The Badass Moment

This weekend I've been pondering the saying "There is always, always, always something to be grateful for."  It's probably true.  It's cliche and a little overused in my opinion.  That being said, I have a spot in my daily planner to write each day something I'm grateful for.  I do think it's important to remember the positives and not focus on the negatives.  However, I'm proposing we look at this old thought in a new way...I'm proposing instead of a daily gratitude thought...we look for a daily "Badass Moment."

This came about because I posted a photo on my fitness Instagram account this weekend about how seeing improvements in my running made me feel like a badass.  Later in the day I started thinking "Oh no, did that sound cocky?"  "What if people take it the wrong way and think I think I'm all that and better than everyone?"  Long story short...I started doing what I've done for FAR too long in my life.  I started the awful process of overthinking.

Then I started thinking "Why shouldn't we all feel like a badass every day?"  We should!  Each and every one of us should have a daily badass moment.  Somedays when I fill out my planner I have to sit and search for what I'm grateful for "well that ice cream was tasty I guess."  Sure these little things are nice but I want moments.  And yes, we should have both.  Absolutely, we should appreciate the little things in life.  But sometimes we just don't give ourselves enough credit and when we do, we may worry if we sound cocky or if people will take it the wrong way.

So here is what I propose...continue to be grateful for the little things.  Appreciate every small thing that life has to offer.  But also take the time each day to think about what you did that day that made you feel like a badass.  Don't stop being grateful for the little things but add in your daily badass moment.  THAT, I truly believe, will make a huge difference in your self-esteem.  Sure the gratitude makes you content and appreciate life but feeling like a badass, well that makes you feel like you can conquer anything life throws your way.

Here are a few things lately that make me feel like a badass:
-Mowing my own lawn.
-Killing ants and tackling how to get rid of them around my perimeter outside of my house (both of these making me feel like a truly independent woman)
-Feeling WAY more financially stable as a single woman than I ever did married
-Going into the gym and being the only girl in the weight room with a bunch of men and not giving a damn what they think
-Actually not giving a damn what anyone thinks (always a work in progress)
-Getting faster
-Getting stronger
-Buying a car on my own
-Jump starting a car by myself
-Wanting to go on a solo vacation (and plan to soon!)
-Not letting the moods of others impact me like they used to
-Telling people no when I want to tell them no and not getting pressured into things (and not feeling guilty)


This list of possibilities is endless.  Today I ran around an overgrown high school track and I stopped to take a picture to admire it's beauty in all it's overgrown, unkempt way.  I appreciated and was grateful for that.  Then I felt like a badass as I sprinted around and felt fast.  Gratitude and badassery both in one day.  Strive for it.  I know I am.

June Favorites and some fails

Hard to believe we are halfway through 2016.  Why does time go faster when you are an adult?  My June favorites and fails....

The Spatty.  Handy little tool.  A mini spatula...perfect for getting those hard to reach areas of beauty products that you don't want to waste!

For example...this eye cream that has a pump but is ridiculously thick and whoever designed it didn't obviously ever attempt to test it.

So I remove the pump and use the spat daddy to scrape the product out.  Perfect!

My new favorite Spark flavor...Limeade.  I've been blending it up with ice and it makes a frozen limeade.  It's been the perfect summer treat.

I'm hooked on these Laughing Cow cheese wedges.  I can't be without them.  I'll eat them plain or with chicken or turkey sausage.  They are also good on eggs.  You really can't go wrong.  The Pepper Jack is my favorite but the original Creamy Swiss is also delicious.  I haven't tried all the other flavors yet.

I've recently bought several different kinds of dark chocolate as I'm indulging in nightly dark chocolate as part of a new diet I'm trying.  This was one of the first I bought.  It is delicious.  Turns out, it isn't exactly dark chocolate however.  The ingredients are actually semi-sweet chocolate.  I had a feeling when I liked it so much that it was too good to be true.  Very deceiving packaging Ghirardelli.  Whether you are a dark chocolate fan or not, this is worth trying out.  Dark chocolate is growing on me.  I'll have some actual dark chocolate favorites for next time.

If you liked The Killing check out Marcella on Netflix.  Reminded me of The Killing.  Not quite as good but still worth the binge watch!

My favorite You Tuber lately has been Kara Corey.  I watch her videos every morning while I get up and ready.  She has a great variety and some great fitness and nutrition information.

I got this Fresh Sugar balm as a sample from Sephora.  It's terrible.  Not even worth attempting to use anymore.  I rub my finger in it and still barely get any product picked up.  I love the Fresh Sugar chapstick style lip balms so I was disappointed in this one.

I grabbed this Target brand of Windex style cleaner.  It cleans fine.  But it hurts to use!  The nozzle hurts both sides of my hand!  It actually tore off skin.  I have to hold it with both hands just so I don't tear my hand up using it.  I definitely won't buy this stuff again.

Overall June isn't my favorite month.  Too hot, nothing really exciting happening.  However, at least I didn't have to mow even one time in the month of June!  That itself, a huge favorite!

So you want to be a runner...

Saturdays have become the long run day while training for the Roots N Blue's half marathon.  It's going good so far...but it has reminded me of a few things nobody tells you about when you get addicted to this running thing.  So I thought I'd share what I've learned over the time I've developed this addiction.  

• Anyone can be a runner.  If you think you are too busy, too slow, too overweight, too anything...you can still be a runner.  Ask anyone who runs and they will tell you "If I can do it so can you.  I never thought I'd be a runner."  (Unless they've been doing it since high school track or something then they don't count, don't ask them) 
• Say goodbye to pretty feet.  Don't waste money on pedicures.  But the trade off is pretty legs.  Worth it.  (If someone else is that worried about your feet I'd be a tad uncomfortable anyways)
• Speaking of feet, investing in good shoes is worth every penny.  If you'll be running a lot you'll want a few pairs.  When you wear out a pair don't throw them away.  Keep them handy for mud runs.  The last thing you want is to get a new pair of running shoes all dirty.  (also, don't buy all white ones even though they sure are pretty)
• You can get about 500 miles out of a pair of shoes and if you don't keep track of the miles, it won't be long before the shoes will tell you the relationship is over.  Listen to them.  Let them go.  If you wanted a more permanent commitment just go buy the same shoes again.  I've done it.  Same exact ones.  Because I have a type.  
• You may make new friends!  The running community is huge and awesome!  I was driving home from my trail run this morning and recognized three people running around town and smiled thinking just how awesome the running community is.  
• You may start to annoy some of your current friends because all you want to talk about is running.  How much time did you shave off this week, what's your PR, what's your goals, when is the next race, what kind of foods do you eat before a run, how long before a run do you eat?  It's fascinating to listen to what works for everyone else.  
• You'll spend more money on workout clothing as you discover what is most comfortable to wear.  Those funny running shorts with the built in underwear that I said I would never wear?  Can't run in anything but those in the summer now.  When it's hot it's hot and I don't care what I look like.  
• Something about the habit will become addicting, in addition to the habit of running itself.  Whether it is signing up for the next race, going to a Wednesday night running group, chasing that next PR, or just increasing overall mileage...there will be something that keeps you going. 
• You don't have to run fast to be a runner.  Anything counts.  Especially running/walking intervals.  That's how most everyone gets started and even people running for years take walk breaks.   Somedays walk breaks are the only things that get me through.  They are a necessity during training and sometimes you'll then find not so much a necessity during a race.  Either way, walking can help you run.  
• Weather becomes defined by whether or not it is good running conditions.  Walking by my neighbors last night who are runners the convo went like so:  
• Neighbors "Hey there!  How are you?" 
• Me:  "Hey!  Good, enjoying these great running temperatures!"  
• Neighbors "Oh I know that's right!"  

• Somedays the training all comes together and you have a great run.  Other days, you may say to yourself "This sucks today."  (I did today during my last mile)  You just wonder why it doesn't always feel easy.  Then you get done and just know you'll be doing it again.  But first, we foam roll.  

Trash talk time

It is time again to empty my trash...

And per usual I have the Mango Temptation...four of them ($5 each=$20)

I went through a ton of supplements since last time.
My usual Spark beverage in Fruit Punch flavor ($38.97).  Advocare just released a new Limeade flavor.  I MAY have a new favorite.  The Limeade is delicious.  Fruit Punch is taking a back seat for awhile.
Another bottle of O2 Gold  ($31.16) and I've mentioned before, I can't live without this supplement now either.  I've seen a lot of improvement since I've used it as far as being able to not feel like I'm sucking for oxygen when I workout.
Another bottle of B12 chewable from Wal-Mart ($3.50) for metabolism.  This has just become part of my daily supplement routine.
A bottle of Equate Ibuprofen ($2) from Wal-Mart.  I buy these in a two pack and always have one in my nightstand and in my purse.  I typically will take 3 before I go to sleep on nights I have worked out hard.  I find they work just as well as name brand.
A bottle of Vitamin C ($6ish?).  I like this as part of my supplement routine as well.
The large bottle of Collagen is from Amazon and I plan on ordering it again soon.  I noticed while taking it my nails grew and seemed to get stronger.  Not sure if it impacted how my hair or skin looked but I know collagen is important for anti-aging so can't hurt right?  ($16.97)
Total supplements:  $98.60

Hair/Body stuff:
Dove Conditioner ($5) I love this and how it smells.  I was thrilled to get another bottle of it in my race packet from the Missouri Race Series 5k so I'm all ready to go with another bottle!
Suave dry shampoo ($3) my favorite dry shampoo ever.  I need to go pick up another one.
Suave body wash ($1?) got it in a sample box and it is a men's scent but whatever, I used it.
Total:  $9

Misc. Beauty Stuff:
Clinique Moisture Surge Lotion:  Really like this stuff, pretty moisturizing.  ($9 .5 oz)
Fresh Soy Face Cleaners:  Received this as a Sephora bday gift.  Smells kind of like cucumbers.  It was nice, worked.  Wouldn't really buy it myself.  ($4)
Glam Glow Face Mask: This was a sample I received.  This smelled really good, like coconuts.  I liked it.  Wouldn't pay the $69 for the full size at all.  ($12.32)
Lorac Eye Primer:  Unfortunately this was all dried up when I went to use it.  Which is a bummer because I love this primer!  It came with a set of Lorac eye shadows.  It costs $21 to buy on its own.
Benefit Porefessional:  You can't really tell what it is since I cut most of the packaging away but I love the porefessional primer.  ($12)
Too Faced Shadow Insurance:  Another one I cut most of the packaging away.  This is one of my favorite eye shadow primers.  ($5)
Total:  $42.32 (not counting the Lorac primer since I didn't really use it)

Toothpaste:
Colgate Sparkling White $1 from the Dollar Store...love this stuff
Burts Bees Natural's Toothpaste Sample-totally gross.  Doesn't leave my mouth feeling very clean.  $1)
Total:  $2

Trash total 6/26/16  $171.92
Trash total 5/22/16 $366.77
Trash total 4/10/16 $169.93
Trash total 3/14/16 $180.62
Trash total 2/7/16 $311.07
Trash total 2/17/16 $251.02
Grand total YTD:  $1451.33

Missouri Race Series 5k

Today was a very humid, Missouri Series 5k run.  Although humid, it was still a fun one!  

The course was pretty and mostly flat on the trail.  However, there were many times I thought "how long does this trail last?!"

While running by the lake was pretty, there wasn't as much shade in this part as there was on the trail so the blazing sun made it uncomfortable for this stretch.

But we all survived!

Standing on an incline really emphasized who is tallest and who is shortest in our group.  :)

We've all stepped up our running for October training so we went in ready.

But...you really just can't prepare for the humidity.

Not my best time but I managed to bring home third place in my age group.  We all received finishers medals and they are awesome.  I love that they are in the shape of the state of Missouri!  It was a very well organized run, a small group of runners, and they had pizza afterwards.  I mean, how can that be bad?  Of course any run with good friends is always a good time!

May Faves-Food edition

How is it possibly this hot already?  I went to spin class today and the gym didn't seem to have any air circulating.  So humid INSIDE the gym.  Not my favorite class ever today.  Which leads me to my first favorite....water.  I can't get enough water.  

I've been digging the Crystal Light with caffeine.  The Wild Strawberry and Grape flavors are bomb.  I usually have one a day while working to help get more water down.  Other than that water is flowing easily all day thanks to the heat.

The Laughing Cow cheese is the best.  One wedge is only 35 calories and the Pepper Jack flavor is awesome!

I've been combining the Laughing Cow with some Turkey Sausage and it is a great combo!

These cookies.  Ugh.  They are definitely a fave, however, I don't think I will ever buy them again.  They are too good.  It is really difficult to eat the serving size of 2 cookies.  They are gluten free and taste just like a normal cookie.  Great guilt free treat until you eat too many of them.

My last favorite is the Gerbes Friday Freebies.  These are the last two week's worth.  You really just can't beat free stuff.  Especially when it is stuff you actually think is good.

I'm currently watching Vacation and I have to say...it's surprisingly making me laugh more than I expected.  I love Ed Helms.  

So I guess all my faves this month are food related...so we're calling this one the food edition.

The road to a(nother) half marathon

Half marathon training officially began this week.  Along with it I've already seen a sneak peek of the  fun things that come along with the process.  Starting with a blood blister on my big toe...ouch.  

The reality of doing a race in October is training takes place over the summer.  This means I'm either running early in the morning, which is an option on weekends for sure but tougher during the week, running on the treadmill indoors, or just running in the heat.  I may be experimenting with doing a little bit of each!  

I'm working on eating gluten free again.  I feel better and have more energy when I do.  I know I'm late on posting May favorites but this snack is one of the faves...and it is gluten free.  C2O Coconut Chips.  It's like eating an Almond Joy without eating a candy bar.  These things are SO good.  I got this sample in the mail but will be keeping my eye out for them.  I know I can order them online if nothing else.

Project "the kid" is almost coming to completion.  She graduated, she is driving, she has a car, and is officially in college and already started her first class.  We've been working on her project for the past year.  Now I'm focusing on "Project Me."  Completing this half marathon is one of the goals under Project Me.  Maybe more on other Project Me goals later.  :)

Frugal Tip:  If you are Amazon Prime member...keep an eye out for offers of credits when you check out in exchange for no rush shipping.  Lately I have received a Prime Pantry credit and a digital book credit for choosing no rush shipping instead of 2 day shipping.  The best part...I STILL got my 2 day shipping!  So still got my items in my normal time plus I got a free digital book and free shipping to try Prime Pantry.  My Prime Pantry order arrives tomorrow.  Kind of excited to see how I like it!

Back to the half...this one will be my third half.  I always said I wouldn't do one here because of how hilly it is but someone twisted my arm.  So this week I started with a 3 mile run on Monday, spinning on Tuesday, and 3.4 miles on Wednesday  Today was going to be more spinning to replace a 3 mile run due to my blister but I didn't feel too great all day and between that and my blister I decided to listen to my body and take a rest day.  I still walked the dog 2 miles but my body was demanding some rest.  Tomorrow I'm going to get in some sprints on the treadmill before I allow my binge watching of OITNB to commence.

Speaking of binge watching shows...if you have Hulu...check out Line of Duty.  It's awesome and addicting and makes you want to repeat the words after them to practice their accent.  Cheers.