tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41650798205927240092024-02-20T01:12:21.374-08:00Amanda's LifeAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221951522779380578noreply@blogger.comBlogger108125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165079820592724009.post-57259514561484060792014-10-19T10:11:00.001-07:002014-10-19T10:11:05.841-07:00Random ThoughtsWhat I am loving: The fall colors and amazing sunsets I've been seeing over the last month.<br />
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What I find ridiculous: The wedding industry. <br />
Having just planned a wedding it is shocking how many vendors jack up the price just because it is a wedding. Also, I've been watching <i>Say Yes to the Dress. </i>During one episode where a bride had $2,000 to spend there were comments such as "[her] budget is limited," "It's not going to be pretty bling, it's going to be plastic bling," "bride's budget has their hands tied," and "slim line budget, options are really limited." Eventually they found a dress that would stretch her budget. The dress was $2600. That is not stretching a $2000 budget, that is an increase of 30%! Okay, rant over.<br />
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What I am excited about: Looking at houses and owning instead of renting. I want to decorate (see what's on my wish list below)! I am also excited about starting to <a href="http://www.foha.org/index.php?id=33" target="_blank">volunteer</a> with animals again. I should be walking dogs in a week or two!<br />
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What is on my wish list: Wood working tools, although I'm not sure how much I would really use them, saws make me nervous. I keep finding awesome DIY projects that I think I could do, but don't have the tools. Some of those projects are on the blog Love Grows Wild - <a href="http://lovegrowswild.com/2013/09/diy-ladder-tutorial/" target="_blank">ladder</a>, <a href="http://lovegrowswild.com/2014/05/galvanized-metal-menu-board/" target="_blank">menu board</a>, <a href="http://lovegrowswild.com/2013/08/diy-photo-clipboards/" target="_blank">photo clipboards</a>. Also, Shanty 2 Chic's <a href="http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/2013/10/diy-bench-2.html" target="_blank">bench</a> and <a href="http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/2014/07/diy-address-number-wall-planter.html" target="_blank">address wall planter</a>.<br />
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What I'm watching: Favorite new shows are <a href="http://www.fyi.tv/shows/unlivable" target="_blank"><i>Unlivable</i></a> and <a href="http://abc.go.com/shows/manhattan-love-story" target="_blank"><i>Manhattan Love Story</i></a>.<br />
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What I'm reading: I just finished <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003WUYPPG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003WUYPPG&linkCode=as2&tag=amaslif04-20&linkId=N7LLJJUT5CHFQNKC"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B003WUYPPG&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=amaslif04-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=amaslif04-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003WUYPPG" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. I read it with my new book club!<br />
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What made me smile today: Haley's spunk this morning due to the cooler weather (it is beautiful today, but pretty chilly with the wind chill). Walking to the gym and then my Pumpkin Latte from Peet's on the way home.<br />
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What are you loving, finding ridiculous, watching, reading or excited about? What is on your wish list? What made you smile?Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221951522779380578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165079820592724009.post-10224293422902484592014-06-29T10:07:00.002-07:002014-06-29T10:07:49.526-07:00Jus by Julie 3-day Cleanse ReviewAfter my last cleanse my supervisor was so impressed with my results, she said I glowed, that she decided she wanted to do a cleanse. She is a single mom and has 2 kids, so she wanted to wait until they would be out of town so she wouldn't have to prepare food without being able to eat it. Then a couple weeks ago it turned out that the kids were going to be out of town and she found a Groupon for Two Jus by Julie 3-day Cleanses and she convinced me to participate. The timing also worked well for her since she will be in Miami next week.<br />
I was a little hesitant of this cleanse because the juice is blended instead of cold-pressed and isn't organic. It reminded me a bit of my smoothies that I can do at home, but I wanted to be a support for my supervisor. Also, my last cleanse really helped quash my urges to eat fatty and sugary food and I hoped to have the same results this time. Although I have been working out regularly and eating healthly, I am still having a lot of cravings, which I sometimes give in to.<br />
The goal was to do the cleanse during the work week, but unfortunately with the Groupon options we only had this Wednesday available as a delivery. Knowing that the juice probably wouldn't arrive until midday I planned to start on Thursday. Once the juices arrived my supervisor started, even though she had already eaten. I chose to wait because I had already eaten breakfast and had some good salmon packed for lunch that I didn't want to waste. I wish I had started with her though because I knew my workout plans would probably need to change a bit over the weekend.<br />
A quick recap of the plan, some of the juices are the same each day and others change. You always start with a <a href="http://www.jusbyjulie.com/index.php/by-the-bottle/morning-glory.html" target="_blank">Morning Glory</a>, then comes either a <a href="http://www.jusbyjulie.com/index.php/by-the-bottle/spicy-lemonade.html" target="_blank">Spicy Lemonade</a> or a <a href="http://www.jusbyjulie.com/index.php/by-the-bottle/spicy-pome-nade.html" target="_blank">Spicy Pome-nade</a>, juice number three is the <a href="http://www.jusbyjulie.com/index.php/by-the-bottle/sweet-spin.html" target="_blank">Sweet Spin</a>, the fourth juice was either <a href="http://www.jusbyjulie.com/index.php/by-the-bottle/chia-berry.html" target="_blank">Chia Berry</a> or <a href="http://www.jusbyjulie.com/index.php/by-the-bottle/acai-blend.html" target="_blank">Acai Blend</a>, juice number 5 was different every day and then you end with a Sweet Spin. This cleanse allows you to eat a moderate amount of steamed vegetables or egg whites. You can drink 1-2 cups of coffee with Truvia or Stevia or tea. And you are allowed to chew gum. I don't know how I feel about this option, most other cleanses recommend against this. Blue Print Cleanse says, "<span style="background-color: white; color: #707070; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Chewing gum contributes to gas in your system, as well as, “confusing” the digestive process. What does this mean? Your stomach is getting ready for food that isn’t coming. That being said, try to avoid it, but if you’re tempted to chew off your colleague’s arm please chew the gum, and make it sugarless."</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AASmWzdZo0c/U7BHjI2DolI/AAAAAAAAB_A/twDh5mFg1_0/s1600/Chia+Berry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AASmWzdZo0c/U7BHjI2DolI/AAAAAAAAB_A/twDh5mFg1_0/s1600/Chia+Berry.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chia Berry</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Day One</span><br />
The first juice started out rough. I already knew that I probably wasn't going to like this juice because my supervisor had such a hard time getting it down on Wednesday. We ended up chugging it down together and moved on. <br />
I had the Spicy Pome-nade next and it was very tasty. It is nice. light, just a tad sweet with a little bit of heat. I would definitely drink this any day.<br />
Next up was the Sweet Spin, this juice was much better than the Morning Glory, but still not my favorite. <br />
On my drive home I drank the Acai Blend, which I also enjoyed. It was fairly chunky, so it you have trouble with certain textures this may not be the drink for you, but I thought it was very tasty.<br />
When I got home Big B and I discussed going for a workout, but I opted out because I didn't feel like I had enough energy to do an actual workout and I was sore from my Hard Drive class the night before. However, I did end up getting almost 10,000 steps by the end of the day.<br />
Later Big B and I walked over to the Brambleton Town for one of their Sizzlin' Summer Concert, the <a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/TheDoyleBrothers" target="_blank">Doyle Brothers</a> performed. One the way over we stopped at Subway to grab a sandwich for Big B. I'm usually not a humongous Subway fan, but boy did their sandwiches look delicous. Cleanses are definitely harder if the person you share your house with is eating normal food. For some reason I don't have much temptation to eat food at work, but I did at home tonight. It was also a bit hard to watch other concert attendees enjoying their adult beverages. I definitely plan on brining a beer or some wine with me to the next concert, <a href="http://www.cherrycrushband.com/" target="_blank">Cherry Crush</a>.<br />
At the concert I had decided not to follow the Jus by Julie's instructions. I had the Sweet Spin next because I really enjoy something sweet at the end of the day and didn't think I could go from something sweeter to the Sweet Spin. Once we got back home I ended the day with the <a href="http://www.jusbyjulie.com/index.php/by-the-bottle/not-so-chunky.html" target="_blank">Not So Chunky</a>, yumm!!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Day Two</span><br />
I slept really well last night and today I felt just a well as I did during Day One. I don't know if that is because I didn't do the detox baths or if it was because the juices were blended. I had the Spicy Lemonade today, this juice is tasty, but I didn't enjoy it as much as the Pome-nade. Another difference was the Chia Berry. Again this drink was tasty, but I liked the Acai Blend a bit more (I think because it felt a bit more like normal food). This night I got home later than normal and Big B had already eaten, luckily, because his food smelled so good (and it was just chicken and squash)! The last juice of the day was the <a href="http://www.jusbyjulie.com/index.php/by-the-bottle/island-coconut.html" target="_blank">Island Coconut</a>, also delicious!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning Glory</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Day Three</span><br />
I had planned on sleeping in, this would be the first in a while because I normally set my alarm so I can make it to gym classes during the weekend (although I usually wake before it goes off on Sunday). Unfornately I didn't make it very late, but I was lazy and laid in bed for a couple hours. Again I feel pretty normal and not like I did last cleanse. Unlike the other cleanse were my opinion on the juice changed each day, I didn't notice that this time. Morning Glory, was still not great and I had to chug it down. I actually don't know if there would be much flavor if I plugged my nose. I didn't try this, but I think most of the dislike was the strong smell of kale.<br />
After drinking my Spicy Lemonade I felt good enough to go for a walk/run, I planned on incorporating the walking because it is hot outside, high 80s. Boy was I glad I hadn't planned on running the whole way, it was warm and I should have brought some water. It actually looked like I had taken a bath by the time I got home, I was that sweaty!<br />
Next up was the Sweet Spin, but it tasted really weird today, so I had less than half and then ended up throwing it away.<br />
After about an hour I was really hungry, so I had 8 almonds. These are not on Jus by Julie's plan, but they sounded better than egg whites or steamed veggies and they were allowed on the other cleanse. I also drank the Chia Berry, it tasted even better with the almonds. Sweet with a little bit of a sour kick. Again some people might not like this juice because of the texture, but I love chia seeds.<br />
Another reason I wish that I had started the cleanse on Wednesday is because we went to the Red, White and Bram (an event in our town center with music and fireworks). Because I knew that there were going to be some good food carts, beer and wine, I decided not finish the cleanse that night. I figured now I could extend my leftover <span style="background-color: white;">bottles and have one for lunch and one for breakfast. Either way I cheated a bit and don't regret it one bit. The lobster roll from <a href="http://www.redhooklobsterdc.com/" target="_blank">Red Hook Lobster Pound</a>! Now the challenge is to not let this derail my plans.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Side Effects (fun details not everyone might want to know)</span><br />
With both cleanses I have had fairly normal stool, which is awesome since a lot of people seem to have issues with this, at least from what I have read. I also always get a bit of a white/green film on my tongue. It is gross! <br />
This time I noticed that I had to urinate more often and when the urge came I had to go then. I don't remember this occuring as much during the first cleanse. I've also noticed that I've been a bit chilled, luckily its warm and humid here, so I can just step outside to warm up.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221951522779380578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165079820592724009.post-55652638376268969402014-04-12T07:52:00.000-07:002014-04-12T07:56:59.312-07:00A Week After My Cleanse & Green Orange SmoothieOn Sunday I was positive I would never do a cleanse again. However, almost a week later, I'm not so sure. Maybe I'll have to try another brand and compare the two.<br />
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Some positives from the cleanse:<br />
- I have lost 10 pounds in 2 weeks (this has included healthy eating after the cleanse and working out regularly)<br />
- I'm not craving junk food as severely as I was before and I have become much more mindful of when I am full<br />
- Coworkers at work have stated that I already look thinner and my skin looks healthier<br />
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Negatives:<br />
- I felt a bit naseous through Tuesday<br />
- I was so sick of juice!<br />
- I have felt a bit weak when returning to my normal workout routine<br />
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On a side note I made the most delicious smoothie Thursday morning and made it again this morning. Although it looks very green it actually tastes a like an Orange Julius. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vHBxHuR8swc/U0lSpGHA1WI/AAAAAAAAB8M/mZm2qFWA0FU/s1600/DSC_2798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vHBxHuR8swc/U0lSpGHA1WI/AAAAAAAAB8M/mZm2qFWA0FU/s1600/DSC_2798.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
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Recipe:<br />
1 cup spinach<br />
1 banana<br />
1 cup orange juice<br />
1/4 scoop of vanilla protein powder (I am currently using <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LVK58A/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000LVK58A&linkCode=as2&tag=amaslif04-20">Syntha-6, Vanilla Ice Cream</a>)<br />
I Tablespoon of chia seeds<br />
I blend all of these togethers using a Magic Bullet then I add crushed ice to the top and blend it again.<br />
Calories 310<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHEqT3h9ywwJY_XB9v8NUi6JnDAS404BSBzj1_JCwflMEGwag3fxWi_coWCAiQ_bR83JxbOjyvebjs1OZXj5fIzhUSd6mXU4MYKBFa_7H42V2Z8H46gOyeK17puIFAGGAHKoU73IdMNVg/s1600/DSC_2797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHEqT3h9ywwJY_XB9v8NUi6JnDAS404BSBzj1_JCwflMEGwag3fxWi_coWCAiQ_bR83JxbOjyvebjs1OZXj5fIzhUSd6mXU4MYKBFa_7H42V2Z8H46gOyeK17puIFAGGAHKoU73IdMNVg/s1600/DSC_2797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>I prefer a more fruity smoothie, so on Thursday I added raspberries and this morning I didn't have any berries so I added some raspberry kefir.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHEqT3h9ywwJY_XB9v8NUi6JnDAS404BSBzj1_JCwflMEGwag3fxWi_coWCAiQ_bR83JxbOjyvebjs1OZXj5fIzhUSd6mXU4MYKBFa_7H42V2Z8H46gOyeK17puIFAGGAHKoU73IdMNVg/s1600/DSC_2797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHEqT3h9ywwJY_XB9v8NUi6JnDAS404BSBzj1_JCwflMEGwag3fxWi_coWCAiQ_bR83JxbOjyvebjs1OZXj5fIzhUSd6mXU4MYKBFa_7H42V2Z8H46gOyeK17puIFAGGAHKoU73IdMNVg/s1600/DSC_2797.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221951522779380578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165079820592724009.post-63622167058962110982014-04-06T16:11:00.004-07:002014-04-06T16:11:43.756-07:00Life Juice Cleanse - Last DayI'm definintely done with this cleanse. Iwasn't hungry and I wasn't craving other food, but I was dreading the thought of drinking more juice. I got a late start to the day and ended up not going to Kickboxing because I got completely wrapped up in the book I'm reading and couldn't tear myself away to get out of bed. (As a sidenote check out Jodi Picoult's The Storyteller. I love Jodi Picoult's stories and this one had me laughing, and crying.) This means I had to drink the juices even faster than the other two days, blech! Don't get me wrong, these juices aren't bad and actually are pretty tasty, I'm just tired of them.<br />
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Once I was able to tear myself away from the book, I'll be honest, once I finished the book, I went out for a lovely walk. The weather is beautiful! I ended up eating almonds again and skipping the second Oh My Greens, maybe I'll be in the mood for it later in the week. Looking forward to easing out of the cleanse tomorrow and starting to eat more normal food. The plan is fruit, maybe a juice or two and almonds tomorrow. Tuesday I can add some lightly steamed greens and Wednesday I will add in some salads and complex grains. Thursday fish comes into play and Friday is the start of my healthier eating plan.<br />
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<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221951522779380578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165079820592724009.post-44814523016359111692014-04-05T15:51:00.000-07:002014-04-05T15:51:26.991-07:00Life Juice Cleanse - Day TwoI slept wonderfully last night and woke up feeling pretty good, but a tad bit light headed. I took Haley for a walk and was excited to see the sun out, even though it was pretty windy.<br />
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The<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Solé</span> t</span>ook me a bit longer to drink this morning, but the Positive Balance went down better. <br />
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The one thing I haven't liked about the cleanse so far is that I feel like I have to drink the juices almost back to back to get them all in, or maybe I just drink them too slowly. Shortly after I finished the <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16.363636016845703px; line-height: 24px;">Solé it was time for Positive Balance and then Oh My Greens. Add in the fact that I am trying to increase my intake of water, I feel like all I am doing in drinking. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16.363636016845703px; line-height: 24px;">This afternoon I treated myself to a massage. It was one of the recommendations that Life Juice gave. I have been a bit sore from working in the two year-old classroom this week and moving a classroom at work yesterday, and then helping a friend move a few items. Plus I'm a bit stressed from all the wedding planning. The massage felt wonderful, relaxing and I was glad I indulged.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16.363636016845703px; line-height: 24px;">After the massage it was time for the Bodacious Bunny. I also decided to eat 8 almonds. Life Juice gave a list of a few items you could eat if you absolutely had to, although I didn't absolutely have to eat something, I did feel like my body needed them. Other food choices were a few celery stalks, a couple of cucumber slices, warm vegetable broth or a half cup of coffee (no sugar or cream). But I felt like I needed that protein more than anything else so I opted for the almonds, which I keep in my pantry anyway.</span><br />
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Since I feel a bit tired today I plan on finishing off the second Oh My Greens and the Spiced Almond Milk then taking another bath and then off to bed early. I hope to have enough energy to go to my normal Cardio Kickboxing class tomorrow morning at the gym.<br />
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<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221951522779380578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165079820592724009.post-90306484726887751412014-04-04T19:37:00.003-07:002014-06-29T10:10:05.845-07:00Life Juice Cleanse - Day One<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Over the last few years I have considered doing a cleanse. I have been interested in how I will feel during cleanse and if really would make me feel better at the end of it all. Then I get engaged, I'm struggling to eat healthly, and Big B is out of town for a long weekend. Perfect time to see how a cleanse goes, so I'm going for it.</span></div>
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I started off by doing a lot of research. I read this <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/20/the-best-tasting-juice-cleanses_n_1689961.html" target="_blank">article</a>, and this <a href="http://www.brit.co/juice-up-the-10-best-juice-cleanses-you-can-buy-online/" target="_blank">one</a>, and then lastly I found <a href="http://chefambershea.com/tag/juice-cleansing/" target="_blank">Chef Amber Shea's blog</a> where she reviewed numerous juice cleanses with a little more depth than other articles I had found. I really appreciated all the information that she shared.</div>
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After reading all the articles I narrowed down my choices to <a href="http://www.lifejuiceshop.com/bridal-cleanse.html" target="_blank">Life Juice</a>, <a href="http://blueprintcleanse.com/" target="_blank">Blueprint</a> <a href="http://coolercleanse.com/cleanse" target="_blank">Cooler Cleanse</a> and <a href="http://www.sujajuice.com/" target="_blank">Suja</a>. These cleanses all hit the items I was looking for in a cleanse. I wanted my cleanse to taste good, have organic fruits and vegetables and the juice be cold-pressed. I read through each website and Blueprint was out because one of their juices contains cashews, probably not a good match for me with my allergic reactions to them. All the juices ended up being about the same price when I added in shipping costs. So, I ended up with Life Juice because they have the cheapest shipping price and I would rather spend that extra money on the juices than on the shipping. Hopefully it means its the best, right? Who knows, maybe next time I will try out a different brand.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-2iHt69jM5wpl04HvbAwKSu96NA91fgPFEJ1c_Cx__8bcFTyUNpxJ6qps7p3ddHsBqRppneMj0ZtXYhyphenhyphenufdTBmM_87JuR6nn0gWPiyi1-TY9tmPDE8lpUEtBs9VKhXOC4eilNAUkubM/s1600/Positive+Balance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-2iHt69jM5wpl04HvbAwKSu96NA91fgPFEJ1c_Cx__8bcFTyUNpxJ6qps7p3ddHsBqRppneMj0ZtXYhyphenhyphenufdTBmM_87JuR6nn0gWPiyi1-TY9tmPDE8lpUEtBs9VKhXOC4eilNAUkubM/s1600/Positive+Balance.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I had planned on starting the cleanse on Thursday, the day Big B left. That way I would have a day to come out of the cleanse before he got home. However, I didn't receive the juices until mid-day on Thursday, so that plan was out the door. (Note to anyone interested in ordering from Life Juice in the future, make sure you state a day earlier than you plan on starting when completing your order. This seemed to be an issue for Chef Amber also.) The packaging was nice and the juices came in a large insulated bag with a smaller insulated bag to carry a juices you might need for the day with you. The information card was cute and I was excited as I loaded the juices into the fridge.</div>
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I woke up this morning ready to go. The reviews for the first juice, <span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Solé</span>, were not glowing. <span style="font-size: 16.363636016845703px; line-height: 24px;">Solé</span> is a mix of filtered water, lemon and pink himalyan sea salt. And the reviews had mentioned how salty it was, I actually missed the fact that there was even lemon in it while reading the reviews. Throw in the fact that I normally try to avoid salt as much as possible and I was a bit nervous. Life Juice recommended warming <span style="font-size: 16.363636016845703px; line-height: 24px;">Solé, but this sounded a bit like drinking that hot-salt-water-I-used-to-gargle-as-a-kid-when-I-had-a-sore-throat, so I chose to drink it cold. And </span>I was pleasantly surprised, <span style="font-size: 16.363636016845703px; line-height: 24px;">Solé</span> reminded me a bit of a margarita and I had no trouble finishing it.</div>
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Juice #2 was Positive Balance, I was not a fan and struggled to get it down. I have a feeling it is the beet ingredient that turned me off. I am hoping it will hit the spot a bit better over the next two days. The plan was to drink this around 9:30 am, but since I was at work and ended up in the two-year-old's classroom, I didn't finish it until close to 11 am.</div>
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Juice #3 was Oh My Greens, it had a lot of the same ingredients as the Positive Balance, but I definitely enjoyed it more. By now it was towards the end of my work day and I am starting to wonder how I am going to finish all 6 juices.</div>
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Juice #4 I drank on my way home from work. Number four is Bodacious Bunny, lots of carrot in this one! Although I don't typically enjoy carrot I did like this juice.</div>
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Juice #5 was supposed to be Oh My Greens again. However, it is now almost 8 pm and I just didn't think I could drink two juices before going to bed. Although most sites, including Life Juices, don't recommend skipping a juice, I had to go with how I was feeling, so I skipped it.</div>
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Juice #6 was Spiced Almond Milk. Life Juice recommended drinking this warm like <span style="font-size: 16.363636016845703px; line-height: 24px;">Solé, but I wasn't in the mood. Either way I thought it was pretty tasty cold, maybe I'll try it warm tomorrow.</span></div>
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I've only noticed a slight headache today and hope that I continue to feel good throughout the remaining two days. After this post its off to a warm bath with epsom salt and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005LZST3Y/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005LZST3Y&linkCode=as2&tag=amaslif04-20">Bath and Body Works Lavender Vanilla Luxury Bath</a>, sounds like a good end for the evening!</div>
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221951522779380578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165079820592724009.post-27303947756315212182014-03-15T09:04:00.001-07:002014-03-15T09:04:54.087-07:00Things I Learned While Swimming Open Water SwimsI've been a swimmer for as long as I can remember. My mom put me into swim lessons at an early age. She hadn't been very comfortable in the water and wanted to ensure that her children were. Eventually my sister and I joined a summer swim league in New Jersey and then when we moved back to Colorado our neighbors introduced us to year-round swimming.<br />
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So, we became swimmers. It has become part of my identity and I even considered myself a swimmer when I took a hiatus from the year-round team in middle school. In high school I lived and breathed the pool. I was on the summer swim league, year-round team and high school team. Then my first job was a lifeguard at the Parker Recreation Center, eventually I started teaching swim lessons and then my senior year I started coaching the summer swim league.<br />
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But, I hadn't participated in an open water swim until I was almost 30. I did a few swims at the <a href="http://www.racingunderground.com/mywaytriway/general.html" target="_blank">My Way or the Tri Way</a>, I participated in the swim-run-swim. Then, I moved to Seattle and really started participating in open water swims. There are a variety of swims available, inlcuding the <a href="http://www.seattle.gov/parks/aquatics/greenlakeows.htm" target="_blank">Green Lake Open Water Swim</a> (GLOWS, what a fun acronym!), <a href="http://www.seattle.gov/parks/aquatics/openwaterswim.htm" target="_blank">Emerald City</a>, <a href="http://www.fatsalmonswim.org/" target="_blank">Fat Salmon</a> and <a href="http://www.parktoparkswim.com/" target="_blank">Park to Park Swim</a>.<br />
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During all the swims I have picked up some valuable lessons:<br />
1) You don't need to wear a wetsuit. Although others will look at you like you are crazy. I have never worn a wetsuit, mostly because I didn't want to shell out the money or deal with peeling it off. However, I have heard that wetsuits do help with your buoyance and keep in mind I haven't participated in any swims with extremely cold water temperatures.<br />
2) Wear the proper equipment. Caps will keep your head warmer and cut down on drag. Goggles will help you see better. I also consider my road id to be an important piece of equipment. If something were to happen to me in the water there is no identification on to help rescuers (I actually consider this important for all athletic events or trainings that I participate in).<br />
3) If you are intimidated by the stories about getting hit or kicked look for swims that start in deep water. If you start in deep water then everyone already has some space around them from treading water and there is less collisions. The swims that involve the most bumps are those when you run into the water, at least in my experience.<br />
4) If you are doing a race where you start out on land and then run into the water prepare mentally for the shock of the water. I have found that the water always feels colder than I expected. Once you run into the water stay calm, take deep breaths and know that you can always breath with your head out of water or flip onto your back if needed.<br />
5) Most the other swimmers are swimming in the middle. It is okay to move over to one side or the other or to drop back so you can swim your race. Better to be a bit back or to the side in the beginning and swim with a good stroke, than in the middle, but not swimming efficiently.<br />
6) Train with sighting. If you do most of your swimming in the pool then you don't need to sight for the finish line or to stay straight. Unfortunately, this is a big part of open water swims. There are two reasons to practice sighting. One, this will build up your muscles. My neck is always sore after my open water swims, the more you practice the less sore you will be the next day. Two, swimming while sighting drops your hips and can effect your breathing so you want to practice this before you are actually racing.<br />
7) I breath bilaterally, on both sides. This is definitely helpful because you can see those around you better and you don't have to sight as much. The less often you breath the faster you will be, but more importantly breathing on every odd stroke will allow you to even out your stroke and swim straighter. If you are new to breathing bilaterally you can start out with the pattern of breathing twice on one side, stroking for three strokes and then breathing twice on the other side. I actually tend to breath this pattern while extending the amount of strokes between the breathing.<br />
8) Swim as far as you can at the finish. It is much easier to swim through deep water than to run. Also, the water can be an amplifier, so stopping to stand up and then not reaching the bottom will slow down your finish. I swim until I am unable to complete my pull correctly and my fingers are scraping against the bottom. I have actually passed a few other swimmers at the finish using this technique.<br />
9) Have fun!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221951522779380578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165079820592724009.post-77672844750983009242014-02-24T19:53:00.000-08:002014-02-24T19:53:34.017-08:00Hearts<div style="text-align: center;">
My theme for this Valentine's Day was hearts. I didn't start out planning it that way, but there are so many cute heart ideas and recipes on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/salemandr/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> I got wrapped up. I painted my nails with hearts, made heart cookies, heart cinnamon rolls and heart egg in toast. I also had planned on making <a href="http://thepapermama.com/2013/02/links-to-love-for-valentines-day.html" target="_blank">heart shaped bacon</a>, but my breakfast plans were making me frustrated and I decided to let that one go, more on that later.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ockzqgz1EBI/UwwK7Ky4W0I/AAAAAAAAB2o/ZwPREE5ilsk/s1600/cookie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ockzqgz1EBI/UwwK7Ky4W0I/AAAAAAAAB2o/ZwPREE5ilsk/s1600/cookie.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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On Valentine's Day I made these cookies. I found the idea on <a href="http://celebratingeverydaylife.com/milk-cookies-a-cookie-valentine-tutorial/" target="_blank">Celebrating Everyday Life with Jennifer Carroll</a>. I loved her photos, however I wanted to make cookies from scratch. I followed this<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/frame?post=1996587557&group=0&frame_type=a&blog=6838149&link=aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRwcm94eS5nb29nbGUuY29tL35yL21hZGV0b2JlYW1vbW1hL34zL1dGbkxmSUFzVWNRL2Jlc3Qtc29mdC1naW5nZXJicmVhZC1jb29raWVzLWNocmlzdG1hcy1jb29raWUtZXhjaGFuZ2UuaHRtbA&frame=1&click=0&user=0" target="_blank"> recipe</a> from Made to be a Momma and they were delicious!</div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Then Friday night I made cinnamon rolls ready for when Big B headed out to work on Saturday, since he leaves much earlier than I wake up. I found the recipe for the heart cinnamon rolls </span><a href="http://www.pinfoody.com/heart-cinnamon-rolls-2/" style="text-align: start;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="text-align: start;">, but be warned I actually ended up coping and pasting the recipe on to a word document. The original web page kept changing to an american food recipes page, very annoying! Instead of starting from scratch you can always buy Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls and just roll them from each side and then pinching the bottom to form the heart shape.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ri16LwKdRBE/UwwK5_4bx_I/AAAAAAAAB2I/AMWmJR8sE-w/s1600/Cinnamon+Rolls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ri16LwKdRBE/UwwK5_4bx_I/AAAAAAAAB2I/AMWmJR8sE-w/s1600/Cinnamon+Rolls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ri16LwKdRBE/UwwK5_4bx_I/AAAAAAAAB2I/AMWmJR8sE-w/s1600/Cinnamon+Rolls.jpg" height="640" width="480" /><br />
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Later on Saturday I painted my nails. I got some advice from #16 on<a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/27-nail-hacks-for-the-perfect-diy-manicure" target="_blank"> these Nail Hacks from Buzz Feed</a>. They didn't turn out exactly like the hearts on Buzz Feed, but I still thought they were cute. And I was pretty proud of the heart on my right hand, since I am not an ambidextrous person.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzARguaqmx5wwJBp3g6w9R9gnRO8-UhkekWc3r3Y7XmQWaOEFz2S3HJWYtwlGCbYmPRosBnoNlSKOVhzzn08IjDZNmwaOG_LjTiqy0z_xhMCMcuc1Wwzm3qGxXXc3ddU_ublQwIJopHTA/s1600/Nail+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzARguaqmx5wwJBp3g6w9R9gnRO8-UhkekWc3r3Y7XmQWaOEFz2S3HJWYtwlGCbYmPRosBnoNlSKOVhzzn08IjDZNmwaOG_LjTiqy0z_xhMCMcuc1Wwzm3qGxXXc3ddU_ublQwIJopHTA/s1600/Nail+2.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right ring finger</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzI03jN0PPTdmpLuW5Ox1r4lt6JC28bVClp6F0a6CJno-Fb6pYyTUfsspjiUWHhZbUN0iJnT2xGZpknbC7CTefu1jO0fKfCsF8fiZ_GfJQlBg9a3goO8Q3fFvlYQ2g3aGlioRt-sLh3ww/s1600/Nail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzI03jN0PPTdmpLuW5Ox1r4lt6JC28bVClp6F0a6CJno-Fb6pYyTUfsspjiUWHhZbUN0iJnT2xGZpknbC7CTefu1jO0fKfCsF8fiZ_GfJQlBg9a3goO8Q3fFvlYQ2g3aGlioRt-sLh3ww/s1600/Nail.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left ring finger</td></tr>
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Lastly on Sunday I made some egg in toast and bacon. We have a gas stove in our kitchen, which has been a new experience. I love the fact that the stove warms up very quickly, but it tends to burn out when I turn down the heat. Because of this I ended up burning a sandwich and then I couldn't get the second sandwich to toast. I eventually made the sandwich, cutting out the heart and then toasting it in our George Foreman. This didn't work out as well as I had hoped and ended up a bit squished, but at least they toasted without burning. Then I cooked the egg in my heart cookie cutter on the stove and then placed the cooked egg inside of the sandwich when everything was done. Although it didn't turn out as well they did on <a href="http://www.reclaimingprovincial.com/2012/01/22/egg-in-the-basket/" target="_blank">Reclaiming Provinvial</a>, they were tasty, but not worth photographing.</div>
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221951522779380578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165079820592724009.post-55907534004775256482014-02-13T22:01:00.001-08:002014-02-14T09:28:43.375-08:00Mars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">I originally started fostering Mars around October 2002. I had only recently started fostering and she was my second or third foster group, sometimes I fostered more than one kitten depending if they came in as a litter or not. Mars was my first "feral" foster. I place <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feral_cat" target="_blank">feral</a> in apostrophes because most of my feral fosters were just under-socialized, not necessarily feral. She definitely started a trend because I rarely fostered any other type of cat, I had found my niche. Plus, when you foster ferals like I did, in your only bathroom, then they pretty much stay out of your way until they are ready to go back to the shelter and get adopted. Unlike other kittens who are all over you while you try to use the bathroom in any capacity.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaEy-i-k10GG5V7mI-PgF86j0isPbGPay4hn242m6iqxqyLm8ZzmTYmOaM_IRflwDFuW0pNHtIClju2n_EceDQsIKhTpQ7z-JgVcMfzT3CYvvvWOSVBKk0-jnZ784oXLKk5Z2n5mQSyBI/s1600/Mars5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaEy-i-k10GG5V7mI-PgF86j0isPbGPay4hn242m6iqxqyLm8ZzmTYmOaM_IRflwDFuW0pNHtIClju2n_EceDQsIKhTpQ7z-JgVcMfzT3CYvvvWOSVBKk0-jnZ784oXLKk5Z2n5mQSyBI/s1600/Mars5.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mars and another kitten I fostered, about a year after I adopted her.</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: start;">I learned a lot while fostering Mars. I had never fostered a kitten so scared and Mars was definitely fearful, although I have since fostered other kittens who were much worse off. I had some things to learn and even lost her while visiting a friend, she somehow wedged herself under his <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EDS29GI/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00EDS29GI&linkCode=as2&tag=amaslif04-20">Kegerator</a>. I didn't know you needed to keep a scared cat in a smaller, and open, area until they have gotten used to them. I also learned that it was easier to wait on naming the kittens until they were older, this way you would know their individual personalities, and it helped me stay a bit more detached. I originally didn't name Mars because another staff member had dibs on her and wanted to name her Madelyn, a name that didn't seem to match her. I also had always thought that I couldn't ever own a cat with Haley, she has pretty high <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prey_drive" target="_blank">prey drive</a>. But Mars is sometimes too smart for her own good and snuck out of the bathroom, meeting Haley. Luckily Mars isn't a typical cat and just laid down like a submissive dog and Haley treated her as such.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">As time went on Mars started to grow on me more and more. She is </span>a snuggle bug, she doesn't necessarily like being carried around, but the second you sit down she is ready to be on your lap. Mars is also a bit naughty, I seem to be attracted to animals that are a bit too smart and stubborn for their own good. Big B says, "like dog/cat, like owner." But, I am allergic to cats and Mars bothered those allergies more than the average cat. The original interested party decided they weren't ready for another cat and I had a dilemma. I asked around trying to find Mars a home with someone I knew and trusted, to no avail. Then right before it was time to take her back to the shelter my allergies stopped acting up and I decided to adopt her! In the meantime my roommate had been calling her Mars, he thought she looked like <a href="http://www.newbelgium.com/beer/detail.aspx?id=1a853953-7295-4a79-811f-655b79b7d31d" target="_blank">Biere de Mars</a>, and being the smarty that she is, the name stuck.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxY_IYKgh4c8ggMJ3P7CdMRZbemJSEXsGRMWbnwv9XsBg2TlLLE8GjXsv0X7Vo4jnnEkCUlgOvWxsq58aw73A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Mars showing off that big brain of hers. Check out the awesome carpet in one of the places I have lived. And it was in the kitchen, who puts carpet in the kitchen? </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTq8-149s18QZ6kcOwO2CZmkbEGvhvlkSBkr6pZjWzrwknDJ_c3rS7KL1nfcycYBExtAbL5VxzW-BjdVH5KPkLXPCgXUu3ljbbu2mdiLPmYSvX4BAiaXUv2go54z2K64IXotAZYenSsPQ/s1600/Mars3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTq8-149s18QZ6kcOwO2CZmkbEGvhvlkSBkr6pZjWzrwknDJ_c3rS7KL1nfcycYBExtAbL5VxzW-BjdVH5KPkLXPCgXUu3ljbbu2mdiLPmYSvX4BAiaXUv2go54z2K64IXotAZYenSsPQ/s1600/Mars3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Mars has been quite the character since the move. As I mentioned above she is sometimes too smart, and stubborn. The two things she has been especially stubborn about over the last two months have been 1) getting into the food in the kitchen and 2) sitting on my lap. Luckily she hasn't been too naughty about scratching up the carpet. We put her favorite scratching post next to her bed and I think this has helped immensely. Scratching up the carpet was one of her naughtiest habits in Seattle, as everyone who came to my Ladies Christmas Party a few years ago can collaborate.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AOfHSOdXtn8/Uv2kuJCuVjI/AAAAAAAAB1A/3Oa3NrQhzcc/s1600/Mars4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AOfHSOdXtn8/Uv2kuJCuVjI/AAAAAAAAB1A/3Oa3NrQhzcc/s1600/Mars4.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mars decided there was enough room on my lap between me and the laptop, even if she had to hold on tight.</td></tr>
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In the past she would much rather sit on Big B's lap than my own. Maybe it is because his lap is bigger, or that he tends to move around a little less when we are sitting down (usually in the evening), or that he is usually warmer than me. But something in Virginia has made my lap much more inviting.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U99MY5XzdEs/Uv2kt5gnGZI/AAAAAAAAB0s/T7uWqcnxuc8/s1600/Mars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U99MY5XzdEs/Uv2kt5gnGZI/AAAAAAAAB0s/T7uWqcnxuc8/s1600/Mars.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I finally convinced Mars to take a nap beside me so I could get up and down with a bit more ease.</td></tr>
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What a silly cat! Definitely makes me feel loved, but I wish she wasn't so insistent sometimes. It makes it hard to get motivated to get off the couch when you move your nice warm cat and she crawls right back on before you can even stand up.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKDYE-6QrXhL16Mp955qDk30UaHCOFhwqyNvsY5PhAnnBYTUBmOUrPuyBYBtxrUVYb1l1x0hyydv4EaCx2lERn88fHjyHOyXoMS5z-pt_IWs3ownrc7JdwuLLF3qUThzIgItFuebPLCTg/s1600/Mars1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKDYE-6QrXhL16Mp955qDk30UaHCOFhwqyNvsY5PhAnnBYTUBmOUrPuyBYBtxrUVYb1l1x0hyydv4EaCx2lERn88fHjyHOyXoMS5z-pt_IWs3ownrc7JdwuLLF3qUThzIgItFuebPLCTg/s1600/Mars1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I thought this would be a favorite spot for her, but this is the only time I've seen her get up in the window. Maybe she'll like it more when it isn't so cold next to the glass.</td></tr>
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221951522779380578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165079820592724009.post-51014739597521433362014-02-12T19:33:00.000-08:002014-02-13T20:51:10.162-08:00Making Shredded ChickenIt is amazing what new information and tips you can learn on the internet. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007K9OI52/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007K9OI52&linkCode=as2&tag=amaslif04-20" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B007K9OI52&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=amaslif04-20" height="163" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I would love to have this Crockpot. </td></tr>
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<img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=amaslif04-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B007K9OI52" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
Since moving to Virginia I have been using our Crock-pot more often than I did in Seattle. Part of this is due to the fact that I was away from home far too long for the slow cooker, it cooks slowly, but not slow enough. Although I guess this wouldn't be a problem with a programmable Crock-pot. I also have been using the slow cooker more due to our schedules. We attend a few cycling classes that get done at 7:30 pm and then Big B goes to bed early since he has to get up around 4:30 am. With the Crock-pot we get home from class and the food is ready versus the minimum 30 minutes it would take for me to cook a recipe on the stove or in the oven. <br />
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You can check out my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/salemandr/slow-cooker-recipes/pins/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> if you are interested in some slow cooker recipes, I have tried most of them and will delete the pin if the recipe isn't up to snuff.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QRB1GE/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000QRB1GE&linkCode=as2&tag=amaslif04-20" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B000QRB1GE&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=amaslif04-20" /></a></td></tr>
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A lot of my recipes involve shredding the chicken after it is done cooking. In the past I had always used two forks and shredded it with a scraping motion. But with the lovely internet I have found a much easier way. While searching for the fastest way to cook chicken, more about this below, I came upon <a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Shred-Chicken" target="_blank">this article</a>! Who knew you could use a mixer to shred your chicken?!? Plus, you don't need an expensive or powerful mixer to shred the chicken, I use a mixer similar to the one pictured. Seriously, it takes about 1/4 the time to shred that chicken up, awesome!<img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=amaslif04-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000QRB1GE" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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In case you were curious I was originally looking up the fastest way to make shredded chicken, obviously the slow cooker was not the winner, for a recipe that we had decided to make last minute. I found that the fastest way to cook chicken is on the grill, a George Foreman will work. However, the resulting chicken isn't always the best to shred. The second fastest way to cook chicken is to bake it in the oven. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NP4_iAY_q2w/UvwzviGWy9I/AAAAAAAABz4/l2vIWMQlx4o/s1600/Chicken+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NP4_iAY_q2w/UvwzviGWy9I/AAAAAAAABz4/l2vIWMQlx4o/s1600/Chicken+2.jpg" height="314" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is an example of how well it turned out. <a href="http://www.thegraciouspantry.com/clean-eating-slow-cooker-pineapple-chicken-verde/" target="_blank">Pineapple Chicken Verde</a> with brown rice.</div>
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221951522779380578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165079820592724009.post-63770537522189166492014-02-03T20:21:00.000-08:002014-02-03T20:21:24.937-08:00My Top 10 Running ItemsRunning does not come easily to me. Because of this I do everything I can to make running easier, or to help my body recover faster. Below are the 10 items that I have found that make running a bit easier for me.<br />
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1. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009KSDVUY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009KSDVUY&linkCode=as2&tag=amaslif04-20">Nathan Intensity Vest</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=amaslif04-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B009KSDVUY" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
Click <a href="http://wwwamandaslifecom.blogspot.com/2014/01/nathan-intensity-race-vest-review.html" target="_blank">here</a> to see my review.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000X1V1A4/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000X1V1A4&linkCode=as2&tag=amaslif04-20" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B000X1V1A4&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=amaslif04-20" /></a>2. Nuun. During my swimming years I drank a lot of gatorade and because of this I'm really not a fan of it any more. Luckily there have been many developments in different options for drinks that will replace your electrolytes. Nuun is my favorite, plus it contains no sugar and has less calories than a lot of other options out there.<br />
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3. <a href="http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/bras-medium-support/Ta-Ta-Tamer-II-31110" target="_blank">Lululemon Ta Ta Tamer</a> This is by far the best bra I have ever owned. It keeps everything in place without any smooshing. Plus I can wear it all day, if necessary, and my shoulders don't start hurting.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000X1V1A4/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000X1V1A4&linkCode=as2&tag=amaslif04-20" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>4. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0097CZJEO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0097CZJEO&linkCode=as2&tag=amaslif04-20">iPhone</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=amaslif04-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0097CZJEO" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> This <a href="http://wwwamandaslifecom.blogspot.com/2014/01/running-with-my-iphone.html" target="_blank">link</a> is my take on running with my iPhone, I also talk about #5.<br />
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5. Earphones<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CBTD3H0/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00CBTD3H0&linkCode=as2&tag=amaslif04-20" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00CBTD3H0&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=amaslif04-20" /></a></div>
6. Wright socks. These socks have a double layer to prevent friction and blisters. Unfortunately, I didn't discover these socks until after I had run my half marathon. I had blisters throughout my training and then during the actual run I developed more. I tried a couple different things that helped <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0057RKL5U/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0057RKL5U&linkCode=as2&tag=amaslif04-20">Band-aid Brand Adhesive Bandages Activ-Flex</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=amaslif04-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0057RKL5U" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006GE6A8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0006GE6A8&linkCode=as2&tag=amaslif04-20">Spenco 2nd Skin Squares</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=amaslif04-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0006GE6A8" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
covered with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QD0VW8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000QD0VW8&linkCode=as2&tag=amaslif04-20">Moleskin</a>. The Band-Aids for Blisters helped a lot if worn after the run, but really couldn't hold up to all the friction during the runs. The 2nd skin with moleskin helped a bit more during the run and the 2nd skin feels fantastic on top of blisters, but they only protected the blister for some of the run. So far I haven't developed any blisters with Wright socks and they are thin, so you don't notice the extra layer.<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=amaslif04-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00CBTD3H0" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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7. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CQ7QDQA/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00CQ7QDQA&linkCode=as2&tag=amaslif04-20">GU Energy Labs Gel</a> were my favorite thing to consume while on runs. I'm the type of person who needs about 2 hours to digest before any physical activity. However, I also noticed that after about an hour on a run I could really use some calories. I had heard gels were the way to go for people like me, but I was a bit worried about cramps. Luckily I was participating with <a href="http://www.westseattlerunner.com/" target="_blank">West Seattle Runner</a> in a couch to half-marathon and they have a wide expanse of knowledge. They suggested trying gels, or whatever other food you want to try, towards the end of a shorter run. That way if you have any gastrointestinal issues you will not be far away from home. They also recommended drinking at least 4 ounces of water with any food you intake during a run. I had success with most of the gels I tried, but I liked GU's taste and consistency the most.<br />
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8. My knees are not a fan of running, so I ice them. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0019D4EW2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0019D4EW2&linkCode=as2&tag=amaslif04-20">Body Glove Deluxe Ice Pack Knee and Elbow Wrap</a> is one of my favorite ice packs because I can take it anywhere and don't need a freezer, all you need is a few ice cubes and water. I would take this to work with me on days I ran before I headed home. That way I could throw the cubes and water in before I left work and had an ice pack ready for me after the run, and then I would ice my knee as I drove home.<br />
I also like this ice pack, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0057XFMDA/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0057XFMDA&linkCode=as2&tag=amaslif04-20">Thermipaq Hot Cold Pack</a><u>,</u>because it isn't as cold as other packs, but it stays cooler longer, so I usually can ice both knees with the same pack. You can also use it as a heat pack, although I don't use that feature.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000P7NWLM/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000P7NWLM&linkCode=as2&tag=amaslif04-20" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B000P7NWLM&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=amaslif04-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=amaslif04-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000P7NWLM" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<span style="color: black;">9. A Massage Stick is great to have about the day after a long run when your muscles start to become sore. I especially like it for my calves and shoulders.</span><br />
<img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=amaslif04-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000P7NWLM" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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10. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A8EYYQ4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00A8EYYQ4&linkCode=as2&tag=amaslif04-20">Women's Performance Compression Run Sock</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=amaslif04-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00A8EYYQ4" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> are also great after a run or on an airplane. My feet have a tendency to swell up, so anything that will help prevent it is key in my book!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221951522779380578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165079820592724009.post-19593782741678355512014-01-30T08:38:00.001-08:002014-02-12T19:35:17.167-08:00Running with My iPhoneI have always liked to run with music. The beat helps me push myself and then I also can't hear myself panting. (If you want to know more about how the beats can help you check out <a href="http://lifehacker.com/5927390/find-the-right-bpm-for-your-perfect-running-playlist-with-this-chart" target="_blank">Melanie's post on Lifehacker</a>.) Before I had a smart phone I would run with an mp3 or iPod. Once I finally upgraded to a smartphone I had a HTC Incredible. I liked the Incredible, but couldn't play very much of my iTune library from the phone and my memory was very small.<br />
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But I loved the added apps I could use to track my runs. My favorite app is <a href="http://nikeplus.nike.com/plus/products/gps_app/" target="_blank">Nike +</a>, but I have tried Edomondo, RunKeeper and MapMyRun. I like Nike + for a couple of reasons. One, I found their GPS to be the most accurate when I would drive the same route. Two, I love that you can set goals and see your total miles that day, month, year or lifetime. Add on the fact that you can play your music through the app, set goals during your run for distance or time (I use this a lot when running with Big B since we are different speeds. If we are going a 30 minute run I can set that goal and run until it tells me I'm halfway and then turn around and head back.) Also, if you you like the social aspect you can post your run on Facebook and get cheers during your run.<br />
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So, I would run with my iPod and my phone. But, soon I just didn't have enough hands, see the dilemma from my <a href="http://wwwamandaslifecom.blogspot.com/2014/01/nathan-intensity-race-vest-review.html" target="_blank">Nathan Intensity Race Vest review</a>, and I stopped running with my phone. I have a<a href="http://www.fitbit.com/home" target="_blank"> FitBit</a> (more on that some other time), so I wasn't too upset about my runs being tracked, but running in Seattle doesn't always feel the safest and I wasn't a big fan of being out of touch from 911. So when my Incredible started missing texts and calls I already had decided my next phone would be an iPhone.<br />
My iPhone holds all my music, not to mention all the music apps available, plus I can use my Nike + and call 911 if necessary.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AAEUGZA/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00AAEUGZA&linkCode=as2&tag=amaslif04-20" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00AAEUGZA&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=amaslif04-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=amaslif04-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00AAEUGZA" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
When I run with my iPhone I either use <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AIRUOI8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00AIRUOI8&linkCode=as2&tag=amaslif04-20">JayBird BlueBuds X Sport Bluetooth Headphones</a> or Yurbuds Ironman Inspire Woman earphones (pictured). I picked these two particular pairs because they are water, and sweat, resistant, but most importantly because I could connect with Siri while running. That way if I needed to call 911 I could push a button and tell Siri to call without missing a step.<br />
The JayBirds are wireless too, so I used them a bit more than the Yurbuds. I would place my phone in the a pocket, race belt or pack and then I could just focus on running. The Yurbuds allow ambient noise, which is especially important if you are running on a road instead of a path.</div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221951522779380578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165079820592724009.post-2499366086506376772014-01-30T06:37:00.001-08:002014-01-30T06:38:01.494-08:00Nathan Intensity Race Vest Review<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009KSDVUY/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009KSDVUY&linkCode=as2&tag=amaslif04-20" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B009KSDVUY&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=amaslif04-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=amaslif04-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B009KSDVUY" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
When I first started training for the half marathon last year I quickly discovered that I needed something with a bit more space. At first I tried a FuelBelt and the belt was okay, but it bounced around more than I would like. And then on one of our first longer runs I lost a gel along the course, I really could have used that gel. Then Tim, the owner of <a href="http://www.westseattlerunner.com/" target="_blank">West Seattle Runner</a>, wore the Nathan Intensity Race Vest to a run. We started talking and I quickly decided that the Nathan pack might be the answer for me and I bought one that day. The next long run I wore the race vest and never looked back!<br />
There are numerous advantages to the vest and in my opinion only one disadvantage. Some pros are that it doesn't bounce and it is easier to drink from than bottles, which unfortunately meant I know longer had the excuse to stop to get a drink. It holds my phone, inhaler and some gels all in the front pocket. The back pockets have room for whatever other items you may need on the run, along the run, or after your run is complete. As I mentioned there is one disadvantage, it makes me feel like I appear to be a more serious distance runner than I am. Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221951522779380578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165079820592724009.post-34019866158320613442014-01-29T13:03:00.001-08:002014-02-12T19:34:48.308-08:00Armband Reviews<br />
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For one of Big B's birthday gifts I decided to get him an armband so he had somewhere to put his tunes while lifting or running. I looked up reviews on <a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/" target="_blank">Runner's World</a> and various other workout sites to try to find the best armband. After I had narrowed my options down a little bit I then looked up reviews on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&linkCode=ur2&tag=amaslif04-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=amaslif04-20&l=ur2&o=1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, a step I almost always take since most products have been reviewed often and most opinions don't seem to be from a company's representatives. <br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BAQKMG0/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00BAQKMG0&linkCode=as2&tag=amaslif04-20" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00BAQKMG0&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=amaslif04-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=amaslif04-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00BAQKMG0" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> I eventually decided on the Nite Ize Action ArmBand. It had good reviews online, was weather resistant and wasn't supposed to absorb too much sweat. Plus I have a few products from Nite Ize, mostly key chains, and have been completely satisfied with the products and believe Nite Ize to produce a high-quality product. Big B's birthday came up, he opened his presents and then was ready to try on his new present and, it - didn't - fit. Unfortunately I couldn't find an option to buy an extender for the Nite Ize, so back to Amazon it went.<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=amaslif04-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00BJ6X1FK" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BJ6X1FK/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00BJ6X1FK&linkCode=as2&tag=amaslif04-20" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00BJ6X1FK&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=amaslif04-20" /></a></div>
Back to the web I went again. I came across a few armbands that stated that they only fit arms up to 17 inch circumference, so I didn't order them. I eventually decided upon the Nathan SonicBoom 5 Armband. It didn't have all of the bells and whistles that the Nite Ize did, but it looked like it would do the trick and appeared like it would fit more muscular arms. Plus a lot of the other armbands I found that were more water resistant or water proof had a lot of reviews about the protect cover trapping moisture in with the phone and in a few cases the phone was ruined. Who wants to buy an armband for $20 to $30 and have it ruin their $500 phone? The armband came and Big B tried it on and it was so close to fitting, but no luck. Again I looked into an extender for the armband, but couldn't find one. So back to Amazon the Nathan SonicBoom went.<br />
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We have now come to the conclusion that Big B needs to try the armband on because to be honest I am getting tired of paying for the return shipping, so we won't be going to Amazon for this one. Hopefully we'll find one soon and I can update you on how it performs!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221951522779380578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165079820592724009.post-5492378982596038912014-01-28T06:45:00.001-08:002014-01-29T19:30:00.697-08:00Baths<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've never been a big fan of baths. I love the water, but I would rather be swimming or floating in a pool, lake, river, etc. Maybe part of the reason I don't like baths is because I just don't fit in them, and let's be honest, unless you are under the age of 5 neither do most people. I started taking some baths in Seattle last year in order to relax before bed and often times before a open water swim so that I could shave without getting razor burn.<br />
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Anyways, we just moved into a new place at the beginning of December and it has a LARGE tub and not-so-large shower. If I had the option I wouldn't have put in the tub and would have expanded the shower, but its too late for that, and its not really my house. So, I have decided I need to start embracing baths. The other day our place was freezing, the downstairs has trouble getting over 62 if its cold outside, even if the heater is set to 68. So I decided to take a bath to warm up. I used epsom salt and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0063I3R9O/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0063I3R9O&linkCode=as2&tag=amaslif04-20">EO Everyone Soap Coconut and Lemon</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=amaslif04-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0063I3R9O" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
and I have to say that it was pretty relaxing.<br />
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I might have to do this more often and maybe try out some different scents/soaps.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mImZLaIF5tc/UuaXoG_JfNI/AAAAAAAABxo/JS8ms5Y4n0c/s1600/Bathtub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mImZLaIF5tc/UuaXoG_JfNI/AAAAAAAABxo/JS8ms5Y4n0c/s1600/Bathtub.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwvTdCTtvifk1JnrujLNiS_da8VCafL5u-DOPTUoUYMnjOtE7CbXe2CBISjFhCM9DIjTTNXJcHSJb3q-YlXGwkqFRYLFpZYJWs_BiLOuhK-DdPNp52phjU_Xh8_TWJLmKfDBBYA3aLHM/s1600/Shower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwvTdCTtvifk1JnrujLNiS_da8VCafL5u-DOPTUoUYMnjOtE7CbXe2CBISjFhCM9DIjTTNXJcHSJb3q-YlXGwkqFRYLFpZYJWs_BiLOuhK-DdPNp52phjU_Xh8_TWJLmKfDBBYA3aLHM/s1600/Shower.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4165079820592724009" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4165079820592724009" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
As a side note I love the EO soap. I use it for a shampoo and soap and then it shone for the bubble bath. I don't know how well it will work in the summer when my skin and hair aren't so dry, but definitely loving it this winter.</div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221951522779380578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165079820592724009.post-2107481077327347682014-01-27T09:22:00.001-08:002014-01-29T19:37:57.127-08:00I have manicures on my mind!I'm going to get my nails done with a new friend today, after a phone interview for me and an interview for her. Wish us luck!<br />
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Within the last year I have gotten into painting my nails again. I used to paint them all the time in high school, usually to support whatever team I was on. Red and silver for high school sports and year round swimming. Blue and green for my summer swim league.<br />
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I have discovered that you don't have to be all that talented to create some fun designs, however, you do need to have some patience. And I often times opt for rapid drying polishes because then the whole long process, at least in my case it is long, is a little faster.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuvpSXq0dwnwuNObp20CG3b0yEspRI2K416oai9TWAmI3tjDjTM6XrRBdIAU0wFDcyDRibp62Xg9Ke76HeIeKow1f05Yt5sbKpjvShojPdxUXa8Ywid2Ofb-wdu2TURwZ_-dT6CnFzZ2w/s1600/Heart+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuvpSXq0dwnwuNObp20CG3b0yEspRI2K416oai9TWAmI3tjDjTM6XrRBdIAU0wFDcyDRibp62Xg9Ke76HeIeKow1f05Yt5sbKpjvShojPdxUXa8Ywid2Ofb-wdu2TURwZ_-dT6CnFzZ2w/s1600/Heart+(2).jpg" /></a></div>
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I found this <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/75224256247620666/" target="_blank">pin</a> on Pinterest and it inspired me, perfect for Valentine's Day. Polish is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0044EFEHM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0044EFEHM&linkCode=as2&tag=amaslif04-20">Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail: Mauve It </a></div>
(I really like the brush on this polish and it dries very quick! But, I'm not as big of a fan of the consistency of the polish.) and the heart is Petites Island Smoothie.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTi2K4IKvHYKLJvRMBdJRWkHABgfHB2k965hQ-WZvzsLNDG8Sivjd2lneMl_HtkThSZl3Ph6p8LQeFIAqM1ep4Z4RF0WH4ZP8-QJ596KTgPJ1SOJWJTuVhrJkQFKWkohyphenhyphenUVW1BRLHjGdM/s1600/IMAG0084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTi2K4IKvHYKLJvRMBdJRWkHABgfHB2k965hQ-WZvzsLNDG8Sivjd2lneMl_HtkThSZl3Ph6p8LQeFIAqM1ep4Z4RF0WH4ZP8-QJ596KTgPJ1SOJWJTuVhrJkQFKWkohyphenhyphenUVW1BRLHjGdM/s1600/IMAG0084.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Nails painted to look like a robin's egg. I found them on <a href="http://www.thedaintysquid.com/2012/03/what-i-wore-early-spring.html" target="_blank">The Dainty Squid</a>'s blog and thought they were too cute and I had to try it myself. Polish is Petites Baby Blue and overcoat is a couple layers of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005IAWL22/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005IAWL22&linkCode=as2&tag=amaslif04-20">Nubar - Black Polka Dot</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=amaslif04-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005IAWL22" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JPFiVQ9rAZA/UuaMcPY4NZI/AAAAAAAABww/tgjwcqwn7Gs/s1600/Half.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JPFiVQ9rAZA/UuaMcPY4NZI/AAAAAAAABww/tgjwcqwn7Gs/s1600/Half.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wQHwiisbNB7Tiw_v4K1abVoujUPvyPPFhSnQBfZOpN1bisUhJn19uO7E31ZtaBfjtBaLavppAcF_F_Hhdwxweot56jNtBImM335TLKFh4c9eh4kFDmMbuAdoOcilEyfSqsUqsJMp5BA/s1600/Marathon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wQHwiisbNB7Tiw_v4K1abVoujUPvyPPFhSnQBfZOpN1bisUhJn19uO7E31ZtaBfjtBaLavppAcF_F_Hhdwxweot56jNtBImM335TLKFh4c9eh4kFDmMbuAdoOcilEyfSqsUqsJMp5BA/s1600/Marathon.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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I can't take credit for these nails. I went to <a href="http://www.8thdayspa.net/" target="_blank">8th Day Spa</a> in Tacoma and Melissa painted the words, she is an awesome artist! (Can you believe how long my nails were?!?)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2VtfRHA84LM/UuaMcFAFINI/AAAAAAAABxU/iv-2FwMw8AU/s1600/Fourth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2VtfRHA84LM/UuaMcFAFINI/AAAAAAAABxU/iv-2FwMw8AU/s1600/Fourth.jpg" height="242" width="320" /></a></div>
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Fourth of July. Red is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004KS2NMG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004KS2NMG&linkCode=as2&tag=amaslif04-20">Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Rapid Red</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=amaslif04-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004KS2NMG" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
and ring finger is Finger Paints in Cerulean Seascape. I didn't paint the star it is from the Avon Stars & Stripes Nail Art, I have no idea if Avon even still sells this because I have this left over from high school, and it still works!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2QVnrkVOyXwDth-wc8TyqGqCEZ9fzI0OiyoHwmsx5ns5KVtgDLi15G6FA-x7PjEwE7zKkOJ_gS8N9YqIj74M3VpgzBMLc9HB_7LCuQi82gcVIK1GEoceP7iee4kmgsvDxgyWPnacJSCU/s1600/Christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2QVnrkVOyXwDth-wc8TyqGqCEZ9fzI0OiyoHwmsx5ns5KVtgDLi15G6FA-x7PjEwE7zKkOJ_gS8N9YqIj74M3VpgzBMLc9HB_7LCuQi82gcVIK1GEoceP7iee4kmgsvDxgyWPnacJSCU/s1600/Christmas.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Christmas nails. I couldn't find this <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/75224256249858838/" target="_blank">white</a>, but I found <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CBM7P94/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00CBM7P94&linkCode=as2&tag=amaslif04-20">OPI The Bond Girls Collection Solitare</a> and it still looked a lot like snow. The red is the same as the one I used for the Fourth of July.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivD8k89TkMu1QwnkiEh-UY4d6Aw49PLY6I6Twe7Vx5x-2gjMVVvobh4BIrMQnH_HM0NBlwEzQqJGEgr7mh6xbcr_8ByO15Oynr-UVn6j5T0rO5QC8hVLJDAs9ZCpt2vkcu4-19CI9uwU4/s1600/Ring+Finger+Sparkle+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivD8k89TkMu1QwnkiEh-UY4d6Aw49PLY6I6Twe7Vx5x-2gjMVVvobh4BIrMQnH_HM0NBlwEzQqJGEgr7mh6xbcr_8ByO15Oynr-UVn6j5T0rO5QC8hVLJDAs9ZCpt2vkcu4-19CI9uwU4/s1600/Ring+Finger+Sparkle+(2).jpg" height="320" width="266" /></a></div>
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Sparkle polish is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0063UN7PQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0063UN7PQ&linkCode=as2&tag=amaslif04-20">Nicole by Opi 'Wear Something Spark-kylie'</a> and the other color is the same as above, Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Mauve It.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOfUwqipfmOHcoC4MyQZgyNsW0pQ82oybs3NeeaCHhySehoubrqaXnJNIoC03t-lZ4dC_v7BYNtjZJiTSFMJPxQ2MDtHFJeOV1eXZuLzQhJqzLkJJWyE9jDipRcU8ISu5dFL7xrL55T48/s1600/IMAG0075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOfUwqipfmOHcoC4MyQZgyNsW0pQ82oybs3NeeaCHhySehoubrqaXnJNIoC03t-lZ4dC_v7BYNtjZJiTSFMJPxQ2MDtHFJeOV1eXZuLzQhJqzLkJJWyE9jDipRcU8ISu5dFL7xrL55T48/s1600/IMAG0075.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I wish I could do this! I have tried and have never been successful. These were done in Centennial and are gels, which is awesome since they last so long. However, I have no idea what they used for the white, but I had to get help getting it off from <a href="http://pinupsalon.biz/" target="_blank">Pinup Salon</a>, normally I got my hair styled here, by Lindsey, but luckily they also do gels and Jen spent forever helping me get the white off.</div>
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221951522779380578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165079820592724009.post-33490561543348109012014-01-26T12:33:00.000-08:002014-02-12T19:37:04.945-08:00Turning my pictures into artI have recently become a bit obsessed with turning some of my photos into canvas art. Unfortunately a lot of those are photos were taken with my iPhone and I am a bit concerned I will spend money to create the canvas and the iPhone just will not stand up. I am still in the planning phase, but here are a few things I have been thinking: Where to purchase the canvas? I have done a lot of <a href="http://www.clickinmoms.com/blog/product-review-cg-pro-prints-canvas/" target="_blank">research</a> comparing <a href="http://www.slrlounge.com/canvas-print-review-editorial" target="_blank">quality and cost</a>, and have come to the conclusion that <a href="http://www.cgproprints.com/product" target="_blank">CG Pro Prints</a> are the way to go. Plus they are based out of Colorado!<br />
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Some groupings I am considering printing are landscapes. These would probably be fairly decent sized.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OqDY6s4SI3Y/UuVrLjOlAaI/AAAAAAAABso/eNHG8Y1RHYM/s1600/Alki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OqDY6s4SI3Y/UuVrLjOlAaI/AAAAAAAABso/eNHG8Y1RHYM/s1600/Alki.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Alki Beach in July<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1PFjCf6-c565RNqbhX3ZGncbEZq9x4OTLyc9H-Q7tMVA4iIkIYynH6Vszg0-tlOqS3NeRd9x7gogGkXjed_j2J-kU8YUlhUBJqEtUfCA3K1AgL0sr2kTw_n_yUd9vkXOq9Cb_Kw2WNQ/s1600/Deception+Pass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1PFjCf6-c565RNqbhX3ZGncbEZq9x4OTLyc9H-Q7tMVA4iIkIYynH6Vszg0-tlOqS3NeRd9x7gogGkXjed_j2J-kU8YUlhUBJqEtUfCA3K1AgL0sr2kTw_n_yUd9vkXOq9Cb_Kw2WNQ/s1600/Deception+Pass.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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Deception Pass in September<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEP-D9BxGj5thFhrah0Heyp5_XrkDFrtLTuI9dBUO6ztLFx0xiO23i0sFrjzZSjmcL7MN3kT428Sda2ozCeldvEZeXn_HJmNgg1_uJ1iVhJfGu7iSIFc6UeH5B85vsduMjw-UHjLbyZSo/s1600/IMG_3261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEP-D9BxGj5thFhrah0Heyp5_XrkDFrtLTuI9dBUO6ztLFx0xiO23i0sFrjzZSjmcL7MN3kT428Sda2ozCeldvEZeXn_HJmNgg1_uJ1iVhJfGu7iSIFc6UeH5B85vsduMjw-UHjLbyZSo/s1600/IMG_3261.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Mt. Baker in January<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vvBDDH_XUmM/UuVrOg5tXTI/AAAAAAAABs8/JdHAqmxf0N4/s1600/IMG_3266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vvBDDH_XUmM/UuVrOg5tXTI/AAAAAAAABs8/JdHAqmxf0N4/s1600/IMG_3266.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Mt. Baker<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowenBXpu13uZ7C8uYvAel1vZwbsboimNSb1sbGvkBhBP-Moh3f8XrpvB7KUDWKlfgE34t9L-WOs9dpHjkV016sFQ2gretqFJi_BsXn7BWKMKg39WAIRbq0y-JNyCtja62bgMNkW6TYUo/s1600/IMG_3272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowenBXpu13uZ7C8uYvAel1vZwbsboimNSb1sbGvkBhBP-Moh3f8XrpvB7KUDWKlfgE34t9L-WOs9dpHjkV016sFQ2gretqFJi_BsXn7BWKMKg39WAIRbq0y-JNyCtja62bgMNkW6TYUo/s1600/IMG_3272.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Mt. Baker<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kPmeqQwdkZo/UuVrQWmUIwI/AAAAAAAABtc/T8aTyCSWECQ/s1600/Seattle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kPmeqQwdkZo/UuVrQWmUIwI/AAAAAAAABtc/T8aTyCSWECQ/s1600/Seattle.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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Seattle in August</div>
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<a href="http://www.seattlehumane.org/adopt" target="_blank">Shelter animals</a>. I wouldn't want to make a very big print, but maybe some smalls ones. If I do this I might need to track down some photos of kittens that I fostered in Colorado.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sdyLgoetNYs/UuVsNWyS28I/AAAAAAAABt8/UKU_t3y8Aps/s1600/Shelter1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sdyLgoetNYs/UuVsNWyS28I/AAAAAAAABt8/UKU_t3y8Aps/s1600/Shelter1.jpg" /></a></div>
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Peaches at Walk for the Animals<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BZrQ8M2yIcs/UuVsNfLPSuI/AAAAAAAABuA/aRZX_I2XBio/s1600/Shelter3+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BZrQ8M2yIcs/UuVsNfLPSuI/AAAAAAAABuA/aRZX_I2XBio/s1600/Shelter3+(2).jpg" height="267" width="320" /></a></div>
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Karina<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U-RtwTbR7WE/UuVsN-cDcCI/AAAAAAAABuw/Ce9I2-h1W1M/s1600/Shelter4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U-RtwTbR7WE/UuVsN-cDcCI/AAAAAAAABuw/Ce9I2-h1W1M/s1600/Shelter4.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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Patrick during a Dog Behavior and Socialization (DBS) shift<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u1K_e3PyqDQ/UuVsOJym7KI/AAAAAAAABuQ/5KBCbe0mSQI/s1600/Shelter5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u1K_e3PyqDQ/UuVsOJym7KI/AAAAAAAABuQ/5KBCbe0mSQI/s1600/Shelter5.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Jake during a DBS shift<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOCYpxmCG9N8toXG2EFsmdFTy6CWAcZZMXePdYh4mntUZVwizr6Fo7eXipqaF_ss3GugpZf4UI_DuttJBgKQDsjRcObZfuriV60BTqtZ6V8k5gGazLBin5VetUt-K7cpKMw7aUfWZqhG0/s1600/Shelter6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOCYpxmCG9N8toXG2EFsmdFTy6CWAcZZMXePdYh4mntUZVwizr6Fo7eXipqaF_ss3GugpZf4UI_DuttJBgKQDsjRcObZfuriV60BTqtZ6V8k5gGazLBin5VetUt-K7cpKMw7aUfWZqhG0/s1600/Shelter6.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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Cowboy during a DBS shift<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1FGtbcQ804h8qIF-gVxYSckSQIi9oFXusvphj4-71Mw2Nsbv-_A4aaWm3cA9HA251gLj_NVmBXNPUsLf4l57lul8_SdD8mBOI3ymXCFhI600d4Lmo5v975cEnZ1ONVp-6SEiEfx_VYQ/s1600/Shelter7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1FGtbcQ804h8qIF-gVxYSckSQIi9oFXusvphj4-71Mw2Nsbv-_A4aaWm3cA9HA251gLj_NVmBXNPUsLf4l57lul8_SdD8mBOI3ymXCFhI600d4Lmo5v975cEnZ1ONVp-6SEiEfx_VYQ/s1600/Shelter7.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></div>
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Pongo during a DBS shift<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpAzHLo6FXVHsLK0Q_hHl9402WlYouq79v08Vpy35Pzg6mGOyNXLjXmMVUUHHn9aUWEogB1kBx_NPuPZohuYHpM3EhYYCO-DrRZfX2spBS0KgthbEcxGz4-W2Ya3BE1Wuw8TyCYzhmNk/s1600/Shelter8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpAzHLo6FXVHsLK0Q_hHl9402WlYouq79v08Vpy35Pzg6mGOyNXLjXmMVUUHHn9aUWEogB1kBx_NPuPZohuYHpM3EhYYCO-DrRZfX2spBS0KgthbEcxGz4-W2Ya3BE1Wuw8TyCYzhmNk/s1600/Shelter8.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Bentley<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOP9k3-kRDI9VPBNuyHeqk9EM_YRfl2NrF0Ivx-7W3RsG1a6mse-UCSQQm9D0LPweDl7MACBLtEVkUZGbSKrfhDlwVSRhIIXsXvsUBSJVkH1GJMJEsjDirkj-S6aTcIjm5bjwwdhuuTwE/s1600/Shelter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOP9k3-kRDI9VPBNuyHeqk9EM_YRfl2NrF0Ivx-7W3RsG1a6mse-UCSQQm9D0LPweDl7MACBLtEVkUZGbSKrfhDlwVSRhIIXsXvsUBSJVkH1GJMJEsjDirkj-S6aTcIjm5bjwwdhuuTwE/s1600/Shelter.jpg" /></a></div>
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Dugg</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eSJ2l6JubJk/UuVv9DTuoII/AAAAAAAABvo/4QhMdNAjfg4/s1600/Shelter9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eSJ2l6JubJk/UuVv9DTuoII/AAAAAAAABvo/4QhMdNAjfg4/s1600/Shelter9.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Phinney</div>
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Flowers, leaves and berries. I don't think I would print any of these until I need to match colors in a room.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jg4iriFi4rg/UuVv8eQjCAI/AAAAAAAABvI/K3SnO6dqO2Y/s1600/Berries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jg4iriFi4rg/UuVv8eQjCAI/AAAAAAAABvI/K3SnO6dqO2Y/s1600/Berries.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xUrpXtouJsw/UuVv844aQiI/AAAAAAAABvs/lOxvShL42Ss/s1600/IMG_2519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xUrpXtouJsw/UuVv844aQiI/AAAAAAAABvs/lOxvShL42Ss/s1600/IMG_2519.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmE9u42ex5g/UuVv8URnQDI/AAAAAAAABvE/njZrV_utuV8/s1600/Leave+in+gravel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmE9u42ex5g/UuVv8URnQDI/AAAAAAAABvE/njZrV_utuV8/s1600/Leave+in+gravel.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nVxwXSMItm8/UuVv8xdwE2I/AAAAAAAABvQ/BrBjjkaGBrc/s1600/Leaves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nVxwXSMItm8/UuVv8xdwE2I/AAAAAAAABvQ/BrBjjkaGBrc/s1600/Leaves.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-msqS8qzbpww/UuVv882CW4I/AAAAAAAABvU/clZzR0-5NRg/s1600/Magenta+Flower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-msqS8qzbpww/UuVv882CW4I/AAAAAAAABvU/clZzR0-5NRg/s1600/Magenta+Flower.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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(I recently starting watermarking my photos, I found<a href="http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/photo-video/3446977/how-watermark-images/" target="_blank"> this</a> to be the best way.)Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221951522779380578noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165079820592724009.post-87798181613397153752014-01-25T19:20:00.000-08:002014-01-25T19:20:03.101-08:00Changes to my blogChange number one, I will actually be attempting to write on my blog. I am currently looking for a job, so I have a bit more time than normal. Why not start the habit of blogging along with my increased workout routine.<div>
Change number two, I am going to combine my two blogs. When I started the Flex with Rex blog there weren't as many options to add pages to a free bog, but now there is. I don't feel like I post enough on the Flex with Rex for it to be its own separate site.</div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221951522779380578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165079820592724009.post-33989088364402517092013-04-15T17:08:00.001-07:002014-01-29T13:09:57.989-08:00I am not a runnerIf you saw me huffing and puffing down the street you definitely wouldn't think, "wow, look at that girl go!" However, I <u>love</u> participating in races. Each year I run in a handful of 5ks, a mud run or two and a couple swims. I don't do these races because I am fast and win some great prices. I do these races for the sense of camaraderie between the participants and the joy everyone has for challenging their bodies. <br />
What happened in Boston today sickens me. That someone could hurt people who are challenging themselves, or encouraging others to do their best, is horrid. This will not stop me from participating in future races, but I know I will have that much more love and respect for my fellow competitors as we line up to run together!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221951522779380578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165079820592724009.post-2964071803437778622012-09-16T20:58:00.000-07:002014-01-29T13:09:43.629-08:00Lap SwimmingAs someone who swam on a swim team through most of my elementary, middle and high school life I have specific expectations of other swimmers when swimming together. Almost every time I have swam since I have found these expectations tested. So I thought I would list a few suggestions:<br />
1. If you are swimming at a pool that lists speed by a lane try to pick the lane that matches your speed.<br />
2. As a general rule, if you are a male and swimming in swim trunks then you probably should pick the medium or slower lane.<br />
3. As a general rule, if you are a female and swimming without a cap then you probably should pick the medium or slower lane.<br />
4. If you are either male or female and swimming without goggles then you probably should pick the medium or slower lane.<br />
5. If there are more than 2 people, or if you expect more people to join your lane, then you should swim down on the right and back on the left, always keeping the lane dividers on your right. <br />
6. If you are being passed on a consistent basis then you should move to a slower lane.<br />
7. If you have been passed by someone don't start swimming again as they come into the wall, they may not be stopping and your are cutting them off.<br />
8. Don't block the walls.<br />
9. If someone is close behind you as you swim into the wall then do not continue to swim, stop and allow them to pass.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221951522779380578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165079820592724009.post-44766465008651464422012-04-19T21:06:00.001-07:002014-01-26T12:40:55.538-08:00Drivers in WashingtonI was browsing through twitter today and found a link to <a href="http://www.seattlerex.com/the-worst-drivers-in-america-a-dissertation/" target="_blank">this blog.</a> Although I don't drive in downtown Seattle all that often, it is too frustrating and much easier to take the bus, I do agree that the drivers here are some of the worst I have experienced. I have a few issues I encounter on a daily basis of my own. Unfortunately I don't have video or picture evidence.<br />
1) I will be driving down I5 when it isn't too busy and pass someone on the left, usually this person doesn't have anyone in front of them. After I pass them that person gets into the left lane. Why? You were going slow enough for me to pass you in the correct lane, why would you move to a faster lane? Even more frustrating is when they get into my lane and cut me off, again with clear roads in front of them and often times no one behind me.<br />
2) Driving in the rain. It rains a lot here, why do so many drivers slow to a crawl as if they have never experienced the phenomenon of rain. I passed someone going 20, 20!!! on I5 today, the speed limit is 60 and the water wasn't puddling on the interstate.<br />
3) Imagine the snow! I have seen people slide into a 360 and we were going 10 mph. I am fairly positive I would have to crank my wheel and slam on my emergency brake to accomplish this.<br />
4) Using a on ramp, or exit ramp, lane as a passing lane. For example: On I5 before you are able to get onto the West Seattle Bridge there is an on ramp with 2 lanes that merge to the one exit only lane. On a daily basis someone who is already on the interstate will pull over into the far right lane to pass that one or two cars and then merge back over. Often times this person isn't even exiting so then they will wait until the last minute to merge left, often times causing you to wait for a space to open for them. Yes, apparently the world does revolve around you!<br />
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What bad driving trends have you noticed in your cities?Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221951522779380578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165079820592724009.post-64553512918991025142012-01-18T14:40:00.000-08:002014-02-12T19:43:57.105-08:00Snow in SeattleSometimes I forget about the differences between living in Washington state versus Colorado. There is always the obvious ones such as missing families and different friends, but today I am reminded about the differences in weather.<br />
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It snowed while I was visiting Colorado for the twins birthday. The snow started about 4 pm on Monday night and snowed until around 10 pm and there was probably around 4 inches of accumulation. There was no obsessive talk about the snow at the twin's party on Sunday. There wasn't even much news coverage of the snow.<br />
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<br />I was nervous driving in the snow for two reasons. One, I don't drive in the snow as much as I used to. Two, I would be driving my parents' nice car. However, I still went out (although I met my friends, at their apartment and rode with them) and my friends still met me out for dinner. After dinner I still went to watch The Bachelor with my sister and drove home safely (after 3 attempts to get the car up their steep driveway and into the garage). The next morning the sun was up and shining bright, but the snow hadn't melted at all yet (and the roads didn't appear to have been plowed). My mom and I still went to the Loveland Rec Center to work out. <br />
My point being that life continues as normal after snow in Colorado, unless the snow is so deep that you actually can't get your car too move through it. </div>
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Compare this to Seattle. I have been hearing the coverage about the all the snow that existed and was coming to Seattle while in Colorado. United Airlines canceled their last flight out last night due to the snow, it would have arrived around 10:30 pm. While we were preparing for landing our captain warned, "In the rare event of an emergency evacuation" which I assumed meant treacherous conditions on the runway. So, imagine my surprise when we landed and there was no snow. Alright, there was a tiny dusting on some edges of the road. The roads and sidewalks at Seatac, by Southcenter Mall and our house were all just wet, if not dry, when I arrived which was between 7:30 and 10 pm. Also, Seattle Public Schools had a late start and an early dismissal yesterday!<br />
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This morning when I woke up there was snow. It has continued throughout the day and despite Big B and I's efforts the sidewalk outside our house is not clear. But it still astounds me when it snows here because everyone seems to react as if the world is coming to an end.<br />
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Lastly, while I was reading <a href="http://shannoneileenblog.typepad.com/happiness-is/2012/01/snow-days.html" target="_blank">Happiness Is</a>, a blog by another Seattleiete, I saw this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPeubeuDONI" target="_blank">YouTube video</a>. Pretty accurate.</div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221951522779380578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165079820592724009.post-30289357409277828512012-01-18T13:40:00.000-08:002014-02-12T21:01:25.558-08:00Quick Recap of Books I Have Read Recently<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stuck-Middle-Thorndike-Christian-Fiction/dp/1410426645/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326920771&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Stuck in the Middle</a></u> by Virginia Smith</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This book was about the middle daughter in a family dominated by women. There were some great relationships in the book and I didn't want to stop reading it. There is a very strong Christian message in the book, but that made me like it even more. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Long-Run-Kindle-Single-ebook/dp/B0060ANFPG/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326920798&sr=1-1" target="_blank">The Long Run</a></u> by Mishka Shubaly</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This memoir about a man with a very addicted personality. He stops doing drugs and drinking pretty much cold turkey and starts running. I found the book inspiring even if I don't have the vices that Mishka obviously has, nor the ability/determination to run as far.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ryans-Return-ebook/dp/B004NNVEHI/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326920821&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Ryan's Return</a></u> by Barbara Freethy</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another romance that is well written. The book is about a family in a small town near a river. The story follows a man and his estranged family. Again there was some mystery and excitement that kept the book really interesting.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mrs-Jones-B-Morton/dp/1468116886/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326920631&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Mrs. Jones</a></u> by </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">B.A Morton</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the first book I read on my new <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Color-Multi-touch-Display-Wi-Fi/dp/B0051VVOB2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1326922316&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Kindle Fire</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">**As a side note I LOVE my kindle. It is very similar to an iPad, but much more reasonably priced. I can read both of my magazine subscriptions on the Kindle. Also, because I am a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/prime/ref=amb_link_84306931_4?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=auto-sparkle&pf_rd_r=9E25AD84B6B5491784A7&pf_rd_t=301&pf_rd_p=1294973662&pf_rd_i=amazon%20prime%20membership" target="_blank">Amazon Prime</a> member, I can borrow books and movies for free. All the books above I read for free, which is great because I am really trying to cut back on buying books. I have been trying to save the money, and more importantly space, by borrowing. The only thing I don't like about the Kindle is that I cannot share the books with my family and friends.**</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This book was a romance, but one of the better ones I have read. There is a lot of mystery in the book plus some of those "aww" moments that come along with romances. Plus who wouldn't like a book with the name Jones in it!!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Garden-Beasts-American-Hitlers-ebook/dp/B004HFRJM6/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1326920860&sr=1-1" target="_blank">In The Garden of Beasts</a></u> by Erik Larson</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>In The Garden of Beasts</u> was for our December meetup. This book was also a nonfiction book. This book was about William Dodd and his a part of his life in Berlin right was Hitler was beginning to take over Germany. I am not a big fan of history in general, but this book read more like a fiction book! I really enjoyed reading it and learning at the same time. Although it is important remember that the book is pulled from letters and might be the truth for William Dodd and those around him.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Packing-Mars-Curious-Science-Life/dp/0393339912/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1326920887&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Packing for Mars</a></u> by Mary Roach</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">November meetup book was <u>Packing for Mars.</u> This is a nonfiction book about astronauts. I found the book really interesting and found out a ton information that I did not know before reading it. However, if I am honest I scanned through some of it instead of actually reading it. Because of the book I am really interested in reading another book by <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Mary+Roach" target="_blank">Mary Roach.</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gun-Seller-Hugh-Laurie/dp/067102082X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326920921&sr=1-1" target="_blank">The Gun Seller</a></u> by Hugh Laurie</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This book was for the October meetup book club. Although I thought the book was good it wasn't really my type of book. There was quite a bit of violence and was actually a book I recommended to Big B. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> It did have some nice twists and kept me interested.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Help-Deluxe-Kathryn-Stockett/dp/0399157913/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326920955&sr=1-1" target="_blank">The Help</a></u> by Kathryn Stockett</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I feel like everyone knows about <u>The Help</u>, but if you haven't read it or seen the movie (which I have heard is good, I haven't seen it) than you should!</span><br />
<u style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kindred-Spirits-Sarah-Strohmeyer/dp/0525952225/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326921016&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Kindred Spirits</a></u><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> by Sarah Strohmeyer</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Kindred Spirits</u> was the book for my online July meetup. I really liked the story about friends and how they are there for each other despite how your lives may change. To be honest though I didn't read it in July, but our club has a blog. When we had some <a href="http://anywhereanyonebc.blogspot.com/2011/07/kindred-spirits-discussion.html" target="_blank">discussion questions </a>up Sarah actually commented on our blog. I thought that this was so cool that I HAD to read the book and I am glad I did!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Personal-Days-Novel-Ed-Park/dp/0812978579/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326921039&sr=1-1" target="_blank"><u>Personal Day</u> </a>by Ed Park</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This book was for my July meetup book club. This book is about an office that has been laying their employees off after the last couple years. </span><br />
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221951522779380578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165079820592724009.post-3812170949090279942011-12-05T20:28:00.001-08:002014-01-26T12:41:22.003-08:00Notes from the American Country AwardsSome random facts about me and things I noticed while watching the ACAs:<br />
- The two country concerts I have gone to this year have been <a href="http://www.kennychesney.com/">Kenny Chesney </a>with <a href="http://www.billycurrington.com/">Billy Currington </a>and Uncle Kracker; and then <a href="http://www.zacbrownband.com/">Zac Brown Band.</a> I didn't realize how popular they are, I knew they were popular just not as much, numerous nominations all night!<br />
- I realized why male country singers are considered so sexy. A lot of them have really rich deep voices. Even if they aren't all that attractive in appearance they start talking and all the sudden they start looking better :)<br />
*I noticed this with the first two males to talk, <a href="http://www.traceadkins.com/wired/">Trace Adkins</a> and <a href="http://joshturner.com/">Josh Turner</a>. I might have spoken too soon, after watching the show a bit more!*Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221951522779380578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165079820592724009.post-8694557708933503702011-12-03T18:59:00.001-08:002014-01-26T12:44:04.547-08:00Book ClubsI was thinking about book clubs today and the ones that I have been in. I find it interesting that I have never been in the "normal" book clubs where a group of friends, who like to read, get together and form a club. <br />
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When I was younger I was in a book club through a book store aimed towards children. Most of the other children in the club were my friends, but that is beside the point.<br />
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After college I was in a The Book Club That Doesn't Read Books. In that group we would get together about once a month for a potluck and talk about books, among other topics, however, we were never reading the same book.<br />
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Since I have moved to Seattle I am in an online book club. Again, a lot of the other people in the club I know, but we don't have monthly meetings together, although I have heard rumors that some of the members get together in Denver. <br />
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I am also in a <a href="http://www.meetup.com/JudgeABookByItsCover/">Meet-up book club.</a> This is probably the most like the clubs I picture when I think about a book club, but I didn't know anybody before I joined, some meetings I still don't know anyone there.<br />
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All in all I think I like these different book clubs more! They are more fun and interesting. I have met more people who love to read this way and can recommend different books to my friends and family, and they can recommend books to me!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17221951522779380578noreply@blogger.com0