♥ LOVE ♥ Running Skirts!

No longer are girls restricted to plain ole gym shorts and a tee shirt! You can still be a dressed up "Diva" while exercising!! I discovered these awesome Running Skirts (yes, I said SKIRT) from my friend Melissa while running a race last fall. She swore by them, and suggested I try them.

Boy am I glad I did! They're so comfortable to run in. Although running shorts have really changed over the last few years, they still tend to 'ride up' and bunch up between the legs. Running skirts don't do that! They stay in place, and there is nothing to bunch up! You generally have the option of attached briefs, compression shorts, capri tights, or even full length tights for colder running environments/months.

I pprefer the skirt with attached briefs. Wearing these are effortless!! And, not to mention, these running skirts are super cute as there are many colors/designs to choose from.





There are many companies making these running skirts, including Adidas, Nike, Under Armor, etc. I personally love Running Skirts brand. This company is based out of California, and they really up the competition with their super cute designs.






















I thought it was fun that the latest issue of Runner's World (August 2011) featured a Running Skirt on the cover...and what was more fun? I actually have the EXACT running skirt :) Oh, and even more fun than that?? It's the 1/2 Marathon issue...full of training tips and advice and workouts. I'm running my very first 1/2 this year :)


Try a Running Skirt and let me know what you think!

♥
Amanda

4 Months Out!

Yay!!! Though I've BEEN running and working out continuously since January 2, 2011, it's just about time to REALLY hit it hard in preparation for my FIRST 1/2 Marathon! And, what better race to run than the very meaningful St. Jude 1/2 Marathon! I am running as part of the (currently) 84 member- Team Jake. Our goal is 100 Team Jakers and $100,000 for St. Jude!This is little Jake Owen Raborn, during his fight. You can read more about Jake and his foundation by visiting my personal fundraising page.

I am currently at $1,050 and my original goal was $1,000!! Thanks to EVERYONE who was so kind and generous to help me reach my goal, and surpass it! I want to continue my efforts and give as much to these precious children as I can. Will you help me? You can donate to St. Jude, on my behalf, by going to my personal fundraising page. It's super quick, easy and secure.
http://www.mystjudeheroes.​org/amandad78


Thank you!
♥
Amanda

♥ ALOHA ♥

As you are reading this blog post, Hubby and I are up in the air...making our way to Honolulu for 9 1/2 days!!! What a dream vacation. We have always wanted to go to Hawaii but we didn't think we would be doing so this young! Figured this would be a retirement vacation. LOL!

Thanks to my Sister-in-Law who is living in Japan. Her husband is stationed just south of Tokyo with the U.S. Navy. Hawaii is halfway between Japan, and home. The whole family is getting together and it's going to be an amazing vacation!!

Here are some lovely finds from some wonderfully talented artisans on Etsy!
♥
Amanda

Update: New Torte Flavor!

♥ Raspberry Cream Torte ♥

So, I posted my Orange Dream Torte a couple of weeks ago. I decided to play around with the recipe and make a Raspberry/Berry Torte :) My Regional Manager at my work LOVES anything raspberry and with him celebrating his birthday on July 30, I decided to make him a Raspberry Torte.

The original recipe called for a basic yellow cake in which you fix up with melted orange sherbet and orange zest. I decided to go for a strawberry cake mix (b/c I can't find a raspberry one and at least it's still a red berry!) and I added melted raspberry sorbet (again, couldn't find raspberry sherbet but the sorbet is better!). YUM!!!

Next the filling was made with melted raspberry sorbet instead of the orange sherbet. DELICIOUS!

Finally the cake was topped with fresh red raspberries. A HIT!

I'm sure I'll try more options...and I'll be sure to come back here and let you know what I did!

♥
Amanda

Peacock Extravaganza!

What a lovely collection of everything Peacock! Thanks to Eden Gemstone for including my Peacock Lampwork Glass Earrings in her beautiful treasury on Etsy!