My 30th Birthday

If my 30th birthday was any indication as to how the year is going to go, I’m liking it.

I had an excellent birthday that I turned into a ‘birthday weekend’ because why not? (Sunday was the official day.)

The best way to start out my birthday weekend on Saturday: a long run.

Distance: 15 miles

Time: 2:12

Average pace: 8:48 minutes/mile

It was a good run, but I wish I could have run 30 miles or 30K, but I had to settle for half. My hamstring held up fairly well. I just wish it would fully heal for good!

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After my run, I relaxed at home and took my time getting ready for our next appointment. I really like taking my time stretching, getting some food, and just relaxing after my long run instead of rushing off to the next thing.

Our next appointment was at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Anchorage. DSC_0008

Craig booked a couples massage at the Ice Spa, which is on the 16th floor of the hotel. We had amazing views of the mountains and the inlet on a very clear day.

We had an 80 minute couples massage that was very relaxing! Our masseuses were very good and very professional.DSC_0014

We were given comfy robes to wear and the facilities were very serene and clean. We also had time to hang out in the lounge with complimentary beverages and snacks. DSC_0016

After our massages we had reservations at Paris Bakery and Cafe. Neither Craig or I had been to this restaurant before, but we had heard positive reviews, so we were excited to try it ourselves.

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We started out with Escargots (a.k.a. snails)! Definitely not something that you would think would taste good, but I think if you put enough butter and garlic on anything, it tastes divine.

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I had a seafood crepe that was delicious. I’ve never had anything like it before, but the creamy sauce and crispy crust melted in my mouth. It was a little heavy for my stomach though. DSC_0018 DSC_0023

Craig had the Seafood Rendezvous—scallops, lobster, and shrimp. Very good, but I did like my entree better. DSC_0019

Our service was great—the waitress staff was super friendly and even offered a dessert on the house since we had to wait a while for our food. (We honestly did NOT mind waiting. I actually enjoy the longer wait because it gives us time to talk and hang out.) Craig chose the pear tart. DSC_0022

After dinner, we were too full and too relaxed to do anything but head straight to bed.

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Sunday morning we served the meal after our church service in honor of my birthday. (Families take turn serving food for everyone after the service.We have a small congregation.)

Since breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, we did a breakfast bar complete with different types of cereal, yogurt with all the fixings, fresh fruit, and homemade pumpkin bread.

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Sunday afternoon I went to Bikram yoga and enjoyed a 90-minute sweat session.

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Every Sunday night, we go over to our friend’s place to watch The Walking Dead—well, everyone else watches while I work on blog posts. It was our turn to bring the dessert, so I made coconut macaroons.

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I’ve made these before, and they are always a hit. I always use the recipe on the back of the Baker’s coconut. Super easy!DSC_0034

And that recaps my birthday weekend. I have no idea what this year holds for me, but I am excited to find out!

Flying By

How do the weekends fly by so quickly?

This weekend in particular flew by, and I hardly had a chance to catch my breath or relax. It was a pretty decent weekend nonetheless. Friday night was spent Skyping with my family, cleaning, and organizing. I feel so much better getting as much done off my to-do list before I go to bed Friday night. This way I can enjoy the weekend a little more.

After running Friday morning and feeling like my hamstring was on the verge becoming even more injured, I knew I should take a couple more days off from running. So instead of doing a long run Saturday morning, I went to a 90-minute yoga class that was 75% Bikram and 25% flow. It was a nice combination of poses in a nice hot room!

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Afterwards I stopped at Fred Meyer for my weekly grocery trip. I try to minimize the number of trips I make to the grocery store in a week. I make one trip on the weekend to get 95% of our groceries for the week, and then if I need any additional items throughout the week, I will walk to the grocery store during my lunch break.

Then it was time to do a little shopping with a friend. We went to Nordstrom and perused the racks for some good deals. I don’t know if it is just the Nordstrom store here in Anchorage, but I never find any clothing items I like. The only things I’ve bought at Nordstrom are shoes and make-up.

I did purchase Philosophy’s Purity Made Simple face wash. I’ve read about Philosophy products on a couple different blogs, so I wanted to try them out for myself. I’ll have to do a review after trying it out for a few weeks. I also got a sample of Philosophy’s Help Me retinol night cream that I am excited to try. It is supposed to fight the effects of aging. I figure I’d better start since I will be 30 in one month! eek!

I also picked up this button-up shirt at Gap for a whole $3.95!

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Saturday night I actually made dinner for Craig and I, and we actually sat down at our dining table to eat. This is rare these days.

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I found this recipe for Thai Buffalo Stir-fry and Asian Greens in the January 2013 issues of Runner’s World that I wanted to try.

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Unfortunately I’ve never been overly excited about the recipes I’ve tried from Runner’s World. The things I have made are good but nothing amazing, and that was definitely the case for this meal as well.

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After dinner I took Craig to a mystery location to continue our date night. It was so fun driving Craig to the mystery location and hear him try to guess where we were going. (I don’t think he liked not having very much control over the situation.)

I found a Groupon for All Fired Up—a paint-your-own-pottery place. I picked a mug to pain and Craig chose to paint a bowl.

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I chose a gray color for the outside and a light yellow for the inside of my mug.

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I added a monogram to the outside in a blue color. Nothing sophisticated, but it was fun doing something different.

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We had to leave our pieces there so they could fire them, so I’ll have to post a picture later on of the final result. DSC_0028

Sunday started with a trip to the gym. Unfortunately I didn’t have much time, but 30 minutes is better than zero. I rode the stationary bike for 10 minutes and then lifted weights for 20 minutes. Then it was off to church and a quick food-prep before attending a Superbowl party.

I made this Black Bean and Corn Salad that I’ve made about three times because I love it so much. I love how fresh and easy it is!

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And now it is time to go to bed! Oh Monday, how you come way too fast!

Frigid Running

I’m backing up to Saturday to recap my weekend.

Like any other Saturday, it started out with a run. Unfortunately, I was not able do a long run after reinjuring my glute and doing something to my hamstring, so I set out for an easy 4 mile run. Somehow I manged to maintain a somewhat decent pace. I don’t know how that happened since it was freezing cold!

Distance: 4 miles

Time: 33:37

Pace: 8:20 minutes/mile

Weather: -4*F

Afterwards I went to the gym to do some more cardio and lift weights. Please excuse my squinty face.

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Saturday afternoon, my mother-in-law and I went to Body Works Salon and Spa to get pedicures and manicures. I had never been to Body Works before, but I had a Groupon, so I was excited to try a new place.

I was very impressed with the service at Body Works, and I would definitely go back. I picked a light pink for my fingernails. I love the color, but after just two days they already chipped a little.

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My husband thinks he’s SO funny. He said to me on Saturday night, “I think some junior highers were in our bedroom.” I had no idea what he was talking about only to find this present all over our bedroom. Oh the joys! Ha! (I apologize for the blurry picture.)

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Sunday was filled with church, prepping food for the week, and yoga. A typical Sunday for me.

I loved my Bikram class on Sunday. I felt like a Bikram machine. I had a really good class, and even though I don’t go all that often to yoga, I can tell I am improving. For the first time ever I was able to do camel pose without feeling like I was going to faint!

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Monday morning I knew the weather was going to be cold, so I prepared for it and surprisingly I actually didn’t get too cold! I checked the weather before I went to bed on Sunday night, and it was supposed to be -14*F! Yikes! But it was only -7* F—no big deal. Oh dear, who am I?

Distance: 5 miles

Time: 44:10

Pace: 8:50 minutes/mile

Weather: -7*F

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I was even able to get out and walk during my lunch break today despite the cold temps. I just hate being strapped to a desk all day.

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After work, Craig and I hit the weight room for a second workout today. After sitting all day at work, all I want to do is workout!

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Now I’m watching The Bachelor before hitting the hay. Any Bachelor fans out there?