High Five for Friday - Link up, Vol. 13

Friday =

with Lauren @From My Grey Desk

Getting right to the point with my 5 favorite things from this week:

ONE. Got to meet one of my FAVORITE fellow bloggers, Nina from peace.love. & good food. We found each other by linking up with House of Rose's Stop & Smell the Roses vlog months ago. We thought it was funny because I'm from IL but now live in Charlotte...and she's from Charlotte and did live in IL...UNTIL a few weeks ago!! :) So she's back in Charlotte, and we knew we just had to meet up. We had a blast...talking about all of our favorite blogs, shopping sites, and exchanging our life stories basically. I am so sad to be leaving Charlotte soon, because I now know that I will miss out on all of Nina's fabulousness!! ;) Oh, but so we met up at a popular local restaurant, which leads me to my next pic...

TWO. One of the best restaurants in Charlotte, at least as far as I'm concerned, is Cowfish. It's a restaurant that combines sushi & burgers. Sound strange? Well, believe me, they make it work...in AMAZING ways. I love getting the bento box (as seen in the pic above), because I get to sample everything...some sushi (shrimp tempura roll above), a mini-burger (chef's choice that week), edamame (my fav!), & sweet potato fries (yum!). I'm telling you, if you make it to Charlotte, this place has to be on your list of places to eat at!!

THREE. Some of you who have been reading my blog for awhile know that I started doing Crossfit a few months ago. Those readers might also say "Um, Kristin...you're obsessed with it!" ;) I'm beginning to feel like I post about it a lot...but it really has become a daily part of my routine...and I LOVE IT! So, I'm super excited to announce that I finally completed Fran! Fran is a workout that includes 21-15-9 of thrusters (65 lbs) & pull-ups. Now, let me say it now...I had to do a modified version of Fran. I did 45 lbs. on my thrusters (just the bar) and did pull-ups with a resistance band (and believe me, they're not pretty or precise pull-ups...I still had to jump a little). BUT, I DID IT! In 6:08, AND it started raining right as I started. Ha, that's my luck, but I'm glad to get that benchmark WOD out of the way for now. The idea of the benchmark WODs are to do them from time to time to see if/how you're improving...so although I'm glad it's over (because holy cow, it was so tough - it amazes me how 6 minutes of a workout can make you feel like you've worked out for an hour), I can't wait to do it again in a few months to see how I do.

FOUR. And as if one Crossfit-inspired favorite thing wasn't enough, here's one more! :) I can't help it...I'm so excited and proud of myself for some of the things I have accomplished with Crossfit/working out. Now, the pic is definitely NOT my favorite thing...who wants to ice their shins...EVER?! But, the reason I'm icing them is because (1) I was attempting a PR at box jumps and 'biffed', hitting both shins on weights/bumpers, but (2) Right after that (that = shouted a few curse words and maybe shed some tears), I jumped 35 inches. Ahh...icing the shins was worth it! :D

FIVE. Finally...yep, I am the proud owner of this 2-Movie Collection DVD, bought at Target the other day. I couldn't resist...my sister & I LOVED watching the Sister Act movies growing up...every time they're on TV I have to stop whatever I'm doing and watch them! Anyone else like 'em?? If you didn't know already, I am a huge movie fanatic (along with my husband), and I am all about adding to my 'childhood movies' collection!! Laugh at me all you want, they make me smile!

Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!!!

High Five for Friday - Link up, Vol. 12

It has been a few weeks, but I'm back linking up again for this week's...

with Lauren @From My Grey Desk

So here are my 5 favorite things from this week:

ONE. Cupcakes...yummy, delicious, OMG I have to have another one, cupcakes...

Need I say more?! :D

TWO. I have a new-found love for Zico's chocolate coconut H2O...

It's amazing...anyone else addicted too?

THREE. This is a BIG one...since starting up Crossfit & running, I have successfully lost 13-14 lbs, lost a total of 9-10 inches off of my body (from neck, chest, arms, waist, etc), gone down 2 pants sizes and decreased my body-fat percentage. 

I plan on posting some before & after photos in a separate post.

FOUR. My July Birchbox arrived

Birchbox teamed up with Glamour magazine this month to create a box based on Glamour's "Five Senses of Summer" issue. I'll have a separate post featuring its contents - but let me just say, I got some cool stuff this month!! :)

FIVE. The Crossfit Games are happening right now!! 

source

If someone asked me a year ago, if I'd be interested in watching/paying attention to these games, I would have told them that they were insane. But I am so wrapped up in it, it's ridiculous!! :) The men & women competing are just ridiculously fit...I'm amazed!

Can't wait to see others' favorite things that are linking up this week!
Thanks for hosting Lauren :P

High Five for Friday - Link up Vol. 11

Linking up for another weekly edition of...

 ONE. My new Gussy Sews medium zip pouch

I just love seeing that note - "YEOW! - you own a Gussy!" :P

TWO. Wild Harvest goodies came in the mail

Part of registering for The Healthy Living Summit consisted of receiving some freebies!!! Um, yes please! Hello Wild Harvest cherry vanilla granola, animal cookies, applesauce, black beans, peanut butter, mild peach salsa, ground ginger & ground cayenne pepper - and THANK YOU!!

THREE. Jumped 30 in. on my box jumps this week!

 Pinned HERE

 via

I promise, I'm not really one to brag on myself, but I was pretty excited about this one! Box jumping is probably my favorite part of a WOD (I know, I might be a little crazy!) :P
p.s. I think I definitely need the tank above, don't you?!

FOUR. Right around the same time as Lauren got her journal & blogged about it, I too found this 5-year journal and couldn't resist snatching it up...been slowly filling it up ever since

You answer 1 question a day for a year, then start all over again, answering the same questions again - for a total of 5 years. Then you get to go back and read it all once you're done..seeing how you've changed OR haven't changed and reminiscing about your life over the past 5 years. LOVE IT! <3 

FIVE. My best friend gave birth to her 2nd little girl this week...introducing Miss Zoey Blythe

 Is she not the cutest little thing...and in those hand mitts?! She is precious and I can't wait to meet her!

Thanks for checking out my 5 favorite things from this week & thanks for hosting Lauren!!

ALSO...did you check my video out that I posted yesterday?? Strong, amazing kids from Seattle Children's Hospital (hemoncology floor) rocking out to Kelly Clarkson's "Stronger"!

High Five for Friday - Link up, Vol. 10

Okay so most weeks, I am SO glad to see Friday come...but this week just flew by way too fast!! I was traveling for work Mon-Wed, came back to tons of meetings yesterday, so I just felt like I didn't get anything accomplished that I wanted to this week. Such is life though, right?! What that probably means is that I'll be working a bit this weekend...boo!!! :(

Oh well, at least Friday means that I'm linking up with Lauren @From My Grey Desk for:

So here are my 5 favorite things from this week...

ONE. Got to have sushi this week...one of my favorite meals of all time!!

Miso soup with spicy tuna and shrimp tempura rolls :) Yummm!!
And yep, that's my amazing Erin Condren life planner too...can't go anywhere without it!

TWO. I am beyond ecstatic to read this book...

 "Love your work, work for what you love, and change the world - all at the same time!"
By author, Blake MyCoskie - founder of TOMS shoes

'Inspired' doesn't even begin to describe how I feel when reading about individuals such as Blake.

THREE. On my work trip this week, I got to play putt putt golf (also known as "goofy golf")...I'm not going to lie, it was pretty fun!! :)

Anybody else out there like to play putt putt golf?? I grew up playing it so I get excited anytime I still see one open these days.

FOUR. My new tank & star ring from The Shine Project!!!

 Love both items & the fact that I'm spreading the word about this amazing project!

FIVE. Found out that the hubby and I will be ending our long-distance marriage stint come this Fall! And...we're going to be moving to DC!!

 via

High Five for Friday - Link up, Vol. 9

High Five for Friday time, with Lauren over at From My Grey Desk...

Here are my 5 favorite things from this week...


ONE. My new Vibrams & celebrating National Running Day

Pretty excited to own my 1st pair of Vibrams...still trying to get used to them, and running short distances as I continue to do that. But this week I got in a 5 mile run on Tuesday, and then on Wednesday, for National Running Day, ran 2.5 with some gal pals. I can't tell you enough how much I am beginning to enjoy running (believe me, it hasn't always been that way). It is a stress reliever, and a time for me to clear my head. I don't listen to music, I just run! Anyone else feel me?? ;)

Just to share, the National Running Day website listed 10 ways to celebrate NRD and some of them are things you could be doing all the time (see 3 examples below)

TWO. Ordered some rainbow-colored kettlebell note cards via Cafe Press
You all can tell that I'm really into Crossfit now, if I'm buying kettlebell-related stuff, right?! ;)

 

THREE. Through work, I had the pleasure of hearing Lee Ellis speak - a POW survivor who has toured around, speaking about his book on leadership lessons and how he and other men survived Hanoi Hilton. He has a great story and spoke about some tough subjects...but "leading with honor" as he continued to remind us, is something we should all be doing if we are in leadership positions.

 *Got a free copy of his book too - can't wait to read it

FOUR. Got my new "The Shine Project" t-shirts in

 Have you heard about The Shine Project yet?? Um, if not, you HAVE to!! I discovered it a few weeks ago, and am a full supporter now. Daily, I'm trying to find ways to get more involved with it. Ashley (who leads it) is doing AMAZING things!!!!

FIVE. The Machine Gun Preacher movie finally came out

I have been waiting to see this movie for a really long time...it just struck me as something I wanted to learn about, since the movie is based off of real-life Sam Childers who has made it his mission to save/protect the children & people of Southern Sudan. The movie is intense, sad at times, but something I'd encourage anyone to watch. I also bought the book about Sam's memoir and can't wait to read it as well:

via

Alright, well Happy Friday everybody! Have a fabulous weekend :D

After re-reading my post, it seems as though I have a lot of reading to do, hehe!!

High Five for Friday - Link up, Vol. 8

Can I just say that I can't believe it's Friday already!! I mean, where did the week go? Well, coming back mid-week from vacation/traveling will do that to you, I guess. I'm feeling a little overwhelmed at the moment...just with coming back to lots of work, catching up on laundry/cleaning, etc...but I am most definitely looking forward to the weekend! What about you?? :P

Since it IS Friday, you know what that means...it's my weekly link-up with
Lauren over at From My Grey Desk for:

So my FIVE favorite things from this past week are...

ONE. Finishing my 1st 10k Race

I plan on including more about the race in a longer post soon...but I finished in just over an hour, ran almost the whole thing, and felt SO GOOD afterwards!

TWO. Much needed Memorial Day pool time


 This took place right after the race, so need I say more?! :)

THREE. My Etsy Shop's 1st Sale

I am so excited to announce that I had my 1st sale from my new(er) Etsy shop - Plenty of Pins. I opened it up back in April, posting a bunch of handmade bobby pins, and just sold the dark pink flowers on the far right.

FOUR. This beautiful stone

What a motto to live by!!

FIVE. My Beauty Giveaway!!!!

In case you didn't know, I posted a giveaway yesterday - I'm giving away some of my favorite beauty products (seen in the photo)...there are many ways to enter, so head on over to the post! You have until next Wednesday at 11:59 pm to enter!

Can't wait to see what some of you are posting for H54F! Have a great weekend :P

High Five for Friday - Link up, Vol. 7

This has been one CRAZY, BUSY week! I was traveling for work from Monday - Wednesday, got back to Charlotte Wednesday night, turned around, and drove 9 1/2 hours today heading home to IL for Memorial Day weekend. Just a mini-vacation and am excited to see lots of people...but boy, am I exhausted. I am definitely saying TGIF!


Since it is Friday, you know what that means...I'm linking up with Lauren over @From My Grey Desk for:

So let's get on to my favorite things from this week...

ONE. I successfully completed the Warrior Dash - a 3.1 mile course that includes about 11 obstacles, and yes, that includes mud pits, wall climbs and jumping over fire! :0

 Want to know more? Don't worry, I plan on doing a whole post about it once the professional pics are posted - believe me, they're going to be pretty funny! It was tough...but SO much fun!

TWO. New kitchen gadgets

Mushroom (or egg, strawberry, etc.) slicer & Burger Pocket Press (am planning on stuffing some burgers with lots of yummy cheese/veggie combos)

THREE. Smoothies!!

I am obsessed with smoothies lately...especially strawberry/banana ones that include protein powder. It's a great lunch/snack option that is pretty healthy! Luckily Charlotte has a lot of great smoothie options to choose from :)

FOUR. I made ducky magnets from the make-your-own magnets that Jenn sent me

Aren't they cute??

FIVE. My work trip took me to Lexington, KY this week...enter the Bourbon beer

 I mean, I had to try it...it was pretty good, definitely different and not something I could drink all of the time. But tasty, nonetheless!

Alright, well thanks for hosting Lauren! If you have five favorite things from this week, head on over to Lauren's blog and link up every Friday! :)