Bellevue Square Book Review

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Bellevue Square Book Review

Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.

Bellevue Square Book Review. Ok, let’s get into this book review. I was looking for a book with a little fear or scare factor because it’s Fall and I’m all about scary books right now. So, I picked up this book on the suggestion from a co-worker. I read the cover of the book and figured it was a book worth giving a try.

It took me a little while to get past the first 20 pages and I almost placed it in the DNF pile. Something tugged at me to give it more of a try and I was glad I did. By the time I was 100 pages in I was hooked and really loving the book.

The character list is easy to follow so I did appreciate that. The storyline was easy to follow in the beginning but it became more confusing as time went on. I feel like that is exactly what the writer wanted to accomplish with this book. The book left me with a WTF moment to where you are not sure if you really love or hate this book.

Check out my full review below.

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Bellevue Square Book Review

Family Drama, Divorce, Hot Dog Sofa and Jail

Family Drama, Divorce, Hot Dog Sofa and Jail

Family Drama, Divorce, Hot Dog Sofa, and Jail. Well, It’s that time of the week again for a weekly win(e)d-up. This week we are drinking Pacific Peak wine.

I was really interested in the whole Aaron Carter situation and I don’t know much about them at all but I’m totally #TeamAAron at the moment. There is so much family drama going on with that situation.

Kanye West got in trouble for chasing after American Antelope on his ranch. I thought it was ok to hunt on your own property but maybe I was wrong about that.

Randy Travis is getting ready to kick off a new tour and I have some issues with that whole situation I don’t like to see famous people thrown in the public eye when their health should come first. It’s a bit of a sore subject with me.

So, did you hear that Sarah Pailin is getting a divorce? I must say that I’m not surprised by that one. I don’t follow what she does but I remember lots of cheating rumors from the past.

I talk about a lot of different topics on this one so check it out and let me know how you feel about some of these topics.

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Family Drama, Divorce, Hot Dog Sofa and Jail

We Bought A 2020 Jeep Wrangler

We Bought A 2020 Jeep Wrangler

We Bought A 2020 Jeep Wrangler. It finally arrived and I’m so excited! Greg surprised me a little over a month ago. He mentioned getting me a 2020 Jeep Wrangler for our 20-year anniversary. I was not expecting that at all.

I was fine with the 2004 Jeep I had and never really put much thought into getting a new one. Until he mentioned it. At first, we were going to look at the 2019s but could not find all the extras he wanted. The way he looks at things is that he wants all the luxury because we are older not and deserve it. Who am I to argue with that logic?!? Sounds good to me.

2020 Jeep Wrangler

I’m still trying to learn all the ins and outs of the jeep. It’s so much more technical than anything I’ve ever owned. My plan is to do more videos as I learn how everything works.

Jeep Wrangler dashboard

I took a picture underneath the hood but I honestly have no idea what we are looking. So, maybe some of you do.

under the hood

My last jeep was trail rated and so is this one. I’m not sure I could tell you what the true difference is in a trail-rated and non-trail rated. But the symbol is kind of cool ๐Ÿ˜‰

trail rated jeep wrangler

It’s fun to learn all the ins and outs of the jeep. I feel so ignorant when it comes to the new additions they have made over the years. I’m digging it all. They have made the top very easy to get on and off. So, they get major brownie points for that one.

I'm spoiled

Do you have any questions for me about the new 2020 Jeep Wrangler? Let me know and I can try to answer your questions. We can also show you anything you may want to see on the inside or outside of the Jeep.

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I'm a Bad Housewife and We Sold My Jeep Wrangler

I'm a Bad Housewife and We Sold My Jeep Wrangler

I’m a Bad Housewife and We Sold My Jeep Wrangler. Yeah, we sold it and I’m sad and excited at the same time. We just wanted to have the old Jeep for sale to see if there was any interest. There was and now I’m without a Jeep. So, Greg will have me drive the new truck until my new wrangler gets here.

I'm a Bad Housewife

It may be a little early for this but I decorated the front table for fall and I’m loving it. I don’t know what it is but I have been ready to do this for a few weeks now.

Fall was never one of my favorite times of the year until we moved to the country and my whole mindset changed. There is something so peaceful and calming to watch the season change. The cycles of life are really amazing and wonderful to experience.

setting out fall decor

It’s been a great year for peppers so far. Greg is filling a bucket or more weekly with Carolina reapers. It has turned out to be a fantastic year for the garden.

We have considered getting into the pepper selling business. I think we have the whole pepper thing down well enough and the peppers we have are really spicy. We don’t let any of them go to waste. Greg likes to freeze some, ground them and we manage to trade fresh ones when we are really overloaded.

picking spicy peppers

I took one last photo of Betty before she left to head to her new home. It’s not the best picture in the world but goodness I will miss her. The guy who bought her will resell her at his car lot but I’m ok with that. I know she will treat her new owner just fine.

We Sold My Jeep Wrangler

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I’m a Bad Housewife and We Sold My Jeep Wrangler

Working With What I'm Given

Working With What I’m Given. Here is my card reading for the end of the day on August 29th.

What was my day like? (Morning, afternoon and night). 

Working With What I'm Given

I used the American Flag playing card deck for this one.

J โ™ ๏ธ  and Q โ™ฃ๏ธ could be me being a little pushy this morning with M&M because I didnโ€™t have any work moved to a workable folder and it was her responsibility. 4 โ™ ๏ธ I see as a feeling of being stuck in work, health and life in general. I know I need to make strong and consistent changes to make it all work. 

I used the Dark Mansion Tarot deck for this one.

dark mansion tarot

2 swords โš”๏ธ Calm steadiness and not getting in the middle or dragged into the drama. Wardrobe came up to me early in the day to tell me the boss lady was there but I didnโ€™t care. Just trying to keep the peace. 

King ๐Ÿ‘‘ of Pentacles he is away from his castle but surrounded by grapes and vines. All signs of living life forms and the grapes ๐Ÿ‡ are an indication of gaining wealth from what you have already planted. Forever rich. 

3 of cups is the phone call to Greg to wish him a happy birthday ๐ŸŽˆ. 

August 30th

What do I need to know going into today?

I used the Dark Mansion Tarot for this pull.

Go into today with a child ๐Ÿง’๐Ÿป like wonder. Look at things through a childโ€™s innocence. 

The card used here is from The White Rabbit playing card deck.

the white rabbit playing card deck

Donโ€™t let my arrogance or ignorance get in the way of seeing what is really going on and I may actually learn something new. 

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3 Diets in One

3 Diets in One

3 Diets in One. I have been on diets before and there are so many different ways to find what works for you. When I started my first figure competition we started off slow. So, I made slow changes to my diet and then added a cardio and weight training routine.

I went from a “balanced” diet of carbs, fats, and protein. So, I made some healthy food swaps but was not even close to a competition diet like the one I was placed on. It takes time and determination to see that change that you are longing for.

diet and gym

My trainer had me provide him with the current diet I was on and we made gradual changes from that. So, he first had me remove all dairy products so that was an easy step for me to make.

Looking back at it I was really doing a keto, intermittent fasting and elimination diet all at the same time. It worked like nothing I could have ever imagined and it happened fast.

My diet was cut down to just a handful (maybe more) of different types of food I could have. We cut the carbs very low (under 25g). So, my last meal was no later than 4pm and I would not eat again until 8:30 or 9am the next day.

diet it everything

Just know that it can be done. Check with your doctor and do what is best for you and your body.

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3 Diets in One

Sunday Cooking and a Kitchen Workout and Reading a New Book

Sunday Cooking and a Kitchen Workout and Reading a New Book. It’s been a busy week but that is exactly what I need in my life right now Fitness is at the front of all I’m doing right now and the less time or energy I have to mess up the better it will be.

Sunday Cooking and a Kitchen Workout and Reading a New Book

Greg and I had to stop at Walmart to look for socks for him and to pick up a for sale sign to add to the jeep. I’m not sure if I have mentioned this yet but Greg is buying me a new 2020 Jeep Wrangler and I’m so excited about it! We are working on selling my old one.

shopping at Walmart

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Today was a pasta making day. Last year with bought a food saver and it’s been a lifesaver. Greg and I make as much as we can and save them as separate meals for the future. I love that we can have pasta any day of the week minus the mess.

We make sauce with out own tomatoes from the garden. We peel the skin and place them in a bag to be vacuum sealed and placed in the freezer until ready for use. Once we thaw the tomatoes from the freezer we add it to the pot and start from there. The details are in the vlog below if you want to see how we put this particular sauce together.

making sauce for pasta

One of the dishes we made on this day was a baked ziti dish. I wish you could have smelled the kitchen while we were cooking and baking. Last year when Greg has surgery we found out how useful doing meal prep like this could really be. I honestly think he will buy another freezer in the next year.

pasta meal prep

Once everything is baked we place them in containers and seal them to place in the freezer. Each container holds dinner for 2.

food saver recipes

We also picked a lot of peppers from the garden. We also freeze them as well as dry them to make our own spices. One important thing to remember about growing your own peppers is to make sure you don’t cut them on anything else you would want to use in the future. The spice does not clean off knives or cutting boards and the spice will stick with it forever (if your peppers are good quality).

spicy peppers n the garden

I will also have a video up soon to explain why ground turkey smells so bad. I did a video asking why they smell awful and apparently a lot of people had the same questions. It’s a valid question for sure. It really boils down to the quality (or lack of…) in the meat used to make it.

Sunday Cooking

I thought it would be a good idea to get my leg workout done while I was cooking in the kitchen, I mean…why not kill 2 birds with one stone…right?! I just grabbed a pair of dumbbells and went at it. There are other exercises you can do while cooking so no excuses over here!

Kitchen Workout

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Sunday Cooking and a Kitchen Workout and Reading a New Book

Flea Market, Storms and Gym Time

Flea Market, Storms and Gym Time.

Greg mentioned going to the flea market this morning to look around Each time we’ve gone to Morningstar Flea Market we have been a little rushed. He was wanting to take time to look around and see all the things.

It was my choice to take his jeep but I had a little trouble trying to jump in this morning because he parked on a hill. Lol

The drive was nice but we could see storms coming in the direction of the flea market. We were lucky to get there when we did so we could check out a few areas we have never walked through before.

You can tell that tomatoes are plentiful this year. Last year the cost for tomatoes anywhere in the area were rediculous. We have lots of tomatoes this year but I will admit that the ones we saw did look pretty good.

While we were at the market we came across a new landscaping idea. There is a living wall or fence that we can add and it’s also an apple tree. I love something that is multi-purpose. It would be nice to have a living fence and have it produce food at the same time. We are going to look into them further and see if they would work in our yard.

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Flea Market, Storms and Gym Time

Stressful Week and Hitting The Gym On My Lunch Break

Stressful Week and Hitting The Gym On My Lunch Break. When the week starts to stress you out take some time for yourself. This is the life lesson of this week.

Stressful Week and Hitting The Gym On My Lunch Break

My gym offered a great deal for a yearly membership so I jumped on that opportunity this week. I will not let the membership go to waste and I’m even able to go on my lunch break. It’s a huge win for me.

Plan to see a lot more fitness type recipes, blogs, and videos from me in the near future. I really want to take it slower this time and work on building a long-lasting balance between fitness and life. I know they can work together and have a happy marriage. Let’s do this together!

Stressful Week

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Greg ordered a tarot deck for me weeks ago and it finally came in. I saw the Dark Mansion Tarot deck online and fell in love with it!

dark mansion tarot

I love that I’m starting to vlog again so I can get all my thoughts out. Vlogging is a form of therapy for me so I’m going to keep doing it. If you have a healthy outlet and it does not bring negativity into your life I think you should do it. It’s important to express yourself.

Hitting The Gym

Check out my new Betty Boop collectible figurine. It’s been a little while since we’ve added a new one to the collection.

betty boop little red riding hood

All the protein was made in advance and Greg and I raided the freezer to look for something I could add with the meat. I’m going with peppers and onions because…YUM!

peppers and onions bagged mix

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Stressful Week and Hitting The Gym On My Lunch Break

Salon Day, Topless Jeep, Tarot and Living Your True Life

I got an early start to the day. When I head to the salon it’s an all-day affair. My goals are in place and I’m going to work hard to make myself healthy and proud again.

I’ve had a change of heart and mind recently and I’m looking at life and all my challenges in a new light. I will go into that a little more in a different post but for now, let’s talk about my busy day.

I packed up my meals for the day and made my favorite side dish of sliced cucumbers. Have you ever tried the Flavor god garlic lovers spice? It’s one of my favorites! I also prefer to use the Texas Pete Sriracha because it’s the perfect amount of spice for the cucumbers.

It was a beautiful day to ride to the other side of town with the top down on the jeep. I love riding around and enjoying the sun even if I do get a little sunburned.

Topless Jeep

I talked with my stylist and we decided to go back to a lighter color because I think it looks best when I have my hair down and let the waves take over. The curly girl method has changed my way of doing things. I love that I’m embracing the wildness of my hair.

Salon Day

So, while I was on the other side of town I decided to stop at Arundel Mills Mall and pick up a new tarot deck. I’ve added the Santa Muerte deck to the collection and I’m in love with the art on this deck. So, I am working with tarot cards and I really enjoy it all.

Tarot and Living Your True Life

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Tornados, Peppers, Fruit, and Processing Tomatoes

Tornados, Peppers, Fruit, and Processing Tomatoes. It was an office workday and Greg was home working on the garden and picking food to be processed later in the day.

It was my first day back at the office and we had a tornado come through. If you follow my Youtube channel you may have seen the live video of us crammed in that hallway for safety.

We were moved to the safety location and stayed there for almost an hour before we were given the ok to get back to work. It also seems like the tornado warnings have become more frequent over the last 5 years but that could also be because we are closer to the mountains now. I remember driving home during a tornado back in 2015.

So, Greg has an obsession with Gordon Ramsay and Greg tried to cut peppers the way he was showing people to do it on TV. Check out the daily vlog below to see how it’s done. It really does work and even with crooked peppers.

slicing green peppers

So, it’s also that time of year for picking peaches off the trees. This is the first year that we’ve had a lot of peaches to process and it’s pretty cool. We are saving some for sangria mix.

Peaches and a pepper

Last year was a terrible year for tomatoes but this year is making up for last year. Greg and I peel the skin off the tomatoes and bag them up using our food saver. I honestly do not know what I would do without it.

Tornados Peppers Fruit Tomatoes

I went home at lunchtime. The weather was perfect about while Greg was in the garden picking tomatoes the tornado came through. He was able to get some footage that I was able to share in the daily vlog. Our weather was not supposed to hit until 5 pm but it came through around 2 pm.

tornado winds

So, we were safe and everything was fine. We did have many road closures. At the end of the day it was not as bad as it could have been.

Tornados, Peppers, Fruit, and Processing Tomatoes

How Holding Myself Accountable Is Going To Change My Life

How Holding Myself Accountable Is Going To Change My Life. I know that this journey I’m going to take will not be an easy one. Over the last 6 years I’ve moved further away from the person I want to be. Today I’ve made the decision to share my day-to-day life with you on this blog. It’s easy to take the pictures and write a little something on here to have a written account of what is working or what is not working.

So, here we will start with the weight on

. Ok, deep breath and here we go…176.2lbs this morning.

scale weight

Now that we have my starting weight documented we can move on to my morning workout. I did not get a sweat going but I was moving so that’s a good start in my book. The goal, for now, is to get in the habit of doing a morning workout.

early morning workout

Once I got to the office I heated up my breakfast. The picture is not pretty but it was really good. This is egg beaters, salsa, avocado, hot sauce and olive oil added after the food was heated up.

breakfast in a cup

My allergies have been acting up and I feel stuffy and I had a bad taste in my mouth so I chewed on some gum to help with that.

gum

Around 10:30 I was getting hungry again so I had 2 scoops of peanut butter. Yeah, I eat from a tablespoon.

peanut butter

Before heading out for lunch I had a few cucumbers that I mixed up last night. They are coming in from the garden and I have to start eating them before they go bad.

cucumber side dish

I forgot that I was going to meet a friend for lunch. She wanted to go to Panera Bread so I brought my own food along and we ate outside. It was a

outside and it was nice to catch up with her.

Greg made me some canned chicken and I at it on 2 small rice cakes. I finished off the cucumbers I brought to work with me also. I was so proud of myself for not buying lunch and finally taking responsibility for my actions again.

taking my lunch to panera bread

When I got home Greg made some left over homemade stew from the freezer.

homemade stew for dinner

My evening workout was much better than my morning one. I did get a little sweat going on. So, I went light with the weights but I did slow and controlled movements.

I was dancing between sets and enjoying my workout. So, I took my time and was in no rush to finish my workout early. One of the issues I’ve ran into is that I rush to get done. My goal is to work harder at taking my time and putting all my focus into that task at hand.

How Holding Myself Accountable Is Going To Change My Life

I took a screen shot of the stats from my apple watch for the workout I just completed.

evening workout apple watch stats

Here is a screenshot of the actual workout I did. As you can see the weights I lifted were light but I also don’t want to be so sore tomorrow that I don’t do anything.

It will get better with time.

Upper Body Workouyt

Monday upper body workout

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How Holding Myself Accountable Is Going To Change My Life

Cooking Out and Getting Ready for the Week

lettuce from the garden

Cooking Out and Getting Ready for the Week. The lettuce in the raised garden is coming in and today was first picking. I could not think of a better day to start picking than today. Greg made burgers on the grill so they will go on the burgers from this point until they are gone. I’m also planning on making salad all week.

Cooking Out and Getting Ready for the Week

It was a

for cooking out. We made sure to cook enough to last us all week long. It’s been a long time since we’ve cooked out. When Greg gad his surgeries last year it really made things challenging.

Getting Ready for the Week

I know that I need to pay closer attention to what I’m eating. Today was a burger day but I’m thinking about going back to keto and fast for 16 hours between dinner and breakfast. I’m curious to see how my body will react to doing this again. It worked wonders for me in the past.

homemade burger

The burger was great. Today was relaxing and wonderful to just spend time at home with Greg and Digger.

I think we have all been a funk lately and we stayed home all weekend long. It feels like we were able to recharge our minds. The past few years have been trying in so many ways. Work and life stresses that I have been dealing with so it was much needed to have a weekend at home.

Heck, we are even talking about moving to a place with more property. I want goats and chickens so we may have some house hunting vlogs coming again soon.

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Cooking Out and Getting Ready for the Week

99lb Loss and Transformation Pictures

99lb Loss and Transformation Pictures

99lb Loss and Transformation Pictures Today I wanted to share where my weigh-loss journey started and why I did what I did. The journey was not always easy and it took a few years for me to finally get serious about my goals.

I wanted to share my before photo of when I was 209lbs to show you where I started from. My after picture is from my figure competition when I was 110lbs. This was a total loss of 99lbs. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to get there. One of the main things that helped me get started was a change in my attitude.

There are a lot of people in my life that hated my positive attitude (even when I was not truly feeling it). This was a journey I realized that I had to take on my own. It was a hole I dug for myself and I was the only one who could pull myself out of it.

So, I will be very honest here. My calories were very low, I was doing keto and working out twice a day. My main goal was to get on stage and competition prep is strict. Not everyone can get through the process because it’s such a demanding sport but I loved it!

Keep pushing forward. Know that any goal you have can be reached if you put in the work both mentally and physically.

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99lb Loss and Transformation Pictures.

You Get a Peach, You Get a Peach and Everyone Get's a Peach

Embracing New Beginnings and Celebrations: A Tax Day Birthday and the Joys of Spring

๐ŸŽ‰ Celebrating Digger’s Tax Day Birthday: A Story of Love and Picky Eaters ๐Ÿพ

Hey, besties! Guess what? ๐Ÿค” It’s a super special day in our household โ€“ it’s Digger’s Tax Day Birthday! ๐ŸŽ‚๐Ÿถ Yes, our furry friend was born on Tax Day, making this day extra memorable for us. Speaking of celebrations, Digger is in for a treat – his favorite salmon and buttered potatoes! ๐Ÿฃ๐Ÿฅ” But, uh-oh, Digger is being a bit of a picky eater tonight. Does this happen with your pets too? Let me know in the comments!


๐Ÿ“š On the Cusp of a New Adventure: My Real Estate Classes Journey

Transitioning from furry friends to life updates, I’m almost at the finish line with my real estate classes! ๐Ÿ โœจ The final exam is just around the corner, and then it’s onto the state exam. I’m a bundle of nerves and excitement! Have any of you gone through this? Drop me some tips or encouragement โ€“ I’d love that!


๐ŸŒธ Spring Is Here: A Time for Growth and New Beginnings

Oh, and did I mention how much I love this time of year? The apple trees in my garden are showing growth, and the flowers are in full bloom. ๐ŸŒผ๐Ÿ It’s like nature is celebrating with us! We’ve also started planting tomato plants in the garden. ๐Ÿ… It’s our little trick to ensure a constant flow of fresh veggies. Do you garden? Share your tips with me!


๐Ÿ‘ A Bountiful Harvest: The Peach Trees Are Thriving

And speaking of nature’s bounty, our peach trees are just thriving! We have so many peaches growing โ€“ it’s going to be a sweet summer for sure. ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ˜


๐Ÿƒ Starting the Day with a Card Spread

Now, let me share something personal. I did my card spread today, curious about how the day would unfold. It’s a little ritual of mine that brings clarity and peace. Do you have morning rituals too? Let’s chat about them!


๐ŸŒŸ Wrapping Up: A Day of Celebrations, Growth, and Learning

So, there we have it, friends โ€“ a day full of celebrations, growth, and learning. From Digger’s Tax Day Birthday to the thriving nature around us, it’s all about embracing the new and cherishing the present.

Before I sign off, here are a few resources I think you’ll love:

  1. Tips for Dealing with Picky Eaters (Pets and Kids!)
  2. Your Guide to Starting in Real Estate
  3. Gardening Tips for Every Season

Keep shining and see you in the next post! ๐ŸŒŸ

First 5k Color Run

Hey there, fabulous readers! ๐ŸŒŸ Today, I’m super thrilled to share with you a colorful and exhilarating adventure that I recently embarked on โ€“ my very first 5K run, and guess what? It was a color run! ๐ŸŒˆ๐Ÿƒโ€โ™€๏ธ So, grab your running shoes (or just a comfy spot on your couch ๐Ÿ˜Š), and let’s dive into this vibrant journey together.

๐ŸŒŸ Kicking Off My First 5K Run: A Burst of Colors and Joy

Hey, my wonderful community! So, I did something incredible โ€“ I completed my first 5K run, and it was no ordinary run; it was a color run! ๐ŸŽจ๐Ÿƒโ€โ™€๏ธ Imagine a kaleidoscope of colors swirling around as you jog, walk, or dance your way through the course. It’s not just about the distance; it’s about the laughter, the photos, and the pure joy of being part of something so vibrant and fun.

๐Ÿƒโ€โ™€๏ธ Preparing for Your First 5K: Tips and Tricks

If you’re thinking, “Hey, I want to do this too!” then you’re in for a treat. Preparing for your first 5K run can be a bit daunting, but fear not! Here are some tips to get you started on the right foot (pun intended! ๐Ÿ˜„):

  1. Start Slow: Don’t rush into it. Begin with brisk walking, then jogging, and gradually increase your pace.
  2. Choose the Right Gear: Invest in a good pair of running shoes and comfortable clothing. Trust me, it makes a difference!
  3. Stay Hydrated: Keep your water bottle handy, especially during your training.

For more detailed tips, check out Beginner’s Guide to 5K Runs.

๐ŸŒˆ The Color Run Experience: Unforgettable Moments

Now, let me take you through the day of the run. Picture this: a sea of people, all pumped up and dressed in white, ready to get doused in colors at every kilometer marker. ๐ŸŒˆ๐Ÿ’ฆ There’s music, there’s dancing, and there’s an overwhelming sense of camaraderie. It’s not just a race; it’s a celebration!

๐Ÿฅ— Fueling Up: What to Eat Before a 5K

Food is fuel, especially before a run. You want to eat something light yet energizing. I opted for a banana and a small bowl of oatmeal about two hours before the run. Need more ideas? Here’s a great resource for pre-run meals.

๐Ÿง˜โ€โ™€๏ธ The Importance of Stretching and Post-Run Care

Stretching before and after the run is crucial to prevent injuries and to cool down your muscles. After the run, I did some yoga stretches, which felt amazing. Also, don’t forget to hydrate and maybe treat yourself to a nice, relaxing bath.

Learn more about post-run care at Runners’ Health Hub.

๐ŸŽ‰ Conclusion: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Fun

As I crossed the finish line, covered in hues of pink, blue, and yellow, I realized that this first 5K run was more than just a physical challenge. It was a celebration of life, community, and personal growth. ๐Ÿ…โœจ

So, are you ready to take on your first 5K run? I promise it’s an experience you won’t regret!

Starting a Tree Garden

Starting a Tree Garden

Starting a Tree Garden. Just a typical Saturday around the Rambles household. The weekend means it’s time to work in the yard and add fruit trees. Our main goal was to get all the trees in the yard so they can get lots of sun. We spent some time to map out where we want to plan the trees before we got going.

planning where the trees go

Our yard is full of rocks so as we were digging to plan to the trees we took the rocks and placed them in the truck to be moved to another part of the yard. There are certain parts in the yard that tend to wash out so the rocks should help slow it down or stop it completely.

Starting a Tree Garden chat

Greg and I work well as a team. Taking care of this yard and getting it functional is a great workout.

picking up rocks

I make sure to take water breaks so I don’t get dehydrated and sick. I can’t be any help to Greg if I end up in the hospital.

drinking water

Greg mentioned that the trees needed to be in water for 4 hours before planting them. We filled a bucket up with water and placed the trees in them while we finished working on the yard.

watering the trees

Digger misses us when we are outside for long periods of time. We bring him outside with us as much as we can. It’s also a great excuse for a break from all our hard work.

taking a break with Digger

The rock sifter Greg made is working out well. It helps us separate the rocks from the dirt very quickly.

sifting rocks

The tiller is a must to help us mix the dirt up and soften the soil so we can dig holes for the trees.

using the tiller

We noticed a bunch of ants while we were working in the yard so we got corn meal to get rid of them. Did you know that cornmeal working on getting rid of ants? It surprised me but it does work.

After a long day in the yard Greg and I went to Chipotle for dinner. I love a good burrito bol. It make me a happy wife ๐Ÿ˜‰

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Starting a Tree Garden

Dating Gone Bad

Dating Gone Bad

Dating Gone Bad. It was a typical Saturday of working in the yard to get ready for the growing season. I love that Spring is here and we can add to the garden and yard. One of the most exciting things about this house is that we grow our own food. It would be better if we could have chickens but I won’t complain about it.

Another way you can tell Spring is here is because my

I have all the windows out so that’s a pretty good start. The feeling of freedom that I get when I’m in my jeep is something I don’t think I can even put into words. I thought I was past my Jeep Wrangler days but I don’t think it’s something I can ever grow out of.

Greg and I made a plan to build a partial fence to protect the garden from some of the strong winds that we get. The wind can be very strong and we do get tornado warning more frequent than most people would believe.

It was really nice to take some time to relax and reflect on all the good things. We are so lucky to live where we do and to be in the position we are in at the moment. I can’t get lost in the day to day stuff but it’s good to take a step back and appreciate life for what it is in the moment.

Greg did some great work with a fence and I think it should help protect the peppers this year. It feels like we are really getting somewhere with the orchard and garden. It feels like we are adults who may actually have a handle on this adulting stuff.

Greg told me about how he got the extension cord we were using. It was an insane story for sure. You have to be careful when trying to find love. There are a lot of crazy people out there.

Dating Gone Bad

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Cuddling with Baby Goats

Cuddling with Baby Goats

Greg and I went to a local family farm to play with the goats. We found a place on Facebook that mentioned they offer time slots to cuddle with the baby goats. I figured Greg was all for it because he would love to talk me into moving to a larger piece of property. Goats are his ticket out of here ;).

baby goats

I loved that they gave us our own time slot so there is nobody else in there except for us. I had all the goats to myself. We got there a little early to fill out the needed paperwork.

they all want attention

We were scheduled for a 30 minute time slot. I didn’t know this in advance but we were able to feed the baby goats while we were there. It was a neat experience. The goat that Greg was feeding tried to take my goats bottle when it was finished. Greedy little suckers.

bottle feeding the baby

They were all wanting some love and a few I forced cuddles on. They remind me of Digger in a way but they are nicer to me. Digger can get a little cranky when he wants to be left alone.

animal love

You should look for a goat yoga place near you. Plans will be made in the future to go back because the price was more than fair. All the money goes back to the goats to help feed and take care of them. Next, I think I will try goat yoga. I know they have a place in Gettysburg that offers goat yoga.

I know that being around animals can lower my stress levels. One of the goals I have this year is to get my health in check and this many need to become something we do on the regular.

Cuddling with Baby Goats

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Learning to Drive a Stick Shift ๐Ÿ˜ฑ

blood pressure medicine

Learning to Drive a Stick Shift ๐Ÿ˜ฑ. You will be happy to know that I’ve been taking my blood pressure medicine as I should. It’s not always easy to remember but I’m doing better with each day. Greg made us a spicy breakfast this morning. We plan on speeding up my metabolism one way or another.

chatting while on the couch

Today is a no workout day but I will be cleaning the house and working in the yard. There is not as much as you would think when it comes to getting the yard and garden together for the year. Everything happens so quickly. Our Easter flowers are coming up now too.

spring flowers

For years I’ve been interested in fortune telling with playing cards and I’m getting into it more lately. This form of cartomancy has always interested me. It goes back to when I was 18 and got my first reading. The woman who read my cards was very accurate.

3 card daily spread

Greg took me out for a driving lesson this afternoon. We were on some backroads and he thought it was a good time to let me drive the truck that is a stick shift. He really wants me to learn how to drive the 5 speed. I make it harder than it needs to be because I actually did a decent job this afternoon. Don’t tell Greg I said this but it’s fun too.

Learning to Drive a Stick Shift

While we were out we stopped at a random yard sale and I got a few decorative items for the house.

yard sale finds

Once we got back home our attention turned to meal prep. It seems like we are always cooking out on the grill.

cooking on the grill

For a change in meals we made chili and it’s spicy (of course). We may save a few portions that I can freeze and keep for later.

chili

Learning to Drive a Stick Shift ๐Ÿ˜ฑ

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So Many Fruit Trees

real estate textbooks

A beautiful Saturday morning and I spent it at the office working on my real estate class. It’s a lot to go over and I feel like I have information overload.

one kind word

Look at the new picture we have for the office. It says ‘one kind word can change someone’s day’. I love the saying and it’s so true. Kindness does not hurt you and really can change the attitude of another. Try it and I promise you will see the change it can make in another person.

shopping for plants so many fruit trees

Once my class was over Greg and I had lot’s to do. Another trip to look for items for the garden. We are also looking at possible additions to our orchard.

truck shopping

Did I mention that Greg is looking at trading in his Toyota Tacoma for a Toyota Tundra? I guess we will find out soon if decided to trade in his current truck for a new one.

So Many Fruit Trees

While Greg was cutting the grass I worked in the yard with the trees. It’s a good amount of work to get everything planted but it’s totally worth it all. I could not think of a better way to spend the weekend. There is something special about growing your own food.

grilling

Of course this was another grilling and food prep weekend.

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Annoying Wife

digger smelling flowers

We took Digger for his normal walk around the yard to check on the flowers and garden activity going on. He likes to be shown all the new growth and to talk time to smell the flowers. Spring is really showing up in so many ways now.

finding rocks in the garden

Picking rocks out of the garden is starting to become a full time job around here. It seems like no matter how many we pull from the garden they keep showing up with more. I’ve never seen anything like it before. I guess this is what happens when you live near the mountains.

Greg talking to me

This morning Greg woke me up to try to show me a turkey that was in our driveway. I missed it but I heard it was a large one. When I woke up I thought something was wrong but he just wanted to get my attention fast.

home depot

Greg and I made a quick stop at Home Depot to look for something to help us get the rocks out of the garden. We also took some time to look at plants for the garden. I think we have better luck at the local greenhouses.

Digger eating his food

Before heading outside to work in the yard we wanted to make sure Digger ate his food. As you know, it’s not always easy to get Digger to eat his food.

Annoying Wife

It took us a little time to finally get out to the yard. I had to locate my yard gloves that Greg was hiding from me for some reason.

growing pepper seeds

The pepper seeds are still growing in the basement. It’s an experiment to see if we can grow them for seeds but so far we are showing progress. This is a labor of love for Greg. He’s the one with the green thumb and now we are really putting it to the test.

on the treadmill

I took a few minutes to workout on the treadmill before Greg was finally ready to head out to the garden.

looking for rocks

Greg and I worked on trying to get as many rocks out of the garden as possible. I’m not sure how much good it will do but I was willing to give it my best.

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Extra Long Trip Home

Digger does not trust me

I tried to love on Digger this morning but he really just wanted to be left alone. I came home from the gym in such a good mood and I was singing to Digger. He usually loves my singing but sleep was more important this morning. He was excited to see me at first but he changed attitude quickly. The mood swings of a chihuahua.

talking in my car

I talked with my girlfriend who I’m doing the 5k with and we have everything planned out. We are doing the 5k Color Run and I’ve heard a lot of good things about this race. So, I think it will be a fun experience for us both.

that keyboard life

I did not get a lot of footage today because watching me type on a keyboard would be pretty boring don’t ya think?

Extra Long Trip Home

I went to the gym for cardio to help prepare a little better for the race this weekend. We are really just doing this race for fun but I don’t want to embarrass myself while we are there.

We got some minor news about the house we are interested in buying. There is no major movement but we know what realtor will have the house once it goes back on the market. I can’t wait to move along with this process.

finally made it home

Trying to get home from the office was awful. Every single way I tried to go was blocked for one reason or another. My luck was not the worst but it also wasn’t the best either.

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High Rock Hang Glide Site

We started our day going for a ride and checking out a property in the mountains. Greg and I went out to the graffiti rock at High Rock Hang Glide Site. I swear that I’ve never seen a more beautiful view. There are times when I stress out and heading out to the mountains or to the lake is the best thing for me mentally.

book i'm reading

I’m also reading a new book because I have a goal of cleaning out my book collection. I can finally admit that my book collection is getting out of hand and there is no reason for it. I know I have hoarding tendencies but it’s really becoming an issue.

As we were driving we noticed that all the farmers are out getting things ready for the season. Everything is so green and nature is moving into the new cycle of life.

high rock

I was so glad that Greg decided to take a ride out the the rocks on the mountain. It’s also part of the Appalachian Trail. The views are stunning and it’s such a peaceful area.

rules and restrictions sign

It’s amazing when you look out from the high mountain tops and take in the scene around you. It makes whatever problems you are going through seem so small and insignificant. There is a big world out there and nobody really cares about your minor issues. There are so many other things to invest your thoughts in.

tree on top of the mountain

I’m not even sure how to express how I feel right now. I love nature and when I have quite time to really take in bigger things that what is happening in my small little world.

view from the top of the mountain

It was a difficult week so it was nice to take the drive and enjoy mother nature. The weather was not the best today but when you are up there looking out at the world you don’t even think about it.

Orchard Status, Betty Boop and Liquor Collection

Orchard Status, Betty Boop and Liquor Collection. Greg and I got a late vlogging start today. It was hot and sunny all day and we decided to take a walk around the yard and show you all the cool stuff happening. The orchard trees are blooming and getting ready for the year ahead. I love that we use the yard to grow food and we are not wasting the property that we have.

Easter flowers

The Easter flowers are coming up and the signs of spring are everywhere. I love seeing flowers that grow around trees or even old stumps. The flowers I took a picture of above are next to the crab apple tree that we had to take down.

Digger laying upside down

Digger was feeling the effects of the heat so he tried to stay in the house and pretend to be sleeping. You have to love how comfortable he can get.

Greg helped me put together the new Betty Boop dolls we bought. So, my collection is really growing fast. We have the room in the house so we are free to collect as many as we can or until Greg tells me my collection is taking over the whole house.

Betty Boop cheerleader

Greg ordered vodquila and some JR Ewing from a specialty liquor store in Florida. The first box that came to us was broken so they had to reship.

strong liquor

We are going to need to shop for wine soon too. So, our wine cabinet is not full and we always try to keep the cabinet full ๐Ÿ˜‰

wine cabinet

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Black Clouds Following Me

Greg and I watched Intervention before it was time for me to head out for the day. The weather was nasty so I try to leave a few extra minutes early. It helps me not rush and I would rather be at the office early than to be late. We get penalized for being late and I don’t want to sit around the office and not get paid because I was a minute late. Yeah, my company does that.

This is one reason I carry my laptop with me so I can edit before my day begins.

It was like the black clouds followed me all the way to work this morning. The rain was the heaviest at the edges of the storm (if that makes sense). it’s hard to explain but I was in the heavy rain most of the way into the office this morning.

I keep a countdown clock on my desk so I can count the hours and minutes before it’s time for me to leave. It can be depressing to look at sometimes. I try to cheer up the picture with a pig wearing sunglasses. He’s super cute.

It felt so good once I was free from the office. I went home and Digger was at the garage door to greet me. I love seeing his happy little face after a long day.

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A Little Meal Prep

I had intentions to start SSSVeda this month but with the move happening this month it’s been a struggle. The house is empty and we still have so much to do.

Digger is getting used to the new house but this morning he was comfortable laying on Greg. I was in a rush this morning to get to the office on time.

Part of of goal this week is to work on getting blinds for the window and unpacking more of our things.

While I was driving to work Greg called me to let me know that the new washing machine is not working. He will take care of that while I’m at work. If it’s not one thing going on it’s another.

I had a good conversation with someone today and we were talking about life in general. My main takeaway from that conversation was that we all struggle in life and there is someone out there who is going through the same thing or has been there. Don’t be afraid to open up and share your experience with others.

We are all here to learn and grow from each other. You will always find people who don’t understand but for those who do understand your strength can mean everything to them. Heck, even your struggles can help someone. You never know who is watching you and gaining strength from it. It’s just something to think about.

Good news about the washer is that they will bring us a new one. Greg did more work around the house and did more unpacking. He also made ground turkey and my meal prep is all done. Greg treats me like a princess.

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Shopping Haul and We Scored Big Time

Shopping Haul and We Scored Big Time

We started the day off slow before we went out to do some shopping. I saw that 5 Below had some cute strapless bras that I wanted to look at. With so many summer dresses and off the shoulder tops that I owe it only makes sense. They are so cheap plus 5 Below has some yoga pants I want to look at.

I have been wearing more makeup lately but with the weather changing I’m trying to keep it as simple as possible.

chevy nova

Greg took the Nova and moved it to the front yard. We are trying to sell the car because if we move the car can’t come with us. Don’t get us wrong, we love the car but it’s won’t make sense to have the Nova on a farm. We talked about it but the car is a gas guzzler and there are not many gas stations where we want to move to.

Greg and I went to Target and have not been there for a while since the credit card issue they were having. Remember when people had their credit card info stolen? I’ve missed Target because they do have awesome stuff and they always get the cool new things first.

Also, when we went to 5 Below the sports bras were cheaper than I expected them to be. The price was $3 instead of $5 each. It was a great score.

As we were leaving Target I did a quick video to show you the new flavored gum I found. I love finding new gum flavors because I’m a simple person and the simple things make me so happy.

Target shopping

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Sunday Meal Prep and House Cleaning

We spent all day cleaning and working on meal prep. I spent a good amount of time in the kitchen so come along with me.

Sunday Meal Prep and House Cleaning

Digger was getting sun in the living room and watching Greg’s leftover Chipotle Bol. I love watching him get so comfortable in the sun.

Greg and I bought the same thing from Chipotle but the girl drew a chicken on his bol lid. I think she was flirting with my husband ๐Ÿ˜‰ She did a good job with the drawing so I will give her a little credit.

I love to clean the house with music and on Sunday I choose my chill playlist from Apple music. Sunday meal prep and house cleaning are turning into our regular weekend activity.

I was embarrassed by our old style cast iron sink because it’s not shiny or pretty like so many others. I’ve come to love the old kitchen and the age spots on it. They don’t make quality products as they did back in the ’50s. It’s also a great way to thaw meat for meal prep. I love it so much!

We did get a new countertop when we moved but keeping the cabinets was my idea and Greg loves the cast iron sink. Marriage is all about compromise and sometimes you are happy that you gave a little to the other side. I’m not sure that we will keep the kitchen like this forever but now I’m loving it.

Greg is saving coffee grounds to put in the garden because it’s should help fertilize it. I just wanted to point that out while I was cleaning the kitchen.

My man filled my tank with gas for the week and when he came home it was time for meal prep. After we let everything cool we bag everything up in the correct portion sizes so it’s easy to grab and go during the week.

I have such a bad habit of not cleaning my food containers when I get home after a long day. I just stick them in the fridge until I’m ready to wash them or until Greg yells at me. ๐Ÿ™‚

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I Could Have Killed Him

Greg and I were able to visit with the loan officer over the weekend to fill out the forms needed to see about buying a new house. This is a big step that we are taking but very exciting. Greg bought his home before we started dating so this is all new to me.

We decided to fill out the form before the house we want actually come up for sale. The reason we are doing this is to make sure we are ready to make an approved offer when the time comes.

If you’ve been following me for awhile you know that we are obsessed with a particular home that is being foreclosed on.

I was able to sit down with my new MacBook and worked on learning how to use iMovie. The editing software is all new to me so there is a bit of a learning curve. I have always worked with Windows computers in the past. It is exciting and fun to learn a new program. I have used iMovie on my iPad in the past but it’s not the same as using it on the computer.

The learning website I use is from Lynda. It’s a cool website with a ton of videos that explain how to do so many different things. It’s all practical knowledge type of stuff. You can also get 30 days of a free trial so you honestly have nothing to lose.

We did hear from the lender this morning and he had a few other things he wanted to go over with us.

It was a busy day but I managed to make it to the gym for my weight training. I found some Jack3d pre-workout that I had left so I had some of that before my workout.

Now, y’all know that I love my husband but I was ready to kill him last night. Don’t let that adorable face fool you.

Greg decided he wanted to talk about all the foods he wanted to eat at that moment. I swear I was going insane dealing with him last night. Please tell me that I’m not the only one who has to deal with this ๐Ÿ˜‰

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