Monthly Archives: April 2012

Calories burned > calories in.

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Yesterday started early with a 10 mile run – my last long run before the Zooma half marathon next weekend.  I wasn’t sure I was in the mood for it as I woke at 7am but by the time I’d fueled myself with pancake and coffee I was excited to get going and the weather was perfect for 2 hours outside.  I was frustrated though as it took me a while to find my rhythm – sometimes I wonder why I don’t see the huge improvement I want over the course of several runs.  I find running is definitely mind over matter and once you feel out of sync it’s difficult to pull it back.  I can set out feeling exactly the same and run a scorcher one day and fall completely flat another.  Anyway I managed to get going and forced myself to floor it going up the long hill which we like to torture ourselves with.  I have a new mantra which I keep reciting in my head since I got my Newtons, ‘land, lever, lift’ – it’s quite a good rhythm to run to!  We set a good pace but I wish I’d finished stronger – I guess I’ll keep that with me as I run along a nice flat course next week aiming for a PB:)

I was very grateful to MM who not only watched the kids while I was running but then allowed me to have a nap for an hour to recharge before we headed out to dinner with Mike.  I felt like a million dollars after a good sleep and knew I could indulge guilt free after all the calories burned that morning!  I chose to wear my new AllSaints Dissolve dress.  I just love it.  It is a simple t-shirt dress with a little bit extra – and I love the long sleeves but it’s still light enough to wear on a warm evening.  I think all AllSaints clothes run big and this is a UK size 8 which I could never get into in other brands.  The Economist had this interesting piece on size inflation the other week – talk about vanity sizing! The skirt is lovely and kicks out perfectly – I have to say I felt dead sexy in it (without wanting to sound like Samantha Brick – though I recently heard a friend had labeled me a narcissist for my blogging…not bothered lol).

We had a great evening, with good conversation.  Abattoir is always one of our favorite spots and last night they had lots of my favorite vegetable on the menu – rhubarb.  My cocktail was a Rhubarb Ricky – delicious!

So a little tired today but looking forward to a fun day in the sun again.  Maybe the paddling pool will come out for the first time, and then we’re grilling out later.  I have the perfect Boden stripy tunic to wear.  This dusk stripe was actually my least favorite color of the four I bought, but I have to say I love it on – even MM said he loved it and he initially preferred the darker radish and French blue ones.  My dermatologist will be mad but everything does look a little better with a bit of sun on the skin – don’t worry I’m still wearing my SPF 30!

A visitor from afar.

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The children are very excited today.  Grandpa arrives this evening.  Mike is my father-in-law and it’s odd to realize I’ve known him for over 20 years.  It shouldn’t seem odd as that’s how long I’ve known MM* and Mike has been a constant in my adult life, and a tremendous influence on me.

Firstly I am entirely indebted to him for raising the fabulous man that I married.  His curiosity for the world at large and his fearlessness have certainly rubbed off on both his sons.  Secondly I owe him much for helping MM and I retain our sanity while we were impoverished in London.  He often visited us and filled us to the brim with indulgent meals at London restaurants that we could never have afforded on our own.  He even took us to France a couple of times, along with my brother-in-law, where we wined and dined.  From day one he has always included me in the family clan and showed no hesitation in introducing this bird from Bury to the rest of his family.  I certainly felt welcomed into the melting pot of eccentricity that I married into.

Mike makes me feel like nothing is impossible – another trait inherited by his sons – and probably one of the reasons MM pursues his entrepreneurial projects.  None of them like to conform and it is that maverick style that I adore in all 3 of them.  It’s odd to think of Mike as a maverick when he spent most of his working life in the British Civil Service.  He can’t tell me what he did – he’d have to shoot me – but I’ve guessed it must have been pretty important stuff that allowed him to travel and raise his family for a time in Cyprus before it was divided in two and they were airlifted out, and then later in Hong Kong.  Mike’s generosity was again displayed when he gifted us with tickets to Northern Cyprus for our Honeymoon to allow MM to show me why this beautiful place is so important to them.

Mike’s wife and soulmate, and my would have been mother-in-law, Pat, passed away after a short illness back in 1991, about a month after I met MM.  I never got to meet her but I often imagine us getting on like a house on fire.  I like to think I am like her in some ways – maybe not, I’ll never know, but I do know she liked a party and was extremely social.  After all these years we talk about her more often especially when the children ask why they only have one Nana.  I love listening to MM tell them stories of his childhood that include her.  I no longer feel like I’m walking on eggshells and I always learn something new.

When Mike retired early instead of tending his garden and picking up his pipe and slippers he decided it was time to see more of the world and he put his backpack on and set off on his own.  Inspiring stuff especially considering the countries he traveled to.  I often imagine, like some le Carré novel, that he already had contacts around the globe.  What I know for sure is that when he returned he had made friends in places as disparate as Japan and Bali and he still travels often now, though he is probably a little more cautious.

So although I don’t always agree with his opinions regarding politics or football I am eternally grateful to Mike for opening my eyes to a world full of opportunities and excitement…it is what you make of it and regrets are pointless.

Mike and MM celebrating Mike’s birthday last year:

Mike and MM

Mike in his seersucker with sherry:)

Seersucker and sherry

This post has turned into something I wasn’t expecting and it seems frivolous to talk about clothes now!  But I have a photo and I’m going to use it!  After saying summer is here to stay I jinxed the weather and it is flipping freezing here today.  Time for a jumper again in fact so I reached for my Boden Must have jumper in radish over my Boden Breton, along with my faithful Hudson Collin jeans and Tory Burch Eddie flats in Tory navy.  I love this radish color more than when I first bought it.  Maybe it is the fact I have a bit of color now after the beach, but I’m definitely going to trawl the site to see what else they have in radish.

Boden Must have jumper and Breton

*MM – My Man

My summer makeup.

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So summer is here to stay by the look of it.  Not only does this mean switching out my closets, but also my makeup bag.  I don’t tend to wear a lot of makeup – just foundation, concealer, eyeliner, mascara, blush and lip gloss normally.  I sometimes use a bit of loose powder too but I am starting to get more paranoid about it as I once read you should stay clear of it as you get older as it can settle in fine lines and age you.  I don’t remember where I read this or even if it holds true but it stuck with me.  I also don’t like a shiny nose and chin though, so that can present a dilemma.  That is until I discovered my new favorite product – Boots No.7 Shine Free.

For my US readers Boots is a fabulous UK retail store which I miss greatly.  They are probably best described as a cross between Ulta and CVS.  They began as a pharmacy, but I miss them for all things cosmetics plus their lunchtime sandwiches!  They have great store brands and my favorite is the No.7 line of cosmetics.  I always considered No.7 a splurge when I was younger especially compared to their 17 brand, which is cheaper, targeted to a younger market and as far as I am aware not available in the US.  Well I’m older now, plus living in the States where everything seems cheaper, including Boots No. 7 makeup, which can now be bought at Target and Ulta – hoooray!!  As I was tracking down my favorite No.7 Protect and Perfect Intense Serum, a white tube caught my eye that promised to leave me shine free – it’s now become a staple in my summer makeup.  I apply it after moisturizing and it goes on smoothly, though you can definitely feel it’s non-greasy and it has a different consistency to anything else I’ve tried.  As soon as it’s applied you are instantly shine free, with no discoloration or chalkiness, so you don’t even need to apply foundation if you, like me, prefer to be low maintenance in the summer.  It’s perfect and highly recommended.

Shine Free

So as I wander around shine free I’ve had two vastly different temperatures to deal with.  Yesterday was in the 80’s and today was only mid 60’s so it was back to the jeans.  As I’m growing my hair I’ve taken to just sweeping it back with some pomade while it’s still wet.  MM likes it but then a friend at the bus stop said I was channeling Pat Benatar – not sure that is a compliment.

Yesterday’s outfit was a fab Target dress from 2 years ago bought for probably $15, a J.Crew lightweight cashmere cardigan, my Frye Carson pull ons in fawn, and some lovely Ralph Lauren turquoise earrings that I got dirt cheap at Nordstrom Rack.

Today I was out and about in my Hudson Collin jeans, AllSaints plume jumper and Tory Burch Eddie flats in musk.  I love this plume jumper it’s really lightweight, super easy to wear and conceals any imperfections around the midriff – what more does a girl need?

Oh and I love the earrings I wore today.  Kenneth Cole does great quality, ‘urban’ style jewelry that is easy to wear and not overly distracting.

Day of rest.

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After 4 days of manic workouts to try and shift the Tybee indulgences I opted for a day of rest.  It has been welcomed by my body though my mind is restless – I think I’m just plain tired.  I’m glad I did rest as it was freezing cold at the bus stop this morning then sweltering as I arrived home this afternoon – neither option tempted me out for a run.  Plus I got to rest my foot which is still bugging me after rolling it playing tennis 3 weeks ago.  I can’t have broken anything as I’ve run on it, but it’s stiff and bruised on the top near the ankle making me aware of every step.  Frustrating to say the least with less than 2 weeks to go to the Lake Lanier Zooma half.  Anyway I’ve been following RunningInMommyland‘s advice and writing the alphabet with my big toe which seems to be loosening the tightness – and of course the ice pack helps.  All due to prancing around on a tennis court for the first time in 12 years!  On the bright side I have a back pocket excuse in case I choke on the 22nd:)

I did get out for a quick 4 miles in yesterday which was fun in my new Newtons!  All around I’ve seen more and more people opting for them and raving about them…so I caved and bought some to make me run fast.  I’m glad I visited the running store as I discovered I’d been wearing shoes at least 1/2 size too small – hence the nasty blisters in the Georgia half – which I’d attributed to poor fitting socks.  That news gave me all the justification I needed to buy these beauties and on my first outing in them I’m optimistic – they felt great even with the stiff foot.

Newton Gravity

No one in this house wanted to get up this morning – first Monday back after a fabulous spring break was a tough one.  Thankfully I’d chosen my wardrobe quickly last night before jumping in bed.  It always saves me at least 10 minutes, which are crucial at 6am when I have an almost 6 year old deliberating over her attire each day.

So today I opted for my old faithful French Connection polka dot tee, my favorite AllSaints Cerulean cardigan (I SO want the grey in this too!), Hudson Collin jeans and Sam Edelman Alvin shoes in black – perhaps the most comfortable shoes I own.

Day of rest.

 

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Bubba’s nerves of steel.

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I’m not particularly religious, at least not by the standards set by the Southern States, but Easter is my new favorite holiday.  It encapsulates all the things I love about the other holidays such as family, food, giving thanks and taking time to appreciate the wonders of the world, but it also excludes all the material aspects associated with other holidays that I am beginning to loathe.  I have spent a fabulous weekend with my family just hanging out, running in the sunshine, eating frozen yogurt, roasting a leg of lamb, giggling with the kids and cheering on Bubba Watson in the Masters.

I’ve always enjoyed watching golf.  It’s odd I’ve never played, in fact it’s quite shameful given all those student discounts on the Old Course I could have taken advantage of.  My Dad played when I was younger and I always remember it being on t.v. so somehow I became familiar with both the names and the rules and I gained an appreciation for the skill the top players have.  Living in Georgia provides me with an added incentive to watch the Masters, not to mention my intrigue with the pomp and ceremony, elitism and exclusivity of Augusta.  To be honest it really doesn’t concern me that women are excluded from membership.  I am amused however how it is discussed every year – yes we get it – but don’t watch it if you don’t approve.  For me the Masters signals that Spring has truly arrived and the immaculate fairways, azaleas and edge-of-the-seat shots never cease to impress me.

This year’s tournament has had me hooked and the last round today was thrilling.  Louis Oosthuizen played an amazing second hole with a double eagle but then lost it to Bubba Watson in a playoff.  Bubba is a down to earth guy who is easy to like.  He is exciting to watch – left handed and has never had a golf lesson in his life – apparently.  Still he can hit that tiny ball further than many players in the game and he held his nerve today to win.  Plus he used to play for the University of Georgia so another reason to root for him.  Of course he melted all our hearts when his final putt won him the green jacket and he sobbed his way off the green.  Well done Bubba.

Bubba Watson

Home Sweet Home.

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Tybee Island is a fabulous place – I highly recommend it.  I think we have found our annual Spring Break destination.  Everything was great – great weather, great beach, great basic accommodation and great planning by MM.  We stayed at the campsite, which is why we intentionally only stayed 2 nights.  Having not been before we were unsure of what a ‘cabin’ would be like and exactly how tight quarters would be at night.  As it turns out it was fine – even slightly bigger than the ‘caravan’ we stayed in in France last year.  Of course it was made more bearable by the deck that functioned as an extra room in the evenings.  MM and I ended up bed hopping with the kids though as they were a bit disorientated with the bunk beds…just like the old days I never knew where everyone was going to be when I got up in the morning:)

As I mentioned MM planned perfectly.  In fact we both drafted Excel spreadsheets (yes we are nerds and old habits die hard!) before we left and they matched almost perfectly, listing all the items we needed…great minds think alike!  We even remembered the coffee machine so sanity was preserved each morning.  We wanted to spend as little time as possible in stores so we even took our own wine, beverages and snacks.  It all worked out perfectly and I was able to enjoy a chilled beaker of wine while Daddy frolicked in the Atlantic with the kids.

We ate out one night but to be honest I am no fan of eating with all the other Atlantans on spring break, at over priced, beach side restaurants, so my favorite meal was a large pizza on the cabin deck with a home made margarita:)  It was noticeable how much easier holidaying with an almost 6 year old and a 4 year old is compared to last year.  All they seem to need is a good peanut butter sandwich, markers and paper and they are perfectly happy.  We even had art work to present to the slightly high pizza delivery guy.

The only bummer was driving back on the freeway yesterday.  We were informed by our son that he was ‘absolutely desperate’ for the loo.  Now why do they always wait till they are in dire need to inform us?  Anyway MM sped up to try and find an appropriate, safe place to stop, and crumbs there he was waiting to snare us with his radar gun.  Shucks – a speeding ticket, deserved I know, but a bummer non the less.  Oh well at least we saved on the restaurant dinners:)

The Spanish Moss of the Deep South in Savannah:

Savannah

Hanging out on the cabin deck:

On the deck

The perfect beach:

The perfect beach

My favorite beaker:)

Ahhhhh.....

The perfect place for a nap….

Time to nap