Thursday, May 30, 2013

Summer harvest from our garden.

I just had to share this awesome load of green beans that the girls and I just picked.  This is the 2nd harvest we've had this season for beans and I think we've brought in about 3lbs over all. We have also had 1 red tomato which went nicely with all the chard that is lingering from the fall planing.
Right now my garden looks fantastic, ok it actually looks wild and overgrown (a little scary for this early in the season).  I have dozens of green tomatoes, peppers, baby eggplants and squash that are coming a long  very nicely.  With any luck we'll have a few more rainy days around here and I'll some how figure out how to scare the bugs and mold long enough to let the crops ripen.  I have tended a garden in Central Texas for 7 years now and every year I am shocked when my tomatoes crack and my squash whiter on the vine.  You'd think by now I'd give up and realize that the summers are too blazing hot and humid to grow anything but no, every March I'm at the garden center loading up on new vegi's with hopes of a fruitful season.  This year is off to a good start and with the little but slower of a warm up that we've been having this season maybe we'll stand a chance.  I'll let you know.

Coffee as post workout refuel????

I have had an iced coffee crush lately.  I'm usually a 1-2 cuppa morning girl, but lately I've been adding an early afternoon iced dandy and I'm addicted.  This week after my workouts I've been downing a large iced coffee with extra milk.  Does that count as post work out fuel?  Probably not, since the caffeine is a diuretic and therefore not very healthy following a sweaty, dehydrating workout.  Urgh!

What do you think about my post workout meal?  Do you love coffee too?


Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Lions, tigers and SNAKES...oh my!

This morning I ran a quick 4 miles on my normal trail and on my way back there was a traffic jam of runners/walkers stopped dead in their tracks.  I initally was worried until I noticed that they were all staring at a slithering snake making its way across the trail.  I saw the 5 ft long demon and decided that he was headed on his way out so I just kept moving right on past him.  Let me just tell you, I felt the daggers on my back as I zoomed by......geez people, it was just a snake.
Don't get me wrong, I don't really like snakes.  I'm not to keen on running into them ever but I didn't see a reason to jam up the whole trail especially when it was obvious that the python wanna-be was headed into the grass, not up someones leg!  Shoot he was probably just out for his morning workout too.


This is now the 2nd time this month that I've run across a scaly buggers and it's a reminder that summer has arrived in Texas!  {I also had a tarantula in my garage a week ago that was another unpleasant reminder.  Have I mentioned that I HATE summer in Central Texas!}

Has anyone else run across some unusual animal while running? I've galloped right along with deers and had a squirrel tag along with me today but I think snakes may be my most unusual running companions.

Monday, May 27, 2013

Yoga Monday:Staff Pose

Staff Pose (Dandasana):
This pose seems fitting on this Memorial Day.  It's a great pose for improving posture.

source: http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/2480

Remember to sit tall through the crown of the head to achieve the best benefits. To learn more about this pose visit Yoga Journal.

Saturday, May 25, 2013

PSA : Go for a bra fitting...today!

This seems so silly but for decades I have been wearing bras that I thought fit.  Recently, since getting implants, I decided that my boobs were not happy in any bra that I bought.  So I decided to head over to Victoria's Secret and have someone actually fit me for a bra.  We do it with swim suits, jeans, dresses, shoes, ect but it seems like bras are a little too intimate to try on (or so I thought).  Well it didn't take too long for the bra fitting lady to whip out a bra that made my ladies look great and comfortable.  And I learned a thing or two.  I learned that the reason  my bras were gaping at the arm pit was because the cup was too small and I learned that I needed to stick with a smaller band size.  I've always assumed that I needed to wear a 32 since I wear an XS in most things, but the problem is that a 32 is not easy to find (especially on the clearance rack at Target!) so I'd compromise with a 34 in a smaller cup size.  Bad idea!  Turns out my actual measurements are for a 30dd.  As you can imagine, this size is not easy to find but a 32d is acceptable (a 34c however is not, as I had previously thought).  I've also found that there are several European retailers that sell the smaller band sizes like (www.figleaves.com which has a great outlet section) and I'm giving them a try.
Point of the story: if you haven't had a bra fit recently GO & DO IT.  It may just change your profile and definately your comfort factor.  I know Vicotri'as Secret  & Soma Intimates  have trained staff that do fittings and propbably several other places too.

Have a fun weekend.

Friday, May 24, 2013

Friday Favorites : EpiCor Immune Support Review




A little while back Jessica at My Time as Mom set me up with a challenge to improve my immune system by taking 1 tiny pill a day.  As someone who likes a challenge and likes to be healthy this was a "win-win" for me.  What intrigued me most about EpiCor was its ingredients.  This product is made of natural nutrients that help your immune defenses and the environment of your gut.  This is an area that is extremely important to me.  I honestly believe that since our gut is essentially the center of our being, when it's happy our whole body is happy.  Also, the really cool thing about this product is that it starts with yeast.  I love that something so simple can be so powerful.


So how did it work for me?
I have been taking 1 EpiCor tab daily for 3 weeks now and I feel good.  To be honest though, I can't say I notice anything extreme one way or the other.  This doesn't mean that the EpiCor is not working, just means that I've been healthy.  Here's what I do know.  My husband had a nasty stomach virus and some type of indigestion/GI discomfort about a week ago and I never felt a thing.  My neighbors have been fighting off various virus' this month and again, nothing here.  While I can't say for sure that the EpiCor is what's keeping me healthy I do know it's not hurting.  Overall I have felt a little extra peppy and strong lately and my GI health has been very "regular"...ahem!

I will continue taking EpiCor for the next few months at least because I know that the change in season's and the travel that I have coming up usually yield some sluggish and unhealthy time for me.  Hopefully the EpiCor will be the little extra bump I need to feel great.  I think I'm going to try some of the supplements for children too with my girls.

If you'd like to give EpiCor Immune a try you can order it here.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Tornadoes and winners

I hope you all are safe and sound today after the tornadoes in Oklahoma.  Sounds like my neck of the woods might be getting some stormy-ness this evening but nothing like what has been happening in the Oklahoma City area.  Tornadoes absolutely scare me.  I grew up in Northern Colorado where there are tornadoes from time to time.  I can remember having tornado drills under the desks at school when I was young.  I even remember seeing a funnel cloud near my home one summer afternoon as my mom and I fled for a safer area (thankfully, that funnel cloud never materialized or caused any damage).  So if you are in Oklahoma today I hope you are well and I hope the weather shapes up for everyone.

On a happier note.  We have a winner for the NUUN hydration giveaway.

Congratulations to  Ramona who is following @runningshsoes. (I'll be emailing you shortly)

Thanks to all of you who entered and even if you didn't win I highly reccomened you go and pick up a tube or two  of NUUN. I'm seeing it everywhere these days,  even the grocery store is carrying a few flavors.

Monday, May 20, 2013

Yoga Monday : Camel Pose

Camel Pose, Ustrasana
Camel Pose

Camel Pose (Ustrasana)
This pose is really great for opening your chest and stimulate the nervous system.  Giving you greater flexability in your neck and spine and can help with abdominal organ discomfort.
For more information on this pose and practice visit Bikram Yoga here

Don't forget to enter the NUUN giveaway that's ending today


Sunday, May 19, 2013

Sweaty Sunday!

Here in Central Texas it looks like summer has arrived.  It's been in the low 90's the past few days and the humidity has been equally as high.  I have a serious issue with humidity.  Even though we've lived here for 8 years I cannot get used to the constant sweating.  I also have a very difficult time exercising in the humidity and heat without feeling like I'm just going to keel over.  So for me, summer is very bittersweet.  The next couple months for will mean more time indoors and less time running. But before I completely succumb to the ways of the heat let me tell you about this mornings run.
I had intentions this morning of running a nice 7 miles, bright and early to kick off my Sunday. So at 6:15 am I laced up and headed out the  door.  There was a breeze so the headwinds kept the sweat off me for the first half of the run and I enjoyed the scenery and the voyeuristic deers that were watching me.  By the time I turned around for home the humidity hit me like a wall.  The 2nd half of the run has a lot of up hill climbs so I always expect it to be tough, but this morning I thought I was going to puke by the time I got to the crest of the last hill.  In an effort to leave the house quietly this morning I elected not to grab my water bottle/belt and figured it would be OK since the run was relatively short.  As usual, I was stupid for thinking this.  Around mile 5 I started swelling up and all I could think about was salt and a cold shower!  I just wanted a pretzel or even a pickle & some really cold water....yep sounds like the start of dehydration.  I ended up cutting the run a little short and when I got home I ran straight to the shower while hubby cut me up a grapefruit.  A couple minutes later and I was starting to feel reconstituted but it was foolish of me to get to that point.  So remember boys and girls, don't leave home without some water!
On a happier note; as I stepped into my cool shower this morning my husband commented on how "rock hard" my abs were looking.  A very flattering comment especially since he usually focuses on the "T&A" areas of my figure instead of the areas that I spend a lot of time working on.  So with that thought, maybe a lot of sweating on a humid, hot day is worth it!

Happy running & don't forget to enter for a chance to win some NUUN here.


Friday, May 17, 2013

Friday Favorites : GoBites **25% off promo included**

GoBites
Last week I received my first order from GoBites.  Let me just tell you it was FABuLOUS!
I picked out several of my favorite nut and dried fruit combos from their menu and they shipped me a box full of single serve snacks that I can toss in my car, gym bag, lunch box ect.  I was so excited when I ran across this company because I kept finding myself after a long run, too far from home and too short on time to whip up a fulfilling recovery snack.  Now I just keep several of these bad boys in my car so when the mood strikes me to hit the trail, I know I'll have something to help fuel me.  Beyond that, these make great snacks for my kiddos lunch boxes.
Menu Item 1
Silk Road
Also, how cool is it to get to choose your own flavor combos.  With options like:
Menu Item 1
Das Gutt
Das Gutt (pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate chips, mango, raisins, sunflower seeds, cashews, almonds) 
Chocolate Monkey(raw cashews, cavendish bananas a& rich dark chocolate chips) 
The Silk Road(goji berries, mulberries, golden raisins, cacao nibs, cashews & pistachios)
how could you not love what you order?
But surprisingly, I went crazy for a last minute selection called Celyon Spice Mix.  After a 10 mile run, this mix hit the spot.  It's salty and high in protein plus it's really yummy!
Menu Item 1
Ceylon Spice Mix
So now that your mouth is watering here's the best news.  Sign up for your first order using the promo code RUNBUG and you'll get 25% your first shipment!  Do it today you'll love it, I promise!


PS - Don't forget about the NUUN Giveaway here

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

NUUN Flavor Review and GIVEAWAY

You might remember me giving my love and admiration for NUUN drink enhancers a few weeks back in this post where I griped that I hadn't yet found a flavor that I thought was delicious yet.  Well, the awesome folks at NUUN graciously sent me 2 new YUMMY flavors to try and let me just tell you that I am smitten!  Yes, I've mentioned before that I love the idea of water enhancement tablets for workouts, hot days and general well being but now I love the way they taste too.  I am generally a water or coffee gal (oh and wine).  I don't do sodas of any kind, drink grapefruit juice before a long run (for the potassium) and will occasionally spruce up a lemonade with some carbonated water and basil.  So flavored drinks are unusual for my palate.  That said, I have found that the gentle taste of NUUN's All Day Grapefruit Orange to be delicious!  This flavor has a nice zip to it and includes vitamins and minerals really upping the value of water! I even give this to my kiddos to slurp down when they are asking for juice.
I also really enjoyed their Active Hydration Watermelon flavor.  This is the flavor I use during long sweaty workouts.  It tastes yummy and replaces some of the nutrients and electrolytes lost when I sweat.  The taste is mild and not sticky sweet so it  doesn't make my stomach to flip flops like so many sports drinks do.  It is also super convenient.  I keep a tube in my gym bag and one in my car  so I can  just plop a tab into my water bottle & presto!  I have to admit that the tubes that these tabs come in are brilliant.  I had a water bottle in my gym bag that leaked a bit and thank goodness, the NUUN tubes kept all my precious tablets dry and happy!  They are also easy to open, unlike the single serve bags of powdered Powerade that I tried to use but could never actually open without a pair of scissors (which I do NOT carry in my gym bag!).  OK you get the picture....NUUN is pretty perfect.

"You Sweat - Nuun Active Hydration Replenishes"



check out that nicely chipped nail polish
I think I'll be buying up a few cases of these flavors and I'm also going to try Grape and Tangerine-Lime.
Do you want to try a new NUUN flavor for yourself?  Well the great people at NUUN are giving away 2 tubes to one Running Shoes and Bugaboos reader.  Be sure to enter below for your chance to add some love to your water and make summer extra sweet.




a Rafflecopter giveaway

Some Exciting News

Things have been a little wild here lately but I have some new and exciting news.  I have decided to take on a part time job as a gymnastics coach!
It's been a few years since I've done any gymnastics myself, but once a gymnast always a gymnast.  It's not unusual to see me cartwheeling or standing on my hands in our house and  I have been teaching the girls cartwheels, summersaults and trampoline antics for years.  So I've decided it was time to branch out and help some other kids and collect a small paycheck. I haven't had a boss or a time clock in 3 years now so this all feels a little strange.  And  here's the biggest kicker I will be teaching mostly boys classes (don't forget I only have daughters!).  We'll see how it  goes.  If you have any tips for keeping a group of boys entertained please share!

Anything new, wild or fun with you?

Monday, May 13, 2013

Yoga Monday : Flow sequence for the splits

I'm taking a little different direction this morning.  Since I've just recently been hired to coach children's gymnastics I've been trying to get myself in gymnastics order.  So today, I am sharing a flow sequence for adding flexibility to accomplish your left, right and center splits.  Have fun!
From  Fitness love affair

You'll notice some previous yoga monday favorites; lunge, triangle, pigeon

Namste

Friday, May 10, 2013

Another Friday Favorite: Moxie Jean

This is totally sporadic but I just found this awesome website www.MoxieJean.com where you can buy gently used, nice looking children's clothes at a discount.  The website is gorgeous and easy to use and there are definately some bargains to be had. I just bought a whole new set of clothes for the girls that I can't wait to see them in. Here I am again, talking about clothes!  But GO CHECK THIS PLACE OUT!  If you use this link http://buzzwat.ch/court590 you can get $10 your first order of $20 or more (you can't beat that deal).  Happy shopping.

Friday Favorites : Glass Dharma

Last week I was fortunate enough to win an awesome gift from the food blog Katies' Cucina (a seriously awesome blog you should check out), a $25 gift certificate to Glass Dharma.
Let me tell you, Glass Dharma creates the most beautiful glass straws I've ever seen.  They are crystal clear, sturdy and just plain fun!  You might be wondering why you need glass straws and I have 2 answers.  Number 1, plastic straws are wasteful.  They are clogging up out trash cans and use a lot of energy and resources to produce.  Number 2, they make any drink special!   Okay, that may not be a legitimate reason for everyone but for me I love to find little ways to make my ordinary day seem special.  Since I really only drink water and coffee (ok, wine too) making a visually appealing drink sure adds some punch to an otherwise bland glass of water or joe!  I also have to admit that I have been known to drink my iced coffee in an oversized fluted glass, my water with basil in a martini glass and my morning coffee in a frilly Royal Albert fine china tea set!  Yes, it's a little over the top I know, but you get the idea.
Glass Dharma's straws, especially the ones with the decorative dots, can quickly and easily turn any drink into an occasion and they are environmentally conscience.  Go check them out today and grab a set.
My recent glass of iced coffee with a decorative Dharma Straw.  Yummy!

Monday, May 6, 2013

Are you ready for summer?

The temps here in Texas are rising and I've officially swapped out our winter wardrobes for our summer ones.  I have to admit that while my girls have way too many clothes their wardrobes are looking a little tired.  So when I heard that one of my favorite retailers, The TEA Collection, was offering 20% off all their shorts I had to take a looks (Use code HEATWAVE for 20% off all shorts at Tea Collection valid 5/7-5/9!).  Don't you love the darling nautical prints....almost makes me want to have a little boy.

What's your favorite summer outfit for your kids?

Yoga Monday : Rabbit Pose

Rabbit Pose (Sasangasana)

Here's another fun one for the kiddos. I'm a little late, it would've been better at Easter time but it's still super fun and is a nice way to introduce inversion to kids.  For more info and a great video on this pose visit namaste kid.

from www.namastekid.com


Namaste

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Mother's Day Ideas

Mother's Day is only a week away!  Does your family do anything special?  For me, I started out asking for a pretty, vintage tea cup and saucer set  but that seemed to be asking a little too much.  So then I mentioned a nice pair of gardening gloves.  I didn't seem to get too much attention with this idea either.  Now I've settled on brunch at my favorite brewery!
BUT, if there was truly a gift that I would LOVE to have for Mother's Day it would be a pair of running kicks from Brooks Running.  How about you?

Friday, May 3, 2013

Friday Favorites : Justin's Nut Butters



We have an addiction at my house.  Justin's Nut Butters.  They are pretty awesome.  My husband fell in  love with the Honey Peanut Butter about a year ago after I bought a jar on a whim and we've been loving it ever since.  I have to admit that the cost is prohibitive and some days it's hard to pay nearly twice as much for a jar of PB but my husband is like a kid at Christmas when he sees a new jar in the pantry!  We've also really fallen for the Peanut Butter Cups.  Personally, I don't care for candy much but these come in dark chocolate and I feel like they are a little healthier so I don't mind stocking up on them for the family!
Seriously, go try some of this nutty gold goodness.  I think I'll try the hazelnut chocolate next....how yummy would this be dolloped on a big o' bowl of oatmeal?

I also love the story behind this company;  An avid athlete turns peanut butter mogul after whizzing up nuts in his blender, much to his roommates annoyance!  I love it.

This review is of my own opinion and I received no compensation of product of otherwise for these opinions.

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Reebok does it again.....

A couple weeks back I wrote about Reebok's re-release of the Shaq Attaq, which btw sold out instantly, and now I see that they are continuing on their retro quest.  I honestly feel like I'm looking into my high school boyfriends closet again.  Anyone else looking to relive the 90's or just Reebok?

Here's what Reebok has to say:
DMX Run 10
Reebok's Retro DMX RUN 10 

Ready for a retro rewind? Reebok has recently launched two classic designs that will have you reminiscing about your favorite kicks from the '80s and '90s. The DMX Run 10 was created by Reebok back in '97 and defied what comfort could mean. With DMX moving air technology, this shoe is back and ready to defy expectations once again. 


The Pump Twilight Zone is another blast from the past, and only available at Reebok.com! These shoes were made famous by the "Human Highlight Reel" Dominique Wilkins as well as many other superstars of the the late '80s and early '90s. Its pump technology adjusts the air chamber to fit your foot and has a high-abrasion outsole of traction and durability. These shoes will be available at 8am on Friday, May 3rd so don't miss out!
Twilight Zone Pump
Reeboks Retro Pump Twilight Zone

Just thought I'd share.  Have fun and maybe give your wardrobe a throwback!??!

Suburban Homesteading : A perfect loaf of bread

Thought I'd share a little bit about myself.  I am known to be a bit of a contradiction; a conservative hippie!  I honestly believe "you are what you eat" and for me that encompasses what you put in and on your body.  I also like to do things myself to help cut down on costs and waste and because I like the sense of accomplishment.  Since I have this sort of pioneer spirit I think of myself as a suburban homesteader and I thought I'd share some of my favorite recipes and ideas.

Today I want to share with you the absolutely best recipe for loaf bread.  I spent months combing cookbooks and websites for a good, consistent and easy recipe and finally landed on this one.  I have been making the recipe for over a year now so I know it's a keeper.  The recipe make 2-1 1/2 lb loaves (I highly reccommend the Williams Sonoma Goldtoouch loaf pan) or 3-1 lb loaves.  For us, this means I whip up a batch every 10 days or so.  We eat one fresh and the other one is frozen until we need it.


My Favorite Bread
Bakers Notes: If you are using whole wheat flour (which I would suggest sneaking in some “whole-wheat-white” flour at the very least) your dough will require a little less flour since the wheat holds moisture better.  I also find that the amount of flour I add in the 2nd addition varies greatly depending upon the humidity in the air but this recipe seems to be forgiving so even if he dough seems particularly wet or you feel like you’ve used way too much flour the loaves will probably still turn out fine! This process isn't really difficult but it does take a lot of "hands off" time.  Start to finish is about 2 1/2 hours. Good luck and enjoy! 
Sponge Ingredients
3 cups warm water(100-110 degrees)
1 Tablespoons yeast
1/4 cup honey or sugar
4 cups flour (I use either white or whole wheat for this addition)
1/4 cup ground flax seeds or ground wheat bran/germ (optional)

Combine the above ingredients in a large mixing bowl.  Stir to thoroughly mix all ingredients.  Cover and set aside for 20 to 30 minutes.  This mixture, called a sponge, will rise and become bubbly.
Add to sponge
1/4 cup cooking oil (I like olive oil or grapeseed oil for this but any would do)
1 Tablespoon salt (this is not a typo, it really is 1 TBS)
3-4 Cups additional flour (either wheat or white again)

Stir the oil and salt into the sponge.  Begin adding flour, 1 cup at a time, until dough forms a ball and pulls cleanly away from the side of the mixing bowl.  This amount can vary from baking to baking, but is usually 3 to 4 cups(tip: the less flour you can add the better so a little bit of “stickiness” is ok).
Knead
Turn dough out onto a clean, lightly greased table and knead until very smooth and elastic; about 10 minutes. (I use my KithcenAid mixer for this and it works great, usually takes 5-7 mins).  If necessary a bit more flour to prevent sticking.  Add as little additional flour as possible. 
Rise
Lightly grease top of dough and cover with a clean towel (I usually leave my dough uncovered in the microwave so sticking is not a worry).  Let rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes; until double.  Punch down risen dough and knead lightly.
Form loaves & Rise again
Divide dough into 2-3 equal portions.  Place loaves in greased 9 x 5 inch loaf pans.  Make 3 light slits in the tip of each loaf with a knife.  If you like, spray loaves with cooking spray to prevent sticking & cover with plastic wrap( I normally leave my loaves un-covered in the microwave so there is no worry of sticking). Allow to rise until bread dough is doubled, 30 mins.
Bake
Bake bread in a preheated 375-degree oven for approximately 35 minutes.  Bread is nicely browned when done.  Remove finished bread from oven and immediately turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.