Category Archives: Life

Sinks, tubs and faucets (taps!)

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Thoroughly exhausted.  I woke last night to the panicky feeling that I needed to do something, though I had no idea what and then couldn’t get back to sleep – and that was at 2.45am!  I can’t complain though as I have a feeling that my sister is feeling more tired than I am after a marathon labor that produced my new nephew at 6 minutes to midnight last night.  He still has no name which makes me giggle.  It demonstrates how different my sister and I are as I had both my children’s names picked before my third trimester – I think I’d even practiced writing them down and Googled them to check there were no criminals or weirdos with the same names.

This morning was spent having fun picking out tiles, tubs, sinks and faucets for our new master bathroom.  Talk about overwhelming – I had no idea there were so many types of white subway tile, never mind worrying about picking the right kind of sink for the modern aesthetic we’re aiming for.  I even had to get in tubs to check them for comfort which was a tad embarrassing given the unsightly state of my feet after losing a toenail after the weekend’s race!  Anyway I feel like we’re on the right path to the desired end result, though I’m dreading the weeks of turmoil, dust and workmen ahead.

Needing a bit of color I opted to wear my radish Effortless cardigan over my AllSaints Tilly Tee, with my Hudson jeans and Tory Burch navy Eddies.  I love the cardigan and had several complements throughout the day – this color really is one of my favorites.

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Why do we blog…?

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I’ve just been interviewed by a journalist about blogging.  Some of the questions she posed really got me thinking.  Why do we blog?  I don’t do it to improve my self worth, self promote or to become an authority on anything.  I do it pure and simply because I like writing.  For me it is like writing a journal entry.  A quiet moment in the day, just me, my laptop and occasionally a glass of wine.  Initially it was also to help me feel connected with both of my homes here in the US and back in the UK, but now it’s also to stay connected with the many fabulous new friends I have met through blogging.

The virtual blogging world is non judgmental.  It is full of camaraderie and support – maybe because we are all wearing our hearts on our sleeves, we can each relate to the vulnerability of exposing snippets of our lives on the internet?  I am no longer surprised by how many like minded, strong, intelligent women I meet via blogging.  Our time with our laptops allows us to unload at the end of the day and then chat with each other about the joys and successes or the trials and tribulations we’ve experienced.

Of course there are many bloggers who are now professional/career bloggers.  Many are Moms who have had a career change or find that people value their opinion and advice.  I personally would never want to claim to be an authority on parenting, running, what to wear or anything else I write about – but I do enjoy sharing my opinions (my siblings will concur).  A recent article identified 7 categories of bloggers and I probably align closest with the ‘opinionated’.

She was particularly interested in differences between ‘mommy’ bloggers here in the US versus the UK.  Having thought about it I think there are more similarities than differences.  Our virtual blogging world is of course global.  Checking my visits today I have had views from Brazil to Oman and from Spain to Malaysia – amazing.

I think some of the similarities of blogging in different geographies include:

–       There are both sophisticated mom bloggers who have turned it into a profession, and amateur bloggers who are in it just for fun

–       Many moms who have had their kids, regardless of location, or whether they work or stay home, are looking for another outlet – I find blogging is the perfect ‘me time’

–        Blogging is a way of connecting with people between getting the kids off to school – often done while enjoying a glass of wine after the kids have gone to bed.  It’s certainly more fun than watching t.v.!

–       Thanks to Facebook and Twitter women everywhere are becoming more comfortable with sharing information thus pushing the boundaries of what would have been acceptable

–       Women relate to ‘real’ women – not models and women on reality shows

–       There are moms around the world who, like me, have established blogs as personal journals for motivation or goal setting (e.g. running)

–       Many brands that people follow or are loyal to – for me for example Boden, AllSaints and Tory Burch, are available globally

–       Mommy blogger networks and recognition or awards for bloggers exist globally e.g. Mom Summit, and Marie Claire blogger awards

I did start to wonder, hypothetically, if there is something culturally different between a UK blogger and a US blogger.  I definitely see more bloggers like myself, taking photographs in front of the mirror, coming out of the UK.  Are we thicker skinned?  Does our self deprecating humor allow us to shrug off negative comments?  Are we less worried about looking perfect?  What do you think – is there a difference?

One thing I know for sure these days, after 4 months of blogging, is that even though they say everyone has a book in them, I’m convinced everyone has a blog in them.

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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

Packing for 4.

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Yeah Spring Break is here!  Everyone in this family needs it.  7am school bus rides take their toll on all of us after a while.  My daughter has been asking for regular updates on ‘how many more sleeps’ there are until we go to the beach.  It’s fun to see how excited she is.  I’m not quite so excited yet as I have to pack for a family of 4 camping for 2 nights, and of course you need as much stuff for 2 nights as you do for 5 ranging from pillows to dixie cups, and from spf 30 to toilet roll.  I know we will forget something – the test will be is it something we can do without?  I’ll just make certain that my cocktail shaker makes it:)

Prior to everyone disappearing on Spring Break my running buddy and I went for a 10 miler yesterday.  I found it really tough – I don’t know what is wrong with me.  I had no significant aches or pains but just felt like I had low energy, my body and soul just wanted to give up.  Maybe a couple of days of rest at the beach will help?  I hope so as I’ve got another half fast approaching in April.

As I went to meet the school bus yesterday I was shocked to discover our only immediate neighbor has put her house on the market.  Spring is definitely the time everyone tests the market as most families want to move before the start of the next school year in August.  We don’t talk a lot, but she is a great neighbor, mainly because we do both just get on with our lives with little interference so I will miss her.  However it would be fantastic if we get another younger family moving in.  We’re in a good school district so fingers crossed.  I also really hope she gets what she has listed it for – it’ll certainly do wonders for our house value and prove to me that the Buckhead Bubble is recession proof.

So I’m going to take a few days off being online – I’ll be back next week with stories from Tybee.

I made it a Boden day.

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After vehemently defending Boden and then reading another article rehashing the same story in the Independent yesterday I knew I needed to wear my favorite brand with pride, or smugness if you want to call it that.  To be honest I’m still really confused about why these articles have been written in the first place?  The price of Boden keeps coming into question but this season I have seen many more items than usual sell out sooner so it’s obviously not too expensive for us Boden fans, especially when we use the frequently offered codes.  Of course it would be great to spend less but then isn’t that how a brand becomes ‘masstige‘?  One of my greatest fears is that Boden will become too mainstream, I don’t want everyone buying my favorite clothes, I don’t mind a few of you doing so but please not everyone.

So I showed my support with two lovely Boden ensembles (with a bit of JCrew thrown in).  As I was running errands in the spring sunshine I wore my candy striped long sleeved Breton with my JCrew polka dot shorts and slim Havaianas.  I really love the Bretons they are so soft and I adore the shape of the neck – I definitely plan to purchase a couple more colors this season.

Boden Breton, JCrew shorts

In the evening MM and I were heading out for dinner for the first time in weeks and I wore my Show Stopping tunic for the first time.  This item just demonstrates the value of Boden – I paid $58 for this gorgeous little silk number and I feel fabulous in it.  Unfortunately they are all sold out in the clearance section so thank goodness I got the Fern color too!  I’m also wearing Boden leggings which in my experience are the comfiest, softest, shape keeping leggings I have bought.

Show stopping tunic

My choice of nail polish worked great with both outfits and I’d chosen it before even planning what to wear.  It’s Essie’s Smooth Sailing – a gorgeous blue with a hint of sparkle in it – great for spring.

We went to the Floataway Cafe, which is a sister restaurant of some of the best restaurants in Altanta – Bacchanalia et al.  We had a fabulous time and the food was great – as you can see I refueled after my run with hanger steak, fries and asparagus followed by syrup sponge – delicious.  The only negative bit of the evening was the time it took to get a taxi home.  Atlanta just isn’t designed for people who don’t want to drive.  You practically feel guilty for wanting more than one drink as it becomes such a bind to get home.  I’m convinced there are countless drunk drivers out there on a weekend evening in Atlanta because getting a cab home is so time consuming – it’s sad.  People who choose to get a taxi should be applauded not made to feel like they are putting someone out – surely a restaurant should take care of you and keep you happy while you are waiting in their premises for a cab home?  Not so last night I’m afraid, which unfortunately means it is unlikely we will return for a while as one of us will have to drive, and that sucks on a date night.

As you can see though the food was divine…

The day before…

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After spending so much time recently at the YMCA I’ve decided to try playing tennis again.  I say ‘again’ but I’ve never really played.  I had lessons when I was young and had all the gear – the Donnay racquet (Bjorn Borg’s brand of course), the white skirt and the green flash trainers.  I then didn’t play again until probably 2000 when we moved here and we discovered tennis courts everywhere.  We hit a ball around in a futile attempt to stay fit before going to the bar for a pitcher of bud light.  Anyway here I am again trying not to make it a fad – I haven’t splurged on an unnecessarily cool racquet (yet), instead I sensibly bought a cheap one that will suffice until I can actually hit the ball.

While out fulfilling my dreams of becoming an all around athlete by buying the requisite gear, I popped into New Balance just to see what tennis shoes they had.  I am now completely brand loyal when it comes to New Balance and their running shoes, after falling in love with the previously reviewed W890s.  As soon as I walked in the store I was mesmerized by their new minimalist running shoe the Minimus Zero.  The lovely Brandon encouraged me to try a pair and all thoughts of tennis shoes evaporated.  As an ex-brander I have to say I fell in love with the New Balance store experience.  The store itself is open, spacious and well merchandised and within a minute of being in the store someone was there to help.  What blew me away though was it was the first time in years where a sales assistant pulled out the old style stool with the foot rest on it so he could put the shoe on and tie it for me.  Talk about a Cinderella moment!  And of course the glass slipper fit and I walked out with these gorgeous things.

New Balance WR00SP

Now I just have to adapt my running style and see if this minimal running lark is for me – obviously this will be done after the race tomorrow.

As the countdown continues to the Georgia Half Marathon tomorrow morning I’ve been trying to stay calm and take it easy, or at least distract myself from the building nerves and adrenalin.  As much as I have been trying to restrict myself from any form of exercise, and use this week to rest, yesterday morning I found myself climbing the walls so I packed myself off to 90 minutes of hot yoga.  Yet again I left the class wondering why on earth I don’t do it every week – even my instructor said I looked physically different when I left – all the tension had left my face and body.  I tried not to overdo it and just go with the flow and at the end of the class I was detoxed, stretched and strengthened, I felt like I could conquer the world.  13.1 miles tomorrow will do though.

Spring is well and truly here and though I am happy for a little sunshine tomorrow morning I’m a tad nervous that it will either be a) way too hot and I’ll get dehydrated or b) there will be a thunder storm and they will stop the run.  As of now the forecast is for high 50s at the start of the race and only a 20% chance of a storm so fingers crossed the weather will be perfect.  Of course by 9am it could be a lot warmer and though the race starts at 7am I am in the 8th corral so it could take some time to even start the race and get going.  I know the way well downtown to the start at Centennial Park but with roads closing etc. I decided to do the drive down there today and make sure I knew where parking is and so on.  My friend was also supposed to be running but after many miles of training she fell and hurt her knee so sadly has had to pull out this year, however she very kindly passed on her VIP pass to me.  This fabulous package entitles me to parking right next to the start, a continental breakfast, post race massage and a VIP lunch – needless to say I feel a bit of a flake using it after just running a half as there will be many more deserving 26.2 mile runners, but it certainly helps reduce some of the pre-race anxiety.

Fortunately everyone else was happy to drive downtown with me as we promised to take the kids to the St. Patrick’s day parade.  MM was somewhat reluctant as he still can’t get to grips with the U.S. celebrating St. Patrick’s day in such an over the top fashion.  Well at least 3 of us were in our green to avoid a pinch, and I shed a tear as soon as I heard the military band.  I’m not sure what it is – I inherited it – but I always cry when I see/hear a marching band.

Here’s how I wore my green for the day: JCrew green 4″ chino shorts (4″ are available online only), Boden long sleeved Breton which coincidentally I LOVE – it’s so soft and I love the neck line, and navy Havaianas slim.

JCrew shorts, Boden Breton top, Havaianas

I accessorized with this little beauty bought a couple of years ago from Anthropology.

Anthropology

So for this evening it’ll be the second weekend night in a row alcohol free – unheard of in my neck of the woods…but hopefully worth it.  The coconut water and chia seeds will be my beverage of choice tonight – maybe I can make it green and join in the craic?

Coconut water and chia seeds

Kreativ Blogger award…

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I’d like to thank Anne at Writing by the Numbers who awarded me with the Kreativ Blogger award.  It’s lovely to be appreciated and know someone actually reads my posts:)  Anne blogs about writing, running and her opinions on life in general including coffee🙂

Rules for the award:

1. Thank the award givers and link back to them in your post. (check)

2. Copy the award and post it. (check)

3. Tell readers seven things about yourself. (below)

4. Award multiple others and tell them about the award. (see below)

 

Now my seven things:

1.  I started blogging 3 months ago and I’m amazed at how fulfilling and fun it is – I wonder what all my friends think about it.

2.  My Husband who I met over 20 years ago is my best friend, the love of my life and can still elicit every emotion in me.

3.  I’ve worked in a range of disciplines from IT to marketing, for/with nearly every corporation in Altanta – The Home Depot, IHG, Coca Cola, At&t and more.  I am now happier and more satisfied than ever working part time for my Husband at Pregnancy & Newborn magazine.  I question why I spent so much energy and time striving for a corporate career.

4.  I want to divide my year equally between London, Atlanta and France.

5.  I am a shopaholic and rarely go a week without buying something – even if it is only a new nail polish.

6.  I miss my family and friends in the UK more than words can describe.

7.  I love living in the US with my Husband and children more than words can describe.

 

And here are the others I wish to award – please visit them and say hi.

1. http://styleguile.blogspot.com/

2. http://mysuperfluities.blogspot.com/

3. http://schoolgatestyle.blogspot.com/

4. http://runninginmommyland.com/

Getting clean.

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This morning I’ve opened a window in every room of the house.  It is perfect.  Sun is flooding in, the birds are singing and I can smell spring.  It is the most perfect day to choose to work from home.  The coffee pot is on and the dogs are lying in a sun trap on the rug.  Working from home is always incredibly productive from me – I tend to work in energetic bursts and complete tasks more quickly without the distractions in the office.  I’d never give up the office entirely as I love the human interaction but it is bliss being able to work from home when I fancy it.

As I had my first coffee this morning I was indulging in watching Matt Lauer on the Today Show.  We grew quite close on my maternity leaves and it’s nice that we can spend some time catching up occasionally.  A feature that grabbed my attention this morning was about the beauty of growing old gracefully and various brands embracing older models.  You can watch it by clicking here.  Mac Cosmetics recently used one of my idols, Iris Apfel, in a campaign.  She looks amazing and always makes such a statement as the ‘world’s oldest living teenager’.  Even at 90 she is always incredibly decked out, with perfect make up, great accessories and her trademark glasses.  THAT is how I’m going to rock it in my 90’s – sorry in advance for stealing your look Iris.

Iris Apfel

Well Iris and the Today Show got me thinking.  As much as I love trying to ‘look good’ I am constantly aware of the pressures trying to look young.  We’ve all heard it before that the media and the fashion industry are pushing younger looking models, with skeletal, pre-pubescent figures.  Last year I succumbed.  I have to say it was more for experimentation than feeling that I looked old, but whatever the reason I went ahead and tried fillers and Dysport (similar to Botox).  There must be a masochistic side to me as I really didn’t mind the needles.  There was a slight, noticeable difference pre and post treatment but not significant enough to encourage me to try it again.  Occasionally I do worry about aging and certain situations make me consider our mortality, especially since becoming a mom.  What scares me more though is the precedent I may be setting for my beautiful daughter that it is okay to stick stuff in your face.  I want her to see the beauty in growing old gracefully, with style and panache.  I am now firmly of the belief that our lines should be treated as trophies of all that we have achieved, the wisdom we have acquired and a celebration that we have lived long enough to acquire a few life lines.

As I gazed in the mirror this morning inspecting my life lines I noticed my skin was actually in pretty good nick.  Until 3 months ago I was a ‘social’ smoker.  I started smoking in 1987 after making my Mum and Dad quit – I told them they would make me an orphan – brutal hey?  MM and I partied hard in the 90’s and I continued to smoke regularly – we were invincible back then.  When we moved to the US I tried many times to quit.  MM went cold turkey and stopped completely probably 6 years ago?  I maintained a ‘social’ habit.  Unfortunately I have been taken in by the glamor of smoking.  For those of you who are rabid anti-smokers I know it is tough to even comprehend, but when getting ready to go out there was nothing more satisfying than having a decadent cigarette in my glad rags.  Well as my children have grown older and my sense of mortality has become stronger I knew it was time to kick it into touch other wise I’d be kicking the bucket.  I’ve still no idea how I did it but just before Christmas I had my last cigarette and I’ve not missed them in the slightest.  Obviously I feel healthier than ever, running further and stronger than ever, and my skin has also benefited significantly.  It is hydrated, smooth and dare I say glowing or dewy?

So I’ve dumped a lot of stuff on you all this morning – all with positive outcomes, so please don’t judge me too harshly.  Now I just need to find a couple of new healthy vices:)

Working from home I threw on last year’s JCrew shorts and a JCrew cotton sweater from a few years ago – I love the blue color.  The Havaianas are out – these are the grey slim style.  I think I have almost every color and I prefer the slim style as they have a skinnier thong.  I threw on some big earrings to add a bit of bling to an otherwise basic outfit.  I’m resting on the nail polish for now to give my nails a break – my big treat after the race on Sunday will be a spa pedicure:)

Shorts and flip flops!

Ever increasing social circles.

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I was a bit fuzzy this morning after a late night last night.  We went out for tacos and margaritas with our neighbors and had a fabulous time, but stayed a little later than I anticipated – mainly because we were having so much fun.  I feel very lucky to live in a neighborhood with such fun friends for both the children and us.  Summer is going to be a blast!

My daughter is definitely benefiting from her ever increasing social circle and numerous play dates.  She seems to be blossoming.  Recently we’ve had a few play dates with her friend across the street, then yesterday she started gymnastics with another friend from kindergarten, and today we have a couple of girls spending the afternoon with us as it was early release from school.  Our fabulous YMCA held an event to help us moms out and the girls ran riot, having a great time on the bouncy castles and practicing their gymnastics.  Then we went for frozen yogurt at my insistence:)  Frozen yogurt is not the only benefit I reap – I’ve been lucky enough to meet some great Moms.  It’s lovely to have the chance for a good gossip so we can put the world to rights.

No workout yet today – I’m hoping I can do it once all my child minding duties are done.  I’m certainly aching from the past two days so it must be having some effect – I can even feel it in my abs which is unusual for me – let’s hope it’s that 6-pack developing.  Maybe my chia seed drink will offset the damage done by the margaritas last night?  I’m mixing a tablespoon of seeds with water, a little honey and lime juice – it’s actually fairly palatable but it hasn’t made me feel like running 50 miles just for the hell of it yet.

No outfit photo today either as I am wearing my Nike pro capris and a sweater – very appropriate for play dates and the YMCA…I better not get into the habit of wearing my workout gear all the time though;)

As I was getting our YMCA membership cards together today I couldn’t help but giggle at my son’s.  This is his first mug shot and his demonstration of smiling for the camera, bless him.

…And suddenly everything is right.

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Firstly it is confession time.  After contemplating growing my hair I then decided that before embarking on such a painful process I should at least go as short as I dare.  So on Thursday evening I went to see the lovely O’Neil at Van Michael and got it all chopped off – even my trusty little asymmetrical fringe that has been my comfort blanket for so long.  I have to say I quite like it, it requires no time at all to style, not even a blow dry, and it is certainly very different from the ubiquitous long, blonde hair seen here in Atlanta.  I’m still giving myself a little fright every time I check the mirror as there is a lot more ‘face’ showing, but it’s definitely settling in on me.  I find I’ve been spending a little more time on my make-up especially around my eyes as I want to keep it soft and feminine.  There’s definitely a danger of looking too severe with such short hair.  The other bonus is that MM loves it – I’m very lucky to have a man that appreciates the confidence it requires to sport such short hair, he very kindly said it was very ‘Paris chic’ – hey I’ll take it!  As of now I’m planning on keeping it like this for a couple of months, maybe over the summer too as it is super for the heat and humidity we have here.  Then I’ll start growing it – for sure this time.

Today I am wearing my new haircut along with a 2011 Boden cashmere tunic, Gap jeggings, and my taupe Frye Shirley over the knee boots.

Friday was hectic, first a bike ride with an old friend, then lots of cleaning and preparation for Saturday’s birthday party for my son.  Prior to the tornadoes arriving, I managed to persuade my daughter to visit the shoe shop with me for her new spring/summer school shoes.  I’m very old school and have inherited my obsession for ‘sensible’ shoes for my children from my own wonderful Mum, who bought me Clarks shoes every school year, long after many of my friends were wearing ‘trendy’ shoes.  Unfortunately it didn’t save me from wreaking havoc on my feet in my late teens with badly fitting white stilettos.  I find the choice here to be pretty minimal compared to the children’s shoes available in Europe.  We have Stride Rite but I find them pretty predictable with their styles and the boys shoes are just so nerdy!  This time we visited a store here in Buckhead called Sprong.  Again though I was a little disappointed with the choice.  Am I the only Mom in Atlanta who wants closed toe and closed heel shoes for their daughter even in the summer?  I know it gets hot here, but from painful experience, sandals with no socks in the heat tend to lead to blisters, not to mention all the gravel that can get stuck under your foot.  With some help from a lovely, patient sales lady we struck gold.  I think you will agree that these See Kai Run shoes were made for Poppy, and thankfully she adores them.

The birthday party on Saturday had to be amended slightly.  After the rain all Friday night the yard was a mud pit so the bouncy castle was cancelled.  Fortunately the magician, white rabbit and twenty something kids all turned up and had a fabulous time.  The photo cake from Publix turned out a treat too and was demolished by 5pm.  We co-hosted with great friends whose son also turns 4 tomorrow, and both birthday boys were ecstatic with their haul of gifts.  Now all I have to worry about is taking Hugh for his four year old shots, ouch…

What with the chaos of the weekend I didn’t get my long weekend run so I am planning on it this evening.  I’m getting frustrated with my increased appetite from the increased running so I just ordered a bag of chia seeds.  Another fad I know, but they were recommended by Christopher McDougall, the author of “Born to Run”.  They are apparently packed full of nutrients and they swell to a gel when mixed with liquid, so not only are they supposed to give you more energy for long runs, but the also curb your appetite.  Let me know what you think if you have tried them…