Cherries, Cake and Beer, Oh My!

I’m not a big tagger or awards gal, but since this lovely little honor is coming from across the pond – thanks to the wonderful Kat of The Running Adventures of Zupakat – and coming just in time to cheer me up about my bum foot I’ll happily take part.

Oh, and you know how I just love cherries.

I’m supposed to share something that I wish I could change in my past. Um, I don’t think we have enough time for that folks, ahem, but seriously, I am one of those who believe everything that happens, good and bad, is what makes you the person you are today. With that said if I could travel back and talk to my younger self I would probably say, “Self, don’t be so lazy – get up and take care of you, now!” Incorporating healthy habits would be a must.

Now, I’m supposed to pass the award along to six people, but I’m not. I’m passing it on to anyone who reads this. If you’d like a little recognition with some cherries on top please consider yourself loved, hugged and tagged.

Oh wait, did someone mention beer and cake? Oh, silly me, I did. Yesterday was a holiday – my normal excuse to splurge a little on the food front. My family was also celebrating my Father’s birthday so being the wonderful daughter that I am I felt compelled to bake him a cake and have a beer with him. What’s a girl to do?

The cake Milan and I whipped up yesterday morning

My daughter’s doll. I know random photo but she makes me laugh – check out the hair.

My sister, Nikki D! Love her shirt.

Did someone say beer?

At least I put some salad on my plate – gasp!

Mi Padre – Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Look what I got for my dad’s birthday – hmm, I like how this works!

I hope everyone had a fabulous Labor Day, too!

Winks & Smiles,

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It's Time to Get Moving!

Friday’s Confession …

I’m excited.

No, elated.

Actually, I’m beyond thrilled that tomorrow is our first Get Moving! Race & Relax event. In the morning, 20 lovely ladies will get together to support, encourage and run (or walk) the Virginia Highlands Summerfest 5K in Atlanta. Afterwards, we’ll celebrate our accomplishment with a fabulous brunch and will be rewarded with spa gift certificates. *insert running-man dance here*

I’m so appreciative of the women who signed up to launch this event and to the wonderful sponsors – Walt Disney World Resort, The Cherry Marketing Institute, Wine Sisterhood, Pampered By Adrienne – who are helping to make it possible.

My goal for Race & Relax is to encourage women to get active and take care of themselves – and I’m so pleased to say we’re off to a great start. I’m looking forward to fun-filled morning and will make sure to take lots of pictures to share with you next week.

What are your plans for the weekend? Hopefully you’ll “Get Moving,” too!

Winks & Smiles,

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My Secret for Solving Soreness

OK, well maybe it’s not a secret but its news to me.

I was planning on taking a picture for this post of me with a tall glass of tart cherry juice that one of our wonderful Race & Relax sponsors, The Cherry Marketing Institute, sent to all of the participants, but it went so fast in my house (thanks Husband for helping yourself, ahem) that all I got was this:

Me and my empty glass wishing I had more cherry juice

Believe me when I say I will get some more. I loved it and apparently Husband gave it the big thumbs up, too, because I drank half the bottle then went back for more and it was gone.

I first learned about the powerful effects of cherries after reading one of my marathon mentor’s (the wonderful Maria Bailey from BSM Media and Mom TV) tweets. She shared that including cherries in your post run or workout routine helped combat soreness, so I started tossing some in my chocolate protein shakes. Yum. Then when The Cherry Marketing Institute sent me the tart bottle of cherry juice I was hooked. It came at the perfect time, too, right before my USTA State Tennis Tournament where I was playing two matches a day for four days and training for Race & Relax and my marathon. Gasp! While I was exhausted after the tournament, I wasn’t nearly as sore as I expected and I believe partial credit goes to the cherries.

I love finding food that taste great and is good for you, too, and felt compelled to share my great find with you. Don't worry, there’s more than enough cherries for everyone. You can learn more about the nutritional benefits of cherries (they’re packed with lots of antioxidants) and the Red Recovery Routine at http://www.choosecherries.com/.

Winks & Smiles,

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