My organized purse

I’m known for being organized.  That’s obvious.  So I get asked a lot of questions about what I have in my purse and what I carry with me at all times.  So, during this “purse week”, I figured I’d share what I have in my purse.

1.  Chapstick.  A lightly tined chapstick can ease chapped lips and go with any outfit.  I don’t wear lipstick, but even if I did, I’d carry the multipurpose chapstick instead.  My favorite is Rosebud:

2.  Moisturizer.  I live in New England and for most of the year its dry.  I carry a multi purpose moisturizer that works on my hands, face or even legs in a quick pinch.

3.  A multi purpose tool.  Mine doesn’t have a big knife on it, but its has a small one, with tweezers, and scissors.  This has come in handy more times than I can count.

4.  My headset for my phone.  While this may seem obvious, I work with a lot of clients who never have their headset or bluetooth devise with them.  Having it with you at all times means you can always make hands free calls.

5.  Kleenex.

6.  Paper and pen.  You always need the ability to give someone a note, write something down, etc.  You can’t count on electronic devices to be there when you really need them.  In an emergency pen and paper never fail you.

7.  Emergency card.  Make sure you have a card in your purse and or wallet that gives any vital medical information and your emergency contact information.  Although its not pleasant to think about, emergency workers will look for a card such as this in case of emergency.

8.  Spare house key and or car key.  If you lose your keys or lock them in the car, these extra keys may just save you.

9.  Medication.  Again, in case of emergency, you may not be able to make it home at the end of the day.  Having any medication you need on hand could be a lifesaver.  Make sure to carry medication for your kids as well.  I also always carry a pain killer with me.

10.  Band aids.  You can use these to bandage a cut, take care of a blister from uncomfortable shoes or even glue something back together if necessary.  They aren’t pretty, but they sure are handy!

Kale Chips-YUM!

While kale chips may sound gross at first, they are a tasty snack I promise you won’t be able to stop eating.

Get some kale from the store and cut if off of the thick stems and into bite size pieces. My grocery store actually sells is cut like this already in a large bag.

Put them in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Then sprinkle them with salt (kosher) and pepper or seasoned salt.

Put them on a parchment lined cookie sheet and bake at 350 for 10-15 minutes. You won’t be able to start snacking! Give them a try! They are super healthy and yummy!

Fits Sock Review

I know I've reviewed socks in the past.  Its probably because I'm always on the hunt for the perfect pair.  I want a pair of socks that keep my feet warm, but dry.  I want a pair that prevents blisters and hot spots.  I want a pair that is comfortable to wear for hiking, running AND around town running errands.

I was recently sent a few pairs of socks by Fits Sock.  I was sent the Light Hiker Crew, the Medium Hiker Crew and the Light Runner Low-Cut.

The Light Runner was my favorite.  These socks kept my feet dry, blister free, and comfy.  They were thick enough to be squishy and soft and comfy.  However, they were thin enough to ensure my shoes still fit the same way .
I love the idea that merino wool can be worn year round, comfortable and SOFT.

When I went hiking in these socks I was amazed at how well they stayed in place.  After a few hours hiking socks usually fall into your shoe, get bunched up in an area of your shoe, etc.  Taking time to stop and readjust socks isn't uncommon.  These socks stayed in place perfectly.  The heel was deep enough to allow this to happen.

I have a really high arch and these socks helped support it during my adventures.  They are available in full and half cushion.  You can also buy them in five sizes so you make sure you have the best fit for you.

I know these socks are made for running, hiking, etc and I've taken them on all these adventures and been very pleased with them.  However, they are warm and soft enough that I love slipping them on with sweatpants and a tee shirt after a long day's work.  You are going to love Fits Sock!

Take a peek at their website here:
http://fitssock.com/

AND you can find them on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/FITS-Sock-Co/117546284941825

Rules to Live By

Be who you want to be.

Make plans and stick to them.

Be punctual. Leave yourself more time than you think you need.  Others will

thank you for it.

Smile at a stranger.

Say please and thank you.

Wear clothes you love.

Buy good, comfortable shoes.

Don’t fill your purse with junk.  Who wants to carry junk around all the

time?  Don’t you deserve better?

Use the good dishes/sheets/glasses whenever you want.

Eat breakfast for dinner.

Eat by candlelight any time you want.  (Even if you’re just eating burger

and fries.)

Have a little bit of fun every day.

Do one thing a day to get closer to your goals.

Share your dreams with those around you.

Be silly often.

Remember to take care of yourself first.  You will be a better caregiver for

it.

Love an animal, they will bring you unending happiness.

Dance for no reason at all.

iFitness Does It Again

Once again iFitness has created the perfect belt!  I've tried a lot of hydration belts and although I've found some I like, I've always had a least one small issue with each one over time.  iFitness has released their own hydration belt. They sent me one to try out and from the minute I tried it on I knew I'd love it.

It is just like their regular neoprene pouch....(see my previous review), however, it holds two water bottles and has spots for gels and gus.  The two bottles are 6oz each and BPA free.  They are dishwasher safe too.  (I love that!)  If two isn't enough, I believe you can even add more bottles.  The bottles are held in by stretchy straps.  However, when I ran with it I undid those and the bottles stayed in just fine.

I really want to talk about the bottles for another moment.  On all of the other belts I've used I've had a hard time getting the bottles in and out while running.  With this belt I could remove them, use them and out them back with one hand.  Seriously.

The pouch is water resistant just like their others so you can run in the rain without worry and more importantly, your phone is dry at the end of your run no matter how much you sweat.  The pouch holds even my phone (a Droid X) which is quite large.

There are two elastic loops that hold gels or gus..they are easily stretchable to hold just about whatever you'd like.  I even managed to put a bar in one.  There are reflectors so you're safe on the road.  Most importantly, the belt doesn't bounce.  I know that when you are carrying a big phone, a key, a card, and water, the heft can really become cumbersome. With this belt I was able to take a five mile run with water, a camera, a phone, money and my hotel room key and I was comfy and chafe free the whole time!

Once again iFitness has created a perfect running product that I will use every day!

These belts are so much cheaper than the others on the market too!  Check them out here:
http://www.ifitnessinc.com/index.php?_a=viewCat&catId=15

Thorlo Sock Review

We all know I love running and I love running socks.  However, good ones are hard to come by.  Well I really like the Thorlo Experia Max Thin Cushion Socks.

While they are thin enough to cool your feet, they are think enough to provide that Thorlo cushioning that you know and love.  This particular pair comes in all sorts of colors too.  I have and love the pink.

While I would save these for my shorter runs, they are padded in all the right places to avoid blisters and "hot spots".
I not only like them for running, they are great every day, all day socks.  I have been wearing them under my high heeled boots and they make what are normally uncomfortable shoes, comfy cozy.

These socks are usually priced about $14, much cheaper than lots of pairs like them out there.

Want a pair?  Check them out here:
http://www.thorlo.com/socks/running-socks/micro+mini-crew/687.php?color_id=179

Underestimation

We all have dreams, goals and aspirations.  However, they are very often

pushed aside out of daily necessity.  They are pushed aside so we can take

care of others, do the housework and perform well at our 9-5 jobs.  However,

we really underestimate ourselves.  We can have it all and we can accomplish

our goals.  Its all about balance.

In order to be our best selves, we need to find time do to the things we

love. Its not about finding big chunks of time to start a new hobby, or

quitting your current job, although those may be goals to work towards.  Its

about the small, daily joys that you can sneak away and enjoy.

Start with finding just a few minutes a day to sit and think about all that

you have.  Are you surrounded by friends and family that love you?  Do you

love your home?  Do you have a hobby that you simply can't wait to get back

to?  Kids that make you so happy you can't believe it?

Life is about recognizing these joys, and holding onto them and if just for

a few minutes each and every day, savoring them.  Stopping to smell the

roses sounds cliché but its so very true.  We most often can't see what's

right in front of us and taking just a few moments each day to acknowledge

them and give them the weight they deserve can make all the difference in

the world.

A Really NEAT Experience

I was recently asked to take part in something really exciting.  I was asked

to be a part of an infomercial for Neat Co.  For those of you who don't

know, Neat Co. makes scanners that are coupled with software that assist you

in creating organizational systems for all of your paperwork needs.

I will admit was a little trepidations about what to except at this shoot.

I've never done anything on camera before in my life.

The whole process started with a chat with the director...this is where the

surreal parts started.

I went out to California for the shoot and stayed at an amazing hotel. I

took my daily runs on the Stanford campus and walked to Starbucks daily.  I

did a little shopping and a lot of exploring.  The weather was beautiful

compared to back home in the North East. I loved every minute of it and I

hadn't even started yet.

On the day of the shoot I was whisked into hair and makeup.  The most

amazing artist did my hair and makeup.  She worked for about an hour and I

didn't look the least bit unnatural.  If I do say so myself, I looked like

an amazing version of myself.

Wardrobe was next.  The wardrobe person was also awesome and knew exactly

what was flattering.

The shoot itself was amazingly fun.  There were all sorts of moving parts,

the lighting guys, the camera man, the sound guys, set people, the makeup

artist watching to make sure things looked good on camera, the company

watched from afar and the director was right there with me the whole time.

I had so much fun chatting about the products and discussing exactly why I

love it both personally and professionally.

It all went by so fast, I'm sad its over.  I really was amazed at the

professionalism of everyone, the ease of the process and how much fun it

was.  

It really opened my eyes to a whole new world of experiences and

opportunities.  I don't have the date when the commercial will run, but I

will be sure to keep you all posted!

Fairfield, CT St. Patty's Day Race

This past weekend I ran the Fairfield, CT St. Patty's Day Race. I will openly admit I almost didn't go.  I woke up and was exhausted.  I've traveled a LOT for business lately (10 out of the last 14 days) and I've been fighting a nasty case of bronchitis the whole time.  While I ran while I was away, it wasn't any set distance and I didn't stick with my training schedule that includes speed work, weights, etc.

But I took a look at the clothes I had placed out the night before and got dressed.  I had on pleated running skirt, green compression knee socks, pigtails and clip in green bows I had made.  Cute and comfy.

When I arrived I was shocked at how large the race was.  Its the biggest I've run in thus far.  However, I grabbed my number quickly and was ready to hit the porta potty.  However, so were about 100 other racers and there were three of them.  So I opted to skip it.

I lined up where I usually do and at the start line there were bagpipes playing.  Nice touch.  By far I wasn't the craziest dressed.  There was lots of green, lots of hair dye, costumes, etc. I can easily go a little crazier next year!

The course was flat and nice.  However, they didn't really close the roads and some drivers weren't crazy about waiting and edged runners over to the side of the road. There was an aid station at the 2 mile mark.  This time I stopped and walked for a few steps.  I've learned my lesson choking on water too many times already.

My watch and the mile splits were about two minutes off each other but I think its because I started my watch when I crossed the start line instead of when they started the race.  (Which I was so far back I didn't hear a gun, whistle or anything like that.)

The neighborhoods were pretty and there was a breeze from the beach. Lots of people sat on their laws cheering and clapping.  I love that!  Two very small kids wanted to high five the runners...so of course, I ran over to them to make them happy.

There were lots of rugby players at the race and cheering their fellow players on.  There were also tons of people with dogs at the race.  Next year, I hope my Roxy is ready for prime time and can come to the race.

After the race, the runners were shuttled into a beach building for water, bagels, chili etc.  I'm not a big public food kind of person so we grabbed some water and hit the road and found a great new little Mexican place on the ride home.  And no one even looked at me like I was crazy for being dressed the way I was!

Although I'm not thrilled with my time, I'm thrilled that I ran the whole four miles, no walking, breaks etc.  This is especially considering I've been sick, traveling and I'm still within the six month mark of my injury and four miles is more than I could dream of last September.

Last year my husband and I went to Savannah, GA for St. Patty's Day and we had a blast.  Not able to get back this year due to my business trips, I ran this race.  However, next year I already have a race picked out in Savannah that will allow us to take our trip AND include a race.

Alo Spring Gear Review

I recently receive a pair of mesh inset capris and a high impact bra from Alo Clothing.

They were cute enough when they came out of the box, but I wasn't sure what would set them apart from my other workout gear.

I slipped them on this morning with a tank over the bra.  It was about 40 degrees in Palo Alto, California.  I was running in unknown territory and I didn't know how long I would run, if I would get too warm etc.

Well I ended up running about five miles and then covering a few more miles on foot to explore the area where I was staying.  And not only did I not need to adjust the capris, or pull them up or twist them around my legs, they were actually comfortable.  Comfy in a sweatpants at the end of the day way, not a as comfortable as possible for workout pants way.

I have the black and they are super flattering.

The bra was also super comfy.  I don't need a lot of support, but I do have a problem with straps digging into me.  The straps on this bra were just right.  I love the flattering racerback design.  I also love the fact that the very top of the bra is mesh, which is a feminine detail that can stick out above your tank.  Again, after five miles and a few hours touring around, the bra didn't pinch, pull or bother me at all.

And their clothes won't break the bank.  Check them out here: http://www.alosport.com/

Stay tuned, I'm hoping to try out some of their tees or tanks this summer! 

Work Now Play Later

I keep taking on projects.  And I'm not sure why.  Sometimes I don't realize how much I keep adding until I talk to someone else and list everything I have on my plate.  Right now I have a blog, a radio show, I run two small businesses, I'm writing a few books and I'm a full time grad student.  There are lots of other small obligations in there too, but they allude me most of the time.  

So at a recent conference I was surrounded by other type A personality types that continuously take on more projects.  I was astounded that we all thought our realities were perfectly normal and that working a large number of hours a week was completely rational.  We also all talked about the means to an end.  What could we do to create revenue so we didn't have to work?  And then I realized that most of what we DO is so we don't have to DO later on.  I'm working like a maniac now so I can take some time off this summer.

I am working to build a business so I can have others run it in the future. 

We clean the house so its done and we can enjoy it.  We do the laundry so we can enjoy the clothes again.  Its all about getting it done.  And so I'm starting to examine the way in which I do things.  I spend so much time getting things done, that I'm beginning to wonder why I don't take the time to savor those moments too.  

I'm starting with my work day.  I'm taking a few minutes every hour to play with Roxy, or a few extra minute every few hours to go out for a walk.  Why not enjoy each and every work day?  I'm rewarding myself with healthy options like tea and smoothies throughout the day to make sure I have the energy to carry on for the long hours I put in.  Its all a balancing act.  However, its not all so cut and dry or black and white...there can be fun in the every day, and I'm determined to find it.

Spring is in the Air...well at least I hope it is!

This winter has been brutal. In CT there have been times where we have had over 50 inches of snow on the ground.  The trails have been covered in snow and ice and the roads have been drastically narrowed due to plowing.  Its been tough to run.  I won't lie  My resolve has been tested by the storms, the cold and the lack of locations to run in.  However, I can see now that spring is around the corner.  And although the snow isn't quite gone, its on its way out.  And so I'm left thinking of all of the things I'd like to do this summer.

First and foremost, I can wait to get out running with my new doggie, Roxy.  I need to work with her to train her to a waist leash but it will be wonderful to have someone with me in the car on the way to the park in the morning and someone who is happy to head out on the trails.

Secondly, I can't wait to hike.  I know you can hike in the winter, but  with the injury I sustained this past fall I was over cautious this winter and was unable to use snow shoes.  So I can't wait to climb for hours and then sit on the peak and eat a soggy peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Finally, I can't wait for longer days.  I love getting outside and being outside in the spring and summer.  Even if I'm doing nothing at all, I love the sounds and scents of nature and I can't wait to put in some hard core working hours from my deck instead of my desk.

For those of you in climates that don't change, its hard to understand how freeing the changing of the seasons is and how much they mean mentally.  However, for those of us in New England is a way of life and every year, once the winter has passed we feel like we've gotten through something together, earned a merit badge and have earned the warm, sunny, summer days that lie ahead of us.

Why Not?

Well I have a four mile race this weekend and since I've been sick and

traveling non stop for the past two weeks I haven't done a run even close to

that amount.  So, I'm going to do for it, however, there may be walking

involved.  

I've been fighting what I thought was the flu and then turned into a

bronchial cold.  The air travel and hotel stays haven't been helping with

the cure.  And I will admit I've been sneaking out for some short runs.

While I was away someone asked me why I run and I had so many answers for

them, I think it was more than they bargained for.  However, the second

question I usually get after telling people I run is "Do you run marathons?"

And then I tell them no, I'm a happy girl with my 3-5 mile races, at least

for now.  I tell them that I race for fun.  I'm not fast.  They can't seem

to get their head around this last fact.

Why would someone do something if they didn't have a chance of winning?

This made me step back for a second and realize that running in one of the

very few things in my life that is strictly for fun.  I run my own company

and even events that are relatively fun in nature, such as networking

events, serve a purpose.

I spend a lot of time working through all of these details of everything I

do, what I wear, the emails I type and even the books I read.  However, when

I run I do so just to run.  Just to enjoy myself and just to have a good

time.  I wear my tutu or something else fun to remind myself not to take it

too seriously.  I love the silliness of showing up to a race in pigtails.  I

am so serious throughout the rest of my life, its such a transition.

Normally if you showed up for an event in a tutu people would look at you

like you are mentally insane.  At a race, people tell you they love it and

smile at you.  Maybe all runners are a bit crazy, but its the one part of my

life where I can go a bit crazy and still be ok.

My new joy

As some of you already know, my husband and I recently made a new addition

to our family.  We adopted a two year old border collie, Roxy.  While I knew

she was going to be a wonderful addition to our family and to my life, I had

not idea of the impact she would have and how quickly it would take hold.

From the moment I laid eyes on her I loved her.  From the moment she came

home with us and looked into my eyes with her loving ones, she turned me

into a ball of much.  She's an adopted dog so she is very concerned that she

is going to be left again, abandoned, etc.  Consequently, she is super

loving.  She loves to cuddle, lick and just be next to me or my husband.

I joke that she's my shadow.  Even when I take a shower, I can usually find

her perched on the back mat outside.

She needs some training to not bark at other people or dogs.  This is common

for adopted dogs.  Once they bond with their new owners they then become

very protective on them.  And so, we are carefully and lovingly working Roxy

through some simple activities to ease her into life.

However, every time I think of her at home I smile.  Every time I wake her

up for a walk in the morning, she brightens my day and at night I love

playing ball with her while she wags her tail happily.

I never thought I'd be a "dog Person" but I have very quickly become one and

I'm so happy about it.  I will report more on her progress as Roxy learns to

run with me and spends more and more time at the park with me as the snow

melts.