And the winner is...

AubreyLaine! You have won the $75 e-card from NOVICA. Check your email for full details, including the code to redeem your choice of gift.

Thanks to everyone who entered the contest!

Runner Girl

The other night I started a 5k training program sponsored by a local running store and New Balance. I’m excited that I’m getting serious about a running routine and taking this proactive step. The leader of the group (and store-owner) is a fun guy and the volunteer coaches are great folks. Plus, one of the best parts is the store is very close to where my grandparents lived. So, the workouts involve running through a wonderful old neighborhood that holds many fond memories for me.

Of course, by meeting at this running store, I found myself drawn to the bright colors of the clothing, running shoes and other shiny, feel-good runner-gear. Good thing I didn’t have my wallet on me. There were plenty of the oval stickers and car magnets in stock, too, promoting one’s love of running or celebrating the accomplishment of a half-marathon, marathon or triathlon. I see them EVERYWHERE, to the point that sometimes it makes me wonder, "Who isn't running a marathon these days??"

Then, I saw this one online and it made me laugh out loud.

Not that this is the case for me anymore, but I love the snarkiness of it. ;)

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Friends, the Novica giveaway is now closed. A winner will be selected at random before the end of the week. I will email the winner directly with the online code to redeem a gift from NOVICA. The winner will be announced on my blog. Stay tuned!

Images from Cafe Press



Athletic Gear: Does Cost Matter?

Does it make a difference if you wear higher-end workout clothes, such as Lululemon or Lucy brands, versus Champion from Target? Is the clothing better made? Does it last longer? I love the styles that outfitters like Title 9 and Lululemon feature, but I struggle with paying $68 for a workout top. Are these items better made than the yoga tops or running tanks from Old Navy?

I can totally see the need to shell out more money for running shoes or other athletic footwear. You need the support and you’re going to wear these shoes on a regular basis. To me, this is the most important part of the workout wardrobe.

What do you think? Have you worn both higher-end workout gear versus more affordable options? Which do you prefer? Can you tell a difference?

On a related sports note, have you been keeping up the Olympics?

The 17-year old swimming phenom Missy Franklin won her first gold in the backstroke last night. That girl can fly! And, her endurance is mind-boggling. Franklin not only won the 100-meter backstroke, breaking the American record, but did it only 15 minutes after swimming a 200-meter freestyle semifinal. Afterward, a teammate high-fived her and said the least amount of time he's had between Olympic swims was 30 minutes.

"I can't believe you just did that!" Michael Phelps told Franklin. That's pretty damn cool.

We also watched the men’s synchronized diving – that’s crazy stuff! I couldn’t get over the duo from Mexico. The degree of difficulty of their dives was unbelievable. 

Enjoy the competitions, friends!


Don’t forget! tomorrow is the last day you can enter my NOVICA giveaway. Be sure to include your name and if you don’t have a blog, an email address. One winner will be chosen at random. I’ll be sure to email that person and then announce before the end of the week. Good luck!

Images from John Lyba of the Denver Post, Lucy and Lulumon Athletica Louisville's Facebook site

Let the Games Begin!

Today marks the opening ceremonies of the 2012 Olympic Games in London. All the bells and chimes rang through London for three minutes straight this morning to mark the occasion. I am very much looking forward to watching the ceremonies, and the next two weeks of competition. Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire, Trainspotting) is directing the production tonight. I'm wondering how Queen Elizabeth will make her entrance, in addition to Will, Kate and Harry.

As for Team USA, I'm excited to cheer on those amazing athletes. Kentucky Wildcat Anthony Davis is playing for the men's basketball team. And swimmer Clark Burckle is representing my hometown. Can't wait to watch swimming, diving, gymnatics and many other competitions. Table tennis, anyone?

Anthony Davis

 

Clark Burckle

Who do you think will light the Olympic cauldron? Will it be a British athlete? Perhaps British tennis player Andy Murray or David Beckham (surely not)? The Queen herself? Who do you think it will be? 

Mariel Zagunis

Another big question: Will the USA's flag bearer, gold medialist fencer Mariel Zagunis, tip the American flag when passing the Queen, like those of other countries? Apparently the sentiment among U.S. team officials is that we shouldn't lower our flag to a monarch of any nation, especially considering that Revolutionary War business a few years ago. What are your thoughts on this topic? Keep the flag hanging high? Or a quick dip in respect to HRH in her home country?

Enjoy watching the Olympic Games!

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Don't forget, just a few days left to enter my giveaway. You could win a $75 e-card to NOVICA. A great site with a great mission. The deadline to enter is Aug. 1. Good luck! 

Images from Tampa Bay SB Nation, Zap2it.com, moyemedia and cbsnews.com

Swim Trophies and Barbecue Championships

Leaving last night's banquet, trophies in hand. Sorry we appear to have "demon eyes." Guess that's what you get shooting with an iPhone in the dark.

Last night was the swim banquet, bringing an end to our first swim team season. Both kids are so proud of their participation trophies and I'm very proud of their dedication to the sport and the team. They definitely went outside their comfort zones by joining the swim team, but to now look at them and not only see the great progress they've made, but the tremendous fun they've had, well, that makes it all worth it.

Thanks for humoring me as this site temporarily morphed into a swim-focused blog. So odd to think that in just a few short weeks, the kids will be back at school and focused on fall activities. (Which reminds me, I need to purchase uniform shorts and pants, stat!)

In other news on the homefront, we have a barbecue master making his way to a large regional championship this weekend. Hubby and his friends won a local contest in June that qualified them for a larger competition. This was his first barbecue contest ever and he actually took first place! So, fingers crossed that  they claim the championship. (Although, that prize money has probably already been spent on the many pounds of meat they used to perfect their recipe. And beer. Apparently when a man barbecues, a bottle of beer must be firmly attached to his hand at all times.)

Meanwhile, I'm hoping to earn a gold medal in reading, napping and relaxing by the pool this weekend.

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Don't forget to enter my giveaway. You could win a $75 e-card to NOVICA. A great site with a great mission. The deadline to enter is Aug. 1. Good luck!

Images all property of JMW A Place to Dwell blog

It's Giveaway Time!

Are you ready? It's giveaway time! You could win a $75 gift card to NOVICA, one of the leading fair trade artisan websites.

Novica works with National Geographic to give talented artisans around the world a place to express their artistic talents and provide access to the world market. NOVICA features thousands of top fair trade accessories, jewelry and home decor items on their website.

The folks at NOVICA contacted me with an opportunity to learn more about their organization and mission, and in the process, allowed me to choose a gift from their collection of arts and crafts. I opted for this lovely ring, made by an artist named Buana in Bali-Java.

I love the silver filligree work and the garnet in the center. (Please excuse my tired hands - clearly I do not have a future as a hand model.) The ring arrived in a lovely jewelry box and included information on the artist and the region of Bali-Java where it's made.

How to Enter

If you would like to enter for a chance to win an electronic gift card from NOVICA, leave a comment on my blog. If you don't have a blog yourself, be sure to include your email address (feel free to email it to me directly if you'd rather not leave it in the comments section).

If you blog about this offer on your site in additon to leaving a comment, your name will be entered twice in the drawing.

The deadline to enter is Aug. 1 at 5 p.m. (Eastern time) I will announce the winner later that week.

Good luck!

Images from National Geographic/NOVICA; other photos property of JMW A Place to Dwell blog.

More Swimming and Odd Hair Fashion

Well, I may have spoken too soon the other day. We received word that both of our kids qualified for the city meet. How that happened, not sure. I'm proud, yet a bit baffled. And, yeah, a little annoyed that I have to be at the pool with the masses at 7 a.m. Saturday. But, most of all, I'm proud of how much my kids have accomplished this swim season.

The swim team kids getting psyched for the city meet at the annual Pasta and PJs event last night.

So, the blue swim suits won't be retired quite yet. Will keep you posted on the results.

In other news, just had to throw out a random question about headbands. What's the main reason to wear a headband when playing sports? That's right, to keep the hair out of your face. For instance, one of my favorite bloggers, Preppy Player, recently featured some fabulous Lulumon headbands that are big among female lacrosse players.

Very cute.

So, I'm a little confused with soccer player Abby Wambach's look of late, as well as some other female athletes who sport headbands in this manner. Another local blog, Style Blueprint Louisville, posted about this odd fashion statement as well, so I had to share this with my peeps and get your thoughts.

Why put a headband OVER your bangs? What does this accomplish?

I don't want sweaty hair in my eyes, and I would think most people share that sentiment. Am I missing something? I know, I know. I shouldn't pick on the appearance of female athletes. Ms. Wambach is an amazing soccer player and an inspiration to soccer kids everywhere. But, if you have insight into this hair trend, please share. Just curious.

Happy Thursday, friends!

Images from Athleta, Burbees and Baking and FIFA World Cup