Ciao Italia

28 Apr By

Sooooooo…there is a slight possibility that I may be going to Italy this summer. Yes, I know, super exciting, right?

This would not be my first jaunt to the land of pasta, as you may remember, I studied abroad in Rome for a semester in college. All this new excitement about the (very) slight possibility of returning got me thinking. Where in the hech are all my pics from Italy?? I have a great scrapbook I put together, but I new somewhere on the world wide web were hundreds of other pictures. During my time abroad I loaded all of my pics onto a photo sharing sight so my friends and family could see them. What site was it? What was my log in? To make a long story short, after a few days of wracking my brain and communicating back and forth with Webshots’ customer service team, I found them!

And holy moly had I forgotten just how freakin’ amazing Italy is! {I could go on endlessly about my fabulous host mom, who spoke zero English, the amazing wine, the unbelievable scenery, and the history that made America look like a baby, but I think it’s easier to let some pictures do the talking}

I personally took all of the following photos during my study abroad adventures.

Rome:

A pretty shopping via

St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican

Florence:

Ponte Vecchio over the Arno river

Duomo's dome

 Tuscany and Umbria:

sunset in Gubio

Tuscany

Naples:

Naples

bay of Naples

 Sorento:

our hotel in Sorento

Sorento
Venice:

the Grand Canal

The sun started to come out!

Sigh…

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Happy Friday!

27 Apr By

Source: sunrays-moonshine.tumblr.com via Victoria on Pinterest

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
It’s shaping up to be a beautiful Friday here in the Nation’s Capitol!

 

Since the hubby is away for work, I’ll be enjoying lots of me time this weekend. That means a little shopping, maybe a manicure, a long run, and dinner with my parents.

I hope you all have a fabulous Friday and a wonderful weekend!

 
 
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Tales From the Weight Room

26 Apr By

I started doing strength training when I went away to college and had access to a gym for the first time. I started off slow and small, using 5 pound weights and doing your most basic bicep curls. Some of the guys on my floor helped show me the ropes and taught me how to bench press. I’ve never looked back. Over the years, my exercise repertoire has expanded greatly. I upped my weights.  I added in calisthenics (pushups, squats, lunges) and plyometrics.

As I’ve moved through my 20’s, I’ve lived in many different places and belonged to many different gyms. No matter where I have worked out, I have always been one of very few women in the weight area (I’m defining that as the area with free weights, machines, mats, medicine balls, etc). Once in a while, I have a few other female comrades in there with me. I get it, being in there can be intimidating. So many weights, so many machines, so many juicehead guys (Kidding! Sort of.). No one wants to look silly using small weights (actually not silly at all) or be looked down upon for doing an exercise incorrectly. I get it, but I’m here to say it’s not scary. Don’t be intimidated by the weights or scared of being in front of all those other people. It can actually be a very entertaining place!

Why I love the weight room:

  • The energy in there always keeps me pushing myself. I think if I was in a room all alone I’d let myself slack a little.
  • If you’re observant (subtly, no staring!), you can learn a lot about what to do (and what not to do). As I’ve said before, some of my favorite exercises I picked up from watching other people do them.
  • Often, the other women I do see in the weight room are badass. They are hot and in amazing shape. They’re obviously doing something right.
  • I always, always, always feel great (and a little empowered) after a good workout in the weight room.
  • I never worry about embarrassing myself (and believe me, I have done some embarrassing s**t, like hit myself in the face with a medicine ball) because there is always some other person (read: guy) making a fool of themselves by trying to do too much weight, grunting like a gorilla, wearing jeans while working out, or not actually exercising, but having a “hang out” session with his bro’s.

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  • You hear awesome dating advice like a guy telling his friends how they should keep a girl on the line by only “answering the phone every third time she calls.” True story.
  • It’s a great way to get the latest info on your local sports teams. “Dude, did you hear who got traded today?”
  • There is so much variety. Boredom, or constant repetition of exercises, is a disaster for any workout regimen. You won’t stick with it and you won’t see results.
  • Strength training is one of the best things you can do to get fit and/or lose weight. No! You won’t “bulk up!”

Obviously this is exaggerated, but I think it still gets its point across

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Do you have any good weight room stories?

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Hump Day Happiness

25 Apr By

I think I have said this in almost every “Hump Day Happiness” post, but I’ll say it again. I cannot believe how fast time is going in 2012. It’s the last week of April already!

Here’s a few things bringing me happiness on this Wednesday, I hope they bring you some too!

I had to get up extra early today to get back to the doctor before work. I wasn’t too pleased about it since I am the world’s worst morning person. When I arrived at the Naval Health Clinic, which is beautifully situated on a hill overlooking the Severn River in Annapolis, I was greeted by the most beautiful morning. I couldn’t help but feel happy.

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I love this sweet little saying because it reminds me that even though time is flying, and so many wonderful things have already come and gone, there are even better things on the horizon. The pretty handwriting and lovely blue color make this the perfect print to put on my desk.

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Since the hubs is away again for a while, I am focusing on things I can do with my “me time.” I’ve got these two projects in mind. Can’t wait to report back on how they both turn out!

  1. Being a military wife, I love to show off my patriotism.  This DIY yarn wreath is perfect for the summer season.
  2. I’ve been lusting after necklaces like this all year and this simple DIY one only costs $25 to make!

 

Don’t miss the great at-home workouts featured in this week’s Workout Wenesday!

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Workout Wednesday: Home Sweet Home

25 Apr By

I generally really like working out at a gym. I like the energy and I’ve learned some of my favorite exercises by observing what other people are doing! There are times, however, that getting in the car and driving the 5 minutes just feels overwhelming. On those days,  I throw on my sneaks and do an at-home workout. We have an elliptical and I can always pop in P90X, but I like to keep things fresh and mix it up.

I know that the gym can be an overwhleming place if you are just starting to workout, or are just beginning to try your hand at strength training, so workout out at home can be a great option. Thanks to the handy dandy internet, and of course Pinterest, I’ve found some great at home workout routines that are sure to keep the workout dull drums away (and the fat jeans in the closet).

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I love this workout because it combines cardio and strenth training. It keeps you engaged by switching back and forth between different exercises before you get too tired of one particular move.

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Yes, you can now exercise on your couch! These exercises from SHAPE are perfect to do while you catch up on all the fun stuff on you DVR. You can read all the descriptions, and see the original pics, on SHAPE.com here.

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This workout is great for cardio, lower body and abs.

Have a happy workout!

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Puppy Love

24 Apr By

One of my dearest friends wrote on Facebook the other day that she loves how socially acceptable it’s becoming to be obsessed with your dogs like they are your kids. I couldn’t agree more and I’m starting to feel that itch to add to our little family of three. With B’s travel schedule the way it’s been, I think a new four-legged baby is just what I need to keep the house full of love.  

My “first-born” Penny is turning 6 this year and I think a new little puppy would be great to have around as she gets older.

Little Pen Pen (as I like to call her) is a Rat Terrier and she embodies a lot of the stereotypical characteristics of any terrier. She has boundless energy and loves to jump and run. She’s feisty and protective and she’s got a thing for barking at strangers.  As much as I love all of these qualities and her enthusiasm for life (so many squirrels, so little time!), I think a dog with a little less craziness energy would be a great compliment.

I’ve had my heart set on a French Bulldog for a long time.

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Can you blame me?

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A Blurry Weekend, But a Clear Perspective

23 Apr By

I’ve used the expression “the weekend was a blur” many times in my life, but never has it been so fitting as it is today. You may, or may not, have noticed I have been absent the past few days. Absent from the blog and absent from social media. That’s because my weekend was quite literally blurry.

A little over two weeks ago I got a headache behind my right eye. About a week later the vision in that same eye went blurry. Everything looked as though a hazy filter had been placed over one of my eyes and there was a large halo around any light source.  For someone with better than 20/20 vision this was distressing, but in my typical fashion, I ignored it. B was away and the last thing I wanted to do was consider that anything might actually be wrong (denial is healthy, right?). Days passed and it remained blurry. The eye started to feel heavy and irritated.  I decided it was time to have it looked at. Apparently, It wasn’t going to just go away (shocking).

Right away, my primary care physician was concerned and sent me to the ophthalmologist. The appointment turned into something along the lines of an episode of House. The doctor openly expressed confusion (slightly unsettling).  Apparently I had “stumped” her, but was making her afternoon “very interesting.” In an effort to examine my whole eye, they gave me eye drops that dilate your pupils completely. The fun side affects? You can’t see anything up close and bright sunlight is overwhelming. I couldn’t read, see my phone, focus in on my hand, or look at myself in the mirror closely. Instead of doing all those things, I spent a lot of time relaxing and hanging out with the hubs.

I spent the entire weekend seeing this way (even now as I type this, I can’t see the computer screen completely clearly). The funny thing is, my blurry eye sight brought some things into clearer focus. After freaking out a little at first, I realized I enjoyed not getting on the computer. I didn’t miss social media or the internet. I enjoyed not obsessing over my appearance.

I’m waiting on test results to see what might be causing the problem (the blurry eye is most likely a symptom of something else). My whole life I have been a very healthy person, so even the possibility of having an illness has got me thinking. I spent a lot of time wondering about what’s really important to me. It may turn out to be nothing, but what if I do get some news that impacts my life? How would I want to spend more of my time? Would my priorities change? I’m pretty darn sure they would.

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Hump Day Happiness

18 Apr By

Here’s a few things bringing me happiness on this Wednesday, I hope they bring you some too!

Our view at the waterfront looking towards downtown. See the Washington Monument?

The photo my coworker took with his fancy camera from our vantage point

Yesterday was one of those really cool days to work in Washington, DC. I had actually spent the majority of the morning cursing the city because the traffic was (slash always is) so terrible. Then a few coworkers and I walked the 2 blocks over to the SW waterfront to catch a glimpse of the shuttle. Boy did we have a front row seat! I had a little anti-DC attitude adjustment(at least till my commute home).

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 My O’s are still sitting pretty at the top of the AL East standings. While this is probably only temporary, and an implosion is possible any day, I will celebrate while I can!

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Game of Thrones is back and already it is awesome! This season has introduced some new characters, and places, as the plot thickens. I legitimately whine out loud when each episode ends. A week is too long to wait for the next one! Do you watch?

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I have been watching New Girl on and off for a few months. I usually catch it on Hulu while I’m working out. Overall, I think it’s a cute show, but I absolutely love the Schmidt character. He makes the whole show. His Schmidt-ism makes me LAUGH OUT LOUD.  ”Damn it! I can’t find my driving moccasins anywhere!” Read some more of his wise words here!!

You can check in on my 1000 Gifts progress!

Do you like what you see here (I hope so!)? Don’t miss out on any of the fun, like Recipe for a Beautiful Life on Facebook and follow on Twitter!

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Workout Wednesday: The Playlist

18 Apr By

One of the biggest things that helps me continue to workout on a regular basis is to keep things fun and the music I listen to plays a big part in this. If I have a great running/workout/gym playlist it not only motivates me during the workout, but actually motivates me to start my workout. I almost can’t wait to throw on my headphones and work up a sweat. I’m that excited about the songs on my iPod.

A good playlist will help you tune out the world, focus on your exercises, and keep you going. I like a good mix of new songs, and my old standbys, to keep things fresh. Choose songs that make you feel good and remind you of happy times.

Here’s some of the songs I’m listening to:

Hold it Against Me. The under-appreciated Britney song.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCrG6TzG-nw&w=560&h=315]

This is my fave song off her latest album. I don’t know why it doesn’t get any air time. Too much innuendo? Maybe I just love it cause of this fun music video made by some Marines in Afghanistan. #MilitaryPride (hashtags on a blog are totally cool)

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Shake it Out. The best kick-your-butt-into-high-gear-you-can-keep-going song.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCWnVznnWcs&w=420&h=315]

I mentioned in a previous post that this song, from Florence + The Machine, can turn a lousy workout into an awesome one (yes, one song can really do that, at least for me).

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Eye of the Tiger. The oldy, but goody song.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEjgPh4SEmU&w=420&h=315]

Who isn’t motivated by Eye of the Tiger?! I can just picture Rocky running those stairs in Philly. If he can do it in his head to toe grey sweat suit, I can do it in my Lulu.

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Hang With Me. The unknown song.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_T4uLB-wzYk&w=560&h=315]

I first heard this Robyn song at the gym (fitting). I had never really heard of her, but I did know that when the song came on it put a little pep in my step. Now it’s a fixture on my playlist.

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We Are Young. The song-of-the-moment song.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8zslGAqy5k&w=560&h=315]

We are Young by Fun, is the IT song these days. I have been rocking to this jam since I hear it on the Super Bowl commercial.

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Titanium. The makes you feel invincible song.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgqB0zg_6u4&w=420&h=315]

Everything about this song from David Guetta keeps me motivated. I don’t know about you, but one of the things I love about a good workout is how it can make you feel so powerful and this song just adds to that feeling.

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Wild Ones. The hip hop song.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVS-irp8qjA&w=560&h=315]

No playlist is complete without a little Flo Rida. Kidding, but I do like this song. It’s just fun and upbeat.

A few honorable mentions:

  • Turn Me On - David Guetta featuring Nicki Minaj
  • Good Life – One Republic
  • Anything by Katy Perry

Have a happy workout!

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Current Obsession: Lululemon Every Yogi Tee

17 Apr By

It’s no secret that I love Lululemon (read about my fave Lulu products here and here). There is just something about their clothes that make me feel amazing. The fabric, fit, and style of their stuff can’t be beat.

Recently, though, I had my first Lulu letdown. I bought a pair of the power crops in the hopes they would be the perfect workout leggings I had been looking for. Unfortunately, even after agonizing over the purchase in the dressing room, I didn’t realize they just weren’t right until I worked out in them (sometimes it takes 50 burpees to realize your pants just aint cutting it). The waist band is too low-cut for me.

I know, you are confused. Isn’t this post about something I love? Well, in my fruitless effort to return said yucky Power Crops (fruitless because Lulu’s return policy is stringent), I came across the Every Yogi Tee. I tried it on thinking maybe if I found a top that works well with these not-so-great bottoms, I could salvage the purchase (otherwise some lucky person at Goodwill was going to get a very expensive pair of leggings). And wouldn’t you know, they are a match made in heaven.

The length of the tee is what first caught my eye. It comes down past my hips (Lulu calls it “bum covering”). The body skimming cut and the scoop neck make it very flattering.  The fabric is the perfect combination of stretchyness with a cottony feel. This is one of those things I hope to aquire in every color (cue sound of money getting deducted from banking account).

Lulu says this tee is for yoga and for wearing to and from yoga. I say this tee is for anything and everything. I ran a solid seven miles in it last Saturday. You can check it out, and purchase your own here!

What’s your current obsession?

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