Hair and bloggers

I walked into Flux Salon with a lovely French braid, done by me. My stylist took the pic for me. I walked out of the salon with a fresh color and it feels wonderful!

If you're in Oklahoma City, April owns the salon and does a great job. When I got home, I had a box waiting for me from Kristin at Stuff and Things. Actually the box had been waiting on me for a few days because I hadn't sent Kristin her box yet. 

She did a great job of spoiling me with treats and she didn't forget the kitties. 

The magnet from Manitou Springs graces my fridge next to my prized bumper sticker from Portland Oregon (a place I like to call home.)

The colors mug fits marvelously in my "you were here" collection from Starbucks. (Side note:I used to live there and have a mug from the prior collection. The new collection stacks.)

The bracelet looks cute next to my Nike fuel band. I keep the fuel band on at all times. I love using it!

The notebook is so cute with the arrows. I'm deciding on how I'll use it, I dug into the peanut butter cups right away and then stuck it in the freezer for future enjoyment. I think Kirby likes the toys. I didn't write a little note. I just shipped the box off and I meant to buy a Starbucks gift card but didn't get a chance. #bloggerfails Next time, I'll have to do better. 

Final note: I'm working with April at Flux Salon to see if she'd buy one of Ryan's paintings. She asked that I tag her on his instagrams and I did. Ryan was not pleased with me because some of his instagrams are not for sale and he doesn't like his early paintings. So, if you get a chance, check out ryanchristopherart on Instagram and peruse his posts. I think his work is great and maybe you will too. 

Half marathon training and McNellies mug

I made it to taper week! Woohoo! I was supposed to run 7 miles yesterday but instead ran 4 miles and walked 2 for St. Patrick's day festivities.

Isn't that the cutest little hat? McNellies is an Irish pub in Oklahoma. I've been to 2 of the 3 locations. This pub is about a mile from my house, which makes it easy for me to get there and home. The mug was a $50 investment with a 10% discount on beer. This mug was purchased in December 2012 and I'm confident that I've drunk my way into a profit.

I have logged 72 miles on the new purple nikes and I'm ready for race day. It's never a good idea to run a half marathon on brand new shoes but I think these beauties have been broken in enough for race day.

Successes, goals, and an Ode

This year has been great with many successes although I have not blogged as much as I used to.  I've trained and ran 2 half marathons. I kept my time under 3 hours each time.

I got to spend quality time in the Bahamas. I can't wait to go back!

I rescued a kitten by bringing him to a shelter to find him a home. 

I bought us the cutest little house to live in in Oklahoma City. Even the front door greets you when you come over.  

Goals for next year will include two half marathons and training for a whole in January 2016. I'm also considering Golds Gym's competition to kick my training into high gear. I managed to gain some weight back and I'll need to lose again. I'm not too concerned about it this time. I know I've got to get my nutrition and training in check and the weight will be back where it needs to be. 

Next years vacation will include sandals reunion week at Antigua! Yay! And a week on our private Bahamian island! 

Ode to my mug

Oh mug, how I enjoy thy bounty. Full of beer and brimming with excitement for my tastebuds.

Oh mug, how I love your size and my name emblazoned on your side. 

Oh mug, how I love to drink from you. My only desire is to fill you with my favorite beer from my favorite brewery. Tis a shame McNellies can't keep Rogue beers on tap.

Linking up with Beka and Amanda

Weight Loss Wednesday

 

Dear Friends, Last week's weight loss Wednesday was lackluster. I did not inspire you to eat healthy and I did not post my weight. I managed to lose 0.6 pounds in two weeks but what I'm really excited about is the shorts. At 121, the shorts fit great but at 134.4 the shorts fit just as great. This must mean my quest for trim and fit is coming to fruition. I am so excited and looking forward to more shorts days. This week, I have a treat for you, courtesy of Pinterest. Its mug cake! I found a super simple recipe and healthy'd it up for you and me. 1 egg 1 banana (or 1/3 cup of powdered sugar) 1 or 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder Mash the banana until smooth and mix in the egg. Mix the cocoa powder completely and then microwave in the mug. The powdered sugar version only needs a minute but the banana needs more time. I think 1:45 to maybe 2 minutes depending on your microwave. Clearly the banana version is much healthier but I can attest that both taste fantastic!  

Original Mug Cake

Banana Mug Cake

I got more cake out of the banana than the powdered sugar. Please stay tuned to Thankful Thursday, a new link up! If you are interested in guest posting, blog swapping, or co-hosting a linkup, please let me know. I'm linking up with Erin for Weigh - in Wenesday.

Top Pick Tuesday

Mug, oh sweet mug. How much do I love you? You deliver life giving tea early in the morning and late in the day. Your dishwasher safe qualities are important to me, otherwise you would sit there dirty for weeks. I am a mug fiend and am always looking for more mugs (odd since I have more than enough.)

It is Top Pick Tuesday and I am sharing my passion for mugs via Dalayna at Pointing Up and Britt at Yellow Umbrella Design for a recent mug swap. I was surprised by the sweetest package from Pamela at Pamela's Heavenly Treats. I already follow her because of her sweet but healthy treats. She pegged me as a cat person, obvious since Chomps and Kirby are always showing up on my blog, and ordered the cutest kitty mug.

Dear Pamela,

Thank you for the sweet mug. I love the design and I will drink many warm cups of black tea with it. I look forward to checking out your treats and trying a recipe or two in my kitchen. Many thanks! E N D

Monday Madness

Dear sweet bloggy friends,

Today, I planned to post my mug swap and link up with everyone but I got a little confused. That will be another day and another post. Instead, I will post the nail polish swap that Rachel and Carly hosted. It was so fun to wait impatiently for the polish to arrive from Brandi from Simple As It Should Be sent me the sweetest package with two polishes. My schedule has been hectic and haven't done my nails yet, but will soon. Look for pictures next week. Here's the super fun package I got:

To continue my theme of positivity and Make a Difference Monday, I have decided to share an encouraging verse with you. John 16:33, "I have told you this, so that you might have peace in your hearts because of me. While you are in the world, you will have to suffer. But cheer up! I have defeated the world."

Thanks for reading today's Monday Madness post.

E N D