It’s time for April coffee

April 7, 2018 by 13 Comments

As we ease into a new month, this is the perfect time to settle in and catch up over coffee. I’m linking up with Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date, so grab a mug of your fave hot beverage and let’s chat.

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that it’s deja vu all over again. Just like March’s coffee date I cannot believe that I’m still dealing with snow. We got hit with a freak storm yesterday that made visibility on the roads tough and more is expected on Tuesday. I can’t whine about this winter anymore so I’ll just move on…

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that once the weather does settle down I cannot wait to get out in my garden and get planting. I have two gardens around my house (one sun and one shade) and they are both in need of some redesign – removing old plants that are past their blooming prime and relocating others that have gotten too big. I’ve been pouring over garden catalogs and sketching out some new layouts, and I’m itching to get started!

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I’ve just finished reading The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod (Affiliate link) and my curiosity is peaked. Elrod’s premise is that by intentionally managing your routine during the first hour of the day you can set the stage for success across many areas of your life. He provides guides on how to do this and elements he recommends be part of your routine. I’m going to try his 30 day challenge, and have wrangled my husband into joining me.

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that lacrosse season officially kicks off in my house this weekend as both boys have their first games! With both boys playing across 3 teams, we’ve got a lot of games on the calendar over the next couple of months. This is always a crazy hectic time of year for us, but I love that this is a sport our whole family enjoys!

What would you tell me over coffee? 

signature
Filed Under: gardening, general musings, Lacrosse, Ultimate coffee date

Coffee and a Nor’easter

March 3, 2018 by 22 Comments

The winds are still gusting here following yesterday’s Nor’easter, and if my neighborhood is any example than I can only imagine that there are tree branches and other debris all over the roads. Happily, our power’s back on so I can fire up the Keurig and snuggle up on the couch with a mug of hot coffee and have a little catch-up. I’m linking up with Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date, so grab a mug of your fave hot beverage and let’s chat.

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I cannot believe that Thursday I was on Cape Cod for a meeting and it was a beautiful day in the mid-60s, then yesterday we got hit with a raging Nor’easter. The winds were so fierce at times that it literally sounded like a roar. You know it’s bad when I opened the door to the mudroom to let my dog out and he just sat there looking at me like I had to be joking.

And, while on the subject of the weather, if we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I’m already stalking the forecast for my  “race”, aka training run with benefits, scheduled for next Saturday. I’ve been such a fair-weather runner this winter and I’m hoping that doesn’t come back to bite in the arse. So far the forecast shows a clear day in the 40s – fingers-crossed that will hold up.

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that my son’s been hounding me to sign him up for driver’s ed, and meanwhile, I’m having a hard time processing that he’s inching ever closer to turning 16. A couple of the neighborhood kids recently got their licenses and every time one of them drives past me on our street it throws me for a loop because in my mind’s eye all I can see are the little kids who use to run around my backyard.

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I’ve been feeling super stretched lately. Things on all fronts seem to be running in high gear all at the same time and it has left me feeling drained. “Busy” has quickly become a four-letter word but I’m working on regaining some sense of balance.

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that while I usually enjoy watching the Oscars I don’t think I’ve seen one movie that has been nominated this year. In fact, I haven’t paid attention at all to the awards season and have no idea who are supposed to be the favorites. I’m not sure if I’ll watch on Sunday, but I’ll probably tune in to catch the red carpet – which is often more entertaining than the Oscars themselves 😉

What would you tell me over coffee? Did you deal with the crazy weather yesterday? Will you be watching the Oscars?

signature
Filed Under: Ultimate coffee date, weather

Catching Up Over Coffee

February 2, 2018 by 51 Comments

These past few days (weeks!) have been a blur – time for a quick catch up over coffee.

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I’m declaring February my “do over” month. High hopes of getting out the gates fast on a number of things to start the year were derailed by being sick. The creeping crud has finally vacated our house and in it’s a wake is an over-flowing to do list!

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that February is already off to a great start with the email I got yesterday inviting me back for my second year as a Skirt Sports Ambassador Captain! I absolutely love this company – not just for their cute and comfy clothes, but also for the positive community they foster among women. Their positive vibe and mission to encourage all women to push past their perceived limits really connects with me and I am looking forward to sharing the Skirt love again this year!

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that the college outreach to my oldest son has begun and I’m so not ready to think about it! There are daily mailings and email solicitations pouring in and meanwhile, I’m thinking were we not just celebrating him starting Kindergarten?! Someone please make the clock slow down!

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I’m feeling the need to shake up my strength workouts a bit. I felt like I was making the most progress when I was working with a trainer so I’m on the hunt to find a new strength coach – unfortunately I’m now wowed by any of the trainers on staff at my gym so I’ve got to scout out other alternatives.

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I cannot wait for the Super Bowl and a chance to see my Patriots bring home another Lombardi trophy! I think the whole 2-week build up is just too much – I’m looking forward to less talk and just playing!

(Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

So what would you tell me over coffee? Do you work with a trainer or do your own thing? Are you planning to watch the game?

I’m linking up with Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date.

I’m also linking up with Meranda, Lacey, and Rachel for the Friday Five.

signature
Filed Under: #REALwomenmove, #skirtsports, Friday Five, Patriots, Skirt Sports Ambassador, Ultimate coffee date

5 Things for January Coffee

January 5, 2018 by 43 Comments

It’s time once again for a little catch up over coffee!

Didn’t we just do this? I swear it sometimes hard to keep track of how fast the days are moving. I’m linking up with Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date, so grab a mug of your fave hot beverage and let’s chat.

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that the holidays were a little bittersweet for us as my father-in-law passed away peacefully on Christmas Day. He was a true gentleman with a quick smile and kind word for everyone. His passions were his family, skiing, sailing, and painting and I hope to be doing as much as he was when I reach 92! I’m so grateful that we all got to spend time with him over Thanksgiving and my husband got in one more trip just before Christmas Eve.

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that thanks to the Bomb Cyclone (really who comes up with this stuff?!) it’s been tough to get back into the swing of a regular routine. The kids started back to school on Tuesday, only to be home Thursday and Friday thanks to blizzard conditions. I love a good “snow day” but I have a sinking feeling Monday morning re-entry is going to be tough!

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that my husband, brother and I are doing Run the Edge‘s “Run This Year” challenge. While I don’t set annual mileage goals, I think doing this as a team will be fun! My brother’s planning on some Spartan races and my husband J will be doing trail races so I think 2,018 miles collectively is totally doable – and I’m sure there will be some serious trash talking between the 3 of us over who’s logging the most 🙂

A fun medal for 2,108 miles!

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that since sharing my running goals, I’ve become a little obsessed with trying to decide which marathon to run this fall. I’m itching to get my race calendar settled but want to select the marathon first and then build around it.

And, speaking of goals, if we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I have no shortage of house projects I want to take on for this year. At the top of the list is purging from top to bottom and clearing out all of the stuff we’re not using. It was clear to me as I was struggling to come up with gift ideas for both J and the kids that we really don’t need any more stuff – and that in fact, we could stand to shed some things. So, starting this month I’m going room by room – and dragging my family along kicking and screaming…wish me luck!

What would you tell me over coffee? Got a marathon suggestion? Did you get hit by the Bomb Cyclone?

I’m also linking up with Meranda, Lacey, and Rachel for the Friday Five.

signature
Filed Under: #RunThisYear, clutter clean out, Friday Five, Ultimate coffee date

November Coffee

November 4, 2017 by 20 Comments

Time for a little catch up over coffee!

I’m joining Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date link-up.  Grab a mug, get comfortable and let’s chat!

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that Mother Nature is seriously crushing my fall buzz with this latest crazy warm-up! I know you might think I’m crazy for wishing away 77 degree days, but I really like having 4 seasons and Fall is my favorite. Every time I think we finally get a taste of fall, Mother N yells “psyche!”

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I may be more excited to see the new Thor movie that just opened than my boys are! I think the Marvel movies are so much fun…and let’s be honest Chris Hemsworth isn’t too tough to take 😉

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I’ve become mildly obsessed with Stitch Fix! I got my first fix back in July and was pleasantly surprised that the stylist hit it out of the park. Since then I’ve only had one Fix that was a “What were they thinking?!” moment. I have some holiday parties on the horizon so I’m really looking forward to seeing what this month’s Fix will hold. If you’re interested in checking it out and helping my shopping habit, please use my referral code http://stitchfix.com/referral/13408665

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I’m really looking forward to the holidays. I got the annual mailer announcing Nutcracker tickets (one of my fave family traditions) and my boys have already started dropping gift hints 🙂 I’m hoping to get started with my Christmas shopping in the next week or so  – I want to be organized nice and early so I can really kick back and enjoy the season!

So what would you tell me over coffee? Are you looking forward to the holidays?

signature
Filed Under: holiday cheer, Mother Nature, Ultimate coffee date

Time for October Coffee

October 7, 2017 by 20 Comments

It’s the weekend! And, even better…it’s a long weekend! I’m joining Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date link-up.  Grab a mug, get comfortable and let’s catch up!

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I couldn’t get to this weekend fast enough! Work was hectic, J was traveling again, and there’s always the boys’ schedules and the dreaded school projects! Thrown in that I wasn’t feeling fabulous…and seriously, I was reaching for the white flag!

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I feel like we’re being invaded by stink bugs here in New England. The local news announced that there’s an uptick this season…great! These things are everywhere and have an insidious way of getting inside. I am a super bug-phobe so this is not going over well with me. I need it to get colder faster!

Creepy looking isn’t it?!

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that the rambunctious pup is back from his 2-week board and train and I’m happy to say there’s a notable improvement. While he’s still high energy, he’s much more manageable and under control. Halleluiah!

8 months and still needs to grow into those ears!

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I’m really looking forward to getting away with my husband for a few days to celebrate our 25th anniversary this week. How in the world is it 25 years already?!? We’re going to one of our favorite spots – can. not. wait!

Now I’d tell you that my cup is empty and I need a refill. So your turn, what would you tell me over coffee?

signature
Filed Under: Ultimate coffee date

Coffee Date – Labor Day Edition

September 2, 2017 by 23 Comments

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

Given how fast this summer has flown by I should not be at all surprised that we have already reached Labor Day weekend and the “unofficial end of summer.” Before I dive into this long weekend, I’m joining Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date link-up.  Grab a mug (or an iced coffee) and join me!

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I’m loving how much my family is embracing running. We went to my favorite running store this week and both my boys and husband walked out with new running shoes – and surprisingly I left with nothing more than salted watermelon GU! What?! Truth be told, my husband bought me the new Saucony Zealots as one of my birthday gifts just a couple of weeks ago.

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that while I recently runfessed that I was way off my game getting organized for my boys to return to school, I now have all of their books and I’m blown away by how much we had to spend! Can someone please explain to me how my middle-schooler’s books cost almost as much as my high-schooler’s?!

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that my precious puppy is now pushing 70 pounds and he’s not 7 months old yet! While lovable, he’s also a handful and stubborn, so before he gets any bigger we’ve decided to turn him over to our trainer for a 2-week board and train. We drop him off tomorrow – hopefully, he’ll come home more in control.

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that we’ve been trying to squeeze as much as possible into these last few days of summer, including trips to the beach, hikes, and hitting some of our favorite summer spots.

In fact, we’re heading to Maine today, and I need to finish this coffee and get the car packed up.

What would you tell me over coffee? If you have a long weekend, do you have any plans?

signature
Filed Under: end of summer, family running, Ultimate coffee date

July Coffee Date

July 1, 2017 by 27 Comments

How is it already July?!?!

The breakneck pace of 2017 continues! It’s the first Saturday of the month, and that means it’s time for catching up over coffee! Thanks to Coco and Deborah for hosting the Ultimate Coffee Date link-up.  Grab a mug (or an iced coffee) and join me!

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that after a sea of end-of-year school events, elementary school graduation, a major event for work, and 3…yes 3 weekends of lacrosse tournaments, I am really looking forward to some lazy summer days this month!

My kiddo’s sporting the yellow gloves

 

 If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that my newest snack addiction is the Health Warrior Pumpkin Seed Bars. I first got to try the Cinnamon Spice bar thanks to StrideBox and I was quickly on the hunt for more. Since then I’ve discovered the Honey Cracked Pepper with Turmeric and the Dark Chocolate. These bars are so good!

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I’m looking forward to lounging on my deck and doing some summer reading…but I need some recommendations! It’s been a while since I’ve read a good novel and I miss reading.

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that while this pup is wildly cute, he’s a stubborn handful! We start our first session with a trainer this morning and I cannot wait!

In fact, I better finish my coffee and get ready for the trainer.

What would you tell me over coffee? Any book suggestions?

 

signature
Filed Under: Ultimate coffee date

June Coffee Date

June 3, 2017 by 14 Comments

It’s the first Saturday of the month, so of course, that means it’s time for catching up over coffee! Thanks to Coco and Deborah for hosting the Ultimate Coffee Date link-up.  Grab a mug (or an iced coffee) and join me!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m really looking forward to having no training plan this month – to just roll out of bed and run without trying to hold to a schedule. I’ll be curious to see how many miles I log when left to my own devices.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’ve been hard at work on my garden and it’s starting to come together nicely. What’s blowing my mind is after working all last weekend and parts of this week on the garden, I can’t believe I still have a pretty significant pile of mulch in my driveway!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m so happy my oldest son decided to not go to overnight camp for the full 7-week session. He’s only going for the second session so he can go to a technology program at one of the local colleges. After two summers of him being away for the bulk of the summer, I’m looking forward to having him around 🙂

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I cannot believe that my “baby” is just days aways from graduating elementary school and will be a middle schooler! Seriously where has the time gone?

And, of course, I’d have to share a photo of my ever-growing puppy who’s now 4 months old!

What would you tell me over coffee?

signature
Filed Under: Ultimate coffee date

May 2017 Coffee Date

May 6, 2017 by 23 Comments

It’s the first Saturday of the month, so of course, that means it’s time for catching up over coffee! Thanks to Coco and Deborah for hosting the Ultimate Coffee Date link-up.  Grab a mug and join me!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I cannot believe how fast our new pup is growing! He weighed in at just over 26 pounds at last week’s vet appointment, gaining 8 pounds in 2 weeks! Everyone who sees him comments on the size of his paws – he’s gonna be a big boy I think.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I think I’ve finally got all the camps and various activities figured out for my boys for the summer. I even have the pup’s trainer lined up to start in July. Now if I can just figure out a vacation spot for August that will take dogs. Any suggestions?

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that my latest snack addiction is Turmeric Pepitas. These things are seriously addictive! I found them in Run Fast, Eat Slow (affiliate link) and it’s become an instant favorite.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m heading to a Chi Running clinic this morning. I did a one-on-one session with a Chi Running coach 6 years ago when I wanted to make the transition from heel strike to forefoot strike. My chiro and I are convinced there’s something that’s gone awry with my gait, so when the opportunity to join this clinic came up I jumped on it.

Now I should get moving – got a busy day ahead!

What would you tell me over coffee?

signature
Filed Under: ChiRunning, general musings, Ultimate coffee date