My Freckled Life -

Brand New!

June 19, 2013 No comments

Good Morning guys!

As you may have already noticed if you’re viewing this from my actual webpage (as opposed to a blog reader), but I have a BRAND SPANKING NEW website! YAY!!!!

This was seriously a LONG time coming, guys. In fact, I think I promised it to you in like February. Yea, it’s bad. It just ended up taking 1000x longer than I ever thought it would, and I ran into a whole lot of road blocks along the way.

Speaking of roadblocks, I’m actually still dealing with a few… “technical issues” thanks to the switcheroo and having a difficult time getting my posts to go up (I thought one went up yesterday and apparently never did!).

So please bear with me as I figure out exactly where the issue is, and then figure out how in the world to fix it!! It may take me a day or two to get everything running, but I promise we’ll be back to normal soon!

In the meantime, please let me know what you think of the new design!!

Happy Wednesday everyone!

Ticks, Tacos and Talking Shop

June 17, 2013 Comments: 4

Good morning!!

Or should I say Congratulations! We have officially survived the weekend!

Haha, I always felt that way in college when Monday morning came around. Not that I was really all that crazy of a college kid, but just in the fact that weekends in college usually revolved around way too many activities and way too little sleep.

Anyway, I’m sad/happy to say that I don’t actually have a TON of stuff to recap for you. This weekend was actually fairly chill, for the most part. Which was desperately needed around here, let me tell you.

But let’s look anyway, just for S & Gs, ok?

Friday

After battling traffic on my way home on Friday afternoon, I quickly threw some snacks together for our Friday night bible study meeting. No pictures because people started arriving while I was finishing up, and I don’t know everyone QUITE well enough to tell them about my little corner of blogland quite yet.

We ended up getting out a little early though and decided to go catch a movie! There are so many good ones out right now! We decided on The Internship because we were looking for something funny. And let me tell you, it definitely lived up to the previews. It was SO funny and dorky and I loved every second of it!

(source)

Saturday

We were up SUPER early on Saturday morning (which is just wrong in my opinion) to hit up the farmers market because I had a work function that I needed to be at by 10am.

We picked up some green beans, 2 squash, zucchini, mini Sonoma bread & red, white and blue scones (from Great Harvest), whole wheat pita bread, goat milk ricotta, and eggs. Most of these are new to us products (we’re trying out this whole farm fresh egg thing to see if it’s REALLY that much different), so we’re excited to try them out!

After my work event, which went from 10-11, I sat in traffic for 2.5 hours to get home. Yes, 2.5 hours to go the < 30 miles to my house. Insane. I even had to stop by Wawa for some sustenance because it was nearly 2pm and I hadn’t eaten anything since 7:30!

Finally I made it closer to home and decided that since my workout plans were out the window because of time, I might as well swing by a get a quick haircut. Just a trim though, nothing exciting!

I made it home just in time to change and head out on our next adventure: Hiking at Caledon State Park with Chris and his sister (and all our dogs)!

I intended on taking more pictures, but ended up getting totally distracted by the hike itself and didn’t even think of it until we got into the car! Boo!

Laney sure enjoyed herself though! She was one pooped puppy dog by the time we got home!

Chris, his sister and I headed home and made some simple turkey tacos for dinner. The weather was so gorgeous that we were even able to eat out on the deck and spend some time relaxing.

Which was good, because then we started to find some ticks on us. And spent the next 2 HOURS pulling ticks off of us and the dogs. Probably more than 75 in total. It was RIDICULOUS. And let me tell you, trying to get a dog to sit still while you pull 25+ ticks off of them is not an easy feat.

Needless-to-say, that basically took up the entire rest of our evening. Stupid bugs.

Sunday

Luckily we got to sleep in a little on Sunday morning to recover before heading to church.

After a quick grocery stop, I headed home to change because Chris and I had big afternoon plans: The start of half marathon training!

I’m probably going to talk about this more later, because I think it deserves a post of it’s own, but we are signed up for the Hokie Half Marathon in September and we have some lofty goals for this one! Last time we were running for experience. This time we’re running to improve our time. Which means a very different kind of training plan than last time around.

So we headed out on a 5 mile run, and tried to pick up the pace. Guys, this was seriously one of my worst runs EVER. EVERRRRRRRRR. There were tears. and curse words. and lots of stopping to keep from totally melting down. I hit a total mental block. Bad, just BAD.

We ended up cutting it to about 4.5 miles, and made it back in a very pathetic (and MUCH slower) time than planned. Just not my day.

Thankfully I didn’t have time to stew about it, because I had to hop in the shower and head down to Richmond for a VA Bloggers meet up!

(Please pardon the fact that I look like a half-face giant in the picture. I should clearly not try and pretend that I’m tall in group pictures and stand on my tippy toes in the back. Not a good look for me.)

We met up at Chuy’s Mexican Restaurant in Richmond, and spent a few hours chatting about Blogging, life outside of blogging, significant others, and various other random things.

I love these kinds of meet ups, because it’s so nice to not only meet other bloggers, but get the chance to “talk shop” (HA!) with others who understand the weird quirks that come with a hobby like this. Like everyone pulling out their smart phone to instagram pictures of their dinner. The norm.

Anyway, there you have it – my not-so-exciting-yet-still-very-fun weekend. Complete with ticks. Gross.

So tell me: What did you do this weekend? Have you ever had to deal with ticks before??

Five Favorites Friday #16

June 14, 2013 Comments: 6

Good morning guys!

It’s FRIDAY!!! Thank goodness! This week has been one of those weeks that just drags. On. Forever. I’m so happy that it’s over and we can finally enjoy the weekend!

I’m happy to say that I have some exciting things planned this weekend, including a hike, some farmers market hopping, a performance at church, AND a blog dinner with some other VA bloggers! So pumped!

But since it’s Friday and I’m sure everyone is raring to get to the weekend, let’s just right into our Five Favorites Friday!

(For those not familiar with Five Favorites Friday, it’s where I talk about 5 totally random, and often ridiculous, things that I’ve been loving this week).

1. Favorite Way to Eat Leftovers: Clean Out the Fridge meal!

Our fridge was getting pretty packed with leftovers (Ok, there seriously wasn’t even a place for our yogurt anymore…), so Chris and I decided to just have a giant leftovers feast. You know, the kind where you end up with this total hodge podge of small portions of random and unrelated leftovers.

Yup, that kind.

I ended up with a GIGANTIC taco-ish salad, complete with black beans, rice, tomatoes with green chilis, greek yogurt, the last of the tortilla chips (added after this photo was taken), and some salsa. Yup, random. But it worked. Even better – by the time I’d finished adding everything I had enough for 2 meals. Leftover win!

2. Favorite New Workout Inspiration: Fitnessista’s Summer Shape Up

I’ve mentioned this a few times in the past week, but I’ve been loosely following the Fitnessista’s Summer Shape Up Plan (I use loosely, because I’m really just using the workouts and incorporating them into my usual cardio).

I’ve really loved them so far because she does a great job of bringing in some totally new to me moves and combos (like lunges straight into 1-legged rows? Yes ma’am!) Plus I love that they are short and to the point, yet leave my muscles screaming afterwards. I’ve been incorporating them into my working during lunch and loving it!

3. Favorite Commuting/Running Partner: Audiobooks!

Guys, I’ve seriously gotten obsessed with audiobooks lately. You see, I love to read but have had a very hard time finding the time in the past year or so. I read like 3 books on my honeymoon and remembered why I loved reading so much, and I vowed to try and read more. But alas, time got the best of me.

Enter: Audiobooks! These fancy little things that you can check out right from the library’s website and listen to on your commute, during your run, when you’re trying to tune out mr. grunty on the weight machines. They are awesome! Plus it’s a great was to get your “reading” in when you’re low on time to just sit and crack a book.

In the last month I’ve listed to: The Lucky One, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?, and I’m currently listening to Game of Thrones book 1.

4. Favorite Summer Breakfast: Yogurt Bowls!

(First of all, almost just typed “bowels”. Yuck). Yogurt bowls seriously used to be a staple when I was in grad school and when I lived on my own. However, for whatever reason, in the past few months my warm weather go to has been cereal and fruit.

But no longer, my friends! The glorious yogurt bowl has returned!

My yogurt bowls usually consist of chobani, frozen mixed fruit, and granola. Then you just mix it all together until it’s a giant mess and enjoy!

5. Favorite Summer TV Show: So You Think You Can Dance

Honestly, I’m not usually super in to a lot of the summer shows. Every once and a while there will be a good one that comes on (in my opinion), but I usually spend the summers catching up on TV shows I’m behind on and watching old shows on Netflix.

There is one exception this summer.

(source)

I’m so excited guys! I may dance like the most awkward, nerdy white girl myself – but I LOVE watching other people dance. I’m always so in awe of the way they can move their bodies and express emotion through their movement.

Plus I think Nigel and Mary (and most of the time the guest judges) are hilarious!

There you have it – 5 totally random things that I’m loving this week.

So tell me: What are you guys loving?

Tips For Working Out During the Work Day

June 13, 2013 Comments: 8

Good Morning and happy Thursday!

Sadly I’m up SUPER bright and early this morning to get into work by 6:30am. I know. Yuck. Normally I’m barely downing my first cup of coffee by 6:30!

But by going in early, I’m also going to get to leave early so that I can head up to Washington, DC for the high school graduation of some dear family friends. It’s been a few years since I’ve been to a high school graduation party – so this should definitely be interesting!

Working Out At Work

Anyway, I wanted to talk to you guys about how to work out during work hours.

As many of you may know, since I started my new job in March, I’ve been really lucky in that a) we have a gym very close to our office that we can utilize, and b) many of my coworkers go during their lunch breaks.

Because of this, I’ve been able to go to the gym at least 2 days a week during the work day to get in an hour long workout (I take Tuesdays and Thursdays, and switch off with my coworkers for MWF so that someone is always in the office during the lunch hour).

Over these past few months I’ve learned a few tips and tricks on how to work out in the middle of the day, and still be professional when you return.

1. Neatly Fold Your Clothes When You Change

Whether your changing in the locker room at the gym, or in the bathroom in your office (which is usually what I do), the best thing to do is to do your very best to fold or hang your clothes.

That way, once you return from your workout you can change out of your gym clothes and back into your work clothes without looking like a wrinkled mess. It may also be a good idea to bring extra undergarments as well (TMI maybe, but you all know it’s true.)

2. If You Cant Shower, Bring Some Body Wipes

I, personally, don’t shower after a work out during my lunch break. Because if I did, I’d use up half my gym time showering, drying my hair, and reapplying makeup. MAYBE this will change once the summer really hits, but right now I just don’t think it’s worth it.

However, I’m not about to put on my work clothes when I’m gross and sweaty. So I’ve started brining some body wipes to wipe down with. I personally like the simple wipes (even though they are facial wipes), but my coworker has recommended baby wipes which I might have to try next too.

A light body spray can also be a good idea if you’re feeling insecure about how you smell or share close quarters. Just be careful you don’t pick something with an overwhelming scent!

3. Make Sure To Bring Your Morning Essentials (i.e. Deodorant)

Do not, I repeat DO NOT, forget to bring deodorant with you. No one wants to smell you after a workout. It sounds like common sense, but I can’t repeat the importance of this one enough.

4. Reapply Basic Makeup (but don’t go overboard)

If you’re a makeup person, make sure you bring a few essentials. Unless you get sweaty enough to completely wash your face, you probably don’t need to apply EVERYTHING again. Plus, that can take a few extra minutes away from your workout!

Instead, focus on a few things that will really brighten up your face. Use some oil sheets to wipe off the excess (and maybe even powder if you’re super shiny), mascara and some lip product. Everything else can get really cakey over a sweaty face, and no one wants that.

5. Learn The Wonders of Dry Shampoo And Hairspray

Seriously dry shampoo can be your best friend. If you haven’t bought some, I definitely recommend checking it out. Plus, it’s usually like $3-4 so it certainly wont break the bank. It will not only sop up the oils and/or sweat in your hair, but most will add some volume and life back into it too.

The other option (which I often do because I’m lazy) is to bring some hairspray and put your hair up into a nice classy ponytail, braid, or simple updo that looks professional in your work place (oh how I wish I could get away with a messy bun sometimes!).

Since I have super fine hair that often goes a little lifeless when it gets sweaty, this seems to work best for me.

6. Be Considerate Of Your Office Mates

When it comes down to it, make sure you talk to your office mates about your gym habits, especially if you are in close quarters. Know your office’s policy on lunch hours and how many people need to be in your office (for example, I switch off with my other coworkers during the week to make sure that there are always people in the office).

In general, just remember that your job does come first. You certainly don’t want to get in trouble or lose your job over a workout! Be courteous, be back on time, and don’t smell like the homeless man outside your building!

I hope this helps any of you who were considering the possibility of working out during the day. I’d love to hear any other tips that you all have for how you stay clean and professional during work-day workouts!

So tell me: Do you workout during the workday? If so, any tips for staying professional?

WIAW: Tuna Edition

June 12, 2013 Comments: 14

Ok, so maybe it’s just because I’m a total dork, but whenever I hear the word “Tuna” it almost always makes me have flashbacks to The Office.

Please tell me other Office fans do the same thing?

“Large Tuna” . I die.

OK, sorry – I’m back from my Office moment.

Let’s get on to the IMPORTANT things today! It’s Wednesday, so I’m pretty sure that you all know what that means! It’s time for a What I Ate Wednesday!

For anyone not familiar with What I Ate Wednesday, please check out creator Jenn’s blog. She does a great job of explaining why WIAW was created, and what it means to bloggers and blog readers.

So let’s get to it! Here are my eats from Tuesday!

Breakfast

Finally managed to change it up from the frosted mini wheats and fruit that I’ve been a bit obsessed with, and changed to a yogurt bowl instead. It consisted of vanilla greek yogurt, topped with frozen mixed berries and homemade apple cinnamon granola. Again, I haven’t quite perfected this recipe yet, so I’m not ready to share it, but I promise I will once it’s ready. How do you get granola to be clumpy???

Snack #1

Around 10:30 my coworkers brought me coffee my our favorite coffee shop. Glad they know me so well!

Lunch

Lunch resulted from a total weekend craving for tuna salad. I literally don’t know how long it’s been since I’ve had it! I mixed a can of tuna (in waster) with some dijon mustard, chopped dill pickles, chopped celery, and a tiny bit of mayo. Delicious! I ate it with some pita chips, and paired some watermelon on the side. I brought an apple too, but ended up being too full to eat it!

Snack #2

I had originally brought some hummus and celery for an afternoon snack, but after our lunch workout, my coworker convinced me to get a smoothie from the gym snack bar. I’m such a pushover. This one was “mangolicious” – Mangos, pineapple and protein powder. It was super mango-y and delicious. I guess hence the name Mangolicious?

Dinner

We had picked up some tuna steaks on sale at the grocery store this week, and didn’t decide to make them tonight until AFTER I had already packed tuna fish for lunch. It’s a double tuna day! Covered in cajun blackening seasoning, and paired with grilled veggies and some garlic and chive mashed potatoes.

We were even able to eat out on the porch it was so nice outside!

Dessert

I ended up eating a few bites of cookies and cream ice cream while catching up on some TV shows. Darn ice cream gets me every time!

Workout #1

As I mentioned before, I went to the gym near my job during lunch with one of my coworkers. I started with 20 minutes of hill intervals on the elliptical, before completing the Summer Shape Up workout from the Fitnessista. Holy cow, my arms were on fire!

Workout #2

After work I headed to my normal gym. I completed 30 minutes of intervals on the elliptical (my last week before half training starts, so I’m getting my elliptical time in while I can!), and 10 minutes of speed intervals on the stairmaster. I then did about 15 minutes of abs before spending another 15 minutes stretching.

I’m trying to get better about including more stretching into my workouts!

Well there you have it – What I Ate on ~~Wednesday~~ Tuesday and my workouts!

So tell me: What did you eat today?

Run Amuck 2013

June 11, 2013 Comments: 4

As I mentioned in yesterday’s recap post – the exciting part of my weekend definitely revolved around running the Run Amuck race, sponsored by the Marine Corps Marathon.

Essentially, the Run Amuck is a mix of your “typical” mud races like the Warrior Dash or the Spartan Race where there are a mix of physical-based obstacles (walls to climb over, etc) and mud-based obstacles (giant pile of mud to crawl through), paired with common military obstacles or PT skills.

For example, there were obstacles such as climbing over walls, crawling through a mud pit, climbing backwards down a large hill with the help of a rope, and a “spiders web”.

However there were also some military obstacles, like flutter kicks, jumping jacks, pushups, carrying ammo cans, army crawling through the mud, and running up the stairs of the Marine Corps Quantico stadium.

To be honest though, the hardest part of the whole thing was the HILLS! The course was approximately 3.5 miles, but a good chunk of it was over rolling hills. Now, these hills would have been difficult on their own. But add in the fact that it had been raining the whole previous day, and these hills basically turned into giant mud slides.

We’re talking sometimes you’d take 3 steps forward just to slide 2 steps back!

Sometimes it could seriously take you like 5 minutes just to get up a hill! Assuming you didn’t slip and slide halfway down and have to start over.

In fact, there was one hill that was so steep and muddy going downhill, that most people ended up sliding on their butts! Which was fine and dandy for me, until a big Marine came sliding down after me and slammed right into me, pushing us both rapidly down the hill.

The Marines running the race actually ended up detouring people a little around this hill by the end (we heard) because people were getting hurt as they slid down the hill because it was still full of rocks! We saw people with ripped shorts, and even I got a nice scrape on my tush from a big rock that I slid over.

Overall, I had a ton of fun at this race. Chris and I completed it with his family, which made it even more fun.

Although I will admit, I actually thought that this one was WAY muddier than the Warrior Dash we did in April. While the Warrior Dash had more difficult obstacles, their obstacles were more geared towards strength, balance and agility. The Run Amuck race was all about getting dirty and doing some marine drills while doing it.

This is definitely a race that I would do again! Sadly, I think it is something that is only done at Quantico, since that is where the Marine Corps Marathon Headquarters is based. However, if you live in this area of Virginia, I would definitely recommend it! It is very well run (it’s the Marines, come on!), and it is definitely an experience!

So tell me: Have you ever done a mud run? If so, did you feel it was more mud based or more obstacles based? If you haven’t, would you ever consider doing one?

* All credit for photos goes to MarathonFoto.com.

Nerd Alert!

June 10, 2013 Comments: 5

I’m BAAAACK!!

My super amazing, spectacular, totally awesome husband completely took apart my computer this weekend (like down to the green motherboard) and replaced the broken part that was causing my computer to not only refuse to charge, but was making it kill chargers. And now I’m up and running again!!

I have to admit, it was a little strange to go several days without a computer! We get so used to technology that it’s easy to get completely reliant on it for everything. So it was nice to step away for a few days and regroup.

Now that’s not to say that I unplugged entirely, because I do still have a kindle and a smartphone, but still… baby steps people!

ANYWAY, for the most part this weekend was actually very chill and I don’t really have too much to share with you all in terms of a recap. But let’s review anyway, shall we?