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3/31/2016

Fit 4 Thursday - Fuel Butter...The Scientific Way!

3/31/2016 0 Comments

Hello, all!  Dana here.  If you know me at all, you know I have a very curious mind.  You may also know that I often will venture out on my own to discover my own answers.  What's that you say?  The answers for why or how to do pretty much anything probably already exists on that amazing place we call the Internet?  Super-duper!  I will now ignore all that and embark on my own journey of discovery.  That's just how my brain works.  I have to see it for myself, much to the chagrin of those around me.

Pro-tip for dealing with me: If you tell me something and I don't immediately believe you, opting instead to investigate for myself, do not be offended.  I repeat, do not be offended.  You'll only waste both our time and energy.  It's never anything personal; I do this to literally* everyone around me.

*Please note, actual, proper use of the word "literally" here.  Not just using it for emphasis.

3/30/2016

What to Eat Wednesday - Reverse Engineering

3/30/2016 0 Comments

Dana here.  Lemme cut right to the chase.
  1. Remy's Wine Bar in St. Louis is amazing
  2. You should totally go there if you're ever in the neighborhood
  3. The Bronzed Mahi is magical
  4. I need it in my life as often as I please
I have issues with being dependent on other people.  I think that's part of the reason why I will usually attempt to replicate those foods I love, self-reliance and all that.  Also, it's delicious!  I will not be held back!  And this is where things get weird.

3/29/2016

Pattern Review - Simplicity 1107

3/29/2016 0 Comments
Hi guys!

I'm reviewing a super flirty and girly tank today, and I'm super excited to share it, because for once I  have semi-proper pictures!

I got the hubs to take the pictures of me. How about those apples?

So the shirt is a simplicity number that is super versatile and fun. I can't tell you how quick and easy this top went together. The biggest pain, was probably the hem, because I picked chiffon. Stupid chiffon. Chiffon likes to fray, so I serged the cut edges as soon as I could, but that still didn't help some parts.

I made view C, which is the top larger picture and the bottom left corner picture. It's got a contrast front center panel, with sheer sides and back. I don't actually care for the look with the sleeves. I think it makes the top look a bit dowdy.

I will say I wasn't prepared to have to alter the armholes after cutting out the pattern, but I understand why the guide sheet instructs you to. The pattern is made for sleeves, so in order to properly finish off the edge of the armhole edge for the sleeveless versions, you need to cut an additional 1/4" off the edge. With the polyester I used as my contrast that was no big deal. It's got the body to handle that trimming, but the chiffon. That bloody chiffon. I ended up basting in a line 1/4" from the edge and snipping that off. That was just easier for me.

The whole shirt doesn't take much to sew up. The front center is made up of 4 pieces, and then there are 2 side pieces and the back piece. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy. You finish off the neck and armholes with bias tape, and then hem it.

I think it took me two afternoons, simply because of someone's napping schedule, but in reality, if Baby Girl had taken one of her oh-so-lovely 4 hour naps, then I could've easily gotten the shirt done and browsed Pinterest for a bit.


I love that this top is so versatile. It can be dressed up or down, and is colorful enough to carry through almost 3 seasons. I don't know that I'd wear in November, but there are certainly warm enough days to pull it off in October. I actually ended up wearing a light cardigan with the top, because Saturday was a bit on the brisk side, and the sweater looked fine with the top.

Have a terrific day everyone!

3/28/2016

The Monday Report - Week 11

3/28/2016 0 Comments

Spring Break was amazing and terrible at the same time.

When the kids are home my schedule gets completely whacked, but I love having them home - mostly. 

I don't love the arguments. 

I also feel really bad that my Big Guy had a rough week, but I'm so proud of him. He started running with me again, and he got an expander put in. I'll talk more our runs in the recap. 

Running with him is amazing, and such a great bonding experience for us, but it also threw a bit of a monkey wrench into my training. He can't go as far, and when I told him I needed a long run he got a little sad, so I altered my long run plans. I probably shouldn't have, not with Cherry Blossom next week, but he's so eager and not a bad running partner, so I couldn't tell him no. 

Let's get to the recap!

3/23/2016

What to Eat Wednesday - Lovin' Greek Yogurt

3/23/2016 0 Comments

I'm totally slacking today. I haven't gotten any of my projects done, or blog posts written like I had been doing. Spring Break is really messing with me, but luckily there's always something I can pull from the archives.

My sister, Dana, shared these two great greek yogurt recipes years ago on the old blog, and today I'm bringing them back!

3/22/2016

Pattern Review - McCall's 7026

3/22/2016 0 Comments
Hey all! I'm reviewing another exercise pattern by McCall's today.

This one is a jacket, and I am in love with it.

The pattern is fairly straightforward, until you get to the back of the jacket. The back is what sold me on this pattern.

Look at those ruffles! Look at the lace! Just look. What's not to love?

I ended up finding a really nice mid-weight stable knit fabric for this jacket, and it worked so well. I wouldn't go with something that doesn't have any body. The jacket needs the structure. The stretch lace was a bit of a pain, but when is it not?

For the overlay and ruffle a lighter weight knit would be fine. You could go crazy here.

3/21/2016

The Monday Report - Week 10

3/21/2016 0 Comments

This week was a very exciting week.

I got to break in my new shoes!

I'm a dork. I know it, but I can't help it. I get excited about new stuff.

The overall week wasn't great, I let crappy weather keep me inside. At church though, the pastor said something that spoke to me. He equated faith with not quitting. It made me think of how faithful I'd been to my running. I've never quitted, but I have gotten lazy and complacent, which in some respects is just as bad. I need to refocus. Part of my issue is that I've decided not to try and PR RnR Nashville. I'm going to run the 5k with my sister, and then immediately head into the half marathon. It'll be further than I've ever run, but given that it's the longest distance I've run, I'm not going to go for the PR. I'll PR the distance.

So now that some of the gushing is out of the way, let's get to the meat and potatoes of the post.

3/18/2016

Pattern Review - McCall's 7261

3/18/2016 0 Comments
I put off making this pattern for a few reasons.
 - Exercise clothes are scary.
 - They have a tough job.
 - Knits can be a pain in the rear. 
I finally put on my big girl pants and knocked out the shirt. The shirt was overly worrisome because I like my tops to be a little looser. 

I did discover that I need a larger thumb hole than the pattern calls for, but that's not really a big issue. 

I liked that this pattern had some pizazz. What's even crazier is that I had this sucker cut out before Christmas, and I'm only just now getting around to it.

3/17/2016

Fit 4 Thursday - Strawberry Banana Overnight Oats

3/17/2016 0 Comments
Fit 4 Thursday

I'm back with another version of my overnight oats. I decided on this combination, as I was making the oats.

What I love about this recipe is that the base is always going to be the same. It also helps that the base recipe is 1:1:1. 1/3 of everything.

You really can't get simpler than that.

So here's how I started my day on Saturday.

3/16/2016

What to Eat Wednesday - If I Attended Hogwarts...

3/16/2016 0 Comments

Or Ilvermorny for that matter. ;p Bonus points if you've been keeping up with your HP lore and know what that is.  So what's one of the most famous edibles to come out of the Harry Potter universe?

 Anyone?

 Correct!  Butterbeer!

10 points to Hufflepuff!  Let's be honest; you know the Hufflepuffs are cooking for one another all day.

 And what is the latest Starbucks promotional drink?  Excellent!  15 points to Ravenclaw!

That would be the so-called smoked butterscotch latte and frappucino.

Final question...through what date was that promotion supposed to run?  That's right!  March 21st.  15 more points to Hufflepuff house!

According to the Internet, which never lies and is my font of fandom-y entertainment, the smoked butterscotch drink is supposed to be a real life version of butterbeer.  So exciting for an ardent fan like me!

Are you hearing me, Starbucks?  March 21st.  What's today?  It's not even Saint Patrick's Day, and you're out!  I have been robbed!  Deprived of a new yummy!  You're so cruel, Starbucks!!!

3/15/2016

The Long and Short of It - Rock 'N Roll DC

3/15/2016 0 Comments
Happy Race Season!

Saturday was the first race of 2016, and it was amazing! Rock 'N Roll DC is definitely a fun race! I still can't stop gushing about it. It's been 2 days.

So let me get to the clean and concise bit, and then we'll jump into the meat of the post.

The short of it is I will absolutely be doing this race again, because it's just that dang awesome.

The long involves more gushing, fun, and excitement.

So let me start from the beginning because otherwise I'll be bouncing all over the place.

3/07/2016

The Monday Report - Week 8 and February Review

3/07/2016 0 Comments

Hello all!

I totally forgot to do the monthly recap last week, but I guess I can be forgiven, because Monday was technically the last day of February. 

I wish there were more stickers in place on my training calendar, but it is what it is. I am the only one who can change how that training calendar looks. I will say March is off to a much better start. 

Week 8 was a good training week. I need to start going to yoga at the gym, or doing it at home. I can feel my muscles need a good stretch. Going to the gym will probably be the better plan. There are so many distractions at home, not mention having to clean before I can even get a good stretching workout in is my go to excuse. 

I should go to barre this morning, but snuggling with Baby Girl while I write this post is a much more enticing tableau. I keep saying I'm going to do T25 Stretch, but that hasn't happened. 

I'm digressing, but in reality it's ok, because I feel really good about the effort I put in last week, and I'm feeling really good about this week and the half on Saturday. 

It's not going to be my best, because I haven't put in the proper work, but it'll be a baseline for the year. I've got 4 halfs this year, and Rock 'N Roll DC is the first. 

So without more prattling, let's get to the meat of the article.

3/03/2016

Fit 4 Thursday - Micro Goals

3/03/2016 0 Comments

Welcome everyone!

You know what's funny? Rituals. Rituals are sometimes funny.

Example - I'm running 12 miles on Sunday, and I've run 12 miles before. I've run further than that, yet, because this is the first time I've run 12 miles this year, I'm a bit of a head case.

I don't know why. It's really quite stupid. I know I can run 12 miles.

This is where micro goals come into play. Micro goals are small goals that you can set for yourself to motivate you or help through a tough spot in your training. I use them all the time. I've used them for my entire journey.

3/02/2016

What to Eat Wednesday - Man-Catchin' Beignets!

3/02/2016 0 Comments

Hello, my name is Dana, and I am a Disney kid.  I unabashedly love Disney, and I don't care who knows it!  One of my many favorites is The Princess and the Frog.  Besides all the great characters and highly quotable lines--I am Naveen, Prince of Maldonia, and she is Tiana, the waitress...do not kiss her!--I really love that Disney used this film to emphasize the need to work for your dream.  I just think that's such a great message.  What else can this fantastic film teach us?  That if you're on a hunt for a man, you need some man-catching beignets!!!


Lottie understands

What's not to like, right?  Fried dough dusted with powdered sugar, served with a hot delicious drink (otherwise you're doing it wrong).  I really love beignets.  I love them so much, sometimes I end up wearing them.