water, water, everywhere

My oldest daughter had this squish book as a baby for the bath. It was a baby Einstein and to this day (almost six years later) I can recite half of that book..
It got me thinking the other day.  How much water do I actually drink in a given day? Is it enough?  So, I have made it a point to get in even more water on a daily basis despite the fact that I am usually quite diligent about my water intake.

I've taken to filling my daughter's 1 L jug with the pink top (she has it for sports and it has a handle) and carrying it with me all around the house.  My goal being to fill it a minimum of 2x while I'm at home.

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A simple reason to swap out those other various drinks in a day for water? How about this??

The average soda is full of empty calories- approximately 310 calories in a large coke! And, by stopping (or reducing that soda habit, whether diet or regular) you will reduce bloating and improve your diet!  It's not to say you need to go 'cold turkey' on this issue but when you consider the amount of soda/juices/and other various empty calories we consume and the impact they have on our health it's quite possible to make these changes one drink at a time.


 I am also finding, more so than the swapping issue- that I just needed to get into the habit of reaching for a sip of water as opposed to waiting until I was thirsty.

biking, ramblings and wants

This weekend I was lucky enough to get some time to myself but the heat and humidity forced me to acknowledge that those urban road warriors (aka, wannabe Lance Armstrongs) may have a valid point.

As much as I typically mock those sporting full on weekend cycle gear and snicker in mock superiority and the ridiculous nature of their 'serious get ups' the fact that my backside is in PAIN from the bumps and construction along the bike path and downtown core.
Factor in the rubbing from my running shorts and I get it. YES! I admit it!

Padded shorts, or cycling shorts now have a place in my wardrobe. ::hangs head in shame:: So, next time you also pull up alongside those serious cyclists you can mock their gloves, clips, shoes and gadget vests- but! at some point you have to give them credit for saving their bottoms with those ridiculous shorts.


As an extension of breaking a sweat I have slowly been easing myself back into running (mainly sticking to track workouts and laterals) in an attempt to keep my shin and sciatic issues in check. But, this morning I FEARED my long run with the run club and opted to skip it.

I know, I know. I am being unreasonable and paranoid- but I am so fearful of injuring myself that it's inhibiting my ability to train for the half. I DO NOT want this injury to become the excuse to not put in a great effort. So, my plan is do bust out a 2 easy 5 or 6 km runs on the boardwalk and give myself a test run. If things go well, I am hitting hill training this week and going to do the mid week run with my group. I also have plans to continue with acupuncture...

In the meantime- my lovely husband purchased some new running shorts and shirts for me but I currently am lusting (well, in need of) a second (larger) water belt, preferably in blue! because with 40 degree weather and humidity a 4 pack is a must from my usual 2! A pair of sport sunglasses- fogging while riding 40 plus kms sucks! and, a visor isn't an option with a helmet!
And lastly, those dreaded cycling shorts. You can bet before I get out on my next ride I'll be sporting these. I just hope not too many are snickering as I pass them... ;)

The D word

After one too many dark chocolate bunny bites, cocktails, tuna tartare, wine, beef tenderloin and more tiramisu than I care to admit- I'm feeling the pinch- of too tight pant, and, not inching my way into those size fours by my birthday at the current rate I'm going.

SO, of course! It's time to detox and clean up my diet. This means 'chef' is under strict orders to lay off the delicious sauces and use the butter sparingly in addition to limiting my carb intake.
Since SUGAR, ALCOHOL and CARBS are either off the books or limited I will be indulging in a lot of greens, including salads, simple dressings, lean proteins such as grilled chicken and fish, snacks of fresh fruit, loads of water, one coffee a day and snacks like nuts, hummus and yogurt.

I'll post my successes at the end of two weeks- I'm looking to drop a min of 4 inches all around and a dress size by the BIG birthday!! Or, a goal of at least 5 lbs...WISH ME LUCK!!!

Run basics

As a blond, green eyed gal I get positively squinty once outside in natural light. To save my eyes and not have to deal with adjusting shades as they slide on my nose or pinch- I've found a running visor is a must have on my list.





As of late I've been searching for music to add to my rotation. Always in search of a catchy tune to keep my head up during a run I've DL'ed the following songs and mixed them in to my current play list.


Taio Cruz ft. Ludacris- Break your heart

Timbaland ft Katy Perry- If we ever meet again

Timbaland ft JT- Carry out

Black eyed peas- Imma Be

Fabulous Fashions

Hello, Spring!



This weekend, we've been spoiled with some absolutely gorgeous spring weather!
Aside from the usual purchases I've had on my list I picked up something sweet for Peyton and will be ordering these cute additions to our 'girl' style!



Boys to follow...

workin' on my fitness

I'm really proud to say I am now back into the groove of running!

My, how I've missed you my friend. ;) The biggest challenge for me as a mom of three is to just tune out all the noise in life, lace up and go.

Random thoughts that run through my head..should I bring the dog? Maybe I should go before dinnertime and use the jogging stroller and take one of the kids? What if my shins start to hurt? Ugh, looks like it could rain..maybe I should wear gloves, is it cold? Random. Noise.
I think at some point whenever we set goals in our lives- and, no, this is not just fitness related..the noise creeps in! Whether it's the "I'm tired," "I'm stressed," or the "my knees hurt." Those I can't voices just creep in

Sometimes, life feels so overwhelming that it's too easy to just give in to that negative voice that resonates in my skull. But, in lacing up my shoes, Quieting that voice in my head and focusing ahead one breath at a time I am learning to tune out the negatives.
I am determined. Determined to run through the noise and tune into whatever I'm feeling on my ipod in that moment. It feels incredibly good when I can feel my body working for me and i think ahead to all that my body has accomplished.
I feel strong. I raise my head a bit higher and I feel accomplished.

As I walk out the door and take those first steps on the pavement I hear a tiny voice in my head that says "Go mommy!" Then I tune it out and turn up my ipod and GO....

Pretty things...

Who doesn't like to acquire pretty baubles? I have had my eye on this Chloe bag for months... *sigh*


I have yet to see it here (in Canada) in the colour I covet. So, in the meantime, I vowed that I won't buy it until- a) I can buy it in stores here *cough, HR, can you here me?? cough*

Or, b) I weigh 10 lbs less than I do today. Wowsa!

Let's be brutally honest here for a minute!
That's a BIG one to put to paper but now that the big Easy is a year old I can hardly call those extra pounds I'm lugging around 'baby weight' now can I? Sara's ass= shapeless..

Seriously, I got out of the shower yesterday I passed my naked butt in the mirror and cue words- 'girl I think my butt's gettin' big!' No lie.
Three gorgeous babies later and I am determined to get back into fabulous shape for a third and final time. I am hitting a milestone birthday this year and my biggest goal is to not only have a flat stomach again, but, to run a half marathon in the fall.

Three children will NOT define me as a mom- I am reclaiming me for ME, people! You read it here first. Besides, who doesn't want to have pretty things? Including a cute, err..pretty? backside. ;)