Happy 2010!

Happy New Year (a few days late, I realize)!

(Photo via Sweetiesblog.net)

I ended 2009 snowboarding with my boyfriend – for only the second time. Surprisingly, I made it down the mountain (you should be shocked, I was). We rung in the new year with friends and champagne. 2009 was a great year, but I am looking forward to new adventures in 2010 (I know it has a lot in store)!

I don’t usually say this (mostly because I don’t usually make resolutions), but I am planning on sticking to my New Years Resolution this year – Live below my means, also known as  SAVE MONEY.

What is your New Years Resolution?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today is my Friday (figuratively speaking)! I’m getting very excited to spend the next couple days with my family – and catch up with aunts/uncles/cousins that I haven’t seen in awhile (probably since July at the family reunion, thank goodness for Facebook). Mom, Sister and I always go shopping on Black Friday – it’s a tradition (one of my favorites 0 who doesn’t LOVE shopping?). We spend our Thanksgiving evenings scanning the ads and coming up with a game plan.

I’m running the Turkey Trot tomorrow – hopefully I don’t fall over and die…with my luck, there will be some sort of injury.

On Saturday, I will  be sending off one of my dearest friends, Brenlie, who is moving to Louisiana next week. I’m really sad that she is leaving, but I know this is the best for her (and her boyfriend). It is what makes her happy!

(Brenlie, Me, Kylee at Kylee’s 23rd birthday)

What is your favorite Thanksgiving tradition?

Proud to be a Duck

Happy Monday! I am very stoked that it is a 3 day week!

I recently came across a Web site that sells shirts with this saying, and I felt compelled to share it with you -

After a GREAT game on Saturday, I can’t think of a time when I was more proud to be a Duck. Watch the highlights here.

Check out this Web site for more great Oregon shirts.

Dream Dress

A friend (and colleague) of mine, Sara Szatmary, recently blogged about Christmas presents she would not mind receiving a month early. I just have to share with you this Abram Dress from Diane von Furstenberg, absolutely stunning!

I definitely would not mind receiving this gift early! It’s a perfect dress for an intimate Christmas party! Good find, Sara!

Turkey Trot

I (and a couple of friends) recently signed up for the Turkey Trot at the Oregon Zoo. It’s a 4 mile run that goes through the Zoo and the Forestry Center on Thanksgiving morning. A great way to start off a day of eating a lot of food!

One thing I am not looking forward to during this run: THE HILLS. I can appreciate a good run, unless it involves hills, they just don’t like me. The feelings are mutual. My friends and I have made a pact to stay together. At least there is no pressure involved!

Interested in participating? Sign up here

Happy Monday, everyone!

Weekend Recap

Hello! I hope you all had a great weekend! Mine is slowly winding down…

The Duck game was so much fun yesterday, but very cold! My dad and his friend set up a tailgater and they brought a fire pit – a great idea!

Sunday is a lazy day of laundry and catching up on my reading. Have a great Sunday!

Ducks Football

Duck football is definitely on my top ten things that I could not live without. Autzen Stadium is one of my favorite places – always a (loud) great time! I can’t think of a better way or better people to spend my Saturday.

Today I will be in Autzen watching the University of Oregon take on Arizona State University. Here is a picture of Autzen Stadium for your enjoyment (hopefully it will be that sunny today). At least it never rains in Autzen Stadium!

(image: Universities Weblog)

Go Ducks!

The Kind Diet – An Inspiring Story

While recently reading the newest copy of Women’s Health I came across a blurb about Alicia Silverstone’s new book, The Kind Diet: A simple guide to feeling great, losing weight and saving the planet. This book instantly struck my interest. Silverstone explores the life of a vegan and shares her story of transformation – not only of her body but also of her outlook on life.

(image: hivemodern.com)

I wish that I could have more self discipline when it comes to food – overall I would say that I am a healthy eater but I do have my weaknesses, for example: PIZZA. Who can resist a great piece of pizza?

A couple of years ago, I read Skinny Bitch and for about 3 months I was a vegetarian. The descriptions in the book are unforgettable. I try to forget about them when eating chicken, a food I really enjoy…

The book provides an honest review of the poultry market and the treatment of animals (warning: there are some gory details!). It also provides an outlook on  everyday foods that most may not find harmful but use to save calories or money, some include non-organic fruits and veggies or artificial sweeteners. It also includes recipes to get you started on your journey of healthy eating!

Alicia’s story is guaranteed to be inspiring. What’s your inspiration to be healthy and happy?

Stress Relief 101: Kickboxing

Some people say that exercise is more of a pain than a stress reliever, I on the other find, it to be a huge stress reliever. Especially when I take a kickboxing class! I like to say it’s me kicking my stress in the face. Most of the time because I have created stress for myself. No one’s fault but my own.

(Image: Getty Images)

Last night I dragged a colleague (Sara Szatmary) to her first Kickboxing class at 24 Hour Fitness. I’m pretty sure that she is just as pumped to go back as am I (Right, Sara?). Tonight, we will be trying out the cycling class and hopefully it will be just as fun (and relieving)!

What do you like to do to relieve stress?