Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Vlog: Louisiana Plantation Home & Houma Relay

Today, I am sharing a vlog I made of last weekend’s visit to an area plantation home, Shadows on the Teche (and discovered a few secrets along the way)! My visit also included a stop in Houma, Louisiana for their Relay for Life event!

It was a jam packed fun-filled day to say the least!

Enjoy! :0)

Have you ever participated in a walk/relay/run for a loved one who has battled with cancer? If so, please share! I would love to hear about it!

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

The Liebster Award

I know it’s been a few weeks, but did anyone catch the Disney episode of Dancing with the Stars? I’ve never been a dancer, but I’m a huge fan of this show…and Disney night brought my love for DWTS  to an even deeper level. (insert cheesy grin here)

Meryl and Maks are my favorite this season, although I do love (and always have loved) Candace.
Any other DWTS fans out there? Who’s your favorite duo this season if so?

Recently, I was nominated by Heather and Frank for the Liebster Award! Thanks so much to both of you guys…I’m truly honored!

Here’s the Liebster Award guidelines:
  • Link back to the person who nominated you
  • Answer the 10 Liebster questions given to you
  • Pick 10 bloggers to be nominated for the award
  • Create 10 questions for your nominees
  • Go to their blogs and notify them of their nomination
From Heather:
1. If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be and why?
Any place in the world? Gosh that’s hard, I love to travel. How about “Europe”…then I could visit many places/things all at one time!

2. What is the one thing you cannot run without?
A Garmin or RunKeeper on my phone. I’ve tried it…I’m just too OCD and have to know my exact distance on each run. Overkill, I know.
3. What is your favorite theme park ride or attraction and why?
Splash Mountain in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom – I love the theming, the music, and the colorfulness of the ride…overall, I just love the Magic Kingdom! :0)

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4. What one book could you read over and over again?
Pride and Prejudice….and I have. Along with P&P variations. Love love love it.

5. What is the one "dream" race you hope to run one day and why?
Let’s face it – I wish I was fast enough for Boston. If that never happens, then a marathon in Hawaii would be incredible!
 
6. Name something non-running related on your bucket list and tell my why it's there!
Zip lining across a tropical forest on a tropical island! Easy enough? Yes…and I WILL do it one day! I’m thinking maybe our next Caribbean cruise…whenever that may be! 

7. If you could have a role in any movie, what movie would it be and why?
A movie from the Victorian era….cause I LOVE the dress/costuming from that time! Now that I think about it, I couldn’t imagine wearing all of that “fluff”, living in the south, without AC, and during the summer. Even so, it’s still fun to pretend! :0)

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8. What sport or recreational activity have you always wanted to try, but haven't?
None – I’ve participated in every sports activity I’ve wanted to! 

warriors softball

9. What is one of the goals that you recently accomplished and what is its significance?
The last “big” goal I accomplished was Goofy’s Challenge in 2013. Also running my 5th Full Marathon this past February. I do have several upcoming goals – both in my professional career and “just for fun”, so we shall see where that leads!
 
Rock N Roll New Orleans Marathon 33

10. What has been the best race you've run in terms of fun, course design, crowds, bling, and overall experience?

Definitely the Disney World Marathon – hands down one of the best days of my life!
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From Frank:


1. What is your funniest running story?
This made me giggle – but it’s kinda gross at the same time. Stop reading this one if you don’t want to be grossed out.
 
So in high school, I ran cross country. In listening to my coach, she told us to drink about a liter of water throughout the day before a race. I did that for several meets and it worked well for me. It just so happened that I had a meet on a Saturday morning – and my ding dong brain didn’t think ahead of time. Instead of drinking the water throughout the evening before the race, I woke up the morning OF and drank an ENTIRE liter of water before the race. HOLY COW. Needless to say, I ran very well – but as soon as I crossed the finish line and came to a stop, all of that water came right back up….nearly missing the shoes of the girl ahead of me in the chute. I look back on it and laugh now…but I was thoroughly grossed out at the time…and I feel bad for that poor girl.


2. If you could run with anyone living or dead, who would it be?
Walt Disney! I wonder what he thinks of the whole runDisney phenomenon?!
 
3. What is your top bucket list race?
Hawaii
 
4. What is your favorite TV show?
How about shows? Once Upon A Time, Dancing with the Stars, Grey’s Anatomy, Downton Abbey, Glee, When Calls the Heart, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Making the Team…

5. What is your favorite movie?
A League of Their Own

A League of Their Own Costume


6. If you had a monthly column in Runner's World, what would it be called?
Oh gosh this is hard. How about Karen Rambles

7. If you ran the Avengers Super-Heroes Half Marathon, who would you dress as?
Can I be Captain America?! :D

8. If there was a Star Wars marathon, who would you dress as?
This is sad…and I hate to admit it. I’ve only seen the very first Star Wars – as in Episode 1. Am I even American?!
 
9. What piece of running gear do you totally refuse to buy?
Refuse? I can’t think of anything!
 
10. What do you think of The Fat Runner Blog? (Trick question, we all know how much you love it here!)
I love it, duh!

Here’s questions for YOU:

1.) What’s your dream job?
2.) What’s your favorite type of workout and why?
3.) Name one random thing about you.
4.) Is the glass half empty or half full?
5.) Favorite travel destination?
6.) If you could be a Disney character, which one would you be and why?
7.) Who is your biggest inspiration?
8.) What is your favorite relaxing activity?
9.) Name one goal you would like to accomplish in life.
10.) Favorite quote.

Whew – that was longer than I thought it would be!  Choose one of the above questions and answer it in a comment below – I’d love to hear from you!

Monday, April 28, 2014

A Patio In Progress

Y’all. This patio business is NO joke, especially when you aren’t sure what you are doing.Yesterday, I was so frustrated with the leveling process, I threw in the towel and called it quits. I even took a shower as I decided I was done for the day. You might have seen my facebook post requesting references for people in the area who could come in and finish the job!

After cooling off, rethinking my approach, and talking with my parents, I decided to give it another go. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a challenge but I’m the type of person who wants it finished now. After realizing that the patio isn’t going to be perfect in the end (not even if I hired someone), I felt much better and was able to finish another row of stone.

In all, we are almost halfway finished. If it takes a bit longer, oh well who cares – we will continue to work on it day by day until it’s complete! I know I will come to enjoy this space so much more because it’s mine and will have been completed by my own hands!

As far as a workout goes, my entire body is sore. I didn’t run on Saturday but we did spend about 8 hours straight outside (only stopping for water) and several hours on Sunday afternoon. Hauling heavy brick and 40 pound bags of sand around is no joke. I’m pooped!

Here’s a sneak peek:

Patio DIY

Jason and I joked that if we can do this, we can do anything! Change out the tile floor in the utility room? I got that. Change out the carpet in our bedroom? I got that. There’s a youtube how-to video on all of the above, easy breezy!

Yeah right. I’m calling in the professionals next time!!

Have you ever started a project that was bigger than you first realized?

Friday, April 25, 2014

Fitness Friday–4/25

FitnessFriday

SaturdaySix mile run with Heather (complete with an Easter Egg Hunt!)
Sunday – Rest Day/Easter Sunday 
Monday –  4.26 mile run for Boston 
Tuesday –  10 pushups, 10 sit-ups, 10 squats (5 rounds); short sprints
Wednesday – Rest Day 
Thursday – 20 lunges, 10 pushups (5 rounds) 
Friday – Building a patio – lots of physical labor

For Boston

Hi friends! It’s Friday again!

This weekend, Jason and I are going to build a patio we’ve been scheming up for about a year - it’s an extension to our deck and I can’t wait to see the finished product. Our project was momentarily halted last weekend because we had to call a company to come over and mark our yard for electric lines. That’s all finished now…so this weekend, it’s on!

We are also having a crawfish boil with my parents that will be a lot of fun! Can’t wait!

Weekends are fun, I just wish they lasted longer! :0)

What are your weekend plans? Hope you have a fabulous one!!

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

“The Shadows”…and Its Secrets…

Deep in the heart of Cajun Country lies a plantation home named Shadows on the Teche. Commonly known as “The Shadows”, this home is full of history and beauty.

Shadows on the Teche (3)

Built between 1831-1834, this home was once owned by a family who produced and sold sugar cane. Now, this home is owned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation – the first in the Gulf Coast!

What brought me to this home? Well…back in the late 90’s, my family and I took a vacation one summer where we toured plantation homes, visited the capitol, etc. While researching plantation homes to visit on our vacation, I discovered a brochure for a home in New Iberia and the brochure made this home sound very intriguing. When the home was being restored, trunk after trunk of home information, letters, and secrets were found in the home’s attic. I kept the idea of visiting this home tucked in the back of my mind, just incase I ever made my way through New Iberia.

Finally, I got my wish! 

(Keep reading, this is one secret you won’t want to miss!)

Shadows on the Teche (9) 

The Shadows is nestled among an array of azalea and camellia bushes, all blooming with life, color, and fragrance.

Shadows on the Teche (4)Shadows on the Teche (5)Shadows on the Teche (6)

Named “Shadows on the Teche” because of it’s proximity to Bayou Teche – the bayou is practically in the backyard!

See that muddy brown water? That’s life here in Southwest Louisiana – hence the reason I don’t often visit “the beach”.

Shadows on the Teche (7)Shadows on the Teche (2)

My favorite secret of the home is one I discovered on the tour that very day. While touring the home, we stopped in an art room – this room belonged to the final owner of the home and the last one in the family line (named Weeks). His wish was to preserve this home and keep the history alive. In the process, he invited famous icons to visit his home and place their mark on a door inside the home.

I browsed over the names and didn’t see many that I recognized, until our tour guide pointed out a name that was right at my height level. An inscription that read:

To “Weeks”
The Best Friend A House Ever Had
from
Mickey Mouse
Walt Disney

To say my heart stopped for a few seconds is an understatement. Walt Disney! THE Walt Disney…had stood in the very spot I was now standing…and in a tiny old Cajun town like New Iberia?! Shut the front door. No, really…I was awestruck.

walt_door
Source

Photos and video were not allowed inside the home – instead, I must have stared at this inscription the remainder of our time in that room. Incase it wasn’t “out there” on the internet, I wanted to remember it and truly commit it to my memory. Thankfully, I found this inscription easily and am now able to share it with you! :0)

Shadows on the Teche (8)

Following the tour, I wandered around the grounds for a little while then continued on my way. I definitely left this home on a high note and completely enjoyed my visit. If you are a Disney fan and love Disney history…or if you are a history buff at all, this is a great place to visit, I highly recommend it!

Tell me a little history about the area you live! Any fun places to visit and see?

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Current Favorite: Breakfast

I love breakfast. Breakfast foods are an absolute favorite of mine – from eggs to bacon to bagels to English muffins to waffles and pancakes…ok, you get the picture.

I like to vary up my breakfast from time to time and throw new flavors in with each new recipe attempt.

When I was given the opportunity to try Sargento Thin Slices through Influenster, I jumped at the opportunity! Did I mention I also LOVE cheese?

Sargento and Influenster (2)

I even got to choose my favorite flavors from their line of Ultra Thin sliced cheese – and only 40 calories per slice, too! Wahoo!!

Sargento and Influenster (3)

Saturday morning after my run, I returned home and made breakfast for Jason and I. A new favorite of ours consists of eggs/egg whites turkey bacon, spinach, and cheese all piled inside a whole wheat English muffin. It’s pure heaven, I tell you!

I’ll leave you with the recipe!

Egg White, Spinach, and Cheese -
Whole Wheat English Muffin

Ingredients:

1 whole wheat English muffin (brand of choice)
1 tsp EVOO
1 egg (may substitute egg whites)
1/4 cup chopped onion (I used frozen)
1 handful of baby spinach or greens of choice
1 slice of turkey bacon
1 slice of Sargento Thin Sliced cheese (flavor of your choice)
Seasoning of choice

Directions

Lightly grease a small pan. Bring to medium heat on stovetop. Add onions and brown (about 3 minutes or so); add spinach or greens and allow to wilt (about 2 minutes). Add egg or egg white mixture to onions/greens mixture. Scramble until no longer wet. Add seasoning of choice if so desired.

Cook turkey bacon according to package instructions.

Toast English muffin until lightly toasted.

Once toasted, remove English muffin from toaster, add sliced cheese, bacon, and eggs – voila!

Serve and enjoy!

Sargento and Influenster

I chose Colby Jack cheese for mine complete with a cup of coffee.

Sargento and Influenster (4)

Jason asked for Pepper-Jack cheese on his and preferred a glass of orange juice.

Both sandwiches had an awesome flavor, I wouldn’t say I liked one over the other!  At only 40 calories per slice, I knew I found a favorite!!

Disclaimer: Although I received this Sargento promotion without cost through Influenster, I’m a lover of cheese and wouldn’t tell you it had a good flavor if it actually didn’t taste good. I did not receive any additional compensation for this review.

What’s your favorite breakfast item? Have you tried anything new lately?

Monday, April 21, 2014

Easter Weekend & An Easter Egg Hunt

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a wonderful Easter weekend! To all those running Boston today, I hope you have a great time, enjoy yourselves, and soak up the moment! Safe and happy running to you all!

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Saturday morning, my running group hosted its 2nd annual “GoHunt” – a group run coupled with an Easter Egg Hunt!

Running Group Easter Egg Hunt (4)

My morning began with my usual Saturday morning cup of tea (in an Easter mug, of course). I also found my bunny ears for the run!

Running Group Easter Egg Hunt (3)

We met up at our usual location and checked out the map – there were several mileage options, but my friend Heather and I decided on six miles.

We encountered our first set of eggs at a mileage cone. My strategy was to collect a few eggs from each stop – we were allowed 8 eggs per runner.

Running Group Easter Egg Hunt (2)

Eggs were also located at water stations along the course.

Running Group Easter Egg Hunt (8)

So many to choose, how to decide?

Running Group Easter Egg Hunt

One hoppy bunny! :)

Running Group Easter Egg Hunt (5)

Back at the trailer, we gave the eggs to our running group coach who then delivered our prizes to us. Each egg had a number written on it with permanent marker – those numbers corresponded to numbers on a list. Some numbers listed zero prizes, other numbers included candy, GoRun sweatshirts, running items, GoRun “egg money” (basically a certificate off registration or a clothing item), etc.

Running Group Easter Egg Hunt (7)

I won two bags of candy and a Cadbury Egg.

Running Group Easter Egg Hunt (9)

I ate the jelly beans on my drive and all of the chocolate went into my freezer as soon as I returned home!

Running Group Easter Egg Hunt

I never stopped this app while running – so it ran while we stopped for water, checked out eggs, etc.

For a video recap of our Easter Egg Run/Hunt from 2013, check out this youtube video below.

On Easter Sunday, Jason and I attended Church, had lunch with friends, then Easter dinner with family. Overall, it was a beautiful day!

Easter Sunday (4)Easter Sunday

At the beginning of the service, our church had a cross that was set at the front of the sanctuary. Everyone was encouraged to bring flowers from home (there were also flowers given out at the doors). During the service, we each placed a flower on the cross – in the end, we had a beautiful remembrance of the sacrifice that was made many years ago.

Easter Sunday (2)Easter Sunday (3)

Beautiful.

I hope you all had a fabulous Easter weekend!

How did you spend your Easter weekend? If you’re a part of a running group, does your group host extra events such as this one? If so, tell me all about it!!

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Happy Easter 2014

These little bunnies would like to wish you and your family a very Happy Easter!

Puppy Easter BunnyPuppy Easter Bunny (2)

Remember the reason we celebrate this beautiful day – because HE lives!! I hope you all have a wonderful and blessed Easter!

Friday, April 18, 2014

Fitness Friday–4/18

Happy Good Friday! It’s a three day weekend for me – I plan on spending time on Friday and Saturday outside and getting work done around the house followed by Church and dinner with family on Sunday.

FitnessFriday

Saturday – Six mile run with Heather
Sunday – Rest Day/travel home day
Monday –  20 lunges, 10 pushups (5 rounds) 100 jumping jacks Tuesday – 3 mile run with Madalynn 
Wednesday – After work dinner/rest day 
Thursday – Accidental rest day – loooooooong day at work, came home and fell asleep on the couch
Friday – 10 pushups, 10 situps, 10 air squats (5 rounds); 3 minute jump rope

This past week was a fun week, despite long days at work (what is it about holiday weeks, seriously?).

Relay for Life with Fireworks

I had SO much fun at Relay for Life in Terrebone Parish last weekend and have so many ideas to bring back to our committee! (Their luminaria ceremony ends with FIREWORKS! What?!)  Can’t wait to share with you guys next week!

Running with a Dog

Madalynn and I took advantage of the beautiful weather on Tuesday and went for a run. It was her first run in a while but she enjoyed it! I could tell she was tiring out after the first two miles so I brought her back inside and finished the last mile on my own.

Running

Roses are in full bloom!

Roses

My Wednesday night work dinner led me to a location with a beautiful rose garden! I literally took time to “stop and smell the roses”! :0)

Tomorrow, my running group is holding their annual “GoHunt” – an Easter egg hunt and run combined!

Check out the video below for a vlog of last year’s GoHunt! We had a TON of fun!!  Guess I need to find those bunny ears!

I hope you all have a wonderful Easter weekend! Any plans?

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Easter Décor 2014

Holidays are something I absolutely love decorating for in my home. A few “favorite” holidays are Christmas (of course), Fall, Valentines Day, and Spring/Easter.

With Good Friday tomorrow and Easter on Sunday, I thought it would be fun to give you a glimpse of my home decorated for the holiday!

Easter Decorations

I purchased this wreath at Michael’s a few years back. I fell in love with the colors!

Easter Decorations 2

These bunnies are on the entry way table and great guests as the enter the front door.

Easter Decorations 3

Dining room table, complete with a bunny and chick salt/pepper shaker.

Easter Decorations 4

These guys came from Target last year.

Easter Decorations 5

The candle on the coffee table is jelly bean scented (smells delicious, by the way) and is from Kohls (the candle holder as well). The bunny was a gift from a friend a few years ago.

Easter Decorations 7

Easter Decorations 8

Love these letters over the fireplace!

Easter Decorations 12

This flower is from Hobby Lobby and stands on the side of the television.

Easter Decorations 9

Bunny Mickey is also a gift from a friend several years ago…2009, I think!

Easter Decorations 6

Aren’t these guys adorable? Someone hand crafted them and brought them to our Relay for Life silent auction last weekend. I had to have a set!

Easter Decorations 10

This Easter basket is in the living room, on the side table next to the couch. I love this as it’s a reminder of Jason’s proposal of marriage to me. :0)

Easter Decorations 11

Anniversary flowers still looking great! These are in the breakfast nook area.

Easter Decorations 13

Decorative kitchen towels – these came from Kohls last year.

Easter Decorations 14

Last but not least, I accidentally purchased this wreath last year because I forgot about the one I was already using on the front door.

Easter Decorations 15

Now I have a back door wreath, too! :0)

Are you a decorator? If so, what holidays do you decorate for?

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