Coming Clean

three hundred sixty-five days

2009-12-08T13:02:00.004-05:00

Can you believe it?!! It's been a full year since I started this 'Coming Clean' endeavor! To commemorate my one year anniversary, I am going to present this blog with a traditional gift -- paper -- in a non-traditional way. Over the next few days, I hope to replenish its paper supply and freshen it up with some new ink. Stay tuned!

flavor of the day :: Palomar

2009-06-23T16:36:00.000-04:00

Palomar - Top Banana

Mull over a cuppa!

flavor of the day :: Regina Spektor

2009-05-21T09:19:00.000-04:00

Regina Spektor - Ne Me Quitte Pas

Mull over a cuppa!

coming clean :: chomp, chomp, chomp

2009-05-19T10:43:00.000-04:00

sugarsmitten

My last swim meet of the SCY season got cancelled, so I took the opportunity to give my body a well-deserved break. During this time, I swam a little, ran a little... and ate a lot! My body was craving popcorn and froyo, so I just went with it. What do these two things have in common? A gazillion possibilities!

I may or may not need to take another week to recover from my recovery week. In case I don't see you until then, hope y'all have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!

flavor of the day :: Lester Lewis

2009-05-19T01:36:00.001-04:00

Lester Lewis - Boy Hangover (featuring Bonnie McKee)

Mull over a cuppa!

smarty pants award :: "just pick three!"

2009-05-18T11:14:00.001-04:00

"What is that?"
"I don't know how to explain it in English."

"What is that?"
"Lychee."

"What is that?"
"I don't know how to explain it in English. Just pick three."

So, I know one of the three things I chose for this Vietnamese dessert was lychee-flavored agar agar. But what were the other two? My second selection was yellow and tasted of softer gelatin. The third selection -- the grey and white thingies -- tasted like they might be some sort of seed.

No good deed goes unrecognized. You will be mentioned in an upcoming post and win the 3rd Oriental Banana Smarty Pants Award ("SPA")! Imagine how prestigious that will look on your resume :: wink ::

coming clean :: day one hundred sixty

2009-05-16T16:59:00.000-04:00

Workout: morning @ pilates + afternoon @ trail run (2.88 miles)

My fav Pilates exercise of the day was the advanced corkscrew!

I was supposed to have gone jogging BEFORE Pilates, but it was raining (and, okay, I couldn't get out of bed). I had run parts of the trail during a fun run, but didn't know it extended as far as it did. Turned around at 15:00, but will run the entire way next time. Short river crossing = wet shoes. Saw my first two wild chipmunks!

Coming Clean:

face: Carrot Facial by Body Language Soaps

hair: Seanik Solid Shampoo by Lush and Vegan Original Citrus Blast Intense Hair Conditioner by Gudonya Soap and Spa

body: Vegan Citrus Glaze Sugar Scrub by Body Language Soaps

This was included with my latest order. I'll admit, I almost didn't give it a chance. Body scrubs leave my skin feeling wonderful, but it can also leave a film of oily residue in my tub. I've used some that have left my tub so slippery that I had to sit on the edge and swing my legs over to get out because I was so afraid of falling over and hitting my head! It turns out that this was the perfect day to try it out. My tub was due for a cleaning anyway, and if it did leave any residue, I could just scrub it away.

Well, all I have to say is... BL Soaps has done it again! The sugar scrub was exactly the way it was described in their listing: "I combined two of my favorite scents in this fabulous blend, Sweet Orange and Wild Honey! The result, a decadently rich blend that is sweet and tantalizing! ... After one use, you'll be addicted to how soft your skin feels, and sugar scrubs will become a regular necessity in your beauty routine. We've made our sugar scrubs with special emulsifiers to cut down on the oiliness not only on your skin, but also in your tub. Leaves a lotion like feel when rinsed with water."

It left my skin feeling wonderful and eau de chlorine-less. I didn't even have to moisturize afterwards! And, yes, I did clean my tub afterwards. But only because I had to. I'll definitely be back for more!

Naughty Points:

1 large sweet tea (because I was thirsty after after my trail run)
1 "just pick three!" Vietnamese dessert
3 The Fetching Hound 'blue balls' bitty bites

Needless to say, I was completely satiated by day's end :: wink ::

flavor of the day :: 311

2009-05-15T00:19:00.001-04:00

311 - I'll Be Here Awhile

Mull over a cuppa!

flavor of the day :: Brad Sucks

2009-05-12T11:19:00.000-04:00

Brad Sucks - Making Me Nervous

Mull over a cuppa!

flavor of the day :: Owl City

2009-05-09T11:26:00.000-04:00

Owl City - On the Wing

Mull over a cuppa!

coming clean :: day one hundred fifty two

2009-05-08T23:43:00.000-04:00

Workout: lunch @ outdoor walk (1.62 miles)

REST DAY! Took advantage of the sunny weather -- FINALLY! -- and went for a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood. Our first stop was froyo, then cupcakes (for tomorrow's swim meet) and lastlybutnotleastly, lunch!

I'll have to say that my not-so-quite-an-hour in the sun was a million times better than being on the dreadmill. And... there are quite a few froyo joints in the vicinity! :: mwahahahaha ::

Coming Clean:

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

hair: Seanik Solid Shampoo by Lush

body: Pear by Bella Bubbles

Naughty Points: 1 Mr. Yogato froyo

coming clean :: day one hundred fifty one

2009-05-07T23:35:00.004-04:00

Workouts: lunch @ gym (0.5 mile jog + stretch + 1.13 miles ellip) and evening @ pool (3,850 SCY)

Had a different, harder workout planned, but lost all motivation to do it when I got to the pool. Did 5 x 200s in preparation for the 1000 on Saturday, but it didn't work out the way it was intended. It was supposed to be descend 1-3 + hold 4-5 but turned into a descend 1-5. Oops. Winged the rest of the workout and ended up doing an extra 100 for the 10 x 100s because I was in lala-land.

Coming Clean:

face: Tea Tree Honey with Lemon Peel by Inseine Creations

hair: Vegan Original Citrus Blast Salty Dawg Creme Shampoo & Intense Hair Conditioner by Gudonya Soap and Spa

body: Red Velvet Cake by Spotted Cow Soaps

These soaps and hair products were first reviewed on Coming Clean - Day 110, Day 16 and Day 56, respectively.

Naughty Points: ZERO!!

After yesterday's free-for-all, I had no choice but to avoid them! It also helps when get your fill of red velvet cake by doing something as simple as bathing! :: wink ::

coming clean :: day one hundred fifty

2009-05-06T23:44:00.002-04:00

Workout: lunch @ gym (0.5 mile jog + stretch + ellip, not walk)

Does eating a small box of almond butter cookies 30 mins. before your lunch hour make you lazy and not want to go down to the gym, too? :P

Coming Clean:

face: Luxurious Clean Cotton-Scented Charcoal Facial by A Breath of French Air

hair: Ultimate Shine Solid Shampoo by Lush

body: Citrus Melody by Country Cottage by Linda

These soaps and hair products were first reviewed on Coming Clean - Day 7, Day 145 and Day 86, respectively.

Naughty Points: 8 Seikotei almond butter cookies + an unmentionable variety of other 'naughty points'

Surfing squirrels! Check out their website (in Japanese) to see all of the different squirrel illustrations for their cookies. かわいい!

As for the other 'naughty points', I have no idea what got into me. I came home hungry, had a normal-sized dinner, but was still hungry. I couldn't stop nibbling until I finally brushed my teeth a few hours later. :: oops ::

flavor of the day :: Eric Hutchinson

2009-05-06T10:46:00.000-04:00

Eric Hutchinson - Rock & Roll (live)

Mull over a cuppa!

coming clean :: day one hundred forty nine

2009-05-05T22:37:00.002-04:00

Workouts: lunch @ gym (0.5 mile jog + stretch + 5.4 mile bike) and evening @ pool (4,050 SCY)

Coming Clean:

face: Pink Kaolin Clay by Country Heart Gifts

hair: Seanik Solid Shampoo by Lush

body: Java Jolt by Inseine Creations

These soaps and hair products were first reviewed on Coming Clean - Day 1, Day 146 and Day 9, respectively.

Naughty Points: 8 truffles :: oops ::

if i win the lottery :: sugar cookies

2009-05-05T01:14:00.000-04:00

Lori's Place Gourmet Delights

In search to find the perfectly sweet Mother's Day pressie,
I came across some beautifully decorated cookies!

Whipped Bakeshop

Amy Bakes

SweetestB

little laura's sweets

Sugar Cookie Couture

sugar & flour

Cakebox Cookies

coming clean :: day one hundred forty eight

2009-05-04T23:10:00.006-04:00

Workout: lunch @ gym (2 mile jog + stretch + 4 x (30 crunches + 50 skips))

Coming Clean:

face: Carrot Facial by Body Language Soaps

hair: Seanik Solid Shampoo by Lush

body: Spiked Peaches by Sweet and Tranquil

I've been enjoying Sweet and Tranquil's whipped soaps so much that it's taken me a while to pull myself away from them and try one of their bar soaps. I'm happy to report that this was another success. A lovely summery scent with lots of bubbles!

Sweet and Tranquil describes this soap as "[t]he scent of fresh peaches on a summer’s day, fresh and Sweet. The Fragrance is spiked with Ginger which adds a hint of Spice to this luscious Soap. I have added a touch of Gold Mica to add a bit of shimmer to this soap."

Naughty Points: 1 Boylan diet black cherry soda + 8 sugar cookie dough squares = 9

As for the cookie dough squares, I'm cleaning out my freezer, thankyouverymuch!

flavor of the day :: The Shins

2009-05-04T18:35:00.000-04:00

The Shins - Australia

Mull over a cuppa!

coming clean :: week twenty one

2009-05-04T12:33:00.006-04:00

My target weight loss is 20 ~ 25 lbs. (approx. 9 ~ 11 kgs.) by the end of the summer. Okay, let's say, September 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%
weeks one ~ twelve: 5.32%
week thirteen % weight loss: 1.05%
week fourteen % weight loss: 0.35%
week fifteen % weight loss: 1.42%
week sixteen % weight loss: -0.72%
week seventeen % weight loss: 0%
week eighteen % weight loss: 1.07%
week nineteen % weight loss: -0.36%
week twenty % weight loss: 0%
week twenty one % weight loss: 1.08%
total % weight loss: 9.21%

Week 17 was my last 'public' weigh-in. My blog may've been on vacay, but that doesn't mean 'Coming Clean' had been, too! I tapered twice in April, which made it really hard to lose weight. I was exercising less and eating just as much. I also tried to go on a two-week 'naughty points' fast. I came pretty close to making it! I'll have to try to deprive myself again some time. :: wink ::

Now that it's May, I have a new weight-loss goal -- to lose the last ten pesky pounds by September. Wish me luck!

coming clean :: day one hundred forty seven

2009-05-03T21:42:00.003-04:00

Workout: evening @ pool (3,600 SCM)

They're combating swine flu by over-chlorinating the pool. It felt like my tongue and lips were melting off! :: blech ::

Coming Clean:

face: Carrot Facial by Body Language Soaps

hair: Wild Strawberry Fields Salty Dawg Creme Shampoo & Intense Hair Conditioner by Gudonya Soap and Spa

body: Crisp Ginger Pear by My Birch

These soaps and hair products were first reviewed on Coming Clean - Day 57, Day 15 and Day 50, respectively.

Naughty Points: 1 Larry's Ice Cream red velvet cupcake

I'm such a sucker for cupcakes. As I was walking back to my car (in the rain with my hands full), I still managed to see the "WE HAVE HOMEMADE CUPCAKES!" sign. Okay, it didn't actually say that, but that's what my brain heard. :: wink :: It was totally worth the challenge of carrying them back to my car!

Two pictured, but I only had one. :: pinky promise :: I should probably also pinky promise to stop eating these as often as I have been. They're definitely at the top of my doctor's 'no-no list'!

coming clean :: day one hundred forty six

2009-05-02T22:41:00.001-04:00

Workouts: morning @ pilates + late-afternoon @ outdoor jog

Teaser series was killer! We had it-looks-like-it's-about-to-rain weather all day, so I ran every errand in the book to avoid having to run. As soon as I headed out the door, it started misting --> rain --> RAIN! Of course! Bad tummyache @ 3.5 miles. Not sure if it was the OJ I had right before, the nuun I had during or my fuel belt being a little too tight. Where is that thing supposed to hang, anyway?

Coming Clean:

face: Luxurious Clean Cotton-Scented Charcoal Facial by A Breath of French Air

hair: Seanik Solid Shampoo by Lush

I'm diggin' the shampoo bar I received as a gift, so when I was out-and-about, I bought myself another one!

body: Rhubarb Al Fresco by Rachel Rene Bath & Body

Naughty Points: Where to begin?!! I treated myself to a cà phê sũa đá before running errands, had a strawberry cupcake in G-town whilst running errands, then rewarded myself with truffles after my run. Only two from this entire box!

How do y'all eat a box of chocos? If I don't have to share, I finish off my least favorite first.

coming clean :: day one hundred forty five

2009-05-01T23:07:00.002-04:00

I'm back! I haven't decided whether to stay with the current format, or to try something else. Thoughts?

Workouts: lunch @ gym (2 mile jog + stretch + 4 x (30 crunches + 50 skips)) + evening @ pool (3,500 SCY)

No A/C! So I took it easy and decided to cut the jog short. I have no problems sweating my butt off outdoors, but indoors, well... that just seems wrong!

Just another pace workout. :: yawn :: Whose idea was it to sign up for a distance meet?!!

Coming Clean:

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

hair: Ultimate Shine Solid Shampoo by Lush

If this wasn't a gift, I might've never tried a shampoo bar. I'm glad I did!

body: Gateau de Citron by Savor

Naughty Points: 2 Big Island Candies brownies

Another gift! :: wink :: To your left, we have the golden mac nut blondie. Also included in the assortment were dark choco mac nut brownies and dark choco coconut brownies. I'd never had a coconut brownie before!

With the return of my 'Coming Clean' posts, I've decided not to buy any more 'naughty points' that can't be consumed at time of purchase. I hope this plan doesn't backfire on me!

flavor of the day :: Freeland

2009-05-01T00:34:00.000-04:00

Freeland - Under Control (Alex Metric remix)

Mull over a cuppa!

flavor of the day :: Lily Allen

2009-04-29T11:37:00.001-04:00

Lily Allen - Not Fair

Mull over a cuppa!

coming clean :: you're feeling very sleepy

2009-04-15T10:19:00.002-04:00

luckyjackson

Sorry, folks, must take a blog nap. At minimum, I'll try to post Coming Clean weekly weigh-ins and the occasional 'Flavor of the Day' tune. I hope to be back in full-force again in May. Until then... stay clean and far away from 'naughty points'! :: wink ::

flavor of the day :: The Strokes

2009-04-10T03:54:00.000-04:00

The Strokes - Automatic Stop

Mull over a cuppa!

coming clean :: day one hundred twenty two

2009-04-08T23:56:00.004-04:00

Workouts: lunch @ gym (2 mile jog + stretch) and evening @ pool (3,900 SCY)

Easing back into the running thang. I've been stretching it out, but my left hamstring is still really tight. :: sniff ::

Total space cadet swim session. I forgot to bring my watch, and it took all the energy in the world to remember my splits just from the first set! Looking forward to a shorter sprint workout tomorrow.

Coming Clean:

face: Tea Tree Honey with Lemon Peel by Inseine Creations

body: Vegan Cinnamon Swirl by Boh Bon Soap Company

These soaps were first reviewed on Coming Clean - Day 110 and Day 54, respectively.

Naughty Points: 1 gooey bar from a dessert tray at work + 1 The Dairy Godmother scoop of blackberry merlot sorbet

I was doing such a good job of resisting these things, sitting all pretty in the pantry. This is the last one! :: pinky promise ::

coming clean :: day one hundred twenty one

2009-04-07T22:55:00.002-04:00

Workout: lunch @ gym (0.5 mile jog + long stretch + 1.15 miles elliptical)

Still in recovery mode from Sunday! Left hamstring is a bit tight (from before the race), but otherwise, am pain-free!

Coming Clean:

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

body: Vegan Green Apple Candy by Long Winter Farm

I've had this soap for a while, maybe even from before the 'Coming Clean' installments began? Which might explain why it's never been reviewed, or that it's no longer available for purchase. Isn't it a beautiful bar of soap? As always, Long Winter Farm leaves me laughing -- "This soap smells just like green apple Jolly Ranchers to me! I doesn't taste like them though, I tried..."

Naughty Points: from The Dairy Godmother... 2 marshmallows + 1 scoop of lilikoi sorbet = 3

You didn't believe I was gonna walk out of there yesterday without a doggie bag, did you?!!

flavor of the day :: Le Sport

2009-04-07T05:14:00.000-04:00

Le Sport - Business Girls

Mull over a cuppa!

coming clean :: day one hundred twenty

2009-04-06T20:55:00.007-04:00

Workout: I just ran 10 miles yesterday. I deserve at least one day off! :: wink ::

Naughty Points: from The Dairy Godmother... 1 blueberry cobbler with coconut creme frozen custard + 2 gigantic homemade marshmallows = 3

Dessert before dinner, dessert after dinner... I thoroughly enjoyed both! The marshmallows were the size of rice krispie treats. I couldn't decide, so I got both flavors -- vanilla and raspberry. The raspberry one was divine!

coming clean :: week seventeen

2009-04-06T09:08:00.001-04:00

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 ::

I was battling shin splints and tapering this past week for the 10 miler yesterday, and it was really hard to control food intake whilst not being able to exercise as much as I had been. Of course, I could've also curbed the 'naughty points'. And I will! In a week!

So, with less than a month to go, it doesn't look like I'm going to achieve my goal of 13.16% ~ 16.45% weight loss. That's okay; At the end of the month, I'll just have to keep going and move the end date to Labor Day!

I've been battling shin splints for a while, and really didn't want to aggravate it the week before the race. So I limited myself to one 3 mile jog in the middle of the week and did a lot more elliptical than usual. I hope I did Hal Higdon proud for doing all but two workouts!

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 one hundred nineteen

2009-04-05T19:07:00.006-04:00

Workouts: morning @ outdoor road race (10 miles) + afternoon @ pool (3,000 SCY)

Beautiful day! Cherry blossoms galore, but that's about the only positive thing I can say about this race. The course was totally over-crowded! I started in the wrong corral and spent the entire time weaving in and out of people. Hains Point (sans 'The Awakening' :: sniff ::) was a 3 mile-long canopy of cherry blossoms. Wow! Just wish it wasn't such a long and boring park to run around. Lots of tourists / spectators near the finish line. I heard my name! Was that you, Michael?

After the race and post-race brunch, I was feeling good enough to go to my weekly group workout but decided to back off... just in case. Swam 6 x 500s without intervals. I felt like such a rebel!

Coming Clean:

face: Carrot Facial by Body Language Soaps

hair: Wild Strawberry Fields Salty Dawg Creme Shampoo & Intense Hair Conditioner by
Gudonya Soap and Spa

body: Vegan Jasmine Green Tea by Simple Traditions

These soaps and hair products were first reviewed on Coming Clean - Day 57, Day 15 and Day 62, respectively.

Naughty Points: 2

pre-race: 0.5 Baked & Wired strawberry cupcake

post-race: 0.5 Baked & Wired strawberry cupcake + 1 cherry blossom cupcake

Please note that the pre-race naughtiness was purely unintentional. I was so tired from a loooong evening of carbo-loading that I forgot to buy bananas. And then I accidentally left the house without my Clif Bar. Thank goodness I had left my cupcakes in the car! No, seriously, I would've been a mess if I had run ten miles without any food in my stomach! :: excuses, excuses, excuses ::

I'm including a pic of the banana pudding we ordered for dessert. I was so full from brunch, though, that I didn't partake. I know, I couldn't believe it, either.

coming clean :: day one hundred eighteen

2009-04-04T17:58:00.004-04:00

Workout:
intended: rest day
actual: shopping in G-town, doing my best "bored s.o." impression by sitting down on a couch at every store we walked into

Naughty Points: 1 Baked & Wired carrot cake cupcake + 1 Baked & Wired cherry pie = 2

The cherry pie wasn't planned, but it's hard to resist such ooey gooey goodness! Let's hope it doesn't get in the way of running ten miles tomorrow!

flavor of the day :: Hurts to Purr

2009-04-04T01:12:00.001-04:00

Hurts to Purr - Matinee

Mull over a cuppa!

coming clean :: day one hundred seventeen

2009-04-03T22:36:00.002-04:00

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

I think I pulled something whilst swimming last night. Back of left leg (but not hammy) is really tight. It doesn't seem to affect my running, but just to be safe, I jumped on the elliptical instead of the treadmill.

Coming Clean:

face: Luxurious Clean Cotton-Scented Charcoal Facial by A Breath of French Air

body: Nutty Love by Jovia Handmade Soap

It was a dark and stormy night... and this was the perfect bar for my Netflix nite-in! "Deliciously warm and wintery. The scent of this bar is hard to describe. Spices, citrus, nuts, honey, berries and butter... sounds like some sort of fantastic dessert doesn't it?" Like I said, perfect bar for my Netflix nite-in!

Naughty Points: 3 treats from a dessert tray at work :: oops ::

project wonderful :: happy easter

2009-04-03T22:32:00.002-04:00

Origami Spirit

I just wanted to take a brief moment to give a hippity-hoppity "Hello" and "Happy Easter" to my long-term blog sponsors. I am taking a wee break from Project Wonderful, but hope to be back soon. Thank you for your continued support!

Mannie Mandible
Mold Market
Southern Soapers
Unless... illustration & design

coming clean :: day one hundred sixteen

2009-04-02T22:05:00.002-04:00

Workouts: lunch @ gym (0.5 mile jog + stretch + 1.5 miles elliptical) and evening @ pool (3,000 SCY)

My friend shared an IM set with me, insisting that it wasn't that bad. Um, okay, WUTEVER! I ended up having to cut my workout short because I was dead tired.

Coming Clean:

face: Vegan Complexion Zen by Bunny Butt Apothecary

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

These soaps were first reviewed on Coming Clean - Day 14 and Day 72, respectively.

Naughty Points: ZERO!

if i win the lottery :: marshmallow peeps

2009-04-02T10:36:00.000-04:00

fizzybubbles

I think this is how my love of marshmallows began.
I used to devour these things by the 12 pack!

Every Easter,
the Washington Post -- among other newspapers -- holds a
Marshmallow Peeps Diorama Contest!

As with the earlier "If I Win the Lottery" installments on
fruitcake, bacon & eggs, under the sea,
whether they be chicks or rabbits,
none of these Marshmallow Peeps are the real thing!

magicbeanbuyer

babypop

ThePaperElement

chiwaluv

BarnStarBazaar

mountainmadness75

JackandJillCreations

coming clean :: day one hundred fifteen

2009-04-01T20:37:00.003-04:00

Workouts: lunch @ gym (0.5 mile jog + stretch + 5.4 miles bike) and evening @ outdoor jog (3.46 miles)

My last "long" run before the race. Taper seems to be workingDespite the rain, I was on f-i-r-e!

Coming Clean:

face: Pink Kaolin Clay by Country Heart Gifts

body: WildFire by KB Shimmer

These soaps were first reviewed on Coming Clean - Day 1 and Day 92, respectively.

Naughty Points: 1 chop't Boylan black cherry soda + 1 chop't blondie + 4 cookie dough squares = 6 :: eek ::

I eat at chop't so often that they decided I deserved not only a free fountain drink, but also a dessert! I was gonna turn down the beverage until I saw that they had black cherry soda. (Unfortunately, they were out of diet black cherry.) I can't remember the last time I had black cherry soda. I know I won't be having any more for a long time, so I savored every last drop!

The cookie dough squares had been on my mind and sitting in my freezer for ages. I didn't want them to go bad! :: wink ::

coming clean :: running in a wind tunnel

2009-04-01T11:43:00.008-04:00

yaelfran

...is what life has been feeling like these past two weeks. Thankfully, one of my projects at work has been put on a temporary hold, so I have some time now to catch up on my 'Coming Clean' posts. :: happy dance :: I'll post links as I crank 'em out.

Coming Clean :: Day 110 :: Friday

Coming Clean :: Day 111 :: Saturday

Coming Clean :: Day 112 :: Sunday

Coming Clean :: Week 16 :: official weigh-in

Coming Clean :: Day 113 :: Monday

Coming Clean :: Day 114 :: Tuesday

flavor of the day :: The Ting Tings

2009-04-01T07:08:00.000-04:00

The Ting Tings - That's Not My Name

Mull over a cuppa!

coming clean :: day one hundred fourteen

2009-03-31T23:56:00.002-04:00

Workouts: lunch @ gym (0.5 mile jog + stretch + 1.13 miles elliptical) and evening @ pool (4,300 SCY)

I didn't realize this was a 4000+ yards workout until I got home and recalculated everything. Oops!

Coming Clean:

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

body: Vegan Wino by Long Winter Farm

You can add this bar to the ever-growing list of Long Winter Farm's beautifully sudsy soaps! Her descriptions are hilarious, too!

"I used Shiraz to activate the lye in this one (I'm not a drinker, so it didn't phase me!), then scented it with berry wine fragrance oil and colored it with mica. I dusted the top with mica too, so it's all shimmery. Great gift for tasters and vineyard hoppers, not so great for your pastor or auntie in AA."

Naughty Points: 2 scoops of Ciao Bella blackberry Cabernet sorbet

Q: What better way to end the evening after bathing in red wine?
A: More red wine!

coming clean :: day one hundred thirteen

2009-03-30T16:52:00.000-04:00

Workout: lunch @ gym (0.5 miles jog + l-o-n-g-s-t-r-e-t-c-h + 110 crunches)

Let the tapering officially begin! I'm not changing my swimming schedule, though. I hope Hal Higdon is okay with that!

Coming Clean:

face: Carrot Facial by Body Language Soaps

body: Sea Glass by Lily Pond Soaps

These soaps were first reviewed on Coming Clean - Day 57 and Day 44, respectively.

Naughty Points: 6 Baby Cakes sugar-free orange vanilla marshmallows

I'm a-d-d-i-c-t-e-d to these things! That was the last of 'em... for now :: wink ::

coming clean :: week sixteen

2009-03-30T11:13:00.005-04:00

target % weight loss : 13.16% ~ 16.45%
weeks one ~ twelve: 5.32%
week thirteen % weight loss: 1.05%
week fourteen % weight loss: 0.35%
week fifteen % weight loss: 1.42%
week sixteen % weight loss: -0.72%
total % weight loss: 7.42%

Well, I can't say I'm surprised. I went on a bit of a 'naughty points' binge on the day before weigh-in! :: guilty ::

At my Week 12 weigh-in, I decided to move Week 7 of my training program down to the week before the race. And that's where we are now with 'vanilla cupcake' stars across the board! I also gave myself a 'red velvet' star for the 8 mile run I wasn't able to do last week.

Here we are, at the last week of training! Can you believe it?!! :: happy dance ::

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 one hundred twelve

2009-03-29T21:06:00.001-04:00

Workouts: afternoon @ tennis and evening @ pool (3,550 SCM)

Rain stopped just in time for courts to dry. A bit windy, but otherwise a beautiful spring day for Aussie doubles!

Coming Clean:

face: Luxurious Clean Cotton-Scented Charcoal Facial by A Breath of French Air

hair: Vegan Original Citrus Blast Salty Dawg Creme Shampoo & Intense Hair Conditioner by Gudonya Soap and Spa

body: Vegan Revitalizing Rosemary and Lavender by Anderson Soap Company

These soaps and hair products were first reviewed on Coming Clean - Day 7, Day 16 and Day 41, respectively.

Naughty Points: 1 scoop of The Dairy Godmother grapefruit sorbet

To further feed my need of Vitamin C! :: wink ::

flavor of the day :: Pinback

2009-03-29T06:07:00.002-04:00

Pinback - Good to Sea

Mull over a cuppa!

coming clean :: day one hundred eleven

2009-03-28T17:04:00.002-04:00

Workout: morning @ outdoor jog (7.2 miles jog + 0.7 mile walk)

Last long run before the race next week! It was a cold and dreary day, but the light mist was kinda nice. I knew a waterproofed iPod would come in handy :: wink :: I thought I'd be a glob of lactic acid from last night's "race against the clock" swim session, but felt fine for the most part. Was hoping for 8 miles, but right Achilles started tightening up around mile 6 so cut the run short and stretched instead.

Coming Clean:

face: Luxurious Clean Cotton-Scented Charcoal Facial by aBreathofFrenchAir

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

These soaps were first reviewed on Coming Clean - Day 7 and Day 13, respectively.

Naughty Points: 0.5 Baby Cakes BooHoo Baby (Lemon) Cupcake + an unmentionable amount of Baby Cakes sugar-free orange vanilla marshmallows

As I mentioned yesterday, I've been on this mysterious citrus kick lately. The half-gallon of OJ I bought yesterday is already half-gone! And when you're craving citrus, there's no way you can resist a cupcake description like this!

"Do you love lemon? How about a lemon cupcake with real lemon juice added for the extra pucker we all love, then smother it with addictive and wicked yummy lemon buttercream frosting? If you say yes, then grab a spoon and pucker up baby."

coming clean :: day one hundred ten

2009-03-27T23:39:00.000-04:00

Workouts: lunch @ gym (2.6 miles jog + stretch) and evening @ pool (3,300 SCY)

Coming Clean:

face: Tea Tree Honey with Lemon Peel by Inseine Creations Bath & Candle Company

I've raved about Inseine Creations and their fantastic soaps several times in the past. Here's another glowing review to add to the list! This is the creamiest bar of complexion soap e-v-e-r! Yes, it still smells like tea tree oil, but the lemon peel granules provide a nice distraction. It suds a light, buttercup yellow, but does not stain your sink / bathtub.

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

Naughty Points: 0.5 Baby Cakes BooHoo Baby (Lemon) Cupcake

I've been on this mysterious citrus kick lately. My body must be telling me that I need more Vitamin C, so I'll feed it more Vitamin C :: wink ::

coming clean :: day one hundred nine

2009-03-26T21:33:00.004-04:00

Workout: lunch @ gym (2.5 miles jog + stretch)

Coming Clean:
face: Pink Kaolin Clay by Country Heart Gifts
body: Rhubarb Al Fresco by Rachel Rene Bath & Body

These soaps were first reviewed on Coming Clean - Day 1 and Day 4, respectively.

Naughty Points: 6 BabyCakes Online Bakery sugar-free orange vanilla marshmallows

BabyCakes can tint them lavender, pink, green or yellow for Easter. Mine arrived lavender!

flavor of the day :: Dispatch

2009-03-26T02:05:00.001-04:00

Dispatch - The General

Mull over a cuppa!

coming clean :: day one hundred eight

2009-03-25T20:39:00.000-04:00

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

I've been pulling 15 hour work days this week, so this was all I could manage. :: pant ::

Coming Clean:

face: Vegan Complexion Zen by Bunny Butt Apothecary

body: Carrot & Spinach & Cocoa by Bubblor

These soaps were first reviewed on Coming Clean - Day 14 and Day 64, respectively.

Naughty Points: 1 Best Buns Bread Company lemon mini bundt cake

coming clean :: day one hundred seven

2009-03-24T23:02:00.000-04:00

Workouts: lunch @ gym (jog + stretch + 240 crunches) and evening @ pool (4,000 SCY)

As soon as I got home from work, I scarfed down a cupcake and crawled into bed for a power nap... half-hoping I would win against Coach Sujekebe. Obviously, I didn't. :: weak ::

For my main set, I did the ladder set from the Chlorine Addicted bi-weekly 1000. :: phew ::

Coming Clean:

face: Buttermilk Baby by Oliba

body: Erica by Jadewicks Home Goodness

These soaps were first reviewed on Coming Clean - Day 22 and Day 77, respectively.

Naughty Points: 1 Best Buns Bread Company lemon cupcake

I was really excited to try Best Buns' cupcakes. I'm a huge fan of their carrot mini bundt cakes and breads, but their lemon cupcake -- at least the one I had -- was a bit of a disappointment. The edge of the cupcake top was so hard that the entire rim had all but separated itself from the rest of the cake. Which, ironically, made it very easy to break off and throw away. Because the cupcake had been over-baked, the paper was also a challenge to get off. There's nothing more frustrating than that :: wink :: The cake itself was okay. A tad on the clumpy side, but the taste wasn't bad enough to dismiss the cupcake altogether.

Nevertheless, I ♥ Best Buns and their friendly employees! But call ahead. Selection can be quite limited if you walk in minutes before closing!

coming clean :: day one hundred six

2009-03-23T23:05:00.001-04:00

Workout: lunch @ gym (0.5 miles jog + stretch + 1.5 miles elliptical)

The plan was to get at least two miles of jogging in during lunch, but my right shin was a little tender. I'd rather play it safe than not be able to run again for another week!

Coming Clean:

face: Luxurious Clean Cotton-Scented Charcoal Facial by aBreathofFrenchAir

body: French Kiss by Savor

These soaps were first reviewed on Coming Clean - Day 7 and Day 69, respectively.

Naughty Points: 2 packets of salt and vinegar Snack-A-Jacks

Anyone know where I can get these stateside? Quaker Oats has rice cakes, but they need to be salt and vinegar! :: starting to panic ::

coming clean :: week fifteen

2009-03-23T22:57:00.001-04:00

target % weight loss : 13.16% ~ 16.45%
weeks one ~ twelve: 5.32%
week thirteen % weight loss: 1.05%
week fourteen % weight loss: 0.35%
week fifteen % weight loss: 1.42%
total % weight loss: 8.14%

This was an unexpected surprise! For one, I had been nursing shin splints all week. And two, I was on a 'naughty points' binge for most of the week! This doesn't mean I hadn't been exercising. But by laying off jogging and scarfing down one 'naughty point' after another, I thought that I wouldn't be posting a positive % weight loss. It might've had something to do with the luck 'o the Irish. Or, in my case, the not-Irish :: wink ::

With the exception of the 5+ miles I did yesterday, my owwie shin splints kept me from doing any running this week. :: sniff ::

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!

flavor of the day :: Peter Schilling

2009-03-23T05:56:00.001-04:00

Peter Schilling - The Different Story

Mull over a cuppa!

coming clean :: day one hundred five

2009-03-22T21:46:00.000-04:00

Workouts: afternoon @ outdoor jog (5.73 miles) + evening @ pool (3,450 SCM)

Perfect weather for my first jog in a week! I felt great (probably because my body was in 'induced taper' mode) and my shins weren't bothering me, but I held back on pace and distance. I think I'm ready to start running again!

I had about an hour of down-time between my run and swim practice and *barely* made it through the workout. :: phew ::

Coming Clean:

face: Carrot Facial by Body Language Soaps

hair: Vegan Original Citrus Blast Salty Dawg Creme Shampoo & Intense Hair Conditioner by
Gudonya Soap and Spa

body: Vegan 'The Garden' by Kelle's Kitchen

From the moment I got my soaps in the mail, I knew we were off to a good start. There were cute little shamrocks drawn on the fragrant parcel, and my order came was a lovely, hand-written note. The soap itself -- in its beautiful packaging -- smells wonderful. It is definitely a blend of sweet and fruity!

What drew me to Kelle's Kitchen is the obvious love she has for her soap-making business. Each soap in her shop comes with a little story:

"The Story of The Garden: When brainstorming soap ideas I wanted to create something for my dad, and the first thing that came to mind was his awesome vegetable garden in our backyard. He grew a little bit of everything from corn and rhubarb to tomatoes and pumpkins. Enough to keep our family full of vegetables through the summer and fall! This bar is made in honor of that wonderful garden, which is still producing wonderful vegetables to this day :)"

Naughty Points: 1 The Dairy Godmother lemon marshmallow

It was the size of a bar of soap, but hey, it was *just* one! :: snicker ::

coming clean :: day one hundred four

2009-03-21T23:38:00.000-04:00

Workout: afternoon @ swim meet (~2500 SCM)

Total distance is approximate, and includes warm-up, 3 events, warm-down.

Coming Clean:

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

body: Java Jolt by Inseine Creations

These soaps were first reviewed on Coming Clean - Day 51 and Day 9, respectively.

Naughty Points: 0.5 Busboys & Poets banana bread pudding with coconut ice cream

coming clean :: day one hundred three

2009-03-20T23:57:00.001-04:00

Source

Workout:
intended: evening @ outdoor jog (3 miles)
actual: evening @ the 9:30 Club

There is nothing better in the world than scoring tix to a sold-out concert approx. 10 minutes before you change into your running clothes! :: happy dance ::

Naughty Points: ZERO!

flavor of the day :: Bishop Allen

2009-03-20T05:46:00.000-04:00

Bishop Allen - Things Are What You Make

Mull over a cuppa!

coming clean :: day one hundred two

2009-03-19T23:05:00.001-04:00

Workouts: lunch @ gym (0.5 miles jog + stretch + 2.25 elliptical) and evening @ pool (3,100 SCY)

Gym was crowded! Can you say MARCH MADNESS?!! Didn't have my regular running shoes with me, so I jumped on the elliptical instead.

Coming Clean:

face: Carrot Facial by Body Language Soaps

hair: Wild Strawberry Fields Salty Dawg Creme Shampoo & Intense Hair Conditioner by Gudonya Soap and Spa

body: Vegan Raspberry Exfoliating with Raspberry Seeds by The Soap Buffet

These soaps were first reviewed on Coming Clean - Day 57, Day 15 and Day 8, respectively. And, how funny, I unintentionally used the same combination on Day 57!

Naughty Points: more (but a few less than yesterday) Betty Mae Bakery spiral cookies

coming clean :: day one hundred one

2009-03-18T21:34:00.000-04:00

offwhite

Workout:
intended: evening @ outdoor jog
actual: morning @ acupuncture session

I guess my shins get another day off! :: happy dance ::

Naughty Points: an unmentionable amount of Betty Mae Bakery spiral cookies

I told ya they'd be back! :: wink ::

flavor of the day :: Hungry Lucy

2009-03-18T04:12:00.000-04:00

Hungry Lucy - Her Song

Mull over a cuppa!

coming clean :: day one hundred

2009-03-17T21:31:00.001-04:00

Workouts: lunch @ gym (0.5 mile jog + stretch + upper-body weights + stretch + 210 crunches + mini-Pilates session + stretch) and evening @ pool (3,975 SCY)

Legs felt loads better after all of that stretching! I think I'll be ready to start running again tomorrow.

Coming Clean:

face: Buttermilk Baby by Oliba

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

These soaps were first reviewed on Coming Clean - Day 22 and Day 72, respectively.

Naughty Points: ZERO!

kiss me, i'm not irish!

2009-03-17T00:01:00.000-04:00

coming clean :: day ninety-nine

2009-03-16T21:52:00.004-04:00

Workout: lunch @ gym (0.5 mile jog + l-o-n-g-s-t-r-e-t-c-h + 5.4 miles bike)

My hamstrings are a little tight from yesterday's fun run, but otherwise, am doing okay. I think swimming really helped to stretch everything out more than I would've on my own. Legs tightened up after biking, though, and jogging (because it was too cold to walk) to/from getting lunch was rough.

Coming Clean:

face: Vegan Complexion Zen by Bunny Butt Apothecary

body: Breathe Easy by Inseine Creations

These soaps were first reviewed on Coming Clean - Day 14 and Day 45, respectively.

Naughty Points: 2 Baked & Wired strawberry cupcakes

I know, I know... :: hangs head in shame ::

coming clean :: week fourteen

2009-03-16T12:29:00.000-04:00

target % weight loss : 13.16% ~ 16.45%
weeks one ~ twelve: 5.32%
week thirteen % weight loss: 1.05%
week fourteen % weight loss: 0.35%
total % weight loss: 6.72%

I'm okay with this small percentage because my weekly average weight was actually lower than it was at weigh-in. The less 'naughty points' you eat, the more weight you lose. What a novel concept! It only took me, what, fourteen weeks to figure it out?!!

Probs not the best thing to do, but I've been running with pretty bad shin splints. But they're being monitored by me and well taken care of by my team of acupuncturists. :: heh :: I promise to ease off of them once the race is over. That's just a few weeks away!

At my Week 12 weigh-in, I decided to move Week 7 of my training program down to the week before the race. I got one 'red velvet' star because the fun run happened to fall on a Sunday!

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 ninety-eight

2009-03-15T19:50:00.002-04:00

Workouts: morning @ outdoor road races (8k) + 2.1 miles jog and evening @ pool (3,225 SCM)

Hal Higdon requested that I run 7 miles today. I had 2 miles left to do after the fun run. But I started going delirious -- legs were moving but head was in lala-land -- so walked very slowly up one of the hills. I was able to finish the rest of the 2 miles and eased on a 0.5 mile walk home.

Coming Clean:

face: Carrot Facial by Body Language Soaps

body: Vegan Fresh Mango Sea Salt by Magic Hands Workshop

Magic Hands Workshop is right; "Salt bars are a wonderful change from ordinary soap". The light scent teeters a bit on the girly-girl side -- more floral with hints of mango -- but it smells wonderful. This soap was the perfect moisturizing reward for my tired body! I ended up using it again after my dip in the pool because I loved the way it made my skin feel.

Naughty Points: 7 Betty Mae Bakery spiral cookies

Having sampled all three flavors -- strawberry, raspberry and Oregon marionberry -- a few times through, I'll have to say that the marionberry cookies are my fav. You will definitely be seeing these 'naughty points' again!

In addition to the spiral cookies, Betty Mae Bakery offers maple cinnamon cookies with almonds and ice cream sandwich cookies. Take advantage of the deeply-discounted sale that ends on the 21st!

coming clean :: day ninety-seven

2009-03-14T22:19:00.000-04:00

Source

Workout:
intended: outdoor jog + indoor sprint work + plyo
actual: zzzzzzz + zzzzzzz + zzzzzzz

When my alarm went off this morning, my shins screamed, "NO, WE CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!" They've been bothering me for a few weeks now, so I decided to give them a break. A legitimate reason to sleep in!

They went to town on my shoulders and shins at my weekly acupuncture session. Both are feeling much better now. :: happy dance :: " No, no dancing!", say my shins.

Naughty Points: 1 Baked & Wired lemon with raspberry kisses cupcake

Do coconut shrimp count as a 'naughty point'? :: guilty ::

coming clean :: day ninety-six

2009-03-13T22:08:00.001-04:00

Workouts: lunch @ gym (1.5 miles jog) and evening @ pool (2,250 SCY)

Gawd awful sprint workout that ended by getting kicked out of the pool for a tour group. :: grrr ::

Coming Clean:

face: Pink Kaolin Clay by Country Heart Gifts

body: Earthquake by bodygoodies

These soaps were first reviewed on Coming Clean - Day 1 and Day 20, respectively.

Naughty Points: 4 Betty Mae Bakery spiral cookies

These cookies arrived just in time for the weekend! I tried one of each flavor -- strawberry, raspberry and Oregon marionberry -- and had a second strawberry one because she included a few extras. All of them were soft, just as I like them. The reusable container was a very nice touch!

In addition to the spiral cookies, Betty Mae Bakery offers maple cinnamon cookies with almonds and ice cream sandwich cookies. Take advantage of the deeply-discounted sale that ends on the 21st!

coming clean :: day ninety-five

2009-03-12T20:47:00.001-04:00

Workouts: lunch @ gym (0.5 miles jog + stretch + upper-body weights + 120 crunches) and evening @ outdoor jog (2.88 miles)

I was hoping to knock out most of my scheduled 3 miles during lunch, but alas, it wasn't meant to be. I think I need to start making a check-list. (Today I had to go back for my top!) Felt weak lifting and doing crunches. That's what I get for avoiding them for weeks :: guilty ::

I was under-dressed -- long-sleeve, tights, thin gloves -- for my evening jog. It was a little windy, and I sure could've used a hat!

Coming Clean:

face: Luxurious Clean Cotton-Scented Charcoal Facial by aBreathofFrenchAir

hair: Vegan Original Citrus Blast Salty Dawg Creme Shampoo & Intense Hair Conditioner by Gudonya Soap and Spa

body: Apple Mint by My Birch

These soaps and hair products were first reviewed on Coming Clean - Day 7, Day 16 and Day 3, respectively.

Naughty Points: ZERO!

The cookie dough squares go unscathed for yet another day! :: yah ::

flavor of the day :: Cut Copy

2009-03-12T03:21:00.000-04:00

Cut Copy - Far Away

Mull over a cuppa!

coming clean :: day ninety-four

2009-03-11T22:09:00.002-04:00

Workouts: lunch @ gym (0.5 mile jog + stretch + 7.2 mile bike) and evening @ pool (4,350 SCY)

My shins and right knee are still wobbly from Monday, so I hopped on the bike during lunch.

When I got to the pool, I realized I had forgotten my iPod and watch. I was quickly distracted by the age-groupers swimming right next to me. Poor things were doing a fly workout and in the middle of a round of 200 fly kick with hands at their sides. :: eek ::

My left big toe was bothering me during my stroke drills, so I decided to bag the IM sets I had planned on doing and did more free instead. I ended up doing the Chlorine Addicted bi-weekly set twice through, then used my expanded lungs to do some controlled sprint work. Meaning, instead of intentionally sprinting (which I was too tired to do at this point), I swam them using the same relaxed stroke as I was for the hypoxic set. I ended up swimming a few secs faster than usual!

I haven't swum this long and fast ever. Three cheers for hypoxic breathing! :: tired but happy dance ::

Coming Clean:

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

body: Calm Me Lavender Bath Soak by Soap Rehab

I'm not a huge fan of baths, because (a) I can't stand being in hot water for more than a few minutes at a time, (b) I can't figure out whether I'm supposed to shower first, hop out and wait until the tub fills up or soak and then shower, and (c) I feel guilty using up all of that hot water. Which means it's a rare occasion that I buy and use bath products. But I guess Coach Sujekebe knew I needed it! :: wink ::

Soap Rehab's bath soak is "fizzy like a bath bomb, has dead sea salts like bath salts, and is moisturizing like bath oils. It's 3 products in one!" I sprinkled about one-fourth of the 4 oz. container into my tub and walked away for a brief moment, so I missed out on the fizzies. But I noticed almost immediately how moisturizing this product was. Very nice!

"Bring on the calm, block out the noise, and give your body a moment to recoup."

Listen to the wise words of Soap Rehab! Do not turn up your TV on American Idol and watch the elimination round with your eyes closed!

Naughty Points: ZERO!

But I'm pretty sure that this'll be the last day those cookie dough squares go uneaten!

flavor of the day :: The Happy Bullets

2009-03-11T00:15:00.002-04:00

The Happy Bullets - The Vice and Virtue Ministry

Mull over a cuppa!

coming clean :: day ninety-three

2009-03-10T20:21:00.003-04:00

'Big Al'
Handmade by Angela

Workout:
intended: evening @ pool
actual: r-e-s-t

My right knee and leg has been a little wobbly from running a total of 7.25 miles yesterday. Better to rest instead of over-exert. Plus, I was dead-tired from having to wake up an hour earlier than normal.

Naughty Points: a scoop of Strawberry Balsamico sorbet

I was able to resist the cookie dough squares I spied in my freezer, but I'm out of sorbet now. :: uh-oh ::

flavor of the day :: Ida Corr

2009-03-10T04:07:00.001-04:00

Ida Corr vs. Fedde Le Grand - Let Me Think About It

Mull over a cuppa!

coming clean :: day ninety-two

2009-03-09T22:14:00.003-04:00

Workouts: lunch @ gym (1.25 miles jog + stretch + 0.6 miles jog) and evening @ outdoor jog (5.37 miles)

When I got home, I honestly didn't think I'd be going back out for a jog. I wanted to stick to my training program, but my shins were still bothering me from earlier in the day (see random lunch workout). So I'm not quite sure where the 5+ miles came from. It's my longest run to date! Was it the beautiful sunset? All of the friendly people walking their dogs?

From a physical standpoint, though, I probs should've stopped when (a) my nose wanted a tissue, (b) my hands wanted gloves and (c) my shins wanted ice. I can be such a hard-head some times...!

Coming Clean:

face: Vegan Complexion Zen by Bunny Butt Apothecary

body: WildFire by KB Shimmer

Since 'Coming Clean' started back in December of last year, I've tried a few KB Shimmer soaps. This is actually my second bar of WildFire. I shared the first bar with a friend during the holidays, and had to have a bar for myself. I mean, look at how beautiful it is! The swirls, the colors... breathtaking!

"Heat, Lava, Fire, Energy flows through this soap. A firestorm, a wildfire that comes alive with the scent of citrus in your shower. Grapefruit, Lemon and Lime, with hits of orange, and a slight floral note blend to awaken your senses and start your day with a burst of citrus energy!"

Oh, and in case you were wondering, of course it does its soapy job. It lathers very light orange bubbles, but did not stain my tub. 7+ miles worth of sweat s-w-i-r-l-e-d right down the drain!

Naughty Points: a handful of mut dua

coming clean :: week thirteen

2009-03-09T10:05:00.003-04:00

target % weight loss : 13.16% ~ 16.45%
weeks one ~ twelve: 5.32%
week thirteen % weight loss: 1.05%
total % weight loss: 6.37%

I was conscious about my 'naughty points' and jogged a few more times this week. The race is less than a month away!

My training for the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler has become a bit chaotic. I haven't been doing the long runs in one go; I've broken them up into two shorter runs. I know it's not recommended, and I will do my best to get one in 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 ninety-one

2009-03-08T20:48:00.003-04:00

Workout: evening @ pool (3,400 SCM)

I was on fire! Missed part of warm-up because I had to run a quick errand @ REI. Didn't realize until afterwards that those PowerBar gummy thingys I chomped on whilst driving to the pool might've been the reason why I ended up leading the lane :P

Coming Clean:

face: Carrot Facial by Body Language Soaps

body: Vegan Mineral Salt Spa by FlameWorks

These soaps were first reviewed on Coming Clean - Day 57 and Day 18, respectively.

Naughty Points: eer... um...

Let's just say that I finished up the rest of the honey lavender cookies and cardamon marshmallows... Then, decided that wasn't enough, and had a scoop of Strawberry Balsamico sorbet! :: guilty ::

coming clean :: day ninety

2009-03-07T17:47:00.002-05:00

Workouts: morning @ outdoor jog + indoor track sprint work (2.5 miles) & plyo & outdoor jog (3.36 miles)

My first plyo class in two weeks. I was a hot, sweaty mess! :: phew ::

I had to get a total of 6 miles in somehow. I wanted to run immediately after plyo, but didn't have my watch on me. By the time I went home to get it, I *really* didn't want to run. I knew I had to, though. Gots to earn my weekly acupuncture!

Coming Clean:

face: Pink Kaolin Clay by Country Heart Gifts

body: "Rainbow Brite" by Sunbasilgarden Soaps

These soaps were first reviewed on Coming Clean - Day 1 and Day 40, respectively.

Naughty Points: 2 Dairy Godmother frozen treats

I have a confession to make: I wanted more homemade marshmallows. So I drove to Del Ray after my weekly acupuncture session, only to find that they were out! Ah, no matter, this place is full of treats!

While I was there, I treated myself to a little frozen custard with sour cherries. And, since we were having such beautiful weather, I also stocked up on two pints of sorbet. I dug in to the Blackberry Merlot before the night was over. :: divine ::

As for those marshmallows... now I have an excuse to go back for them... right? :: wink ::

coming clean :: day eighty-nine

2009-03-06T19:02:00.011-05:00

Workouts: lunch @ outdoor jog (1.25 miles) + evening @ pool (2,825 SCY)

This is the pathetic result of my attempt to run outside during my lunch break for the first time ever. I had to go back to work TWICE because I kept forgetting things! I'll be better-prepared next week.

Sprint workout -- woot! I swam with a watch again, but it was soooo distracting. How do y'all do it? I might invest in an underwater slate so I can at least remember my splits.

Coming Clean:

face: Luxurious Clean Cotton-Scented Charcoal Facial by A Breath of French Air

hair: Wild Strawberry Fields Salty Dawg Creme Shampoo & Intense Hair Conditioner by Gudonya Soap and Spa

body: "Ugly Duckling" by Anita's Sweet Treat Your Body

These soaps and hair products were first reviewed on Coming Clean - Day 7, Day 15 and Day 60, respectively.

Naughty Points: six

It was a little warm for chai, but someone had to eat those cardamon marshmallows!

"so, how do i look?"

2009-03-06T04:48:00.000-05:00

I'm not a fan of the TV show, but I've always wanted to say that :: wink ::

I added LinkedWithin to my blog earlier today. It shows up at the end of the most recent post, as well as any individual page you view on this blog. What do you think? Like it? Hate it? Don't care?

Yes, I know a poll would be much easier to handle this sort of thing. But I've already exceeded my daily technological allowance! :: hee ::

coming clean :: day eighty-eight

2009-03-05T15:53:00.016-05:00

Workout: lunch @ gym (2.25 miles jog + stretch)

Hal Higdon didn't say to divvy up the mileage like this, but I can't run more than 2.50 miles at a time on a treadmill without going crazy. I hope to start running outside during lunch starting next week. Weather, please cooperate. Thank you.

Coming Clean:

face: Carrot Facial by Body Language Soaps

body: Just Plain Shaving Soap with Aloe by Inseine Creations

These soaps were first reviewed on Coming Clean - Day 57 and Day 59, respectively.

Naughty Points: ZERO

I thought about 'naughty points' all night, but didn't give in! :: pat on the pack ::

coming clean :: weeks one through twelve

2009-03-05T15:38:00.004-05:00

Since I'm doing this 'Coming Clean' thang à la 'The Biggest Loser' and posting my weight loss as a percentage, I might as well follow the length of their program, too. So, here we are, at the end of Week 12.

In a nutshell, I was doing pretty well for the first four weeks. Then I went on vacay for two weeks (and didn't weigh myself but logged in as zero). I struggled a bit trying to get back on-track, finally got my act together, then took a dip in the wrong direction the final week.

What have we learned, boys and girls? Honestly, not much. I'm still consuming 'naughty points' without a care in the world. Well, I do care... just maybe not enough? While the number of trips I usually make to local bakeries and cafes have decreased, the number of times I've clicked 'purchase' online has increased astronomically. Okay, that's exaggerating. But with the exception of my five-day 'naughty points' fast, I haven't gone more than a day without consuming a 'naughty point'! Can you say "lack of self-control"?!!

Despite all this, there is one good thing that has come out of all this. I've stuck to Hal Higdon's 15k Training Guide for Novice Runners and survived my first winter of running! I was actually quite surprised at how easily I could talk myself into running outdoors. I'll even go as far as saying that there is something really magical about running outdoors this time of year. Even if you step in a puddle of melting snow and it seeps through your shoes and socks and numbs your foot one toe at a time.

I made a colorful chart of all of the exercise I've done over the past twelve weeks. Isn't it purty?

As you can see from the dark purple line, my total weekly mileage has been all over the place! I hope that it evens out a little more next cycle. Yes, there is going to be a next cycle! In fact, it has already begun!

My running mileage will go up (or, at least it should) over the next few weeks. I'll probably take a few days off after the big race in early April, then ease back into things. Is 10 miles a week a far-fetched goal?

I'll be swimming pretty hard until mid-April, then start tapering for a big meet at the end of April. I don't expect any spectacular swims. I'm just being realistic. I took six months off, and can't expect to be back at where I was this time last year. But I will continue swimming through the summer. Fingers crossed that I'll stay healthy enough do be able to do that!

Lastly, I know that the 1,200 calories a day diet that my doctor highly recommended is impossible for me. Really. I can't seem to shake my "exercise to eat more" mentality, but I could definitely eat less on a daily basis. Let's compare notes again in twelve weeks. Until then...!

coming clean :: day eighty-seven

2009-03-04T22:41:00.006-05:00

Workouts: lunch @ gym (2.25 miles jog + stretch) + evening @ gym (2.25 miles jog + stretch + 1000m erg + 0.25 miles walk)

Since I haven't been jumping off at 0.5 miles to stretch, I've cut my warm-up from 0.5 to 0.25 miles. After that, I gradually pick up the pace based on how I'm feeling that day.

Any rowers out there? As infrequent as it may be, I'd love to follow some sort of rowing workout!

Coming Clean:

face: Vegan 'Complexion Zen' by Bunny Butt Apothecary

body: Sparkling Berry by Alchemic Muse

I love Alchemic Muse's modernly simplistic packaging for their beautiful soaps, as well as their enticing item descriptions:

"Submerge yourself in berry bliss! An enticing mix of succulent berries and creamy and rich vanilla combined with sparkling ruby red grapefruit. Rich in vitamin C, strawberries contain skin soothing properties and is a wonderful toner to reduce the appearance of large pores. Yogurt soothes, softens and rejuvenates the skin while providing this soap with a luxurious, creamy lather. We added a touch of red clay for color."

Later this month, Alchemic Muse is introducing a bunch of new soaps -- Banana Orchid, Mango Grove, Honey Balsam, Kama Sutra, Primeval, Berry Cream!

Naughty Points: 1 Baby Cakes "Orange You Sweet" truffle
+ 3 Whimsy & Spice cardamon marshmallows

I had an amazing workout the last time I had one of these truffles. I seem to have unintentionally forgotten to record it on Coming Clean - Day 64... :: oops ::

I tucked the marshmallows away for an especially cold day so I could enjoy them with some homemade Nepali chia*. Today was the day! I went easy on the cardamon and let the marshmallows do their thang. :: dreamy ::

* No, that isn't a typo. It's chia, not chai. Seriously, though, if you're gonna splurge and treat yourself to some homemade marshmallows, treat yourself to some homemade chai. It's worth the effort!

flavor of the day :: Shania Twain

2009-03-04T03:31:00.001-05:00

Shania Twain - Don't Be Stupid (You Know I Love You)

Mull over a cuppa!

coming clean :: day eighty-six

2009-03-03T22:18:00.004-05:00

Workout: evening @ pool (3,800 SCY)

I fought through this one with Coach Sujekebe. In a way, I "won" because I scrapped the IM sets and did them all free instead. :: heh :: But I also "lost" because I didn't realize how much yardage I had actually done until I got home and calculated everything. :: doh ::

If I get out of this swimming funk, I'll try to do the workout I posted for the dailymile Chlorine Addicted group the next time I'm at the pool.

Coming Clean:

face: Buttermilk Baby by Oliba

body: Vegan Citrus Melody by Country Cottage by Linda

Don't you think this soap just screams "SPRING"? So, Spring, listen up and get your butt over here. Being outside, I don't think you've *really* arrived!

This tri-colored soap "[s]tarts with Key Lime, Pink grapefruit topped off with Florida Orange". It can't get sunnier than this! Oh, and in case you were wondering... yes, it smells just as good as it looks!

Naughty Points: handful of mut dua

Not the homemade kind, but the overly-processed four-colored kind. I started in on them because they were from Tet. I would've left them alone if they didn't turn hard after a while or were sold throughout the year. :: excuses, excuses, excuses ::

flavor of the day :: James

2009-03-03T12:33:00.000-05:00

James - Fine

Mull over a cuppa!

coming clean :: day eighty-five

2009-03-02T23:32:00.005-05:00

Garden Candy

Workouts: evening @ outdoor walk (1 mile) and gym (2 miles jog + 7.3 miles bike) and snow-shoveling (25 mins)

I had to knock out five miles today, but there was no way I was going to do them all on the treadmill! All ready to run outside, but there was one too many icy spots. Ended up walking one, then going inside and running two. Longest two miles of my life! Shins weren't cooperating, so stopped and stretched before jumping on the bike to finish my workout.

Snow-shoveling totally counts as exercise! When I was out on my walk, I saw an elderly man shoveling the snow away from his car with a garden shovel. Not the kind that you dig ditches with, but the kind that you use to pot plants! After my workout, I went back to the general area with a *real* snow shovel, but he wasn't there. I guess he gave up. I would've, too.

Coming Clean:

face: Luxurious Clean Cotton-Scented Charcoal Facial by aBreathofFrenchAir

body: Lavender Citrus with Goat's Milk by faeriemadesoaps

These soaps were first reviewed on Coming Clean - Day 7 and Day 84, respectively. No, that's not a typo; I did indeed use the same body soap two days in a row! I couldn't believe how well it worked yesterday. Not that I thought it was a fluke. Okay, maybe just a little. But it wasn't. It worked just as well as it did the first time!

Naughty Points: ZERO

flavor of the day :: Cake

2009-03-02T12:21:00.001-05:00

Cake - Opera Singer

Mull over a cuppa!

coming clean :: week twelve

2009-03-02T10:37:00.014-05:00

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%
week twelve % weight loss: -0.70%
total % weight loss: 5.32%

Oopsies...! I think this might have a little something to do with the pit-stop we made at Cracker Barrel on the way back to DC yesterday. On a positive note, my weekly average weight was the closest it's ever been to my weigh-in weight. My weight can fluctuate a few pounds every day, but this week was pretty consistent. I've done up pretty Excel spreadsheets of all these numbers, and will share them with y'all as soon as I've caught up on my 'Coming Clean' entries.

I got a little behind in my training for the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler because I took Monday and Saturday off. I'll do my best to stay away from 'red velvet' stars next week!

I've also been thinking of moving Week 7 down to Week 9. A week-long taper seems rather short for a 10 miler!

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 eighty-four

2009-03-01T21:42:00.021-05:00

Workouts: almost-all-day @ swim meet (~3000 SCY) + evening @ outdoor jog (4 miles)

Total pool yardage is approximate, and includes warm-up, 5 events, warm-down. The meet was at a 6-lane pool, and they didn't keep any open during the meet for warm-up / warm-down. Swimming in gutter lanes = not fun! I jumped in every time they had 5 min. breaks, but not being able to get in right before/after an event starts taking a toll after a few events. The pool was also dimly-lit, so I ended up swimming with my lighter-hued practice googles instead of my snazzy meet googles.

Otherwise, a fun, well-run away meet with awesome refreshments. The homemade brownies were ooey-gooey walnuty delicious!

It had started to snow about half an hour before we got back to DC, but there wasn't much accumulation so I decided to go out for a jog. A few steps into my jog, I stepped in my first big puddle. It wasn't pretty, nor was it the 5 miles I was supposed to do, but I like having 10 toes, thankyouverymuch!

Coming Clean:

face: Carrot Facial by Body Language Soaps

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

body: Lavender Citrus with Goat's Milk by Faerie Made Soaps

I've recently become a greater fan of lavender. This soap has a very nice, natural balance of citrus and lavender. What impressed me most was how much grime it got out. I think handmade soaps fare much better than commercial ones in this respect, but this one just blew me away!

Naughty Points: 2 homemade brownies (see 'Workouts') + 4 Whimsy & Spice honey lavender shortbread cookies

It was a lavender kind of day! Although subtle, you could definitely taste the main ingredients that makes a good honey lavender shortbread cookie a good honey lavender shortbread cookie. Oh, and if you open your mouth big enough, these 2 inch cookies become "bite-size". Those count less than regular-sized ones, right? :: wink ::

coming clean :: day eighty-three

2009-02-28T17:32:00.004-05:00

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

2009-02-27T21:51:00.001-05:00

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

2009-02-27T09:53:00.002-05:00

The Verve - The Drugs Don't Work

Mull over a cuppa!

coming clean :: day eighty-one

2009-02-26T22:14:00.003-05:00

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

2009-02-25T22:51:00.001-05:00

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

2009-02-24T22:50:00.010-05:00

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

2009-02-24T10:00:00.000-05:00

Toots and the Maytals - In the Dark

Mull over a cuppa!

coming clean :: day seventy-eight

2009-02-23T20:38:00.007-05:00

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

2009-02-23T14:59:00.000-05:00

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!