What I've been loving lately

Hello just checking in...wanted to give you guys a couple of things I've been loving lately.

1. You can never go wrong with a pair of tights. I love how comfy and cute they are. You can wear them casually or on a date night. Paired with an overside button down shirt, and your ready to hit the town!

 

 

 

 

 

2. I've really been into these puppies lately. They make my day better everytime I walk through that door. I love how D.O.G stretches like human being while getting off the bed. He puts his two front paws off of the bed and keeps the back two on his bead then lowers his tummy to the ground. Too Cute. And Kujo! He's a little handful. Just a couple of days ago I heard his little self howl for the first time. It was so cute that I almost wanted to cry.

D.O.G and Kujo

 

 

 

 

3. Disc Golf!!! If you've never been, you need to try it now! It's really fun, and if you like a little competition this is the perfect way to beat your hunny at a sport. It's a great daytime date too. And you can't beat the scenery. Of course I'm still holding the frisbee because "I have to take a picture for my blog" Drews picture was candid. So his is more real. But you get the jist.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. I've been loving me some mismatched workout gear too. I like to look super hot when I'm running.

HAAAA! I never look good when running.

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. I've been eating so much chocolate lately. My absolute favorite candy are these babies. And it always helps to read the cute little messages on the inside of the wrapper.

DELICIOUSNESS!

 

 

 

 





It's almost Friday!!! Let the countdown begin.

 

Have you ever tried Disc Golf?

 

What is your favorite candy?



Mizuno Wave Rider 15's

I have been running in basketball shoes and other various shoes not specifically made for running. I've been able to run in them okay, but man, I've been missing out with real running shoes.

The first time I ran in the Mizuno Wave Riders was a very great experience. It almost felt as if the shoes were correcting the way I was running. They encouraged me to run on my toes instead of my heels. They are super comfy and cute. I also learned that I have been wearing a half size too small in shoes. I bought these in a size 10 and they are perfect.

I'm starting to keep track of my mileage on the shoes. I've never done this before, but now I understand the importance of changing your shoes out every 350-400 miles. These shoes will definitely be lasting me a long time. I got them from RunTex in Austin Texas only because I had a gift card, but you can find them cheaper other places and even online.

What are your favorite shoe's to run in?

How many miles do you run in your shoes before you buy new one's?

DOM DOM DOM....Flu?

Last night something hit me out of nowhere. It seems that I may have caught the flu.
I decided to make it to work this morning b/c I didn't actually think I have the flu. But my co-workers were less than thrilled to see me. They were spraying lysol around everywhere and kept the door to our room open to keep from trapping the germs in our tiny room. After an hour a work, I decided it was time to leave and call the doctor....

My appointment is at 11:00. I absolutely hate going to the doctors. I hate everything about it. But I figure I'd better get well before my trip. Mom has already seen the doctor and they've told her that she does in fact have the flu. FLU SHMU.

Has anyone seen this video? I don't know what to think of it. Part of me says it's human instinct to float, but part of me thinks these babies should not be by themselves in the pool.

Miami and The Bahamas

Happy Tuesday! Thank God I was off on Monday. Truly needed it.

It appears that I haven't blogged in a very long time. I was getting side tracked. So much to do in so little time. Valentines was short and sweet. My Love went shopping on his OWN and got me some very nice things from Victoria Secret. I can't believe he did it. And he has really good taste. :]

Friday and Saturday we decided that we were party animals and went downtown Austin both nights. Not too much money was spent, but a lot of dancing did happen.

 



Backtrackng to what I said earlier..I've been so busy lately.

 Reason #1 -School started back  

 Reason #2 I've picked up more responsibility

 Reason #3 I have done a lot of shopping and making travel plans

 

I've decided that I need a vacation. Within the next 3 weeks this girl will be:

 

• Riding in an airplane for the first time ever!!!
• Going out of State for the first time (Mexico doesn't count to me)
• Will be in Miama for the first time
• Going on my second cruise
• Going to two islands in the Bahamas.
•  

I am wayyyy too excited! I will be sure to take a blogger bazillion amount of pictures and I will be writing a couple of reviews, tips, and special/key moments.

 

Yes I'm still working out!  I know it's been  while since I've wrote about it. I'm trying to get more used to the treadmill. I know it's a mental game and I know it's something I want to conquer. I want to start running some long runs on the treadmill to get mentally prepared. This will definitely help because I will constantly be wanting to stop on the treadmill but I won't. I'll tell myself to keep going and build both mental and physical endurance.

 

 

Is running on the treadmill easier or harder for you than running outside?

 

Have you gone on any vacations lately?

Have you gone to the Bahamas or Miami? Can you give me of ideas of things I must do?

Pizzaz Pizza Maker Review

Monday Morning hasn't changed, can't get outta bed! Rather go back to the dreams living in my head.

This weekend was very relaxing. I gotta lot of sleep in but no workouts :( I'm kinda upset about that, but I know I gotta get my butt back in gear and I'm definitely ready for a nice workout today...

I'm one of those people that has a bad habit of not fixing things. For example, my stove is not working so I went to go by a Pizzaz Pizza Maker.

I was kinda skeptical about buying it at first but read the reviews and saw nothing but good comments. So I went to go buy a Pizzaz and a Digorno pizza to test it out. Here were the results...

 



I thought the pizza came out better than using a conventional oven. The crust was sooo crisp and the toppings and cheese were perfect. You can adjust the temps to your liking. You start the pizza at the "dual" setting so that the pizza will cook on the top and bottom. If you want a crispier crust you can set the Pizzaz on the "Lower" setting which means it will only cook the bottom side. If you want the toppings or the cheese to be cooked more you put the Pizzaz on the "Upper" setting.

I definitely recommend this product to you. You can also make your own fresh pizza and it will come out great. You can even make potato skins, wings, quesadillas or any other things you would usually put in the conventional oven.

After testing the product out I got a little bored but also knew I had stuff I needed to get. So I met up with my Momma and we headed out to search for shower curtains. Check out this beauty I got...It's so pretty Momma had to get a matching one.

 

This shower curtain made this morning's shower glorious. It was so dark and soothing I felt like I was at a spa. Even My Love approved it.

Well this Monday means I'm back to school. This class is only an online class so that makes me extra happy. For those of you that don't know, I'm in school currently studying Criminal Justice. I only have this semester and the Summer until I receive my associates degree. I'm interested in becoming a Parole/Probation officer. After I am done with school I'm thinking about maybe taking classes to become a personal trainer as well, more for my benefit.

Are you in school for anything or if you had the chance would you go back to school?

Do you own a pizza maker?

What's your Monday looking like?

I'm done...

It's Saturday and as you can see I am home...

...and miserable.

My life story.

I just realized as I was writing this post that I'm no longer writing about myself or my interests, or what you readers like to hear. I'm not writing about anything positive like stuff you'd see on other pages. I guess because it's time to get real.

I'm tired of being 22 and still in school only to receive a degree less than what I expected out of myself.

I'm tired of being "that girl" that pretends in front of her friends and family that she has a perfect life.

I'm tired of being the girl that promotes a healthy lifestyle to others yet still lives an unhealthy life. (e.g. still smoking cigarettes and consuming ridiculous amounts of alcohol)

I'm tired of promising myself that I am going to eat healthy but 13 minutes later eat 2 slices of pizza.

I'm tired of not living the life I want to live because I'm to scared of failing at it.

I'm tired of constantly comparing myself to others.





....and I'm done being that girl that says she's tired of it but does nothing about it.

Why do you run now? --Survey

-Age: 22
-Country/State/General Vicinity: Austin Texas

-Year you ran your first mile without walking: I was never even able to run a full mile without stopping to walk until the year of 2010. I remember in school crying because a mile was SO hard for me to run.

-Year you became a “runner”?: I started to consider myself a runner when I ran the Capitol 10k last year. It was the first time that I ever ran over 3.2 miles. Since then I've been on a mission to up my mileage.

-Why you run now: I run now because I love the way it makes me feel. I love giving myself a challenge both mentally and physically and what better way to do that then Running. Everytime that I go further then what my mind thinks I can, I am filled with excitement, tears, and joy. And there's nothing like running outside to beautiful views.

 

-What’s the most you’ve ever spent on a sports bra?: Not very much. Maybe $20. I know if I get a better one I would love myself forever for it.

-First race: My first race was not much of a "race" -- for me anyways. I remember signing up with my Mom. We ended up walking most of it. But it was the first time that I attempted to run a little bit. It took me 45 minutes to finish. Now I am running 28 minute 5k's and hopefully that time will be going down too.

-Last race: My last race was the Turkey Trot 5 miler. It was kinda hard for me because I hadn't been training.

-3 races you most wish you could run:  I want to run the Tough Mudder, RnR Las Vegas, and the RnR California.

-Favorite race: My favorite race would absolutely have to be the race I got to run with my boyfriend. He never runs or trains but I was the happiest girl in the world when he told me he'd be running with me.

-Best running advice you’ve ever received: To listen to your body. When you need a break from running it is okay. Also that your body can do more than what your mind tells you.


-First running shoe: Basketball Nikes. Yes folks, hardcore runner right there. I still don't have a "real" pair of running shoes, but that all changes this month! I have two big races coming up and want to get tested for the right pair of shoes.


-Do you run with a watch?: I usually run with a watch and my HRM. But I find my most enjoyable runs are without a watch.

-Running goals for 2013: My goal for 2013 is to run my first half marathon. I'm scared shitless.

Now your turn, answer a question (or two, or three!)

Pay It Forward = 5 Giveaways!!

I've joined the 2013 Creative Pay It Forward!

The details: The first 5 people to comment with their email and blog address will receive from me, sometime in this calendar year, a gift - perhaps a book, a baked good, jewelry, music - a surprise in the mail! There will likely be no warning, and it will happen when the mood strikes me.

The catch: Those five people must make the same offer on their blog and you must follow me on Blogger.

http://renaenichole.blogspot.com/


Today I received my gift from Laura at http://www.walkinginmemphisinhighheels.com/ .
I was so excited to receive this gift from her. I didn't know when I was going to get it, but today it really made my day. She is such a sweet person and I love the idea of the Paying it forward. Check out the beautiful earrings she selected for me. I absolutely adore them and will definitely be wearing them on Valentines day.

Thanks so much Laura! You brightened my day.

A Lesson I'm Still Learning...Shit Just got Serious

It's Saturday and I'm a happy girl. I started this morning off sleeping in until about 9:30. I decided to call it a lazy morning and we didn't end up eating breakfast until 11:30. That rarely happens in this house. See, I have a hungry boyfriend and he is usually hungry all the time. But this morning I got to relax and just be lazy for a morning it felt nice.

For breakfast I ended up making him his first english muffin. I made ham and provolone cheese mcmuffins. They were delicious. And of course I had to make him two and in the end he was still hungry.

About an hour later I finally headed out for some speed work. This is very new to me. And my legs are definitely feeling it now. But I love the way it feels. It seems like I actually did some WORK!. Do work SON!! After working out I foam rolled but not nearly as long as I should have.

At this very moment I am drinking Jack Daniels Single Barrel Select. WoWzers this stuff is strong. See I told ya'll I'm a Texas Girl. Whiskey and coke sure is making my afternoon. And please don't forget the reggae music in the background.

On to a more serious issue...

This can go for guys or girls but ladies, I'm specifically talking to you!
I've found that even when I'm not consciously thinking about it, I find myself constantly comparing myself to others. I think this stems from being overweight my entire life and always wishing I looked like some else. I would think that if only I could be a size 6 I would be so much happier. Now I'm still no size 6 but I have dropped into the single digits of clothes. The happiness of getting into that size lasted all but 24 hours. Then it vanished as soon as I saw another girl that was smaller.

I don't know what it is. I like to think of myself as a strong, confident young woman but yet I always end up comparing myself to others. It could be their size, their clothes, or the amount of money they make that tends to leave me thinking I'm not good enough. But it shouldn't be about that. If I was not comparing myself to others I'd think I have a fantastic life. I would love the way I look, and more importantly I'd be the happiest I've ever been.

It makes no sense to constantly compare yourself to others. I was telling My Love that when I/Others do this, we never give ourselves a chance to love our selves. I'm ready to love myself, my body, my career, my ambitions, and everything about my life. There's always room for improvement in every one's lives. And while you may think they are perfect, they too have something about themselves that they are not the most proud of, or  a body part they don't absolutely love.

It's about OWNING what you got. It's about not caring what others think of you, but instead, what you think of yourself. I've had trouble with this my entire life. But I'm ready to take charge of who I want to be. No more comparing, judging, or changing who I am to be like someone else. Look around! There's obviously people in your life that love you, care about you, and think very highly of you. It's time to think these things about yourself.

I know it's sometimes even hard for me to go through others blogs because I'm constantly comparing my life, page views, miles, body shape to others. I know that people only post what they want to on a blog so sometimes what they post on their blog can be misleading. Many people only want to post their positives on their page for the world to see, but not their negatives. It in the past has made me think that these people were so perfect. But we all know everyone has something in their life that they are not the most proud of. But it's your decision what you portray. So be careful when reading blogs. Don't let your mind slip into thinking that you want to be like someone else. BE YOURSELF.

Friday Facts

It's Friday Ya'll!! Time to Party!!!
(after work of course)

1. Yesterday after work I went to library and got a new card.I check out 3 books that I'm pretty interested in. One of them in particular I will be doing a book review for you. It's called Mindless Eating. I'm really curious to read it because typically I am guilty of just that, Mindless Eating.

2. I'm doing a blog challenge called the 28 day blog challenge. Bascially everyday for the month of February you do something to revamp your blog. Can you imagine what my blog may look like at the end of this challenge? I'm looking forward to my blog really representing who I am as a person. Right now it's kind of on the boring side. If you want to join, simply click the 28DBC picture to the right of your screen. It will be worth it.

3. Last night I prepared homemade chalupas. They were soooo good. I know it's not the best thing for me, but it sure tasted delicious. I only had one! I promise.

4. As I told you before, I am running the Electric Run in Austin at the end of March. It's more of a fun run so I decided to tell my best friends and boyfriends they are running with me. As of now, there are over 600 teams. Angela, Alexis, and myself are already registered. My Love will be registered next week. Check out this video they put together for the event.

Tell me you DON'T want to be there!! Yah didn't think so. I can't wait!!!!

Happy Friday! I'll probably be posting again later. Boss just got in, gotta go :]