans, because it takes the pressure off of trying to think of a workout and makes me more likely to complete it. I can thank my type-A personality for that. When I'm not training for a race my workouts are much more variable and can range from a group class, to something I read on a blog or pinterest, to a run around town.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJFgoJwU3ljFlDtaTL6OG7pLYvto4XqiBpJQ9XEya0X6GAFQxlmxgfHeBvienE3Dt_fUgRwFZOv7zWcdwnoV31P8ZFHZBsd6KzYtCgVDcqtwkyg1qhk1nINps1DpuZDZom0ZJXr-ZPtI/s1600/Training+Plan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJFgoJwU3ljFlDtaTL6OG7pLYvto4XqiBpJQ9XEya0X6GAFQxlmxgfHeBvienE3Dt_fUgRwFZOv7zWcdwnoV31P8ZFHZBsd6KzYtCgVDcqtwkyg1qhk1nINps1DpuZDZom0ZJXr-ZPtI/s1600/Training+Plan.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snapshot of my Philly Marathon training plan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>4. How many miles on average do you put on a pair of shoes?</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Only in the past year or two have I started paying closer attention to mileage on shoes. I'd say I log about 400+ miles per pair, but start incorporating a new pair in around 300-350. Sarah [over at] OUaL shared her <a href="http://sarahoual.com/2013/01/03/its-here-the-oual-training-log-template/" target="_blank">baller training log template</a> early this year and I love it. I've made a few tweaks for myself, but overall I think it's a great resource for tracking mileage per shoe and overall miles logged.<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>5. Cell phone= do you bring it with you on your run or leave it at home?</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
When I first started running I left it at home, but now typically have it with me. I don't listen to music when I run and use my Garmin for data so my phone is kind of dead weight, but I enjoy the safety net of having it. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>6. What was your last running related injury or have you been an injury free runner? </b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I was lucky enough to be injury-free until a couple of months ago. Now currently battling <a href="http://chocolateandpavement.blogspot.com/2013/05/thoughts-of-injured-runner.html" target="_blank">knee issues </a>and waiting patiently/working hard to get back out there.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwODMVIQkCgkVRJbkLdAaN1YuKDNZg004xO7vicDb71KD6NlsXFQUCOKRGcI1qPCjOJ1uk9HyKOkLU2ROAT2j-sSB_R6_UXBQ_eqyvEuhyphenhypheneK2deNX5NOGbu3yf7XEjx_DM-WNNNb3euA/s1600/knee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwODMVIQkCgkVRJbkLdAaN1YuKDNZg004xO7vicDb71KD6NlsXFQUCOKRGcI1qPCjOJ1uk9HyKOkLU2ROAT2j-sSB_R6_UXBQ_eqyvEuhyphenhypheneK2deNX5NOGbu3yf7XEjx_DM-WNNNb3euA/s1600/knee.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>7. Is your current running goal about running a farther distance (adding more mileage) or getting faster or BOTH?!? </b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Current goal is to just get back to running, but ultimately it will be getting faster and stronger.<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>8. Speedwork—-> at the track, on the treadmill, on the roads or never do it?</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A mix, but primarily track or treadmill.<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>9. Stretching after a run: hit the ground
after a run and get stretching, stretch in the shower, stretch once you
get to work/school, skip the stretching?</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I would love to say anything to do with stretching right away but I'm notorious for not stretching and need to be better.<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>10. What was your reason(S) for starting to run?</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I ran my first half marathon to benefit the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) with their Team Challenge training program in Virginia, 2011. I was lucky enough to complete the program with a few close friends of mine and was totally hooked on running. It was an awesome experience. You can read more about my running story <a href="http://chocolateandpavement.blogspot.com/p/about_28.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdud-cEj379JlRxb2vhlUI1PRpNl-613VAnqWzf9VWAXweDDTQ5MX_KOYb3Eib3LRMmQ4SwUofkY-wseovDJKsw6P0vZMO__ZHQfsI-EbaUBacS3lS8-PBRD3My63vwYdJ-wJgqcksdao/s1600/Race1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdud-cEj379JlRxb2vhlUI1PRpNl-613VAnqWzf9VWAXweDDTQ5MX_KOYb3Eib3LRMmQ4SwUofkY-wseovDJKsw6P0vZMO__ZHQfsI-EbaUBacS3lS8-PBRD3My63vwYdJ-wJgqcksdao/s1600/Race1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
Your turn! Answer one or a few of the questions. I'm going to toss in a couple of my own, just out of curiosity...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i>11. How do you track your training? (Excel, Daily Mile, Run Keeper, etc.)</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I like excel for tracking mileage during marathon/half marathon training but love Daily Mile for the journal-like feel to track how I feel. I also use Garmin Connect if I want to refer back to pace data for runs. I kind of love running data. :)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i>12. How do you carry your cell or other gear with you on your runs? (Arm band, SPIbelt, etc.)</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
During the winter I love the convenience of jacket pockets. I've yet to find something comfortable and easy for summer running though - I feel like an arm band might be uncomfortable in heat? </div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00126257573165074461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841244317629504748.post-4868548048496728802013-06-21T07:38:00.001-04:002013-06-21T07:41:15.562-04:00Thursday Thoughts<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Yes, I know, I published this on Friday morning. I promise you all the thoughts occurred on Thursday though, along with 99% of the writing...</i></span><br />
<br />
Has it seriously already been a week since I last wrote a Thursday Thoughts post? I give all you bloggers out there who write every day so much credit. I would love to be able to balance it all and come up with new and fabulous posts on the daily but I'm afraid I'd fail miserably. I guess that gives me something to work toward.<br />
<br />
1. My amazing grandpa turned 90 yesterday. 90! This man has been one of my best friends since the day I was born. I look up to and respect him so much, as does everyone else who has ever been blessed with his presence.<br />
<br />
It has been so hard to see him age in the past several years. I think one of the harder parts of getting older is suddenly realizing that those people you admired as invincible heroes as a child do, in fact, have weaknesses. I don't mean that in a bad way, we're all human, I just mean it takes a different perspective to fully appreciate what you have and to cherish every moment and memory with the people you love. All things considered, this guy is doing pretty darn well. Of course, it doesn't hurt that he has my grandmother's TLC to keep him in line.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipdp2ffAB2oaWr5PGglOpFPSKFvxKwf-u-o-JEBdwjZjUqDuKR4T1ZDzfL0x_U5PwyYno6ZrCFiW5ouMEzxVvlZeJ3VYEHHBpl6uExabkJcjH1vJQYCQMkuyG-g_bL1BArVnrtu3JR_vI/s1600/Gramps+Wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipdp2ffAB2oaWr5PGglOpFPSKFvxKwf-u-o-JEBdwjZjUqDuKR4T1ZDzfL0x_U5PwyYno6ZrCFiW5ouMEzxVvlZeJ3VYEHHBpl6uExabkJcjH1vJQYCQMkuyG-g_bL1BArVnrtu3JR_vI/s1600/Gramps+Wedding.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My grandparents on their wedding day - 55 years ago!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
2. I've had two more PT appointments since I admitted last week that I was trying out a new doc. Both have gone well, and even though my knee continues to nag me with soreness here and there I feel much more confident in how it's being treated this time around. We're not only treating the injury (Graston, cupping and massage), but also spending more time around strength training for my hips/glutes and stretching. I actually have homework to do, which I'm happy to report I have stuck to and enjoyed... even the resulting soreness.<br />
<br />
3. This basically describes my life:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDuuHtC9WC3xmPV7iTHxWfft6kGq0WosDDRxeGRQcmxF13Oic2fRQpR13kCoKn0k8FMZVzGcU487wk8VzwwYP6A2s7Rq5j7ejaEPPaIK42Sxg2ie53pyf-gpVb2XWB6sXjsFPj1FLgcTY/s1600/Macandcheese.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDuuHtC9WC3xmPV7iTHxWfft6kGq0WosDDRxeGRQcmxF13Oic2fRQpR13kCoKn0k8FMZVzGcU487wk8VzwwYP6A2s7Rq5j7ejaEPPaIK42Sxg2ie53pyf-gpVb2XWB6sXjsFPj1FLgcTY/s1600/Macandcheese.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
4. I made pie last weekend. With strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries. It was berry delicious. I feel like pie is one of those desserts that kind of gets lost in my love of all things chocolate, but then when I eat it again I scold myself for having gone so long without it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqe02uA2f0fdaDmb_6pPafE8jzYO3bOiVKuKcRy99CyL9fyFqINW1ZJD_VC0n4fAhg8XamxAQ0I17srZCFxpsxx78TZFxcMh-q5n3hHZtHaaUoEEVS85EDml3ouVeBgJYVc_0aGSgxsI/s1600/Pie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqe02uA2f0fdaDmb_6pPafE8jzYO3bOiVKuKcRy99CyL9fyFqINW1ZJD_VC0n4fAhg8XamxAQ0I17srZCFxpsxx78TZFxcMh-q5n3hHZtHaaUoEEVS85EDml3ouVeBgJYVc_0aGSgxsI/s1600/Pie.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
5. I met up with my running partner last night for a pedi date. She just got back from running a huge trail run in Wyoming over the weekend with her Dad and, well, I just needed a pedicure. I also finally opened the newest issue of Runner's World. I haven't finished reading it cover to cover but... wow. I've read a few pieces that were just what I needed to dig into. More on those later. Cute toes, fabulous date and running goodness? Yes, please. All that was missing was wine.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVxsrzlx-8zgVd1FTjxUttey01E3vVqE2xLTWuiHn_0EiyWGDbXTHnrHsdFMeMB65GN0d9iFTWEIahyphenhyphenArIawONAAKbAihFAx_npWQQFtIEIjiH696eiEIkU8q6EC9Y1g6rqlEDdrO_H8/s1600/Pedicure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVxsrzlx-8zgVd1FTjxUttey01E3vVqE2xLTWuiHn_0EiyWGDbXTHnrHsdFMeMB65GN0d9iFTWEIahyphenhyphenArIawONAAKbAihFAx_npWQQFtIEIjiH696eiEIkU8q6EC9Y1g6rqlEDdrO_H8/s1600/Pedicure.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I hope you all have wonderful weekends planned! I'm playing in/working a wiffle ball tournament to benefit the children's hospital I work for and then headed to the Cape for a belated Father's Day celebration with my Dad.<br />
<br />
<b>Who was your hero growing up?</b><br />
I definitely think mine has always been my Grandpa, with my Grandma, Dad and Mom as his close and trusty sidekicks.<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Favorite kind of pie?</b><br />
Tough call, but I'd say a tie between apple and strawberry rhubarb.<b> </b>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00126257573165074461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841244317629504748.post-80180243346464654322013-06-19T18:06:00.001-04:002013-06-19T18:06:13.399-04:00The Calorie Guilt Trip<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I posted <a href="http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/health/blogs/daily-dose/2013/06/18/starbucks-set-post-calorie-counts/x2dOsjHo17zjsBC5kJqfzI/blog.html" target="_blank">an article</a> on Twitter this morning about Starbucks' plan to post calorie counts of their items on the menu boards of all locations beginning June 25. Since, I've seen a number of opinions shared on the announcement, ranging from applause to criticism.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Am I surprised at the number or nature of the opinions voiced? Abso-freaking-lutely not. Are you kidding? We're talking about Starbucks here. Not only are you affecting people's daily caffeine intake (no joking matter), but you're affecting their lifestyle. While yes, I consider myself to be a Starbucks fan, my love of that green mermaid pales in comparison to the gold-card status loyalty of others.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMBQtdZzI0x5h9yHp-ObMPB2LGhFkZEDLADn8KNH9CAS83F2NupuYsrALGXyo7FxHA3OaaqKQiAeN35gEsv2KbeZqexblXqbCLpUXAARjK5MeV39yE5N32eoxXsRoQ1TeYzS1lnbVuyY/s1600/tumblr_inline_mh6r2cTSAM1qaz758.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMBQtdZzI0x5h9yHp-ObMPB2LGhFkZEDLADn8KNH9CAS83F2NupuYsrALGXyo7FxHA3OaaqKQiAeN35gEsv2KbeZqexblXqbCLpUXAARjK5MeV39yE5N32eoxXsRoQ1TeYzS1lnbVuyY/s1600/tumblr_inline_mh6r2cTSAM1qaz758.gif" height="192" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">In a world where "healthy living" is being increasingly advocated for, something that is amplified ten times over in the blog world, most opinions I've read are in strong support of Starbucks move toward transparency. <i>Hooray for calorie counting!</i> (There's an app for that, BTW.) <i>Hooray for Starbucks being held accountable for the nutrition of products!</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">On the other end of the spectrum, however, you have a number of grumbling customers who are not pleased that when they order a grande white chocolate mocha the world around them knows that, gasp, she's about to consume 400 calories! Ahhh, blissful ignorance.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowM1eLAbGYvtOpzqeCKP_0ivjoXFuXWi1lpGUNQjHv_X3wgJFgNr0cNKcXRqHlc5zN__AHW6_-TBY4NCiT6T14N2u7McyFAOu8iDxuzcoLb7bPV62dif7V0ozYrs-yg2-HyNh5YipRCc/s1600/Gasp.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowM1eLAbGYvtOpzqeCKP_0ivjoXFuXWi1lpGUNQjHv_X3wgJFgNr0cNKcXRqHlc5zN__AHW6_-TBY4NCiT6T14N2u7McyFAOu8iDxuzcoLb7bPV62dif7V0ozYrs-yg2-HyNh5YipRCc/s1600/Gasp.gif" height="175" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So who then, exactly, are we trying to hold accountable here with this transparency? Is it really Starbucks? Or are we just mad because now we're forced to acknowledge that while, yes, it's been a rough afternoon and I simply <i>need</i> my Starbs to get through it - those 16 oz. of Caramel Frapuccino comfort are costing me 410 calories and 15 grams of fat.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I guess it all comes down to your lifestyle and your drink of choice. Personally, I don't venture to Starbucks all that often - primarily because I would go broke pretty darn quickly if it became a daily staple. That being said, when I do go, I tend to order a simple iced coffee or black tea lemonade (unsweetened)</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNDUyzAT-xSvmNYi3ugABUeg-VX1VPFY5cIHZnf-UXsW-7SAxRjadzQGvmA6E_scdzgxbUMea4tv5tIAdVha561QMGFXi1ZwTFJkbe0XtZcSD3RK94PYYGK27mEkfXUkyLwoYDNkIAEQ/s1600/Starbs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNDUyzAT-xSvmNYi3ugABUeg-VX1VPFY5cIHZnf-UXsW-7SAxRjadzQGvmA6E_scdzgxbUMea4tv5tIAdVha561QMGFXi1ZwTFJkbe0XtZcSD3RK94PYYGK27mEkfXUkyLwoYDNkIAEQ/s1600/Starbs.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Do I indulge? Duh. I'd be lying if I said I didn't treat myself to a peppermint mocha latte or five during the cold winter months, or a sweet and creamy iced caramel macchiato paired perfectly with a warm, sunny day. I'm not oblivious. I know very well that the perfection I'm sipping isn't without calorie-filled repercussions. I accept that... and know that I may need to tack on a few extra miles or crunches later as a result. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>What do you think - yay or nay for listing calories?</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>Favorite indulgent treat from Starbucks? </b></span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00126257573165074461noreply@blogger.com0