Posts tagged ‘shoes’

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November 2nd, 2012

You Can’t Buy Pretty Shoes

by Tiff

Happy Friday!  I know the post is a little late today, but Kevin and I were out last night, meaning no time to prep it up and edit/upload my pictures.  More deets on last night will come tomorrow.  For now, I want to review a few new-to-me things.

First up – I finally own a running skirt, and I am soooooo happy with my purchase.  It’s the Abby Run Skort by Asics.  I had a successful three-mile Thursday in it, and I’m pleased.  The shorts rode up about half an inch or an inch, but then it stayed put.  Works for me!

skort

I need to start taking pic BEFORE running.

I’ve only run in my new shoes once so far, but I really liked them.  Gotta’ love that cushy new feel of new kicks. I can’t say that I love the color, but that’s no biggie.  Dad taught me years ago that you can’t by running shoes for looks.

shoes

Dad looked out for me when I first started running.  He bought me good shoes (not the cute ones I wanted).  Then once those got old, he did a ton of research and analyzed where they had worn the most so that he could make a recommendation for my next pair.  (Sadly, those weren’t cute either.)  I later had to do PT for runner’s knee, and the therapist recommended the exact shoe my dad had picked out for me.  Thanks pops!

oats

Lastly – I’m enjoying my protein oats now before I get to work.  They’re raspberry vanilla.  Whenever I eat raspberries I also think of my dad for no other reason than he likes them.

Now you’re practically best friends with the guy, right?

  • Got weekend plans?

Posted in Fitness | 13 Comments »

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October 19th, 2011

Not Chilly Enough for Chili (but I made it anyway)

by Tiff

Today’s the last day to enter my workout gear giveaway!

I finally made some chili this past weekend. It was kinda, sorta, but not really chilly outside, but I just wanted it. Plus, the chili recipe I was going to use was super easy. When it comes to cooking on a Friday night, I need something easy!

Here are two other chili recipes I like. I make these when I want to change it up, but luckily my favorite recipe, which I am going to share below, is faster, cheaper, and tastier. Winning!

I did not pair any beers with my chili, but I had an Oktoberfest brew later that night. I think that if I had enjoyed the two together, they would have complimented each other nicely.

Okay… without further delay, here’s my awesome mommy’s recipe for vegetarian chili… (World’s #1 Mom)

friday 009

Ingredients

  • 1 TBS oil (olive oil works well)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 jalapenos (optional)
  • 1 bag Morningstar Farms veggie crumbles
  • 1 15-oz can tomato sauce (no salt added is great)
  • 2 15-oz cans kidney beans (light or dark)
  • 2 TBS chili powder
  • 1 TBS ground cumin
  • 2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a large pot, and then add the onion, bell pepper, and jalapenos (if using).

2. After the veggies have softened, “brown” the frozen veggie crumbles. This may take approximately 5 minutes on about medium/high.

3. Once defrosted, add tomato sauce and beans. Stir occasionally and let the chili start to boil. Reduce heat to medium.

4. Add desired spices, stir, and simmer until heated through.

Notes/Tips/Tricks

  • If you’re in a hurry, skip the veggies. Seriously – this is the fastest chili ever.
  • I like jalapenos, so I add two, but you can add more or less to your liking.
  • I never measure my spices, so these are approximations. I never make it the same way every time, so just use what you like.
  • Like most savory meals, it’s best with cheese…

friday 007

I also want to mention that I ordered my free pair of Naturalizer shoes yesterday. I won the a coupon code for free shoes (and shipping) from My Fashionable Affair. This was definitely the coolest giveaway ever! Check out my selection…

They aren’t the sexiest shoes I’ve ever seen, but they’ll be perfect for day-to-day wear, even at work!

· If you have a favorite chili recipe posted online somewhere, link up in the comments!

Posted in Fashion, Food | 17 Comments »

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August 23rd, 2011

It’s my birthday, and I’ll blog if I want to.

by Tiff

Despite the lingering food coma and the time change from the weekend’s travel, yesterday wasn’t awful. That’s surprising for a Monday! Don’t get me wrong, I was still in dire need of caffiene, but it could have been worse.

Maybe it was the kitty snuggles in the morning, or it was my good workout that helped. Maybe it was that I wore these adorable shoes.

Pretty Shoes!

Then again, maybe Monday went relatively well because I was excited about my birthday.

Flashback to My 21st Birthday

Happy Birthday to me! Yaaaaayyyyyy! Okay – that’s about enough of that. I got all the celebrating out of my system this weekend. This is more-or-less a typical Tuesday. There’s just 1 minor difference: additional self reflection.

I’m done celebrating, but I still have things to think about. It’s not like you turn a quarter-century old every day! I’ve done a lot; I’ve seen a lot. And I am pretty excited for the next quarter-century.

24 was a great year for me. In fact, it may have been my best yet… well, I’m not sure if it topped year 4. I think that was a good year too, but I guess it doesn’t count if I can’t remember most of it. I’m sad to let go of 24, but I’m happy to be moving on.

*****

Early in the post, I briefly mentioned yesterday’s good workout, and I’d like to fill you in on it. The workout included 30 minutes of intervals on the elliptical trainer, along with a cool-down, and the “Monday” portion of Muscle & Fitness Hers “Vacation Countdown” workout.

I really enjoy this circuit workout, but I may cut it a week short. I still kinda’ feel the burn, but I’m in the mood to lift heavy. Next week, be prepared for a new routine.

Today will include some pool time and yoga or pilates. Wish me luck with my laps!

I look like a bum in the gym 90% of the time.

Oh, and for those of you who read my pre-birthday post, the eye cream is working marvelously!

Posted in Fitness | 49 Comments »

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August 19th, 2011

I Love Friday (And Other Things…)

by Tiff

Hellooooo! I’m so happy that it’s Friday, I want to share some of my happy with you all. Although a video of my happy dance might make you chuckle, it wouldn’t be as enlightening as another Things-I’m-Loving post.

Here’s what I’m loving as of lately…

1. This hair color. I’m getting my hair done next weekend, so what do you think of this?tresemme model

IMAGE SOURCE

2. My new shoes! I know I already talked about them in my How to Buy Shoes post yesterday, but they make me that happy!

3. Grapes. I know, it’s a lame one, but I love ‘em. I got these organic ones free with a $5 purchase this weekend. Free grapes taste better than regular ones.

4. Target clothes. Seriously, I got the skirt, top, and shoes for under $60. Then again, I have a health/fitness blog, not a fashion blog. I know my limits.

5. My birthday weekend. Yup, I’m celebrating a couple days early. Who celebrates on a Tuesday?

What has been making you happy lately?

Posted in Fashion, Fitness, Food | 19 Comments »

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August 18th, 2011

Running Shoes & Wands

by Tiff

“The wand chooses the wizard… it’s not always clear why.”

—Ollivander

My new running shoes! Keep reading to find out how buying running shoes is like purchasing a wand…

mizuno

First off, old shoes can lead to injury. I have Mizunos, which are cheaper than other brands, but they do not last as long. Not even the Weasleys can use hand-me-down or worn-out wands, so don’t even think about using old running shoes!

Ron Weasley

If you don’t know the style you need, or if you are just interested in changing it up, you benefit from visiting a specialty store. Harry and his buddies went to Ollivander’s. I’ve visited a number of specialty shops, including a few Fleet Feet Sports stores in various states.

The knowledgeable sales staff in any specialty store should watch you run in the shoes you try on. They view your stride and help you find the best fit. Some stores even record your feet while you run on a treadmill. I never knew how wobbly my feet looked until seeing them on camera!

Mr. Ollivander lets his patrons test their wands too. That’s important, especially if you blow things up in the store like Harry.

This weekend, I already knew I wanted a new pair of Mizuno shoes, so I went to Dick’s Sporting Goods. I tried on two Mizuno stability shoes. (Stability helps with wobbly feet!) I went with the more expensive pair. You can’t scrimp on wands either. I doubt phoenix tails and dragon scales come cheap!

Don’t be embarrassed trying on shoes. The last time I bought a pair of shoes, I had the sweet sales lady bring out 7 or 8 pairs, and yes, I ran around the store in most all of them.  Ollivander cant wand-fit a patron on the first try either.

shoes

Lastly, don’t buy what’s cool or cute. It’s rarely the best thing for you. Dad wouldn’t let me get anything cute for my first running shoe. After running through my first good pair, he analyzed the bottoms of my shoes to see where I wore the most tread and cushion. Then he suggested my next pair. My physical therapist later recommended the exact same shoe my dad had selected. Trust me; they weren’t cute!  I doubt it was cool to get the sibling wand of Valdemort, but you know what – Harry’s too cool to care.

Oh, I got a pair of cross trainers this weekend too. They’re sooooo awesome!

new balance

Do you have a favorite brand of runners, walkers, or cross trainers? Ever been to a specialty shop?

Posted in Fitness | 36 Comments »

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