Friday Five: Runner Gift Ideas

There's only 9 days until Christmas, y'all! NINE days! The excitement here is palpable and we can't wait!

Just last week, I completed my Christmas shopping and I'm wrapping the last of the items as they arrive in the mail. Today's Friday Five theme is Runner Gift Ideas! Just in case you're stumped or not quite finished shopping yet, here's a few last minute ideas for the runner in your life!

(Please note, I LOVE all of these items I'm recommending you to and have purchased several of these items as gifts for friends this holiday season or personally own these items myself. With that said, some items may contain affiliate links.)
  
 #1 Flip Belt

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I'm honestly not quite sure how I ran a full marathon (and several thereafter) without this guy! I seriously LOVE my Flip Belt! It stays in place, holds a ton of stuff, and isn't bulky beneath your clothing. Whoever invented this item is a genius and I mean that whole heatedly. My Flip Belt is with me on all of my training runs and races!

#2 Legend Compression Socks

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Y'all know I love good compression and these socks aren't any different! These Legend Compression socks and leg sleeves give just the right amount of compression without being TOO tight which fits their motto of "right not tight". I own these in several colors and wear them for either long training runs or recovery thereafter. I even wore them while running my half marathon last weekend! For the runner in your life, the gift of compression is a great one! Be on the lookout - they are currently running daily deals for Christmas. Want to receive $15 off your first pair? Click here for your unique discount code! 

#3 Oofos

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Speaking of race recovery, have you ever tried on a pair of Oofos? Y'all...these feel like walking on clouds! You know how your feet sometimes ache after running races or long distances? These sandals are the perfect soothing remedy. I love my Oofos, they are a must have after a half/full marathon or long training run! Oofos are also available in a wide variety of colors! 
#4 Gone For A Run

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I know I've mentioned Gone For A Run here in the last several posts, but seriously, they have some awesome gift ideas for the runner in your life! From cute shirts to jewelry, bib/medal hangers, and more...you can't go wrong with a gift from Gone For A Run! I mean really, how pretty is this bracelet...and you can choose which charms you want on the bracelet!

#5 Running Warehouse Gift Card

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Have you ever been completely stumped on a gift idea? Well, Running Warehouse has a wide variety of shoes, clothes, and running items that can't be beat! An online gift card would make a great gift for the runner in your life!

That's it for today's Friday Five! Thanks to these lovely ladies for hosting!

Do you have any gift ideas for runners I didn't mention above?

Operation Christmas Child

This year, my church assisted with the distribution of Operation Christmas Child boxes. I've been intrigued by OCC in the past but never participated...until this year!

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On Wednesday nights, I direct a program of girls, ranging in ages from 4 to high school and thought it would be fun if every class participated. There are five classes in all, so I asked the kids to bring items to pack five boxes total.

When I say I was blown away by their (and their parents) generosity, I couldn't believe it! We ended up with enough items to pack SEVEN boxes!

After googling for a bit of information on items to place in the boxes, when they were due, how to drop them off, etc. I came up a little short. So, now that I've been through the entire process, I decided to share it with you guys today!

For starters, Operation Christmas Child is an organization that is run through Samaritan's Purse. They accept donations of shoe boxes filled with gift items and distribute them to kids in other parts of the world who more than likely wouldn't receive a Christmas gift. 

The list of suggested items to to pack in the boxes included such things as toothbrushes, coloring books/crayons/markers, puzzles, small game items, stuffed animals, hair ties, a "wow" gift item, etc. I found a sample list here with lots of great ideas and that's what I handed out to the kids/parents at church.

With each OCC shoe box comes a few instructions and also a form for your child to fill out saying where they're from and a spot to include a picture of themselves! (We included group pictures of each class!)

Also, please note - the OCC website states that if you'd like to participate or donate in the future, the box doesn't HAVE to be one of their official boxes - a cardboard or plastic shoebox from home works just fine!

We were able to donate 6 girl boxes and 1 boy box!

You can even choose the age range that fits each box!

Along with the items inside, they ask a donation of $7 is given to cover the cost of shipping each box. To make it easier, I went online to donate and discovered that if I covered the cost of shipping online, our boxes would be trackable! What a fun way for my church classes to see where their gifts were shipped and sent to!

If you choose not to donate online (my parents did it this way), each box comes with an envelope so you can place your check/cash/credit card information inside. When you arrive at the distribution center, you simply hand the envelope over to them.

After completing the online process, I printed new labels with the tracking numbers included. As of now, the box isn't showing up as delivered anywhere, but the website said it could take up until mid-December to show.

The boxes were ready, then what?  Well, I found a local distribution center (which happened to be right next to my church) and my husband, Brayden, and I stopped by to drop off the boxes one Sunday after church. Also, distribution week falls during mid-November so if you participate in the future, keep an eye out for the dates and drop off locations for your area.

Interested in donating but missed the deadline? There's even an option to build a box online! 

The grounds were clearly marked and it was super easy to find our way around.

Everyone was so nice and helpful and even gave us a candy cane on our way out! The gentleman who helped us said they had received thousands of boxes already and were anticipating more to come.

This is such a cool organization and I love that they minister to children all year long but especially during Christmas time!

Have you ever heard of Operation Christmas Child? Have you participated in Operation Christmas Child in the past?

Runner's Gift List

Can you believe it's already the holiday season (well, almost)?! With Thanksgiving upon us next week, it'll be December before we know it!

Last year, I had no clue what I wanted for Christmas. I was pregnant, my brain was mush (well, it felt like it anyway), and I had no clue what to get for everyone else let alone what to ask for myself! This year however, I've got it down! I always include a few running themed items on my gift list each year and this year is no exception!

I'm prepared this time around! Keep reading below for a sneak peak at my 2016 Christmas wish list!

Garmin Forerunner 230/235

 

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I've been in need of a new fitness tracker since..well, a long time. I even purchased one several years back but returned it because I didn't care for it.

This one is still a toss up, though. I'm debating between the 230 and the 235. As far as I can tell, the only difference is that one tracks your heart rate without an extra strap. I also am in love with the really cute wristband colors!

Anyone have one or the other and love it? I'd love to know your opinion!

BOB Single Handlebar Console

 

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On Black Friday last year, I made my first baby purchase...a BOB Jogging Stroller. When Brayden hit the 6 month mark last month, I was granted permission from the pediatrician to finally give it a spin (with Brayden inside, of course)!

One item that wasn't included with the stroller itself is a handlebar console to store keys/water bottles/and my phone. All necessary for carrying along on a run, of course! This is definitely a must for my Christmas list!

Mizuno Wave Inspire 13

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As a runner, I go through several pairs of shoes each year...especially once the fall training season kicks into high gear!

I've been a faithful Mizuno wearer for years and a pair of the latest Wave Inspires are always on my Christmas wish list.

Aren't these so pretty?! I just love the color of the Wave Inspire 13's!

Planner

No, I'm not joining the planning craze here...I am just in need of a planner that can help me better organize my life. The iPhone has worked for dates and appointments but I would love to have a place to better organize my schedule, especially when it comes to blogging and life extras.

The Erin Condren Life Planner is in consideration, but I haven't fully decided if that's "too much" of a planner for what I need. I've also dug through a few I found at Hobby Lobby that were super cute as well as a the Create 365 collection at Michaels.

Aaah...decisions decisions! We will see what Santa decides to bring! :)


(None of the above links are affiliate links, by the way...and I didn't receive any of the above items for free. They are truly all items that are included on my Christmas list this year!)

Any thoughts on any of the items I listed above? Anything you've tried that I should stay away from?

Today, I joined up with these ladies for a Tuesdays on the Run link up! Thanks for stopping by! :)

First Mother's Day Weekend

I hope all of the mom's out there had an amazing Mother's Day! I would have had this post up on Monday morning, but the little one didn't want to fall asleep on Sunday night...so, Tuesday morning it is! :)

Brayden and I had a great weekend! We began our Saturday morning with my mother-in-law stopping by to watch Brayden so I could go for a run! It was beautiful outside and I felt great physically...but more about that on Friday! 

After my run, we had coffee and talked for a while which was really nice! I spent most of Saturday evening shopping for Brayden's baby dedication outfit. I couldn't find exactly what I wanted and might have to piece the outfit together but that's ok!

On Sunday morning, we returned to church for the first time since Brayden's arrival. It was also Brayden's first time at church since evacuating the womb and he did great!

We enjoyed spending the morning with our church family! :)

 
Jason and Brayden also gifted these two beautiful pieces to me! I am in love with the necklace (I always say that phrase to Brayden and my doggies)...and the Pandora charm has Brayden's birthstone in the middle...love it!

Lunch after church was spent with my mom and dad at a local restaurant. It was delicious and we enjoyed spending time with them!

After lunch, we went to Jason's grandparent's place for dessert and coffee with Jason's family.

They had a house-full and everyone enjoyed getting to see/hold Brayden. He did SO well, too! I assumed he would pass out on Sunday night because of the broken sleep he received that afternoon but I was so wrong. Hah!

On our way home, we stopped by Starbucks and I had a tall caramel waffle cone frap! It was really good!

For dinner that evening, Jason cooked for us. I couldn't figure out what I wanted so I told him to surprise me. He made chicken spaghetti and it was SO good!! Great job, Jason! :)

We enjoyed our first Mother's Day although I think I was a little over tired...I assumed Brayden would be the over tired one but actually, it was me! Nothing a little sleep couldn't cure, anyway!

How was your weekend?

A Weekend to Remember!

Congratulations to everyone who completed the Princess Half Marathon and Glass Slipper Challenge this past weekend! I enjoyed following along with everyone's pictures and their fun times in the parks on social media! See you out there in 2017!

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This past weekend was a flurry of activity and flew by so fast! I know I say that about each weekend, but I honestly feel as if I blinked and it was over!

On Thursday night, I received a phone call from one of my best friends. Her due date is three weeks before mine...and well, let's just say her "surprise" arrived way sooner. She was practically in tears on the phone because my shower was Saturday and this was Thursday night. Her doctor advised her that they needed to go ahead and do a c-section the following day (Friday) at 37 weeks pregnant and it wasn't a good idea to wait until Monday, which meant she wouldn't be able to attend or help host the shower. I told her not to fret because I would much rather everyone safe and healthy over attending a shower!

So, instead of attending the final portion of our birthing classes with her, I went alone (which I was totally fine with) because Jason was working. Actually, I'm glad I went alone because so did all of the other ladies in the class!

This little gal was my companion for the evening!

On Friday, I couldn't hardly wait for work to end - I had a newborn to visit! As soon as I left, I picked  cupcakes up from a local bakery to bring with me to the celebration!

As a bonus, I was one of the first ones to get to hold baby Caroline! I mean, I might be her future mother in law, right? (Hehe)

She was so sweet....and holding her only made me even more excited for my little boy to arrive!

 
I woke up early on Saturday morning and shot a text to my sister in law who was staying at my parent's house. I asked if she wanted to grab breakfast at a local cafe and she agreed!

On my way there, I spotted my little turtle friends for the first time this year (it was warm out and they were soaking up the sun)! I just hope the neighborhood kids leave them alone. 

After breakfast, I brought my sister in law back to my parent's house and visited for a while before returning home to get ready for the shower! Eeek!

Y'all, I couldn't have been more pleased with the results of the shower! Our church recently experienced an internal flood, so everything is being conducted in our Children's Building (all services, classes, events, etc). This room is huge and I knew it would be a challenge to decorate, but all of the ladies in charge did an outstanding job!

I did ask a professional photographer friend of mine to take pictures so I didn't have to worry about my camera...as soon as I have them back, I'll share them with you guys!

The corsages were hand made by my sister in law and I loved them!! She did an excellent job! If you can't tell, our nursery theme is "Mickey Baseball"...I'm still working the decoration kinks out at the moment...

I taught these girls on Wednesday nights from 4th grade through their senior year in high school. One of them even made a special trip from Baton Rouge just for the shower! It was so good to see them again!!

After the shower was said and done, I kicked my feet up to relax while everyone cleaned and straightened up the room. It was rather funny....well, maybe they didn't think so but I did!

I also had cake...one of each!

We were SO blessed with everyone who came out to the shower and everything we received as gifts! The outpouring of love from our family and friends was incredible and I appreciate each and every person who took time out of their busy schedule to pop in and say hello! I can't wait to share the shower pictures with you guys!

That night, I immediately set to getting the baby's room straight. 

It took until almost 1 a.m., but the photo below is the end result! Yay! 

On Sunday, we had lunch at Izzos after church....it's like a Subway type restaurant but with a burrito theme....and it's messy!

One napkin for the lap and one for the bump! Thankfully, there were no mishaps! Yay!

Jason also spent a little time practicing his swaddling skills this weekend on our puppy. She's a Houdini and figured out how to escape from the first attempt!

He got it right the second time, though! (This is her MOMMA SAVE ME face!) Haha!

...and here we are at Monday once again! I hope you all have a fabulous week!!

What was your favorite part of the weekend?

Valentine's Weekend 2016

This past weekend went by so fast, I can't believe it's already Tuesday!

It all began with a maternity massage as soon as I got off work on Friday.

The massage was amazing and reminded me that I definitely need to get a massage more often than once a year or so. The maternity massage was a gift to me from a family member for my birthday last year and I wanted to wait until I was later in my pregnancy to use it so I would really appreciate it more! I'm so glad I did!

On Saturday morning, my dad came over to help Jason with the nursery furniture. 

I love the way the whole room is coming together!

My dogs are CHICKENS! They were so scared of all of the moving pieces and parts, they didn't leave my lap while the whole process was taking place!

On Saturday afternoon, we took our maternity pictures and brought our little girls along with us for a few shots! They dressed the part, of course! 

Madalynn did SO well for the pictures...Pixie, not so much. I'm curious to see what kind of shots she was able to get! 

Our pictures took place out in the middle of nowhere...seriously. You know when you hit the gravel road and keep driving a couple of miles? Yeah, that's where we were! However, we found a few really pretty spots for pictures so I can't wait to see how they turn out!

The girl who took our pictures is someone very special to me....I had her in Wednesday night classes at church for about 8 years of her life. She married my husband's brother-in-law's brother...follow that?...so she's sort of family! Fun times!

We began our Valentine's Day Sunday at church. Special shirts were made for the coffee shop workers and they were adorable! I did help out in the coffee shop (as best I could) and we had a great time!

 My shirt was just a tad different from the others! :)

A few minutes into the service, I left the coffee shop to get something out of the hallway when I overheard someone say there was going to be a proposal on stage! Oh my gosh...what?! We definitely stopped the clean-up process and made a way to see it all take place!

This hasn't happened (at church) in...oh...YEARS...and it was such a wonderful moment! I might have cried.... (pregnancy hormones are a wonderful thing)!

On Sunday night, Jason and I went out for dinner on our last Valentine's Day as a family of two!

First, we exchanged gifts! We both agreed on small items this year, so nothing terribly fancy. I got him an LSU wallet that was on his amazon wish list along with Reese's hearts (his favorite).

He gave me the Sherman Brothers documentary and chocolate (some of it is Cadbury...my FAVORITE)!!

He also said something else is coming in the mail but it hasn't arrived yet.

For dinner, we used the online system with Outback where you select a time and show up a few minutes ahead. It worked out SO well....we arrived about 10 minutes before our time and were seated not long after that!

Our dinner package included cheesecake which we split. It was so good! We also had chocolate covered strawberries back at home (a Valentine's tradition since we started dating) where we ended our evening while watching The Walking Dead. Romantic, I know! :)

It was such a great weekend, it just went by all too fast for me!

How was your weekend? Did you do anything special for Valentine's Day?