Travel Thursday: Suitcase Struggles

I can't find the RIGHT suitcase.  I've tried...oh, how I've tried.  I've spent bunches and oodles of money hoping that the *next* one would be the *right* one.  I found a fantastic backpack at Target that is perfect for weekend trips.  It's ideal for weekend races in which I'm flying to the destination because it fits in the overhead bins on an Embraer as well as under the seat.  But it's the week-long trips that I'm struggling.  I have purchased at least 3 additional bags and dislike them all.

One bag was considered the top pick on ebags and came with rave reviews.  However, it's really rather uncomfortable when carried. It can be worn as a backpack (yeah, right, if you're a giant).  It came with a handle, but no shoulder strap (I missed that important detail when ordering).  It can't be wheeled.

I bought one suitcase on clearance for $49 and it's ok...but, just ok. And it just feels like a rectangle...a big, inflexible rectangle.

I bought my husband a Tumi carry-on, but when I tried it on a recent 4-day trip, it was the heaviest darn thing when loaded with clothes.  I struggled to pick it up and put it in the overhead bins.

I think I have better success with shoes than I do suitcases.

Do you have a go-to bag that you love?

Workout Wednesday: A New Nike+Fuel Goal Met

It finally happened.  I've had to walk around the house A LOT. The benefit of this doggone thing is that Jameson is going for A LOT more walks.  Bridget is enjoying the jogging stroller again.  I'm not sedentary at work and I'm taking the stairs all the time now. This past Saturday while at Target, Greg commented that he was convinced that the reason we were going up and down the aisles in what appeared to be random chaos is so I could score extra fuel points (I am the poster child of random chaos).

But I finally made it.  I managed to meet my daily points goal 7 out of 7 days this past week. Woohoo! Best of all, I get to relish in my stats.  I can't believe that I logged in 16.9 miles during the week, especially since only a few of those miles were from running.

I think in the Spring, when the weather improves, I might increase my daily fuel points goal.  But let's not get ahead of ourselves...

Delving into a Good Book

I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves. ~Anna Quindlen

I came across this reading nook while playing around on Pinterest one day...and adored it.  How lovely to have a space like this to delve into a good book.  It's the kind of place that you could escape, deep into your book, without all the sound, interruptions and clutter from the outside.  I've started reading Blood, Bones & Butter: The Inadvertent Education of a Reluctant Chef by Gabrielle Hamilton and I already feel like this is the kind of book that I could spend an entire Saturday enjoying.

So what good books are you reading?

Meatless Monday: Hummus Club Sandwich

I was searching for a good recipe for hummus and came across this incredibly simple one. 

Spread one slice of whole wheat bread with hummus.  Top with Bibb lettuce, tomato slices, sprouts, and red onion slices.  Serve with grapes.  Mmmm...simple, yet yummy!

That's How I Roll

Doesn't it just figure that I have the *one* kid who loves to ride in the jogging stroller...at almost age 6...in 10 inches of snow! And Jameson, he's happy as a lab can be! Happy Jogging Day, everyone!

The Snowshoe Race that Wasn't

I laid out my clothes Friday night to eliminate any excuses for backing out of the snowshoe race. With frigid temps, backing out would be so easy! Before going to bed, I checked the race website one last time. Crap! Race rescheduled. Ok, so no clumsily running in snowshoes.

Since I've been making a serious effort at meeting my Nike fuel points each day, I took Bridget and Jameson out for a walk. B jumped into the jogging stroller, which was SO heavy to push through the 6+ inches of snow. But she and Jay loved the snow and I got in a good workout. Score!

The race has been scheduled for next weekend. I'll once again lay out my clothes and hope for good weather!

Friday Funny: Mad Libs

Who doesn't love Mad Libs?! If you can't get enough, check out iTunes mad lib app for on-the-go laughter.