coming clean :: day eighty-three

Source

Workouts:
intended: morning @ outdoor jog + indoor track sprint work + plyo
actual: morning @ sleeping in and packing for road-trip

This was a much-needed break. My back was feeling much better when I got up, and even better after my weekly acupuncture session. I had volunteered to drive up to PA, but scored enough pity points to sit in the passenger's seat with a pillow propped up against my back instead. Three hours of driving without having to make any stops; We are troopers!


Naughty Points: ZERO!

A box of homemade goodies had arrived, and they quietly sat with us in the back seat. However, I am proud to announce that they remained unopened during the duration of this trip!

coming clean :: day eighty-two

Source

Workout: lunch @ gym (stretch + 3.6 miles bike)

Supposed to be a rest day, but I really needed to stretch! I must've strained something in my lower back last night (falling asleep on the couch, perhaps?). It hurts like a mofo!


Naughty Points: 3 Cupcakes in Jars vanilla cinnamon sugar marshmallows

flavor of the day :: The Verve

The Verve - The Drugs Don't Work

Mull over a cuppa!

coming clean :: day eighty-one

Workout: evening @ pool (3,800 SCY)

A good workout -- finally! I didn't realize how long my main set was until it was nearly over. :: phew ::

swimming tip of the day: If you decide to wear your swimsuit to the pool, make sure you pack your underwear! Check again before you leave the house!


Coming Clean:

face: Luxurious Clean Cotton-Scented Charcoal Facial by aBreathofFrenchAir

body: Mayan Gold with Polka Dots by Beautiful Soaps

These soaps were first reviewed on Coming Clean - Day 7 and Day 24, respectively. Mayan Gold has since gotten a makeover! It's now available with black and white stripes!


Naughty Points: 1 Cupcakes in Jars red velvet cookie sandwich

coming clean :: day eighty

Workout: lunch @ gym (2 mile jog)

A few people have started running outdoors, but I'm still running indoors on the dreadmill. It's too much of a hassle to carry extra clothes to/from work. :: lazy ::

On a related note, ever since I started 'Coming Clean', I've had to do almost twice the amount of laundry. How do y'all keep up?!! It'd be easier if I could just throw everything in the dryer, but I air-dry all of my tech wear. To me, "tumble dry low with like colors and materials" means "I hope you have six hours to dedicate to drying your clothes!" At least with air-drying, you can hang everything up and leave it there until you're ready to fold and put it all away!

Coming Clean:

face: Vegan 'Complexion Zen' by Bunny Butt Apothecary

body: Blue Lavender by Jovia Handmade Soap

These soaps were first reviewed on Coming Clean - Day 14 and Day 58, respectively.


Naughty Points: ZERO

It's not as though I didn't want to partake. I thought about nibbling all night!

coming clean :: day seventy-nine

Workouts: lunch @ gym (2.5 miles jog) + evening @ pool (3,050 SCY)

It's amazing how one rest day (or, in my case, 6 hours of misery due to over-eating yesterday) can re-energize you! I could've gone for a lot longer, but had to get lunch before going back to work. No Greek food today!

Unfortunately, my luck ran out when I got to the pool. I felt fine during warm-up, but decided to cut my main set in half because I was dragging during the transition set. I slowed down my intervals considerably to give myself more rest throughout the workout.


Coming Clean:

face: Luxurious Clean Cotton-Scented Charcoal Facial by aBreathofFrenchAir

body: Pear by Bella Bubbles

These soaps were first reviewed on Coming Clean - Day 7 and Day 48, respectively.


Naughty Points: cinque

I know, it's gotten a little out of hand lately, hasn't it?

Cupcakes in Jars hadn't forgotten about my love for torrone, and kindly included some Italian Almond Torrone with my order! I had a nibble before I went swimming, and they were just as delicious as I remembered them to be. These aren't dainty, bite-sized ones, either. One of these yummies will last you an entire drive to the pool! Erm, not that I'd know... :: guilty wink ::

flavor of the day :: Toots & the Maytals

Toots and the Maytals - In the Dark

Mull over a cuppa!

coming clean :: day seventy-eight

asd.aa.asddfSource

Workout:
intended: evening @ outdoor jog (4 miles)
actual: evening @ "OMG, how many Tums is it gonna take for this tummyache to go away?!!"

Once in a while, I like to treat myself to this awesome Greek deli near work. Not only is their food delicious, they do not skimp on their portions! I got a turkey platter with spinach orzo and greek salad. I'm not sure if it was the side of bread (that I usually ask them to leave out) that sent me over the edge, but I felt miserable until about an hour after I got home. By then, 'The Big Bang Theory' was about to come on, and I decided to give myself the rest of the day off.

I'll probs have to split up the four miles into two shorter jogs later in the week, but will git 'er done!


Naughty Points: 1 Cupcakes in Jars Red Velvet Cookie Sandwich

Yes, I just mentioned that I got a tummyache from over-eating at lunchtime. But I had a miraculous recovery by dinnertime!

coming clean :: week eleven

My target weight loss is 20 ~ 25 lbs. (approx. 9 ~ 11 kgs.) by May 2009. But à la 'The Biggest Loser', instead of going by overall weight lost, I'll be posting it as percentage of body weight lost. The results are... :: drum roll please ::

target % weight loss : 13.16% ~ 16.45%
week one % weight loss: 2.30%
week two % weight loss: 0%
week three % weight loss: 0.67%
week four % weight loss: 2.03%
week five % weight loss: [on vacay - recorded as 0%]
week six % weight loss: [on vacay - recorded as 0%]
week seven % weight loss: -1.04%
week eight % weight loss: -0.34%
week nine % weight loss: -0.34%
week ten % weight loss: 1.70%
week eleven % weight loss: 1.04%
total % weight loss: 6.02%

Another successful week! It might have a little something to do with the five-day 'naughty points' fast before my "official" weigh-in at the doctor's office this past Friday. Nevertheless, I'm very pleased!

This includes the progress I'm making in training for the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler. The weekly miles are starting to add up!

P.S. My scale actually looks like that, only it's not digital and it didn't cost me 80 clams. Some times, you can find nifty things at Target!

coming clean :: day seventy-seven

Workouts: morning @ swim meet (~2000 SCY) + evening @ pool (3,600 SCM)

Why did I swim twice in one day? Read this! :: pout :: And that! :: phew ::


Coming Clean:

face: Tea Tree and Charcoal Natural Complexion by Country Heart Gifts

body: Erica by Jadewicks Home Goodness

This is a really nice, lightly-scented bar of soap. "A warm and soothing fragrance that captures the essence of black ginger root and flower nectar. Very exotic!" It also has a wonderfully creamy lather. It wasn't until I went back to read the description that I learned it's also "sudsy with the moisturizing effects of shea butter and the gentle impurity-removing properties of kaolin clay. It also provides a nice slip for use in shaving." And, to top it all off, beautiful packaging!

If you're interested, act quickly! It's also available in a smaller 1.5 oz. bar, but Jadewicks has only one full bar left for sale!


Naughty Points: 3.5

Part of my 'naughty points' was half of another one of Cupcakes In Jars' yummy treats! I waited to share this with a friend, and the first thing she said was, "OMG! It's really a cupcake in a jar!"

The description for the Spring Fling CakeCup (tm) makes me laugh -- "I tried waiting until the weather was a little more spring-like to list The Spring Fling CakeCup (tm), but I just couldn't ... super moist homemade carrot and zucchini cake infused with cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg. It is filled and topped with out of this world vanilla bean cream cheese frosting. Sooooooooo delicious! Now you can get your five a day the Cupcakes In Jars (tm) way!"

We both really liked how the frosting didn't overwhelm the cake. What a delicious way to eat your veggies! :: wink ::

coming clean :: day seventy-six

Workouts: morning @ outdoor jog + indoor track sprint work (2 miles) & plyo & outdoor jog (2 miles)


Coming Clean:

face: Carrot Facial by Body Language Soaps

hair: Vegan Wild Strawberry Fields Salty Dawg Creme Shampoo & Intense Hair Conditioner by GudonyaToo

body: Tropicalia by Long Winter Farm

These soaps and hair products were first reviewed on Coming Clean - Day 57, Day 15 and Day 5, respectively.


Naughty Points: 7

In addition to the red velvet cookie sandwiches I started in on yesterday, I also ordered some homemade vanilla cinnamon sugar marshmallows from Cupcakes in Jars. (Yes, they also sell their namesake, cupcakes in jars. I just haven't gotten that far... yet!)

I might be wrong, but the cinnamon seems a smidgen coarser than regular store-bought cinnamon sugar. You know what this means -- more cinnamon-flavored goodness!

Cupcakes in Jars also offers vanilla, chocolate-covered vanilla and chocolate marshmallows!

flavor of the day :: Nightmare of You

Nightmare of You - My Name is Trouble

Mull over a cuppa!

coming clean :: day seventy-five

Workout: lunch @ gym (7.2 miles bike)

It was supposed to be a rest day, but I figured 20 minutes of exercise wouldn't hurt.


Naughty Points: 3

I've been a long-time fan of Cupcakes in Jars. And I honestly didn't plan for an entire box of Etsy yummies to arrive just in time for the end of my five day long 'naughty points' fast. But they did, so I went NUTS!

Aren't these red velvet cookie sandwiches darling? Don't let the cut-out heart in the middle deceive you; Each cookie sandwich is HUGE and not just for Valentine's Day! :: wink :: Please note that I showed some self-restraint, and not all three 'naughty points' were these cookie sandwiches!

flavor of the day :: Kelley Stoltz

Kelley Stoltz - Prank Calls

Mull over a cuppa!

project wonderful :: my blog sponsors

mulberrymuse

I'd like to take a brief moment to personally thank my current, long-term blog sponsors. This one includes a special "Hiya!" to one of my Etsy and dailymile buddies, Mannie of Mannie Mandible. In alphabetical order:

Mannie Mandible
my lavaliere
natation allée
Southern Soapers
Sweet and Tranquil

Wanna join in on the Project Wonderful fun? Whether it be on the left- or right-hand side adboxes, you know you'll be in great company!

coming clean :: day seventy-four

Workout: evening @ pool (3,300 SCY)

I pulled a 'Stan' and swam with a watch today! Not sure if I'll do it again. Too much going on between clearing goggles, fiddling with iPod and earbuds, taking a sip of water and watching the clock :: pant ::


Coming Clean:

face: Luxurious Clean Cotton-Scented Charcoal Facial by aBreathofFrenchAir

body: 'The Salt Bar' by bodygoodies

These soaps were first reviewed on Coming Clean - Day 7 and Day 25, respectively.


Naughty Points: ZERO

Last day of my 'naughty points' fast!

coming clean :: day seventy-three

Workout: lunch @ gym (2 miles jog) + stretch

Hal Higdon told me to run 2 miles today, but I just wasn't in the mood. My abs still hurt from yesterday's Pilates mini-session, and then my iPod shuffle konked out. I ended up setting the dreadmill for a little faster than usual and got it over with asap.


Coming Clean:

face: Carrot Facial by Body Language Soaps

body: Yuzu by Rachel Rene Bath & Body

All of the Rachel Rene soaps I've used and reviewed so far smell divine. Yuzu is no exception. The brightly-colored bar was the perfect pick-me-up I needed after today's workout!

While its scent is closer to fresh grapefruits, any fan of citrusy scents will fall in love with this soap. It's also chock-full of olive oil, so you won't have to re-lather in the middle of your 'coming clean'!


Naughty Points: ZzEeRrOo

It hasn't been easy...!

flavor of the day :: Peach Union

Peach Union - On My Own

Mull over a cuppa!

coming clean :: day seventy-two

Workouts: lunch @ gym (0.5 jog + upper-body weights + lower & core pilates + 120 crunches) + evening @ pool (3,350 SCY)

Hal Higdon told me to stretch and strengthen today, so that's what I did during my lunch hour!

I got to swim with my old teammate again! The main set was a modified version of the bi-weekly workout that was submitted to the Chlorine Addicted group on dailymile. Take a peek if you're interested in what I *really* thought of the workout! :: smirk ::


Coming Clean:

face: Tea Tree and Charcoal Natural Complexion by Country Heart Gifts

body: Crisp Apple Whipped Parfait Foaming Soap by Sweet and Tranquil

I know, it's only been a week since I raved about Sweet and Tranquil's Citrus and Coriander Whipped Parfait Foaming Scrub. But you can't blame me; Sweet and Tranquil's whipped soaps are AWESOME! The scent is definitely reminiscent of a crispy, tart green apple. :: yummy :: I doled a marble-sized amount into my scrubbie, and it bubbled up right away. The suds are very light, but there was no need to re-lather. What I like most about Sweet and Tranquil's whipped soaps is that even after you wash it off, your body is left smooth and moisturized.

Now, if only Sweet and Tranquil would add body lotions to their repertoire... :: wink ::


Naughty Points: ZERO!

No 'naughty points' until at least Friday afternoon!

coming clean :: day seventy-one

Workout: dusk @ outdoor jog (4.36 miles) + walk (0.5 miles)

I had been fighting Coach Sujekebe since I got out of bed. By the time I caved in, cars were already driving with their lights on!

As soon as I stopped jogging, my legs felt like dead weights. So I walked around for a bit, then went to the gym for a l-o-n-g stretch.

I accidentally left my fav hat and gloves, but they were still there when I went back for them. Yeah, I wouldn't dare pick up those sweaty things, either :: ewww ::


Coming Clean:
face: Carrot Facial by Body Language Soaps
body: Red Velvet Cake by Spotted Cow Soaps

These soaps were first reviewed on Coming Clean - Day 56 and Day 57, respectively.


Naughty Points: ZERO!!

I'm steering clear of 'naughty points' until my "official" weigh-in at the doctor's office this Friday!

coming clean :: week ten

My target weight loss is 20 ~ 25 lbs. (approx. 9 ~ 11 kgs.) by May 2009. But à la 'The Biggest Loser', instead of going by overall weight lost, I'll be posting it as percentage of body weight lost. The results are... :: drum roll please ::

target % weight loss : 13.16% ~ 16.45%
week one % weight loss: 2.30%
week two % weight loss: 0%
week three % weight loss: 0.67%
week four % weight loss: 2.03%
week five % weight loss: [on vacay - recorded as 0%]
week six % weight loss: [on vacay - recorded as 0%]
week seven % weight loss: -1.04%
week eight % weight loss: -0.34%
week nine % weight loss: -0.34%
week ten % weight loss: 1.70%
total % weight loss: 4.98%

I'm finally back on track! I have "official" weigh-in this Friday at the doctor's office, so I'll have to stay away from all 'naughty points' until then :: wink ::

My training for the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler has been going well. I've enrolled in a running "class" to spice things up. Another week of gold stars!

P.S. My scale actually looks like that, only it's not digital and it didn't cost me 80 clams. Some times, you can find nifty things at Target!

coming clean :: day seventy

Workout: evening @ pool (3,800 SCM)

My first group workout in three weeks. Due to budget cuts, we've gone from four --> two lanes. Seven people squeezed into one lane = very wavey! Still, I do enjoy being in the company of others to toil through the workout.

Plus, yesterday's acupuncture session was kicking in at the right time; I felt GRRRRREAT!


Coming Clean:

face: Luxurious Clean Cotton-Scented Charcoal Facial by aBreathofFrenchAir

body: : Sea Glass by Lily Pond Soaps

These soaps were first reviewed on Coming Clean - Day 7 and Day 44, respectively.


Naughty Points: 1 Buzz slice of red velvet cake

I tried to make up for 'naughty points' I've been racking up over the past few days by making another pot 'o veggie soup. I went a little overboard with the shopping, though, and ended up using only two-thirds of the ingredients.

This one included potatoes, cabbage, green beans, celery, onion, daikon and... too many peppercorns! That's what I get for buying a Costco-sized container! I later added butternut squash to the mix because my attempt to make roasted butternut squash turned out too salty. The soup came out quite nice in the end... despite my heavy hand with the peppercorns! :: pat on the back ::

flavor of the day :: M.I.A.

M.I.A. - Paper Planes

Mull over a cuppa!

coming clean :: day sixty-nine

Workout: morning @ outdoor jog + indoor track sprint work (2 miles) & plyo

I haven't done sprint work since HS track! Plyo for the first time in a month wasn't as bad as I thought it'd be. :: relieved ::


Coming Clean:

face: Carrot Facial by Body Language Soaps

body: French Kiss by savor

Happy Valentine's Day! I'm not much of a girly-girl, so I'll let savor describe this soap:

"a delicate lavender color, with an icy white shimmer, and the fragrance is like delicate violets picked fresh from a green field -- with a surprise dash of bubble bath!French Kiss is ultra feminine, and sweet -- forget all of your worries with a little kiss! ;) This is the perfect bar for those who aren't into dessert scents, and prefer a soft floral fragrance."

What I can add is that it has a very nice, creamy lather. And the scent isn't over-powering, which was just fine by me. Savor is currently offering this scent in Creme Fraiche (whipped soap)!


Naughty Points: 1 Buzz slice of red velvet cake

What I didn't share with y'all yesterday was that Buzz had run out of cupcakes. Instead of getting one of their other yummies, we got an entire cake and split it amongst us. And I took home the rest!

coming clean :: my skinny valentine

Dear Skinny Jeans --

Thanks for coming to the rescue last night. You were already nestled so comfortably in the hamper, but I thought you might want to join me for one last outing. After a huge plate of sushi, we came home content. I was so happy with the way you were wrapped around me. So tightly, as you had been when we first met.

We haven't known each other long. We found each other and fell in love this past Thanksgiving. You moved in with me and found your niche right away. We've shared a lot of good times since then.

But... I think it's time we move on. We don't mesh the way we used to. Even when we snuggle, you seem distant. Don't you feel the eerie space between us, too?

No, I haven't found someone else. I still love you, Skinny Jeans. I always will. I just don't think we were meant to be together... forever.

Oriental Banana

coming clean :: day sixty-eight

Workout: lunch @ gym (0.5 mile jog + s-t-r-e-t-c-h + 1.54 miles elliptical)

It was supposed to be a rest day, but I felt the need to stretch!


Coming Clean:

face: Tea Tree and Charcoal Natural Complexion by Country Heart Gifts

body: Goat's Milk Gardener's Soap with Cranberry and Strawberry Seeds by KBShimmer

These soaps were first reviewed on Coming Clean - Day 51 and Day 13, respectively.


Naughty Points: 2 Valentine's day sugar cookies + 1 Buzz slice of red velvet cake

Let the festivities begin!

flavor of the day :: Clap Your Hands Say Yeah

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - Is This Love?

Mull over a cuppa!

coming clean :: day sixty-seven

Workouts: lunch @ gym (2 miles jog + 1.8 miles bike) + evening @ pool (3,600 SCY)

Hal Higdon told me to run two miles and strengthen today. Since I just did some weights yesterday, I decided to jump on the bike for the rest of my lunch hour... which never works out to be a full hour :: sniff ::

I flaked out on swimming last night, so I squeezed in a workout before 'the Office'... which has been a little "off" these past few episodes, no?


Coming Clean:

face: Tea Tree and Charcoal Complexion by countryheartgifts

body: Buttermilk Baby by Oliba

These soaps were first reviewed on Coming Clean - Day 51 and Day 22, respectively.


Naughty Points: 4 Babycakes homemade vanilla orange marshmallows

flavor of the day :: A Fine Frenzy

A Fine Frenzy - Almost Lover

Mull over a cuppa!

coming clean :: day sixty-six

Workout: lunch @ gym (0.5 mile jog + stretch + weights + core)

Hal Higdon told me to stretch and strengthen today. I did as I was told, but was dragging towards the end. I don't think I'll be making it back to the pool tonight.


Coming Clean:

face: Luxurious Clean Cotton-Scented Charcoal Facial by aBreathofFrenchAir

body: Guilt Free Strawberry Cheesecake by My Birch

These soaps were first reviewed on Coming Clean - Day 7 and Day 15, respectively.


Naughty Points: even more Babycakes homemade vanilla orange marshmallows

flavor of the day :: Death Cab for Cutie

Death Cab for Cutie - I Need You So Much Closer

Mull over a cuppa!

coming clean :: day sixty-five

Workout: evening @ pool (3,800 SCY)

I ran into an old teammate at the pool. This guy is a distance swimmer through-and-through, and when you swim with him, you will never miss an interval. I told him I was gonna have an easy night, but somehow got talked into doing an entire workout with him!


Coming Clean:

face: Carrot Facial by Body Language Soaps

hair: Vegan Original Citrus Blast Salty Dawg Creme Shampoo & Intense Hair Conditioner by GudonyaToo

body: Citrus and Coriander Whipped Parfait Foaming Scrub by Sweet and Tranquil

Last night was a "veggie kind of night". Tonight was a "citrus kind of night"!

Sweet and Tranquil suggests "[j]ust a little bit of Whipped Parfait is all you need for lot of creamy bubbles." I used less than a marble-sized amount, and it bubbled up as soon as I started working it into my scrubbie. So much so that I didn't have to re-lather! The crushed apricot shells work as a gentle exfoliant, but the scrub leaves your body smooth and completely moisturized. This stuff is n-i-c-e! I felt citrusized as I emerged from the shower!


Naughty Points: an unmentionable amount of Babycakes handmade vanilla orange marshmallows

These things are too good to give up!

flavor of the day :: Blaqk Audio

Blaqk Audio - Semiotic Love

Mull over a cuppa!

coming clean :: day sixty-four

Workouts: lunch @ gym (1 mile jog + 1.8 miles bike) and evening @ outdoor jog (3 miles)

Was it the full moon? I felt energized! It was a perfect evening for an outdoor jog. I was over-dressed again, though. Ended up taking off my hat, gloves and jacket. I guess I have global warming to thank...?


Coming Clean:

face: Carrot Facial by Body Language Soaps

body: Carrot & Spinach & Cocoa by Bubblor

Since I was having the rest of my veggie soup for dinner, I thought, "Why not have a veggie kind of day?" (I've been trying to go vegetarian while at home. It's not as difficult as one may think!)

Each layer of this tri-colored bar of soap is colored with different vegetable juices. It's like the V8 of soaps! Lightly scented with lemongrass, lavender and tea tree essential oils, it also contains cinnamon powder, carrot, spinach, cocoa and honey.

Another unique aspect of Bubblor's soaps -- which, unfortunately, you can't see it in this photo -- is that all bars of soaps are date-stamped. You know exactly when it was made!


Naughty Points: 1 mini banana muffin + 1 brownie = 2

I had just gotten back from the gym and about to refill my water bottle when I spied the dessert tray. :: weak moment ::

coming clean :: week nine

My target weight loss is 20 ~ 25 lbs. (approx. 9 ~ 11 kgs.) by May 2009. But à la 'The Biggest Loser', instead of going by overall weight lost, I'll be posting it as percentage of body weight lost. The results are... :: drum roll please ::

target % weight loss : 13.16% ~ 16.45%
week one % weight loss: 2.30%
week two % weight loss: 0%
week three % weight loss: 0.67%
week four % weight loss: 2.03%
week five % weight loss: [on vacay - recorded as 0%]
week six % weight loss: [on vacay - recorded as 0%]
week seven % weight loss: -1.04%
week eight % weight loss: -0.34%
week nine % weight loss: -0.34%
total % weight loss: 3.29%

Oh no -- I'm undoing all of the weight I lost during the first four weeks! I gotta get back on track. Seriously.

While I may not be doing so well on the 'naughty points' front, I've been keeping up with my Cherry Blossom 10 Miler training program. All gold stars this week!

P.S. My scale actually looks like that, only it's not digital and it didn't cost me 80 clams. Some times, you can find nifty things at Target!

coming clean :: day sixty-three

Workout: evening @ pool (3,000 SCY)

I fought an all-day battle with Coach Sujekebe and thought I was going to win. I even text'ed my friend to tell her I wouldn't be able to make it to swim practice! My guilty conscience got the better of me, though, and I finally dragged myself to the pool... less than an hour before closing.


Coming Clean:

face: Tea Tree and Charcoal Complexion by Country Heart Gifts

body: Hawaiian Volcano Cherry with Hawaiian Black Sea Salt by the Pig and the Peacock

These soaps were first reviewed on Coming Clean - Day 51 and Day 43, respectively.


Naughty Points: ZERO!!

To re-group from feeling blah all day and get over my 'naughty points' binge over the weekend, I came home from swimming and made a pot of veggie soup. Nothing fancy. This one had daikon (root + leaves), potatoes, eggplant, green beans and onion. Is that it? It feels like I was chopping a lot more than that!

I was sooooo hungry, though, that I ended up eating three bowls of soup! This is definitely going to be reflected in tomorrow's weigh-in. :: eek ::

flavor of the day :: Scissor Sisters

Scissor Sisters - Might Tell You Tonight

Mull over a cuppa!

if i win the lottery :: conversation hearts

kittyanydots

As with my previous IIWtL posts on
bacon & eggs, snowflakes and fruitcake,
none of these Conversation Hearts are the real thing.
So they won't leave a chalky taste in your mouth!


studio71design



The Pink Zebra

goosegrease

maiseyhandmade



stoopidgerl

dugshop

ARTFULimages



mamaroots

polpetteclay



creativeapples

coming clean :: day sixty-two

Workout: morning @ outdoor jog (3.2 miles)

What a beautiful day! It felt much warmer than 37 degrees. Bye-bye jacket, hat and gloves!


Coming Clean:
face: AHA Facial Cleansing Cream by butterbyessentials

body: Vegan Jasmine Green Tea by Simple Pleasures

Although my week days usually start with a hot cup of jasmine tea, I try to be caffeine-free during the weekends. I have a soft spot for the scent of jasmine, though, and thought this would be a nice compromise. Lots of little bubbles! I also liked that green tea leaves were added to "give the bar a light exfoliation". A wonderful way to head off to my acupuncture appointment!

Naughty Points: 2 Best Buns Bread Company monkey bread

Oh my... half-loaf is g-o-n-e!

coming clean :: day sixty-one

Workout: r-e-s-t

Hal Higdon told me to rest today, so that's what I did.


Naughty Points: t-h-r-e-e

I went a little beserk on the 'naughty points' front... :: guilty ::

flavor of the day :: The Ronettes

The Ronettes - Be My Baby

Mull over a cuppa!

coming clean :: day sixty

Source

Workouts: lunch @ gym (2 mile jog + core) and evening @ outdoor jog (2 miles)

Hal Higdon told me to run 2 miles + strengthen today, so that's what I did. Because my shoulders are still owwie, I decided to focus on strengthening my core. 210 crunches! I don't know the real names for two of the exercises... anyone?

30 regular
30 "Full Verticle Crunch Plus" - head slightly lifted with arms cradling head, extend legs up in the air and bend to 90 degree angle with medicine ball held between legs
30 "Mini-Washing Machines" - extend legs up in the air, hold small ball between ankle of one foot and front of the other, criss-cross and roll/switch ball with feet. one left + right movement = one crunch. [I usually don't have a small ball handy.]
30 Russian Twists
30 "Full Verticle Crunch Plus"
30 "Mini-Washing Machines"
30 Russian twists


Coming Clean:

face: Carrot Facial by Body Language Soaps

body: "Ugly Duckling" - Organic & Vegan Black African Soap by Anita's Sweet Treat Your Body

Don't judge a soap by its cover; It's the inside that counts! But don't you think they kinda look like hand-rolled truffles? :: drool :: Natural, un-refined shea butter has been added to the traditional ingredients -- water, cocoa pod ashes, plaintain skins ashes and palm oil -- to "be an extra moisturizing bar and nothing more. It is also very rich in Vitamin A, E and Iron."

It's been a good 'Coming Clean' week. Lots of well-lathering soaps! The suds on this one had a very faint cream-colored tint, but it washed away and left no trace. Anita's Sweet Treats arrived at my doorstep, playfully-packaged and complete with a NON-FAT sticker. :: hee-hee ::


Naughty Points: 1 Whole Foods slice of cherry pie

That baby is g-o-n-e!

flavor of the day :: CSS

Cansei de Ser Sexy - Let's Make Love and Listen to Death From Above

Mull over a cuppa!

coming clean :: day fifty-nine

Workout:

intended: evening @ pool, home in time for American Idol

actual: yap yap yap, evening @ pool, yap yap yap, home in time for the last five minutes of American Idol (3,400 SCY)

The pool was surprisingly empty. There was a boys' diving competition going on in the deep end. Lots of excited parents with pom poms! Having forgotten my iPod (which meant I wouldn't be fiddling with the earbuds during my workout) and an entire lane to myself, I decided to do a stroke-heavy workout. My main set was:

4 x 100 IM
1 x 100 free
3 x 100 IM
2 x 100 fr
2 x 100 IM
3 x 100 free
1 x 100 IM
4 x 100 free

It's a relatively painless way to crank out 2,000 SCY. I made the mistake of setting easy-to-read intervals (1:45 for IM, 1:30 for free), the 100 free intervals 10 seconds faster than usual. It got painful towards the end, but I didn't give up! :: happy dance ::


Coming Clean:

face: Luxurious Clean Cotton-Scented Charcoal Facial by aBreathofFrenchAir

body: Just Plain Shaving Soap with Aloe by Inseine Creations

Inseine Creations included this soap with my latest order, and I thought it would be perfect for my winter itchies. In addition to not having to re-lather at the halfway point, it had a nice, natural scent of aloe and left my skin itchy-less!

"This soap is made from scratch with skin-soothing oils and is full of naturally-occurring glycerin, which draws moisture to your skin. Bentonite clay helps the razor glide effortlessly across your skin. Aloe vera contributes to a thick lather. No fragrance or color has been added, making it great for super-sensitive skin."

Just in time for Valentine's Day, Inseine Creations offers complete shaving kits, too!


Naughty Points: 1 Whole Foods slice of cherry pie

I know, I shouldn't have. I needed a cheer-me-up for missing most of AI...! :: wink ::