Weekend Things

I ran the Women's Distance Festival 5K last night and PRed by 12 seconds (22:18) -- and it's the fastest I've completed the distance since 2007! Honestly, I didn't know I had it in me. I also haven't been engaged in any speedwork since May, so I'm hoping with some work I could break into 21 territory this year.

I'll post more about this race next week. Do you have a big race this weekend?

// Improve Your 5K //

A while back, I collected some great info + links on 5K training.

If you're a mom, you can even train with your stroller -- in 6 weeks!

// Smart Stuff //

Garage sale tips (we REALLY need to get on this)

SEO Basics for bloggers (been meaning to learn more, forever)

Chicken coop w/ a garden room (someday!)

// Tools of the Trade //

I'm already in fall cooking mode! Kitchen essentials:

Slow Cooker (for cooking pumpkin chili) + Dutch Oven (for sourdough bread)

Compost Pail (for all those CSA scraps) + Stone Baking Sheet (for all those chocolate chippers)

// Drool-Worthy //

Homemade Greek Yogurt "Goat Cheese"

Along those lines: Grilled Peach Salad

And for my BFF Lindsey -- Herb Parmedan Stuffed Brussels Sprouts

// Child's Play //

Check out these gigantically big books for little readers.

These adorably preppy clothes make me wish I had a boy!

New prints for sale at Baby Legs -- I want the fox ones (for myself!) 

// Regarding Caffeine //

Thanks for all of your thoughts about the "right" morning beverage.

Ultimately, I'm holding off on brew for now and

sipping this pineapple green tea instead. We'll see!

// In the News . . . //

What Does It Really Matter if Companies Are Tracking Us Online? via The Atlantic

Daily Calories Consumed by Gilmore Girl via Huffington Post

America's Obesity Challenge via The New Yorker

// This Time, Last Year(s) //

2012: Slow-Roasted Tomatoes + Running Comfort Zone

2011: Sweet Potato Brownies + Pace Workouts on Your PC

2010: Endurance Athletes: How/What to Eat? + Deep Dish Veggie Tart

And here's what you may have missed this week on Writing Chapter Three:

• Learning Words -- 5 ways we're fostering Ada's language development. Great reader question!
• A Good Day -- I've found what truly brings me to my center. It was pretty easy -- what will work for you?
• Why Mess Matters to Me -- It goes way beyond wanting things to be tidy. Mess is indicative of many other things.

Have a great weekend!

Psst: You can check out more Weekend Things here + here + here + here + here + here + here + here + here + here + here + here + here + here + here + here + here + here + here + here.

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