FRIDAY FINDS

Three Yellow Finches

I found this Etsy shop this week via Etsy FB FANatics. Anyone that knows me, knows I LOVE music so finding these pillows I instantly fell in love. I'm thinking a request for a custom Incubus pillow may be in order...

(source)

Under Armour Girl Playoff Loose Tank

This is probably the most comfortable thing I have ever worked out in! I passed them up the first time I went to the Under Armour store, but after reading rave reviews on their website I decided I needed at least one. Now I wish I had bought one in every color! Loose, breathable fabric that isn't clinging to you while you are enduring a sweaty workout. I imagine it would be a great lazy weekend top as well to just lounge around home in.

(source)

Dunkin Donuts Frozen Hot Chocolate

(source)

I have my brother to thank...errr, scold for introducing me to these. If anyone remembers Dairy Queen's Frozen Hot Chocolate they will most likely appreciate this frozen goodness. My family is probably the reason Dairy Queen no longer has their version of this delightful treat because we drank so many of them. Dunkin Donuts iced goodness is a limited time offer so either hurry to your nearest store and try one or avoid altogether as to not get too attached ;) And we are just going to ignore the fact I listed exercise apparel and a sinful treat in the same post.

I must go pack for the long holiday weekend. I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable 4th of July weekend!

THANKFUL THURSDAY

The things I am thankful for this week:

Long Weekends

(source)

Good friends
(source)


Independence

(source)

WORKOUT WEDNESDAY

As I had previously mentioned, I have been doing the Couch-to-5K workout. I had been booking right along keeping right on schedule...that is until it has come to Week 6 Day 3. It's not the first long run, but it's the longest yet, 25 minutes. Phew, and I thought that 20 minute run last week was long!

After a trip to the Under Armour store for a new pair of shorts and a couple of tank tops I had to figure that at least if I collapsed off the end of the treadmill, at least I'll look good while laying on the floor haha. Thankfully I did not make friends with the gym floor, but I also didn't make the full 25 minutes. I'd make excuses, but that doesn't get anyone anywhere, I simply need to go back and tackle it again.

My goal is to run my first 5K at the beginning of September. I'm optimistic that by then I will be able to complete a 3.1 mile run both on the treadmill and outside. There are 3 more weeks in this program once I get past the hurdle of this 25 minute run.

Do any of you have advice for long distance runs?

TEAM TUESDAY

BESTeam Feature :: Zen25

The reasoning behind why people create pieces of art varies. How they got started, what inspires them, and why they continue to create cover a broad spectrum. An energy channel is what drives Maureen of Zen25.

After her father was diagnosed with Stage IV Cancer, Maureen stayed with her parents during the last few month's of his life. During this time she needed a distraction and positivity in an otherwise difficult time. She found that crafting jewelry was the meditation and peace she needed where she put so much of herself into each piece "that it creates an incredible release for (her) heart, mind, and soul". That was the birth of Release Me Creations.

"...A little bit of glamour, a little bit of fun, a tiny bit of cuteness, with a smattering of punk" describes what can be found at Zen25. Everything from necklaces, cuff links, money clips, rings, earrings and more can be found utilizing anything from feathers to beads.

When Maureen isn't finding her release through crafting she is not only teaching, but also training in martial arts including American Tae Kwon Do, Muay Thai Kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu! She shares a home with a husband and two dogs: a brindle Great Dane, Mango and blonde Pomeranian, Dax (what a cute little ball of fluff :)

A few of my favorites:

Silver Guitar Charm Post Earrings Rock and Roll Style

Silver Cuff Bracelet Sky Blue Paper Airplane Whimsy

Tourmalinated Quartz Bullet Necklace Peacock Feather

For a variety to suit almost any fancy head over to Zen25 {click here}. You can also find information about Maureen's shop at the following places:

www.releasemecreations.com
http://releasemecreate.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Worth-TX/Release-Me-Creations/187693621254709
http://www.twitter.com/releasemecreate

MUSIC MONDAY

What I'm Listening To:

Adele "Rolling In The Deep" from 21

Such a powerful voice, this is one of those songs I don't think I can ever get tired of hearing. Raw emotion of the end of a relationship.

{source}

I'm wanting to become a more active blogger and am trying to figure out what I would like to feature. I have started blogs with the intent of having them be a standing feature, but failed horribly at keeping the post date consistent or at all.

Some ideas I am currently considering are as follows:

Music Monday: A "what I'm listening to post" to start everyone's week off with something, possibly new, to listen throughout the week.

Team Tuesday: BESTeam (Boosting Etsy Shops Team) feature.

Workout Wednesday: Notes on my progress with the Couch-to-5K workout as well as any other workout related stories.

Thankful Thursday: A list of the top 3 things I am thankful for that week. Perhaps this will be a way to reflect and realize that no matter how stressful work or the week in general may be, there is always something to be thankful for.

Friday Finds: I'm thinking this would be a mainly picture feature of things I have found and like. This could be anything from Etsy items to newly discovered restaurant. The sky is the limit :)

I'm going to think on Saturday and Sunday. I am thinking about perhaps starting with the weekday to get into a flow first and then adding the weekend.

What are your thoughts?

BESTeam Feature :: Knitful Dezigns

When you hear of a student pilot with an ambition of studying aeronautical engineering do you picture that person also having an Etsy shop full of knit creations? That is just what Veronica Grace of Knitful Dezigns does! After my failed attempt at beginning knitting myself I have an immense amount of respect for anyone that can knit. And Veronica certainly can.

Knitful Dezigns has everything from hats and headbands to a robins nest. A lot of the creativity behind Veronica's creations is inspired by music with favoritism being given to the swing genre. You may even notice some of the products found at Knitful Dezigns are named after some of Veronica's favorite songs. I love this as music is something that I love and will listen to as I am creating my projects :)

Here is a sampling of products found at Knitful Dezigns:

Muddy Delight Headband

Mug warmer, hand protector

Cute hat for toddler's

For these and other knit creations swing on by Knitful Dezigns {click here}. Read more about Veronica and her creations on her blog, follow her on Twitter and "like" her Facebook page.

BESTeam Feature :: Blue White Wear

When East meets West by way of South you get Blue White Wear. When a born and raised American finds herself living in Bangkok, Thailand for 9 years there is sure to be some sort of cultura influence. In this case, the Chinese blue and white beads captivated her attention and prompted her to create necklaces utilizes these beads mixed with other materials.

At Blue and White Wear unique women will find the perfect unique jewelry to compliment their style. Necklackes, bracelets and earrings with an oriental touch comprise this Etsy shop. Gorgeous colors and dainty pendants quickly caught my eye. Here are a few of my favorites:

Cinnabar Squares Earrings

Chop Suey Bracelet

Porcelain Potpourri Necklace

On a new adventure with her husband, Blue White Wear is currently located in Santiago, Chile. Perhaps this will spawn new inspiration and we will find Chilean inspired pieces in the future.

In the meantime stop by Blue White Wear's Etsy shop for her unique, modern East meets West pieces {click here}. Also stop by her blog and Twitter.

BESTeam Feature :: Las Flores Del Sur

I enjoy getting to know a little about all of the people behind the shops I feature from BESTeam. What gets me exceptionally excited is when I discover sharing some sort of commanlity with a teammate. This week I was excited to learn that Marisa of Las Flores Del Sur is a graphic and web designer by trade and a lover of all crafts must like myself.

Experimenting with various techniques and materials has led Marisa to selling wooden pins and buttons and since expanding to include pins, brooches, hair clips and bobby pins. These little accessories can be found in fabric, metal and ribbon in vibrant colors.


Aside from the items found in Las Flores del Sur, Marisa has a second shop dedicated to jewelry. This passion came from her discovery of the world of wonders and fantasy.

Here are some of my favorite eye-catching items

Green, Yellow and Fuschsica - 6 Mini Poppy Flowers - Handmade Fabric Applique

3 Little Bouquet Pins

2 Turquoise - Green Rolled Ribbon Hair Pins

To find these and other great items visit Las Flores del Sur {click here}. Also be sure to stop by Marisa's blog and Facebook page.

Week 3 Day 3: I can't breathe!

No worries, I still have a pulse. I am however finding my two biggest issues with this 5k training is that I have difficulty keeping a pace within my ability and that I have problems properly breathing. I knew breathing correctly was going to be a problem as it always has been. The more I focus on trying to breath properly, the harder time I have breathing at all.

I started working out at the gym in the fall in hopes that by the time the weather was nice I would be able to be really active outside. I've quickly realized that running on a treadmill is completely different than running outside. It's a lot easier to maintain a comfortable pace when a machine is controlling that for you. I guess I feel like with all of the open road in front of me I really have to take off to cover as much ground as possible.

My goal this coming week will be to get a handle on these two things because week four will not be getting any easier...alternating 3 and 5 minute jogging intervals, yikes!

Couch to 5K

I've never been much of a runner. I always dreaded the day in P.E. where we had to run the mile. I often wonder how I survived the year of soccer I played in high scool. I see people running around town or running forever on the treadmill at the gym and I have always thought it was something I'd like to be able to do some day.

About a month ago a friend asked me if I would have any interest in running the Reggae Run in Cincinnati. Me? Run a 5k? Was she asking the right person?? As intimidating of 3.1 miles of running sounds I started doing research on how to improve running distance. In my research I came across a program that many were singing the praises of: The Couch to 5K Workout.

The 9 week program utilizes intervals to condition your body to be able to run and enjoy it. I've become somewhat obsessed with the program and I am currently on day 2 of week 3. I'm considering creating blog posts to share about my progress in the program. I get excited about the progress I've already made and want to share with people!