Favi-what?

It's no secret that I'm not so tech-savvy.  Cue pictures from Pinterest and Instagram... Therefore, I have to boast a little to share that I created my own Favicon!  A what, you ask?  See that cute little cupcake in the URL?  It was actually quite easy, so you should go ahead and try it yourself.  I used this free website, colored boxes into whatever design you'd like, then downloaded it and added it in the layout section of blogger.

Big things happening here, people.

Hope to be back soon with more genius words.  Until then, have a good one!
-m

Move it Monday.

Linking up again with Ashley for Move it Monday.

Two new additions to my workouts this week included my attempt at a Barbell Strength class at my gym, and some sprint training with J.  I'm happy to report that I've survived both!

Luckily, I found a very nice woman who was able to help me set up for the strength class because ohmygawd you need a bajillion things for that class (weights, clips, step, riser, and the list goes on...).  Even though I was only lifting a maximum of 10 pounds for the whole class, my legs reminded me of those 10 pounds for the rest of the week.  I'll definitely be back again this week.

Sprint training included a 1 mile warm-up and then 3% incline and 5 sets of 60 seconds at 8.5mph followed by 2 minutes at 3.5mph.  Pretty sure I looked like a fool trying to run that "fast", BUT I did it!  I planned to end with a mile run at the end, but the woman on the treadmill next to me proceeded to tell the woman next to her how she had just gotten over the flu.  If you know me, you know I'm a freak about this kind of talk so I high-tailed it out there and then took a bath in hand-sanitizer in my car.  I wish I was kidding....

I also fit in another ballet booty class, and a short trail run this week and ended the week with a 6.5 mile run (wish it were longer, but I was boooored).

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Here's to keeping it up this week.  PS- I just ate a cookie (and some dough).

Have a good week!
-m

What's in my {grocery} bag?

I've mentioned this before, but I'm one of those people who strives off of a routine.  The less decisions I have to make each day, the less stressed and more controlled I feel.  Therefore, I eat basically the same thing nearly every day.  I may sound like a crazy person, and that's because I am a crazy person.  In the past, I've had issues with a sensitive stomach.  I just don't have time to worry about whether or not I'm going to feel good after or a new meal or not, so I go with what works. I seriously can't imagine my life without Trader Joe's. Most of this stuff I've bragged on before, but they're still my go-to items.

The Basics:

1. Trader Joe's Sprouted 7-grain bread.  I eat this every. single. day. with peanut butter on my way to work.
2. Jif Reduced-Fat Peanut Butter.
3. Fruit and Veggies.
4. Trader Joe's Sesame Honey Almonds.  Being a teacher, it's hard to find time to eat during the day.  I keep these stashed in my desk and grab a handful when I'm starting to get hungry. Yum!
5. Cilantro and Jalapeno Hummus.  This is my lunch staple because its just so dang easy.  I stash my lunch bag with this, veggies and crackers and I'm good for the week.
6. Trader Joe's Fiberful Fruit Leather.  I keep these in my purse to try to keep my from grabbing something nasty when I'm in desperate need for food.  I've also used these as fuel during my long runs.
7. Trader Joe's Chicken Sausage.  This comes in about 400 flavors.  Although I haven't tried them all, I haven't tried one I didn't like.  Cook this up with pasta or rice and veggies and its the quickest most simple and delicious dinner eva.
8. Trader Joe's Spinach and Kale Greek Yogurt Dip. Afternoon snack.
9. Trader Joe's Veggie and Flaxseed Tortilla Chips.  The vessel for said dip.
10. Blue Bunny Frozen Yogurt- Vanilla Bean.  Eaten with mini-chocolate chips.

Obviously, these are not the ONLY things I eat.  Pizza? Love.  Beer and wine? Yes and yes. And what else is in my desk at work? Hershey's kisses.  Cookies and creme, candy cane, AND dark chocolate.  My vice, obv.

What can't you live without in your grocery bag?

-m

2 things.

1. This adorable photo comes from this adorable blog.  Must check it out!

2. How are you doing on your resolutions now over a week into 2013? I found these 9 tips to be quite refreshing so of course I had to share. Enjoy!

9 Beliefs You Need to Succeed at Anything

*The problems I face are opportunities*

*What's important is creating value*

*I can't anticipate everything, and that's okay*

*My fears are often an indication of something worth doing*

*Passions and goals must be self-set*

*My time is sacred*

*Positive results are the outcome of positive daily actions*

*Perfection is a fantasy*

*I am 100% responsible for my life*

-m

Some Fitness Goals.

Linking up with Ashley for Move it Monday to set some specific fitness goals for this 2013.  It's like an addiction I have, making all these goals and resolutions.   Actually, I've just thought of another goal- make less goals next year and focus on just one or two. :) Before long I'm sure I'll be overwhelmed but for now, here a just a few more:

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1. Workout at least 4 times each week.

2. One "long" run each week, at least 5 miles.

3. Two classes or cross-training workouts each week.

4. Log at least 60 miles running each month.

5. Complete at least 4 races.  I've already signed up for the Rock the Parkway Half Marathon in April (and my brother just joined in on this one with me! yay!), and I'm eyeing the Hospital Hill run, too.  I'm just not sure which distance would be best quite yet.

6. Track all workouts on MapMyRun.

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-m

My December via Instagram.

What's in my {makeup} bag?

Continuing with the "in my bag" series, here's a look into my favorite cosemetics of the moment.  Feel free to share yours, too! I have a Sephora gift card burning in my pocket... oh the possiblities!

1. Philosophy purity made simple Facial Cleanser $10 {black friday deal!}
2. moisturizer/primer up&up $13 {this is the olay version, but i buy up&up}
3. smashbox foundation $42
4. sonia kashunk concealer $8
5. physician's formula bronzer $8
6. nars blush $28
7. naked 2 palette $50
8. buxom mascara $10 {black friday deal!}
9. brow wax/powder $3
10. stila lip glaze $25

Have a good one!

-m

Hello, 2013.

I'll be honest, I've been stoked about starting this year with off with a new set of resolutions.  Clean start, fresh and new beginning, like a breath of clean air.  I really could list about 100 things I'd like to do more or less, but I've tried to make just a few overall goals for this new year.  I threw in "short-term goals" as a way to make more specific, less overwhelming goals intermittently throughout the year.  

So, 2013, lets do this!

Smile more.

Read more.

Prioritize.

Clean up (closets, cabinets, mailboxes, etc.)

Make small, short-term goals.

Learn to say no.

Give more.

Be honest.

Be sincere and kind.

Accept things that can't be changed.

Help others.

Say 'thank you'.

Move more.

Eat clean.

Relax.

2013.

In writing this post, I've read so many wonderful other articles relating to this topic.  Be sure to check these out!

12 Powerful Resolutions You Should Make Every Year.

Tips for Writing Resolutions.

AWESOME --> 60 Ways to Simplify Your Life in 2013.

9 Resolutions for Lazy People.

2013: Make it Count!

What are your 2013 goals? Happy New Year!

-m