Winter Goals + Bucket List

Wow. After I’ve written up everything on my various lists -- it seems like a lot. But, at the same time, we have a lot of the cold weather season ahead of us. It’s easy to curl up under a blanket and just feel despair when it’s dark and dreary. My idea behind coming up with this list is to bring some life and light into the coming months. If we’re feeling stuck as a family, I hope to consult it for inspiration. And maybe it will help spark your own bucket list of sorts!

Here are some general winter activities we want to do:

• (re-)Institute a Friday family movie night
• Take a hike in the snow with or without snowshoes
• Go ice skating
• Go sledding
• Decorate inside for the holidays
• Decorate outdoors for the holidays
• Go to brunch at the diner down the street
• Teach Ada the “true” meaning of Christmas
• Try no-screen time on Sundays
• Teach Ada to make pancakes/waffles
• Make colorful window stars 
• Make s’mores in the fireplace
• Make pizza in the fireplace
• Have an outdoor bonfire in the snow
• Make ice cream from freshly fallen snow
• Set family goals for 2018
• Go to a live hockey game downtown
• Go to the sensory play space
• Go to the children’s museum
• Go to the science center
• Go to the playground even if it’s cold
• Have indoor fun/climbing/etc. at the mall in SYR
• Go to open swim at the YMCA
• Wear matching pajamas (because YES)
• Look at the stars using Ada’s new telescope 
• Build a fort
• Have a sleepover
• Go XC skiing in the park nearby
• Mull cider and wine
• Take the whole family to the movies
• Brew a batch of beer with our friends
• Enjoy a stay-cation
• Go out to dinner as a family at a local restaurant
• Hire a babysitter (for the first time) to go on a date!
• Play in the snow
• Take a day trip to visit friends we don’t see often enough
• Take an overnight to visit family we don’t see often enough
• Have a board game night
• Learn 5 new recipes
• Weed through stuff each week/get rid of 1 box/week
• Write + illustrate a family Christmas book
• Use the slow cooker once a week/teach Ada how to make chili
• Bake sourdough bread + bagels
• Visit the library more often as a family
• Have a fondue party

And this year we want to actually use our advent calendar + fill it with activities -- one to do each day leading up to Christmas.

I’m thinking:

• Visit Wellsboro for Dickens of a Christmas
• Donate to the local food pantry
• Craft DIY candles out of beeswax
• Make a gingerbread farm (I saw one at Tractor Supply)
• Visit Santa 
• Go to the local museum for their huge tree + train display
• Take creative holiday photos 
• Buy toys for a family in need
• Memorize a few carols 
• Discover a new local holiday festival
• Have a PJ day + Christmas movie marathon
• Donate gently used toys and clothes
• Decorate Ada’s doll house
• Drink homemade hot cocoa with candy canes
• Make a popcorn garland for the tree
• Tour neighborhood Christmas lights
• Shop local for gifts
• Dry orange slices to hang on tree
• Make gifts for teachers/aides/bus driver/etc.
• Start a new tradition -- T.B.D.
• Bake Christmas cookies all day
• Make wrapping paper
• Go to a live holiday concert or show
• Write Christmas cards for family and friends
• Make ornaments for the tree, like these beeswax ornaments

Personal bucket list/to-do list:

• Knit hats for the girls
• Knit a scarf for me
• Read 3 books before the first day of spring
• Have a special self-care hour every week/take a bath 
• Take a cooking class
• Take a yoga class
• Start doing Barre3 again (at home)
• Run a 5K
• Run a 10K
• Take Ada on a mommy + daughter date every other week
• (FINALLY) make photo albums of the kids/family
• Get a pedicure
• Play holiday/folk tunes on my violin/piano
• Speed-clean the house 3x/week for 1hr/session
• Start a small get-together with girl friends (trivia night, coffee, etc.)
• Visit my friend and her new baby (due in December)
• Finish painting the living room, bedroom, and Eloise’s room
• Tidy up garage to make a “mudroom” space for coats, hats, etc.
• Organize the play room/basement to better suit our needs

I’ll be back soon with some holiday gift ideas for kids!

What’s on your winter bucket list this year?

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Life Lately + Marathon Thoughts

Wow. When will Ashley stop posting snow photos all over social media? Uh. Never, guys. I haven't seen this much snow since the blizzard of 1993 when my hometown got more than three feet. The "official" total where we live is 36" by a trained NOAA spotter. I didn't measure quite that much, but I looked up the spotter's latitude and longitutde to find his location, and he's on a hill about a quarter mile from my house. Who knows!

If you don't follow me on Instagram, here's a photo-dump:

// Weight Watchers

I'm back on Weight Watchers strong today. (If you missed it, here are my thoughts on doing it for one month + how much weight I lost.) I never quit, I just got really lazy about it. Part of that is because I've been upping my mileage for marathon training (I'll get to that more below). I've been hungry, and it's hard balancing out how many points I should eat when I'm running more. Does anyone have any advice on that?

Still, I've noticed after being stuck inside that my bad habits have returned. I ate SO MUCH puppy chow. I drank bourbon hot cocoas by and outdoor fire. I have emotional eating issues. I eat when I'm stressed and bored. I eat while watching TV at night. I don't portion out my foods. These are all habits I need to work on if I want to reach my goals and if I just want to maintain a healthier relationship with food.

// Marathon Thoughts

Yes. I'm running a marathon. No, I'm not running a marathon race. Confused?! Don't be. My training buddy and I had a revelation. Let's train for the distance but SCREW the race. We both hate all the logistics. The hundreds of dollars. The getting up early. The stress of if the weather is dreadful on race day. You know, all of the stress. The people. Etc.

We have decided instead to map out our own course and + complete it this spring/summer.

We are still following this plan by Hal Higdon. We are on week 8, but the snow has definitely derailed some workouts. We actually have already mapped out a pretty solid route that will stop by enough places to get water, have bathrooms, and even celebrate along the way. I am excited to share that adventure with you guys when it happens. We are thinking June will likely be the time, but that could change.

I know I've written about it in the past, but I'm a runner. I rarely wear a watch. I am not in it for the racing. For the cheering sections. For the gear. For the metals. For the PRs. I don't care about all that stuff. I haven't since having Ada, it seems. I like moving. I like the meditation. The thinking time. And lately I've really enjoyed the friendship and fun of just being active with someone and talking.

// Track Season

Stephen's spring track season started last week. I heard another spouse refer to herself as a "track widow" at one point. I mean no disrespect to actual widows, but I do understand the sentiment she was expressing. He's just . . . gone a lot. During the week it isn't terrible until the meets start up on Tuesdays and Thursdays. But then on top of that it's every Saturday. Many times the days are like 12-hour days.

Perspective: I know people have it far worse. It's just a big change. I don't like changes when we're in a good routine.

I'm looking forward to the weather getting nicer because I plan to take the girls to parks, playdates, and other things to keep us all occupied. It's hard without family in the area. It'd be nice to just have dinner at the grandparents' house, go play with cousins (Ada and Eloise have no first cousins anyway), or get some babysitting every now and again -- whatever. I am thinking for next year (Eloise is still so small) that I may need to investigate an actual babysitter to help out even just with one night a week.

// Dump Meals

I am OBSESSED with these freezer dump meals, you guys. I wrote about this whole thing when I last shared about monthly meal planning and food buying. Would you like a post on this? The whole thing involves looking up a good recipe. Then you need to modify it slightly so it will work and fit inside a gallon freezer bag. Then you chop and dump in all the ingredients. You freeze it. And then you thaw it and cook the day you're planning to eat it.

So far, I like it so much better than cooking ahead and then freezing. I feel like the food comes out fresher. Tonight we are having a chickpea curry -- OMG IT SMELLS AMAZING -- and I'm going to make some 5-minute Naan for the side. If you haven't checked out that naan recipe yet -- please do. I have made all sorts of naans, but this recipe is SO fast and SO easy and SO delicious.

Happy Thursday!

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Activities For Shut-In Preschoolers

A couple years ago, I wrote about a bunch of indoor activities for young toddlers to do during the winter months (or whenever they’re stuck indoors). I can’t believe Ada’s grown so much since then, and -- thought a lot of the stuff is still fun for her -- the list needs some revision and updating.

Still, I encourage you to check out the original post with more details. You can enjoy a lot of the activities without spending much more than your time. Try having a beach party. Or make a quick sensory box. Plan an indoor picnic. Set up all your kid’s animal for a petting zoo. Or have a non-Easter egg hunt.

Now, here are a few ideas for the preschooler crowd.

#1: Quiet Boxes

I haven’t actually made any quiet boxes yet, but I’m obsessed with the idea. Basically, just get a bunch of independent play activities together and separate them by day or whatever system you choose. When your kid isn’t napping or is just getting on the brink of insanity -- pull out a box and let them explore the contents on their own. Independent play has become difficult over here since we’ve been indoors together all.the.time, so we’re working on this one a little more each day.

#2: Snow Dough

I’ve made homemade play dough, DIY craft kits, table top explosions, and all other kinds of messy play (here are 20 great ideas). Lately, Ada’s been digging snow dough, which is a simple mixture of 2 cups corn starch or arrowroot powder combined with around 1/2 a cup of canola, vegetable, or olive oil. You can add glitter for extra impact. Store in an airtight container when not in use.

#3: Rocks

I stumbled upon a box of rocks we gathered from the Jersey shore last summer. So, I figured Ada might enjoy looking at them through her magnifying glass. I also put them in a container and filled part with water. I gave her an old tooth brush and told her to clean and polish the stones. I was surprised how long she stayed transfixed with this activity!

#4: Fuzzy Caterpillars 

Take some regular glue, popsicle sticks, and poms. Then stick the poms on the sticks to make colorful caterpillars of all shapes and sizes. We even made stick houses and other shapes and designs. Plus, you can play with these furry guys long after you make them. Bonus points for googly eyes.

#5: Magnetic Dress-Up

This is the most expensive activity on the list at a whopping $10-$15, but I promise it’s worth every penny. Get your child one of those Melissa + Dough magnetic dress-up kits. They can stick the magnets on the fridge too. Ada loves trying out all the different combinations, and it’s great for her fine motor skills.

#6: Seed Planting

We’re dreaming of our summer garden already, and we’re starting off from seedlings this year. Get all the stuff you need -- seeds, planters, and soil -- and have your child help you get started. You can let them grow in a sunny room of your house even when the temperatures are frightful. Then you can have your little helper plant them with you when the winter finally lets up. Read all your seed packets carefully for growing and timing info.

#7: New Art

Try something new with art. If you do lots of paint, color with crayons. If you always do markers -- do clay. Skip the coloring books and go free-form. We recently did one of those projects where you use painters tape to make shapes, and Ada really enjoyed peeling off the tape when her paint had dried.

#8: Couch Potato

The rules around TV has somewhat gone out the window this winter. Well, not totally. But when the day is going especially bad (and you guys with cabin fever know exactly what I mean), I don’t think twice about running upstairs and snuggling in my bed with Ada watching a movie. In fact, it’s glorious. Pop a bag of popcorn to make it a full event.

#9: Baked Goods

Bake a cake. I love spending time with Ada in the kitchen. On the coldest of days, we’ve made all sorts of meals -- from slow cooker soups to baked doughnuts. The best part? Decorating the finished product. Let loose with some of your sugar rules and break out the mini marshmallows and sprinkles. It’s not like your kid is going to eat the entire cake. (Although, Stephen and I may have had a good chunk of this guy.)

#10: Outdoor Play

When all else fails, you can’t go wrong by bundling up and playing outdoors. Even in extremely cold temperatures, a few minutes is incredibly helpful. We’ve had plenty of -35 degrees F windchill days . . . and warming up the car and driving to a friend’s house or to the mall was a great alternative. Our tolerance for cold has increased as the winter had gone on, so we’ll gladly play outdoors for a stretch even when the temps are below 10. Just dress your child in many layers and cover as much skin as possible to prevent exposure. And start with small stretches of time, always supervised. 

What are your favorite activities for preschoolers during these shut-in months?

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Food, Fitness, Family

FOOD

Ada’s follow-up went well on Friday, which I’ll delve into in a moment. One reason we sometimes like going to her specialist? We get to go to Syracuse, which is like major civilization to us. We always head to the mall and some other special spots on our way home, though this time around we had a time constraint so I could get back home for a doctor appointment of my own.

Anyway, this time our special stop was Trader Joe’s! Would you believe we’ve never actually shopped there? I’ve gone in a few times to buy a couple treats, but we haven’t live anywhere near one until they put one in up north. I guess it’s a good thing, too, since I spent well over $100 in a matter of 20 minutes.

Here’s our haul:

FITNESS

Permit me to complain a bit about the weather again. I’m not one of those winter wimps, but this is getting more than ridiculous and, well, painfully awful. I actually got tears in my eyes the other day when thinking about spring -- thanks, SAD. As you can imagine, exercise has been spotty lately without a gym membership (and dwindling motivation). This is the current weather I woke up to this morning -- along with another 2-hour delay for Stephen.

RIGHT?!


Week 1: 12 miles total -- sick at end of week after this day-in-the-life post!

M: 5 mile run, 10 minutes Barre
T: 3 mile run, 30 minutes Barre
W: 4 mile run
R: OFF
F: OFF
S: OFF
S: OFF

Week 2: 15.25 miles total -- frigid, snowy, and sucky!

M: 30 minutes spin bike, 10 minutes Barre
T: 4 mile run
W: 4.6 mile run
R: OFF
F: 30 minutes spinning bike
S: 3.25 mile run
S: 45 min x-country ski, 3.5 mile run

So, yeah. Not exactly impressive mileage. But I’m staying active using what I have to do indoors. You might not notice a lot of Barre stuff in the last two weeks. I took a little time off because my monthly subscription lapsed. But we signed back up for the whole year, so I’ll be doing a lot more of that soon. Especially since it’s still so awful to run outdoors.

FAMILY

We did get a nice “break” from the cold temperatures on Sunday, when it was like 30 degrees out. It felt like spring. I was singing in the streets. So, we piled into the car and headed to a local park where people run their dogs, sled, and cross-country ski. I couldn’t find my cold weather tights, so I’m wearing two layers of pants in this photo!


And are a few photos from our trip to Syracuse.


Ada’s appointment went well, but they didn’t really examine anything. We have an MRI scheduled for six months from now, and I think that’s the one I’m most anxious for. Apparently if things were bad again, we’d be seeing symptoms. However, her issue is one that could return. If all looks good -- we will graduate to yearly checkups for a while. We are hopeful that we’ll be able to move forward since Ada seems to be doing so well.

While we were at the office, we asked to get a copy of Ada’s initial MRI report, and -- though we’ve always had all the information -- we were shocked. I hadn’t dug right into the diagnosis and all its gory details, but Ada was so close to having some major, life-altering issues. I feel very fortunate we were able to get the diagnosis and surgery when we did before irreparable damage happened. We’ll still never know why, but at this point that feels irrelevant. I’m just thankful.

Hope you guys have a great Tuesday.

Don’t forget to enter the Udi’s Pizza Hut sweeps to win a $100 gift card!

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5 Winter Homesteading Goals

Now that winter is almost here, my homesteading projects have slowed considerably. I used to spend quite a bit of time outdoors gathering up our garden’s tomatoes. I’d also spend hours in the kitchen on the weekend making recipes to fill our freezer with or otherwise preserving our CSA foods for the season ahead.

With the cold, we’ve retreated. But that doesn’t mean I’ve stopped my progress toward my goals. Instead, they have shifted to stuff I can do indoors. I’m sure I’ll have more to add to this list, but for right now, I’m trying to keep the focus simple and plain. If you have experience with any of these items, I’d love to hear from you! Sharing knowledge and skills is one of the greatest (and FREE!) gifts we can give one another.

1. Research Chickens

This may be premature, as I haven’t yet checked with our town for local ordinances, but I’d like to consider raising a few backyard chickens. We eat so many eggs each week, though I have read that the price and upkeep of the chickens doesn’t necessarily save lots of money on eggs. I also think the experience would be worth it. There are a lot of pros and cons, so this winter I’d like to do the initial research to see if chickens might be a good fit for our family and our goals. Friends who have chickens (and I know quite a few!), I’ll likely be pecking at your brain for ideas!

2. Make Soap

Along with the DIY Lotion Cubes, Natural Vapor Balm, Homemade Deodorant, Green Cleaning Supplies, and other things I’ve been mixing in the kitchen, I’d like to try my hand at making soap. And after I get the hang of basic soap, I’d love to expand the idea to make my own shampoo bars!

3. Make Cheese

I had everything ready and set to start making cheese in the fall, and the weekend I planned to do it got swallowed up in a house full of sickness. There are few ingredients needed, it’s mostly the time and attention that I need. With so many months indoors, I’m sure I’ll finally get my chance. Here’s the recipe for homemade mozzarella I planned to start with.

4. Plan Garden

We have a small raised bed garden in our new backyard. This year, the previous owners had planed the thing full of mostly cherry tomatoes. We enjoyed them, but next year I’d like to expand and diversify. Several of you have recommended the book Square Foot Gardening, so I’ll be picking up a copy to aid in my education on the matter. I think we’ll still keep the operation somewhat small this year, but hopefully grow as we learn more. Of all veggies, I’m most interested in sprouting up some dinosaur kale!

5. Knitting, Etc.

If you follow my other blog, you know I recently picked up the Martha Stewart Loom and Weaving Kit. Of course, most of my occupation with the thing is just a hobby. But I’d love to learn how to create more than basic scarves and hats. I found this cool mitten tutorial on YouTube, and I even have aspirations of stitching together a sweater someday. Wool is my favorite fiber, and I’d love to create a homemade stock of woolen items for all these chilly months we experience every year. Plus, it’s relaxing!

And don’t miss . . .

Related Posts

Cleaning With Baking Soda Basics
Cleaning With Vinegar Basics
Homesteading Stuff You Can Buy at the $1 Store
DIY Natural Lotion Cubes
10 Smart Ways to Use Epsom Salts
Powerful DIY Laundry Detergent
5 Green Cleaners That Work
5-Minute Homemade Deodorant
8 Ways We've Eliminated Plastics
Cleaning Produce The Natural Way
Chemical-Free Clean With Castile Soap

* Here’s the image source for the 1800s garden above.

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A Body In Motion

I haven't weighed myself since, well, I don't know when. It's not that I'm terribly concerned with a specific number on the scale, however -- when I notice my favorite clothes (and many of the rest) don't fit well anymore, I like to know what the damage is. So, I went out and purchased a fresh battery, popped it in my scale, and weighed myself last night.

I wasn't shocked.
I wasn't terribly disappointed or frantic.
I was, instead, informed.

I am a solid 7 pounds up since the last I knew my weight over six (?) months ago. This winter has been tough, there's no denying it, and despite getting in a good number of outdoor runs, I haven't been as active as I'd like. What this new number shows me is that a body out of regular, daily motion tends to hibernate and eat lots of carb-and-sugar heavy foods to stay warm when the temperatures dip well below zero.

(And this is just what's hanging around. We're getting another 6-10 inches today!)

OK. Let's make that whole last statement less passive, I take full responsibility.

What now? I hesitate to write/blog about weight loss, since it's a somewhat touchy subject to put out there in black and white. It's also something I don't have a lot of experience with, since my activity used to completely wash away my bad eating habits. Turning 30 has definitely impacted my metabolism, but -- more -- my habits are drastically different than they were even three years ago.

See what I mean?

• Working from home means less walking around. I used to walk during lunch breaks or at very minimum during breaks. I also had to walk 1/4 to 1/2 mile to/from my car each day -- all on top of my regular running schedule. Several miles of walking each day that I no longer do.
• Whereas I used to pack semi-healthy lunches and even breakfasts, I now have my entire refrigerator and pantry shelves at my disposal all day long. I can whip up anything my imagination can dream up at a moment's notice.
• We quit our gym, which means I haven't had access to weights and classes I might regularly tack onto my running routine. Having a structured environment for this sort of stuff makes it easier to stick with, along with the guilt of spending the money and not going. I still get regularly cross-training via our spinning bike, but I've become lazy with regard to my push-ups, etc.
• My priorities have shifted along with my new role as a mom (it isn't inevitable -- there are plenty of awesome #motherruners, but I've allowed in for the sake of better balance). My training is still important, but definitely isn't foremost in my mind anymore. If life takes over, I skip my workouts much more willingly than I did in the past. 
• I also used to have way more time to think about myself -- my appearance, my body, my running, etc. -- I simply don't spend the same amount of mental hours thinking about, well, me anymore. I think this is a good thing, but I can also see how I need to invest more in myself versus always in others.

So, being completely honest with myself, I can see why I might weigh more now versus then. And I do have some motivation/reason to trim down a bit, as I look in the next six months or so to get pregnant again. I'd like to be at my fighting weight, which I think sounds a bit incredibly ridiculous and, well, possibly vain -- but I'd argue what woman doesn't feel this way, at least on some level?

And instead of going crazy working out (too much), etc, during pregnancy -- I'd rather take a preemptive attack now and nurture myself when the time comes.


First thing is first (image source): I won't be going on a diet. But there are certainly some obvious areas of my eating and exercise that I can easily swap or modify that I think might help. Here are some ways I'm hoping to change my habits that don't involve calorie counting or traditional diet methods.

// MOVE MORE

Not just running, but taking walks or finding excuses to move my body beyond training. I'd like to make a goal to even just move 30 minutes to an hour more a day than I do now. I started a couple days ago with a moderate pace spinning bike "ride" while Ada ate her breakfast. The weather is still pretty cold and snowy to be dragging Ada out for walks, but I know it will warm soon.

// DRINK LESS

It's not just my nightly beer that might be keeping me more on the bloated side. I have landslided into caloric beverage territory this winter. Hot chocolate, countless homemade chai lattes, "natural" sodas (I love me some Ginger Brew!), fresh juices, and -- yes -- beer. I'd like to reserve these drinks for weekends or special occasions, not indulge every single day or, in some cases, multiple times a day. Obviously, I would like to drink more water and I absolutely love sparkling water, so hopefully that will quell my fizz craving. (Have you guys tried Poland Spring's Raspberry-Lime? Yum.)

// CHALLENGE MY BODY

A lot of slow miles dragging along in the snow? It shows dedication, that's for sure. I'm doing well with my running and I'm sticking to my plan. Thankfully, my half marathon workouts are kicking up a notch this week with more speed and hill work, and my body is feeling it! I need to do more fartleks, speed sessions and things that challenge versus maintain my fitness levels. Along with running, I need to really incorporate my upper-body and strength training. We bought a 30-pound kettlebell, so I'd like to do a workout maybe twice or 3x/week -- that should do the trick. 

// ADD MORE VEGGIES

I like to approach eating with what I can add versus take away. I do eat a lot of vegetables and fruits now, but not enough, admittedly. I'd like my veggies to take up half my plate, not a quarter or third. And I think protein is another focus area. We've been eating a lot of veggie-topped pizzas, which definitely feature a lot of bread and cheese. So, meal planning will definitely be at play here. I think the slow cooker will also be helpful. Eating more protein for breakfast should start the day off right, too.

// SKIP DESSERT (ON OCCASION)

Along with drinking lots of calories, I've also got into the habit of eating dessert(s x 1,000) every single day. I recently wrote an article about the health benefits of chocolate (it's not out yet, but it's a good one -- and I'll share ASAP!). But most of the benefits can be taken in with a couple small squares of dark chocolate, not an entire batch of cookies or pan of brownies. As with drinks, I'd like to save full-on desserts for special occasions and weekends and the rest of the time snack on a couple pieces of dark chocolate.

// WEAR REAL CLOTHES

Yes. An undeniable luxury of working from home is that I can wear yoga pants or leggings every single day if I want to. While it's been super comfortable and great, it's also not working out so well for me. How my clothes fit is how I usually monitor my "weight" or -- rather -- my habits. I need to bust out the real pants on most days, not only to take pride in my appearance, but also so I don't become scale-dependent.

// WRITE IT DOWN

I'm putting out my intentions not for judgement or review, but -- selfishly -- because I think it will help me stick to my plan. I also think writing about it from time to time in a personal journal (and even a bit on here) will give me that mental space to think about myself and my goals.

After all, this isn't so much about losing 7 pounds as it is waking up and seeing that a lot of my habits have just changed and could be better. I'll excited to see what these seemingly easy changes/swaps do. Again, I don't care so much about the actual number on the scale, but I'd like to fit back into my pants because I know it's not all new muscle down there!

I feel good putting this all out there.

Thanks for reading + stay tuned!

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Deep Freeze + Indoor [Zero Equipment] Workout

As I type up this post, the winds are kicking up and the temperatures are plummeting. This winter has been brutal, and I've been running through the worst of it (here's how!). When the words "danger" and "frostbite" enter the forecast, I don't mess around. My hardcore winter running facade melts and I resign myself to some indoor sweat sessions.

Brrrrrrrr!

// AT-HOME GYM EQUIPMENT

Working out at home has become even more important this year since we quit our gym membership to save money toward potentially buying another vehicle. We no longer have the option to warm up the car, pack some shorts and a tank, and head to the gym to hit the treadmill or weights.

Thankfully, we've amassed quite a collection of (simple) workout equipment over the years, including:

• 10 lb Kettlebell
• 30 lb Kettlebell
• 5 lb Hand Weights
• 2 lb Hand Weights
• BOSU Ball
• Jump Rope
• Doorway Pullup Bar
• Braided Resistance Band
• Yoga Mat

We also have a Spinning Bike, which I've been using often, and Treadmill, that we got second hand. I don't like running indoors because it aggravates my IT-band, so if I'm not getting in some cardio on the bike -- I'm usually doing basic kettlebell swings.

Stephen, on the other hand, has quite an indoor routine he does to supplement his running, and I've asked him to do a writeup on the specifics another day.

// WORKING OUT WITHOUT EQUIPMENT
 
Even if you don't have any equipment at all, you still have one of the best workout tools of all. Your own body weight can provide quite a cardio/strength session all on its own. If you usually slug slow miles outdoor in winter, incorporating some more challenging moves, like burpees, to your routine can help kick things up a notch.

Here's a quikie I've been doing once a week:


You could easily speed through this workout in less than 30 minutes, but please take time to focus on form and engaging the right muscle groups versus trying to win the race. I'm thinking specifically of the air squats and burpees. The pushups, too, are infinitely harder if you go the entire way up/down.

Oh, and just a note that "cheerleader" situps are the only thing I could think to call the sort of situps where you lay flat on the ground, arms above head + legs extended straight out . . . and then you use your abs to pull yourself up, all while spreading your arms + legs and touching your hands to your toes as if you're doing a split in the air.

That's a horrible explanation, but does it make sense? And, yes, I was a (middle school) cheerleader and we used to do up to 100 of these in practice! I suppose they made me silly, which is why I can't better explain the move!

PS: A couple readers reminded me that "cheerleader sit-ups" could better be called "V-ups"! Exactly! Thank you, gals!

Stuck indoors today? A lot of us are in the deep freeze! How are you staying active?


And don't miss our 90 healthiest recipes of 2013! Lots of delicious, wholesome foods for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and beyond. Includes both vegan and vegetarian recipes to please the entire family -- even toddlers!




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16 Winter Running Surfaces, Explained

Raise your hand if you live where it's cold. OK. Now, keep it up if you've recently had (or can generally expect) some significant sleet/snow. Cool. Now, keep it up if you don't have a treadmill (or won't use one on principle!) or a gym membership, but are hell-bent on running. Perfect. You guys/gals are my intended audience for this post.

Basically, we hardcore winter runners have to wave a fond goodbye to speedwork and other more quality sessions for a while. We can sneak them in when it's "nice" outside, but those days can seem like few and far between. Time on our feet is usually slower and more frustrating. Trips and spills? Yeah. We are familiar friends by now -- my left thigh has a huge bruise, actually.

But have you ever noticed how MANY difference surfaces we're dealing with here? Here are just a few I noticed on my usual 5 mile loop last night.

Mirage: You think you see it up ahead. Why, YES! That's a perfectly clear sidewalk -- no snow or even stray flakes. Yet, when you step onto the surface, it's either deceptive black ice or residual snow on your shoes, making you slip + fall flat anyway.

Home Field (Dis)advantage: When you're comfortable -- overly confident -- that your own shoveling job was perfect. I actually slipped and fell the very moment I stepped onto my own sidewalk on my last run.

Cruel Intentions?: When a neighbor did a pretty good job shoveling, but left a thin layer, a membrane, even, to remain. Just enough to be slick as hell. Did they actually WANT you to fall? Hey, you'll never truly know. Smile and wave!

Eroded Sidewalk: When you reach a point in your regular, well-worn route, and . . . it's just gone. Washed away in a sea of plowed, hardened slush.

Wet 'n Wild: You know this spot. All the snow has turned to dark brown, icky wet stuff despite the temperatures being well below freezing. There's no way around it either, so you try your best to high-step and keep your feet dry.

Pirates Cove: A snow-covered sidewalk with buried treasure to boot, like shovels or sleds. Bonus points if you don't twist your ankle or fall onto your face.

Virgin Territory: A vast expanse where people either forgot, neglected, or downright refused to shovel. Goes from powder to packed to block of ice over time. Very often on the less favored side of a grand property (if you can afford to power that huge x-mas lights display + fuel those SUVs, pay some kid to shovel your sidewalk!)

Stepping Stones: Where a man-made path has been created on Virgin Territory by one person and continued by others. Requires some expert balance/aim to make it from one over-sized deep foothole to another.

Alaskan Express: Maybe this area wasn't initially shoveled at all, but the Stepping Stones were expanded to pack down the entire path to a nice, firm wintery road. I actually like running on this surface. I imagine sled-pulling huskies like it, too.

Hurdles: At the end of almost every street corner, there's a knee-high (or higher, depending on snowfall) snow hurdle one must clear to keep running another tenth of a mile. Repeat.

Water Jump: Along with the hurdles, there are often pools of water at their edges -- almost like nature's steeplechase. I hope you're wearing waterproof socks!

Tsunami: That random super-high pile of gross/brown packed, plowed snow -- usually near some large intersection. There's no jumping in the world that could get you over that hump. Go around.

Captain Crunch: Where rock-hard snow boulders -- of all shapes and sizes -- have taken up residence. Footing and balance are particularly hard. Ouch.

Toe Pick: When the sun has melted the snow down, but it has frozen in the night to form a thick sheet of ice. Kate Moseley could probably use this area for figure skating practice. (And if you haven't ever seen that movie -- it's one of my Christmas favorites!)

Salt Mine: When someone got a little overly enthusiastic with salt or cinders. Those little pebbles are just, well, everywhere, wrecking their own unique brand of havoc. 

Down the Rabbit Hole: When you dodge another obstacle by swiftly switching to the street for a moment and land a leg in a gigantic, newly formed pothole. Except there's no trippy adventure, you just -- uhm -- trip.

I'm sure you have more to add, so please do so in the comments!

Psst: Be sure to check out our gift lists!

Gifts for the Active Family
Fun Gifts for Foodies
Active Gifts for Women
On Stephen's List
On Ashley's List
On Ada's List + 80 toddler gift ideas split into 20 fun categories!

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Free Country Review

I feel I always need a clear disclaimer that I'll never, ever venture into actual fashion blogging territory. I mean, just look at me -- I'm awkward, and I'm not fishing for compliments here! However, just as I posted a review of a yellow polka dot bikini in a season when a bathing suit was basically my uniform -- I recently had the opportunity to review a coat from Free Country. Well, it's officially freezing outside, and I've already given this jacket one heck of a workout.

I suppose I was particularly enthusiastic to tell you guys about Free Country because even without this new coat to review, I was already a happy customer. That's right -- the week after Ada was born back in 2011, I was shopping around for a better winter coat and chose a Free Country coat out of like 50 different jackets. Crazy.

Here's my new favorite:

If you're unsure what kind of winter jacket is for you, Free Country offers this handy tool to give you options based on climate, your intended use of the jacket, and personal temperature preference. Since I already had one of the softshell jackets (actually, here's a photo of me in it -- it's held up nicely even after a couple years of regular use), I was looking for something different this winter.

After browsing around for quiet some time, I chose the Palisade Power Down Jacket -- it's super light + thin and initially caught my eye with its pretty purple contrast liner and zipper. It's incredibly warm and blocks the wind, yet if we're out and about, I can easily roll it up and stuff it in my diaper bag.

Just like this:


The material is high quality and reminds me of similar thin down jackets that go in excess of $250 (and more!). I do wish, just for fun, that this coat was offered in more colors -- but black goes with everything, too. And as far as sizing, I'm generally a small in most tops, but I typically order coats a size larger. The medium is a generous fit on me, but accommodates bulky sweaters nicely.

If you're shopping around for a new jacket as the temperatures continue to dive, consider checking out Free Country's selection -- for the entire family, actually. Many styles are currently on sale, and if you know that my other gig besides blogging is sharing deals on Wise Bread -- you know how important a deal is to me. I tried timing my review of this jacket with Black Friday, because -- for example -- select softshells and fleeces will be starting at just $29.99 later this week.

Follow along on Facebook for additional deals + details. Oh, and all orders ship free w/ $40+!

FYI: I was given the down jacket to review for this post. No other payment was involved, nor will I receive commission on sales or any other perks if you guys buy anything. Honestly, I was excited to share my enthusiasm for this company and their reasonably priced/quality coats because I had purchased in the past without extra incentives!

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Last Week's Training

The time change did not treat me well with regard to my 10K training. Stephen and I usually split up the evening for working out, and I always want the later shift. By the time my turn rolled around, though, I was greeted with frigid air and pitch black skies.

Not fun at all.

Here are last week's workouts.

M: Rest
T: 4 miles
W: Rest
R: Rest
F: 6 miles
S: Travel day (spa weekend)
S: 5 miles

Total: 15 miles

Yikes. That's a far cry from the 30 miles I was supposed to run. So far, though, I'm back on track for this week. I even have my Sunday 10-miler scheduled with my running buddy. The truth is: I usually have some trouble transitioning when either weather or daylight changes. It's just something I know about myself as a person and as an athlete, so I wasn't terribly worried that I fell a bit behind.

That being said, I am excited for this season of running -- even if it means retreating to darkness and wearing all my layers at once. Stephen and I returned to our gym after a long hiatus. We ran on the treadmill, did some kettlebells, and finished with burpees. My old yoga class was also being held at the same time. They just converted the standard pool to a saltwater one. Ada is now at a point where she can re-try the gym daycare, too.

Despite my body's desire to hibernate in winter, I usually find this season as an opportunity to get fitter than ever. I don't know if this is a shared experience or not. I slog my way through my outdoor miles, but when I head indoors more, I challenge myself to go faster (to avoid boredom on the treadmill), try new things (like strength training, which is always a struggle for me), and stretch (via yoga).

How do you change things up in winter? Any ideas to share?

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Prepping for Winter

Those bright, sunny, and unseasonably warm days we were having decided to abruptly go elsewhere. In fact, snow showers are in the forecast and my back is aching from raking. Last night the temperature was around 40 degrees when I headed out on my 6-mile run. It was also dark + I could just smell the winter in the air.

You know the smell, right?

So, I put on my tights, a long-sleeve tech shirt, and my trusty fleece vest and jumped in.

I've written a lot of survival guides for the cold months, so I thought it might be nice to put them all in one place. Whether you're a seasoned runner who just don't like the seasons OR if this is your first winter running, you can enjoy frigid temperatures (or at very least, learn to love the treadmill).

• How to Cope w/ Seasonal De-Motivation
• How to Dress for Freezing Temps
• What I Wore: Cold Weather Running
• Reader Question: Running Wardrobe
• Running in the Dark
• Should You Run While Sick?
• Tips for Running Sub-10s (Degrees, that is!)
• How To: Run Outdoors This Winter
• Training in the Cold Months
• A Treadmill Survival Guide
• 4 Fast + Fun Treadmill Workouts 
• Reader Question: Good Treadmill Workouts
• Scenes from Winter Racing
• A Winter 10K PR: Recap
• First Postpartum Race in (Mild) January

Overall, my best tip for learning to love the cold weather is to just DO IT. (Any maybe bring a friend for emotional support.) Usually by 10 minutes into a run, I'm not shivering anymore. The blood is pumping and I feel much better being outside than stuck indoors. The key, though, is to start now, before it's too much of a shock. It takes some getting used to . . . even if it's only a few miles at a time.

How do you overcome the deep freeze?

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Chilly Afternoon

If you have a a chilly afternoon like this, the best way to warm up and recharge is with tomato soup + grilled cheese. We've been making a lot of our Roasted Tomato Soup lately. After posting that recipe several of you mentioned the roasting isn't really necessary.

So, I played around a bit.



The recipe is easy.

• Mince 3 large cloves of garlic. Then, in a large stock pot, saute the garlic some olive oil for a few minutes. 
• Crack open two 28 ounce cans of whole peeled tomatoes. In a food processor, completely blend one of the cans -- tomatoes, water, all -- with the garlic. Then add the other can and coarsely combine (so it's chunky). 
• Return mixture to the stock pot. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, basil, and paprika. To taste. Add a splash of balsamic vinegar (about a tablespoon) if you like. 
• Let flavors mingle (heat on medium-low) for 25 minutes. 
• Then add in 1/2 to 1 full cup of sour cream. Cook another 10 minutes. 
• Serve with toasted cheese.

I opted for a slightly more grown up version of grilled cheese. Open-faced with cheddar broiled to a perfect brown. Covered with avocado slices and then sliced into great shapes for dipping.

A new take on comfort food.


If you'd like to check out Ada's big X-mas gift this year (a play kitchen), check out Writing Chapter Three.

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What I Wore: Cold Weather Running

Ada and I bundled up early this morning to head to our polling place about a half mile away from home. It was only 27 degrees, so we wore sweaters, knee socks, and then I strapped Ada into the Beco carrier and silly snuggly Peekaru vest.

The walk was chilly, but well worth the purpose.

Did you vote yet today? Or did you take advantage or early voting? I keep seeing photos of people waiting in very, VERY long lines. Kudos to you! We got right in and cast our paper ballot (it was my first time not using a super old fashioned machine). Should be interesting to watch the results this evening.

And by "interesting" I mean nauseating because I have absolutely no idea how the country can be so 50/50 split. Really?!

WHAT I WORE RUNNING

The chilly temps this weekend had me thinking of writing another cold weather running post, specifically related to dressing to stay comfortable. So, I thought I'd take a before/after photo from my long run on Sunday.

Temperature: 39 degrees
Precipitation: Spitting rain/snow and windy!
Distance & Duration: 8 miles in a bit over an hour


When it comes to winter weather, I don't always stick with athletic gear specifically. Here's a list of what I'm wearing from the bottom up. See if you can spot the not.

• Nike Free Run + 3 w/o socks (I never run with socks unless it's like below 10 degrees F.)
• Under Armour Cold Gear tights (I've had these for 9 years!)
• Lululemon tank and jacket. (I can't find either one on their website because they are super old from the days when I worked full time and could afford such luxuries.)
• Puffer Vest is from Gap. (OK. That's the not. I don't know why I started wearing this vest to run in, but it's lightweight, warm, and if it gets too warm, it folds into a little pocket pouch.)

About a mile into my run, I rolled up my tights to mid-calf. Another mile, I stopped to stretch and rolled up my sleeves. Depending on the wind direction, I had the hood on/off and the vest/hoodie neck zipped up/down.

This time of year is tough because 40 degrees FEELS really cold when you get outside. But once you get your body moving, it isn't so bad. At the Runner's World Half Marathon, for example, starting temperature was in the mid 40s, but I ran with a sleeveless shirt the whole time.

And I kept dumping water over my head at aid stations!


It was perfect (not so much with the glasses, but I'm working on getting my contacts to feel good again). Or. I guess what I'm saying is that what you wear as the temps plummet is highly individual, but also contingent on some factors.

• Distance or duration of the run. I can deal with over-dressing if it's short, but longer runs require more layers and options.
• Effort expended. A race tends to get you feeling warmer than normal, no?
• Weather variables. 40 degrees with rain and wind is way different than 40 degrees with sunny skies. 

In all, it's good to dress in layers -- which I will write more about in my next post on this topic -- and plan to loop by your house to adjust above a mile in, if possible. Keeping pace on the pavement versus treadmill will keep you in better shape for spring races.

If you'd like to learn more about dressing for success and training in the cold months, check out these other posts!

Run Outdoors This Winter!
How to Train in the Cold Months
How to Suit Up to Set Out
Seasonal De-Motivation

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4 Fun and Fast Treadmill Workouts

Before I get to the workouts, I'd like to give you a quick race report. This past weekend's 10K went extremely well. I took 50 seconds off my post-pregnancy PR, finishing in 50:35. As I described it to Stephen, I wasn't racing, but I also know I couldn't go much faster, if that makes any sense.

Getting back into racing shape will take some time, but I'm more than happy with 8:08 miles!

With Stephen at my side for a quick warmup and cool down, I also got in my longest run since July. 8.2 miles total, at an average pace of 8:20. At this rate, I'll be more than ready for the half in May. I might even sneak in another half as a preparation race in April. Which brings me to goals: Stephen and I have both decided we'd rather focus on improving our 15K and half marathon times and enjoy lower mileage this next year (or two). Life's too hectic and wonderful right now to bog it down with hours of slow miles.

This month, I'm trying my best to run five days a week. Outdoors, mostly. But there is at least one day per week when that just isn't going to happen. On those days, I sometimes take a break. But I do have some go-to treadmill workouts that keep me sane while running in place.


[ BABY, IT'S COLD OUTSIDE ]

Upstate NY is super cold these days. The sun rarely shows itself and, even when it does, I rarely have time to squeeze in my run before it sets. Though I try my best to run like a mail carrier through the dark streets, dodging sleet and snow, there are some nights when I'd rather stay in.

The workout: 4 miles. Warmup is .5 miles at 6.5 MPH. Then I increase to 6.8 MPH and pretend I'm outdoors, working in some "hills" at incline levels of 3 to 6, .25 to .5 miles long each, 4 to 6 hills in all. Cool down of .5 miles at 6.5 MPH.

[ CLUSTER-FEEDING QUICKIE ]

There are days when Ada eats every hour from noon until 10PM. I feel like my butt is super-glued to the couch. She's usually pretty fussy, too, since cluster-feeding is typically worst during a growth-spurt. On these days, I need to finish a workout FAST. And to help my mood, which is usually anger boarding on rage, I need to get my legs moving FAST.

The workout: 2 to 3 miles at a steady 7 MPH to 7.5 MPH. In other words, comfortably fast. No warmup or cool down. NO TIME!

[ SCREAMING SPEED WORK ]

I've never enjoyed speed work. I achieve faster times by racing a couple times a month so I can sort of slide the rest of the time and log more comfortable training runs outdoors. On the treadmill, I can't plod mindless miles. I need intervals to play with in my mind.

The workout: 3.5 miles. Start out with a .25 mile jog at around 6.7 MPH. Then jump up to 7 MPH for .5 miles. Switch to 7.5 MPH for another .5. Back down to 7 MPH for .5. Then to 7.7 MPH for .5. Then down to 7.5 MPH for .5 miles. Then up to 8 MPH for yet another .5 miles. Then way down to 6.5 for a .25 mile cool down.

[ MOTHER, MAY I? MOTIVATOR ]

There are days when Ada's been crying for hours. When she hasn't slept well. When I'm drained from doing diaper laundry -- again. On those days, the last thing I want to do is lace up and run in the cold dark air. On those days, I'd rather curl up in a fetal position and cry myself.

The workout: 1 (a single) mile. At any pace that feels right that day. That's all. But the "motivator" part in the title comes from this workout's amazing ability to get me going at least another mile -- sometimes two -- because it feels so good to get out stress through movement. Even if I don't run longer, one mile affords me about 10 minutes of alone time that I desperately need these days.


Of course, you can just substitute your own speeds to make these workouts your own. Increase by the same increments, etc. Even though I don't love the treadmill, I know it will help me get into better racing shape. And sooner than if I carefully crept along atop ice-covered roadways all winter. (Still, I'm a big advocate of outdoor running in the chilly weather.)

Stephen and I were chatting, and I think I win in our household for the longest treadmill run. Not by much. His was 15 miles, at which point our treadmill broke. Mine was . . . 16 at a gym when I was in college. I'm not bragging. I think we're insane. Tonight I struggled to finish 25 l.o.n.g minutes for a 5K. I don't think I'll be putting in double digits indoors anytime soon -- or ever again, for that matter.

What's the longest you've ever suffered indoors on a treadmill?

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