Hi Ho, Hi Ho, Back to Work I Go

Well, Working in the field of education, you get a well deserved 2 week Christmas Break!!  I thoroughly enjoyed it!! Especially since we got 2 snow days tacked on to our vacation yesterday and today!! ;)

The time was well spent… doing nothing but relaxing!!!  And having a Star Wars movie marathon!!

BUT… and you may think I’m crazy for saying this…. BUT… I’m ready to go back to work!! I’m ready to get my life back in to some sort of a routine!!

I always feel better when I’m semi busy doing things instead of lounging around the house like I have been for the past 2 weeks (and 2 days) lol!

I feel better, I sleep better, I eat better, I manage my time better, I exercise better…

I’m ready to get back to life!! :)

 

Do you do better with routine?

2013 Christmas in Pictures

I know I’m a couple days late… but I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!! I had a wonderful Christmas! (Despite being sick!)  I think my body is just worn out from going nonstop the past month and a half!!  I’ve been moving, cleaning, shopping for the apartment and for Christmas, and working 60+ hours a week!  Craziness!! After going to both sides of the family 4 days in a row, today I just slept in and relaxed all day and I can already see an improvement in my health!

Anyways… I thought I would show you all some of the fun I had over Christmas and try to get around to some of your blogs tonight since I’m being a lazy bum! ;)

Somehow I ended up on Santa’s naughty list… no idea how that happened

I got some decorations up around our apartment for our first Christmas out on our own!

I baked some Snickerdoodles

We watched “White Christmas” (best Christmas movie ever!!) I watch it every Christmas Eve!!

Santa came! ;)

My twin and I matched on accident on Christmas (with my fur-niece Marlo)

Having some laughs with my twin and mom on Christmas morning while hubs, my brother, and dad played Zombies (and my youngest sister was taking a nap) lol

AND… got in some yoga for the first time in a month!!

How’d you spend your Christmas?

I hope you all enjoy the last few days of the year!!

2013 Christmas Card Swap Groups

**UPDATE** I have just sent out the last email!! Please check your inboxes and let me know if for some reason you didn’t get your group info and I can resend it! :)

 

YAY!!! Finally!! The day you all have been waiting for!! Thank you so much for being so patient with me during our move and me being sick! I apologize for the delay but here are your groups!!! You will be getting an email with your group’s information (address and introductions) at some point tonight!  I used random.org to put you in groups and made sure that if you said “less than 5”, “max 5”, “more than 5/up to 10”, or “no mailing abroad” that I put you in the correct group.  If for some reason you signed up but can’t find your name in a group, LET ME KNOW AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!!  Also, once you get an email with your group, if there are any problems please let me know as soon as you can and I will switch the groups around!! Thanks for joining in on the fun everyone!!!  Since I am a week late in getting the groups out I’ll be super lenient about the send out date! Please just try to get them out as soon as possible seeing as Christmas is 10 days away! I know it’s impossible to expect you all to have them in tomorrow’s mail! lol! Please comment on this post or send me an email letting me know that you sent your cards! :D

Group Reindeer

Erica from Life as a Running Mom
Suzanne from Cows and Lasers and Everything In Between
Elizabeth from Instagram
Lisa from Chasin’ Bunnies
Jessica from Instagram

Group Snowflake

Darlene from My First 5k and More
Ruby from I'm a Runners Mom
Sandra from Facebook
Julie from ROJ Running
Bobbie from Journey in Running

Group Mistletoe

Kim from Barking Mad About Running
Charlotta from Instagram
Zaneta from Runner’s Luck
Kiley from DVF Fitness
Kristy from Runaway Bridal Planner

Group Cookie

Johanna from The Woolen Runner
Andrea from Age Group Rocks
Whitney from Running With Whit
Danielle from Ooh Breathe, Just Breathe
Brianne from Instagram

Group Joy

Sherri from Instagram
Debe from Facebook
Tiina from One Crazy Penguin
Robin from Twitter
Karen from Facebook

MyMemories Suite Giveaway (Christmas Edition)

Some of you may remember that I had a giveaway back in August and I had nothing but good things to say! Well… nothing’s changed!!  I still LOVE My Memories Suite!

To recap: 

My Memories Suite is a digital scrapbooking software that makes it easy to create scrapbook pages, calendars, recipes, ornaments, picture collages, cupcake liners, and so much more! The number of things you can create with My Memories is unlimited as they have 1000+ embellishments, templates, and background papers…

AND they just came out with an upgraded version… MyMemories Suite v4! 

I LOVE My Memories Suite!! First of all, it comes with background papers and embellishments included in the software so there is no need to purchase separate kits/designer packs unless you absolutely want to!  You can still create awesomely cute things!!  Secondly, It’s so easy to use!!  Even if you are creatively inept, you can use this digital scrapbooking software because it takes you through each step and is so easy to reposition or resize embellishments!  AND you don’t have to make a mess or end up with sticky fingers from cutting and pasting things by hand!  This software is MESS FREE!! 
Here’s a screenshot of the software:

AND GUESS WHAT MY RUNNING FRIENDS?!?!  They have a Marathon Runner Scrapbooking kit for only $3.99!!  I purchased it and now I can create awesome memories with my race photos/bibs!!

 

You may remember that I used this software to make a new blog header and create custom page link tabs which I happen to think are very cute! :)  Well, this time around, since it’s coming up on Christmas, I decided to take pictures of the ornaments that my hubby and I have and think are special and put them all on one page that can be used for Christmas cards, scrapbooking, put in a photobook, and much more!

My Memories Suite is the PERFECT Christmas gift!  AND it’s quick, there’s no waiting around for it to come in the mail, you can just download it straight to your computer!  They even keep the link on your account for back up! On the other hand, if you DO want a CD-rom with the scrapbooking software on it you can order that as well!!  Here’s the perfect chance for you to win My Memories Suite Scrapbooking software for you or someone special this holiday season!! 

This giveaway will run from now until Wednesday December 26th at 11:59pm!  If you don’t want to wait that long and you really want to get it for someone before Christmas, you can click the picture below and copy and paste the below PROMO CODE for $10 dollars off!! That’s a great deal!!  It’ll be $29.97 after you use the code!! 

 

USE THIS CODE (just copy and paste!): 

STMMMS59610

 

Here’s How to Enter (Leave a separate comment for each):

Mandatory:

~ You Must be or become a follower of my blog… if you aren’t already, just click the follow button of Google Friend in my sidebar… easy peasy! :)   (one entry)

~ Go to www.MyMemories.com and have a look around then come back and tell me what your favorite product is… it can be a digital paper pack, add-ons, template… anything!   (one entry)

Optional:

~ Like My Memories on Facebook HERE  (one entry)

~ Like Runner’s Luck on Facebook HERE  (one entry)

~ Follow My Memories on Twitter HERE  (one entry)

~ Follow Runner’s Luck on Twitter HERE  (one entry)

~ Tweet, Facebook, Pin to Pinterest, or Share this giveaway on daily mile, your blog or anywhere else and leave a comment for each  (you can get an entry for each share once a day just make sure to comment each day you share the giveaway!)

Sample Tweet (can copy and paste into twitter):
Check out the @mymemoriessuite #scrapbookingsoftware #giveaway @superwoman4002 is having on her blog! #runchat http://tinyurl.com/cp6o58j

Last Call!!

It’s not too late!  If you want to sign up for the 3rd Annual Christmas Card Swap there is still time!!  I’m going to go eat breakfast and start my laundry etc etc so you can still sign up!  I’ll give you until 12pm EST!  You can click on the link or the picture below to join in on all the Christmas fun! :)

2012 Christmas Card Swap

It’s that time of year again… time for the 3rd annual Christmas Card Swap!!!  Aren’t you all excited?!  Every year, more people than the last have signed up and I’m hoping the pattern will continue this year! :) This is a fantastically fun way to meet new bloggers and receive Christmas cards!  There are even a few people copying the idea on their blogs… So, here is how it works:

Depending on how many people sign up, I will divide you all into groups of 5 or more people.  You will send a Christmas card to all the people in your group, and will be receiving cards from the people in your group.  Let’s say you are put in a group with X,Y,Z…  You will send cards to X, Y, and Z and will receive a card from X, Y, and Z.  Make sense?! Good! :)

Your cards can be store bought or handmade and you can feel free to add a little something to the card like your favorite running quote, running advice, candy, a little ornament, a sticker, a note of encouragement or a funny note, or you can just send the card… Whatever you want to do is PERFECT!  Just don’t be sending pairs of running shoes, an Ipad, or a free entry to Boston (unless you’re sending it to me of course)  We want to keep this cheap so everyone can join and doesn’t feel bad for just sending a card!   :)

After everyone is put into their groups I will be sending out an email including your group members ONLY with their blog links (so you can get to know them if you don’t already) and addresses so that there’s still a bit of privacy and everyone’s addresses aren’t out there floating around on the internet somewhere!  Safety people!!  :D   The groups will be picked by Random.org so we keep things mixed up!  I will say that if you participated last year, I will try my best to pair you with different people this year so that you meet even more interesting people. :)

I will be adding people to a list at the bottom of this page as they sign up…  So, if you sign up and for some reason, do not see your name on the list after a couple days… just shoot me an email and we’ll get it taken care of!

If you can think of anything that I may have left out, let me know!  Let’s get this PARTY STARTED!!!  You are welcome to invite your friends!  All are welcome! :)  Feel free to put the logo below on your blog and link it back to this page as an invite to other bloggers! AND YES, international bloggers are welcome to join as well as those without blogs… Dailymilers, facebookers, or Twitterers can join too!!!  ;)

How to sign up:

Send an email to runners.luck@hotmail.com with the subject “2012 Christmas Card Swap” and include the following:

Name:
Mailing Address:
Email Address:  (This makes it easier for me to contact you if I have a question :)
Blog Title and URL: (or link to your twitter, dailymile, or facebook if you dont have a blog)Introduce yourself in a couple sentences:  (so that others in your group can get to know you)
Additional Information:  (if you feel you can only send to 1, 2, or 3 people instead of 5 or let me know if you’re willing to send to more, its totally cool!! OR if you are willing to send a card internationally or not!  Just let me know!)

**Come back to this page and just post a quick comment stating that you’re in so that I can cross reference and double check entrants. That’s it… 
So easy a caveman could do it!   ;)

SIGN UPS WILL CLOSE ON DECEMBER 7TH @ 11:59PM 
(Basically if you sign up before I wake up December 8th , you’re golden!)

 

Sign ups OPEN November 23 – December 7
Sign ups Close December 7th @ 11:59 pm
Partners Emailed December 7-9th
Cards need to be sent by December 17th

 

People who are IN LIKE FLYNN!

Zaneta from Runner’s Luck
Erica from Life as a Running Mom
Melanie from Dailymile Here
Julie from ROJ Running
Whitney from Running with Whit
Hannah from HannahViolin
Monique from Confessions of a Lazy Athlete
Lisa from Rainstorm: A World of Adventures
Darlene from My First 5k and More
Kim from Barking Mad About Running
Wendy from One Tough Mother Runner
Danielle from Breathe
Katie from From Ice Cream to Marathon
Suzanne from Cows and Lazers and Everything in Between
Courtney from Third Time’s a Charm Runner
Jen from Running With the Girls
Bobbie from Journey In Running
Kadie from Life on the Pavement
Jessica from Creations By Jessica Lynn 
Paula from Perspicacity
Michelle from Michelle le belle... Tres bien ensemble
Andrea from Age Groups Rock
Gene from Relentless Forward Motion
Stephanie from Smiles Through Miles
Ruby from I'm a Runners Mom
Lisa from Cow Spots and Tales
Gabby from Twitter Here
Scott from BDD

Christmas Time was here…. and now it’s gone…

I absolutely LOVE Christmas, it’s my favorite time of year!!  It always seems to go by so quickly too… I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and got to spend some quality time with your loved ones!! :)  That’s always my favorite part! :)

After Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Before Christmas Morning Service

 

Santa was good to me this year…

In my stocking:

- Pepper Mace
- Carmex Lip Balm
- Comfy Socks
- Candy

A Vera Bradley Wristlet:

Jewelry: 

2012 Cleveland Indians Calendar:

 

The movie “Audism Unveiled” (it’s about the oppression of Deaf people… all in sign language, no audio, but it does have captions if you’re interested… it really opens your eyes):

Dress clothes for work:

 

AND Running Clothes:

Triple Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Recipe

Recipe can be found HERE

 

Ingredients:
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup baking cocoa (I used Ghirardelli)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup 60% cacao bittersweet chocolate baking chips

White Chocolate Frosting:
     1/2 cup white baking chips
     4 ounces cream cheese, softened
     3 cups confectioners’ sugar
     1/3 to 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies

 

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.  Beat in eggs and vanilla.  Combine the flour, cocoa, salt and baking soda; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.  Stir in the chocolate chips.

2. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 in. apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until set.  Cool for 2 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely.

3. In a microwave, melt baking chips; stir until smooth.  Cool.

4. In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar until smooth.  Beat in melted chips.  Frost cookies; sprinkle with peppermint candies. 
(note:  I just put the round peppermint candies in a blender and set to chop for a couple seconds to get them sprinkle-like)

Yield: About 6-1/2 dozen

 

Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookie Recipe

 

You can find this recipe HERE

Ingredients:
      1 cup – White Sugar
      1 cup – Corn Syrup
      1/4 cup – Butter
      1 cup – Peanut Butter
      6 cups – Cornflakes

 

Directions:

Bring sugar & corn syrup to a boil. 

Remove from heat & add butter & peanut butter.

Melt, pour over cornflakes.

Mix together and spoon onto wax paper.

Makes 50 cookies

          

Five For Friday (and a winner)

1. Wowsa… this time is so busy, but I LOVE Christmas time… It’s my favorite time of year!! :)  Mostly because our whole family is together during Christmas and we have LOTS of good memories of Christmas growing up… 

 

2.  I’ve been busy baking (recipes to follow)

 

 

3. AND… wrapping gifts

 

4. I know this is supposedly a running/workout blog (mainly)  with a hosh posh of other things… Well mostly its been mainly just hosh posh lately and the reason is because I haven’t really been working out a lot lately… I’ve tried to change that around this past week and have been doing a new workout DVD to try to get my mojo, passion, or whatever you want to call it, back.. more to come on that later too…

 

5.  The winner of my athletic giveaway featuring Anti Monkey Butt and Stopain according to random.org is…

#11 -

 

Congrats Christine!! Email me your info and I will forward it on! :)

 

I hope everyone is enjoying this holiday season and not getting wrapped up in all the hustle and bustle but able to spend time with family and loved ones and remember what Christmas is all about! :)

“O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree…”

First of all, I just want to tell you that ALL of the 2011 Christmas Card Swap Groups have been emailed so PLEASE check your inbox and contact me IMMEDIATELY if there are any problems or if I accidentally missed someone!!

__________________________________________________

Second of all… my husband and I bought our very first Christmas tree and decorated it over the weekend when I probably should have been studying for finals (1 more on Thursday).  Not to mention, we hung our stockings ;)  I LOVE our Christmas tree!! It definitely put me in the Christmas spirit!!  :)