Can't. Wake. Up.

Ever have one of those mornings where it seems there's not enough coffee in the world to wake you up? Yeah, that's where I am today. I'm worn out from the weekend's events. It was great fun - going back to campus on Saturday and watching my Cats beat Georgia made for a wonderful Saturday.

But, now we're back at work, the sky is gray and there's more snow in this week's forecast. So, I'm going to my happy place in my head - a warm beach, the sun on my face and long afternoon naps. Okay, back to more coffee.

How was your weekend?
Image from Google

Bring on the Weekend!

How happy am I that it's Friday? This week has kicked my tail. But, the weekend will more than make up for it.

Tonight, we're gathering with friends at a wonderful restaurant for a special "Big Game" dinner. Yes, I will dine like a carnivore on the savannah. I'll definitely need to run an extra mile or two the next morning!

Then, tomorrow is the big game, Kentucky vs. Georgia, which we've been planning for a while now. We'll be Lexington-bound to Rupp Arena to watch my Cats take on the Dawgs. Can't wait!!

C-A-T-S! CATS! CATS! CATS!
Image from University of Kentucky

Modern Family and The New Temp

Have I ever said how much I love "Modern Family?" This show has become my all-time favorite. Even though last night was a rerun, Hubby and I still laughed throughout the episode. It was much appreciated after yet another snow day. (Yes, that's right, the schools were out again yesterday. I'm beginning to feel like I'm living the movie "Groundhog Day.")

In other TV news, the creators of NBC's "The Office" could not have found a better temp to replace Michael Scott for the remainder of the season. Can't wait to see how this plays out. For the full story, read the latest from MSNBC.
Images from hotflick.net and ABC 

The 'Run Run' Sisterhood

As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, one of my goals for 2011 is to gradually build my exercise routine from fast-paced walking to running. I’m making more progress on the treadmill and while I haven’t set my sights on a 5k or mini-marathon yet, I feel good about what I’ve achieved so far.

Like many bloggers, I look for inspiration from my girlfriends, as well as from other bloggers and blogs. I began searching Blogland for who’s out there running, living healthy lives and offering advice on how to do so. One of the more popular bloggers of this genre is Skinny Runner. An avid marathon and recreational runner, she offers helpful advice on running gear, races to join and healthy eating. And for additional inspiration, she provides links to other other female runner blogs – a “Run Run Sisterhood,” if you will. Best of all, her posts are fun and upbeat.

In one of her posts, she answered many questions readers had posed about the gear she wears; everything from the shoes to her headband. I totally agree with her advice on finding the right shoe for your foot and not just going with what the running magazines are touting as the “it” shoe for 2011. For instance, last week I went to purchase new running shoes at my favorite locally-owned running store, Footworks. (Yeah, I just bought a pair of trail shoes over the holidays, but I also need a running shoe. Let’s analyze my spending habits another day, shall we?) They measured and analyzed my feet. My right foot pronates (rolls inward), so they took that into consideration when searching for the right shoe for me. Keep this in mind when shopping for gear - find a running store that will be willing to do this. At most smaller, locally-owned running stores, this is standard practice.

In addition to walking and running, my friends and I are always look for new, affordable fitness opportunities to help "shake up" our exercise routines, which is really helpful during the dreary winter months. We e-mail each other suggestions, such as Pure Barre, Zumba or cycling classes. It's a great way to stay motivated and socialize with your friends.

If fitness is one of your goals for 2011, what are you doing? What motivates you? Any great fitness/health blogs you'd like to recommend?

Happy Tuesday, everyone!
Images from Title 9 and Skinny Runner

Cruise - Yay or Nay?

Okay, blogger friends, I am seeking your input. Have you ever been on a cruise and if so, did you like it? Would you recommend it to others or not? Have you ever been on a Disney cruise? Like, dislike? Why?

As I mentioned, I'm already planning our summer vacation. We're likely going to the Outer Banks, which we adore, but are also toying with some other ideas. I've never been on a cruise, so I thought I would do some research. Thanks in advance for your input!

Have a great weekend!
Image from Disney Cruise Line

It's a Snow Day...Again

Our front yard, before the kids make their marks in the snow.

Another snow day in the 'Ville...here's hoping that we can avoid going to school into June. Hubby wanted to take the kids sledding, but it's 9 degrees outside, with a wind chill well below zero. I think we'll all be huddled inside today.

Just brewed another pot of coffee as I work from home. The kids are enjoying the day off, lounging in their PJs and watching episodes of "Curious George" and "Martha Speaks," while every now and then spouting "Don't touch me!," "Mom, he kicked me!," or "Mom, she shoved me!" Ah, snow days.

I seriously need to book our beach vacation now, because if I don't have an actual date on the calendar with a visual in my head in which to retreat during moments like this, I may go ape-sh*! crazy.

Happy Friday, all!

P.S. - Remember when I made a plea to Trader Joe's last year to bring one of their stores to my neck of the woods? Well, looks like it's going to happen. Woo hoo!

Valentine's Day - Got Gifts?

The big red, heart-filled day is approaching. This can be a much anticipated event or a day you're dreading, depending on your relationship status. If you are a fan of Valentine's Day, and perhaps want to purchase a sweet gift for that special someone in your life, I found a great site you should check out, notonthehighstreet.com. It's a British retail site featuring jewelry, clothing, housewares and much more, with a cool background story:

Seeking out the people who create the unusual, the inspired and just plain ‘out there.’ That’s what notonthehighstreet.com is all about. So how did it all begin?

Hunting out the great and the original is second nature to founders Holly Tucker and Sophie Cornish, and it led them to have a sparkly idea back in 2006: to create a place where you could find all those charming, unique and carefully-made things that you sometimes stumble across in cool urban markets, village fairs and tucked-away boutiques. A place that was quick and easy to get to, where shopping was simple and fun, and where you could always find the most inspirational and wonderful things.

But that’s not all. Every single one of them would be designed, made or selected by an independent small business. A creative and wonderfully talented small business whose passion for quality, innovation and style shone through in every little detail. And so, for all the style seekers out there, notonthehighstreet.com was born.

The prices seem pretty reasonable (if I'm converting pounds to dollars correctly), but I'm not sure about shipping costs from England. Hopefully it's not too outrageous. The site is worth visiting, especially if you're in the market for a unique Valentine's gift.

And, for those of you who are single on this V-day, treat yourself to a gift. You deserve it.
Images courtesy of notonthehighstreet.com