Friday, February 27, 2015

Friday Fascinations: 5 Things I Think going into My Marathon #SDMomMarathonTraining

Hi Everyone!  By the time you are reading this, I will be at the expo of the Phoenix Marathon picking up my bib, relaxing or freaking out.  Wonder which one?  #feelallthefeeIs 

Today, I am linking up with the fabulous MarCynthia and Courtney.  Their topic for today is Free Friday so whether you like it or not, you are going to hear about my Marathon.


1.  I AM Ready.

Well, at least as ready as I am going to be.  I did the training program, ran the miles.  Was there more I could have done?  Sure.  I could have cross trained more, done yoga, stretched better.  But in the end, I put in the miles and that's what matters.


2.  I AM not ready for rain.

I live in San Diego for a reason.  I can run in sunshine 99% of the time.  If there is no sun, that is because there is fog and that's okay too.  Fog makes you sparkle.  But rain, I don't know what to do with rain!



3.  Runners ARE Incredible people!

I am so excited about spending time with people I only know thru social media and see them in real life.  But more than being on social media, what makes them fantastic is that they run.  They get me.  They are my people.  So Traci, Emz, Christina, Jeremy, Brian, Michael, Shane, Carlee, Susie, Erica and all my other Blends, I can't wait until #ItsGoingDownAtPHX!  I would be remiss if I didn't give an extra special shout out to my dear dear friend Stephanie who has been my #1 fan and supporter thru my entire training!  And of course Julie who jumped into the deep end with me without asking why!


4.  My Girls are my World!  (My marathon world anyway)

I probably will one day stop saying this but I love my team.  The four of us have logged countless miles together and they are the best.  We have laughed.  We have cried.  We have ... well, not sharing but let's say, we are VERY close.  We don't have to talk sometimes, we just know.  I will love them always no matter what running paths or trails our lives take us.  Thank you Jenn, Jamye and Thia for your beautiful souls and spirit.


5.  My Family IS Everything!

When I first found out my family couldn't be at the finish line of my first Marathon, I was devastated.  My biggest athletic achievement ever.  But I get it.  The reasons they can't make it make sense but the three of them are the ones who will get me thru "The Wall."  I just know it.  They are my strength and my everything.


I realize there are a freakish amount of Mickey's around us.  I like the picture of the 4 of us.  So bear with me.  Or mouse with me.  Haha!

Have you bought your #PaceYourself t-shirt yet to support Epilepsy?  You can buy it here.  Thank you to Rush Order Tees for making it happen!


That said, if you are going to be in Phoenix this weekend, please consider meeting up with us!


Tell me some of your random thoughts please!  See you on the flipside!

As always, I wish you (and ME) Happy Feet,
SD Mom

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Wednesday #GIVEAWAY Roundup - #PaceYourself #WinALLThePrizes

Hi Everyone and welcome to another edition of the Wednesday GIVEAWAY Roundup hosted by me and Erica at EricaFinds.com!  A place where you can enter to win prizes or linkup your giveaway or BOTH!  Here are the rules for the LinkUp!  Don't forget to leave comments here and on Erica's page if you linkup!


Before I tell you about the 2 giveaways I have going on, I wanted to share with you a little about my story with Epilepsy.  My beautiful daughter was diagnosed with Epilepsy almost 4 years ago and to honor her and support her, we have created Team Serena's Crusaders to raise money and awareness for the Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County.


Every year, 100s of people lace up and Run / Ride / Walk on beautiful Mission Bay.  This year the event takes place on April 26.  There are many different ways to support our cause.  You can join our team (our #1 preference), you can donate here or you can buy this shirt.


We have mens and kids options too!


What does #PaceYourself mean?  One of my very favorite quotes inspired this t-shirt!


So as in life and with Serena's epilepsy, I must pace myself.  I must teach her to pace herself.  She has so much to give the world, I want her to cherish every moment and live in the moment and not rush by.  So this t-shirt was created as reminder.  Please buy one!  Please remind yourself.  Pace Yourself. Proceeds from the sale of every shirt goes to the Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County in Serena's name.  Thank you to Rush Order Tees for making it happen!

And now, the giveaways this week.  I am giving away a glass reusable bottle of your choice from Glasstic.


I am also giving away a signed copy of The Skinny Confidential book.



Do you have a cause?  If not, want to support Epilepsy by donating here?  Want to buy a super soft t-shirt while supporting Epilepsy here?

As always, good luck with the Giveaways and I wish you Happy Feet,
SD Mom

#NewYearNewYou - The Skinny Confidential Book Review & #GIVEAWAY

Disclaimer: I received The Skinny Confidential book for review & GIVEAWAY purposes.  I was not requested to write a positive review.  All opinions are my own and I have received no monetary compensation for this post.  

When the wonderful Brittany suggested I get in on the Skinny Confidential book tour, I was a little skeptical.  What do I have in common with super fit, super skinny and super disciplined Lauryn Evarts?  Turns out, quite a lot!



Reading her book is like chatting with a girlfriend...after a couple of Blood Orange Skinny Margie-Poos!  Check out page 52 for this awesome recipe.  



The ingredients in this drink are so fresh and yummy.  Secret ingredient?  Rosemary!  Don't tell!  Lauryn is like that girlfriend who will tell you like it is.  Like if you have a booger in your nose.  Or if you think about reaching for margarita mix.  Like she says, "No artificial shit.  Absolutely none."



So I thought about what recipe I wanted to share and I decided to save the recipes in the book for you to read when you buy it.  I though I would highlight a family friendly recipe from her blog to give you an idea of her type of fresh wholesome recipes.  She has a couple of really kid friendly in the book like Peanut Butter "Ice Cream" and Berries over Ice.  But I thought I would share one she has on her blog right now for Pineapple Whip (kinda sorta like the Dole Whip at D-Land!).



It has 5 ingredients.  That is it.  No artificial anything!  My kids gobbled it up! I will show you my version but you can't poke fun!



I made it in 5 minutes...if that.  Frozen pineapple chunks from Trader Joes, almond milk, honey!  I also made a version like Lauryn's with mint and lemon but that picture is super ugly!  Okay fine.  Here.


But it was so good and tasted like a pineapple mojito!  So I highly recommend checking out her book.  She tells you in her awesome friendly style about makeup, fitness, recipes and even love!  Seriously, it is like a chat with your bestie!  My hands down favorite thing in the book?  She thinks split ends rule!  

Want to win a copy for yourself?  Easy!  Enter on the Rafflecopter widget!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Contest runs 2/24/2015 to 3/2/15 at 11:59 P.M. PST
No purchase necessary.  Void where prohibited. 1 winner will be selected via the Rafflecopter widget.  Open to Residents of the US & Canada 18 years of age or older.  Must have a non P.O. Box mailing address.  Winner must have a valid email address.
Winner will notified via email (if available) and/or blog post, and will have 48 business hours to claim prize.  If original winner does not claim prize within 48 business hours an alternate winner(s) will be selected.
Contestants must enter on the Rafflecopter widget in order to win.
All winning entries will be verified. If a winning entry cannot be verified as completed, a new winner will be drawn.  Winner will be provided the prize directly from The Skinny Confidential.  Substitutions unlikely but may apply.  SD Mom not responsible for failure of sponsor to deliver product.

Don't you want to go try that Whip?  I am telling you, it is so good!

Good Luck and as always, I wish you Happy Feet,
SD Mom

Friday, February 20, 2015

Friday Fascinations: 5 Races for 2015!

Hi Everyone!  It has been a while since I have linked up with the fabulous Mar, Cynthia and Courtney.


Today's theme is 5 Races for 2015!  What better way to tell you 5 Races to do in 2015 than tell you 5 races I am DOING in 2015?

1.  PHOENIX Marathon!  Duh!  This is my FULL!  THIS is the race I have been working towards for the last 19 1/2 weeks (but who is counting!!).  I am doing this one with my girls and over the last 19 weeks, they have become like family to me.  Training for a Marathon can do that to you!


I promise we are wearing matching tanks.  I am not revealing yet but we got them from here.  You can use code PHOENIX15 for 15% off any tank in her store!  I promise you will LOVE!

2.  Carlsbad 5000!  This race is celebrating it's 30th anniversary on March 29.  It is awesome.  There are 4 5Ks you can do or you can do the All Day 20K option.  Which is what I am doing!  If you don't want to do it for the Bling...


Do it for the Finisher Band!  Because the '80's never go out of style!!!


3.  Sharon's Ride Run / Walk Epilepsy 5K!  This one is special.  This one takes up my whole heart and all my time from January thru April 26th, the day of the race.  It is a race to raise funds and awareness for the Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County.  I have a very special connection to Epilepsy and we would LOVE for you to donate to or join Team Serena's Crusaders.  Our goal is BIG this year - $10K!


Won't you join us?

4.  San Diego Rock n Roll 5K and Half / Full Marathon!  New for 2015?  The Remix challenge!  This means you run the 5K on Saturday May 30 and then the Full or the Half (I am doing the Half) the next day.


But wait, I have a coupon code for you!


By the way, this code is good for any Half or Full Rock n Roll race except for Vegas and Mexico.  SDMOM gets you $15 off!  I am also doing Rock n Roll LA which will be a new one for me but it will be my first time in costume!  And you can use the SDMOM code to join me there too!

5.  Revel Canyon City!  I have already told you how much I love this race here.  Go read my recap.  This year, it will be awesome than ever.  They got their first year out of the way and all the kinks worked out.  But the best part?  The course hasn't changed at all which means you will still be surrounded by the beautiful mountains and streams in this FAST downhill course!


This year it is on November 7!  Will I see you there?

What races do you have on your calendar this year?  Will I see you at any of the above races?  Go check out the other posts in the Friday Five Link Up!

As always, I wish you Happy Feet,
SD Mom

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Wednesday #GIVEAWAY Roundup - #WinAllThePrizes

Hello and welcome to another edition of the Wednesday GIVEAWAY Roundup!  The place where you can linkup all your great GIVEAWAYS and enter to win many more!


Co-Hosting this LinkUp is the lovely Erica from Erica Finds.  If you need to refresh yourself on the rules for this LinkUp, please check them out here.

This week, I have two awesome GIVEAWAYS on the Blog.  The first is for my very favorite all natural, plant based protein powder, Vega One.  You can find that one here.  


I also have a giveaway for a Glasstic shatterproof bottle.  Outer layer hard plastic,  Inner layer glass.  Believe me, SD Dad made sure I properly tested it for you and insisted I drop it a few times to see how shatterproof it really was.  You can find that Giveaway here.


Finally, I also wanted to share some coupon codes with you.  One is for any Rock n Roll Half or Full Marathon (some exceptions apply).  Use code SDMOM for $15 off!


The other is to tell you I am now a Headsweats Ambassador!  So excited!  And of course, I have a 25% off code for you.  Use SDMOM25 for 25% off on the website!


Without any further delay, here is the LinkUp!  Don't forget to add your GIVEAWAY end dates and to link back to this page or to Erica's page!

Good Luck and as always, I wish you Happy Feet,
SD Mom


@GlassticBottle Review & #GIVEAWAY - #ShatterProof

Disclaimer: I received products from Glasstic for review & GIVEAWAY purposes.  I was not requested to write a positive review.  All opinions are my own and I have received no monetary compensation for this post.  

I have kids.  Little kids who like to play basketball in the backyard.  I live in San Diego where the weather is GREAT 98% of the year.  (And yes, I pay a hefty sunshine tax!)  So when you spend a lot of time outdoors and you are Marathon training, you need to hydrate.  Yes, I have my OrangeMud bottles for during the run but what do I use after the run?  I can't just take any old glass outside.  I also have an aversion to plastic.   



Enter the Glasstic Shatterproof Bottle!



What makes the Glasstic bottle different?  Glass is 100% recyclable.  You don't have to worry about the harmful chemicals that are in plastic and you don't have to worry about your water tasting like metal.  It tastes like water.  Imagine!


I tested this thing.  I dropped it.  I shook it.  It didn't shatter or spill.  See that little thing that looks like an on/off switch?  That locks and unlocks the lid so that your liquids stay inside.


So it has a hard plastic outside layer that never even touches your water.  It has a glass insert and a safe plastic lid top.  The cool thing is, if the glass was to break, it is all contained within the hard plastic shell.  Also, they have a 1 year glass replacement guarantee.  And best of all, it is dishwasher safe!  My only complaint is that the bottles are a little heavy for only carrying 16 ozs of water!


Want one of your own?  You can use code REV15OFF good for 15% off on the Glasstic site as well as on Amazon for all bottle purchases except the discounted multipacks.  Expires Dec 31, 2015.  

But of course, in true SD Mom fashion, I am giving you your chance to win your own!  Enter on the Rafflecopter below!



Contest runs 2/17/2015 to 2/26/15 at 11:59 P.M. PST
No purchase necessary.  Void where prohibited. 1 winner will be selected via the Rafflecopter widget.  Open to Residents of the US 18 years of age or older.  Must have a non P.O. Box mailing address.  Winner must have a valid email address.
Winner will notified via email (if available) and/or blog post, and will have 48 business hours to claim prize.  If original winner does not claim prize within 48 business hours an alternate winner(s) will be selected.
Contestants must enter on the Rafflecopter widget in order to win.
All winning entries will be verified. If a winning entry cannot be verified as completed, a new winner will be drawn.  Winner will be provided the prize directly from Glasstic.  Substitutions unlikely but may apply.  SD Mom not responsible for failure of sponsor to deliver product.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

So check out all the awesome designs on Glasstic and tell me which one would you pick?

Good Luck and as always, I wish you Happy Feet,
SD Mom

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Raspberry Chai Smoothie #Recipe and a #VegaOne #GIVEAWAY

Disclaimer: I received products from Vega for review & GIVEAWAY purposes.  I was not requested to write a positive review.  All opinions are my own and I have received no monetary compensation for this post.  

I am a HUGE Vega fan.  Ever since I started running longer distances, I have sworn by the Vega PreWorkout Energizer.  It puts that little extra pep in my step.  It is made with all natural plant based ingredients so you can feel good about the ingredients going in your body.  So when I heard about Vega One, I flipped!



Just one scoop of Vega One gives you all this:

  • 20 grams of complete, multisource, plant-based protein
  • 6 servings of greens
  • 50% daily intake of food-based vitamins and minerals
  • 25% DV fiber
  • 1.5 grams of Omega-3s
  • Antioxidants
  • Probiotics (1 billion CFU)
  • Low-glycemic with no sugar added
  • Only 160 calories per serving


  • It maybe the world's perfect food.  When the super awesome people at Vega wanted to send me some Vega One to try as part of their #BestLifeProject, I immediately chose the Vanilla and the Vanilla Chai flavors.


    Yes folks, that is the coveted Vega shaker bottle!  I had to try it out right away.  The French Vanilla has the best vanilla flavor to it.  But I will admit, there are two things and only two things I don't like. One is that the smoothie or drink mix turns out this weird blue green color.  You may want to add some berries or some additional greens to disguise the thing.  Two because it is made out of pea protein the texture is not as smooth as other protein powders.  What I really wanted to try though was the Vanilla Chai.  Who doesn't love a good solid chai?


    Excuse the wrinkled package.  Don't even ask!  I created a Raspberry Chai smoothie recipe for you and it is DELICIOUS!!!

    Raspberry Chai Smoothie

    3-5 cubes ice



    1 cup unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk


    1 medium banana


    1 package Raspberry Emergen-C


    1/2 cup - 1 cup greens


    Blend together and enjoy!


    This, my friends, is a GOOD smoothie!  In fact, I think I will have it again tomorrow!

    The super awesome people at Vega were kind enough to let me giveaway a 10-pack of singles serving Vega One in the flavor of your choice and that shaker bottle.  Heck yes!  So what flavor would you pick?  I think I like the French Vanilla more than the chai because it is so versatile but the chai is so yum too!  This is a part of every single breakfast for me!

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    Contest runs 2/12/2015 to 2/18/15 at 11:59 P.M. PST
    No purchase necessary.  Void where prohibited. 1 winner will be selected via the Rafflecopter widget.  Open to Residents of the US & Canada 18 years of age or older.  Must have a non P.O. Box mailing address.  Winner must have a valid email address.
    Winner will notified via email (if available) and/or blog post, and will have 48 business hours to claim prize.  If original winner does not claim prize within 48 business hours an alternate winner(s) will be selected.
    Contestants must enter on the Rafflecopter widget in order to win.
    All winning entries will be verified. If a winning entry cannot be verified as completed, a new winner will be drawn.  Winner will be provided the prize directly from Vega.  Substitutions unlikely but may apply.  SD Mom not responsible for failure of sponsor to deliver product.

    So what flavor would you pick?  Do you like Chai?  What do you have for breakfast?  Good Luck!

    As always, I wish you Happy Feet,
    SD Mom