travel

life lately.

October 2, 2013 by Rachel 1 Comment

Life has been crazy lately — but in a good way. I realize I’ve been awful about updating our fun day-to-day workings, but I’m not at all sorry for that. 🙂 So here’s what we’ve been up to:

Ari & I visited my sister and brother-in-law in Columbus for a couple days. We wandered around downtown and shopped, ate, and drank yummy beer.
I’m not gonna lie, it totally sucks not having my mom and sister nearby. And to make matters worse? All 3 of my sis-in-laws are out of town too. So I majorly lack girl time. But these impromptu trips to Columbus (TWO of them!!) were totally worth the drive.
Oh, and we shopped. I love, love, love buying handmade and local!! Seriously, if there’s an addiction I have, it’s that. More than Etsy, more than Pinterest, there’s buying from local vendors. OBSESSED.
I’ve been going to bed either drastically early or way later than I should. Try like 8PM or midnight. Oy. My struggle to find balance in my life is evident EVERYWHERE.
I had a weekday morning off so I went up to Cleveland Yoga for a 6:30 am class with some of my favorites. As much as I adore Yoga Bliss here in Akron, I so easily find myself in a comfortable routine and feel the urge to change it up and challenge myself. Hence returning to CY for a class.
I ran the Akron Marathon Relay and loved all 42 minutes of the 4.8 miles! I not only exceeded my goal of running under 9 minutes per mile (woot, woot 8:45!) but I had my parents, amazing husband, and #BabyAri there to cheer me on! They watched me take the hand-off from the relay and then walked over to watch me finish and hand-off to the third leg of the relay!
Too bad as soon as I handed off I threw up.

This is a post-throw up pic. I’m just happy. Happy to be done throwing up and happy to be done running my ass off.
I went to another Wine & Canvas event. This time we painted the Cleveland city skyline, as seen from out on Lake Erie. It was totally fun, yet again. I mean, I don’t consider myself to be a very crafty person, but something about a glass of wine and painting during a stressful week is so therapeutic!
I’ve been busy planning Ari’s party. Well, that’s kind of a lie. Because I start thinking about Ari’s party and then I panic, shut down and stop thinking about it just as quickly as I started. Pretty much the furthest I’ve gotten is sending invites out and buying this variation of his smash cake:
Luckily I ordered his smash cake from Pure Delite, which is a gluten-free and vegan bake shop, well ahead of his allergic reaction to eggs simply because it’s a healthier option to a traditional cake. Well, good thing I did!
We visited the local apple orchard and the farmers market. I know it sounds strange, but going to the farmers market totally feeds my soul!
The three of us had the chance to go to an Indians game in an incredible suite. It was Ari’s second Indians game, and his first in a suite (the last time we had tickets just behind 3rd base). I swear this child will be spoiled by awesome locally sourced organic food and only going to sporting events where he has awesome seats. Ha!
Ari learned to climb stairs on his own. So… yeah. There’s that.

(ugh)

Life has been nothing short of amazing lately. And I’ve been out enjoying it rather than blogging (regularly) about it. I am trying to post more often, but if you want to catch me daily, be sure to follow my Facebook page, my tweets, and follow on Instagram!

But, yeah, I’m not sorry about being busy. And I’m not sorry about living life and ignoring my blog. See that little guy? He’s about to be ONE. And things are finally fun. So I’ll be busy for a while 😉

get fit! // fitness update

September 26, 2013 by Rachel 2 Comments

Weight Watchers //

Over the last couple of weeks I’ve started WW on a really strong note… but I’ve actually slacked near the end of each of the last two weeks. I’ve been out of town on fun adventures. Fun adventures = food, drinks, and slacking on the tracking! I didn’t even weigh myself last week. So when I weighed myself this morning, it was 2 weeks since my last weigh in.

And given the carbs, the beer, the oh-so-amazing food… I gained a pound since my last weigh in. It’s not ideal. And even though I’m a bit blah about the whole thing, I know why and I’m taking steps to change it.

It doesn’t help that I’ve been fairly sick for the last couple of weeks. In fact, this semi-gluten intolerant mama has had to eat more than her fair share of bread/crackers because she’s been throwing up (thank you, antibiotic. ugh). Oh yeah — and I’m on an antibiotic for my freakin’ double-ear infection and sinus infection. Ugh.

After a day at home, some chicken soup, and lots of sleep, I felt a teeny bit better. After a few days on the super aggressive antibiotics, I gave them up for a homeopathic method. I was down for a couple of hours each time I took it (twice a day)… it got to the point where people kept asking me if I was pregnant!! Ha! [PS. I’m NOT.]

Workouts //

I’ve been working out as much as I have been able to. I was tempted to work out when I was super sick — desperate to fit in a run — but I avoided my urge. I rested. And I rested some more. And it worked. I’m already feeling better!

I did manage to fit in 3 (short) runs and a power yoga class, but it never feels like ‘enough’. Ya know??

Food //

I haven’t been eating crap. In fact, I’ve still been avoiding it. I’ve been focused on eating local foods. But sometimes those local food makers are so. flippin’. dangerous! And so so good. So indulgence is “necessary.” Or too hard to resist.

When I say “indulged” I really mean: 1) split a fried chicken + mac entree with my sister on a girls (plus Ari) night out; 2) nibbled on a soft pretzel with Ari [he ate most of it]; 3) we bought a lot of ‘occasional’ treats, sampled them, and put the rest in the freezer.

Looking ahead //

The root of my issue is really mental. Alright, alright… hold your laughter! Not in that way! 🙂

I’ve just had issues balancing life (go figure). I desire a good night of sleep, spending meaningful time for my husband, and having enough energy to work out. But that doesn’t always happen. I did end up running while I was in Columbus. Which was a feat in itself considering my sister and I spent the night before playing board games and drinking Columbus Brewing Co Bodhi. But we ran. And pushed Babycakes in the jogging stroller (ugh!).

But this week I’m purposefully taking it easy. I’m recovering from sickness PLUS I have the Akron Marathon Relay Saturday. (PS. I’m SUPER nervous for that race!)

I’m still working to get to my goal. I just need to continue to find that balance between work/life/workouts. I’m too used to the pre-baby/pre-marriage state of mind… you know, the one where I could get up at 2:30am, workout, and not worry about anyone else? Well I still have that same motivation, it’s just not a reality to apply it. At least not 100%. And that should be OK; that should be enough.

We’ll see what this week has in store! 🙂

Happy (my) Friday!

September 12, 2013 by Rachel 1 Comment

I’ve been crazy busy for the past couple of weeks. Between getting lots of extra OT hours at work, fitting in workouts, and spending loads of time with my two favorite guys, I’ve been completely neglecting my to-do list. I know that I will never have a completed list

And that’s OK.

Regardless of how much I have unchecked on my ‘to-do’ list, I’m beyond excited that today is my Friday. Cause even though this weekend is slated to be a busy one, I’m pumped about it.

Tomorrow I’m going to go to a yoga class before Ari + I drive to Columbus — just Mama + Babycakes! 🙂 I figure we’ll spend the day walking around downtown, hitting up some favorite spots [like Pistacia Vera + Jeni’s Ice Cream] on the way, before grabbing lunch with Mimi. Yep — my mom will be meeting us there! And once my sister and her fiance get out of work, we’ll meet up with them.

And Saturday the three of us are going to run the Pretty Muddy Columbus Women’s 5k! I’m so excited! It will be my first ‘obstacle’ run. So I guess I’m a little nervous, too. I hope to meet up with Heather from Mile 26 & More while we’re both at the race. We, very briefly, crossed paths at Charles Scott Salon for the Elle Magazine and Wella Cosmetics event. But we didn’t officially meet. So it MUST happen this weekend. 🙂

After the race, I’m going to ‘race’ back home to Akron to relax. You know, after only a short 3 hour drive. I’ll need to relax a bit because Sunday I’m going to run the Hereos Run 5-miler race in Westpark. That will be my last race pre-Akron Marathon Relay. My leg of the relay is 4.8 miles, so this will be a good ‘test’ before the big day. 🙂

#HappyFriday!

dear vacation //

July 20, 2013 by Rachel Leave a Comment

Dear Vacation:

Please be full of sleep.

And long, hot, showers.

And naps poolside.

Hell, naps in general would be nice.

Please be full of delicious food.

And sangria.

And ice cream.

Please let the weather be wonderful.

Not too hot.

Not too humid.

Just perfect, would be perfect.

Please let us all survive the 12+ hour drive.

And let us survive the beach.

And the sand.

Please let us all avoid sunburn.

And let me get in that sauna just once.

Let me reconnect with my husband.

Let me make wonderful memories with my family.

Let us enjoy everything we have, be refreshed, and feel grateful for all that has happened over the last couple of years.

get fit! // fitness update

July 19, 2013 by Rachel 2 Comments

First things first //

I’m running the Color Me Rad race on August 17th 2013. I couldn’t be MORE excited! I’ve been looking for a race like this so when I found out they were coming to Akron I jumped on board!!

** Get 20% off your registration to Color Me Rad by using the code “HERO“!! **

The code is valid for the first FIVE people who register!

So hurry!!

Last week //

Life was too crazy for me to post about my fitness update, but I promise, I was keeping track!

I weighed in last Tuesday the 9th. I actually gained a pound. [[ sad face ]]

I know that not every week will be a loss, and that occasionally I will have ‘off’ weeks and ‘off weigh ins — and last week just happened to be one of them.

I hesitate to even weigh myself once a week, even know I know it’s part of the “plan” of weight watchers. I just know how I’m prone to obsess over it. Ugh.

But I got over it. I didn’t dwell. I moved on.

And this past Tuesday I weighed myself again.

I lost that pound AND an additional 1.5 pounds!! 🙂

Workouts //

I worked my butt off. I went to two hot yoga classes and ran 3 times last week. One of which was a 5k!

And this Tuesday I weighed in again! — Lost that gained pound. Plus I lost another 1.5!

Food //

I’m not eating unhealthy, by any means. We never really have eaten unhealthy. But considering today is Friday, I have to admit that this week has been rough. I’ve been stressed. And I’ve been totally slacking on counting my points. Cause sometimes a gal needs a twizzler and a beer! Ha! But I know that I’m actually going to get back on track when we leave for vacation tomorrow.

Running //

So not only did I just finish my first 5k in years, but I’m officially signed up for 4 more races from now until September.

And I’m actually considering signing up for the Hot Chocolate 15k and the Rock N Roll Cleveland Mini Marathon on October 6th — what better way to ring in my last year of my 20s?! (My birthday is October 5th!)

Vacation //

Most people fear that they will eat like crap and not workout during vacay. But we’re going to be in a house with a kitchen, so I know we’re going to eat like we always do at home. Sure, we’ll go get Mexican food from my fave place ever one day; but that’s one day; one meal. And the golf course we’re staying on is going to be perfect for long runs!

This is going to be the most relaxing vacation EVER!

I realize I’m not setting any sort of record for fastest weight loss, but I’m doing what works for me right now. I’m comfortable losing weight the healthy way and a way that works for my family and our lifestyle. <3

weekend wrap up

May 14, 2013 by Rachel 3 Comments

It’s been a busy, busy, few days, y’all!

Saturday morning Ari + I drove 2.5 hours to Columbus, bright & early, to visit with my sister and my parents. When we arrived we ate a little breakfast and headed to the German Village to pick up some yummy macarons and lemon tarts from Pistacia Vera.

The macarons were amazing! Beautiful and delicious!

After hitting up a couple of other places, including Columbus Brewing Company [hello — if I’m in Columbus I’m going to try and locate some Bodhi!], we went wedding dress shopping.

My sister and her fiance are getting hitched October 4th 2014 [the eve of my 30th birthday!]. And even though it seems a little soon to be wedding dress shopping, she is beyond relieved to have chosen THE dress and to be done with it! One less thing to worry about!

Ari did so well running all kinds of errands with us. He even stayed awake through most of dinner. But on the way home, my napless baby went crazy. Well, until he fell asleep. Luckily he slept most of our drive home.

On Sunday we planned to celebrate my first Mother’s Day by having a low-key day and then go out for a late lunch.

Buuuut that didn’t happen. I had an errand to run Sunday morning, and afterward I went for a 3-mile run. Followed by a super cranky Babycakes. I can’t blame him. Our Saturday was full of travel and it threw his schedule way off; but he was pretty much a nightmare all day Sunday.

Oy. My nightmare.

Thankfully, going to the sitters on Monday seems to regulate his schedule and put us all back on track. Who would’ve thought that we’d be looking forward to Mondays??

But Monday was pretty much just as crazy for us. We celebrated Chad’s birthday as a teeny family after work. We ate dinner, opened presents and ate lemon tart [instead of cake!].

Hopefully by the end of today we’ll all be back into our regular routine!