coming clean :: day one hundred sixty

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 ::

coming clean :: day one hundred forty eight

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!

coming clean :: day one hundred forty six

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

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!

coming clean :: day one hundred twenty two

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 fifteen

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 :: day one hundred eleven

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

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

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!

coming clean :: day one hundred eight

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

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 five

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 ninety-six

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

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 ::

coming clean :: day ninety-four

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!

coming clean :: day ninety-two

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 :: day ninety

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-eight

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 :: day eighty-seven

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!

coming clean :: day eighty-five

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