FF- Sof Sole & RnR San Diego Giveaway!!!

I was contacted by the Sof Sole company to see if I would be interested in doing a review of some of their products and I said no... yea right of course I said yes but being the considerate blogger I am I wrote back and asked if it would be possible to host a giveaway so that one of my wonderful readers could test drive some feel good foot products also and let me tell I was so thrilled when I received a response back letting me know that I could giveaway two prizes and one that included a free entry into the Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon, which happens to be sold out, and since last day to register is May 9 I had to jump right on this therefore my review will come at a later day. how cool is that, especially for me because at the RnR San Diego I will be running my first half marathon ?? So here is the deal there will be two prizes up for grabs please be sure and read the entry instructions very carefully I would hate for someone to be excluded for leaving out a minor detail, please feel free to email me (see about me section on left sidebar)with any questions.

if you are interested in entering to win the

#1 Marathon Prize which will include:
1 free entry to Rock N Roll San Diego Marathon (over $100 value)
Sof Sole Product Package (1 pair Airr insoles & 1 Pair Coolmax Socks)
Please included the words "Marathon Entry" in your comment

If you know you will not be able to use the RnR entry don't fret you will still have a chance to win

#2 Product Prize which will include:
Sof Sole Product Package (1 pair Airr insoles & 1 Pair Coolmax Socks)
Please include the words "Product Entry" in your comment

Mandatory Entry: Both parts must be done (be sure to leave your email if it is not present on your blog or in your profile.)

1.) Be a follower of Sof Sole on Facebook

2.) Link back to this contest on either your..

• blog
• facebook
• twitter, if tweeting please retweet the following:
  

Enter to Win a Free Entry into the Sold OUT San Diego RnR Marathon & @SofSole Product visit http://bit.ly/cHZMEP to find out how @erica_h"

After finishing both 1&2 comeback and leave comment (please leave only 1 comment) letting me know you are a fan on fb, you linked and either "Marathon Entry" or "Product Entry".
All three pieces of information must be included in your comment in order for you to be eligible to win, thanks and good luck.

Contest open to U.S Only. Only 1 entry per person. Ends 05/7/10. Winners will be chosen using random.org and will be announced on Friday May 7th and emailed by a Sof Sole Representative.

Just a few thoughts :)

• Since today I only posted a Sof Sole Giveaway and no review and I am a tad bit behind on reviews tomorrow throughout the day I will be posting reviews at least 3 so bare with me.
• Also the Banana Blossom Press Giveaway ends tonight
• Jen at Setting You Free is ending her 5 Days of Giveaway with a Surprise Giveaway check it out.
• You know you need a vacation when someone offers to watch 3 of your children and you get excited because that means you can have a peaceful trip Costco without chaos (in case you couldn't tell that is my big,exciting plan for tonight)

Three Things Thursday

1. Call ahead of time: A couple days ago I decided to join Weight Watchers again to try and get my weight down to around 130lb and maintain at that weight. Well it turns out that they no longer offer meeting in my city so I found online that they do meet in a neighboring town about 30 mins. away so this morning I packed up my youngest and off we went, fail... turns out that they no longer have the class there anymore and that last week was their last class. Moral of the story is it's not enough to print out the directions & rearrange your schedule you also need to call . :) No biggie I used the time to stop and pick up some groceries for tonight's dinner and I am going to make use of the online resources til I find a meeting.

2. I really like running tanks but..: I found the tank pictured below in blue at Kohl's for $9.99 and figured why not. So I wore it to the gym the other day but ended up wearing a regular bra with it, I tried wearing without a bra and with a regular sports bra but couldn't do it I don't know what it was maybe the fabric or my excitement over how cute the top was because I noticed the ladies were at full attention (if you catch my drift) and I can deal with not matching to a degree of possible embarrassment, panty lines in tights but for me rollin with the high beams on is just too much, just like this information may have been to much information to share. Anyone else have this problem? any suggestions on how to keep the girls more discreet?

3. I am going to extend my #3 with 2 shout-outs

• First Jen over at Setting You Free is doing 5 Days of Giveaways. Today is Day 4 and up for grabs is a very cute Brooks running tee.
• I will be watching Ultramarathon Man tonight (thanks to netflix) and thanks Staci for mentioning it in your post this past Monday. :) Have you seen it? what did you think?
  

Slacker Status Today Y'all

So instead of editing and getting my Taste Test Tuesday post up I have spent the first half of this wonderful day braiding hair, pulling weeds, looking for ladybugs and reading everybody else's Tuesday post. So don't know if I will get my post up today maybe tonight but if not I promise I will make it up to you next week. :)

Weekend Round-Up 4/25

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."
~Walt Emerson

This weeks workouts
Tuesday: 5.2
Thursday: 4.5
Saturday: 3.2

Total Miles:
week: 12.9
April Miles:47.6
year: 174.44 miles

The Plan for Next Week

Monday: class (60 mins)
Tuesday: 7 miles eliptical
Wednesday: 8 miles run and/or class (60 mins)
Thursday: 5 miles eliptical
Saturday or Sunday: 4 miles speedwork (2 x 3/4 miles, 2 x 1/2 mile with a 1/4 mile jog interval)

Great things going on in the blogworld

(If you posted a race report, have a giveaway going on or an upcoming birthday and would like it linked let me please let me know)

*Race Reports (I love 'em how about you?? )

Julie's Running Blog
Chubby Chicks Run Too...
2010 Journey in Running
Confessions of a Rambunctious Runner
The Blue-Eyed Runner
26.2 and a Mommy Too!
Age Groups Rock
266
Two Boos Who Eat
Running with Sass
Long Legs on the Loose
My Life as a trimommy
Runner Leana

Good Stuff Going On

Virtual Runs:

If you head of to Racing With Babes you can sign up to virtually run the 1st Annual Run Like a Mother 1/2 Marathon/10k Race May 21-23

Running Diva Mom is Hosting a $1 Virtual Race for Girls on the Run. Only $1 donation is being asked for the entry and though the cause is reason enough to participate their are some good prizes up for grabs. :)

Katye is hosting a fundraiser "Finish Chelsea's Virtual Run". All proceeds will go towards the Ulman Fund for Young Adults. I love this idea, I hope you will check it out.

Over at Tall Mom on the Run she is hosting another wonderful Virtual Race for the Cure Entry is just a small $5 dollar donation for a 5k on 5/5


Challenges

Amanda from RuntoTheFinish has started a 3 Changes Challenges the short version is that it is a challenge to make 3 changes for/during a 30 Day Period.

Swaps

Melissa over at Melissa's adventures in Living Life is putting together a Blogger Playlist Swap. Share some music, get some music win/win. I am excited because I have been thinking about doing something along these lines, okay to be honest I was just gonna ask you all to feel sorry for me and send me music but this idea seems a little more fair so stop over and sign up.

Giveaways!!!

Running Diva Mom: Whooha Gear 4/26
Tall Mom on the Run: Gone For a Run Gift card 4/30
KBrunsdisney: Expo Goodie Bag 4/30
Running Diva Mom: Words to Sweat By 4/29
Endurance Isn't Only Physical: Silver Maple Jewelry 4/30
That Girl is a Running Fool: Ryders Eyewear 4/28
Sticky Fingerprints: Ryders Eyewear 4/30
Sticky Fingerprints: GoLite Products 5/7

And the Thorlo Experia Sock Winner Is...

# 16 Destination: Athlete

Congratulations!!! please email your shipping information at erica_haggins@hotmail.com. Thanks to everyone who stopped and entered be sure and check out the Banana Blossom Press Giveaway going on if you haven't yet.

Have a Wonderful Week and Happy Running!!!

"It's Gettin Hot In Here"- My Summer Wishlist

Now that it is warming up a bit I am thinking about trading out my running tights, long sleeve shirts, gloves and hats for shorts, tanks and visors. So I have been looking around for items to assist me in the warmer days ahead and so far these are a few of the items they have caught my eye, I'm sure there will be more to come.
(so mom if your reading this feel free to consider sending an early Birthday and or Christmas present.) :)

Sugio Esther Tank

luluemon Sneak a Peek Short
Sugio Piston 200 Short

GoLite Race Sleeve

Craft Compression Arm Cooler

Headsweats UltraLite Visor

So how about you what is your favorite summer running gear? or what items are you hoping to pick up as the warmer season approaches??

Some random thoughts I had at yesterday's race about the warmer weather.

1. To drink more water
This past weekend it was really warm by the start of the race and not drinking enough during and after landed me with a nice headache for the remainder of the day.

2. It might be time to put away the hats and invest in a visor
My head was so hot during the race that I wanted to throw my hat away by the time I was done (of course the fact that my hair was a mess kept me from making said drastic decision)

3. Pack sandals on race day
Aside from wanting to rip off my hat, I couldn't help thinking how great it would have been to take of my shoes and socks and let the feet breathe a little.

Run Against Violence 5K Race Recap

This morning I got out to run a local Run Against Violence 5k. I started with a very typical breakfast odwalla bar, almond butter and some water only thing missing was a banana :(. Anywho I had big plans for today's race I checked the weather yesterday and saw that it was supposed to be a beautiful day (which it was.) and I felt confident I could finally run an under 30 minute 5k, I was visualizing a great race all night ( I had heard that helps)

Well apparently I wasn't visualizing hard enough because my dreams of an under 30 PR didn't come true today. I don't know what it is but I have a 30 min wall that I can seem to break through but I regardless I am quite content about the whole thing, I started my day with a good run, the weather was great, the post race eats were yummy, and I got to take the sexiest pic ever (nothing says oh baby like the head shot in some random park bathroom, right??)

Stats:

31:29
(10:09 avg pace)
45th place overall
5th place age group

Giveaway Ends Tonight!!!

Just wanted to do a quick post to say that my Thorlo Experia sock Giveaway is ending tonight so if you haven't entered yet there is still time. :)

Feature Friday Banana Blossom Press Review & Giveaway!!

I love cards, love love love cards. I am a big card person I like giving and receiving them. There is just something about finding the perfect card to give or receiving a card from a friend or family member that just brings a smile to my face. Now that running and exercise have become a big part of my lifestyle I was really happy when I came across Banana Blossom Press which is a great company ran Maria Millsap, she is a mother, a runner and a business owner. Who just happens to be featured this week on the Run Like A Mother Blog which you can read here..

I was sent a some of their cards to review and there is a good chance that a few of you on my mailing list might be getting one of these lovely cards from me. There is really good selection of as the site calls it "uncomplicated cards for athletes" for most any occasion. I think the cards are great quality and say so much in just a few words. There are many cards I really like but If I had to pick a favorite that I wouldn't mind receiving, today it would be this one...

Inside says "It's not easy but you do it"

Another great card I received to review which is perfect for Mother's Day is this one which says...

Front: mothering & running

Inside: Your hardcore Happy Mother's Day

From the Website

"Banana Blossom Press has designed a new line of greeting cards for anyone who loves/hates exercise. Perfect for the people in your yoga class, boot camp group or spinning class, for your spouse who runs and you don't, for your child who had a great year in their cross country team at school, for your friend who is training for a triathlon and for your mother who is going to walk a half-marathon after seeing you run a marathon. We have cards that celebrate reaching an exercise goal. These cards encourage those who may be struggling or have reached a plateau. Some cards connect you with others who are training for a specific event. The cards will show appreciation to someone who inspires you with their accomplishments. " Beautifully simple. Witty. Inspirational.

Buy it: To learn more about Banana Blossom Press or to order online visit them at
www.bananablossompress.com

Use code SHIPAPRIL10 for free shipping until May 15th


Win It!!!

Thanks to the generous people over at Banana Blossom Press one lucky reader will be able to win their choice of one of the two shirts pictured below

Mandatory Entry
~ Visit the Banana Blossom Press website and let me know which card is your favorite and which shirt you would choose if you win.

Extra Entries: (Please Leave a separate comment for each)

~Follow Banana Blossom Press on twitter
~Become a fan of Banana Blossom Press on facebook
~Sign up for the Banana Blossom Press newsletter
~Become a follower of this blog, or let me know you already are
~Link back to this contest

Contest open to U.S and Canada only. Ends 04/30/10. Winner will be chosen using random.org and will be announced in my Sunday Weekend Report post and emailed.

I received products to review, all opinions expressed are my own.

Three Things and 2 Question Thursday

1. I have discovered the 8pm is my favorite time to go to the gym. I go to a small gym and so at that hour there is a good chance that I will be 1 of about 3 people in the gym so I can stay on the elliptical or treadmill for as long as I like during busy hours I feel bad if I stay longer than an hour on one machine and I can control the t.v and not embarrassed about watching with Dancing with the Stars or Survivor instead of ESPN.

2.

• A. I had 8 miles scheduled for today which because of the weather and my husband having to go into work on his day off isn't going to happen and what makes it worse is yesterday I could have gotten it done at anytime but since I had it scheduled for Thursday I didn't. lesson learned here is that if I have time to move a workout up get it done sooner rather than later I should definitely get off my butt and get it in.
• B. While I am talking about my long run I wanted to thank everyone who commented last week on my question I greatly appreciated all you input and advice it made me realize that I really don't pay enough attention to what I am eating and drinking before, during and after my long runs and also made me feel okay about resting after a long run if I feel the need to. You guys are the best :)

3. I was lucky enough this week to receive another wonderful bloggy award for Darla aka Karma Girl from Inperspire if you haven't yet you should definitely stop by and check out the Inperpire Me blog. There is daily post and discussion questions that will keep you focused and encouraged on your health and fitness journeys (well that's what it does for me). Thanks so much Karma Girl and now I am passing this beautiful award along to 5 other blogs. (disclaimer I love all the blogs I follow and to not give off the impression of choosing favorites I took the first five fabulous commenter's for last Thursday to pass this award to. :)

So the Stilletto Award goes to...

Lori at Finding Radiance
Saundra at Fitness For Foodies
Shannon at It's Trickey
Tricia at Endurance Isn't Only Physical
Genesis at Eat Always, Sleep Seldomly, Run Whenevers!

Questions:

I have a handheld water bottle I currently use for shorter runs and a fuelbelt waist belt I use for longer runs but I am starting to think that maybe a small hydration pack (like a camelback or golite race sleeve might carry more comfortably on my long runs.

1.What do you carry to stay hydrated on your runs handheld bottles, lumbar packs or some sort of hydration backpack?

2. On race day do you carry your on water or do you rely on drink stations provided by the event? if you do carry your on water/sport drink what do you use handheld, hydration belt or backpack ( I am looking for advice about what I should do for my half marathon)

Taste Test Tuesday 4/20

Let me apologize in advance for the lack of pictures but for some reason I was really having a difficult time of getting them up this week. :(

Simple Egg Salad

Ingredients

4 lg. hard boiled eggs
2 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 1/2 teaspoon whole grain mustard
black pepper
1/3 c. cooked crumbled bacon or real bacon crumbles

Directions
1. Peel the eggs, rinse them, and pat dry. Finely chop the eggs; transfer to a small bowl. Add the mayonnaise, mustard and pepper and mash together with a fork. Stir in bacon.

Notes:
Super simple recipe my oldest daughter put this together with our leftover easter eggs for the girls lunches in about 10 minutes. I am sure you could use yogurt instead of mayonnaise and leave out some of the yolks to make a healthier version.

Homemade Ranch Dressing

Ingredients
1 c. mayonnaise (of your choosing)
1 c. plain low-fat yogurt
1 lg. garlic glove, minced
Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions
Place mayonnaise in a medium bowl. Whisk in the yogurt and garlic and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Notes
~ It is kid tested and approved in our house, the only thing I would say would be to refrigerate for at least 30 mins. to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.

TANGY COLESLAW DRESSING

Ingredients

1 c. mayonnaise
2 tbsp. milk
6 tbsp. white vinegar
3 tbsp. sugar OR honey
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper

Directions
Mix 2 tablespoons milk with mayonnaise. Add remaining ingredients and stir well. Covers 1/2 to 3/4 of a large head shredded cabbage. May sprinkle paprika on top for color.


Tasty Giveaways:

grace, it's amazing: Starbucks Giftcard 4/24
Happy Runner Giveaways & Reviews: Yoplait Greek Yogurt 4/22
Shawn Ann's World: Yoplait Greek Yogurt 5/4
A Tina Bit of Faith, Fitness and Fun: Amazing Grass Products 4/25

Tasty Tip #6

"Substitute plain, non-fat or low-fat yogurt for one-third to one-half the mayonnaise normally used in tuna, chicken and potato salads, as well as for coleslaw or on sandwiches. You'll enjoy the familiar tang and creaminess of mayonnaise without the excess fat."

Sadly, I don't live near a Whole Foods :( but there is a small natural food store in the area where I am able to pick up some good stuff..

So this trip I was able to pick up a few favorites Rudi's Organic Bread, Popchips and some Justin's Nut Butter. and I also got a couple new items to try some MaraNatha Dark Chocolate Peanut Spread and some Spectrum Organic Mayonnaise w/Olive Oil, has anyone tried either of those? any thoughts?

WeekEnd Round-Up 4/18

"Man imposes his own limitations, don't set any"

-Anthony Bailey

This weeks workouts
Monday: Cardiokickboxing (60 mins)
Wednesday: 5.6 (eliptical)
Thursday: 6.2 miles
Sunday: 3 miles & upper body strength training

Total Miles:
week:14.8
April Miles:34.7
year: 161.54 miles

Great things going on in the blogworld

(If you posted a race report, have a giveaway going on or an upcoming birthday and would like it linked let me please let me know)

*Race Reports (I love 'em how about you?? ) Reading all the race reports last week sent me on a mission to find a 5k in the area this month and I got lucky and found one on next sat. the 24th the goal is to run in it under 30 mins. but until my report next weekend here are a few race reports to hold you over. :)

Julies Running Blog
Milano Running Mom
Chasin' Bunnies
Fabulous n Free
Adventures Of Running Mom
My First 5k Blog
Run Mommy Run!
Runner Girls Blog Spot
NHerShoes
A Woman in Motion
Prior Fat Girl
Diane's Running Adventures
Gazelles on Crack
My Road to Weight Loss
Junk Miles
Running Tales

Good Stuff Going On

Virtual Runs:

Katye is hosting a fundraiser "Finish Chelsea's Virtual Run". All proceeds will go towards the Ulman Fund for Young Adults. I love this idea, I hope you will check it out.
Over at Tall Mom on the Run she is hosting another wonderful Virtual Race for the Cure Entry is just a small $5 dollar donation for a 5k on 5/5

Confessions of a Rambunctious Runner: National PJ Virtual 12k Race April 15-18

Challenges

Amanda from RuntoTheFinish has started a 3 Changes Challenges the short version is that it is a challenge to make 3 changes for/during a 30 Day Period. I was definitely up for a challenge so my 3 changes are: No Soda, take multivitamin daily and to include strength training at least 3 days a week for 30 days. I even printed out this nifty calendar to keep track of it all.
Swaps

Melissa over at Melissa's adventures in Living Life is putting together a Blogger Playlist Swap. Share some music, get some music win/win. I am excited because I have been thinking about doing something along these lines, okay to be honest I was just gonna ask you all to feel sorry for me and send me music but this idea seems a little more fair so stop over and sign up.

Giveaways!!!

Lil Runner: CEP Compression Socks 4/23
Fat Wuz Here: Foam Roller 4/23
Running Diva Mom: Inperspire Towel 4/18
Happy Runner Reviews and Giveaways: Kaylx Sports Bra 4/19
Laura-running,living, laughing...: CEP Compression Socks 4/26
Jog for Joubert Syndrome: Running Skirt 4/29
MCM Mama: GU 4/21
An Apple A Day: Harbinger Fitness Equipment 4/23
Racing With Babes: Clif Bar and Itunes 4/20
Long Legs on the Loose: Ryders Eyewear 4/22
Sticky Fingerprints: Ryders Eyewear 4/30
Running Diva Mom: Golite Hydroclutch Water Bottle 4/22
Girls Just Wanna Go Run: MyBella Jewelry 4/23

And the Winners Are...

Road ID/GU Giveaway!!! #160 Laura visit her at My Reason To Run
Popchip Giveaway!!! #37 Jeri from JerBear Shares
Chobani Giveaway!!! is # 27 Carter find her over at The Mean Mom Chronicles

Congrats to the winners please email your shipping information at erica_haggins@hotmail.com. Thanks to everyone who stopped and entered be sure and check out the Thorlo Giveaway going on if you haven't yet.

Have a Wonderful Week and Happy Running!!!
Good Luck to all the Boston Marathon Runners!!!

Feature Friday Thorlo Review & Giveaway!!

I recently I won a pair of Thorlo Experia Merino Wool/Silk socks from Shelley. I was already a fan of their Experia Coolmax socks so I was excited to receive and try out the Wool/Silk socks. So my first test was to wear one of each sock to see how they fared head to head I tried them out on a 4 mile treadmill run.

Blue=Wool/Silk Green=Coolmax

Somewhere into mile 2 I wish I had brought my other Coolmax sock, the Wool/Silk Experia was noticeably warmer which isn't a bad thing it just wasn't right for indoor treadmill workouts the thicker wool fabric is better suited I believe for colder outdoor runs it's designed to keep the foot warmer and that is what it did. So determined to give the sock the opportunity to prove it self in a more suitable setting I took them out for a morning 6 mile run and they worked perfect and I say this because I didn't notice them or have any issues with my feet being to cold or hot or uncomfortable during the run which equates to a good sock doing it's job. I am a big fan of the Experia sock design which is cushioned and thicker were it matters in the toe and heel areas and thinner and tighter fitting in the midsection part of the foot. So if your looking for a comfortable well designed sock that works well to keep your feet warm on colder runs I would really recommend checking out the Thorlo Experia Merino Wool/Silk sock.

From the Website:

"Designed for: High performance runners, cyclists, hikers and fitness walkers who prefer a minimal amount of foot protection. NOT Designed for: Active people with any distracting foot issues or long-time wearers of Thorlos thick or moderate cushioned products."

Buy it: To learn more about Thorlo socks or to order online visit them at
www.thorlo.com

Win It!!!

Thanks to the generous people over at Thorlo one lucky reader will be able to win a Pair of Experia Merino Wool/Silk socks

Mandatory Entry
~ Visit the Thorlo website and let me know which color socks you would choose

Extra Entries: (Please Leave a separate comment for each)

~Follow Thorlo on twitter
~Follow Thorlo on Facebook
~Become a follower of this blog, or let me know you already are
~Link back to this contest

Contest open to U.S Only. Ends 04/23/10. Winner will be chosen using random.org and will be announced in my Sunday Weekend Report post and emailed.

3 Things and 1 Question Thursday

1. The first mile I discovered if I can just get through that first mile it doesn't matter how many miles I have on the schedule for the day. In that first mile I run through every doubt...I feel like quitting before I even really start...I talk myself out of and into running over and over again but then in that first mile I get in my groove...establish my pace..find my confidence.. get my breathing under control and just run.

2. When I first started running I was really self conscious about what I wore but my running out fit today clearly shows that that is no longer the case. I wore a hot pink bondiband cap with my blue headsweats visor over it and a white/purple and green TNT shirt I picked up at a race I ran awhile back, I put all of that on knowing full well it didn't match and didn't really care in retrospect I probably looked a hot mess maybe I should have entered Beth's Photo Contest (which you should check out and vote on if you haven't very funny) but I was comfortable and ready to run and that what really matters right??

3. Now I need a little advice on my long runs (yes 6 miles currently qualifies as my long run) I do them in the morning since my husband has started joining me on but my problem is that after my runs I feel good and energized for about 2 hrs. and then after that I am tired, really tired and it feels that way for the whole rest of the day unless I take a nap, don't get me wrong I don't mind a midday nap but it doesn't always happen so I end up dragging the rest of the day. So I am wondering what your routine is for after long runs? what do you do or eat to keep you going for the rest of the day? Any advice would be appreciated because I am working on getting up to at least 11 miles before my half and if 6 miles puts me out of whack for a day I am scared to think how many days I will need to recover from 11. :)

Taste Test Tuesday 4/13

When baking, follow directions. When cooking, go by your own taste.

~Laiko Bahrs

Blueberry Citrus Muffins

Ingredients:
1 c. whole wheat flour
1 1/4 c. all purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
6 tbs. butter; room temperature
3/4 c. sugar
1 large egg
1/4 c. lemon juice
1/3 c. orange juice
3/4 c. plain greek yogurt
1 c. frozen blueberries

Topping:
1/3 c. sugar
1 tbs. lemon juice
1 tbs. orange juice

Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Spray 12-cup muffin tin with non stick spray or line with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg.
4. Stir in about 1/3 flour mixture to the butter mixture, followed by the lemon and orange juice. Stir in additional 1/3 or the flour mixture followed by yogurt. Mix in remaining flour and stir in just until no streaks of dry ingredients remains. Fold in blueberries. (Batter will be thick)
5. Divide batter evenly into prepared muffin cups; the cups may be slightly overfilled.
6. Bake for 15-17 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Turn out onto a wire rack to glaze and cool.

Making the glaze: While muffins are baking whisk together topping ingredients in a small bowl. Drizzle a teaspoonful over each muffin as soon as it comes out of the oven, while muffins are still hot.

Berry Iced Tea
(adapted this from a great book called "real food for healthy kids")

Ingredients:
1 c. frozen strawberries
1 c. frozen blueberries
1 c. plus 1 quart water
1/4 c. honey
1/4 c. sugar
5 bags black tea
1 quart iced water

Directions:
1. Combine the berries, 1 cup water, the honey, and sugar in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer gently until the berries begin to break down, about 6 mins. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve set over a heatproof bowl, pressing on the solids; set aside to cool.
2. Bring the remaining quart of water almost to a boil in a larger saucepan. Remove from the heat and immediately add the tea bags. Let steep for 1 min., then remove and discard the bags. Stir in the iced water. When the tea mixture is cool, transfer to a pitcher and stir in the berry syrup. Pour the finished tea over ice in a tall glasses and garnish with more frozen blueberries.

Tasty Giveaways

Leslie Loves Veggies: Panda Licorice 4/24
Leslie Loves Veggies: Heidi's Heavenly Cookies 5/3
Jocelyn Eats Fresh: Crockpot giveaway 4/18
The Balance Broad: Larabar 4/14
I'm a Sleeper Baker: Amazing Grass 4/25
I'm a Sleeper Baker: Vitatops 4/15

Tasty Tip #5

"Microwave a lemon for 15 seconds and double the juice you get before squeezing."

WeekEnd Round-Up 4/11

"The Grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for."
~Allan K. Chalmers

This weeks workouts
Tuesday: 5.1 (eliptical)
Wednesday: 4.2
Friday: 5.2

Total Miles:
week: 14.5
April Miles:19.9
year: 146.74 miles

Overall: It was a good week, I am glad I still made time to workout even with the girls home, usually I like to workout when the girls are in school and the little one is sleep or ready for a ride in the jogging stroller. We went to the zoo, the park, the library and spent a couple days all day in our pajamas (those were my favorites) now it's time to get back to our regular scheduled week. :)

Great things going on in the blogworld

*Race Reports (I love 'em how about you?? ) So many race reports this week makes me wanna run so I am on the hunt for an April 5k or 10k to run. :)

Running...
Healthy Ashley
Of Running and Parenting
Run Faster Mommy!
Allison is Active
TriMarni
Julie's Running Blog
21 Days
And Her Little Dog Too
Running in Pigtails
Running on Faith
misszippy1
Tiffany's "No Pain" Training Log
Lipgloss and Spandex
I Tri To Be Me
Runner Leana


It's For A Good Cause & Virtual Runs:

Katye is hosting a fundraiser "Finish Chelsea's Virtual Run". All proceeds will go towards the Ulman Fund for Young Adults. I love this idea, I hope you will check it out.

Over at Tall Mom on the Run she is hosting another wonderful Virtual Race for the Cure Entry is just a small $5 dollar donation for a 5k on 5/5

Confessions of a Rambunctious Runner: National PJ Virtual 12k Race April 15-18


Giveaways!!!

Barefoot Angie Bee: Nuun Giveaway 4/11
Shut Up and Run: Insane Contest (no really it is check it out) 4/12
The Princess Runner: Monkey Shake 4/14
Running off at the Mouth: Chia Seeds 4/13
This Girls Is A Running Fool: Nuun 4/12

Still time to enter my Road ID/GU 4/16, Popchip 4/13 and Chobani 4/13 Giveaways!!!!

(If you posted a race report, have a giveaway going on or an upcoming birthday and would like it linked let me please let me know)

Have a Wonderful Week!!!

Tasty Giveaway #2 Chobani Champions

I said there would be 2 so here it is: Chobani Champions.
Earlier this month I also did a Chobani Champions review you can read that here...
In case you missed it let me give you a very brief recap . Chobani Champions is a line of greek yogurt in smaller 4 oz containers geared towards kids (but worked well as part of a midday snack for me.) each container has 9 g. of protein and comes in 4 flavors. My kids and I really enjoyed 3 out of 4 of the flavors (you'll have to read my review to see which one didn't make the cut). I haven't found this product in a store near me yet but I am keeping my eyes out for it.

From the Website

The unique straining process is what makes Chobani Greek Yogurt “Greek” and full of flavor and health benefits:
· All natural. No preservatives. No artificial flavors.
· No synthetic growth hormones: No rBST-treated milk.
· Includes 5 live & active cultures, including 3 probiotics.
· Made with real fruit.
· Twice the protein of regular yogurts.
· A good source of bone-building calcium.
· Gluten-Free and Kosher-Certified.
· Safe for people with corn, nut and soy allergies.

Win It!!!
Well thanks to the wonderful people at Chobani one lucky reader will have the opportunity to try out Chobani Champions for themselves. The winner will receive 1 of each 4 pack combo (that's 8 4oz containers 2 of each flavor)

Mandatory Entry: ( Must be done to be entered in contest)

~ Head over to the Chobani website and tell me which flavor you are most interested in trying.

Extra Entries: (Please Leave a separate comment for each)

~Become a follower of this blog, or let me know you already are
~ Follow Chobani on twitter
~Become a fan of Chobani on facebook
~Link back to this contest
~Enter my Popchips giveaway

Contest open to U.S residents only. Ends 4/13. Winner will be chosen using random.org and will be announced in my Sunday Weekend Report post.

Tasty Giveaway #1 PopChips!!!

Okay so I couldn't just disappear all week and post nothing so instead of my Taste Test Tuesday I have scheduled two tasty giveaways to post today starting with Popchips.
A few weeks back I did a review for Popchips you can read it here.. but just in case you missed my review here is a little information about the company:

From The Website:

"Healthier, delicious, all-natural. Actually, we are all that and a bag of chips. How do we do it? Well, first, let's talk about how we don't do it. We never fry our chips. That just puts a lot of stuff in there that we could all do without. We never bake our chips either. That just takes a lot of flavor out, which, as snackers, we simply can't do without.

So we came up with a chip like no snack aisle has seen (or taste bud has tasted). That's because we found a way to pop all the flavor in while keeping fake stuff and more than half the fat of fried chips out. Thanks to the magic of popped.
Popping is a way of making our all-natural chips. We start with wholesome potatoes, add a little heat and pressure, along with a little snack magic. And pop! It's a chip.
With an artful blend of all-natural seasonings, we've created lots of taste bud-popping flavors. Pop open a bag of popchips™ and try for yourself. Everybody has a favorite.
Or two.
All natural.
Nothing fake or phony.
Our all-natural pledge: no fake colors, no fake flavors, no preservatives, no fluorescent orange fingertips, and no wiping your greasy chip hand on your jeans. No, really. We only use ingredients you can feel good about eating. And we leave out the bad stuff, like hydrogenated oils and msg, that give snacking a bad name. Because popchips™ brand chips have no preservatives, make sure to get a good chip clip after opening the bag to keep our popped chips fresh. Or better yet, just eat them all at once."

Now the good news.....

Win It!!!
Thanks to the wonderful people at Popchips one lucky reader will have the opportunity to try out PopChips for themselves. The winner will receive a 24-mixed case of Popchips

Mandatory Entry: ( Must be done to be entered in contest)

~ Head over to the Popchips website and tell me which flavor you are most interested in trying.

Extra Entries: (Please Leave a separate comment for each)

~Become a follower of this blog, or let me know you already are
~ Follow Popchips on twitter
~Become a fan of Popchips on facebook
~Link back to this contest
~Enter my Road ID/GU giveaway

Contest open to U.S residents only. Ends 4/13. Winner will be chosen using random.org and will be announced in my Sunday Weekend Report post.