Happy New Year!

4 Jan

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I hope the beginning of 2012 has been uneventful but full of glorious possabilities. After visiting over at my favorite tri-fit mom blog I realized why i have not committed to a new years resolution….its because i don’t have a pivotal goal for this year. I have goals…lots of them. But nothing that needs “resolving”. (although my hubby may disagree and he can comment in the comments section). :) one of my goals for this year is that i want to finish my marathon at the 4 hour mark or better. Its not a resolution….just a goal. But for those of you who want to start fresh make 2012 the year that you strive to reach your full potential as a wife, mother, entrepreneur, fitness fanatic, or craft diva. For me the past few weeks have been filled with much joy. Laying low, enjoying a quite break. I was able to be in the moment and appreciate the little oddities of life, at work and at home, be them stressful or silly.

I haven’t blogged in awhile partially because I am struggling with where do I go with my blog. This month is the 1 year mark for my blog. I have had to take a step back and look at why I am blogging and where I fit into the blogging world.

If you do blog or read them, the blog world is a daunting place. You look at some of these blogs and you feel inferior. Trying to write posts that are true to myself and still partially inspiring is difficult. I graple with how much information to share and what to hold back. I wonder if people find my blog inspiring, entertaining, educational or none of the above.
So I’m still getting my feet wet, testing the waters and thinking how to take soles of a mom to the next level.
What would you my readers like to see??
Did you like the 31 days segment in October?
Do you want menus and recipes?
Do you want training tips? Or an exercise of the week? Or some posts that focus on a certain area of nutrition?
Or does linking up with me to help you with your nutritional and weight loss goals sound appealing.
Let me know why you follow or what peeks your interests at soles of a mom. Because I’d like to take my blog to the next level and value all of you who follow, comment etc.

HAPPY 2012

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It’s the Most Crazy Time of the Year!

12 Dec

You know the song…. It’s the most wonderful time of the year….Well it is wonderful but crazy.  I can’t say I am particularly stressed.  But busy is an understatement.  I literally have been taking everything in small 1-2 day increments, checking off each task/event as I go otherwise the schedule would be overwhelming.  It’s all good things but hectic none the less. 

Let me give you a run down on the latest in Sole Momma Land.  So I started my marathon training yup I am now in week 14.  I have been able to get in my runs and my speed work, but it has been slightly stressful squeezing it in.  I have to remind myself that I need to take this time for myself because the endorphin release I get from running really allows me to cope better with the stress.  Secondly our stove died…yes died on Thanksgiving morning.  We were hosting and had a beautiful turkey ready to hit the oven.  We had to do the turkey on the grill.  It was slightly stressful figuring out how to do that and heat up all the sides, but we managed.  The day after Thanksgiving I didn’t hit any Black Friday sales I hit the appliance store and bought all new appliances.  Jenn Air Pro Series. :) Talk about blowing your holiday budget.  Getting new appliances creates the snow ball effect… it’s now kitchen cabinets,counter tops…blah, blah, blah.  We have been talking about re-doing our kitchen for two years.  My microwave died three months ago and I have been holding out on getting a new one.  Now with the oven officially dead we had no choice but to dive in.  It is the last real room we need to re-do in this house.  The oven was the catalyst for this process. 

The first week of December was the kick off of a two-week stint of craziness.  Number 2 was in the Nutcracker.   This year she was in the fight scene as a the “white mouse”.  Basically the Mouse Queens princess.  OMG she was so excited and beaming.  She also was in Trepak which is a big deal for the girls as it’s the a high energy dance that the audience always claps along with the music.  She had dress rehearsals Thurs & Friday night until 9:30.  Late for a 7-year-old who still has to go to school the next day.  Then we had a  Saturday night performance and Sunday performance.  To say she was fried on Sunday was an understatement.  Later that night  I helped my friend by having her three kiddies sleep over so she could go to London for the weekend with her hubby.  Actually that was easy as her kiddies kept my kiddies entertained.  Number 1 had a cub scout wreath sale and a pack meeting later in the week where he got his Ready Man, and First-aid pins.  Number 3 had a birthday party to attend and Dad did some traveling  for work.  I also participated in a vendor event in the evening last week where I sold my hair accessories from www.princessdivabows.com. The following night was my annual Mom’s Night Out holiday party and the next day a holiday dinner party with our “Napa Valley wine drinking friends”.  (PHEW I needed that glass of wine!) In my spare time I helped make fleece scarfs for the homeless shelter in our area that was part of a church outreach project and oh did I mention yesterday I co-hosted a cookie swap.  Yes you read that right a cookie swap.   I have been doing it for the past 7 years.   Thankfully a friend offered her home this year.  So I just had to do the invites and the little extras.  However I did have to bring my own cookie creation which is funny since I have no oven yet to bake them in!  Luckily I have great neighbors who allowed me to run back and forth with trays of cookies to bake in their oven.  Double Stuff Peppermint Cookies from Rachel Ray, the recipe is here from Taste and Tell blog.  They were awesome!  Can you say CRAZY girl?!  I actually think I thrive on chaos.  When I am booked to the max my efficiency is through the roof.  When I have tons of time I procrastinate and nothing gets done. 

pic via {taste and tell blog}

How’s it going for all of you???? Stay sane…savor the memories.  It’s crazy but I wouldn’t have it any other way!  Traing run’s on the docket this week….

  • 4 mi easy – 9:54 pace
  • 5 mi tempo run- 1 mi warmup, 3mi at 8:21, 1 mi cool down
  • 5 mi easy- 9:54 pace
  • 14 mi- Long run 9:54 pace

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It’s official!

26 Nov

Yes I took the leep- I finally registered for my next marathon. Let me tell you it was not as easy as you might think. Hitting send and committing to 16 weeks of training was mind boggling to
say the least. Sure it’s fun thinking of where that race will be… Florida, Rome, Texas, California were all on the radar screen. I am definitely a destination marathon girl. It just makes the work that much more rewarding. Plus once you start booking hotels etc your commitment level increases. No backing out. As much as Rome would be FABULOUS, the logistics of traveling and who would take care of the kiddes became a factor. So the decision was made and I signed up for … D.C. Baby!

So my official 16 week training starts this next week. Crazy right. I learned many things my first go around. Winter training last year was brutal and exhilariting. I really learned how to appreciate a “warm winter day”. I saw many beautiful sights on my runs. I love seeing how icsicles form on trees and buildings. I love how when the sun hits the snow just right it twinkles. I thrive on the runners high I get after completeing my long runs. I learned how the support of my family and friends is key to my success. These are the good memories and this is why I signed on for another.

But why do I hesitate? Its from those “mistakes and bumps in the road I experienced, so to speak.” Number one on my learning curve list…
1. I learned not, I repeat DO NOT over train. Last year every time my plan said run 20 miles I thought more was better. I never thought the opposite would be true, until after completeing the marathon and talking to someone. A seasoned runner…when I gushed about my “24 miler vs 20″ they were quick to point out “So you basically ran a marathon (24 mi long run vs 20, and then ran the marathon (26.2) 2 weeks later?” Never thought about it that way. But looking back at my time I did for my 24 mile training run I thought ((man I’ve got this, locked and loaded))… But my body had other plans as the breakdown of the IT band started at mile 16 on race day.
2. This time I will try to do more speed work as the plan calls for. Basically given our brutal winter last year I was more concerned about getting the miles in vs time.
3. Do not, again I repeat DO NOT schedule any races after the marathon. I have to allow myself time to recover. Enjoy the process of “not having to run”. Last year I set myself up for failure big time, pre- registering for races another full marathon & a half that I never got to run. I felt so defeated.

So I loaded up my smart runner coach app(which I ♥) and surveyed the next 16 weeks ahead. As I scrolled through the 16 weeks I started to get discouraged and feeling as if I might not be able to do it again. The process seems daunting. I looked at the plan and thought- “ugh the week between Christmas and New Years I should be running a 16 miler…Can I really get there again?” In October at the Hartford 1/2 marathon as I ran up under the finish line I remember thinking “Wow I did double this??? That’s crazy.”

The weather has been so balmy here in the NE- with a few cold snaps sprinkled in. But here I was last Tuesday running in 60 degree weather and then went for a run with a friend on Saturday only to wish I had put on my gloves. My fingers were numb by the time we got back from our 6 mile run. I’m so not ready for this. But I put it out here because I want to held accountable…I want to do this, otherwise I would not have hit send on the registration form.

So what’s on the docket starting Monday November 28th.

  • 5 mi easy – 9:54 pace
  • 5 mi tempo run- 1 mi warmup, 3mi at 8:21, 1 mi cool down
  • 6 mi easy- 9:54 pace
  • 10 mi- Long run 9:54 pace

One of my easy runs may be replaced with a 60 minute spin class some weeks- which for me is the equivalent of a 5-6 mi run. The trainer who who runs that class- kicks ass! ((smooches Marc!))

Are there any Sole Moms who want to take on the challenge with me?? Half {13.1} or Full {26.2} Marathon? If we get some Sole Mommas to come I would coordinate a Sole Momma pre-race dinner and meet up after the race etc. It would be great to have some camaraderie with training and on race day.

Leave a comment if your interested or email me at solesofamom@gmail.com.

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Happy November!

5 Nov

So if there was any doubt that I am a Martha Stewart wanna be well here’s a pic to prove. I have every issue of Everyday Food since its inception January 2003.

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I cannot seem to part with these handy little recipe books. The thing I love most is the recipes are simple and if you use the issues in the month they are printed, ie: November issue for November meal planning and so on it actually uses fruits, vegetables that are in season. My favorite thing to do is pull all my recipe books for November for the past 9 years and plan my menus accordingly.

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So today as many in my town in Connecticut and across the state are still without power or cable due to this past weekends recent snow storm. I’m planning a months worth of meals!
Did you notice my cool monthly dinner time menu planner and grocery list? They are from Jones Design Company and her JDC Monthly Printables ! You can check it out on the link. The first month is free to try. You get something different every month! Like September we got chore charts the kids weren’t too happy, but mommy loved it!

So here is what I have on the menu so far this week!

mon. halloween open house – snacks
tues. pasta carbonara with leeks & lemon ((this is in the most current everyday food recipe booklet. Not on the site yet! It was delicious!!!
wed. chicken with dried plums ((all time favorite!))

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thurs. salad with roasted fall vegetables

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fri. butternut squash soup ((if you can, make the pumpkin seeds to they are delicious!))

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sweet treat: pumpkin doughnut muffins!

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So it’s been a whole week without phone, Internet or cable. Yes I am one of the lucky ones with power. So I did this whole post from my iPhone. If there’s typos or the formatting isn’t pretty I apologize. But hey Not too shabby for a non- tech girl! :)
How do you plan meals for your brood?

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Living Solefully:: Day 31 ~ Sole Momma Feature!

31 Oct

Hello everyone. I couldn’t think of a better way to wrap up our 31 Days of Living Solefully then by featuring one of the coolest, most courageous, and talented writers I know… Miss Maria.

Name: Maria, age 44 is married to her best friend Marc and has two fantastic children. A little girl age 5 and handsome boy age 9. Maria is a mom, wife, freelance writer, blogger extraordinaire! and breast cancer survivor. Let’s meet Maria our featured Sole Momma!

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1. When were you diagnosed with breast cancer? I was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 30, in October of 1997, one year after I was married.

2. What was the course of treatment? Treatment was lumpectomy (2) The first one didn’t result in clean margins — cancer was still there — and they had to go back in for the rest. Then 8 weeks of radiation therapy. No chemo. No hormones either as I wanted to have kiddos.

3. How does the threat of recurrence affect your life? It’s been 14 years since my diagnosis. To say that I don’t think about breast cancer everyday would be a lie. It’s so prevalent. It took my father in 1989, and affected to many people in my family and my life. Just in our little town alone, I have met 7 women who are survivors and just found out another woman I know was diagnosed. Every year for my annual screening I am an internally emotional wreck. It just is what it is. I have had many biopsies since then — once you had cancer, there is no more “let’s wait and see.”

4. What are the positives you have taken from having breast cancer? What has it taught you about life moving forward? Since I came out as a survivor at my 10 year mark, I feel like I have empowered others to take hold of their own breast health. I did several Avon Walks (one with my friend Deana here!) which was amazing. I organized a local chapter of a club for high school girls called the Pink Ribbon Club that promotes BCA in the younger set ( it’s now defunct unfortunately). I have organized some breast cancer awareness events locally and spoken to some girl’s sports teams about it. I am really lucky, that I know. Mine was caught VERY early and I am a firm believer in early detection. I balk at the reports stating mammos are unnecessary until women are in their 50s. 40 is a good time and earlier if you have a family history. And if you have dense breasts (which many younger women do) then know that too and get yourself additional screening in the form of ultrasound or MRI. It’s law in CT and other places too that your MD tell you whether your breasts are full of dense tissue — the same color as cancer on a mammogram.

5. If you could share one thing about surviving breast cancer to other woman what would it be? One thing I would like all women to do is take control of their breast health. They are YOURS! Know them and know your risk factors. Exercise and eat right and don’t ignore any change in your breast. I would rather have 5 negative biopsies because I was dilligent than one positive one because I was afraid. Wouldn’t you?

6. Lastly…What are your favorite pair of shoes and why…wouldn’t be a sole momma feature with out this question. Okay, Deana wanted me to share my favorite pair of shoes for Soles of A Mom. Let me just say I live vicariously through Deana and her fashion choices. I just might have high fashion in me somewhere, I just haven’t unearthed it yet!! So I just sigh with envy at what Deana can pull off and what I am too set in my comfortable ways to attempt. So, sadly, my favorite pair of shoes would probably be my Skechers or a pair of very comfortable Aerosoles loafers. (Deana used to have the same pair I believe so perhaps I am on the right track after all!)

Thanks Deana!! Your blog is awesome and thanks for letting me share very important BC information with your readers!!

If you want to learn more about breast cancer you can visit The National Breast Cancer Foundation. To learn more about Maria visit her blog This Mom is Always Write.
Thanks Maria, your an amazing sole momma & friend!

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Living Solefully:: Day 29 Renewal

29 Oct

So we won’t tell that we took a rest from 31 days the last week… It’s kind of like that old adage “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all”. Well I figured if I didn’t have anything inspiring to say I best not say anything. Blogging 31 days is not easy to say the least. I have tons of ideas… I’m constantly thinking “Ooo I could blog about this…make that…post a video..etc etc, but by the time I finish being a mommy, career woman and wife the brain seems fried!

It has been a crazy week. Lots and lots of activities and trying to get back on track with my workouts. I began marathon training this week. I will be revealing my spring marathon on Tuesday! The school marking period ended on Friday so #1 had 4 tests this week. ((Can someone remind me am I the one in school?)) The kiddies had all of their usual after school stuff…gymnastics, ballet, jazz, family bingo night and oh yea I work part time as well! We celebrated #3′s 5th birthday! Which if I do say so myself I did a great job! The decorations, cupcakes, goodie bags, etc etc all Sock Monkey themed for a gymnastics party. He was so happy and the kids had a blast. Pictures and details of that event to come later.

But the big news for me was Tuesday I made my confirmation as a Catholic. It was a very emotional experience. The most fulfilling thing I have done for myself in a long time. The Bishop anointed each person individually. He took the time to
speak to use and ask questions. It was like kneeling in front of the Pope. It took me over 16 years to find the spiritual place where I belong. At the age of 40 I was finally ready to dive in, explore, question and open my heart.
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My SIL Jennifer was my sponsor and I am very honored that she stood up with me. She is without a doubt a christian role model for me and my children. Emily at Jones Design Company has some beautiful prints that sing to my heart that I thought I would share. I am giving this lamp print to the Decon at my church who has taken me through my confirmation process and the scaraments. He is an amazing individual who did not convert until he was 30 years old. So he could appreciate my situation and the questions I had. It’s always so wonderful how god brings people into our lives. Even if the journey is brief, their presence can leave a lasting imprint.

print {via Jones Design Company}

So my message for the last seven days is Live Solefully by finding a place in your heart for spiritual renewal. What ever religion sings to you! xoxo~ Deana

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Living Solefully:: Day 22

23 Oct

Living Solefully on a weekend means…

just be

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Living Solefully:: {Day 20 and 21} Express Yourself!

22 Oct

Had to sneak two days together….shhh don’t tell.  Not sure if those of you in cyber land know this about me but I am a nut when it comes to my hair.  A few philosophies I have about it.  1.  It grows back.  Crazy right…but true.  2.  Color, natural color?  what’s that. 3. Change it up! Express yourself.  ♥

I have had more hair cuts, bad die jobs than one can count.  Many self-induced box colors, or “sun in”.  Two years ago when I had my pixie cut I begged my colorist to make me a platinum blonde.  She was 100% against it.  Warned me I would look washed out like an albino.  But I was determined and you know what they say “the customer is always right”, so she did it.  My hair was the cross between blonde with some strawberry blonde to it.  All I could equate it to was the heat miser! 

 

I hate to share this secret…don’t tell…move closer to the monitor so no one else can read.  I’m not a natural blonde!  Oh did I just write that.  Never.   I love being a blonde but have been feeling like a blonde-aorexic.  What is a blonde-aorexic; noun: An individual, usually a female addicted to dying or highlighting their hair blonde to which no resemblance of their natural color is found.  Yup that’s me.  If I could form a club, an Blonde-Aroexic-Anamyous…I would.  BAA, catchy isn’t it!

So with that said I set off to my hair dressers yesterday photos in hand for a chat and a new do.  I have been growing out a pixie cut for the last year and a half and have not cut my hair since December of last year.  It was in need of some maintenance.  It has been breaking off and looking straggly.

Looking a little greenish…very unhealthy.
My wonderful colorist..after speaking with me and looking at my pictures said…”ok your mentally ready for this”.  Isn’t that funny?  Here’s Tatum mixing the color…no turning back now.

mixing the color...no turning back now.

After the color…I had a hair cut and got about an inch taken off.  My only request for the cut was that  it needs to be able to go into a pony tail for working out.   New fall look courtesy of Tatum and Jade at Adam Broderick Salon and Spa.
 

Jess at allora handmade went from long curly locks to a cute pixie cut.  I had the pixie last year and loved it… although my hubby likes longer hair…so I was growing it out for him {kinda}… anyway Jess inspired my new look!  The pixie may be next.  So take a risk, take a chance…Live Solefully by being adventurous today and expressing yourself!

Enjoy the weekend!

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Living Solefully Day 20:: Remember

20 Oct

The little man a.k.a “the turkey”, “monkey” “butter cup”  my baby… turned 5 today.  Crazy how time flies, seems like only a year ago I was pregnant and trucking off to the hospital.

a quick pic before leaving for the hospital to be induced…. 10/20/2006
Here’s the little man on his 1st birthday!
we went apple picking for his first birthday…

and then there is today! All grown up… so excited to be having a birthday and this weekend his first big boy party! Where does the time go?

today a small family b~day celebration…

Gotta love him pushing away his older brother so he can blow out the candles!

 
So for today, Live Solefully by Remembering.  Take time to remember all of the good things in our lives.  Those tiny moments that shape our very being.  If we always are looking forward we may forget where we have been!
Happy 5th Birthday to a little boy who makes me smile every day. xoxo~ Mom

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Living Solefully Day 19

20 Oct

It’s official::: migraines suck!
Sometimes you can’t post…can’t blog…this is one of those days. Get in bed, pull the covers over your head. Hit the reset button and start fresh tomorrow. Sorry Gals!

Day 19:: Live Solefully today by taking care of yourself.

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