Wednesday Wish List

Summer is officially here, and I am loving certain pieces.
Here are a few that I am currently ready to have in my closet at any moment!

America Kebabs

Because who doesn't love kebabs!?

Also the only meal that you can spell about 7 different ways.

I love this recipe, and it is super easy/affordable!

 

source via

Recipe:

Yield: Makes 16-20 kebabs (depending on how big you cut the brownies and how many brownie pieces you thread on the skewer)

Ingredients

• 9X13-inch pan of Brownies (chilled and cut into 1-inch cubes) 
• I prefer this brand, it is seriously the best box I've had. 
• 1 pint blueberries, washed
• 1 pint strawberries, washed and hulled
• Large marshmallows
• Hot Fudge Sauce for drizzling, if desired
• Bamboo/wooden skewers

Directions

1. Alternate threading brownies, fruit and marshmallows onto wooden skewers. Drizzle with hot fudge sauce, if desired. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Five on Friday: Running in the Heat

So, I have been thinking of posting this for awhile, and now seems like a great time.

I have been running for about a year and a half now.

It doesn't get easier, you just get better.

But, y'all... this heat/humidity combo needs to chill.

I am no expert.

I read a lot of magazines and blogs on what works for people, and what doesn't.
And then I find out for myself. 

I think every one is different.

Here are a few tips I have found helpful for running in general and especially in this heat.

Feel free to add or give a different opinion.

I love hearing about what other runners find that works for them!

summer running by sara-lumley

1. Clothing. Wear clothing that makes sense for the weather you are going to run in. If it is 75 degrees, and about 75% humidity-- you might want to shed some heavy clothing. Keep it light. Stay away from materials like cotton when running. Cotton retains moisture causing you to tire more quickly. Go for clothing options that are wicking. I prefer compression shorts to run in. I find "Norts" are uncomfortable for running and chaff your skin. Compression shorts are designed to pull moisture from your skin to keep you as cool as possible.

2. Shoes. I can not stress enough how important it is to wear the right shoes. I love Asics. However, these shoes are not for everyone. My running partner loves her Brooks. My best friend runs in Nike Frees. I can't wear Frees, they literally kill my legs and back. But, they work perfectly for her. So, the best advice I can give is to go to a local running store (Not a sports store), and ask to be fitted. They will not judge you, and you aren't expected to purchase right then, as shoes can be pricey. But, at least you will know more about your stride, how you land on your feet, and they can provide the right options.

3. Apps. While everyone wants a fancy sports watch, like Garmin, those can be pricey. And if you are just starting out, that's a mighty investment. So I recommend two apps: WeatherChannel and Nike Running. Both are free and provide you with everything you'll need to get out the door.

4. Hydrate. No really, hydrate. Your body literally works twice as hard to run when you aren't properly hydrated-- especially in the heat. Hydrate really well the day before a run, and especially after. If you plan to run for longer than 30 minutes outside, which most of my runs are, then map out your course to have water near by. I map my run to the local park which has a water fountain. On my long runs during training, sometimes I will go drop a water bottle off at mile 8-9.

5. Don't be afraid to take it slow. Heat alone is one thing, but humidity adds a whole new element to running outside. Slow down a little on your pace. But most of all, have fun running!! It doesn't have to be awful. Find a good friend, and hit the trail!

Well I'll Remember You....

Three years today.

Even typing that it just doesn't seem real.

Three years without your beautiful soul and contagious laugh.

To say we miss you is, as always, and understatement.

There are so many moments we wish to share with you.

Even though my heart hurts, along with so many others...

I cannot help but be so grateful.
I will forever be grateful to have spent your last day on this earth with you. 

God had a plan for your life.

He used you in ways I wish you were able to see. 

While your life was fleeting on earth, your soul has left its mark on many.

It's because you took in a crazy sophomore and crowned him your little brother.

It's because of our 3 semesters worth of classes together. 

It's because of that night at the EN house when I texted you.

It's because of all the moments in between. 

It's because you taught me to always see the good in people.

It's because you encouraged me to do that- I married your little brother [fraternity]. 

When I talk about you to those who don't know you, I wish they could. 

I wish they had the honor to call you friend.

Even though you were taken so quickly, you left us not only a part of you, but someone that would become forever part of our family. 

Love you, Garic.

Weekend Recap

I try really hard not to wish time away, but man. 

I love the weekends!

Friday night was low-key. 

We ate dinner, caught up on our shows, and just enjoyed relaxing.

Saturday we slept in until 7:23.

An absolute record for us. I am not sure how it happened.

After a hilly 4 mile run, I was ready for the day.

Our fence was finally being put up [woohoo]. 

Pat and I set off to Kohl's. [Imagine that.]

Y'all know I am all about a steal. 

We snagged these beauties [reg. $450 for each set] at a serious steal. They were marked down 60%, plus an additional 15% for one, and then I had a coupon for 20% on top of that.

We got two sets for half the price of one set.

Win.

Fence was complete, steaks were on the grill.

We even had a nice little visit from CPekarsk.

Bless her soul, she's dog sitting for us this coming weekend. 

I wonder if she will still be my friend afterward?!

Sunday was a pool day. 

I decided to make some homemade cookies.

Not to brag, but they turned out awesome.

 

Happy Monday!

If you don't already know... Emily Ley launched her new collection today!

Go check it out. 

I love her stuff, and will definitely be adding to my stash!

The One and Only

Today will be a recap and book review all in one.

Monday was a fun day for myself. 

I had the opportunity [along with my best friend] to go to my first book signing.

I absolutely love Emily Giffin.

And I really love her after hearing her speak and meeting [geeking out to] her!

 

Amazon Review:

Emily Giffin, the beloved author of such novels as Something Borrowed and Where We Belong, returns with an extraordinary story of love and loyalty—and an unconventional heroine struggling to reconcile both.

Thirty-three-year-old Shea Rigsby has spent her entire life in Walker, Texas—a small college town that lives and dies by football, a passion she unabashedly shares. Raised alongside her best friend, Lucy, the daughter of Walker’s legendary head coach, Clive Carr, Shea was too devoted to her hometown team to leave. Instead she stayed in Walker for college, even taking a job in the university athletic department after graduation, where she has remained for more than a decade.

But when an unexpected tragedy strikes the tight-knit Walker community, Shea’s comfortable world is upended, and she begins to wonder if the life she’s chosen is really enough for her. As she finally gives up her safety net to set out on an unexpected path, Shea discovers unsettling truths about the people and things she has always trusted most—and is forced to confront her deepest desires, fears, and secrets.

Thoughtful, funny, and brilliantly observed, The One & Only is a luminous novel about finding your passion, following your heart, and, most of all, believing in something bigger than yourself . . . the one and only thing that truly makes life worth living.

Sara's Spin:

Let me tell you, at first I didn't really know how I felt about this book.

It wasn't until after I heard her speak about the intentions behind it did I truly get it.

This book is unconventional, and at times, uncomfortable.

However, there are a lot of "life lessons" throughout.

Life isn't black and white.
Emily's books constantly have this theme-- which is refreshing.

In this book, we are constantly reminded not to get caught in the trappings of complacency,
and that sometimes, friendships/relationships are tough.
While it is not my favorite of hers, it was good and I definitely think you should read it for yourself!

Weekend Recap

This weekend was so fleeting.

However, it was full of laughter, fun people, and a little bit of rest, too.

Saturday is was up early to celebrate Caroline turning 24!

Little did she know that her local friends and I had been planning a little surprise get together at Bricktops.

I loved seeing her reaction to her friends waiting when we walked in!

Be sure and check out her blog for a recap-- I am sure it's a lot more fun than my rendition :)

 

 

It was back home to clean the house and snap a few patriotic pictures of Lila hanging out by our mini flag.

 

Last night was an early night. So no, I didn't watch Miss USA/Tony's/or the NBA finals game.

But, I did hear:

Hugh rapped with LL Cool J and TI??

Lebron didn't have cramps this game

and 

 the winner of Miss USA is a black belt in Taekwondo, and so am I.

So basically I win, too.

Today is a super exciting day. In just a few hours we [Caroline and I] get to meet Emily Giffin.

 I am beyond thrilled.

I have never been to a book signing, and I cannot wait for this to be my first!

She is one of my top 3 favorite authors.

Annnnnd we may or may not have chatted on Twitter several times. 

So there's that.

 Stay tuned tomorrow for a recap of us geeking out [trying to play it cool]. 

Later this week I will be reviewing the book for those wanting to check it out!

Five on Friday

Spicing this Five on Friday up a little bit.

In celebration of my best friend's 24th birthday, 

here are 5 reasons why I absolutely love her.

1. She was my Maid of Honor.

This is no small task.
She took on a major role to make sure I had the best day ever.

From helping me address invitations to listening to me laugh/cry/vent on a daily basis.
She even photographed my actual engagement.

Last year wasn't an easy ride for her, and no matter what, she put a smile on and supported me.
Being a best friend isn't about what you "do" for the other.
It's about who you are to the other.

2. We always match.
From music, clothes, ideas, blogs, conversations...
We are always saying the same thing.
This may seem like a shallow reason to love your best friend, but...
It is nice to know you can go to someone and know they will just get you.
No. Matter. What.
And you can expect us to show up wearing the same thing..
 It's like having a twin, minus the looks part.
 

3. She is the sister I never had.
Speaking of twins, she really is like a sister.
There isn't much about my life that she doesn't know.
Even though we have only been "together" for 6 years.
We have experienced a lot of life in those 6 years, though.
From break ups, to birthdays, to fights, to half marathons... we've been there.
She is the friend you call when your dog passes away.
She is the friend you call when you want to tell her THE news.
She is the friend you call when you cannot stand the new rap song that just came out and you don't understand what they are even saying.
[excuse my over-enthusiastic facial expression]


4. She is strong.
I am not sure how she went through what she went through last year.
And with a smile on her face, and a determination that surpasses all.
She is strong.
She perserveres.
And she is determined not to let life push her around.
For that, I am thankful to know her.



5. She is my person.
Yes, I married my best friend. But, I believe that there is always one person that will be your person.
The Christina to your Meredith, the Meredith to your Christina. 
You know, the one who would drop life to be there, and vice versa.
Sometimes, it may not always be roses and butterflies...
And we may say and do things that drive each other bananas...
But, at the end of the day... they are there. 
It's been so fun to watch her grow in to this person that she is today.
She deserves all the good things in life.
So here is to my pink-loving, norts-wearing, loud, fun-spirited, say-it-like-it-is, accessorizing, instagramming,
Steelers-fanatic,  monogramming-queen.
Honored to call you best friend.
Wishing you the best birthday.
Here is to 24 being a new year.
Love you to the moon and back.
And Go Vols.

California, here we come

On Sunday, my mom and I were wheels up to San Diego.

Even though it was for work, we had a blast!

The weather is perfect.

The food is even better!

I learned so much, and met some pretty neat people.

Mom was able to enjoy a free Zoo tour while I was in meetings.

I am already looking forward to visiting this city again!!

Here is the view from my morning run!

 

Probably the most delicious Mexican food I have ever eaten.

My cool Momma and I at the Block Party.

 Can you tell we are related?!

 

 

 Man, it is good to be home, though. 

Now to battle CMA Fest traffic!