As we gear up for another week of quarantine, I hope you and whoever you live with are doing well and trying to find the good things this time brings.
I am still finding plenty of things to keep myself busy, and I’ve been surprised mostly by how much the daily things of life keep me busy: feeding Bjorn, making breakfast, cleaning up after breakfast, putting him down for his nap, pumping, having Cullen do some school work, Bjorn waking up from his nap and then another feeding, making the beds and tidying up the house, trying to get a shower in before noon, then making lunch and cleaning up after lunch, giving Bjorn his second nap of the day. . . .and so on and so forth. Uff, I’m exhausted just thinking about it all. And that’s why I barely have time to do any other work such as a blog posts, Instagram posts, or Beautycounter work, etc.
Yet at the same time, I am really enjoying this time. We, as a family, eat more meals together in a week than we normally do in a month. Craig is able to take short breaks during his work day to play with the boys. I am not rushing out of the house most mornings to get the boys to a play date, off to a meeting at work, or Cullen to preschool. So I’ll keep enjoying this time while we are in it because eventually things will return to the “normal” busy-ness that life brings.
And with that, here are a few things I’ve been loving that I wanted to share.
New Balance Sweatshirt
I usually go for the oversized sweatshirt look, but I recently ordered this slightly-cropped New Balance sweatshirt and love it!
I also love these running tights and have worn them more times than I care to admit within the past week. And these New Balance shoes are also ones I wear several times a week. I don’t run in them, but they are great for athleisure wear.
No Knead Bread
I love fresh made bread still slightly warm from the oven. I’ve made all sorts of breads over the years, but this no-knead version is incredibly easy! It does take some planning ahead, but there is minimal hands-on time and the crusty outside plus soft, chewy inside can’t be beat.
I have used both the NY Time’s No Knead Bread recipe as well as Pinch of Yum’s Miracle No-Knead Bread. Both recipes are nearly identical, and I’ve had good results with both.
Mom Jeans
I never thought I would love high-waisted mom jeans, but I’m a convert. I love the style of these more than I thought. I love the distressing and the slightly cropped length. Plus the wash is perfect for summer. Now if only they would restock them!
Ali on the Run Podcast interview with Emma Coburn
I love listening to podcasts because I feel as though I really get to know someone. You hear their voice, mannerisms, and really get a sense of their character. I listened to this interview with Emma Coburn and loved hearing details on professional races and life as a professional athlete.
Huma Gel
Fortunately I’ve been able to tolerate any type of energy gel on my runs, but if you do struggle with GI distress, I’d highly recommend trying Huma gels. They are an all-natural gel, and I’ve heard many success stories with it and them not causing GI distress for people who normally can’t tolerate other brands of energy gels.
Brow Gel
I cannot believe how much of a difference filling in your brows makes for framing your face and drawing attention to your eyes. I never used to fill in my brows, but now I can’t not.
This brow gel from Beautycounter is so easy to use and quick to apply. Literally within just a few seconds you can fill in your brows and instantly transform your face.
BaubleBar Earrings
I saw these earrings on another fashion blogger and loved how simple but a little fancier they looked. They are now currently 40% off, so grab a pair. I have dressed them up and down depending upon what I’m feeling.
New Balance Beacon Running Shoes
I have been on the hunt for ‘my shoe,’ and I may have just found it. I love a lighterweight shoe that doesn’t have a ton of cushioning but is still responsive. The heel cup has to fit snug and then toe box can’t be too restricting. These New Balance shoes nailed it, and I am obsessed. I do wish I would have gone down half a size, but I still love them nonetheless. They are even on sale here for $105!
Feetures Socks
If I had all the money in the world, I would wear a new pair of socks every day. I just love a fresh pair of socks right out of the packaging. Plus, these light cushion socks by Feetures are some of my favorites. I like a thinner sock any time of the year and especially like their ultra light ones for the summer.
Kodiak Cakes
I know many of you know about Kodiak Cakes already, but if you don’t, go and buy yourself a box of this pancake mix. It is incredibly easy to mix up (1 part mix to 1 part water–I usually do 1/2 cup mix + 1/2 cup water if I am just making pancakes for myself.), and they are super delicious. Plus I love that they have a higher amount of protein, so they make a great post-workout meal. We get ours at Costco.
Amazon Ring
I found this $14 ring on Amazon and think it could pass for something much more expensive-looking. I got the rose gold version and love it.
This morning I ran 6 miles, and I am so glad the weather is no longer bitter cold and the roads are dry and clear of ice and snow. I wore a long sleeve shirt plus a light jacket, and I might have even been able to forego the jacket, which feels like nothing after wearing several layers all winter! Now if only it were safe enough to run our summer races. Sigh. . . it is just a bummer because our racing season is so short, and I live for summer races. But I know it is in the best interest for everyone, and I will be that much more excited to race this fall (hopefully!) or next year.
I have a couple more blog posts coming this week, which isn’t the norm, but I guess I all of a sudden have a lot to write about!
