tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32458786613200123952024-03-12T22:58:08.645-04:00A Lust for All SeasonsA blog about getting the most out of every season. Savoring the present. Living in the now.Biancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14253923270787166390noreply@blogger.comBlogger155125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245878661320012395.post-64020515130426448442013-01-02T11:54:00.001-05:002013-01-02T11:57:51.114-05:00A comeback (of sorts)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been 5 months and one day since my last post. What happened? A perfect storm of work, play, and laziness. And the thing is, I didn't miss it. Writing posts had become a struggle - and when they actually happened, they felt boring. So instead of pretending, I just stopped. I knew I'd come back eventually. I didn't know when but I knew it would happen. And guess what? It's happening. Slowly but surely I'm going to restart this little blog of mine. I won't post everyday -- I'll ease my way back. And I still don't know which direction I want to take it in but that's OK. I'll figure it out.<br />
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So. Hi. I'm back (ish).</div>
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Oh and Happy New Year.</div>
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Biancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14253923270787166390noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245878661320012395.post-14918184617478989272012-08-01T08:00:00.000-04:002012-08-01T08:00:07.969-04:00August<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYt1iZQni1FoUm6VRILWMmL8iEY5yToJoe1C71lWUQhPcjLwhyphenhyphenvydeXTUt4pLbLwTkWOokSjbK33NCDr3Qrf6uZPf5wtp2lRu4imvWosVYi8FnLLGEFHeP2tV5tNqRkWDvxYhdUz6FVuhyphenhyphen/s1600/AUGUST.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYt1iZQni1FoUm6VRILWMmL8iEY5yToJoe1C71lWUQhPcjLwhyphenhyphenvydeXTUt4pLbLwTkWOokSjbK33NCDr3Qrf6uZPf5wtp2lRu4imvWosVYi8FnLLGEFHeP2tV5tNqRkWDvxYhdUz6FVuhyphenhyphen/s1600/AUGUST.png" /></a></div>
Oh. Hey there, August. Did not expect to see you so soon, but I'm not going to lie -- I'm pretty happy about it. Summer has a been a bit stressful this year -- lots of little things -- and I'm hoping to turn that around this month.<br />
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Some things I'm looking forward to:<br />
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<li><b>More Olympics! </b>I'm so obsessed. I can't stop watching and cheering for Team USA. And I'm not just one of those people who watches the popular sports -- I get into it all. Handball, Table Tennis, Shooting -- you name it. USA ALL THE WAY! <i>(Side note: as a former child gymnast, I'm a huge gymnastics fan and couldn't be more <a href="http://espn.go.com/new-york/story/_/id/8218548/2012-london-olympics-us-women-win-first-gymnastics-gold-medal-1996" target="_blank">proud of the Fab Five</a>!)</i></li>
<li><b>Jack's 30th birthday (eek!).</b> It's going to be the best 30th birthday party anyone has ever had because Jack totally deserves it (did you see the <a href="http://www.alustforallseasons.com/2012/04/marriage-proposal.html" target="_blank">marriage proposal</a>?! Need I say more?). Slideshows, cupcakes, and mac & cheese are just some of the things on the itinerary. Oh and day drinking. Duh. </li>
<li><b>Montana. </b>Jack and I going to Kalispell the last week in August for our friends' wedding and I can not wait! It's going to be 5 days of pure awesomeness. </li>
<li><b>Upstate New York. </b>More vacation!<b> </b>We're also spending a few days with my dad before we head out west (he's graciously agreed to watch our two monsters) and I'm so excited. Peggy Sue has recently discovered swimming and it's going to be hysterical to see her run wild.</li>
<li><b>Getting back on track with training.</b> <a href="http://www.alustforallseasons.com/2012/07/marathon-monday-10-weeks.html" target="_blank">So far so good</a> with the IT band and I'm starting to get excited about the marathon again.</li>
<li><b>Baking cupcakes.</b> I love my <a href="http://www.alustforallseasons.com/p/cupcakes-of-month.html" target="_blank">cupcake of the month feature</a> but I've fallen way off the ball. I'm definitely ready to jump back on it. </li>
<li><b>Taking more photos. </b>I've been slacking on documenting anything besides my pets and porch garden but with all the partying and traveling, I think there will be plenty of photo opps.</li>
<li><b>Starting to plan my wedding.</b> Say what?! I think it may be time. We've been engaged since April and if we want to get married fall 2013, we should probably at least start talking budget and savings. Or I may just continue to fantasize about having the <a href="http://pinterest.com/biancas/i-m-getting-married/" target="_blank">biggest bun ever</a>.</li>
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What are some things you're looking forward to in this final month of summer?Biancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14253923270787166390noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245878661320012395.post-34512427870632126432012-07-31T08:52:00.000-04:002012-07-31T08:52:55.523-04:00Vegetable plants (exciting stuff, part 2)<div style="text-align: left;">
Guys! Look at all my* tomatoes.</div>
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SERIOUSLY. LOOK AT ALL OF THEM!</div>
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Isn't that amazing?! </div>
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And while we're at it, look at my red lettuce and dinosaur kale!</div>
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Ok. I admit. That's slightly less amazing. But it's not my fault. They'd probably look a lot better if someone didn't keep trying to eat them. <span style="text-align: right;">Ahem.</span></div>
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Want to see more pictures of my plants (and really, who wouldn't)? <a href="http://www.alustforallseasons.com/2012/06/vegetable-plants-exciting-stuff.html" target="_blank">Check out Part 1.</a></div>
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<i>*When I say "my" I mean, mine and Jack's. I would like it to be clear that he also takes care of these plants and is just as responsible for their success -- if not moreso. </i>Biancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14253923270787166390noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245878661320012395.post-67448078145063520742012-07-30T08:30:00.000-04:002012-07-30T11:52:11.628-04:00Marathon Monday: 10 weeks<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjafJoex7k_JtYSYJjB7yWe07RshDKKobe4EFr4mUdVXOtmz0kXuHySNDVCzL-H6pDrOFkz91Hq-QmW3c3rsTom8lziplmba2UN9Yqq4g_NxDnqcyvMKalRzDEn9893uwoR2oB2EdcgPkLF/s1600/Peggy-Sue-after-swimming.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjafJoex7k_JtYSYJjB7yWe07RshDKKobe4EFr4mUdVXOtmz0kXuHySNDVCzL-H6pDrOFkz91Hq-QmW3c3rsTom8lziplmba2UN9Yqq4g_NxDnqcyvMKalRzDEn9893uwoR2oB2EdcgPkLF/s1600/Peggy-Sue-after-swimming.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Since the last thing you need is yet another picture of my sneakers, here is Peggy Sue post swim. (She's closing her eyes for dramatic effect.)</td></tr>
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Oh, hey there! Sorry to leave you hanging last week. I'm still alive. I'm just injured. And when I'm injured, I'm miserable. And when I'm miserable I curl up in a little ball and cry -- and I don't blog.<br />
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I finally acknowledged last week that my IT band needed more than a day off. So I took off SEVEN whole days. I spent the week icing, strengthening, rolling, and eating lots of leafy greens and Omega 3s. Saturday I went for my first run -- 3.1 miles -- and I'm happy to report it went relatively well. My IT band was still tight --but it didn't hurt -- and I felt great later that day and Sunday. I'm going to slowly start ramping up my mileage this week and it better go well!<br />
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Unfortunately, I think this little hiccup may have cost me a Boston Marathon qualifying time. Honestly, when I look back, I realize my body wasn't strong enough to handle <a href="http://www.alustforallseasons.com/2012/07/marathon-monday-13-weeks.html" target="_blank">such quick paces</a>. My endurance levels are there but I guess my muscles and my ligaments and all that jazz aren't. Which is lame but I have to respect it.<br />
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My new goal is to finish in under 4 hours, and then I'm going to spend the early part of the winter getting stronger so that I can hopefully get closer to qualifying at a spring marathon! In a weird way I feel relieved. I really wanted to qualify in October but at the same, the thought of it made me anxious. Almost as though my subconscious knew I wasn't ready. I feel significantly more relaxed about my new time goal and once I figure out exactly where my IT band stands, I'll be re-planning my training schedule.<br />
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It's a slightly scary place to be just 10 weeks before the race but for now, I'm trying to stay confident. And just (foam) roll with it.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />To go</b>: 10 weeks | ?? miles </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Completed</b>: 6 week | ?? miles </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">If you missed it: <a href="http://www.alustforallseasons.com/2012/06/marathon-monday-16-weeks.html" style="color: #e3482f; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Week 16</a> | <a href="http://www.alustforallseasons.com/2012/06/marathon-monday-15-weeks.html" style="color: #e3482f; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Week 15</a> | <a href="http://www.alustforallseasons.com/2012/07/marathon-monday-14-weeks.html" style="color: #e3482f; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Week 14</a> | <a href="http://www.alustforallseasons.com/2012/07/marathon-monday-13-weeks.html" style="color: #e3482f; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Week 13</a> | <a href="http://www.alustforallseasons.com/2012/07/marathon-monday-12-weeks.html" target="_blank">Week 12</a></span></div>
</div>Biancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14253923270787166390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245878661320012395.post-44326163139537039672012-07-19T13:12:00.002-04:002012-07-19T13:12:56.468-04:00What I'm loving lately<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA0wsjEk5MOOFgfZwgeocNOguv6YrDE1xXIwFEZrzUteXue-2kCTbkqrdPblzlKeXOePaDxdAqM6LolH4QI2ZvNpYTDlCz5LYsPw7r5PBTtG66m4ewN6XWDddR1DbHibvFkezzIAviNrAZ/s1600/Loving-Lately.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA0wsjEk5MOOFgfZwgeocNOguv6YrDE1xXIwFEZrzUteXue-2kCTbkqrdPblzlKeXOePaDxdAqM6LolH4QI2ZvNpYTDlCz5LYsPw7r5PBTtG66m4ewN6XWDddR1DbHibvFkezzIAviNrAZ/s1600/Loving-Lately.png" /></a></div>
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This week has been a hot mess -- literally and figuratively -- but now it's Thursday, it's finally cooling down, and the nice man at Starbucks gave me my iced coffee for free this morning so I'm quite happy about life.<br />
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Some other things I've been loving lately:<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Garnier-Miracle-Perfector-Light-medium/dp/B006WVCF1I" target="_blank">Garnier B.B. Cream</a>: </b>I have no idea how I lived without this -- or any B.B. Cream -- for so long. It makes my skin look flawless and dewy and smells so good! I know I'm constantly raving about my <a href="http://www.alustforallseasons.com/2012/06/drugstore-beauty-part-2.html" target="_blank">drugstore beauty</a> finds (and calling everything my favorite) but this stuff is legit. It really is a miracle worker.
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<b><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/overdressed-elizabeth-l-cline/1110853947" target="_blank">Overdressed</a>: </b>I've read so many phenomenal books already this summer -- including <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wild-strayed-cheryl/1111369920?ean=9780307957658" target="_blank">Wild</a> and <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bloom-kelle-hampton/1103601380?ean=9780062045034" target="_blank">Bloom</a> -- and now I'm working my way through Overdressed. It's all about the high cost of cheap fashion and how we're buying -- and wasting -- more clothing than ever ... and how it's all crap. It's fascinating and has made me look at my closet -- and my shopping habits -- in a whole new way.
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<b><a href="http://www.barmethod.com/" target="_blank">The Bar Method</a>: </b>I've mentioned it <a href="http://www.alustforallseasons.com/2012/07/marathon-monday-12-weeks.html" target="_blank">before</a> but I'm obsessed with The Bar Method. So obsessed that I've been waking up at 5:30 a.m. on most weekdays to squeeze in a run and a class before work. I've been six times in the past week and I already see some definition in my abs (YES!!!). It's a beautiful space, everyone is so nice, and class just flies by! Plus, it totally works.
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/JamJarWines" target="_blank">Jam Jar</a>: </b>To be fair,<b> </b>I've loved this forever (aka as 2 years) but it's been especially amazing in the heat wave. I'm not a red wine person but this Sweet Shiraz -- which you chill (that's key!) -- is so sweet and wonderful that I choose it over dessert (crazy, right?!). Oh and it's only $10.
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<b><a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/downtonabbey/" target="_blank">Downton Abbey</a>: </b>I know I'm so late on this but OMG amazing. My favorite post-work activity is pouring a class of Jam Jar, locking myself in my air conditioned bedroom with Jack, and laying on our bed watching episode after episode on the computer (which we have temporarily moved from our oven-of-an-office into the bedroom).
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<br />Biancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14253923270787166390noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245878661320012395.post-43560785606699010462012-07-16T10:30:00.003-04:002012-07-16T10:30:56.879-04:00Marathon Monday: 12 weeks<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmRM4lgWfH-BUvnLzAhLRhggOR0hkEhAGLKuCbYkO1hHDCM6w_eYoermEsorPWhj0pOY32cBkJDqrQi-Lj8gpxmbEbsl3ZhXqv5m5WuDLhl86xJcufZ8WUcrEv3MPDWYImTLvjpyYu8yW/s1600/RunnersWorld.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmRM4lgWfH-BUvnLzAhLRhggOR0hkEhAGLKuCbYkO1hHDCM6w_eYoermEsorPWhj0pOY32cBkJDqrQi-Lj8gpxmbEbsl3ZhXqv5m5WuDLhl86xJcufZ8WUcrEv3MPDWYImTLvjpyYu8yW/s1600/RunnersWorld.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm a total running nerd so I love the weekly tongue-in-cheek "motivational" posters by Runner's World. You can check them all out <a href="http://rwdaily.runnersworld.com/tag/posters" target="_blank">here</a></td></tr>
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I can't believe I have four weeks of training complete! Craziness. <br />
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All my <a href="http://www.alustforallseasons.com/2012/07/marathon-monday-13-weeks.html" target="_blank">hydrating and healthy eating</a> paid off, and I had one of my best runs ever last Thursday. A 5 mile tempo, in which I did 3 miles at a 7:44 min/mile. If it sounds like I'm bragging, well, I am. I felt like the woman in the above poster. Peggy Sue joined me but she's not bragging since a 7:44 min/mile pace is a walk in the park for her. Literally. She was speed walking the entire 5 miles. Bitch. <br />
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So yes! Everything was going exceedingly well and I was prepared to write an entire I'M GOING TO QUALIFY FOR BOSTON post. But then Saturday's long run (12 miles) happened and things went sour. My stupid STUPID IT band
started acting up <a href="http://www.alustforallseasons.com/2012/06/marathon-monday-15-weeks.html" target="_blank">yet again</a>. So much so, that I had to skip the <a href="http://www.colormerad.com/" target="_blank">Color Me Rad 5K</a> Sunday and leave poor <a href="http://www.thesagaofatwentysomething.com/" target="_blank">Alex</a> and Danielle hanging at 6 a.m. I'm stretching and icing nonstop, and I'm hoping that all the strengthening I'm doing at <a href="http://boston.barmethod.com/" target="_blank">Bar Method</a> (which I'm OBSESSED with) will start to pay off soon. <br />
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If anyone has any advice on getting over IT band pain PLEASE share! I'm pretty much up for anything. And if you're also suffering from IT band pain (sorry, friend!), make sure you check out <a href="http://sweatscience.runnersworld.com/2012/06/strengthening-not-stretching-to-deal-with-iliotibial-band-syndrome/" target="_blank">this Runner's World article</a>. Super helpful! <br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>To go</b>: 12 weeks | 347.2 miles </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Completed</b>: 4 week | 73.42 miles</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">If you missed it: <a href="http://www.alustforallseasons.com/2012/06/marathon-monday-16-weeks.html" target="_blank">Week 16</a> | <a href="http://www.alustforallseasons.com/2012/06/marathon-monday-15-weeks.html" target="_blank">Week 15</a> | <a href="http://www.alustforallseasons.com/2012/07/marathon-monday-14-weeks.html" target="_blank">Week 14</a> | <a href="http://www.alustforallseasons.com/2012/07/marathon-monday-13-weeks.html" target="_blank">Week 13</a></span></div>
</div>Biancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14253923270787166390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245878661320012395.post-19789039233926618252012-07-12T12:59:00.002-04:002012-07-12T13:01:57.527-04:00Bedazzled cat-eyes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRic0uE43Xxlpc4A9P4H64SSTt8RuIqH7LHr0PnDpj1zNOJf0NZ3gU2HFVQAvQCCZ88kBgNnegLHV2gKLdLYrT2YQivKAcE42GjbdbHTcCf80J71xiBJE0iiVM1Lm8Juf2ZxeyW3J7zHrm/s1600/dsquared.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRic0uE43Xxlpc4A9P4H64SSTt8RuIqH7LHr0PnDpj1zNOJf0NZ3gU2HFVQAvQCCZ88kBgNnegLHV2gKLdLYrT2YQivKAcE42GjbdbHTcCf80J71xiBJE0iiVM1Lm8Juf2ZxeyW3J7zHrm/s1600/dsquared.png" /></a></div>
I'm loving summer and I'm no where near ready for fall, HOWEVER, that hasn't stopped me from drooling over the retro-with-a-modern-twist styles in the <span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_282335294">DSqaured</a></span><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://experience.dsquared2.com/runway/terms/fall-winter/gender/D/set-season/fw/id/2823" target="_blank"> F/W 2012 collection</a>. For several months now, I've been visiting the website regularly to stare at the all the pretty pictures, the big BIG hair, and the amazeballz clothing. It's pretty much my dream closet and I can't stop pinning stuff from the runway and campaign. I'm especially obsessed with the above picture and <a href="http://experience.dsquared2.com/campaigns" target="_blank">sunglasses</a>. How amazing?! <a href="http://www.alustforallseasons.com/2012/03/cat-eye-fever.html" target="_blank">Cat-eye</a> AND sequins! Must. Have.</span><br />
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I was going to share some of my other favorites but really, I couldn't pick just a few so just check it all out <a href="http://experience.dsquared2.com/runway/terms/fall-winter/gender/D/set-season/fw/id/2823" target="_blank">here</a>.Biancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14253923270787166390noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245878661320012395.post-75727385046592949472012-07-10T12:04:00.001-04:002012-07-10T12:05:07.201-04:00You need this dog<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs062/1108901228755/archive/1110406512775.html#freckles" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dNxru93zarkaKUCqnbB8SUz96bXjKWp_vX6RR_tdaZHJuQucXsWVknwSD84H_RjIxIbZTHRVD0eTbbnidqkxvx8og2GBk6JDCi_WxzzK4gIhlpaKRGO0iSAULDxS9BoJ7mFVW8sOAzzR/s1600/ADOPT-FRECKLES.png" title="Adopt Freckles" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs062/1108901228755/archive/1110406512775.html#freckles" target="_blank">FRECKLES</a>.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.alustforallseasons.com/2012/06/dogs-for-adoption.html" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">As I've mentioned</a><span style="background-color: white;">, I help put together the newsletters for </span><a href="http://cprdogs.com/" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">this amazing organization</a><span style="background-color: white;">, and this month, we did a </span><a href="http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs062/1108901228755/archive/1110406512775.html" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">spotlight on Freckles</a><span style="background-color: white;"> -- an adorable pooch who loves The Office. You must check him out -- he's seriously too cute for words and he has the BEST personality. I'm in love with him and I want him to find his forever home STAT, which is why he's the star of my post today. </span><i style="background-color: white;">Read more about Freckles <a href="http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs062/1108901228755/archive/1110406512775.html#freckles" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www.adoptapet.com/pet7260138.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</i>Biancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14253923270787166390noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245878661320012395.post-7957404728376068402012-07-09T12:54:00.002-04:002012-07-09T12:54:24.185-04:00Marathon Monday: 13 weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nC-tMgLL6knU4NxaC2eXVIlozu302caZca1lIvJlJSynAb7m9N9CbEF-IIMqcuwPAFqWdWqFBp53HyIFrOu5ND_LIwM8xi99d7oAO8zkbUF7EWlF9JAMkI4K2KibecfqHKqrTB3ZrIRu/s1600/sneakers.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nC-tMgLL6knU4NxaC2eXVIlozu302caZca1lIvJlJSynAb7m9N9CbEF-IIMqcuwPAFqWdWqFBp53HyIFrOu5ND_LIwM8xi99d7oAO8zkbUF7EWlF9JAMkI4K2KibecfqHKqrTB3ZrIRu/s1600/sneakers.png" /></a></div>
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I spent this past training week breaking in my latest pair of <a href="http://www.newbalance.com/New-Balance-890/WR890,default,pd.html" target="_blank">New Balance 890s</a> (first from left) and Googling "the effects of alcohol running". D<span style="background-color: white;">id you know it can take up to three days for your body to recover from a night of drinking?! </span><span style="background-color: white;">No wonder <a href="http://www.alustforallseasons.com/2012/07/ramblings-about-life-and-laughter-and.html" target="_blank">all my celebrating</a> has made me significantly slower -- I literally felt like I was dying half the time and don't even get me started on my attempt at a hill workout. FAIL.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">But w</span><span style="background-color: white;">hat doesn't kill you makes you stronger (right, Kelly Clarkson?) so</span><span style="background-color: white;"> I'm still hell-bent on <a href="http://www.alustforallseasons.com/2012/06/marathon-monday-16-weeks.html" target="_blank">qualifying for Boston</a>. I'm getting back on track (I feel like I said this last week ...) by chugging water and eating tons of veggies, and</span><span style="background-color: white;"> I also just bought a <a href="http://www.giltcity.com/boston" target="_blank">Gilt City</a> voucher for 6 weeks of unlimited classes at <a href="http://boston.barmethod.com/" target="_blank">The Bar Method, Boston</a>. This crazy-ass barre workout supposedly turns you into a long, lean, fighting-machine. Or as <a href="http://www.thesagaofatwentysomething.com/" target="_blank">Alex</a> put it, "You'll look like a supermodel!" I'm going to take my first class tomorrow before work and I'm super pumped. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I'm mentally preparing myself for buns of steel and sub-7 minute speed workouts by the end of summer. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Because that's realistic, right?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>To go</b>: 13 weeks | 343.7 miles </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Completed</b>: 3 week | 53.42 miles</span></div>
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If you missed it: <a href="http://www.alustforallseasons.com/2012/06/marathon-monday-16-weeks.html" style="color: #e3482f; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Week 16</a> | <a href="http://www.alustforallseasons.com/2012/06/marathon-monday-15-weeks.html" style="color: #999999;" target="_blank">Week 15</a> | <a href="http://www.alustforallseasons.com/2012/07/marathon-monday-14-weeks.html" target="_blank">Week 14</a></div>
</div>Biancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14253923270787166390noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245878661320012395.post-41788473831475113342012-07-06T13:05:00.000-04:002012-07-06T13:07:52.751-04:00Ramblings about life and laughter (and an awesome skirt)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUKQPQQAnH0NmyeLAirJuVCdVbGpG8-eB-Wz72HJ-yfnkndH9jjLRzBsuwAsxNwaU8SHmvBslErgrZsLUqA7VzUny2LeJPSIAYXtbY_Ql4rvXi2AYPDyDYdyQMcK4mi8FgTzbpZWiIpYT/s1600/Helen-Keller-quote.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUKQPQQAnH0NmyeLAirJuVCdVbGpG8-eB-Wz72HJ-yfnkndH9jjLRzBsuwAsxNwaU8SHmvBslErgrZsLUqA7VzUny2LeJPSIAYXtbY_Ql4rvXi2AYPDyDYdyQMcK4mi8FgTzbpZWiIpYT/s1600/Helen-Keller-quote.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How fun is this skirt?! [<a href="http://www.absolutelybeautifulthings.blogspot.com/2011/06/dare-yourself.html" target="_blank">via this great blog</a>]</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Lately I've been a little social butterfly. I've been going out often and staying out late (well, for me). It's been quite detrimental to my early marathon training (oops!) but it has been excellent for my soul. I'm happy and my life feels full. I'm surrounded by awesome new and old friends -- (including one who wants to <a href="http://www.alustforallseasons.com/2012/04/marriage-proposal.html" target="_blank">MARRY ME</a>)! I laugh -- A LOT. Like seriously all the time. And while there are several things I want -- and need -- to change, for the first time in a long time I'm not worried. I just know it's going to be OK. Everything will work out -- and honestly, even if it doesn't, at least I tried my hardest. Life is about the journey and not the destination. It's supposed to be an adventure -- and I'm enjoying mine. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">And that concludes the ramblings (and metaphor mixing) of this crazy blonde. Happy Friday, and t</span><span style="background-color: white;">o </span><span style="background-color: white;">quote Rihanna, "Cheers to the freakin' weekend"! </span>Biancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14253923270787166390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245878661320012395.post-64392952704105477682012-07-05T07:30:00.000-04:002012-07-05T13:12:58.148-04:00The wine making process<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQrOfckySd4Z0VjqBKTUaxc0zcMYOGH3deSl2fJaa8iC9dyP6lOvdpAUaU1ejjbkuEXkR3sox-aCOxYh21d700J5BUuU0lCYrqVLQ0wOOExQ4cGprJpCczlqgZaYumqXURGk1mr0_9iCIQ/s1600/vineyard.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQrOfckySd4Z0VjqBKTUaxc0zcMYOGH3deSl2fJaa8iC9dyP6lOvdpAUaU1ejjbkuEXkR3sox-aCOxYh21d700J5BUuU0lCYrqVLQ0wOOExQ4cGprJpCczlqgZaYumqXURGk1mr0_9iCIQ/s1600/vineyard.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEENnjYcSgSNqxycwifrsGg4claZncibnSKdzMiwi5IMD4-8EEMixmIPgCID68FFWB00gIH09r8RXO1_T3wNOxAVgafqxZVtenMx_N75SEvGZmdghOsfd3C-a8b3-gxJi37RaTlEmL9KRm/s1600/grape.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEENnjYcSgSNqxycwifrsGg4claZncibnSKdzMiwi5IMD4-8EEMixmIPgCID68FFWB00gIH09r8RXO1_T3wNOxAVgafqxZVtenMx_N75SEvGZmdghOsfd3C-a8b3-gxJi37RaTlEmL9KRm/s1600/grape.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibOeKYz1AiJRseaWCOZ-wEhtlfPhPZhyhpS34z9Nr_r0Z3s0fTnbzOsACBZL2itUrd3JPihnCm7yzaSkRnfDyI22iSVzwrKscj3vBK2WydEQiAP1yv8CTGJo4IRcCaWlB5HuZhtdIQJKf/s1600/steel-barrel.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibOeKYz1AiJRseaWCOZ-wEhtlfPhPZhyhpS34z9Nr_r0Z3s0fTnbzOsACBZL2itUrd3JPihnCm7yzaSkRnfDyI22iSVzwrKscj3vBK2WydEQiAP1yv8CTGJo4IRcCaWlB5HuZhtdIQJKf/s1600/steel-barrel.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUwlqVYJN-hvJF_gygQoxyeES_7XeNLRne9sxJSWincNC7b-r5dGuHpw-krzdTdD9k-kDan8C12eor2v67QS24-fOenvEl4uOk4ajrXKVWZXZ8gMvfYNHFw7z0IWy2AyxplDAWRxbxPpBg/s1600/bottlinlg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUwlqVYJN-hvJF_gygQoxyeES_7XeNLRne9sxJSWincNC7b-r5dGuHpw-krzdTdD9k-kDan8C12eor2v67QS24-fOenvEl4uOk4ajrXKVWZXZ8gMvfYNHFw7z0IWy2AyxplDAWRxbxPpBg/s1600/bottlinlg.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJk7c4KollZfqlE_z7utH1KJ56D9DQGelJQE-NgO2qZ61a13fWH3JTeDJEIeVovnT0Ln23BfoZjQS5tKfxYOlBCzSG5c_rmI4X-VYP99gNcU5L9TJuBciGBtTkbXD-bzVAjd4xMljpckj/s1600/bottle.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJk7c4KollZfqlE_z7utH1KJ56D9DQGelJQE-NgO2qZ61a13fWH3JTeDJEIeVovnT0Ln23BfoZjQS5tKfxYOlBCzSG5c_rmI4X-VYP99gNcU5L9TJuBciGBtTkbXD-bzVAjd4xMljpckj/s1600/bottle.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj155PEQ8lcLJdAM55RlXhzSN8vYMCtoP2TTAWERqRvuu-vgPntif3v0nkETdtRuwL483_Wxeh6tgedM29rbwiKZhJeOtVQWSvojGHonfKczpmxoO5RLznxXUs38jARzBtljupZHwDyhlkn/s1600/shelf.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj155PEQ8lcLJdAM55RlXhzSN8vYMCtoP2TTAWERqRvuu-vgPntif3v0nkETdtRuwL483_Wxeh6tgedM29rbwiKZhJeOtVQWSvojGHonfKczpmxoO5RLznxXUs38jARzBtljupZHwDyhlkn/s1600/shelf.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi17XqWL9D0VlC-EjMll8jNlQh-vnICq8EYDohp_6vhI34mZ4FREeF6GzYTla3zSWzD3ADDAcZ2PI_5wzpHMKs6vrBCytjFktYCcrMVPMCUcVWR2vfLuX5Sw1NNN2-OYbkYjoHcjVQG1PtA/s1600/glass.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi17XqWL9D0VlC-EjMll8jNlQh-vnICq8EYDohp_6vhI34mZ4FREeF6GzYTla3zSWzD3ADDAcZ2PI_5wzpHMKs6vrBCytjFktYCcrMVPMCUcVWR2vfLuX5Sw1NNN2-OYbkYjoHcjVQG1PtA/s1600/glass.png" /></a></div>
Before this past weekend, I visited vineyards twice: once as a child and once on an awesome <a href="http://www.boston.com/travel/explorene/specials/food_wine/galleries/winecoastaltour/" target="_blank">assignment for Boston.com</a>. Needless to say I never really got to experience tastings to the fullest. That all changed in the Hamptons where I drank my weight in wine. But it's not just the booze that's great -- it's the entire atmosphere. Wine making is an art and I loved seeing all the behind the scenes action. <br />
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<b>Pictured from top to bottom: </b></div>
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<a href="http://www.peconicbaywinery.com/" target="_blank">Peconic Bay Winery</a> / baby grapes / steel barrel for fermenting wine / machine for bottling<span style="background-color: white;"> wine / bottles of wine at </span><a href="http://www.bedellcellars.com/" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Bedell Cellars</a><span style="background-color: white;"> / wine shelf / wine glasses</span></div>
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<br />Biancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14253923270787166390noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245878661320012395.post-53219172433777315482012-07-04T08:37:00.003-04:002012-07-04T08:37:47.255-04:00AMERICA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCzuaaTdD8Fu0vEhlQV37kKpT9u2mXbMSm_CkUD73h2i8OuEBNMNYgxYqSwaywOzsiI3krrRRWHVwjo7wChT-X833YYsAUllpnZy3WbR8mcwoBpxkYO5gJ_Tx83lhMYQewcAAV6Au32t2V/s1600/4th-of-july.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCzuaaTdD8Fu0vEhlQV37kKpT9u2mXbMSm_CkUD73h2i8OuEBNMNYgxYqSwaywOzsiI3krrRRWHVwjo7wChT-X833YYsAUllpnZy3WbR8mcwoBpxkYO5gJ_Tx83lhMYQewcAAV6Au32t2V/s1600/4th-of-july.png" /></a></div>
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Hope you all have a lovely, fun, and safe holiday! Happy Fourth!</div>Biancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14253923270787166390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245878661320012395.post-90691072016035856672012-07-03T10:11:00.003-04:002012-07-03T10:12:26.266-04:00Polka dots and cheetah prints {outfit}<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qCQm_nmFAAKCojhzj0XfKnjPOJyx6vcYnf1rU_z-oaymktddxD5pEyn2PPE129BjPD30jMcjGD1xxrwDWunkiIyv3vpkDxkTCpEljvhe1G2TpyJ0tFPk_84guFSWn0PtgLkeFEdU7XX1/s1600/black-and-white-polka-dot-d.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qCQm_nmFAAKCojhzj0XfKnjPOJyx6vcYnf1rU_z-oaymktddxD5pEyn2PPE129BjPD30jMcjGD1xxrwDWunkiIyv3vpkDxkTCpEljvhe1G2TpyJ0tFPk_84guFSWn0PtgLkeFEdU7XX1/s1600/black-and-white-polka-dot-d.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunglasses: HM / Dress: <a href="http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/rampage-dress-sleeveless-sweetheart-a-line-polka-dot?ID=648433" target="_blank">Rampage</a> / Belt: Vintage / Sneakers: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blondie-Leopard-Print-Converse-Sneakers/sim/B004I3W5HG/2" target="_blank">Converse</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white;">Oh hey. Just rockin' </span><a href="http://www.alustforallseasons.com/2012/06/polka-dot-mullet-outfit.html" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">more polka dots</a><span style="background-color: white;">! </span><br />
<br />
The first time I wore this dress with these sneakers, Jack looked at me and laughed. "Does that match?" he asked. My response? "Umm. Duh."<br />
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Upon further inspection, I realize it may not "match" in the traditional sense but I think it looks pretty damn awesome regardless. Plus, someone told me I looked like Gwen Stefani. So take THAT. Not to <span style="background-color: white;">mention the outfit was super comfortable -- a necessity when you're touring vineyards and sampling wine all day. </span><span style="background-color: white;">And yes -- I'm once again I'm wearing my mom's belt from the 80s. The thing is just so </span><span style="background-color: white;">versatile. And so red.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">(Can you tell I'm still woozy from my trip?)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOT2OEcnLsZrSDmnF-DYMY_J59f2DzAZiRhYTLzcHJNiPBAMJN6vomFuvhe7RsWlk6xhfMMDNHnCnhPUqMQGpACPvjlkCyykJeFY6Dhhh3gxPOhcs1WN918t0oxU4QTD-akUPXcaLP0p5S/s1600/BLACK-AND-WHITE.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOT2OEcnLsZrSDmnF-DYMY_J59f2DzAZiRhYTLzcHJNiPBAMJN6vomFuvhe7RsWlk6xhfMMDNHnCnhPUqMQGpACPvjlkCyykJeFY6Dhhh3gxPOhcs1WN918t0oxU4QTD-akUPXcaLP0p5S/s1600/BLACK-AND-WHITE.png" /></a></div>
<br />Biancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14253923270787166390noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245878661320012395.post-15038864670140562362012-07-02T14:24:00.002-04:002012-07-02T14:26:33.085-04:00Marathon Monday: 14 weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqXZOvShWfGy2K2kNOJdOvBenrQzXOqZLhq_TdbTAG2L-QTiuXAQ3hwruc5gNVeSQ9agjeCbOM0WMlgAkFJW97fZSeEAo13GQBw5318GWSf5jhvhZY8ce5INKRRBjrvyhUWHI2tIGEjo8x/s1600/beachrun.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqXZOvShWfGy2K2kNOJdOvBenrQzXOqZLhq_TdbTAG2L-QTiuXAQ3hwruc5gNVeSQ9agjeCbOM0WMlgAkFJW97fZSeEAo13GQBw5318GWSf5jhvhZY8ce5INKRRBjrvyhUWHI2tIGEjo8x/s1600/beachrun.png" /></a></div>
It's Monday and I'm still completely dazed from my phenomenal (crazy) <a href="http://www.alustforallseasons.com/2012/06/hamptons.html" target="_blank">Hamptons weekend</a> so I apologize if this post is a little loopy. Hopefully after hydrating and sleeping my brain fog will lift and I'll able to function like my semi-normal self.<br />
<br />
For starters this weekend was so much fun! I can't even begin to describe it since it's all such a blur. I know I laughed nonstop with the bride-to-be, drank wine, made tons of new friends, rode a horse on a beach, drank wine, danced like a maniac for hours, swam in the pool and the ocean, drank wine, etc. Amid all that awesomeness, I did squeeze in one tiny run "along the beach" -- and by that I mean the beach in our backyard was .25 miles long and I mainly ran on the road for 3 miles. Regardless, there was a beach in my backyard. How cool!?<br />
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Overall week 15 of training was extremely lax. In addition to my vacay, I skipped Tuesday's run because my <a href="http://www.alustforallseasons.com/2012/06/marathon-monday-15-weeks.html" target="_blank">IT band was still iffy</a>. Wednesday I did a few slow miles to test it out (all clear) and Thursday I totally rocked it with a 5 mile tempo run -- my hardest run of the week. Yes, I skipped <span style="background-color: white;">Sunday's long run. I was on a beach and then on a ferry and then it was 8 p.m. and I watched <a href="http://www.cbs.com/shows/dogs_in_the_city/" target="_blank">Dogs in the City</a> and ate pizza with Jack. (Side note: Dogs in the City? BEST SHOW.)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">I'm going to try to do 10 miles today though not sure how that's going to go in my woozy state, but I ordered brand new sneaks so I'm pretty pumped. They're teal and <a href="http://www.newbalance.com/New-Balance-890v2/W890-A,default,pd.html" target="_blank">NB 890s v2</a>. I'm hoping they help me get my act back together for week 14. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">OH and that picture? That was taken on my crappy BlackBerry. As much as I hate that thing -- I'm impressed it pulled this off. (OK and I worked some Photoshop magic.)
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<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">And ... that's all I got. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>To go</b>: 14 weeks | 402.2 miles </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Completed</b>: 2 week | 29.5 miles</span></div>
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If you missed it: <a href="http://www.alustforallseasons.com/2012/06/marathon-monday-16-weeks.html" target="_blank">Week 16</a> | <a href="http://www.alustforallseasons.com/2012/06/marathon-monday-15-weeks.html" target="_blank">Week 15</a></div>
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<br />Biancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14253923270787166390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245878661320012395.post-39419688182948936272012-06-29T07:30:00.000-04:002012-06-29T07:30:02.557-04:00Hamptons!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGLs7-sHRpWtVJ0cGLdgX88buoZ0vcUWhwTO_vhEA_drVdTkMwX3gUu18wW6pUnFSUB9w3lWY0uKMVZJetr9JwBruXAvVICz0hV0TMXcNUsujfmKSsyjqlDZFBoRdhtiIyum9y4vzaQ5E/s1600/hamptons.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGLs7-sHRpWtVJ0cGLdgX88buoZ0vcUWhwTO_vhEA_drVdTkMwX3gUu18wW6pUnFSUB9w3lWY0uKMVZJetr9JwBruXAvVICz0hV0TMXcNUsujfmKSsyjqlDZFBoRdhtiIyum9y4vzaQ5E/s1600/hamptons.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://brokeandchic.com/tag/the-hamptons/" target="_blank">via</a>}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white;">I haven't had a really vacation in AGES so I'm thrilled be in the Hamptons for the next three days. And to make things even better, I'm at a bachelorette party, which means lots of wine, dancing, and inappropriate girl stuff. "Ridiculously pumped" doesn't even begin to convey my excitement. Also - a random little fact about me - I lived on Long Island for the first 14 years of my life and I must say, this Upstate New York/Boston gal is ready to get back to her roots. Jack - prepare yourself. My LI accent will be quite strong upon my return.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">OH and one more note -- HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! <a href="http://www.alustforallseasons.com/2012/05/my-mom.html" target="_blank">You're amazing</a> and I love you. Can't wait to see you soon.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">And everyone else -- enjoy your weekends! </span>Biancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14253923270787166390noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245878661320012395.post-5384867029129265262012-06-28T07:30:00.000-04:002012-06-28T07:30:01.387-04:00Vegetable plants (exciting stuff)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjORANniuzRwoA6fz9ecxPK1u99vXG0CqANXnjkyqpC7U8raYtZDIP7_Fbp6BUjVoC9yu-K7S1q-BOyv9aiTjwXeOLNcCPAXLYTM0U8FtpwFEhVzJzauWgXeFKoZqv4bAbULpjv4yGhOPBd/s1600/Cayenne-peppers.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjORANniuzRwoA6fz9ecxPK1u99vXG0CqANXnjkyqpC7U8raYtZDIP7_Fbp6BUjVoC9yu-K7S1q-BOyv9aiTjwXeOLNcCPAXLYTM0U8FtpwFEhVzJzauWgXeFKoZqv4bAbULpjv4yGhOPBd/s1600/Cayenne-peppers.png" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicgmdsiRXQyTKaVBs1k_pwnqIsZdhUENsS5emRENqlmilD76HRwhQdx_sJZets3G2bkxE0-r65DsXzCcuY6U5sr6tuq8WU3Ok1RZalFxsvgj6AqsOYr2ZDozpfYWajT-XPyIwzWn6aBFZT/s1600/Dinosaur-kale-and-red-leaf-.png" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicgmdsiRXQyTKaVBs1k_pwnqIsZdhUENsS5emRENqlmilD76HRwhQdx_sJZets3G2bkxE0-r65DsXzCcuY6U5sr6tuq8WU3Ok1RZalFxsvgj6AqsOYr2ZDozpfYWajT-XPyIwzWn6aBFZT/s1600/Dinosaur-kale-and-red-leaf-.png" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5OEAUoYLloil9NaLu-KuQKTCnKDKXz1jEfeGgY3XVb04Bw3zGX0liE4cnqBkPz5aRaogoO4-IqENx9VtDEvh698yzpVp9jDw0aUyYOWBRbL5MWuR2ilKVsHwdAPNibaYrRiZX21Q1d4X/s1600/Husky-tomatoes.png" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5OEAUoYLloil9NaLu-KuQKTCnKDKXz1jEfeGgY3XVb04Bw3zGX0liE4cnqBkPz5aRaogoO4-IqENx9VtDEvh698yzpVp9jDw0aUyYOWBRbL5MWuR2ilKVsHwdAPNibaYrRiZX21Q1d4X/s1600/Husky-tomatoes.png" /></a><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Fact: I'm obsessed with my vegetable plants and take as many pictures of them as I do of my animals. It's mainly because I'm shocked I haven't killed them yet (the plants, not the animals).</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;">P.S. - You can see more pictures of my awesome front porch <a href="http://www.alustforallseasons.com/2011/08/perfectly-porched.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www.alustforallseasons.com/2012/03/basking-in-sunshine.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
<br />Biancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14253923270787166390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245878661320012395.post-65314483928024527452012-06-27T21:29:00.001-04:002012-06-27T21:29:11.513-04:00Just because<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVNM5bIwFokXk8rOKZh3XonhAlksx2jabqu1CoNIrYCuvgIWTUtYwPMPMHTF5w08sZk_CeWSEancoVSpuGjXii7RNTN_EzWF5K1Yzht_0vMJvMbOFxkBNQ5U6YblNeo00zGKrO_clLGDP/s1600/Lou-with-medals.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVNM5bIwFokXk8rOKZh3XonhAlksx2jabqu1CoNIrYCuvgIWTUtYwPMPMHTF5w08sZk_CeWSEancoVSpuGjXii7RNTN_EzWF5K1Yzht_0vMJvMbOFxkBNQ5U6YblNeo00zGKrO_clLGDP/s1600/Lou-with-medals.png" /></a></div>
<br />Biancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14253923270787166390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245878661320012395.post-26135968863521418742012-06-26T14:07:00.002-04:002012-06-26T16:01:14.525-04:00Who wears short shorts<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUW3TUUhHwQsp2vV2DS1Dr9R206hG6LRXtTJ9MRjwnZu4aWa5-K3YEotehxHVYjsGYCnnCWsNPL55Z_zNprc9f17zS5cKJc9i6n36FvfYEvyQsmYWSNrqR4uNbAV1aX2fiDq4kay-1wON/s1600/Life-photo-girls-in-shorts.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUW3TUUhHwQsp2vV2DS1Dr9R206hG6LRXtTJ9MRjwnZu4aWa5-K3YEotehxHVYjsGYCnnCWsNPL55Z_zNprc9f17zS5cKJc9i6n36FvfYEvyQsmYWSNrqR4uNbAV1aX2fiDq4kay-1wON/s1600/Life-photo-girls-in-shorts.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/inspiration/m2.jpg" target="_blank">via</a>}</td></tr>
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<br />
<i>Questions: </i><br />
<ul>
<li>Would shorts this short be appropriate on the streets of Boston? </li>
<li>Are these shorts even <i>that</i> short or is it just an optical illusion because they're high-waisted? </li>
<li>Would I be able to pull this off even though my waist isn't Barbie-sized and my hair isn't short?</li>
<ul>
<li> If yes, would I be crazy to go with a <a href="http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=btms_shorts&ProductID=2000040789&VariantID=" target="_blank">red cheetah print version</a>? </li>
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Discuss.Biancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14253923270787166390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245878661320012395.post-84468171604553257282012-06-25T08:00:00.000-04:002012-06-25T14:34:45.304-04:00Marathon Monday: 15 weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKk4vJ9Bl6lPhV-XuqFq7xiHKWlhflUs4aqqZUBHbUppab3w4wqOcs4v75Y6apihkI5bi4TSZyxbiXT45X1kLwTKd5ecLrhS-6R2M5Lz0Uvd4ArQjn6yGr_cP4Yvg1UMDYcxuqwyEab2y9/s1600/BAA-10K-medal.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKk4vJ9Bl6lPhV-XuqFq7xiHKWlhflUs4aqqZUBHbUppab3w4wqOcs4v75Y6apihkI5bi4TSZyxbiXT45X1kLwTKd5ecLrhS-6R2M5Lz0Uvd4ArQjn6yGr_cP4Yvg1UMDYcxuqwyEab2y9/s1600/BAA-10K-medal.png" title="B.A.A 10K medal" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;">My first week of training is done (yay!), and while it was insanely hot, I managed to fit in all my runs, stay on pace, and not melt. My right IT band is acting up a </span><span style="background-color: white;">smidgen</span><span style="background-color: white;"> but otherwise I feel awesome and on track! </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Sunday I ran the </span><a href="http://www.baa.org/races/10k.aspx" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">B.A.A 10K</a><span style="background-color: white;"> with Alex and Jennifer and had an absolute blast. Since I needed to do a 10-miler that day, I ran the 4 miles from my home to the start line (like a total bad ass). </span><span style="background-color: white;">Unfortunately, I got caught up in race day excitement and ran 30 seconds faster per mile than my training schedule dictated. Oops!</span><br />
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And speaking of training schedules, here's mine (per request)<span style="background-color: white;">: </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5knVE1iQjb5cP2GIxASUK0AWG5WCC4n7BYoLIVD_ALdKk80EEhBtbJY4RjZBs5k99T3YYny7-uB2PtJFbi0UNRmUcju7rR-O_QwdLfqDTno8cE5YvvL2sDTNh6kEkTeWWmhqmb7sdMS8l/s1600/marathon-training-schedule.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5knVE1iQjb5cP2GIxASUK0AWG5WCC4n7BYoLIVD_ALdKk80EEhBtbJY4RjZBs5k99T3YYny7-uB2PtJFbi0UNRmUcju7rR-O_QwdLfqDTno8cE5YvvL2sDTNh6kEkTeWWmhqmb7sdMS8l/s640/marathon-training-schedule.png" title="Marathon Training Schedule" width="600" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Yes. I keep my training schedule in an Excel spreadsheet. And I color-code it. It's all good. )</span>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">This plan is a mix of </span><a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/smartcoach/" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Runner's World Smartcoach</a><span style="background-color: white;"> and an intermediate marathon plan from the Runner's World magazine. It took me an embarrassingly long time to come up with it but I'm quite happy (and confident) with the end result. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Plus, it's pretty to look at</span><span style="background-color: white;">. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>To go</b>: 15 weeks | 414.2 miles </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Completed</b>: 1 week | 19.5 miles</span></div>
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If you missed it: <a href="http://www.alustforallseasons.com/2012/06/marathon-monday-16-weeks.html" target="_blank">Week 16</a></div>
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<i>P.S. -- <span style="background-color: white;">I'm SUPER excited to be featured in The Saga of a Twenty-Something and The Scribble Pad's Nine to Five series today! I'm wearing bright neon pink pants and talking about my day job. Read it</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><a href="http://www.thesagaofatwentysomething.com/2012/06/nine-to-five-bianca-from-lust-for-all.html" target="_blank">here</a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">and</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><a href="http://schreiber6.blogspot.com/2012/06/nine-to-five-bianca.html" target="_blank">here</a><span style="background-color: white;">. </span></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwSX3qNjxn18b53Q7HKizW0GdweCHWPgFF0MLwFo7rq79k6JHllEwKR3nzQ9kESrDOSI6xNdDlA1luupkV-binFlr_u2_ECOsOIAJYPJYEGIko-FXsoZc53mVQtZ34j_yLbfKIfldB7D8O/s1600/Bianca-ALFAS4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwSX3qNjxn18b53Q7HKizW0GdweCHWPgFF0MLwFo7rq79k6JHllEwKR3nzQ9kESrDOSI6xNdDlA1luupkV-binFlr_u2_ECOsOIAJYPJYEGIko-FXsoZc53mVQtZ34j_yLbfKIfldB7D8O/s640/Bianca-ALFAS4.png" title="Nine to Five outfit" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://schreiber6.blogspot.com/2012/06/nine-to-five-bianca.html" target="_blank">Outfit details</a><a href="http://www.thesagaofatwentysomething.com/2012/06/nine-to-five-bianca-from-lust-for-all.html" target="_blank"></a>. </td></tr>
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<i><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></i></div>Biancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14253923270787166390noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245878661320012395.post-68141135161474478482012-06-22T07:30:00.000-04:002012-06-22T07:30:01.236-04:00Polka dot mullet {outfit}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIRBoZSxnNhQxC8Phryd_GuMbNi3tHB0voLA1og0eE2wg7g0kJ7aj9tmpqUXYuGiMNk32QL_LOfWWaP9GUwNiZg7Y0u-n_bfrL3c1P9XPdiND7CmVofOaPaz-Ci-dnDzBW2MK2DXvWeO76/s1600/polka-dots.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIRBoZSxnNhQxC8Phryd_GuMbNi3tHB0voLA1og0eE2wg7g0kJ7aj9tmpqUXYuGiMNk32QL_LOfWWaP9GUwNiZg7Y0u-n_bfrL3c1P9XPdiND7CmVofOaPaz-Ci-dnDzBW2MK2DXvWeO76/s1600/polka-dots.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2vynF9dpOfgFrgx9kRHbiDvkPUl3wArCiS7oi62E6X-IFg06OAOXn3x7eoHsh-VdGka_qMa0R-CIBkE4cZH4psVabFLH-awvGTuB6hs6KYeadmXqwvVxNL31GRBlT3hAH2JQ8o83G__8X/s1600/shoes.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2vynF9dpOfgFrgx9kRHbiDvkPUl3wArCiS7oi62E6X-IFg06OAOXn3x7eoHsh-VdGka_qMa0R-CIBkE4cZH4psVabFLH-awvGTuB6hs6KYeadmXqwvVxNL31GRBlT3hAH2JQ8o83G__8X/s1600/shoes.png" title="black kitten heels" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Lipstick: <a href="http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=36079&catid=183590&cmbProdBrandFilter=5008&aid=338666&aparam=36079" target="_blank">Revlon Orange Flip</a> | Earrings: <a href="http://baublebar.com/index.php/fashion-jewelry/earrings/bee-studs.html" target="_blank">Bauble Bar</a> | Sunglasses: HM | Dress: Unknown (little boutique - no brand) | Belt: Mom's from the 80s | Shoes: Nine West (old) </span></div>
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I first saw this dress in the window of <a href="http://www.sedurreboston.com/" target="_blank">small little boutique in the North End</a> several weeks ago, and while I loved everything about it -- from the massive white polka dots to the mullet cut to the overall vintage feel -- I kept on walking (willpower, baby). But I couldn't stop thinking about it and when <a href="http://www.astylizedhysteria.com/">Najeema</a> Tweeted about an amazing sheer neon pink mullet dress at TopShop, I couldn't resist any longer. I needed this dress. And I needed it NOW. <br />
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And I am so happy that I gave in (willpower, shmil-power). Not only does this dress feed my <a href="http://www.alustforallseasons.com/2012/02/oh-my-polka-dot.html">polka dot obsession</a>, it's super breezy and floats up behind me when I walk down stairs. Like a cape. But better. Plus the back sheer panel? Did not see that one coming! It's the perfect dress to wear in this heat wave and I'll probably be wearing it nonstop all summer.<br />
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Have a wonderful weekend everyone!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Thank you, <a href="http://www.thesagaofatwentysomething.com/" target="_blank">Alex</a>, for the photos and for splashing around in this random fountain with me! </i></span></div>Biancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14253923270787166390noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245878661320012395.post-62554027005243664522012-06-21T07:30:00.000-04:002012-06-21T10:27:39.361-04:00Summer: on repeat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm a very nostalgic person and as a result, I have several mini summer traditions. They all bring back different memories of past summers and make my current summers that much more fantastic.<br />
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<b>Watch: <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_657449238">Blue Crush</a></b><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0300532/"> </a> <i>(Senior year of high school)</i></div>
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Admittedly this is a very crappy movie, however, it never fails to get me pumped up for summer. It's filled with cheesy music, a tanned and ridiculously fit Kate Bosworth, and lots of half-naked people. As a 17-year-old girl, I thought this was the absolute coolest story line (surfers!) and I think my friend Shannon and I watched it at least 20 times in two months. (That's a conservative estimate.)</div>
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<b>Read: <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/summer-sisters-judy-blume/1100273120">Summer Sisters</a> <i>(</i></b><i>Junior year of high school)</i></div>
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I've read this book every single summer since I was 15, and there's a good chance that if we ever meet in person I will bring up this book and pressure you to read it. It pretty much changed my life and taught me a lot of interesting things ... and words. </div>
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<b>Eat: Watermelon </b><i>(Childhood)</i></div>
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One of my earliest summer memories is sitting in my backyard on a super hot day, eating watermelon with my mom and brother. I remember it being glorious and simple.</div>
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<b>Drink: Dunks' Iced Coffee </b><i>(College and Jack)</i></div>
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I live in Boston.<b> </b>This stuff is everywhere. It's a fantastic hangover cure and better yet, it makes Jack SUPER happy since he hates hot weather (He's from the Midwest. And part polar bear).</div>
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Do you have any summer traditions? I'd love to add some to my list! </div>Biancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14253923270787166390noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245878661320012395.post-64112312064415966222012-06-20T07:30:00.000-04:002012-06-20T07:30:03.425-04:00Seven steps of hello<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8gUKMflP6uecRjhn96BFETAc1x-Y5CsPTL2mB-JnQdz2KpLMZhbGbggM1a14k1zusvibVqylQSnr-0VhI8xE68Tft6tHAVQ-sXa8wprz2H3KlGCXyEz3TH_R7l9HYjzxa7go4LHQ2t-2/s1600/how-to-greet-your-human.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="how dogs say hello" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8gUKMflP6uecRjhn96BFETAc1x-Y5CsPTL2mB-JnQdz2KpLMZhbGbggM1a14k1zusvibVqylQSnr-0VhI8xE68Tft6tHAVQ-sXa8wprz2H3KlGCXyEz3TH_R7l9HYjzxa7go4LHQ2t-2/s1600/how-to-greet-your-human.png" /></a></div>
<br />Biancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14253923270787166390noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245878661320012395.post-82417699731812229122012-06-19T07:30:00.000-04:002012-06-19T07:30:05.167-04:00Recipe box: summer sandwich<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7NwqbjhHwV-qJjpUK5v7uZOSt95Ko_M0H3kTN6VHux1-FesGRH4UvnTzA-Y50V_i6Kgwwod4mfMMSRv-PRFOYIVdiFMFnb2KqF9J5woF4VDwXHDT0nFE7nc0J36Js6nNf-lD-yojntUVU/s1600/summer-sandwich.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7NwqbjhHwV-qJjpUK5v7uZOSt95Ko_M0H3kTN6VHux1-FesGRH4UvnTzA-Y50V_i6Kgwwod4mfMMSRv-PRFOYIVdiFMFnb2KqF9J5woF4VDwXHDT0nFE7nc0J36Js6nNf-lD-yojntUVU/s1600/summer-sandwich.png" /></a></div>
OK this isn't really a recipe -- it's a sandwich. <span style="background-color: white;">But I enjoy a little sandwich </span><span style="background-color: white;">inspiration</span><span style="background-color: white;"> now and again, and this </span><span style="background-color: white;">combo of veggies is so delicious that I had to share. </span><span style="background-color: white;">(I also just noticed it uses mainly mini-vegetables, which makes it </span><span style="background-color: white;">instantly</span><span style="background-color: white;"> more adorable and internet-worthy.) </span><br />
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<b>Ingredients for about one Bianca-sized sandwich </b><i>(aka it's not small)</i><b>:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Day old, crusty bread (I used a mini-baguette)</li>
<li>Garlic clove, peeled </li>
<li>6 to 8 cherry tomatoes, chopped in half</li>
<li>2 baby cucumbers, sliced</li>
<li>1 cup (or so) baby arugula</li>
<li>Hummus</li>
<li>Salt and pepper</li>
</ul>
<b>Directions:</b><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Toast the bread and rub some garlic on it. Spread on the hummus. Add the arugula, cucumber, and tomato. Sprinkle salt and pepper, to taste. And enjoy (preferably with a glass of white wine)! </span>Biancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14253923270787166390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245878661320012395.post-28784174417604545802012-06-18T07:30:00.000-04:002012-06-18T07:30:03.710-04:00Marathon Monday: 16 weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Don't you just love it when a weekend goes EXACTLY as you envisioned it? I had the most relaxing yet productive two days. I didn't check my email, Twitter, OR Facebook for all of Saturday and it was complete bliss. Instead I went on a phenomenal hike/run with my gal Peggy Sue at <a href="http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/metroboston/blue.htm">Blue Hills Reservation</a> (yes she's wearing a backpack), cleaned my closet (FINALLY), and finished the book, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bloom-kelle-hampton/1103601380">Bloom</a> (a must-read -- as in drop-whatever-you're-doing-and-get-this-book must-read.)<br />
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And this relaxing weekend was exactly what I needed considering the next 16 weeks will be consumed with training for the <a href="http://www.mohawkhudsonmarathon.com/">Mohawk-Hudson River Valley Marathon</a> on October 7.<br />
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I absolutely love the start of training -- anything seems possible. Nothing hurts. You feel strong. Fast. You truly believe this training cycle is going to be best one yet. You're going to be the fittest you've ever been. Hello, six pack abs! You even convince yourself you're going to qualify for Boston.<br />
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For those who aren't runners/obsessed with running/crazy, Boston is the mecca of marathons. You can't run Boston unless you a. raise thousands and thousands of dollars for charity, or b. run ridiculously fast for your age. Of those two options, running ridiculously fast scares me less than having $5K charged on my CC because I didn't raise enough money in time. </div>
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So this means I need to run an average of an 8:12 min/mile pace for 26.2. I need to finish in 3 hours and 35 minutes or less EXACTLY -- not one second over. It means cutting an hour off of my marathon time. </div>
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It's pretty insane ... but at the same time, I <i>think</i> it's doable for me if I train correctly. My half marathon pace is what it should be for that goal, and with one marathon under belt, I'm a bit more prepared to tackle the distance (though I know you're never REALLY prepared as anything can happen.)</div>
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Yes - it's a lofty goal -- and I'm willing to accept that it may not happen. But that doesn't mean I'm not going to work my ass off and try! And in the process, I'm going to do weekly marathon training recaps -- reflections on how things are going. Training for a marathon is hard and it can become extremely overwhelming at times -- I had several breakdowns last cycle. Hopefully by reflecting at the end of each week on everything I've accomplished, I'll be healthier mentally (and I won't unload all my feelings on my poor fiance).<br />
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So here we go! Week 1!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>To go: </b>16 weeks | 435.2 miles</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Completed:</b> 0 weeks | 0 miles</span></div>
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</div>Biancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14253923270787166390noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245878661320012395.post-78968503296007215782012-06-17T13:54:00.000-04:002012-06-17T13:57:43.755-04:00To my dad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Thank you for teaching me random facts about space travel, Mars, black holes, and other awesome science stuff that I glossed over in school. You made me realize the universe is much bigger than we can even imagine, and because of you I'm not afraid to think outside the box -- to be creative and dream big. To ask questions and find my own solutions.<br />
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I'm also not afraid of aliens.<br />
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So I love you, dad! Happy Father's Day!Biancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14253923270787166390noreply@blogger.com1