12 Things I am LOVING!

Good morning!  I hope your day is off to a fabulous start.  I’ve got 12 things that I am absolutely loving right now and thought I would share them with you today.  This post is sponsored by Alice.  Don’t forget to check out the end of the post for something FREE:)

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1.  Wanna know something that has made my nighttime feedings with Skye really fun?  It has kept me awake, excited (I’ll spare you a nighttime feeding picture and share ones from during the day instead;) and sometimes I keep playing even after Skye has fallen asleep ha—>  Alice is a new game that I started playing and I was instantly hooked!  It is so much fun and I never get bored because there are so many different levels, quests and challenges included!  If you liked Candy Crush then you will love this one because it is a lot like it!

Time flies by when I’m playing Alice and it makes hanging out on the recliner at 3 a.m. a blast ha!  I think Alice has an awesome design, it is bright, the graphics are amazing and my goal is to collect all of the main characters.  Alice includes a bunch of the characters from Alice in Wonderland (March Hare, the Hatter, the White Queen, the Cheshire Cat and others) which means Brooke loves watching me play it too!  You can play this game with your friends and share rewards—> for all of January they are giving away extra balloons if you link the game to your Facebook account!

Join me in playing Alice (hopefully not in the middle of the night like me;) this month!  Let me know what levels you get to and what rewards you earn!

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2.  I’ve told you all about how I’m making strength training a huge priority over here right!?  I am starting out with these resistance exercise bands to get things going.  My running coach told me to get these years ago (ehhh… sorry coach;).  I can’t wait to get going on these this year with everything from squats to clamshells to donkey kicks!   2018 is for getting strong (and staying injury free)!

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3.   My favorite beanie on the planet.  I’ve tried a lot over the years in Utah and this beanie wins for me (for every day use/going out at night… not for skiing though).  I LOVE the colors that they offer and they are so soft!  My other favorite beanies are these!

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4.   A few of you have asked about where I get Skye’s bows from!  Little Poppy Co—>  each month they send you a three pack of bows that go with any holidays that are in that month too.  I get so excited when we get a new pack.

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5.  We made the easiest treat the other night for our family night that I saw online.  The kids had a blast helping me make it too!  We just put a layer of chocolate chips on the bottom and then a bunch of marshmallows on top!  I cooked it for about 10ish minutes @ 375 degrees and then we dipped graham crackers into it!  The easiest s’more you will ever make… next time we will try it with Reese’s PB cups on the bottom:)

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6.  This one has two…

a.  I finally (like a year later than everyone else) got the Run Fast, Eat Slow cookbook and I’m loving it.  I should have bought this when it first came out!

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b.  Andrew got this book for me as kind of a joke for Christmas (at least I hope it was a joke;) but it is a fun read for this stage of life.  Andrew and I are really trying to make sure to spend some time each day, just the two of us talking (about things other than kids too) and doing a ‘date night’ one night a week (at home).  Kids sure make life crazy but remembering to make time and effort for our relationship is SO important right now.

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7.  I’ve had a few people recommend these to me and for $6.99 at Costco you really can’t not try it (or you can get them here).  They are perfect for a base layer under your running gear or life gear.  Beyond soft and they keep you nice and cozy.  I was able to use them for a few runs before having Skye and they kept me really warm.

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8.  Andrew gave me some really pretty boots as a pre-Christmas present (now we just need more snow to go with it)!  I’m obsessed with them!

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9.  Another favorite Christmas present—>  this necklace!  Andrew knows I love simple jewelry so when I opened this one with the word run on it, I was very excited.

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10.  We are always searching for new shows to watch together and Andrew suggested Brooklyn Nine-Nine.  It is hilarious.  Just add it to my list of shows I really love.

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11.  My reward for taking 6 weeks off from running after having Skye to allow my body time to really heal and recover—>  running shoes are the best kind of reward right?!  Beautiful Launch 4s.  They are $65 right now and I think they are going to be with me during some great races this year.

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12.  These organizing bags!!  You get 6 of them for $12 and they make it so much easier to keep my purse/diaper bag much more organized!!  They are great for travel and keeping snacks all together in one place.  I’m hooked.

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Download Alice for FREE—>  HERE (for Apple) and HERE (for Android)!

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What are some things that you are LOVING right now?

What are you reading right now?  Did you get any good books for Christmas?

How do you dress for a really cold run?  Tell me about the layers, the gloves, the hats… any good recommendations?

Are you a jewelry person… daily?  What do you usually wear?

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50 comments

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For winter runs, I just wear as many layers as possible. I swear sometimes I’m like rolling down the road versus actually running. I find my ears, feet, and hands get cold the fastest so as long as I keep those warm, I’m usually ok. If all else fails I run inside though.

I like her cookbook a lot and I’ve made several of her recipes. The beet hummus is by far my favorite, but, I’m also obsessed with beets.

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BAHAHA rolling down the road… you gotta do what you gotta do in the cold. Beet hummus… I’ll make that for Andrew but I’ll pass ha. I hope your day is a wonderful one Hollie! xoxo

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YES!! I LOVEloveLOVE Brooklyn Nine-Nine!! I started watching it a couple of months ago, and it did not take me long at all to get all caught up to the current season. It is SO good!!

I’m not a bit jewelry person at all. I have one bracelet that I wear all of the time, but it’s leather (well, maybe fake leather) and says “be brave” on it—just as a constant reminder. :) I think I got it from Roolee a few years ago, and I haven’t taken it off since! And I also started added more strength training recently, and it really helps me feel so much stronger while running and also just helps me feel better in general!

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I laughed so hard at that book about not hating your husband. My cousin is due any minute now, maybe I should get her that for her husband’s sake. I bought myself a few books for Christmas so I think they are all good. =] The one I’m reading now sounds racy but really isn’t, “Power, Sex and Suicide: Mitochondria and the Meaning of Life.” I research mitochondria so I’m reading this pop sci book and making little notes in it so I can send it to my dad to read because he is always asking and forgetting what I do research on.

In winter running, I try to limit my top to 3 layers preferably 2 and my bottom half to 2 layers preferably 1, I don’t want to feel like I can’t move. Yesterday I ran in 30 degree weather so I had on a long sleeve tech shirt and a thin long sleeve pullover on top of that with full length running tights, regular socks, and a buff for my ears. If it’s colder say 0-10 degrees I wear an off brand long sleeve thermal underwear (like what you got at Costco, mine are Sam’s Club), a fleece pullover (fleece is amazing for being warm but thin!), light gloves, and an ear warmer. If it’s windy I will add a light windproof jacket and thermal bottoms under my tights. I think the biggest thing I recommend wearing when it’s cold is something to cover your ears. And to have a couple pairs because your head will get sweaty and you will need to wash them often. Also I think buffs are a must for winter running, they are just so versatile. Oh and if it is below 0 it is a rest day or a day to go to the gym. =]

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I love the boots, but I also love Andrew’s shoes! I think my fiance would really like them, can you please link them??

Thanks!

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Hey Abby! Are you talking about the shoes next to my boots in that picture? Those are actually Knox’s shoes! We got them at Old Navy a while ago! Have a beautiful day Abby!

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HA! I thought they looked adult-sized! Thanks for the reply, Janae!

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We love Brooklyn Nine-Nine and have been watching it since the beginning! It has that subtle humor like The Office but once you really get to know the characters and their quirks it is hilarious. I am ashamed to say that I am a lot like Amy Santiago, especially her love of fresh new office supplies:)

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That was supposed to read I am “not ashamed”:)

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Yes I totally agree… it totally reminds me of the office too! Hahaa I want to be your friend then!! Have a great day Laurie!!

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Love this post! I am loving our new Instant Pot right now – seriously so convenient and easy!
I’m reading Ill Will by Dan Chaon…pretty creepy but I like it!
Cold run outfit = fleece lined tights, tall socks (so my ankles won’t get cold, duh!), tank top, long sleeve shirt, 1/4 zip pullover, running vest, neck warmer, gloves!
The only jewelry I wear everyday is my wedding rings, my grandma’s earrings, a hair tye, and my garmin (do those count?).
Have a great day Janae!

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I love Brooklyn Nine Nine too – my husband originally got me interested in it. And because I know you love This is Us as well, I wanted to tell you Sterling K Brown is going to be on Brooklyn Nine Nine soon :)

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Well you just made my morning! I CANNOT wait to see that episode! I hope your day is a great one Amanda!

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I spy the bump in picture 7 ;) I need to get some lightweight base layers and that will be perfect. Thank you for sharing!

Right now I’m reading the book “After I Do” by Taylor Jenkins Reid and I really enjoy it! It’s about a couple that are struggling with their marriage and decided to take a year off to try and fall back in love. I really hope it ends with them back together since I believe that even in a rough patch, if you’re with your soulmate then you’ll make it though. I did get a giant baking book for Christmas and I can’t wait to try something from it! I may bake this weekend but we will see.

I love the ear warmers I got from Lululemon a few years ago. Unfortunately I can’t find it on the website otherwise I would give you the actual name. Sorry girl! Have a wonderful Friday Eve :)

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I’ve been wanting some exercise bands like the ones you have. They’ve been super helpful during a shoulder injury recovery and my physical therapist recommended them to me just a few days ago so I was super excited to see them on your page! Thank you for reminding me!

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I am so sorry about your shoulder injury! I hope you are feeling 100% soon! I’m posting a lower body workout that uses them next week so try it out:) I hope you have an awesome Thursday Kelly!

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Can you post some workouts that you do with the resistance bands? I’ve been wanting to try them but just picture myself in a clumsy pile on the floor!

Love the baby updates – keep them comin’!

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Yes… I totally will! I have one scheduled to go up next Tuesday or Wednesday and it is a killer workout! Hahaha you are going to rock it:) thank you so much Rachel and I hope you have an amazing day!

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I just got that cookbook, too!! Do you have any favorite recipes??

I just began reading Tell Me More by Kelly Corrigan – I love her books!!

I love the brushed tights by Lululemon for winter running…they have a fleecy lining & are so cozy.

As for everyday jewelry, I have a simple gold necklace with a small diamond from my husband that I wear daily.

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My mother got me that undershirt from Costco for Christmas and I love it!! Our furnace went out for about 28 hours last week when it was 10 degrees out and it was great to have. Really comfy and kept me warm. Luckily, we also have a gas fireplace so it wasn’t too bad.

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TEN DEGREES and no furnace… thank goodness for the undershirt and gas fireplace. I sure hope that never happens again though. Have an awesome day Allison!

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Costco really just does have the best random finds ever. Almost every single time I go there I end up getting at least one thing not on my list that I didn’t even know existed before, but that I absolutely “needed”….. ;)

I’m reading my way through the Emily Giffin books right now! They are easy, beachy reads, but I get pulled in to every single one. They are just fun for these cold winter months in Michigan where I need some indoor activities.

I am a big jewelry person, but simple jewelry like you. Every day I wear my wedding rings, my diamond stud earrings that were a wedding gift from Chris, and my necklace that was a wedding gift from my parents. I have some other pieces, like rings and bracelets and watches, that I wear periodically, but those are my core pieces.

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Gah, I literally JUST ordered Run Fast, Eat Slow yesterday! I’m so excited to get it. I also ordered the book you recommended on your post yesterday…How Bad Do You Want It? I’m excited to start reading it, too! I am out from running right now with an injury (had to drop out of my marathon), but I’m going to go for a half PR when I’m back to running, so I figured that book would be great to read while I’m going through training.

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Oh you are going to love the book How Bad Do You Want It… SO GOOD! I am sorry about your injury Chelsea but you are going to get that half pr when you are back! Keep me updated on how you are doing and have a great Thursday!

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My fiance and I also just started watching Brooklyn Nine Nine!! It’s so good! I decided my current favorite shows to binge watch are comedies where we have seen some random episodes but not the whole thing back to back. The shows are always so much funnier when you really get to know the characters/ what’s going on. We did that with Parks and Rec, The Office, and Veep before this. All so good!

I’m loving that temps on the East coast are finally back in the bearable range (aka- above 7 degrees). Went for my first outdoor run in a while last night and it was awesome! For cold weather running- I finally jumped on the vest train after getting one for Christmas and love it!

I love that cookbook! I got it a while back and definitely need to make more recipes from it. Everything I’ve made so far has been amazing!

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What am I reading? The Sookie Stackhouse series. I finished the Outlander series a while ago and the next book I picked up was a snoozer as I had gotten use to the vivid descriptions in the Outlander series. So I decided to flip to something opposite and am really enjoying Sookie.

What do I wear for a really cold run? (For me, that means that the windchill must be above 5 degrees. I will not run outside if it is below 5.) For weather between 5 and 15 degrees, I wear a pair of fleece tights with windblocker fronts, a long pair of socks, a heavy base layer, an Eddie Bauer jacket with a padded down front and if windy, a windbreaker vest. I got a great pair of running gloves at Costco and have a ridiculously thick double-layer fleece hat. My new addition is my runshield Kinvaras. I am in love! My tootsies stay toasty, which is saying something!

I am not a big jewelry person – always the same earrings, always my Apple Watch. But lately I’ve tried to add more necklaces and bracelets. I like the stacking trend so have started to layer bracelets on my right wrist…

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I’ve heard from everyone that I need to watch Brooklyn 99. I want to read that book too! I love s’mores so I’ll have to try that too! As far as jewelry, I wear earrings and sometimes a necklace along with my wedding ring but not too much.I think I might love running themed jewelry though! Can he drop a hint to my husband? ?

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HAHAH YES… I’ll have him email your husband:) YES, watch the show asap, it is hilarious! Have a great day Aimee!

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100% with you on the 32 base layers!! My mom gave them to me for Christmas, and they’re fabulous–even for pajamas :)
I’m in need of a good book. I’ve been Ms. Netflix, lately (Gilmore Girls, Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee).
I bought a couple of jackets from Athleta a few years ago, and they are amazing over a couple of light layers. Ear warmers are a must, gloves, and insulated tights.
I don’t wear much jewelry anymore, though my teen/adult daughters have given me some special & sentimental necklaces in the past couple of years.

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Oh I should try them as pjs too… so glad you love them! I am right there with you on binging on Netflix too ha (I need to check out the Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee show!). I hope your day is a great one Corey!

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Those are cute bows! My girls never kept head bands in. The only way I could get a bow to stay is with girlie glue.

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My favorite non-running hats are the beanies from Love Your Melon. In addition to well made and warm hats, I love them because this is their mission: Love Your Melon is an apparel brand dedicated to giving a hat to every child battling cancer in America as well as supporting nonprofit organizations who lead the fight against pediatric cancer. And half of their profits go towards these non-profits.

I am a layer girl in the winter, I like to be warm. I’m also a fan of hand warmers!

I enjoy jewelry and I do wear mine regularly. Why have it if you don’t enjoy it?

I’m reading The Book of Joy by the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu. There is so much wisdom there, I recommend reading it.

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I LOVE your boots! I’ve wanted a pair for a while and actually sent the link to my boyfriend on Cyber Monday because they were so cheap then, but he didn’t end up getting them for me HA! I keep waiting for another sale, but I might just have to wait until my birthday in two weeks (and lay the hints on thick! ;)

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So I totally just bought some Launch 4s—I couldn’t pass up that deal & I have been wanting to try Brooks for awhile now. Thanks for the tip!!!

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Brooklyn Nine Nine is the best! I’m so glad you enjoy it!

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I am loving having a gas fire place (it is on every night and every morning). I have been loving super early morning runs and then getting coffee afterwards:). I love those hours because it is so peaceful and quiet and a great way to start the day off. And warm toques! I am totally a collector of toques. My partner who only has 3 of them cannot understand my obsession – he is like you have one head, you don’t need so many toques:)

Books : Right now I am reading “Running Man” by Charlie Engle. A book called “Lion” is next and then I couldn’t help it, I ordered the new Michael Wolfe book: “Fire and Fury.” I didn’t get those for Christmas but Running Man was given to me by my friend. We pass on books to each other once we are done

I am a jewelry person (not earrings always) but a ring that my other half gave me (nope not that kind of ring) and then a necklace that I have that says “Boston Strong” – which I got after Boston. I’m always wearing that necklace.

It’s not that cold here right now, but I am wearing a merino toque for my runs. If it’s cold, I will put on a warmer mid layer top, add gloves, etc. I tend to get hot super easily so I don’t mind the cold as much. If we are really in the mountains, I will put on shell pants if it’s raining over warm underwear etc…

Have a great day!

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That book is THE BEST! I love my husband but things do totally change when you have a kid and it gave some great perspective. Definitely a worthwhile read!!

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Ooooh I love “things I’m loving ” posts!!! Question, I have only run in Brooks Ghost 9 (new to the Brooks game ever since asics changed their models) but I love the idea of the Launch 4 at only $65! How do they compare to the Ghosts? I know you do reviews, has their been a comparison review of these?
Also that book about not hating your hunny is making me laugh out loud, so many of our discussions at my first time mom club gatherings are how much kids change a marriage and the relationship between man wife so I will def be sharing this one!

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I have got to get my hands on that Run Fast Eat Slow cookbook! I’ve heard nothing but good things about it!

I’m currently reading two different books: The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin and The Judgement Detox by Gabby Bernstein! Both are so so good!!!!

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I just got that cookbook for Christmas and love it!! I’ve already made several recipes, including the superhero muffins (which my kids eat almost every day, ha!), the scones, the sweet potato fries and the bacon wrapped stuffed chicken. Can’t wait to try the other ones. Have a great day!

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I am struggling through Uninvited by Lysa Terkeurst. It’s good, I just can’t quite into it. I think reading it at night before bed is a bad idea because I’m too tired to focus on it. I need to read something with less thinking involved, LOL.

Well, I live in SoCal, so the most I’ve had to wear during a run is a reflective jacket, lined tights, and a warm headband. Most days it’s more about figuring how to layer so that I can peel stuff off because I get too warm.

I’m a super simple jewelry person. Most days it’s my wedding ring (only when I’m out, I don’t even wear it around the house), a cross necklace, and my Garmin Fenix :P

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Thanks so much for your list Janae! I just went to Amazon and bought the bands, cookbook and shirt! :) I’ve been meaning to buy the cookbook, but just haven’t taken the time. I loved listening to Shalane and Elyse on I’ll Have Another Podcast w/ Lindsey Hein.
Currently, I am reading Yes, Please by Amy Poehler. I am about to finish it; I tried so hard to get it done in 2017 so it could count toward my 2017 reading challenge, but at least I’ll be quick with finishing my first book for 2018.
We’ve had some really cold temps in NC this year and over the years, I’ve learned to better dress for the cold. I love being a runner and having all the necessary gear for any temperature. It’s taken years to accumulate it all, but it’s so encouraging to know I have dressed well for a run, so I can enjoy my time on the road no matter the temps. This year I am loving my Turtle Fur neck warmers. They are life savers!!
Hope you and that cute family of yours are having a great day!

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i have that same base layer! i got mine from bed bath & beyond. it’s so comfortable! I got it a couple sizes larger so that it would fit loose, and i absolutely love it! :)

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I love Run Fast Eat Slow, so excited you got a copy. The superhero muffins are amazing and I really like the Giddyup energy balls too for pre-run snack. They call for coffee, but I leave it out as I don’t do caffeine and they still have some giddyup :) I recently read The Hate U Give and loved loved it!! Now I’m reading Lilac Girls and also really liking that. One layer I pull out when it’s super super cold is a quilted puffy skirt. I throw it on over my tights. It’s short enough that it doesn’t interrupt my stride, but keeps the bootie warm :)

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I love your “things I’m loving” posts – they make me smile!! :) Right now I am OVER THE MOON LOVING that I just got cleared to run again by my doctor!!!! I found out I was pregnant last month, but at my first (6 week) ultrasound they found a subchorionic hemorrhage and told me I needed to be on bed rest. :( I spent the last few weeks living in constant anxiety, and on top of that I couldn’t run! It was awful. But I just went to my actual OB for the first time and she said she’s not worried about it, and baby is doing just fine. WOOHOO!!! :)

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I am spending the rest of January with my daughter, her husband and 6 month old. Let’s just say if I knew you were making that S’more dip – I would have been there before we hung up the phones!

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We love those 32 degree under layers (adults and kids) for winter I have been using that and an under armor neon yellow jacket. It’s great for being seen by cars and staying warm.

I’m going to try on the launch 4’s tomorrow at our local running store. I tried to run in the Pure Flows again today and after 3.5 miles it was bugging my ankles.

Enjoy your baby cuddling time!! It’s exhausting and amazing all at the same time, totally miss it!

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Yea I’m kind of a jewelry person, I sell it, so I have way too much. But I only keep the pieces I truly love, so most is for displays not for me personally. Those clear organizer bags are nice for keeping bags and purses tidy, but they have saved my whole purse a few times for leaky items. My sanitizer lid didn’t get closed all the way and leaked, but only within the bag. I had a tube of Carmex split once, and it was hot out, oozed all over….but inside the bag only. Whew. Lifesaver.

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Thank you so much for featuring the run. necklace from my run inspired collection! I am so glad you love it!
Reading your blog as inspired me to get back out there and get running again. I miss it! Time to dust off that jogging stroller and shoes!!

***side note…if anyone clicked the link to the run. necklace only to find the pricing was not populating correctly, it is fixed now. :)

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got those shirts from Costco, too, and for the price, they’re great!
got the same shoes for christmas! (gray and pink…my new fave colors of my 4 launch 4s…)
brooklyn 99 is SO FUNNY! that and the “new” will and grace are my favorite comedies right now!
*how many more exclamation points can i used?!?!*

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