Crocs #SplashofColor Sweepstakes!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Crocs for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Who loves shopping as much as I do?  (yes, you.)

Who would love to do a LOT of shopping on someone else's dime?  (yes, you again.)

How about $3000 worth of shopping?  (HECK YES, you!)

And all for uploading pictures to Instagram with the hashtag #splashofcolor.  See?  I did it with these!

Yes, it's that simple!  Crocs is hosting a fun Crocs Instagram Sweepstakes where all you do is simply upload pictures with the hashtag for a chance to win and then enter in at this website:  http://bit.ly/16bMnU6  

I can only imagine what $3000 could do for me now.  Father's Day is coming up, Logan's 4th birthday is around the corner (what?!), and we're moving, yet again, in about 7 weeks.  And then I could imagine all of the other great things I could use it for -- yeah, I may pay some bills, but then... I can also hear the likes of Nordstrom's and various home stores calling my name! :)

So, what are the details?

• Use the Instagram app on your phone using the hashtag #splashofcolor and then enter on the website listed above.
• Do this, and you'll be entered to win a $3000 shopping spree!
• The sweepstakes ends on 5/20, so get to tagging!

 

What will you buy/pay/spoil yourself with if you win?

Winding Down and Winding Up

I'm sitting here in my school's library in running shorts, hooded jacket, and Herbal Essences scented hair.  No make up.  Completely frazzled... but clean, because I showered before coming.  Hence the Herbal Essences scented hair.

I just printed my last two assignments of the semester!  These last few weeks have been CRAMMED with different projects.  Not to mention the family that I am needed to run... lol.  It's been crazy.  Things have suffered because of it (running!), but I'm glad to say that after I sit through class for the next 3 hours, I will be DONE with this semester... with 4.0 in tact (hopefully!).

So I'll have some time to wind down...

...right before I wind back up again.

You see, in about 8 weeks, WE ARE FINALLY MOVING BACK TO OUR HOUSE!  I appreciate all of you who have stuck with me through all the whining (it was really bad in all of the posts marked in the year 2011) and all of the tears and confusion.  I feel like this is one of the last pieces of the puzzle in getting back to where I want to be.

We got to come back to St. Louis last August... and this July, we will finally be home.

The house we built and bought in 2008 when we were still engaged (I still remember referring to Jake as my Beyonce -- finance, Beyonce, you get it).
The house were we brought baby Logan home in June 2009.
The house that caused us financial issues when I stopped working.
The house that we wanted to sell so bad when we had to move for Jake's work.
The house we ended up renting out because we couldn't sell it for the amount we needed to (go economy!).
The house I ended up resenting for a long period of time...
Happily ever after to a nightmare...
...and back again.
I'M SO EXCITED TO BE GOING BACK TO THAT HOUSE!

These last 2.5 years have taught me so much about myself, my relationships, and the world around me.  That spoiled, clueless, a thousand other like adjectives 23 year old from 2008 would not even recognize this 28 year old sitting at this computer screen.  And I wouldn't have it any other way.

I believe that life just gives it to you when you need it.  Scratch that.  God gives it to you when you need it.  And that cuts both ways.  He gives you the "bad" stuff when you need it.  I needed it to learn and grow.  I needed it to understand what is important.  I NEEDED IT.  And now I feel like He's giving me some of the good stuff.  It's such a humbling feeling and experience, to write about it -- I just find my words don't describe it correctly.  Funny that I stumbled on this subject while typing in the library waiting for my class to start... it's something I'll revisit in the future, I'm sure.

So... I'm going to wind down the next few days.  Jake's big 2-9 is on Friday.  We'll be going to the Cardinals game that night, and Logan will be going to Grandma's.  Should be a good time for all! :)  I'll try to give myself a week or two before I start to anxiety-out/wind up again.  Another move!  You think I'd be a pro at it by now, right?

Here's to a good wind down for all who need it!

And I'll leave with these:

April Running

Boy, oh boy, was April rainy.  And busy!  I actually had events to go to on the weekends this month.  That was great!  But it did cut down on my runs this month.  But I'm still happy with my number of 52.63 miles.

The weather this month!   As mentioned, the RAIN.  But then it would be cold.  And then 80 degrees.  I don't know why I'm surprised.  It's St. Louis, after all.  But here's my collage of this month -- I was so happy to be in SHORTS!

And you might notice that picture on the right in the middle?  "S".  An "S"?!  Yes... I bought a few new clothes this month and they had an "S" on the tag.  That's a huge deal for me.  I believe my caption on that particular photo went something like this:

I know it'a not about size, bit maybe for a minute it could be. I bought SMALLS today, and for a girl who was a towering giant K-12 and formed a complex (whether legit or not!), fitting into a small is a #bigdeal! 

 This month I also did my first organized run.  It wasn't a race.  Just a fun run, but it was my first get-up-drive-downtown-park-pay-pick-up-package-the-day-before-run.  It was fun.  The Color Run.

It was a really yucky day.  Cold, rainy, hence the muddy colors... but it was fun!  We had brunch with mimosas after.  And the cold (or the mimosas?) was.were getting to me as this picture might show ya. 

But then there's this normal picture:

So all is good in the world.

So far May has been much like April.  May 1st was BEAUTIFUL and in the 80S!  Unfortunately I had class that night, so no run.  Then yesterday the temperature plummetted to 40, and it's been raining ever since.  Here's to hoping for some good running weather this month!

AVEENO® POSITIVELY RADIANT® Intensive Night Cream Review

Thanks to Influenster, I was able to try out AVEENO® POSITIVELY RADIANT® Intensive Night Cream.  I was lucky with this one, because I have been wanting to try it out!

First, let me give you the details of this product.  This is an oil-free, hydrating formula that penetrates deep within the skin while you sleep to reveal an even, more radiant complexion when you wake.  LOVE that.  Parts of my skin tend to get oily, so I love that this hydrating cream is oil free.  In the past I found that products meant to hydrate, leave me feeling greasy.  This one -- not at all.  Additionally, I love that this is a natural product.  The cream is powered by Aveeno's Active Naturals total soy complex with vitamin B3.  What does all of this mean?  Well, this cream helps reduce the appearance of discoloration, uneven tone and blotchiness, to reveal healthier looking skin.  

This cream improves skin's:

TONE

DULLNESS

BROWN SPOTS

TEXTURE

BLOTCHINESS

For me, my main concern was brown spots.  It's not like I have a lot, or that they are noticeable to anyone but me, but I have this one on my left cheek bone that just bothers me.  I've tried other creams but other companies, but the actual cream was a turn off.  The directions even warned that the product itself might stain clothing.  Then the cap residue -- it was ORANGE where it should be white.  NOT WITH AVEENO.  I love that it was natural, soothing for my entire face and neck, and had more benefits than just correcting brown spots.  My skin looks and feels better after using it.  I'm a believer!

And it's so simple.  Before bed, after you have washed your face, simply apply the cream to your face and neck.  So simple!

I'm going to continue use, for sure.  It's simple, it takes only a minute, and the results are almost immediate.  I've been using the product for 2 weeks now and I can really tell a difference.  It makes those hectic mornings a little less so, because I'm confident with just a swipe of mascara.

I received my AVEENO® POSITIVELY RADIANT® Intensive Night Cream complimentary from Influenster.

Cilantro Lime Pesto Chicken with Mango Salsa - Yum yum yum!

Who else always buys chicken?  I do.  It's a healthy, lean protein, it's quick and easy, but sometimes you can be at a loss with what to do with it.  I'm happy to share this really fresh, healthy, tasty recipe you can use on that chicken for something different.

I'm QUITE the fan of cilantro and lime together.  I incorporate it with everything I can.  And yes, I seriously make guacamole 3-4 times a week for lunch.  I just love it.  So when I saw a Food Network recipe for a cilantro lime pesto, I knew I had to find a way to tweak it for use in my kitchen.  Instead of a pasta dish, I wanted something lighter.  I thought of all of the chicken I had in my freezer and then went to the Farmer's Market for some fresh produce.  I thought to pair the cilantro lime pesto chicken with one of my favorite, easy, go-to recipes:  mango salsa!  So yummy and flavorful, and so simple!

Here's the yummy, fresh ingredients:  mango, red onion, red pepper, limes, garlic, and cilantro.

Ready for it all?

Here's everything you'll need for 4 servings:

• 1-1.5 lbs chicken breast (I used strips)

For the Pesto:

• 1 cup fresh cilantro 
• 2.5 Tbs extra virgin olive oil
• 2 Tbs sliced almonds
• 4 garlic cloves
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
• 1/4 cup chicken brother (or water)

For the Mango Salsa:

• 1 mango, chopped
• 1 red pepper, chopped
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (I always tend to use a bit more, but that's because I love the stuff!)
• 1 Tbs of vinegar (I've used rice vinegar and just plain white - they both work great!)
• Half of a lime's juice.
• pinch of salt

So what do you do?  Well, it's SO simple!

For the Pesto:

Simply put all of the ingredients in a food processor or blender.  See?

Mmm, SO good.  I should also note that this makes a great dip for chips, as does the  mango salsa.  I actually cut up and baked some corn tortillas in the oven with this dinner -- SO good.

And for the salsa?  Just as easy!  Toss all of the ingredients in a bowl.  See?

Finally, simmer your chicken up in a skillet.  I just used some olive oil spray.  There's really no need to add seasoning as the pesto and salsa provides so much flavor.  And I just used the spray to keep the calories down, but you could also just use olive oil.

The result?  This:

This was seriously so good.  The pesto turned out better than I even thought it would.  It had the right kick, texture, and taste.  And the sweetness from the mango salsa was just right.  Again, I baked some corn tortillas in the oven cut into chip style (At 350 for 12 minutes).  Yum!

Oh, and have little ones?  I rolled up all of the ingredients in a whole wheat tortilla so Logan could enjoy his burrito style.  He gobbled it up!

If you try this out, be sure to let me know what you think!  Now you know what to do with all of that chicken in your freezer!  ;)

Yardspiration

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Scotts Miracle-Gro for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Well friends, we're almost at the 2 month mark until we're back in our house!  This subject deserves a post of it's own as it will be filled with lesson learned, tearful typing, and all that goes along with it.  

But this post is about part of the things I've been thinking about since we left the house -- how I will change and update things once we move back in (hello, Pinterest?!).  

The townhouse complex we live in right now does a great job of making the landscape beautiful.  The grass is lush, they've already planted some flowers (despite the crazy Missouri weather), and filled all of the planters with fresh mulch.  I can't help but be excited about making our yard beautiful when we move back into our house.

We left the yard with much to be desired, and I'm sure our renters haven't done much on the upkeep end.  So our lawn and flower beds will definitely need some TLC when we move back.  In researching products, I came across Scotts Florida Select Natural Eucalyptus Mulch and Scotts Nature Scapes mulch.

I know, I know.  I DON'T live in Florida, but for those of you that do, you need to check out this product!  It is grown from 100% Florida-grown eucalyptus.  It is a natural product, and because eucalyptus is a renewable resource, you will be performing some sustainable gardening!

For me, and those of you that don't live in Florida, Scotts also offers Scotts Nature Scapes available in three beautiful colors.

I'm excited to get to work on our yard, and think that this mulch would be perfect.  Not only are the colors beautiful, but they are natural forest products and they help to maintain moisture, prevent weeds, and create a groomed landscape all year long.

Want to see the things I have in mind?  

 

 

Can you tell that I love a stone path in mulch?  Ahh, so excited!  I know we'll have to hit up the lawn and garden section and pick up some gardening supplies -- shovels, gloves (Logan already has gardening gloves thanks to Grandma, lol!), and of course some pretty flowers.  I envision hydrangeas EVERYWHERE, although that may have to wait until next spring.  

I can't wait to get back into OUR house and start making some improvements.  That has been one of the things I have SO wanted to do for the past 2.5 years during our moves from apartment, to rental house, to townhouse, but couldn't because they aren't ours.   Well, just a little over 2 months.  I'm raring to go!  

Is it just skin deep?

I'm sure by now most of you have seen or heard about the demonstration that Dove posted last week.  If you haven't, check it out here.  I thought it was so amazing.  It could not be more relevant to women and girls.  I felt choked up in parts by how we, as women and girls, sell ourselves so short.

And then as the week went on, this video remained on my mind and actually intertwined itself with another topic that has been ruminating inside of this head of mine for quite some time.

Is it only in terms of our looks that we treat ourselves this way?  Are we selling ourselves short in other ways?  Our intelligence?  Our compassion?  Our abilities?  Our competence as mothers?  This list goes on... I don't think it's just skin deep.

You see, I've had this issue (another one?!) for quite some time in which I feel so inadequate at times that I project that.  It's quite the self-fulfilling prophecy.  Quite the most waste of time self-fulfilling prophecy I concern myself with.  I often feel that my abilities aren't good enough in various situations.  For no reason other than that's the way my brain chooses to think.  I negative talk myself to death.  Even when I'm successful, or I know I can be successful, I get this anxiety about the entire situation.

Take last week for instance.  I had this presentation to do in one of my classes.  I was so nervous about it for weeks.  It's one of those in which not only is the professor grading you, but your peers are, too.  Even though I knew I knew the material, I knew I can project a professional appearance and speak well, my brain just could not get over the negative thoughts.

Well, I did the presentation and received perfect scores across the board from my professor and my peers.  I received great feedback through their comments and I felt fantastic.  (I had just watched that Dove video earlier in the day -- ding ding ding!).

It his me then.  These people can see so much more in me than I can see in myself.  While that is great, it shouldn't be this way.  I should let that shine through instead of all of the anxiety and negative thoughts.  In truth, I know I'm capable.  I know I have so much to give.  So why do I do this?

I don't know if it's because we're taught to be humble... or that "nice girls" don't brag.  But is it bragging?  No.  It's being confident in yourself and what you can do.  But then it seems like there's a fine line between being confident and being labeled as those not so nice words that people may choose to use.

But I feel like I'm coming to a point in my life where I want to leave a lot of that behind.  I'm finding out more and more who I am, and although it might not fit into the mold that people thought I was, it's what's true to me.  So yeah, I feel like some people in my life may not accept parts of me -- but I need to be true to myself.  I need to make myself happy for once.  If you follow me on Facebook, you might have seen a post last night in which I mentioned my need to accommodate myself for once.  Yes, this was about running, but it can be translated into the other areas of my life as well.

Why dull my shine?  Why dull your shine?  Why put ourselves down or back us into a corner when we should be center stage?  Why hide?   Why not be confident in our abilities?  Why not be proud of who we are instead of worrying what others think?

Just some food for thought on this rainy Tuesday morning.