My Favorite Things

Let's see what is on my list of favorite things!

This date night jar. Kyle and I always have the hardest time deciding what to do, so I thought it would be fun to put together a jar like this. I saw it online and knew it had to be done.

This pet booster seat for Emma. She always has the hardest time getting comfortable on road trips and I saw this on Amazon so I decided to give it a shot. Wow what a difference it made. She loves it and slept the whole time.

My view during my runs! The weather is changing and it's absolutely beautiful.

This mug I found at Target, it was on the clearance rack for $3 and I couldn't pass it up. It's now one that I use a lot.

My in training shirt for the Pixie Dust Challenge! It's an exclusive directly through Disney and it's only available through November 4th. I had to have it haha.

What are some of your favorite things lately?

Have a great weekend and a wonderful (and safe) Halloween!

I'm Finally Going to Dress Up

Let me first say that I have not dressed up for Halloween in probably 10 years, yes I know that's a long time. Kyle and I aren't big on Halloween parties and we usually just sit outside and pass out candy. However, this year will be different. I am spending Halloween with my sister and the kids so I figured I would dress up (a somewhat last minute decision lol)

It took me a while to decide on a costume and this is what I chose:

 Haha how awesome is this?! I ordered it from Amazon and it will arrive today, just in time for my trip to Florida tomorrow. I did make Kyle promise me that he will dress up as Waldo next year (he is working this year on Halloween), so we can be Waldo and Wenda. I think they are very fitting costumes for the secret nerds in us. lol.

It doesn't come with the tights so I am just going to wear skinny jeans and boots, since the weather might be a little rainy that day. It's going to be a fun day!

Are you dressing up for Halloween this year?!

Happy Wednesday!

 

Let The Fun Begin!

Happy October!! You know what means right?! Marathon training begins today! The Rock n Roll New Orleans Marathon is February 28th and I couldn't be more excited...well and nervous. I am using a plan but am modifying it to fit my needs and I really think it is going to be good.

Here are some thoughts as I start this journey for the 2nd time:

Haha these all gave me a pretty good laugh!

On top of training runs I have 6 races that I will be participating between now and then. 2 half marathons, 2 10k's, and 2 5k's! It's going to be fun.

Wish me luck!! :)

My Thoughts On Weddings

I saw a commercial today for Kay Jewelers and according to them we are officially in engagement season, I guess I didn't realize that there was such a thing lol. Of course with an engagement comes the task of planning a wedding. 

I have friends and family that have had everything from a courthouse wedding to an extremely lavish and expensive wedding. Now I am not saying there is a right or wrong way to do but I thought it would be fun to share my thoughts.

I have actually been on both sides of the spectrum. My first wedding (yes I have been married before and got divorced after a year) was a big one, every little detail was planned to a T, the dress, the venue, the food, etc. The one thing I remember the most was how MISERABLE I was. 

I was stressed to the max and instantly regretted going to all the trouble to plan something that would only last a few hours. The only good part was my dress lol:

Now when Kyle and I got married we both knew exactly what we wanted. A low key wedding with no fanfare because at that point in our lives we didn't want a big production. We paid $286 to get married at The Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel, it was absolutely perfect for us! We had 13 people there and it was broadcasted on the internet so others could watch. 

My family didn't mind however Kyle's parents were less than thrilled but they respected that it was what we wanted. I look back on our pictures and am reminded that it didn't matter what dress I wore or how many people were there, it was a stress free day, just how we wanted.

At the end of the day it's all about what makes the bride and groom happy. :) 

Are you a big wedding or smaller wedding type of person? Was your wedding exactly what you wanted or did you feel pressure from others?

Have a great weekend!!

My Favorite Things: Fall Edition

I am finally feeling back to normal! Whatever sickness I had grabbed a hold of me and wouldn't let go. I spent the last 3 days curled up on the couch hating life lol. I was able to pull myself together last night to attend a Hail and Farewell for Kyle's work. It was great to get out and socialize with people. 

We are finally experiencing weather below 80 degrees on a consistent basis and it is glorious! Here are some of my favorite things that help me celebrate the season:

Cider Mill scentsy bar, oh my! It's smells so good and will likely be a constant smell in my house this fall.

 source

This tunic sweater from Old Navy. It is so comfortable and goes perfectly with a pair of black leggings. I may have to go back and buy a few more.

source

These boots! I found them last year at Stage and they are my favorite. I liked them so much that I bought them in black too haha. You better believe that they will be coming out for the 60 degree weather we are getting next week!

How cute is this blanket scarf?! I found it at Target a few weeks ago and couldn't pass it up.

source

Most people that know me know that I have a love for coffee mugs (believe me I have way too many to count). I got this one a few years ago and I always bring it out this time of year. It is the perfect hot chocolate vessel. :)

Happy Fall Everyone!

Some Life Highlights

Saturday was a big day for Kyle, it was his first race back after his surgery. He was definitely nervous (so was I), but he crushed it! We ran the Kiwanis 5k which helped the local organization raise money for community projects, which to us is pretty amazing. 

Not only did Kyle feel good but he ended up placing 1st in his age group. It was really good to have my running partner back out there. I am so proud of him.

 I am starting week 3 of Grad school today and it has been great so far. I submitted my first assignment yesterday and I am really loving this class. I just hope that it continues to go this way haha.

Kyle has a short week this week, which is never a bad thing. We are going to an airshow and a rodeo this weekend, if the weather cooperates and it doesn't rain like it says it's supposed to.

Oh and my favorite news from this last week...I reserved my dress for the ball! I am not one to keep things like that a secret so here ya go:

I hope it looks this good in person!


Kyle is off today so we have plans to do a little exploring. There are so many historical places around here so it's fun to check those off the list.

Have a great Monday!!

Throwback Thursday

This particular photo showed up on my timehop the other day and boy did it bring back a lot of memories. This was taken after my 1st half marathon, what an incredible experience it was. 

I never imagined in my life that I would complete one but this proved to be more difficult because of several reasons.

45 days prior to this I found out I was pregnant, we were overjoyed and I put plans to run this race on hold. However, 30 days later I found out it was an ectopic pregnancy and I had to have several shots to end it, because it was extremely dangerous. I felt defeated. I was determined at that point to complete this race no matter what. I was 2 weeks post treatment, Kyle was at NTC, I had an upper respiratory infection, and this half is known as one of the most challenging in El Paso. 

I will never forget the emotions I felt as I crossed the finish line.

I am 3 weeks away from completely my 13th half marathon, and I am reminded by this picture that no matter what I can accomplish anything I put my mind to. 

No matter your situation you can accomplish anything you put your mind to! 

Weekend Visitors

My sister and the kiddos came to visit us this past weekend! It was awesome!

On Friday, we (minus Kyle) drove up to Natchitoches, walked around and enjoyed the beautiful weather. They had some decorations out and the kids loved it, we shopped, and had lunch. It was a great way to kick off the weekend.

We grilled that night, went to the park, and hung around the house. Kylie talked Kyle into doing the bean-boozled jelly bean challenge. Haha. Somehow we all got suckered into eating jelly beans that tasted like baby wipes and lawn clippings. It was gross but fun!

Saturday we headed out to CM Farms to check out a corn maze. It's a family run farm that was beautiful! It sits on 720 acres, they had activities for the kids, pig races, cow milking demonstrations, delicious food, tractor rides, and of course the corn maze. We were able to get through it pretty quickly even though Kyle jokingly sent us the wrong way a few times haha.

Sunday, we did some shopping in Alexandria and had lunch. The rest of the day was spent playing a fun racing game and enjoying the company.

We loved having them visit us and we can't wait to see them again! Kyle unfortunately won't see them until Thanksgiving but I will see them in about 2 1/2 weeks for Halloween. :)

Hope you all enjoyed your weekend!

Ask and You Shall Receive!

A few weeks ago I had asked Kyle if he thought OPS Group would have a ball. He said he didn't think so because they are in rotation until right before Thanksgiving, however we found out differently yesterday! Woo!

December 11th is our ball and I am so excited. I am going to venture into the world of renting a dress this time and I'm really excited. I have heard so much about Rent The Runway and I am so excited to try it out. These are a few dresses that are catching my eye:

Of course my mind will likely change a million times beforehand (my sister and I spent a while on the phone yesterday looking haha) but it's so fun looking! Plus, I love any excuse to get dressed up and go out with my husband. 

Do you enjoy getting dressed up!?

What's Up, Wednesday?!

Does anyone else feel like this week is flying by?! I'm not complaining because my sister and the kids will be here tomorrow, yay!!! 

It's been relatively quiet in our neck of the woods but here are some happenings.

 Kyle is doing well, he is still sore but we get up every morning to go for a walk. He can't do anything at work either, so he is home most days by 3pm. I'm enjoying it now because once the 24th hits he will be back to his busy training schedule.

We are patiently waiting for the Major promotion list to come out. Even though this is Kyle's BZ (below zone) look and he doubts that he will be on it, it will still be nice to see it. I am the eternal optimist and think he has a good shot of making it this year.

I finally sat down and figured out my marathon training plan, I normally don't follow one but I figured for my 2nd I better have some sort of direction. I start on the 26th and I can't wait, February 28th is going to come quickly but I know I will be ready.

I made this amazing lasagna soup on Monday and now I want it everyday haha. It's really simple to make and has a ton of flavor. Please make it, you can thank me later. :)
Lasagna Soup Recipe 

Have a great Wednesday everyone!

Cooler Temps!

Can I just tell you how excited I was to see that temperature yesterday?! When you live in an extremely hot and humid state this is a welcome change. My sister and I had a pretty giddy phone call about it haha.

I know that there are colder places but man I will take it! It makes running that much more enjoyable too, I am so glad that my marathon training starts at the end of the month and wasn't happening during this very brutally hot summer.

We took advantage of the weather and went on lots of walks. Since Kyle can't run right now, walking is the most intense activity he can do.

This weather makes me want to break out every fall scent that I have in the house. Thankfully I just ordered new Scentsy to help with that. I am hoping this weather sticks around for our trip to the Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze this weekend. It's not much fun doing fall activities when it's 90+ degrees out.

What is the weather like where you're at?!

...Goodbye Freedom!

Well, today is my last weekday of freedom! I officially start Grad school on Monday. I am excited, nervous, anxious, terrified and just ready to get going. I received an introductory email from my professor and immediately felt this:

I know it's going to be a lot of work, but it will be worth it. Hell, if Kyle can do it while working constantly and being in the field, I think I will be okay.

As a treat to ourselves before Monday (he is starting a new class too), we are going to a Pie Festival about an hour away. I will never say no to pie so a whole festival dedicated to it is a win in my book.

Wishing you all an awesome weekend!

Thoughts on Thursday

Happy October everyone! I can't believe it's already October 1st, I had to double check the calendar this morning. Here is what I am thinking about these days.

*I love our town more and more everyday! I mean seriously how cute it is?! People think this area of Louisiana is scary and less than desirable, but to me it's amazing. I love the people, family run businesses, and the food. :)

*Kyle heads back to work tomorrow and I think it is going to be great for him. I can tell that he is going stir crazy so it will be nice for us to both to get back into our normal routines (well his altered normal routine)

*Am I the only one who is already sick of the political posts?! I can't believe we have to endure another year of this nonsense.

*My sister and the kiddos are coming to visit next weekend and I am ridiculously excited! We are excited to spend time with them and just have fun. It's going to be an awesome weekend together.

*I am 95% finished with Christmas shopping (yes I know it's only October 1st lol) and boy it feels good! It took me a while to figure out gifts for a few but I think I got it right. We will see. haha.

*Since it is officially the month of Halloween, I think it's time to make these yummy treats. I make them every year and they are always a hit.
recipe 

Happy Thursday Everyone!