Kara Goucher's Running for Women

 This book was so inspiring. Even though I don't run marathons, there was a TON of advice for training for halfs or even 5K's. I always love hearing how people got started in running and her story didn't disappoint me. 

She talks of her struggles with injury and it's inspiring to know how HARD she works for what she does. It isn't easy, but because she loves running so much, she works for what she has. 

She has an awesome support system, as well. I really cannot say enough about this book. It is a breath of fresh air when maybe you are having some struggles with running. 

She even said something that has really stuck with me personally. She talks about how people will comment to runners about how hard it is on your knees and joints.

" The fact is, running is good for your bones and joints- including your knees! Research has shown that among other things, regular movement such as running speeds the rate at which your body naturally replaces cartilidge, which makes it stronger."

I got the idea from someone's blog ( if you know the answer, please let me know and I will credit them!) to send a book that you read and loved to someone who would love to read it and then when they are done with it, they send it to someone who would love to read it, and you create this circle. 

I thought it was a fantastic idea, so that's what I am doing. I bought the book and have sent it to Lindsey to read and she will send it to someone. All I ask is that, you write your blog name and your blog address in the inside cover. That way, we will know who has read it! 

The Jiggle Challenge Winner!

We would like to Congratulate Kelly at Life in the South for being the winner of the Jiggle Challenge!! She lost with 5.16% of her body weight! Let's not forget to give her encouragement on the rest of her weight loss journey. 

Kelly, just e-mail me or Lindsey and we will get your info to get your iTunes gift card to you- P.S.- if you don't use iTunes, let us know and we can get you something else. 

Happy Monday! 

Friday Updates!

Yesterday, as I was putting Addison's hair in a pony tail, I noticed a small piece of hair that didn't want to be a part of the pony tail party. It wanted to be free. I also noticed how said piece of hair was pretty short. And soft. And looked newly cut. So, I started inspecting and then interrogating. She wouldn't tell me much except that she had done it at MeMac's and used kitchen scissors. 

I started getting to the bottom of it, when I refused to give her a second snack until she told me the whole story. (Taking food away, works for us. Don't judge.) She apparently, snuck into the kitchen, grabbed the scissors from the counter, ran behind the couch and cut her hair, then hiding said hair behind the couch. 

Call me mean, but I told her if she ever cut her hair again, that I would shave her head or cut all of her hair to length in which she cut her hair. She promised she would NEVER do it again. We shall see...

On Tuesday, I drove up the Memphis for a photography get together from a forum, and I couldn't drive all the way to Memphis and not meet Natalie for coffee now could I? Most definitely not! 

I also got to meet her fabulous little girl, who is nothing short of exactly how I picture Addison to be in a year. Scary...

Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!! 

I Jiggle Challenge-Week 8

Hey everyone! Today is the last day of the Jiggle Challenge! Congrats to those who are still here with us because it's not easy getting out there, week after week and putting your weight on the internets! Make sure you let us know your total body fat percentage lost, that way we can accurately determine the winner. 

Speaking of winners... the winner will receive a $25 iTunes gift card from us! 

I hope everyone has gotten the encouragement they needed out this. I know life has gotten SUPER busy for me, and at times it was really hard for me to be able to get around to comment on everyone's blogs. But anyone who decides to change their eating and exercising habits is an inspiration to me. It's not easy to do. My philosophy on it is, "You have to want to be a butterfly so bad, that you are willing to stop being a caterpillar." 

So, my hat is off the everyone this week. You should give yourself a pat on the back, because you definitely deserve it. 

Please be sure to link up, no later than Friday evening, and we will announce the winner on Monday!

My Style Monday!

Happy Monday everyone! I had to do some online shopping, since it didn't look like I was going to be able to get to a mall anytime soon, so I will show you part of what came!

Black Ruffle Dress from Old Navy $16

Ruffle Tank from Old Navy- $6

Shorts- Banana Republic outlet 4 years ago

Shoes! Old Navy $17

And here is what Claire has been wearing this week! We've still had a few accidents but those have mostly happened when playing outside. 

The Jiggle Challenge- Week 7

Hello all! I am staying strong this week at 130, and I am honestly pretty happy with it. I haven't upgraded to level 3 of Ripped in 30 Days, because, honestly? Potty training is really taking it out of me! Claire is catching on wonderfully, and only have 2 accidents all day yesterday, one of which was my fault. Anywho, the plan is to do level 3 until Vegas. 

I ordered basically an entirely new wardrobe yesterday, so fingers crossed it gets here before we leave. :)

If everyone will be linked up by Friday, we will announce the winner on Monday! Please post your total percentage lost so we can determine a winner. Good Luck! 

Potty Training and a VIdeo

Today we start the potty training of Claire. Please Lord, let her be an intelligent child and potty train easier than Addison. 

Untitled from Rachel McPhillips on Vimeo.

I was reminded last night that I hadn't picked a Freschetta winner last night, so here it is!!! Congrats, Robbie! If you don't share your pizza with your preggers wife, I might have to cut you. I will get your info to the peeps of Freschetta. 

P.S.- I am pretty much a terrible blogging friend, I am trying to edit a wedding, potty train my child and we leave for Vegas in a couple of weeks... I promise to be better soon! I will be back to commenting on everyone's blogs before you know it! 

I jiggle Challenge-Week 6

Happy Thursday, peeps!! Do we really only have TWO weeks left in the jiggle challenge?!? Wowza.. you peeps better get into high gear!

We started this challenge as a way to encourage and motivate other women to change their sedentary lifestyle. We want every woman to feel amazing in their own skin and be healthy. We REALLY want to stress the importance of healthy eating and exercising. Which means, NO. FAD. DIETS. I actually hate the word diet. I am not on a diet. I am on a lifestyle change. With that said, since this IS a competition, and we will be sending the winner a prize, if you are doing something that is a fad diet, you cannot "win" this competition. I apologize for stepping on peoples toes or if I make anyone mad, but I don't this it's fair to everyone else that is exercising and eating right, if someone wins who's "diet" doesn't encourage you to eat right or exercise.

I am officially in my second week of Jillian's Ripped in 30, and I am going to say, if she doesn't rip me, I am going to be mad. My bootay is in a constant state of soreness. I can tell that the under-boob-pooch is gone. I don't have delusions of grandeur about my post children abs, but I do want them to be the best they can be. I feel stronger, but really can't see a difference in my arms yet.

We leave for Vegas at the end of the month, and I really want to look toned. I feel like I will spend most of my time in a bathing suit, and looking back over last years Jamaica pictures, I don't think I looked that good. Of course, I was also 15 lbs heavier.

How did YOU do this week?

Girls Rooms- Decorated.. FINALLY!

I thought it was about time I showed y'all the girls rooms as a finished product. 

I made the headboards and did a tutorial on that HERE. 

The got the bedding from Bed, Bath, and Beyond- I ordered in online. My sister made the crown ribbon things. The plan is to hang pictures or artwork from them, but I am waiting to see if they won't mess with them. 

The curtains are original from Addy's nursery- Pottery Barn Kids. 

The pictures, I, of course, took and the frames were black frames I had and I just spray painted them pink. 

I made the hairbow holders. 

My sister made the letters for the girls. 

She also cut the vinyl letters that go above the window and it says, "May You Grow In The Eyes Of The Lord." That was hand painted above the window in Addison's nursery, but we went with vinyl this time so it was easily removed. 

The room get's terrible lighting.. and they take horrible naps and wake up entirely too early, since the room gets SO MUCH SUN. 

These are pictures of the girls that are framed above each of their beds. 

At least Addison's bedtime drama has eased some, not completely, but I think it's s-l-o-w-l-y getting better. 

Emotional Rollercoaster

I realize that people are probably tired of hearing about the tornadoes, but it's all that I think about.

I have been having bad dreams, not sleeping well, and generally in a funk. I am so thankful that everyone I know was safe, but it's so hard to see the devastation around us. A high school friend's house was destroyed.. so many of my own memories in that house. :( 

The town has really pulled together. I think most people have power. But businesses destroyed. Homes destroyed. It's so easy for me not to want to leave the comfort of my cocoon. I have power. Internet. A house. 

I have been on an emotional rollercoaster in the past 2 weeks... thankful. nostalgic... and angry. Angry at people living their own lives. Tweeting about going to Starbucks or shopping. Do they not know what I see on a daily basis? People trying to pick up the pieces, literally, of their lives and businesses and churches. It's a complete culture shock. I was so angry for a while about everything. Not about what happened, but how people reacted. 

But I have been on that other end of the stick. "Will they not stop talking about Katrina?" Or even now, I am guilty. I have power and internet, so I am back living my life. Like nothing's changed. 

I hate going into town and seeing what has been destroyed. It's all Addison will talk about. "Look at that damage, Mama. Look at what that mean ol' tornado did. I am so mad at that tornado- someone needs to kick it's hiney." And I've even heard, "I don't want that tornado to eat me. I am scared of tornadoes." And she keeps asking where so and so's safe place was. It's too much. My baby shouldn't have to worry about things like this. 

It's time like these that I am so proud to be from a place like this. People helping people. It's what we should do. Not judge others, but offer a helping hand to those who need it. 

School started back today. I am hoping for more and more normalcy around here. I know we could all use it. 

I am ready for the healing and rebuilding process. I am trying to work on my emotions and get back to a happier place.. one that involves fashion posts and running. :) 

Freschetta by the Slice Review and Giveaway!

We love pizza around here. And pizza that you can cook in the microwave,? Consider us sold. 

The crust is thin and delicious. And the flavor? Mouth watering. 

I personally love the Six Medley Cheese, but you can get it also in BBQ Chicken, Vegetable Medley, OR Chicken,Spinach and Mushroom. 

I also received a set of locking storage containers, which totally rock. I love me some good storage containers. 

Want to win a coupon to try Freschetta by the Slice and your own set of storage containers? 

All you have to do is:

Follow my blog (Mandatory Entry)

Follow me on Twitter (Extra Entry)

Follow Freschetta on Twitter (Extra Entry)

Grab my Button (Extra Entry) 

Please leave a separate comment for each entry. 

Giveaway Ends Tuesday, May 10th at midnight.

Freschetta provided me with a set of containers and coupons for the pizza, but the ideas are solely my own. I was in no other way compensated for this review. 

I jiggle Challenge!

Hey all! Sorry I missed last week, but as I was living like a pioneer, maybe you will forgive me. 

I am happy to report that most of the city has power again and they are working SUPER hard to remove all the trees from the roads- it actually felt weird to go through town yesterday and not have to stop at every red light like a 4-way stop. 

I knew I would probably gain some weight living with my mom and since we could only eat things that didn't need to be cooked, it was a lot of chips and junk for a few days. 

Since we also had to completely start over in our fridge and freezer, there isn't any junk in there either. I just bought salad stuff to help get the few lbs I gained from moms. 

Jillian's Ripped in 30 Days also came while we were pioneering it, and I started it yesterday. My friend Jana sent me pics of her arms and abs, and she has only been doing it for 3 weeks- 2 of which have been at level 2- guys, she is looking ripped and with the Vegas trip coming up, it was just the motivator I needed. I started it yesterday and level 1 isn't bad- it's a combo of level 1 and level 2 from The Shred, but I have seen clips of week 2 and I am scared. But don't worry, Jillian suggested that I take before pictures and I did.. I just hope I will get to show you some awesome results! 

I am happy/baffled to report that this morning I weighed 128.5 on the scales. Not sure how it happened, but I will take it!

I am looking forward to seeing everyone's progress, as I missed completely from last week! 

Cullman Tornado 2011- Life Changing Events Over Here!

*This turned into a SUPER long post. Apologies.*

While I still may not be able to say, I have lived through a tornado, I came pretty dang close. 

Let me back up and say, I never check the weather. Ever. John had been telling me how bad it was going to get, and I just kept going on about my business. 

Wednesday, April 27th, I set my alarm to 4:45 to go workout.. out of pure laziness, I didn't go- I could hear the wind and a little rain, so I snoozed. John ended up getting up at 5:00 to go ahead and go into work, so he could get there before the storms hit and he could get a head start on work, since we were planning on going to Huntsville that afternoon. 

Around 5:15, I hear the sirens going off in Hanceville, I get up and get in the shower- I was pretty disgusting and needed to wash my hair. I put a tweet out for anyone to call me if I needed to take cover- kind of as a joke. I get a text from Ashley after I have gotten out of the shower saying, "Probably not your best idea. Don't get in the shower." I try to turn on the tv, but stupid electronics don't allow that to happen. I am cursing John. 

My phone rings. 

It's my mom.

"Go wake up the girls and get in the bathroom, a tornado is hitting Hanceville." 

I run and wake up the girls. Get them in the bathroom, I turn on the radio and then we lost power. 

It is pitch black in our house. 

I text Ashley. She tells me their barn is destroyed. And the power line is down, so we won't be getting power back soon. I go to pack up the girls to go to moms, and notice we have a Bradford Pear down. 

As I am driving over to moms, I see it. Trees down across 31. The barn roof off of the man that I buy strawberries from. Trees on top of houses. 

A tornado definitely came through about 1/2 mile from our house. I kind of start to freak. 

We get to moms, John wants to go to Huntsville before the second wave of storms come through that afternoon. So, we go. We get caught in Huntsville with the sirens and take cover at a malls parking deck. 

We decided to make a break for home and the whole way home the weather is weird. 

Black clouds on the left. 

Black clouds on the right. 

But blue skies over the interstate. 

Almost like a beacon for us to get home. 

We get to Cullman around 2, and decide to go home and get a few more items since we will most likely be staying there without power at our house. 

We found out that a tornado ripped through downtown Hanceville, flattening most of it. 

John drops me back off at moms and heads back to work. 

I am not there long before getting dragged into the basement. 

I keep seeing tweets about people watching hit downtown Cullman. I tried to petition for James Spann, but I lost that battle. 

I tweeted, " It's here. Things just got real." And then lost power, internet and cable. 

I walked outside with my step dad, and we kept staring at this dark black cloud towards the city limits- it was actually the tail end of the tornado. 

I get a text from John.

"We got hit."

"My car is screwed."

I can't get a phone call out. I start getting frantic. I know he texted me so he must be okay, but I am honestly scared to death. 

I finally talk to him and all he is talking about is his car. How he can't drive it and I will have to come get him. 

So, I decided to head on. As I am driving into town, it's eerie. Nothing's wrong with 278. Then, I hit Main Street. 

The gas station awning is completely turned over. 

I turned right, headed to Buettner's, and I can see nothing but trees down. Cars everywhere. I want to scream at the traffic to get out of my way. I can't turn down 7th because it's nothing but trees, so I thought, "I will go up to John and Linda's and park, make sure their houses are okay and then walk to Buettner's."

I turn down 9th. 

Trees down. Everywhere.

A man stops me and says it's blocked.

I pointed to the trees. "That's my In Laws! And my husbands grandmothers house! I've got to get to my husband, he is at Buettners!"

He says my MIL's name and tells me their house is okay, but the little white house is gone. 

Paw Paw's office. 

John's grandfather's law firm. One of the oldest houses in Cullman.

I go down as far as I can, shut the car off and start running. 

I ran through the check John and Linda's and MeMe's houses. I check on Richard, their neighbor and relative. And Paw Paw's office, indeed has a tree through it.

I get to Buettner's and half of it is missing.

Mostly from trees. 

I talked to my brother in law, Jay, who lives in Tuscaloosa. He wanted to make sure everyone was okay. 

He never tells me of the tornado headed towards Tuscaloosa. 

Once we round everyone up, make sure everyone has a safe place to go, we headed back to moms and hear about the tornado headed to Tuscaloosa. I called Jay. He told me they were at the stadium, in the locker room, but had gone up to the top to take pictures of it and it was huge. 

We don't have power at moms. We went to bed with heavy hearts. How were our friends and family? 

Bill and I decide to go walk the city on Thursday morning... and we just thought the devastation on the west side of town was bad. It's minor compared to the east side. 

This is Buettner's.. I literally took pictures here last Saturday... and half of it is missing. 

John's car. I know it doesn't look like much damage, but the only piece on that entire car that isn't scratched, is the sunroof. His windshield looks like it has bulletholes. Apparently, a garage door completely rolled over the thing. 

 Lumber yard damage.

 This is through town... mostly around First Baptist Church.. the side is all beat up because there is a tire store at the end of the block.

The east side is pretty much blocked off. You can't get back there without a pass. From what I have seen, it's terrible. Blocks are completely flattened. Churches gone. 

This is John's families damage... trees completely uprooted. The white house is Paw Paw's office. A tree smashed their storage shed. 

I am so thankful to say that I don't know anything seriously injured through this. Hundreds dead and hundreds more missing, but everyone I know is safe.