Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Valentine's Day Treat Round-up

Valentine's Day is one of those holidays I always associate with treats. Heart shaped lollipops, sugar cookies with red and pink sprinkles, and lots of red velvet. Of course, back in the day I was also all about the making and showing off of the Valentine boxes. Did you make beautiful creations out of shoe boxes for Valentine's cards in elementary school too? But let's be for real, the kids that had the valentine's attached to candy were the real winners back then. So why not bake up a little treat for all those special people in your life to reming them how sweet they are to you!

Here are some of my favorites:

http://www.createdby-diane.com/2014/01/cute-and-easy-chocolate-peanut-butter-cookie.html
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie
 by Created by Diane


Red Velvet Crinkle Sandwiches by Eat Cake for Dinner
Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars by Averie Cooks


Brown Sugar Blondies by The Recipe Critic

Fruit Pizza by Mel's Kitchen Cafe

Now I just have to decide which to make! 

Friday, February 7, 2014

Friday Five - 10k Training Edition

Happy Friday everyone! I am excited for a low key weekend getting caught up on some errands and enjoying in the Olympics. I watched some of the Ice Skating Team Competition, Snowboarding Slope Style, and Women's Mogul Competition's last night and am cheering USA on to *hopefully* many medals.

This week me five is all about 10k training. I am happy with my progress so far, but next week will be the hardest so far with a four-miler!

1. I completed my first 3 weeks of my 10 week 10k training program. It is really keeping me accountable for hitting the gym and getting in my mileage/strength training. I had been in an ‘I’ll do whatever I feel like’ rut and not pushing 100% for my workouts.


2. As one of my cross-training days this week, I went to BOHO cycle studio here in Richmond and took the ‘body’ class. I loved that it worked my arms in addition to being a great cardio session. Plus the playlist was on point, Red Hot Chili Peppers plus remixes of some of my favorite current songs.


3. Speaking of music, I’m trying to find a killer playlist to help me get through the longer runs without losing interest. I usually default to a workout or my trusty Justin Timberlake Pandora stations, but they can be hit or miss, plus commercials are the worst. Any great running song suggestions?

4. I am working with a trainer on my strength training for the run too. I do 1 upper body and 1 lower body day a week on my cross-training days. I am hoping post-race I can up my strength training but for now I am sticking to the following regimen:

Upper Body - Flat DB Press on bench - Row - Lat Pull Down - DB Shoulder Press - Planks
Lower Body - Leg Press - Leg Curl - Walking Lunges - Calf Raises - Band Presses

5. I am really thinking a trip to LuLuLemon is in store. In the winter I rotate between my Old Navy and Gap capri pants and think I need an upgrade for the race (plus a little shopping incentive). I typically stick to cotton t-shirts also so I may look into a tank or slick tee as an alternative. Any tips on navigating Lulu for the first time?




Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Valentine's Day Fashion

Disclaimer. I am a total Valentine's newbie. This will be my second year of having a real Valentine. Last year, I wore the one red blouse I owned to dinner and called it a night. This year, I want to mix it up with something fun and flirty. 

When I saw this adorable Banana Republic ensamble in their "Outfits We Love" section, I thought what a cute, updated twist on a Valentine's Day date outfit.


Most people (myself included) own a lot of black and white, and I love the idea of pairing a fun neutral print with a pop of pink.


Here are some my favorite printed pink and black picks: 








What will you be wearing Valentine's Day? Any fun plans?