13 Things I’m Loving/NEED to Tell You About

Good morning guys!  I hope your morning is off to a great start.  A portion of this post is sponsored by Basis.  I feel very strongly about sharing this company with you today because it is so important to do what we need to do to take care of our mental health.

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1.  Basis.  I had never heard of Basis until just a few weeks ago.  I think it is such an incredible resource.  Life has a lot of beautiful parts but there are definitely things that happen to each of us that can make it very hard too.  I think that running and exercise are extremely good for our mental health but I also think that there is so much more we need to be doing to take care of ourselves mentally too, especially when hard things come along.

Basis is a modern approach to mental health.  For $35 a session, you can get same-day access to a specialist that is trained in research-backed approaches to help you work through tough times.  The session lasts up to 45 minutes. It is extremely easy to set up an appointment (you can choose if you would like to talk with a male or female) and then they send you a text and email reminder right before your appointment.  It is very easy to connect to the video session and get started.  The link is sent through a text.  Together you come up with an action plan and help you to come up with solutions for getting you through the tough times.  I keep thinking about how incredibly helpful this would have been to use during my divorce.  I could have used Basis from my own couch while Brooke was napping during the really hard things I was trying to process/deal with.  You can choose to do each session with a different trained specialist or use the same trained specialist each time.  You can choose to do just one session, it’s your choice. I really wanted to share this because I think it is a very good option to help people get through the hard things.  You can’t beat the price and how easy it is to use to get some help when you need it.  The holiday season can be hard when you are going through dark times so this would be a great time to use this.  Let me know if there is anything I can do to help.

You can use the code JANAE290 to get $20 off!

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2.  The Brooks Canopy Jacket Nightlife.  The days are shortening so I’m sure a lot of us are getting in more miles when it is dark compared to when we were running this summer.   This jacket helps you to be SEEN during those darker runs.  I love how it looks, it is extremely breathable and flexible, it is light and perfect for this time of year.  A lot of my miles are on running trails but having reflective gear is SO important to me for the early mornings.  PS Beretta joins me for most of my dark morning runs and her leash is reflective but I’m wondering if any of you that run with your dogs have something else for them to wear that is reflective too?

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3.  Some great tips for you… let’s be safe!

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4.  I’m not a protein bar person.  There are a few that I think are pretty good but most protein bars I think taste absolutely terrible ha.  I would prefer to eat eggs, a smoothie, pancakes, toast or oatmeal for breakfast but a lot of mornings I don’t have time to make something right after my run because of the kids.

My sister-in-law told me to try these from Costco.  I was very reluctant (I do not like the protein powdery taste) but finally grabbed some.  I love them. A lot.  I eat one right when I finish a run with a banana and it is perfect for me.  An hour or two later I might have some oatmeal or something but these make it so easy to eat something fast.

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5.  Another Costco find.  I have seen this brand on other bloggers/Instagram friends I follow so I thought I would finally try them.  I grabbed them at Costco and they are amazing.   JoJo’s Chocolate Bark.  PS I do not love that they have ‘Guilt Free’ written on the package because food and guilt should not be associated together in my opinion… guilt comes from things like not having integrity, making bad choices or hurting somebody… not from food.  Okay, enough of a tangent but I do love the way that these taste and the delicious nutrients they include.

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6.   We decided on a Robot Vacuum…  the eufy!  I was more leaning towards the Roomba but Andrew found this one.  He won but I’m glad he did because this thing is awesome.  We have been using it for a few weeks now and love it.  It is quiet, it picks up all of Beretta’s hair and crumbs nicely and it goes up onto our rug and vacuums that as well.  I still sweep some of the areas it can’t get to about once a week BUT I no longer have to sweep every day and I love it.

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7.  I’m 32 years old and I am just now realizing how much I love having white noise while I sleep.  This fan on in our room at night helps me to sleep so much better now.  I’m addicted.

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8.  His and her ice cream.  Tillamook ice cream is something else.  I add extra marshmallows to the Fireside S’mores (the best flavor they have in my opinion).

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9.  Skye is obsessed with taking baths these days.  She will play in there happily for 30 minutes.

10.  I shared this sweatshirt with you last year and I’ve had a lot of questions from people whenever I wear it now so I thought I would share it again!  It is the Volcom Tower Pullover Fleece Sweatshirt!  I can’t find the same colors that I have anymore but their colors this year are so cute

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11.  This dress.  $20 (and free shipping with Amazon Prime).  A friend recommended this dress and that is how I found it.  I absolutely love it.  The price is awesome and they offer a bunch of different colors.  It is very comfortable and I bought it in black and pink and might get a few more colors in the future.

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12.  The New York City Ghost 11s from Brooks.  Aren’t they cool?  Good luck to all of you heading into the taper for the New York City Marathon!  I’m so excited for you!  You can read my recap from this marathon HERE!

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13.  OXO containers for my pantry.  My plan is to eventually fill my pantry with them without Andrew noticing by buying one or two at a time over the years;)  I’ve gotten a bunch on discount at Home Goods and at Costco (by buying the last set that was on display).  They keep food so fresh and I just think they are pretty.  Now I need some labels.

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Do you sleep with any white noise in your room?

Who will be running the New York City Marathon this year?  Who has a big race happening before the end of the year?  Which one?

Favorite store brand of ice cream?  

How do you make running in the dark safer?

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87 comments

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Love it! Tillamook ice cream is the BEST. Chocolatey Chip Cookie Dough is a fave, by you can’t go wrong with Rocky Road.

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I need to get that kind next!! Thanks Brooke and I hope you have a wonderful day!

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I am ALL ABOUT white noise; I can’t sleep without it. I have a little white noise machine in my bedroom, and I have an app that I use when I am traveling.
I used to take NO PRECAUTIONS when I was running in the dark, and then my childhood neighbor stopped me one night a few years back and gave me some pointed advice. Nowadays I usually wear a reflective vest and/or a blinking light arm band depending on how dark it is, and I stick to well-lit but not-so-busy roads.
PS I had a pretty great race at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon this weekend:) I PR’d, but I was a little disappointed because my leg cramped up at mile 20 and slowed me down a bit. But I’m focusing on the positive; I ran really well all things considered and made it to the starting line and the finish line injury-free, which is such a gift:)

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KERRI–> Congrats on your Marathon PR!! You PR’d with a huge leg cramp, you are STRONG woman. + No injuries!! I am so happy for you and celebrate this accomplishment, a marathon with leg cramps the last 10k and a PR= amazing.
It really is life changing to use white noise at night now! I’m so glad your neighbor stopped you with some ideas. I LOVE what you do Kerri to stay safe Kerri! Have a wonderful day and recover well.

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My neighbor’s dog has a reflective vest! It looks like it’s specifically made for dogs. They’re always super visible when I see them out in the early mornings.

My favorite gear for running in the dark is a headlamp with a flashing tail light (it’s made by Black Diamond and the model is “sprinter”). It’s great for staying visible on roads.

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That is awesome! I’m going to get one for Beretta now, thank you! I’m going to look up that light… I think the flashing tail light is really helpful for others to see you. Have a wonderful day Isla!

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You are just so dang awesome! I agree with the “guilt free” insanity – let’s leave guilt for actual immoral acts, not food. And I have to use white noise to sleep – I actually use the “white noise” app on the phone during the night (which might be good for you if/when you travel, as carrying on a fan is probably frowned upon). You can choose various white noise sounds, I always choose the fan, but they have airplane, water, wind, rain, etc. I am afraid if I buy that sweatshirt I will not wear anything else!! Maybe I’ll just get a few different colors and take that on as my winter uniform. ;) You are just such a breath of fresh air every morning. Thank you!

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YESSSS… who’s idea was it to put guilt on packages and train these young minds to believe that guilt and food go together. I actually threw the wrapper away and put the bars in a container so Brooke wouldn’t be reading that!Oh I need to try that app asap!! Thanks Alisha. Get the sweatshirt. It is the most amazing thing you will ever wear. Thank you Alisha, that means a lot to me. Have a wonderful day!

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Definitely a yes on the bedside fan. I don’t wake up to every little tiny sound. And I love the Private Selection ice cream from Smith’s. It’s the best store ice cream I’ve found.

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Why didn’t you tell me about doing this a while ago haha:) It really is so nice to not wake up to every little sound. I will try that ice cream out asap… we have a Smith’s right by us. Thanks Cori and I hope you have a great day!

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A reflective leash is a great start to keep Baretta seen. I bought a reflective vest (hunting style) and put a battery operated blinking light on her collar so we were both very well light up in the dark! Be safe, she’s lucky to have you as a running buddy!!

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Oh that is AWESOME!! Thanks for sharing with me Kaelin, Beretta WILL be seen now. Have a wonderful day!

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YES! Last year I noticed that I was struggling with sleep after the summer ended, when I stopped using my ceiling fan. We had a white noise machine from when my daughters were babies, and I’ve been happily using it for a year now :) The funny thing is that when we go to hotels/on vacation, I sleep OK without it, but I’m not giving it up at home :) Maybe it’s a sign that as we get older we really do revert to acting like babies. ha ha

Your posts always make me want to renew my Costco membership. MUST.DO.THIS.

My favorite brand of ice cream is a local brand, but I think it’s sold nationally, at least in some places?? It’s Turkey Hill! I also like Edy’s and Friendly’s ice cream. And Ben and Jerry’s cookie dough/brownie combo!!!!

My marathon is Richmond November 10th. Eeeeeeeekkkkkkkkkk. Still mulling the shoe situation over. I’ll keep you updated!!!!!

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YES to the white noise helping so much now… hahah YES we really do! I can just send you some Costco goodies and you can send me Turkey Hill ice cream:) Smile every time you think about Richmond and fill your brain with as many positive thoughts as possible about the race and your abilities. November 10th is YOUR day!

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Thanks for sharing all of this, Janae! And I used to sleep fine without anything, but now I have a fan in my room that helps me to sleep so much better simply because of the noise. I think it’s because I’m getting so old now–ha!

Blue Bell ice cream is THE BEST store-bought kind, but they don’t have it out here in Cali. That’s definitely something I miss about Texas. :(

Wednesdays are gratitude/wear pink days, so I just want to share one thing I’m grateful for this week: my friends I’ve made in the last year who have become basically family to me. Hope that you have a great day, Janae!!

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It really is crazy how a little noise helps us to sleep better! I bet you miss Blue Bell big time… that stuff is crazy good. I’ll join you on Wednesdays. I love that Natalie. Have a wonderful day!

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White noise for years. With a fan. It’s a must. With my kids as teens, and the worries increasing, now I need the white noise and about 20 pounds of blankets on top of me to sleep. If I have white noise and weight, I can sleep. I can travel with a little fan, but traveling with a heavy blanket isn’t so easy.

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Oh I am not looking forward to my worrying increasing as the kids get older… little kids little problems, big kids big problems, right? I’ll have to take on your heavy blanket tip. Have a wonderful day JL!

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My dog Rosemary has a lighted collar. It wasn’t my favorite because it kept stretching out on the run (the buckle kept slipping) but I rigged it with a rubber band and now it stays the same size and doesn’t bother her. Sage has a light that clips on to his lead. The only thing I don’t like about it is the noise it makes when it hits his tags. Oh bother! ;-) My morning route is 2 miles in a lighted neighborhood and 1 mile on a trail behind a retirement community. I take a knuckles with me more so people can see me when they are backing out of their driveway than to light my path. I don’t understand why people cannot look when they back out! I have to stop every single morning because someone doesn’t see me. (We back in our cars so we can easily see people when we leave. Even my 16 y.o. that drives a manual transmission Jeep.)

I am from Iowa so Blue Bunny is the only ice cream for me…

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Hi Jackie, fellow HRG reader here. I hear so much about Blue Bell! What’s the best flavor so I can try it?

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Blue Bunny, not Blue Bell. Completely different… Since it is fall, I have to say I love the cinnamon ice cream with apple crisp. Otherwise, I love ice cream with chunks, like Moose Tracks.

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Oh gotcha! Thanks!!

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I have that same question during pretty much every run that I ever go on… WHY NOT LOOK WHEN BACKING OUT! That is so smart to back in your cars, I’m going to copy that tip. I need some blue bunny in my life today. Have a wonderful day Jackie and thank you so much for sharing!

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I am all about white noise while i sleep. I’ve always had difficulty falling asleep (I’ve now learned I can have no chocolate/caffeine after about 2:00 pm in order to fall asleep). I had a fan in college to drone out the noise of the dorm. And then before i had kids we had a dehumidifier in our room but then I couldn’t hear the baby so I turned it off and didn’t have white noise for YEARS. My husband, like Andrew, is a night owl. About 18 months ago I kept being kept awake or woken up by him banging around downstairs, so I since my kids were 10 and 7 at the time, I figured i no longer needed to hear them so easily so I started turning on the fan. I’ve slept so much better in the last 18 months. My husband doesn’t love it but a restful mom/wife is a happy mom/wife so I win! I should move it next to the bed because what happens is if he is watching TV in our room before bed and i go to sleep, he won’t turn on the fan and then I’ll wake up in the middle of the night and can’t fall back asleep :(

Most people in my running group, we now use the Tracer 360 for our early morning runs. It is so lightweight!

https://www.amazon.com/noxgear-Tracer360-Visibility-Vest-Small/dp/B00GI991NY/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1540386445&sr=8-3&keywords=running+light+up+vest&dpID=41revG%252BCwEL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

And then I also wear a headlamp. I can’t wait for Daylight Savings to be over. While it still won’t be light to run, right now it is dark when my daughter goes to the bus at 6:45 am. I do a happy dance on December 21, not because Christmas is coming because it means the days will start getting longer!

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No chocolate at night… that is hard BUT I am so so glad you have figured out how to sleep better. I agree… a restful mom/wife is needed here for a happy house haha! YES, move it next to the bed! That thing is awesome! Thanks for sharing , I need to get that vest. I’m ready for Daylight Savings too. Have a wonderful day Jessey!

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I’ve never had Tillamook’s ice cream, but I am all about the “his & hers” ice cream containers. I’m trying to stay away from halo top these days (I think erithritol is even worse on my gut health than regular actual cane sugar is…), but in our home we have NO SHAME about having our own preferred flavors and our own unique containers of ice cream. (Says the person whose biological family would claim “ice cream” if it was a thing in this world for each family to have its own signature dessert…)

That dress looks so cute! I wish I could wear midi dresses–but it’s so inexpensive that maybe I could budget for hemming if the dress worked out aside from its length. Hmm. I might have to treat myself to the black or the burgandy one…

YAY for finally getting a robot vacuum! They totally change your life. It’s amazing how something as simple and easy to take for granted as swept floors –and not having to “do chores” every day with it–can make such a difference that it’s really not overly dramatic to call it “changing your life.” OUr robot vacuum does its thing on Wednesdays and Saturdays, so in the middle of the day when I want to take a ‘break’ from grading papers I can do it while the vacuum is whirring…and watch my cats freak out at it, like they do every single time! ;)

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HAHA YES!! It’s nice to have your own… because I sometimes eat right out of it;) Yes to the dress… you can’t beat the price! It really is so nice to have it, thanks for helping us out with them too! Have a beautiful day Stephanie!

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When I was doing my house over, a “requirement” was ceiling fans in every bedroom! I have been sleeping with a fan since I was 16 (um 24 years now :)). Also just the idea of circulating air seems cleaner to me than stagnant air but I could be making that up :) So yes, even during the winter I sleep with the ceiling fan on (low).

I have this vest for my dog which I use in the woods (b/c his coloring blends with the trees) and on our dark walks. It does not impeded his movement AT ALL and doesn’t get in the way when he um, pees, etc :) There is just one strap under the belly.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018QWIXZM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Love your organized pantry! :)

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I LOVE that you put ceiling fans in every room. They are the absolute best and I totally agree with you. Oh that vest is perfect, thank you Amanda. I hope your day is a great one:)

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Maceys I’ve cream is my favorite!

I dream of having a nice organized and clean pantry. We have a good sized pantry right now but,like the rest of the storage in our house, it’s just not very functional storage. So it just looks like random food everywhere.

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I need to go get a King Kong Cone from Maceys asap. Our last one was not functional at all either… it makes it so hard to keep it organized, I totally get that. Have a great day Jenny!

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Basis sounds like a really great service. People always say “all you have to do is ask for help” but my experience has been the opposite – a lot of therapists where I live are booked solid for months and aren’t taking new patients. I went through a rough time many years ago and eventually my family found out that a local university had a training clinic for their PsyD students and I was able to work with one of them for a year, but even THAT took a long time to set up. I wish things like Basis weren’t necessary but they are so it is good to know it’s out there.

Ice cream is all good, we can’t get Tillamook here but our store brand has this light moose tracks flavor that’s awesome. I also love Turkey Hill (I think they are only in the mid-Atlantic?), especially their pumpkin pie and birthday cake flavors.

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YES YES YES… I agree. It takes a lot of time to get in sometimes and sometimes people don’t have the resources to go ($$$$$, babysitters, their work life is crazy etc) and need to talk to somebody that day! I”m glad your family was so helpful during that time.

I NEED TO TRY TURKEY HILL!!!

I hope your day is a great one Victoria!

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OMG your pantry looks amazing. You’d die if you saw the mess mine is constantly in. I try so hard to keep it organized and twice a year I clean and reorganize but it never works. Its a disaster, and I blame the lay out (not me or the kids of course :)). Maybe I need some of those containers. It looks so nice!!

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MY last pantry was a disaster and you could not see one thing… this one is just huge and we just moved in so give it a few months haha;) I think the lay out of a pantry makes a huge deal (that was our last one)! The containers are amazing!! Have a great day Meg!

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Hi Janae,

We bought the Noxgear products last year for us and our dogs. 2 human vests and 2 dog vests they call the lighthound. They really are cool and people will stop to tell us how visible we were and thanks for wearing them .

https://www.noxgear.com/lighthound

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Okay, those are awesome! I will be purchasing. Thank you Tracy! SO SO MUCH!

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The Costco protein bars are awesome! If you order them online you can get different flavors (cinnamon bun, chocolate peanut butter, cookies and cream) and free shipping.

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I did not know this. THANK YOU!! PS how do those flavors compare to the brownie/chocolate chip cookie dough? THANKS HANNAH!

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I personally think the cinnamon bun and chocolate peanut butter are the best! The cookies and cream was good but the texture was so soft it was hard to get out of the wrapper.

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Thank you for letting me know… the cinnamon bun especially is calling my name. Have a great day!

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Highly recommend this harness (the company makes lighted/reflective gear for runners & added the lighted harness for pups). They are rechargeable (comes with a cord that fits into a USB port). And I think they are 30% off at the moment! https://www.noxgear.com/lighthound

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WINNER WINNER… that thing is amazing! I love that they are rechargeable too! + 30% off. Thank you! Have a great day Fran!

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I don’t sleep with white noise unless you count the sound of my cat purring/snoring… lol! But I did enjoy the tower fan I had all summer, so I can understand the appreciation you have for it!
10 days til my half in Merida, Mexico! I can’t wait!
Thank you for sharing all your awesome finds with us on a regular basis! Although my wallet might not like it as much! :) Too bad I didn’t win that giant lottery!

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Hahah your cat kind of counts as white noise! I want to come with you to Mexico to run a half. You are going to do amazing! hahaha SORRY BANK ACCOUNT;) Have a beautiful day Rhiannon!

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Oh my…Oregon Marionberry by Tillamook is the best! Although a local creamery just started here, and it is life changing!

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I will have to try that one asap. Thanks Missy… enjoy that creamery!

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The only food guilt one should have is if they stole food.
The guilt-free labeling really grates on me, too!
And white noise all the way-fan on even when I am cold!
Did you ever watch Parks and Rec? DJ Roomba was one of the best ideas.

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Oh I like that a lot… so true! That’s the only food guilt! I have only watched a few episodes… I need to start it again! Have a great day Molly!

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Interesting, I hadn’t heard of Basis either! Good to know.
I used to use this little light up charm that you hook onto their collar (the battery died after 6 months and I never got a new one or fixed it oops) and all my neighbors use this for their dogs too (https://www.amazon.com/Clip-Pet-Dog-Collar-Light/dp/B06Y3N9JY5/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_199_bs_tr_t_1?encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=F0T5WKJGGCD8KM389SVW)

wow those chocolate bars look good! I will put that on my costco list ;) I’m glad you guys found a vacuum that works well for you, i was curious about that because the dog hair really is an every-day clean up. I sleep with a fan for the noise too! My favorite favorite store ice cream is the smores Ben and Jerrys or the chocolate shake it truffle ben and jerrys :)

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Oh those little lights are awesome, thank you Krista! Let me know what you think of the chocolate bars! I hope you get both of those Ben and Jerry flavors soon. Have a great day!

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Yes!! Need white noise for sure….do you have a link for your small fan?? Just did a half marathon away from home and needed it so badly in our hotel room!! 4 hrs sleep max that night ?

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HEY!! So I’m not sure why I called it little in the post… it’s actually medium sized ha. Sorry! Here is the link and I love it: https://amzn.to/2CCaMaM

I am so sorry that you didn’t get a great night sleep the night before your race… that is the worst.

Have a wonderful day Tricia and congrats on your race!

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Thanks Janae, actually that fan might be great to fit in my window and pull the air in! :) before it’s winter – haha. Actually, my coach Jeff Galloway was right – the sleep the night before the race doesn’t matter (2 nights before the race IS important!), and it ended up being my 2nd best time ever (I’m 50) and probably would’ve been my all time PR since starting to run at age 45, had it not been 98% humidity and dense fog at the start, and got to 85 degrees at the end!! :O

I am so happy with my result! Maybe a PR next year – I hit 2:30 and my PR was 2:28 :) Love your blog, can’t wait to follow your sister’s half marathon journey!

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Oh I am so so glad it will work! That is awesome that Jeff Galloway is your coach! You are rocking it Tricia, I’m so impressed by you! HUGE CONGRATS and I hope you are soaking in the achievement!

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OH MY GODDDDD I was finally able to find the Volcom sweatshirt after trying to find one since you first posted about it last year AND EVO.COM HAS THEM ON SALE RIGHT NOW FOR $34.95! You bet your butt I bought it in Winter Orchid like yours the second I saw it. SO EXCITED SO EXCITED!

Also just curious: I’ve had that dress in my Amazon cart for a long time but haven’t been totally confident about what size to order. Any sizing recs?

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WHAT…. I will have to look that up now. Thanks Sarah… that is an awesome deal! I ordered a small and it fits perfect… that is what I wear in most dresses. It’s not super form fitting or anything so you can kind of get away with anything:) I hope that helps! Have a wonderful day and I hope you like the dress!

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Wow…thanks for telling us about Basis. My sister was involved in a very serious car accident earlier this year. It was raining at the time and she is mentally struggling with driving or riding with someone while it is raining. She has healed well from the physical injuries but she is struggling mentally. She’s been reluctant to seek help, but maybe she would be willing to use this program. Thank you.

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Chelsea, I am so so sorry about what your sister is going from. It must be so hard to see her struggling with all of this. She will be in my prayers. Thinking about you guys!

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Thank you, Janae!

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I have to have a fan for white noise. I’ve had a fan ever since I was very young. My parents used it to drowned out other noises. Most kids carried around a blanket or stuffed animal, I did too but also always took my fan places. I cannot sleep in silence now. I am 40-something’ish and still use a fan. Actually I use an air purifier to suit 2 purposes but I shop for the noisiest one. lol In hotels I kick the fan part on. Love it.
While running at night, I take most precautions but I have a hard time giving up my headphones and music. I really need to let it go. I also take the same route same time, also not good. I wear a few reflective items and my dog has a Dogness reflective leash. But I’m getting ready to review a new “light up” leash and/or collar by the same company. Should receive it today, should be great at night, and people will see first that I have a dog with me. And be more visible to cars. We’ll see, I hope I love it.
We just got a Costco in our area, opened last Saturday. I’m excited to check it out !!!

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I got used to the AC running at night during the summer for white noise, I thought I wouldn’t be able to sleep without it, but I have been sleeping well since taking it out. I love those OXO containers. I need to get some for my sugar and flour storage.

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My husband just makes a lot of noise when he sleeps and I finally bought a white noise machine and I love it so much!! It makes a huge difference.

I bought a flashing collar for my dog to wear when I walk him at night. I just got it from Amazon and it makes a big difference!!

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I looked up Basis and though it sounds like it could be helpful for some people, it is a little weird that the “specialists” are non licensed. So, they aren’t counselors (or healthcare professionals), just folks who completed an online training. Still, if you need someone just to talk to, it could be nice. You are so sweet to add that if there is anything you can do to help, you would. I remember reading when you were going through your divorce and feeling so sad for you. Everyone goes through tough times and you’re right, the holidays can really be awful for some people.
On a brighter note (quite literally, haha) I LOVE that jacket and may need to ask Santa for one.

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We sleep with a fan on and Les sleeps with ear plugs (he’s a super light sleeper.)

My favorite brand of ice cream is whoever is making peppermint! I’m always so happy when it comes out this time of year, although Rocky Road is one of my go-tos.

I’ve had this reflective vest (https://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/products/AMP113/amphipod-reflective-xinglet-vest/) for years that I use in Hawaii because a jacket would be way too hot! You reminded me that I need to order a new one because I’ve sweated off all the reflective coating (I’ve had it for about 5 years.)

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I’ve been bouncing around getting a new weather/rain resistant jacket, if I were to get a good reflective one for night running that would just be bonus. How rain resistant is that one? How do you think it compares to that backcountry jacket with the bright colors that you featured last week? Thanks!

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Megan! GREAT QUESTION… I actually wore both jackets at one point today already haha! The backcountry jacket I haven’t ran in yet… that is mostly a hiking/outdoorsy/run around town jacket for me so are you wanting it for running or just life? The Canopy is very rain resistant and perfect for running so I would go with that if you are wanting a running rain resistant jacket and it would be awesome for your night running. But if you need a rain jacket for the rest of life, go with the backcountry one!

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A big YES to white noise! I actually bought a sound machine last year that has 8 different sounds, but I just keep it on the white noise setting (sounds like a fan). It’s small so we take it with us whenever we travel. My husband and I both can’t sleep without it now!

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How does the volcom hoodie fit?! :) It looks super long which I love! Ordering ASAP! Just wondering about size!

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HEY!! They are the best… the length is heavenly. I wear a small in them and it fits perfect (a little loose but that’s how I want a sweatshirt to feel:)!

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I do not sleep with white noise! I love it but my husband can’t stand it because he wants to hear everything going on. We do sleep with the ceiling fan on and that gives off a little noise!!
THOSE SHOES. . . I LOVEEEEE them!! I am running the snowman 8k and the Huntersville 1/2 both before the end of the year!! YAY!
Do you like Lara bars?? I do not like any type of meal replacements because I really do enjoy food but these are soooooo good! I love dates so they are perfect and also SO easy to make yourself!
I do not run much after dark, although i love it. But to feel safer I take all my miles to the treadmill!!!

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Every single night we sleep with the ceiling fan on. It doesn’t matter if it summer or a cold winter night, the circulating of air and the hum of the fan help me sleep better. My favorite Ice cream is Blue Blell Cookie Two Step. It is a combo of cookies and cream and cookie dough and it is heavenly!!!!

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Janae, Webuse a title air purifier as white noise in our bedroom and I sleep so much better wii it as well. For safety, last year I bought a vest from noxgear.com and it is the bomb. You can choose your Color and best of all, they have one for your dog!! It is that time of year again !!Here is our code for 35% off light vest
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I bet you will love it too!

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I don’t sleep with white noise but I LOVE when I can hear the rain at night.
I need to up my reflective game. With the seasons changing it’s either dad when I start or finish my run.

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I use the White Noise app on my phone! It was worth the purchase! I also have my fan going. Haha.

You should try those protein bars cold! I keep my cookie dough quest bars in the fridge! Sometimes I put one in the freezer for two minutes. SO much better cold.

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THAT IS BRILLIANT. THANK YOU! I will be trying this tomorrow!

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My dog and I walk a fair amount in the dark. He has a reflective leash, and wears a PupLight. It’s a collar with a headlight and it’s pretty bright (I included the web address below). I wear a headlamp and hi-viz reflective vest.
https://www.amazon.com/PupLight-Dog-Safety-Light-Red/dp/B0002XUHYO?crid=3DQFY2BSB7MP6&keywords=pup+light+collar&qid=1540428719&sprefix=Pup+light%2Caps%2C197&sr=8-5&ref=sr_1_5

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I have never heard of Tillamook ice cream – but I will add it to my “must check out” list when I move to SLC in 2 weeks! I’ll be on a medical rotation at University of Utah Hospital for 3.5 months :)

I HAVE to have white noise…I travel everywhere with a fan :)

Favorite brand of ice cream is Jeni’s. It started in Ohio but I had it for the first time in Charleston <3

I've turned into a chicken in my old age…I only run outside when it is light out. If it's dark (whether AM or PM), I hit the treadmill at the gym.

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Duluth trading company makes a dog grab coat that’s highly reflective as well as waterproof and cozy for the dark early winter morning runs. Super easy on and off, and VERY reflective. I put one on my German Shepherd on the coldest, wettest days, and she actually seems to love it. Go figure!

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What is the name of the fan???
Thank you

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For my dog, I have a light that you can clip to their collar and you can set it to flash or to be on constantly. You can buy it on chewy.com for like $7. I just leave it on her all the time, it’s like the same size as her tags and just turn it on if it’s dark. She also has a reflective leash. For me, I will either wear a headlamp or use my phone flashlight. Whenever I see a car, I’ll flash the light towards them and move it around so they know it’s a person and not a motorcycle or something. I also a reflective vest you can put over anything and a new balance jacket that is bright orange, has reflective markings all over it and it’s also glow in the dark!
I don’t typically sleep with any white noise, but our LO is still sleeping in our room in her little crib and she has one. In the summer since we don’t have AC our fan runs and we have our windows open, so it’s kind of like a white noise machine!

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Random Skye/running question for you…. did you ever jog in a jogging stroller with Skye? I’m anxious to get some runs in during the day to enjoy the beautiful fall weather but not having a babysitter for my daughter during the day makes this tough!

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Tillamook mint chocolate chip is the BEST!! Actually, the Trader Joe’s brand tastes the same, so those are my fave ;)

And yeah- when I run in the dark with my dog, I also attach a clip-on blinking light to his collar! He was very confused the first time ;)

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I love the jacket, Janae! And great safety tips. It is also important to keep your phone unlocked (no password) during a run and keep ID on you or an emergency contact (ICE) in your phone.

I love a fan during the night also. The smallest noises can wake me up…and I find it helps me to fall asleep.

I’ve been th8nking about a robot vacuum for years…YEARS! And just haven’t done it yet. This just must be the push I need. I love the look and feel of a freshly vacuumed house….but my current canister type makes me feel like I’m fighting with something/someone. It’s like a wrestling match. Ha

Have a great day!

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yes we got this white noise machine that a friend recommended to us – it’s since been co-opted by our daughter. she loves it. and it’s not too bad. it plays different sounds and different volumes.

i’ll be running nyc! i can’t believe it’s almost here!!! just had my last toned-down workout yesterday. i was pretty happy about that (like yes! no more workouts for some time now…! well except the marathon…)

there is this amazing brand of ice cream that we are consuming a lot of. i forget the name but it’s local. other local ice cream we love are blue marble and van leeuwen. we are fans!

i had a 6 am run the other day – i use reflective clothing and i wear a headlamp. it has a front beam and a rear blinking beam. it’s made by petzl and it’s really amazing. i use it when we walk uphill on skis as well before daybreak in the winter (up mountains on snow – it’s good cross training!)

i saw that vid of Des Linden with Brooks Running thru her Instagram. how fun. i have been listening to podcasts featuring both steph bruce and roberta groner. i really love their stories. then i saw that steph bruce has these amazing vids called “GRIT” – have you seen it?

here’s “building the fire” episode 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAQUALPk_uE&t=12s

and “stoking the fire” episode 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ee1BCiak-Ds&t=13s

has me psyched for nyc for sure :)

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haha I’m 32 and also just got a rotating stand fan in my room. I originally bought it for extra coolness…but find it’s more the noise that helps me sleep (it doesn’t actually do thattt much to make it colder but I love it). Maybe 32 is the year to figure out how to sleep with white noise ;)

catching up on all your posts since I was away last week for Fall break :)

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