Five Friday Faves :)

 

 

I've taken some time- maybe too much? But I woke up this morning with a new resolve and eager to get into spring!

I'm excited to reflect on this weeks favorites with you!

1. Favorite Workout

Today! And before you ask, it was not my only workout. . .

3.14 miles for pi day :) can't be any more fun than that, right? It was a hard run. Wind+BOB=brutal. For real.

But look at this sweet face swinging after our run:

Oh, and have I mentioned she's nosy?

 

2. Favorite Article

I read this article on Finding Joy. I just need it this week. Read it. Maybe you do too.

 

3. Favorite Picture




Yeah, just hanging out eating blueberries in the middle of the kitchen floor. Love her.

 

4. Favorite Meal

I should have taken a picture. But imagine if you can: frozen waffle, scoop of plain Chobani, sliced apples, sprinkled cinnamon. Yum!

 

5. Favorite Moment

Lately, we have been trying to be diligent about having a family bible study 1-2 nights a week. Nothing makes me prouder than hearing those sweet voices recite 1 Peter 3:8. But beyond that, Noah's apology now includes, I wasn't loving as brothers. I love his tender heart.

Oh and that moment that taxes are done? Yeah love that moment too! Haha!!

 

Friday Faves: Valentine's Day Edition <3

 

Happy Valentine's Day, friends! I hope you all were spoiled by your loves :)

1. Favorite Workout

I'm going to have to say yesterday's run. Not because it was a great run by any means, but because it was outside. I needed the sunshine. A glorious 2 miles with my littlest girl.

I also want to try this full body workout by Be Mom Strong:

2. Favorite Article

As a new Costco member, I found this article about real deals on real food. I mean, I did some price checking on some of the items we buy often and on our very favorite pasta sauce (that we use for pasta, lasagna, pizza, anything with a red sauce) and based on the rate we use a jar, we would make our money back for the year from the savings on the sauce alone. I was excited to find more things that we use that will be cheaper!

3. Favorite Picture

Chad came home from work (after sitting in snow traffic for over an hour) and surprised me with this delish treat (which I'm sure he waited at least 30 minutes during his lunch). He even made me latté. He spoils me.

4. Favorite Meal

I didn't actually drink this as a meal, but with a salad. But, I love my Bullet (fantastic Costco find, their set even had the extra large cup with the flip top lid). Happy V-Day to me (from hubby of course ;)

 

5. Favorite Moment

This week has been pretty low key, and well boring. The kids had today off school, so Noah was off at a friends for a sleep over- so we had a girls day (morning). I'm pretty sure Madison had the best day ever, how do I know? Oh, she only said it like 40 thousand times. And we didn't do anything earth shattering- a trip to Michael's to spend a gift card she had, wondering around Target and Marshall's until we went to pick up. Noah. But I think she was happy to see him back with us, but she would never admit it.

*****

What are you favorites from this week?

What do you have planned for the weekend? More basketball for us!

 

Friday Favorites: week 6

 

I've been feeling pretty blah about the week. The weather has gotten the best of me, I've been slacking on my workouts, and it's just been a crazy busy week in general. I really needed this post this week :)

1. Favorite Workout

I have to say Monday's 9 miles. Even though I dodged snow and ice for a lot of the way, it was a good strong run. I'm very happy with it! And I am looking forward to my 10 mile run on Monday.

2. Favorite Article

Did you see the article about the Pittsburgh Steeler who just completed his first marathon? Since retiring in 2011, Alan Faneca dropped over 100 pounds and ran his first marathon and under 4 hours! Such a neat story! Plus, it's about a Steeler, which we know is always a plus at our house :)

 

3. Favorite Picture

A neat little heart in my fantastical hubby made latte.

 

4. Favorite Meal

A cookie counts right? I think every night this week we ate quick on the run, poor Chad probably ate more fast food than anyone should. Hopefully we can get back on our schedule next week. Or at least eat dinner all together as a family.

5. Favorite Moment

That moment when I called Chad defeated. The last straw was the crock pot wasn't cooking the chicken. And without taking even taking a breath, he said, "I'll pick up Chipotle, don't worry honey". Despite everything, I smiled. Love that man <3

 

Friday Favorites: week 5

 

I'm late on this weeks Friday Favorites. Sorry! I've just now (ok, maybe an hour ago...) sat down for the first time since about yesterday at noon. I'll give you my excuses later :)

1. Favorite Workout

Thursday night, after I got Noah and Lydia in bed and Chad and Madison were still at her practice, I dialed up my friend YouTube. I found a great full body workout by Be Mom Strong.

Check it out:

 

2. Favorite Article

I read a great little blog post written by Kristen over at When At Home by called Let Your Husband Love You. It's easy to forget how hard it is for our husbands to leave every morning for work, knowing we're home with the babies. It's easy to think of work being a treat because they aren't dealing with the day to day crazy. You know, a baby that won't nap, the dirty toilets, the homework, the arguing kids, dinner prep with a still whiny baby... But I think any husband would agree, they'd much rather be home with you and the littles than heading off to work all day and often times bring more work home. While I know not all husbands have to work Saturday's, mine does. And I know, it breaks his heart leaving for work knowing we are heading to one or more basketball games. Thank your husband today.

 

3. Favorite Picture

I took this Thursday night at Noah's practice. Lydia helping Madison with her homework :)

 

4. Favorite Meal

Tuesday night, I fixed chicken philly subs and cheesy potato chips. We used day old Jimmy Johns subs. Not only was it so yummy, but the kids gobbled it up and asked for it in their lunch on Wednesday. Mom win of the week.

 

5. Favorite Moment

Thursday, at 2 days shy of 17 months old, Lydia poo-pooed on the pot! Clearly, we have a long way (and probably a long, long, long way with her stubborn hiney!) to go, but that first time is memorable, right?!

 

Friday Favorites: week 4

 

I'm feeling pretty bad that I haven't checked in too much this week. But the week kinda escaped from me. And I was tired.

1. Favorite Workout

The 3 miles I ran on the beach for megsmiles. I ran hard, the sun overhead, windy ocean inches away, sand underfoot.

Truth time: this run, and then the 7 miles I ran Monday is all I have exercised this week. Yeah, workout fail for this mama.

Returning to our regularly scheduled challenge Sunday. I can't ruin the streak now can I?!

2. Favorite Article

This article about digital photo storage and organization was a great one this week. My favorite word: DELETE! The designated print folder in each months folder is great too. I've bookmarked this and need to get my photos organized. ASAP. And I think Sara's ideas are brilliant.

3. Favorite Picture

I had a lot of pictures I could have chosen from our weekend adventure. But this one just warms my heart.

 

4. Favorite Meal

Again, I could have picked our free lunch at the hotel restaurant. I mean what's better than free lunch?

Or vaca date night. And it was good (and great alone time with hubby), the salmon was good, but mine is just as good.

I think for this week, Wednesday nights dinner of classic spaghetti and garlic bread. The homemade garlic bread was a hit.

 

5. Favorite Moment

I hate to sound like a broken record, but again (I know AGAIN), I could have picked a whole slew of moments from the beach.

But last night, after getting home from Noah's basketball practice and getting Lydia and Noah in tub and then in bed, I had 30 minutes of pure quiet before Chad and Madison got back from her practice. What did I do with these moments? NOTHING! Shhhhh, don't tell my hubby :)

*****

What are your favorites for the week?

 

Friday Favorites: week 3

 

It's been a seemingly busy week, yet when I look back I can't think of what we actually did. I do know there was a lot of coffee consumed.

1. Favorite Workout

I have to say it was my first training run for my next half marathon. 10k in 59:10. I originally planned 6, but decided to go the extra .2 to see if I could run it in under an hour. I've been chasing a sub-60 10k since my first 10k back in August, and check it- I ran it in a training run like it was no big thang.

2. Favorite Article

Why Runner's Need to Strength Train. I think the items listed are things we all know, but need to be reminded of from time to time.

3. Favorite Picture

I'm digging the closet this week. It makes me happy every time!

4. Favorite Meal

Wednesday night's dinner. I threw together "healthy" grilled cheese (no butter, olive oil spray in the skillet). I loaded mine up- avocado mashed up and slathered on like mayo, a slice of turkey, red pepper, spinach, and bacon. Does "healthy" go entirely out the window at them mention if bacon? It was so yummy!

5. Favorite Moment

Thursday morning. Waking up to the realization that I'm going to beach tomorrow helped me get through yesterday and today with smiles :)

Now I get all that last minute stuff ready so we can get out the door on time! And keep the kiddos quiet so Chad can get some sleep.

*****

What are your 5 favorites for the week?

 

Five Friday Faves: week 2

 

1. Favorite Workout

The mamas over at Be Mom Strong have outdone themselves again. This workout is 22 minutes of pure hurt. For real. They call it a 4x4 workout: 4 circuits with 4 exercises repeated. Chad actually said, "that was really intense!" After the workout, I did my 70 squats, 50 crunches and 60 second plank, my legs were pretty much jelly. I don't regret it one bit!

I was looking through their YouTube channel for a workout, and just arbitrarily picked this one. And then, they posted about it this morning? Say what?! Great minds think alike :)

Check it out:

 

2. Favorite article

This week, I have been doing a little blog research on how to do things better around here. Ironically, a post came through the BlogHer network called Blogger Beware: You CAN Get Sued For Using Photos You Don't Own On Your Blog. The author goes through her personal experience with using a photographers photo in a post. Her experience was very eye opening for me, a blogger who is just starting out. She also lists free open source resources to use. Thank you!

3. Favorite picture

4. Favorite meal

I have to say, it felt good to cook again. The menu this week was full of yumminess. But my simple Apple Pie Oatmeal breakfast from Tuesday was the best this week.

 

5. Favorite moment

While we certainly missed Madison while she was gone on Tuesday afternoon, I did enjoy the quiet time with Noah (and Lydia) making cinnamon rolls. He's getting more and more interested in helping out when I cook (especially when it comes to controlling the mixer). I need to swallow the "I know it's just going to make a big mess" lump more often and just let him. He was proud :)

*****

Tell me your favorites for this week!

 

Five Friday Faves: week 1

 

New for 2014!

In a effort to reflect on the positives of my week, each Friday, I will bring you 5 favorite things of the week in the following categories:

1. Favorite workout either I did or saw and can't wait to try out

2. Favorite article

3. Favorite picture

4. Favorite meal

5. Favorite moment

*****

Week 1

1. Favorite workout

This week, I saw a stability ball ab workout over at Be Mom Strong. I couldn't wait to out my new stability ball too good use! Tried it. Loved it.

Check it out:

2. Favorite article

I loved reading all my favorite bloggers recaps of 2013. But my favorite article was peaceful parenting: What Should a 4 Year Old Know. It's an older article (2011), but I ran across it for the first time this week. I was reminded of what's important in my parenting journey. Make sure you hop on over and read it.

 

3. Favorite picture

An oldie, but a goodie. I found this picture of Chad and me while browsing around old pictures looking for something for my new blog header. This was taken in Chicago when he took me for our 5th anniversary. Love him.

 

4. Favorite meal

It's true what they say: it always tastes better when someone else cooks it.

Tuesday, my mom treated us to a mall food court lunch- my pick: Chipotle. And then Wednesday was the leftovers. Yum!




5. Favorite moment


Easy. All my kids curled up with their daddy for bedtime stories before bed.

*****

What are your favorites for the week?










photo credit: f∞lish kamina via photopin cc