I had such a blast when I ran the Hero Half Marathon and 10k race at the gorgeous Indiana Dunes a couple years back. And now that I’m back into running post baby, I am SUPER excited to add this event to my race schedule this year, especially now that the race has been moved up to September instead of October! And for those of you in the Chicagoland area, I’ve got a sweet treat for you: I’m giving away one entry for the half marathon and one entry for the 10k! via But first, the Read More
Pioneer Woman Must Have Kitchen Essentials
I don’t know about you, but I LOVE watching The Pioneer Woman. Especially on Saturday mornings when the new episodes air with a hot cup of coffee. Pure bliss! I’ve tried a number of her recipes (like these, among many others) and haven’t come across one that wasn’t downright delectable. (Part of me wants to take the “Julie & Julia” concept and make it my mission to make every single one of Ree Drummond’s recipes and blog about it….never say never! It’d be a fun challenge!) After Read More
Back at It: Gurnee Days 10k
First 5k run through the neighborhood. (Not gonna lie- was pretty sore after that!) After getting the “all clear” at my postpartum appointment, I am anxious to get to running again! That is, when I can find the time. Ideally, I’m aiming to do a half marathon later this fall, but getting out to run will be tricky. I look forward to when I can use the jogging stroller so Bryce can come with me (which I’ve read it as 6 months.) Until then, most of my runs are on weekends when T is with our Read More
Sweet Swaps: Roasted Red Pepper Cheese Spread
I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for the SPLENDA® Brand. I received product samples to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation. All opinions and reviews are my own. This past weekend, Bryce was baptized. It was a truly wonderful day! After church, we invited our family over for a big celebration. We had quite the large crowd, and were busy cleaning and prepping food in the days leading up to the party Read More
Frozen Old Fashioned Oatmeal Recipe
Fellow Chicago blogger and momma-to-be Katie posted a link to a recipe lately about how to make frozen oatmeal, and I knew I had to try because 1- oatmeal (particularly old fashioned oats) are excellent for breastfeeding mamas and 2- I don't have time to make myself breakfast most days with Bryce (let along 40 minutes for oats), so something that is quick & easy is key. So I tried out the recipe and tweaked it a little bit to add a bit more protein and flavor. The result? Awesome-ness. Read More
Get Fired Up Grilling!
This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Weave Made Media® Smithfield® and Farmland®, but all my opinions are my own. #weavemade #GetUpandGrill #GetFiredUpGrilling http://my-disclosur.es/RgFrEH It’s almost summertime, and that means it’s time to get outside and fire up the grill! For the first time in a couple weeks, T and I took a break from the freezer meals I had prepped and we threw some ribs on the grill for a fun dinner for us to enjoy. I shopped at Read More
Palm Breeze Sparkling Alcohol Spritz #VacayEveryDay
Now that May is officially here, I know summer is right around the corner. Especially when we have beautiful weekends like this with 70-80 degree highs! Love it! I look forward to many more warm days full of family walks, runs on the trails, bags tournaments (or cornhole, depending on where you are from) and backyard BBQs and campfires with cocktails (now that I can finally have them again- woo hoo!) I don’t know about you, but I am not a beer drinker. The smell and taste just aren’t Read More
Find Beauty and Balance at the Barre, April 17-19
I’ve you’ve been reading my blog, you know I’m a big fan of Pure Barre. And there’s a great event coming up where you can take a FREE Pure Barre class. Check it out! Pure Barre is thrilled to be the fitness partner for Real Simple’s “Beauty & Balance” Weekend April 17-19. While the flagship event happens in NYC at a Real Simple event at the Andaz 5th Avenue Hotel, Pure Barre will also be bringing the beauty & balance theme to Pure Barre studios around the country during April Read More