Miles took a trip through Narnia at Julia's First Birthday Party

Our niece, Julia, turned one on Sunday, but we celebrated her birthday at her other Grandma's in south jersey on Saturday. The theme was lady bugs, and she was the cutest bug of all!

Miles finally got to meet my sister-in-law's Corey's sister Jodie's baby guy, Connor, who was born on the SAME exact day, just a few hours later. Jodie was schedule for a c-section a few days later, but when into labor and these two now share an awesome birthday! Connor was little more chill, while Miles could not stop moving, all.day. Whew, I'm tired just remembering it.

My other nieces, Ayla and Gwen, got a little messy in the water fountain. Messy, as in soaked and had to change their clothes. I was just the journalistic photographer, not there to interrupt the wild animals. Well, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Chris kept saying Miles was in Narnia. Corey's parents have a backyard filled with garden paths. Miles couldn't get enough running around.

He did stop for a few pieces of broccoli. He makes me so proud :)

After eating a ton and running around, this guy wanted to let loose in his underoos. He refused to put his pants back on and was hitting the wall between life and bedtime - at 6pm - his usual sleepy time. And Max, the dog, was obsessed with sniffing Miles. We came to the conclusion it was the coconut oil on his tushee!

Wahoo, time for cake!

Isn't the cake super cute?? The girls were waiting patiently for their piece. I enjoyed a cup of ice cream with Miles.

And there is exciting news!! My sister is expecting :D At the end of the year, there'll be six grandkiddos running around for my Mom. I know she's thrilled, proud, and so happy for all of us and our growing families! Yay, more chaos on the way come Christmas!

How many children are in your family? How many grandchildren?

Are you as exhausted as I am at family gatherings?



Equipment used: Canon EOS 5D Mark II | Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L

Pancakes, Almond Milk, and a Spinach Morning | #food #recipe @theNutriBullet

Saturday morning Chris made fluffy pancakes for breakfast. We don't use any mixes anymore, but he used a Betty Crocker recipe he searched for online if you're interested.

Miles had a few cheerios while he was waiting for his flapjacks to come out from the kitchen.

While Chris cooked, I did my usual of getting in his way in the kitchen. I had soaked almonds for a day in water to make almond milk with the Nutribullet. I watched a YouTube video on it, so I just had to test it out for myself.

First I drained the almonds, then filled about half the tall cup with almonds and added water. I did this twice with the amount of almonds I soaked.

We blended it up for a few minutes. It actually got a little warm after several minds whipping around! After that, I put it through cheesecloth and a strainer. The cheese cloth annoys me, so after the first batch, I ditched the cloth and just used the metal strainer. Then Chris poured it into the cup to re-blend with a little vanilla and sugar. He's ingenious, I would have never thought to use a funnel!

When it was all finished, we put it in a container and then stared at the mess on our counter. Would you like to come over and clean-up for us?

Once my almond milk was complete, I couldn't leave Chris be to cook in the kitchen. I just had to have a juice drink with spinach, carrots, apple and mango. It was pretty tasty if I say so myself. I love this Nutribullet. It's the best way for me to use up fruits and veggies that might be going bad if I don't eat them!

Ah, I am sooooo happy to have my camera back in my hands. It was off visiting my mom's house for a few weeks. It's keeping me from feeling down in the dumps while I can't workout run.

After our fun morning, we spent the afternoon with family for my niece's first birthday!

What did you do this weekend?




Equipment used: Canon EOS 5D Mark II | Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L

Something for the weekend :) Links are back!

Don't forget that you have a choice. Everyday is an investment.

A few years ago I committed to being un-busy. It was one of the best decisions. I've created more space in my life for what I want, time to create and grow, while eliminating the less important 'stuff'.

I recently watched this TEDtalk and realized that I'd like to create more work that would be Creative Common Licensed. Just yesterday I needed a photo of chocolate to go with my blog, and boy did I feel like a bum for not taking one myself. I was thankful though that the person's image I did use, allowed me to link to it under Creative Commons.



I enjoyed this talk because yes, at times, I'd love to remix video and music to create my own piece worth sharing my point of view. Lately, I've had a huge itch to create more video projects and, well, also to get my camera out and capture more creative photos. My iPod is cute, but it is not my 5dm2 at all.

While I didn't keep track of all that I read through this week here are a few blogs I love:

ProBlogger
Writing Prompts
Goins Writer
Lean Green Bean
Nerd Fitness
Get Rich Slowly

I haven't been writing as much because I feel torn in several directions. I want to write more, I want to photograph more, I want to cook more, and I want to share a lot more. It just can be confusing to try to find my voice, my content, and make it all make sense. I have so many passionate pieces in my life, I just want to share them all and share something worth reading that will help you, too :)

You've been with me this far, so I guess you must be used to all sorts of topics and content coming your way. Thanks for sticking around through all of my ups and ups and...

Keep an eye out for a lot more soon... as always, I'm up to learning, growing and lighting up a new fire in my heart!

I can't run, therefore I crave lots and lots of chocolate.

Although, I've done well not to eat all the chocolate I crave, sort of.

I also miss my Canon 5dm2, a lot. I haven't had her in my hands in a few weeks and now I'm resorting to borrowing images (creative common licensed) from flickr through compfight.

Doesn't that just look yummy? Yes, I did just try to call Chris while he was out and ask him to get me some chocolate. Too bad he didn't answer.

I haven't had too much to say, as not much has been happening. Our house is clean every day while we patiently wait for that special buyer to come through the door. We're both winding down at work with a month left to go before summer vacation. And Miles has been running me ragged at night, because he's got more energy than I ever remember having in my entire life.

I need to run, but I didn't need to tell you that.

What's your favorite chocolate candy?
I love Fifth Avenue Bars, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Heath Bars, and Butterfingers. Basically, anything with chocolate and peanut butter!

Why Workout Clothes are Different Than Work Clothes and My Marathon Update | #runchat #wellnesschat

I will tell you that I rowed 2000 meters today (wahoo!) and followed it with a 20 minute bike ride. Oh, and I've also started walking daily on my lunch for 30 minutes. Plus, I'm in love with juicing...

If you ever wondered why workout clothes are sold separately than work clothes, I've found your answer. Today I forgot to pack a gym shirt, but luckily had worn a simple cotton tee to work with my sweater. I had the perfect excuse to skip the gym, but I didn't cash it in.

Here I thought everyone was looking at me because I was totally buff. In reality, they probably wondered why I was dressed half-ready to workout. Take it from me, pack an extra shirt or two in your car. Cotton is not all made equal.

Since my tendonitis decided to jump legs and share, both of my feet have been problematic. I came to a huge conclusion the other day: the decision to say phooey to marathon training. Seriously, things were getting a little crazy up in here, up in here.

I'd rather not spend every day obsessed over what to eat, how many miles I have to run, or going to the doctor each week to repair an issue with a brace or a device. Not to mention wasting my evenings learning about KT tape, buying my fifteenth pair of running shoes, and who know what else I've been doing.

I want to enjoy all of the other shorter runs and mud challenges I've signed-up for this year without fear that they'll injure me or take me out of the game. Plus, I'd like to play with Miles and not fear twisting an ankle or stepping wrong.

This isn't the first blog I've read today that mentioned giving up on a marathon or ultra marathon plan. It just feels right. It's time to enjoy life again, and not be so obsessed with everything marathons.

Half marathons may just be where it's at for me. I love the distance. Just far enough to feel accomplished, but just short enough to go about my business after the race. I am not giving up hope to ever run a marathon, but my body may have another idea. As long as I'm active and pursuing higher goals, I will find satisfaction.

With that said, I'm going to drop down to the AC Half in the fall and look to add a few more exciting races, like a Hashathon, to my schedule. Without the marathon looming, there is a lot more fun to be had!!

Have you ever had to give up on a dream?



Equipment used: iPod Touch 5G