Friday Favorites v.59

Today’s Friday Favorites is very running-related — which makes me so happy. Not only have I been having an interesting week with running (so many ups and downs!) but there have been lots of interesting running and race-related things in the news. Enjoy!

1. Galen Rupp and Jordan Hasay lead the American contenders at the Chicago Marathon in October.
* Joan Benoit Samuelson is also going for an age group world record on October 8.

2. To celebrate their 100th issue, Women’s Running is having you create your own cover! Upload your favorite photo & share your cover using #MyWRcover.

3. Running GPS vs. Course Length. The infographic, shows how certified running courses are methodically measured and explains why your GPS distance may not always match the official course distance.

4. 20 minute treadmill workout.

5. Locash, a relatively new country band is coming to Owensboro tonight! I’m so excited for a free date night with Ryan.

6. I have been a smoothie kick all week. Nothing feels better after a hot run or a long day than a cold, refreshing smoothie. Blueberry smoothie (with some frozen spinach thrown in!) has been my favorite lately.

7. 21 Quick Trail Running Tips.

8. I love ending my Friday Favorites post with a picture of Murphy. He just makes me so happy and I hope you all enjoy seeing him on the blog every week.

Friday Favorites v.58

It’s Friday! Today has already started off with me crushing one of my deadlines and someone brought doughnuts into work. It’s going to be a good day.

My plans for this evening are to celebrate the end of a another week with my favorite girls at Friday After 5.

Anyways. Let’s talk favorites.

1. Okay, so I know this is not a new thing, but after seeing all kinds of Facebook ads for Halo Top ice cream, I decided to give it a try to see what all the fuss was about. I actually had a coupon from Kroger for a free pint, so it was perfect timing.

Guys. I love it. So far, I’ve tried the lemon and red velvet flavors and they were both amazing. While it is a little pricey, it doesn’t have any fake ingredients in it and has lots of protein! So I think it’s worth the splurge. While I don’t keep ice cream in the house all time (I would totally pig out on it every night) it is nice to have a cool summer treat waiting for me after a hot summer day.

2. The best blueberry smoothie. I had it three times for lunch this week. I also threw in some frozen spinach so some extra greens! It was delicious.

3. For all of you summer racers. How to race when it’s really, really hot.

4. This prickly pear drink recipe from Julie looks delicious! I can’t wait to give it a try this weekend.

5. I got some exciting work-related news earlier this week. I love the line of work I am in and I am excited to continue to learn and grow in the communications & media field.

6. I’ve been getting into social media a little more.
Follow along on Instagram for snapshots and videos of my wonderful & crazy life. Plus I post lost of pictures of Murphy — what more could you want?!

7. Such a great article on Charlotte Jones Anderson and how she became the most powerful woman in football.

8. Murphy can nap anywhere. It’s hilarious.

Have a great weekend! Talk to guys on Monday! 🙂

Friday Favorites v.57

Happy Friday! Before I get into all of the fun things I liked from this week, I want to say something serious.

I have had two friends lose their husband/fiancee this week and they were both 24. Y’all. Hug your loved ones tight. Always say I love you. Make sure you give love every day. Things could change in an instant. My heart breaks for these two young women who thought they had forever with their guys. I cannot imagine the pain they are going through. If you don’t know Jesus, I encourage you to start a relationship with Christ. I know this earth is not my home. I’ve loved my people hard this week. I want to remember the little things. I want to my tribe to know they were loved. I want to take in love from my family and friends. I want to be present. Likes on Instagram and name brand clothes don’t matter. Loving each other matters. 

Okay! I know that was a lot, but I really felt the need to get that off my chest.

Now lets talk favorites.

1. While this was slated as a Fourth of July pie, it could definitely be served all summer long. & I 100% agree with Julie — I love pie, all kinds of pie.

2. While I didn’t attend any actual fireworks celebrations on Tuesday, we saw lots of fireworks driving home from St. Louis. We actually crossed into Kentucky right as Owensboro’s firework show started, so we got to see a lot of the show while driving through downtown. So fun!

3. These KIND breakfast bars are my new favorite on-the-go breakfast. All natural ingredients and only 230 calories. Super filling for a fast breakfast or easy afternoon snack.

4. I’ve been running better! Isn’t it strange how we can have bad weeks of runs and workouts and then suddenly it’s like a switch flipped and all of sudden we are superstars?! That’s literally how I felt this week. Thanks to trust treadmill to sticking with me during all these hot afternoon runs in the garage. Here’s to hoping I make it through the summer and to a fall half marathon.

5. Five on-the-go snacks when you need immediate fuel.

6. Round two of my rock climbing adventures was a success! Ryan joined me and my dad this time around and it was so much. Also, I’m not as sore today as I was last Friday, so that’s a win in my book.

7. Our Fourth of July trip to STL was definitely a favorite this week! So much fun and I can’t wait to go back in September.

8. Murph giving me the side-eye. Someone was not happy posing for pictures.

Friday Favorites v.56

It’s Friday! & Alllllmost a three day weekend. At least for me, I get the weekend, back to work on Monday and then I’m off on Tuesday for Independence Day!

My plans for the weekend include hitting some yard sales with my mom, mowing the yard (it never ends.) and hanging out with my husband and pup. A nice mix of fun, work and relaxation.

What are your weekend plans?

Before the weekend begins, let’s start today off with my usual Friday Favorites post.

1. YES. Such a good post on how to become the eater you want to be.
“I don’t eat to live. My life is about SO MUCH MORE than eating healthy food. Food does not have one purpose and one purpose only. It’s so much more than functional and medicinal. When I think of food as medicine, I think of it helping to heal. And it does! Apples and kale and lentils are the physical aspect of that. The fiber and phytonutrients help prevent and delay disease. But salted chocolate chip cookies with my best friend and pizza with my boyfriend feeds my soul and satisfies me in a way that kale simply cannot.”

2. Blueberry smoothies. On Tuesday, I woke up late and feeling terrible, so I decided to make a healthy smoothie with lots of nutrients to kick my butt in gear. Also, this cute cup doesn’t hurt anything.

3. A great story out of my alma mater. Go Racers!

4. I went rock climbing on Thursday. I can wait to write the recap post. It was so much fun!

5. Going through old family pictures with my mom. These are some gems. 

6. I’ve been looking for a new doormat and these custom ones from Etsy are so cute. Plus, if I can include Murphy — I’m all about it.

7. Such a neat story from Trail Runner Magazine about believing in yourself and perseverance. Good job, Cat!

Also. Has any of you all ever completed a trail race before? Definitely a bucket list item for me.

8. Pup kisses are the best. 😘

Friday Favorites v.55

GUYS. TGIF.

Today is going to be hot and maybe rainy?. Tomorrow and Sunday are going to be hot. My plans for this hot and humid weekend include playing with Murphy in his new doggie (kiddie) pool, drinking lots of water and trying not to pass out during my runs.

Stay cool this weekend, friends!

But before the weekend begins, let’s go over some of my favorites from this week. While work was pretty busy and my runs were pretty boring, I found lots of great inspiration and fun things on the web this week.

1. Watermelon Tumbler Set. The cutest set for summer dinner parties or snacks around the pool.

2. Finding Gobi. Finding Gobi is the miraculous tale of Dion Leonard, a seasoned ultramarathon runner who crosses paths with a stray dog while competing in a 155-mile race through the Gobi Desert in China. The pup, who would later earn the name Gobi, proved that what she lacked in size, she more than made up for in heart, as she went step for step with Dion over the Tian Shan Mountains, across massive sand dunes, through yurt villages and the black sands of the Gobi Desert, keeping pace with him for nearly 80 miles.

Their story is now a book and will soon be a movie! As a runner and a dog lover, I can’t wait to get my hands on this book. Such an inspirational story!

3. Mix and match healthy smoothie recipes from Fannetastic Food!

4. I’ve been on a beet kick lately and these juices are so good! These are from a local place in Owensboro, but I also love the beet juice from Suja.

5. Chemotherapy, then the U.S. Championships, for Gabriele Grunewald. Such an great story of grit and character. I wish her the best! It really does go to show you, that most of the time, we are the only ones holding ourselves back. We have no limitations. We just have to believe we can do anything.

6. The best red, white & blue running gear for the 4th of July. *I love this tank! It looks so light and airy and it’s long enough to cover everything. Definitely buying it this weekend.

7. Exercise ball ab workout. I tried this out on Thursday and holy abs it was a killer.

8. So focused on his favorite red ball. I love it. Lunch time fetch with Murphy is the best. 

Friday Favorites v.54

I’m starting off my Friday with doughnuts! That has to mean today is going to be a great day. I have a low-key weekend planned at home and I am definitely looking forward to it.

I also am going to start a new training plan this weekend, so that’s exciting! I’m hoping it will help me focus and get my butt in shape (literally and figuratively).

Before the weekend can begin, let’s go through some of my favorite things from this past week.

1. Getting the chance to get out of the office and walk around downtown. I had to go to the courthouse the other day for work-related things and it was so nice to be out in some fresh air! I also love all of the American flags we have displayed downtown. 

2. Look at all of these popsicle recipes! I cannot wait to give some of these a try this summer.

3. If you’re a bookworm who is looking for something new to read, check out this list by PBFingers.

4. My best work friend is left me this week to pursue bigger and better things in Utah. While I’m sad to be losing such a great friend, I am so proud of her work ethic and all the great things she has coming her way!

5. Four tips to work more effectively. Love these tips! Even though I can’t burn a candle at my desk at work, I do like the idea of having a “relaxing/feel good scent” when you work from home. Random example, I LOVE the smell of fresh peaches. It instantly relaxes me and makes me feel invigorated.

6. This howdy y’all phone case from Draper James. Perfect for summer!

7. I love Miley Cyrus and I love Jimmy Fallon, so obviously the two of them together is a win in my book. Earlier this week, the two surprised subway riders in NYC with a surprise performance.

8. Murphy and I took about 20 pictures until I found one that halfway decent. & even then, I still look like a hot mess. #sweatyselfie

Friday Favorites v.53

Haaaappy Friiiiday! I can’t believe another week has come and gone. I love that weekend is already upon us, but man does it feel like time is flying by.

So before some fun in the sun this weekend — let’s talk favorites.

1. One of my favorite things to do is host. I love having people in my home, taking care of them and feeding everyone a good meal. Earlier this week, Emily Ley shared a great post on her blog with tips from others on how to be hospitable and how love people well.

2. Since Wednesday was Global Running Day, Brooks launched the coolest campaign I’ve seen in a while. The thought was that every runner should be endorsed. So by signing up here, you can become an official Brooks endorsed athlete.


3. I’ve been looking into some Whole30 recipes this week. While I’m not planning on completly following the plan, I would like to get some ideas on how to incorporate more whole foods into my diet. Have any suggestions on Whole 30 snacks or recipes? Let me know in the comments below!

4. Running and pups. Two of my favorite things.

5. Country livin’

6. The second biggest project I do all year got sent off the printer yesterday. Such a hufe weight off my shoulders!

7. The difference between dog lovers and dog parents. Haha. It’s so true!

8. ​Fetch is fun. Boomerangs are cool.

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Friday Favorites v.52

It’s Friday! We survived the four day work week. Don’t those always seem to go by the slowest? I think I came in early and stayed late every day this week due to a project I have that goes to print next week.

On the agenda for this weekend is Friday After 5, lots of house and yard work tomorrow and hopefully Holiday World on Sunday!

1. These real fruit popsicles from WalMart. I had a pineapple one when I was my parent’s house earlier this week and they were delicious! I liked that they were made real fruit and didn’t have any artificial sweeteners. 

2. The Loop. It’s a site under the Runner’s World umbrella that lets bloggers come together and post in one place. I’ve only shared one post on the site, but everyone seems welcoming and encouraging. Isn’t it crazy how the internet can connect people?! I love it.

3. It’s National Doughnut Day! One of my co-workers is bringing in a variety of doughnuts and I am so excited. The best way to start a Friday.

4. This. Thanks Oiselle for sharing wisdom and good words.

5. 30 minute abs and arms workout.

6. I love a good a quote. And Twitter.

7. This is adorable. 21 images of little Wonder Women who are the definition of girl power.

8. If you missed my post from yesterday on how Murphy has improved my health. Be sure to check it out – it’s a good one!

Leave me a comment below and let me know one favorite thing from your week!

Friday Favorites v.51

This week has been so crazy with coming back from STL, Ryan being gone for almost four days and work ramping up. BUT, all is back to normal (mostly) and it’s a three day weekend. So I am counting down the hours/minutes until 5 p.m.

Before this much needed weekend can begin, let’s get through some of my favorites from this week.

1. I know this sounds silly, but my bed is definitely a favorite this week. After sleeping in a hotel for two days plus being at my parent’s house for three days and sleeping in my brother’s bed while he took the couch, I was so glad to crawl in my bed Wednesday night. Buying a king-sized bed was one of the best things Ryan and I have ever purchased.

2. Ab work. So running is my strong suite (kind of?) If anything, it’s at least the workout I enjoy the most, but (almost) every day for the last couple of weeks, I’ve been trying to do 100-300 ab variations before I go to bed at night. So between crunches, bicycle abs, v ups and every other ab workout I could think, I’ve been trying to build up my core. Annnnd, I think it’s working! I feel stronger at least. & isn’t that what it’s all about?!

3. I got my Simplified Planner in the mail! If you’ve been reading this blog for any time now, you know my love for Emily Ley and her planners. I love her brand and what she stands for and I can’t wait to start filling these pages come August!

4. Oiselle thinks sports bras can keep girls in the outdoors. 

5. If you missed my burn bootcamp post from Tuesday, check it out. It’s a simple (but sweaty!) at-home workout.

6. My sunburn from the weekend has now turned into a tan. YAY.

7. These MUST-MAKE CHOCOLATE CHIP ALMOND BUTTER BARS from PBFingers looks amazing. I can’t wait to make + eat these bad boys.

8. Sleepy pup selfies are my favorite. 

Friday Favorites v.50

HAPPY FRIYAY. I have been looking forward to this weekend for a while because it’s my birthday weekend. I turn 25 on Sunday and I am pretty excited!

One 8 hour work shift is all that stands between me and the weekend — so let’s get it started!

1. Since I’ve already talked about it, it should be no surprise that the number 1 thing I am loving this week is my upcoming birthday weekend!

Ryan and I are heading off to St. Louis tomorrow morning for some fun, good food and lots of baseball! STL has become my annual birthday trip and I look forward to it every year.

This summertime-like weather puts me in the best mood! While I understand there is a purpose for every season, summer is by far my favorite.

2. Roseanne is coming back! I love this show growing up. It reminded me so much of my own family, it was hilarious.

3. As I mentioned on Wednesday, I’ve read about Suja before on social media and other various healthy living blogs I follow, but have never given it a try until this week. I picked two bottles up at Kroger when I was doing my weekly grocery shopping and I am hooked!

4. We are having a potluck today. I brought cookie cake in celebration of my birthday!

5. I ordered my Fancy Floral Simplified Planner on Wednesday and I AM SO EXCITED for it to get here. I love putting pen to paper and planning my days and weeks ahead. I love the brand and the story behind Emily Ley. Check her out.

6. My sweet intern left me on Friday and gave me flowers and the sweetest card! I love mentoring younger students and I am so thankful to be in a career I love.

7. The giveaway goodies I won from Julie Wendell arrived Wednesday! If you’re into lifestyle blogs and cute party ideas, go check out her blog!

8. Oh Murph. Looks like someone got bored while I was running on the treadmill earlier this week.