fun fashion

One of my favorite things to browse on Pinterest is fashion. Whether it is bridal, formal, or just plain old every day clothes, I'm completely addicted! Over the past few weeks I've noticed that a ton of my facebook friends are now following me on Pinterest. It's almost odd since I don't talk to these people very often, but I guess they like my ideas, so the more the merrier...right?!

So now it is time to link up with Michelle from The Vintage Apple for this week's Oh! How Pinteresting! Link up!

Source: tumblr.com via Zachàry on Pinterest

Love this. Can Mike and I wear this in Disney without looking like total dorks? (I don't think so - but I adore it!)

Source: polyvore.com via Carrie on Pinterest

I'm in love with teal, and I own those earrings. Gorgeous!

Source: vivafullhouse.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Holy gorgeous yellow shoes. I adore these.

Source: polyvore.com via Kami on Pinterest

This would look awful on me but I LOVE it. Look at those shoes. Look at the gorgeous pink. This outfit is kind of perfection...on someone else.

Source: Uploaded by user via Amanda on Pinterest

Where do you wear this? I love it and I want to know so I can go there!

Source: Uploaded by user via Lacey on Pinterest

I love this. I want to wear it tomorrow...Ok maybe like 6 months from tomorrow...And I will look good in it by then. I will. I promise.

Source: 30.media.tumblr.com via Kyla on Pinterest

Buy me these?

Source: polyvore.com via Alana on Pinterest

Look at these shoes, they are SO fun! I want this outfit for Florida.

Source: esther.com.au via Mallory on Pinterest

This dress is seriously gorgeous. The color combo is fabulous and I love a deep v!

Source: polyvore.com via Julie on Pinterest

And finally, I love this and I need every piece of this. I love the bag the most though. Mustard yellow with green?? That is seriously heavenly!

on the horizon

My Disney race is less than 5 weeks away! While that means I'm getting nervous about the race, it also means that I'm getting super excited about going to Florida for a week! I'm really looking forward to a week in warm weather. It will be the first time Mike and I have gone away together. It'll also be the first time that I get to see my mom's new condo. She bought it almost two years ago now and I haven't gotten down there yet.
Now that winter has sort of arrived here in New York, and all of the spring/summer clothes have debuted in stores, I'm excited that I get to do a bit of shopping for my trip!
I've been doing a bit on online drooling during the day and these are a few things I've found.

This dress is from Express and I've been drooling over it for about a month now. I'm hoping for a
good sale!

This "coat" is fantastic. 3/4 sleeves in such a bright sunny color. So perfect
for springtime!

I actually already got this skirt. I love how it fits, although it is a tiny
bit longer than I'd prefer.

I need this dress. Talk about easy breezy! I love it.

happy monday!

After my snowy weekend and a very fun night watching the Giants win their game, I woke up feeling super refreshed and ready for the week.

I took my first snowy run on Friday evening. We got less than an inch of snow on Thursday night so I thought it was a good intro to snowy road running. It really ended up being more of a tutorial in running on sanded/salted roads. It was definitely different but not necessarily difficult. I'm used to running on pavement, which is solid under your feet. It took about a mile to get used to the sliding under my feet.

 I finally bit the bullet and read The Hunger Games. After everyone around the internet has read them and raved about them, I decided it was finally time. I spent my snowy Saturday curled up on the couch with hot tea and a kindle. It was glorious and I finished the first book and downloaded the second and got about 1/3 of the way through before I finally dragged myself up to bed. I read the rest of the second one on Sunday (I did stay up until 2am to do so) after the Giants game.

Mike wearing Devan's snowboarding helmet. A "rally cap" according
to my uncle!

Mom, Mike and I went and hung out at my aunt's house to watch the Giants game. I'm not a huge football fan but I definitely like a good party. I made a standing rib roast, mashed potatoes, peas and salad (and some chicken for myself). We hung around and chatted while football lovers watched the game.
All in all, one heck of a weekend!
Bring on the week <3

i'm inspired.

Friday! Wahoo! That's how I was feeling when I woke up this morning. This is the first time since October that I haven't been able to see my grass when I woke up. I'm totally loving this "dusting" of snow we got! Even more than that, we are expecting real snow this weekend. It will only be 3-6 inches but at least it's something! Bring on some snow! When I escape to Florida in February I really want it to feel like an escape from the cold.

This week's theme for Friday Fancies is outfit inspiration. I was stumped when I got the email from Alison with the theme but when I saw the weather forecast for today I knew exactly what outfit to pick. I've been drooling all over this Kourtney Kardashian picture since I saw it on Pinterest months ago. So in honor of my snowy morning, here is my version of this gorgeous look!

inspiration by rundreamcook featuring a mohair coat

Hope you have a fabulous weekend! I'm really excited about a snowed in Saturday and then 6 white fluffy miles on Sunday!

dog sitting

This week while my brother-in-law has been out of town, my little sister has been staying at my house with her dog, Addie. She's really a wonderful dog, but my oh my is she energetic! She's a black lap, greyhound mix and she looks exactly like you'd expect that to. She's tall, skinny and always moving. 

Meet Addie

Poor Sheldon and Cooper don't know what is going on. She will just come up to them while they're sleeping, get into play stance and bark once or twice to get their attention. It's adorable! I think my dogs love having a friend to play with all day but I think they'd also like to get a little more rest.

Cooper in his very handsome coat! I trimmed his bangs myself!

This is what Coop wants to be doing. That's his "blankie", he carries
it with him everywhere.

Sheldon has taken to hiding in places Addie won't go. She's afraid of laundry baskets, so that's where he will sleep.
By the way, he put that blanket in there himself, resourceful little pup!

What my house looks like every 5 minutes. They make SUCH a mess!

weddings are pinteresting

I love the pinterest link up that Michelle from The Vintage Apple hosts every week. This past week I must have  been feeling extra lovey because I pinned a lot of wedding/event things! Mike and I aren't engaged and we probably won't be for about a year, but that doesn't stop me from day dreaming about when that day finally gets here.

Source: etsy.com via Shawnee on Pinterest

I love this teeny program. Kind of silly but adorable.

Source: blushingbridewedding.tumblr.com via Julie on Pinterest

This could be the coolest save the date ever. I love it!

Source: reasonstobreathe.tumblr.com via Julie on Pinterest

I love these, and they'd make for some pretty awesome pictures.

Source: i39.tinypic.com via Julie on Pinterest

I love bar menus. 

Source: etsy.com via Julie on Pinterest

I love the lacy dress. I'm not sure it is the right style for me, but I love it on others.

Source: thekitchn.com via Julie on Pinterest

I have a serious crush on burlap right now. 

Source: greenweddingshoes.com via Julie on Pinterest

Best day ever will definitely be the theme of our wedding. I love it. Super clever.

Source: Uploaded by user via Julie on Pinterest

I love this. It is ridiculously gorgeous.

Source: 1stwebdesigner.com via Julie on Pinterest

That's some pretty awesome lace.

Source: minted.com via Julie on Pinterest

So pretty.

Source: stylemepretty.com via Julie on Pinterest

The flowers on this cake make me swoon. I love them. The roping is impeccable too.

Source: ashleymaxwellphoto.com via Julie on Pinterest

I love this sentiment. 

Source: blog.thebecker.com via Julie on Pinterest

I want to look this amazing on my wedding day. With such gorgeous flowers and whoa. I love it.

a deep sigh of relief

I feel like I have a holiday weekend hang over and I didn't do one bit of drinking. Those three days flew by. Late Friday night Mike and I got to snuggle on the couch and watch a movie, that was awesome. We chose to watch Ides of March, I was really pleasantly surprised with how much I liked it. I didn't really know what it was about, but I knew it was nominated for best picture at the golden globes, so we decided to give it a try. I'm not sure it was Mike's cup of tea, he is far from a political person,  but I liked it enough.
We had a very wintery weekend here, even if we still haven't had snow since October. (Last night's 1/2 inch so doesn't count...) It was quite chilly, I don't think getting above freezing the whole weekend. I knew I had a long run to get in at some point in those three days and I decided to push it to Monday just based on the temperature. So when Monday came and I had 10 miles to do and it was still only 12 degrees outside, I was petrified. TEN miles?! What have I gotten myself into?!?

The hat is too sexy for words!

That is a LONG distance to run, I was freaking out. Luckily I have the world's greatest boyfriend and he was running with me (ok, ahead of me but at the same time). So I bundled up and I conquered my 10 miles and it only took just over 2 hours to do it. While I was running the cold was no big deal, I was actually sweating and ditched my gloves about 3 miles in. The cold was only a factor when I got home and I was stretching and trying to eat something. I was freezing and shivering. I took a nice warm shower which was great while it lasted. I think it took me a solid 2 hours to warm up after I ran. That was the hardest part. Yesterday I also managed to forget to charge my phone, so I lost music 5 miles in and I ran without music for the first time ever - and I did it for 5 miles. Yikes. That was a change! Since my phone was dying I turned off the music to try to keep the battery a little longer. I use RunKeeper during my runs and I really like the occasional time/pace updates in my ears. Luckily I still had my garmin on so I could track my distance and speed.
I always forget to take after pictures after my runs. But, you're not missing out - It isn't pretty!

Hope you're having a wonderful Tuesday today!

sunshine yellow

Good morning love and happy Friday! I hope you all had wonderful and super productive weeks! My week was pretty productive, I even managed to get in all of my gym days! I took Wednesday as a much needed rest day. I kicked my tush hard core with weights (upper body/core Monday lower body on Tuesday) and I was very achy. I took the opportunity to have an "active rest" day. I knew it was going to be rainy yesterday and today so I took the pups for a nice 2 mile walk. They definitely appreciated it. I wish Sheldon could keep up with me for the 10 miles I have planned for tomorrow. I love to run with him, he's such a good running buddy but 10 miles is a bit too much for him.
We are one week closer to the Disney race! AHH! I just need to keep reminding myself to take long deep breaths. This time, 6 weeks from now, I'll be in Florida freaking out. I'm so excited I can barely contain myself. With Florida in mind, I'll segue to this week's Friday Fancies! Our theme was "crushing hard." I have been in love with yellow all fall and winter and now I'm seeing all sorts of yellow/grey combinations in stores for spring.

sunshine yellow by rundreamcook featuring neon dresses

Diane von Fürstenberg neon dress, $500
MICHAEL Michael Kors t strap flat sandals, $49
Marc Jacobs genuine leather handbag, $1,095
Balenciaga square aviator sunglasses, $375

I'm totally in love with this sunny yellow. It's bright and happy and perfect for a warm weather escape! I'm in love with those Michael Kors sandals too, except for the fact that I'm pretty sure they're jellies, and I can't wear jellies...They ALWAYS give me blisters...yuck.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend! I'll be back Monday to report on my 10 mile run this weekend. Yikes. 10 miles. Whoa.

one down...

I want to start this post off by saying this was probably the best soup I have ever made and I have made a lot of soups. I made Jenna's Asian chicken noodle soup and was blown away by the results. It was super simple to make and it just made me feel good!
The slight spice from the ginger and the jalapeno was perfectly balanced the the noodles and the cilantro. I wasn't surprised by the results because every recipe I've made from eat live run has been fabulous. This recipe will definitely be added to my list of regular recipes!
The only change I made was that I didn't add the rice vinegar because I didn't have any in my house...oops!

Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup

Recipe from Eat, Live, Run

Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger 1 tbsp sesame oil 1/4th tsp salt 6 cups chicken broth 1 jalapeno, thinly sliced 3 green onions, sliced 2 tbsp soy sauce 1 tbsp rice vinegar 2 baby bok choy, chopped 5 oz chinese noodles (about half a package) sriracha sauce for serving (optional) chopped cilantro for serving (optional) Directions: Heat the sesame oil over medium high heat in a large heavy-bottomed stock pot. Add the minced garlic and ginger and briefly saute for about 30 seconds. Add the chicken and bok choy, sprinkle with salt, and saute for another three minutes until chicken has turned white but not completely cooked all the way through. Add the chicken broth, jalapeno and green onions to the pot and bring to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes until chicken is done. Meanwhile, cook the noodles in boiling salted water, drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside. Add the rice vinegar and soy sauce and stir. You can add a little more salt if you like, but taste first because soy sauce already contains a lot of salt! Add the noodles to the pot and serve with chopped cilantro and sriracha sauce on the side. Time: 45 minutes

giveaway!

Hello friends. I love sharing awesome giveaway finds with ya'll. I have to share this one with you!
Magan from A Touch of Class reached 100 followers!! Wahoo for her! I'm creeping up there, slowly but surely! I'm pretty excited for her!
In honor of the accomplishment, she is having an awesome giveaway. I highly suggest you go check it out. While you're there, poke around her blog, it's one of my favorites!

home inspiration

I know it is only early January but with the gorgeous weather we've had, it feels like spring is just around the corner. Springtime makes me think of cleaning and redecorating. I love the feel of a bright fresh coat of paint on the walls and maybe even on some furniture!

That's why I'm devoting this week's oh how pinteresting post to home decor!

As always, go check out what everyone else is pinning at The Vintage Apple!

Source: favoritepaintcolors.blogspot.com via Kimberly on Pinterest

This paint color is called Glass Slipper by Benjamin Moore. So gorgeous. That mirror is kind of awesome too!

Source: houzz.com via Brianna on Pinterest

I love this house. All of those windows though! They're good and evil...Lots of sunlight is great. But lots of heat in the summer and lots of cold in the winter. But wonderful to look at.

Source: bhg.com via Marilyn on Pinterest

I adore this headboard. The patchwork is gorgeous and bright and airy. I love it.

Source: edmonton-kitchens.ca via Edward on Pinterest

I love bench seating in the kitchen. It just seems so homey and cozy. I love it.

Source: abodelove.blogspot.com via Nancy on Pinterest

Love horizontal stripes in a hallway! Even better with the picture layout...and those puppy pictures just make me smile :)

Source: projectnursery.com via Kerri on Pinterest

I love nurseries even though I don't (and won't for a while) have a reason to have one in my house. But I really love this color combo. Gorgeous.

Hope you're having a perfect Wednesday!

run baby run

So far this winter we have been subjected to crazy unseasonably warm weather. Don't get me wrong, I am so not complaining! I have a half marathon in just under 7 weeks and if the weather was like last year, we would be having snow every Tuesday that cripples us until Thursday and there would be slush EVERYWHERE. Last week, I did my first run ever in below freezing weather. It wasn't nearly as bad as I expected. I did 7 miles in 22 degrees (12 degree wind chill). It was also my longest run to date. After the run I had a tiny bit of soreness but really I felt great. I could have kept going, but I try to remember that you should always finish with a little bit of gas in the tank.

Ready to run in the cold...SO not sexy!

This week for my long run, I tackled 8 miles. But this time it was 57 degrees outside. On January 7! I was running and a biker was riding in the other direction, we paused for a moment to relish in the gorgeous weather! We were both out there in SHORTS! I am so thankful for the warmth. While running in 22 degrees wasn't terrible, I am thankful I haven't had to figure out how to run in slush yet. I know it is only January 10 and since I'm posting this, we will certainly wake up to 3 feet of snow sometime in the next couple weeks, but I'm ok with it. I've gotten this far with gorgeous weather, and I'm loving it.

Look at that! High 30's!

After both runs the minute I finished my cool down and sat, my feet cramped so badly! For about a solid minute I thought my feet were going to fall off my body. It was so painful. After the 7 mile run, I thought maybe I hadn't gotten enough electrolytes during my run. I read that in the cold your body loses electrolytes faster and I only drank water during that run, so for the 8 miles, I drank NUUN throughout the run and ate 2 servings worth of chomps. I was really disappointed when I cramped up again after the 8 miles. Any ideas?? Tips?

12 recipes for 2012

I like to consider myself a bit of a foodie. There are very few things I love more than spending time in the kitchen cooking delicious food for myself and for my favorite people. Most people just assume that with my restricted diet (I don't eat red meat, pork, anything ground, anything in a tube, or shellfish) that I don't eat much. But in reality, aside from meats, I will eat just about anything. Put any preparation of any vegetable in front of me and I'll at least taste it, but more than likely, I'll love it.
One of my goals for 2012 is to cook some recipes that I've never tried before. This could be anything from a different flavor profile or cooking with different ethnic foods. I've been pouring through foodgawker looking at photos and looking through different recipes and this is the list of 12 different foods to try in 2012.
I'd love to get your suggestions too! One of my favorite things about foodgawker is reading the blogger's perspective on the recipe. I love making recipes based on other people's reviews. So link me to your favorites!!

Polenta Squares with Mushroom Ragu from Running to the Kitchen

Pumpkin Spice Pull-Apart Bread by Willow Bird Baking

Coconut Oatmeal from The Eccentric Cook

Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms by The Curvy Carrot

Thick and Creamy Potato Latkes from Sweat Pea's Kitchen

Grilled Angel Food Cake by Panini Happy

Winter Chop Chop from With Style and Grace

Bourbon Pecan Pie Brownies by The Daily Waffle

Asian Chicken Noodle Soup from Eat Live Run

Scallion Meatballs with Soy-Ginger Glaze by Smitten Kitchen

Cranberry Chipotle Ketchup From The Type A Housewife

Wheat Berry Salad from Spoon Fork Bacon

Well friends, there you have it, 12 must make recipes in 2012. I can't wait to get your suggestions too!