For this weeks "Five on Friday" I am simply going to list "a few of my favorite things" from this week.
[ONE]
So far this week I have run for a total of 170 mins and approx. 15 miles. I have 19 more weeks of training to go; I can't imagine what my total mins & miles accumulation will be then! Yikes! Anyways, now that I've committed to trying to train for this marathon I need to make sure I stay motivated. I've been really proud of myself thus far for running all my assigned days & distances and it's thanks in part to Pandora's "Pop and Hip Hop Power Workout Station." This is the best station I have EVER heard...I honestly feel like I am listening to my iPod with songs I've downloaded; but it's free! It's chalk full of upbeat motivating dance, pop, and hip hop music; Usher, Rihanna, David Guetta, Timbaland, JT, etc... Yesterday for example I got so into the music that before I knew it I had already run for 18 mins without checking my clock. PLUS...whenever I hit a wall I just look at this guy below, my forever running companion, and it pushes me through!!
[TWO]
I know everyone has been freaking out about the return of Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte, but this is the time of year when I really enjoy a good nonfat Chai Latte (pumpkin fans better get up off me!) Chai is a blend of black tea (so it has some health benefits AND caffeine), and Indian herbs and spices; like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, etc... Did you know that cinnamon can lower your blood sugar levels, and treat muscle spasms, vomiting, diarrhea, infections, the common cold, and loss of appetite. Cardamom can help with mouth ulcers, digestive problems, and even depression. And ginger can help with gastrointestinal relief, anti-inflammatory effects, protection against colorectal & ovarian cancer, and help boost your immune system. I have NONE of the above, however I have convinced myself that this drink is a necessary preventative for my well-being! But in all honestly the smell of the spices is what makes me feel warm and happy, happy, happy inside. Mmmmm...
[THREE]
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month in case you didn't know, wink wink! It's like God dropped a bottle of Pepto-Bismol on the U.S. and I LOVE IT! As most of you may know my mother died of breast cancer in January of 2009 after an 8 year battle. She was my best friend and I miss her everyday. I still can't believe I will never get to see her hold & love on my children...but I know she's met them. In fact, I'm pretty sure she sent Wake to us!
Mom was the epitome of true beauty and left me with some of the most valuable gifts; love, faith, strength, courage, and so much more. I live everyday trying to make her proud! So, I am a sucker for anything PINK & donation worthy. I know we can find a cure! With that being said, here are my fave finds this October for Breast Cancer Research.
I'd also like to give a very special shout out to Sami over at Sami's Shenanigans. Sami and a group of her blogger friends have put together something really awesome for Breast Cancer Awareness month. It's a giveaway to raise awareness and money for research. The only mandatory thing you have to do to enter is give yourself a breast exam...it's that easy! Check out more about it on Sami's page!
[FOUR]
It takes some time for Florida to get the memo about Fall weather. So, for the first time this week I was actually able to dress up W in some of his fall garb. Now that he's getting older (sad face) and crawling, I was able to buy him some shoes and "big boy" stuff for this seasons wardrobe. My husband the outdoorsman was dead set on getting him a "sweet" fleece from Patagonia as well as a vest to "keep his core warm." My husband lives and dies in vests during the Fall/Winter, so it only seemed appropriate for W to get one of those too. My brother up in Detroit bought W the Tigers hat! I'm a Michigander at heart (love the Lions too) and am proud for W to rock The D; especially since they are doing so well right now ;-). I'm obsessed with long-alls, bubbles and jumpsuits, and below are a few of my favorites! He can wear these to church, lunch, play, etc... I LOVE THEM! And of course, what would Fall be without some festive onesies!? Ugh, so stinking cute right!?
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| I spy a real kitty cat... |
I makes me really happy to walk around my house now, especially with all the pumpkin flavored candles lit. I'm looking forward to a gorgeous weekend and wishing you all the same!
~ XOXO ~
Morgan
Labels: Breast Cancer, Chai Tea Latte, Fall, family, fashion, Five on Friday, lifestyle, marathon, Pandora, running, Sami's Shenanigans, Starbucks, Target, training, Williams Sonoma
