Best Style Blog - I've been nominated!

I'm wiping away the tears here.

Not just for being nominated for a Brilliance in Blogging Award for the Best Style Blog, but because it means I haven't been forgotten in the UK.  Phewwwwww!

Click to vote!

I've said this many times, and I'll say it again, I will always be a mummy first. After all my journey into motherhood began in the UK and so did my mummy blogging career (if that's what we can call it).

Sooooooo, yes! I'm excited and very happy that my little style blog has been noticed. Sadly I won't be at the BritMums Conference in June, unless of course, I get some amazing sponsor to fly me to L-Town to join in the fun. Ahem. Anyone??

Now, let me just say I have some fierce competition, including some of my very good blogging friends and former rivals in past awards. But you know, it's the name of the game and I LOVE IT!

So maybe you have enjoyed seeing me and my little man show you the best of kids fashion each week with Trendy Toddler Tuesday. OR you related to my fear of brights and have seen me slowly conquer my colorphobia just in time for Spring.

Oh wait! Better yet, you saw me show you a before and after video of my "problem areas" when reviewing a pair of Hold Your Haunches slimming leggings.

No? It wasn't that? How about when I made a total fool of myself thinking I was buying a Jason Wu designer skirt from Target when in fact it was some random brand? Or when I blamed the suburbs for the return of the  muffin top and my bingo wing issues.

Anyhow, if something did catch your fancy, and none of your friends are in this category, then please vote for VERY BUSY MAMA in the Best Style Blog category.

Thank you & THANK YOU again!.

A mile of style in Carytown & some Eurotrash along the way

We were visiting my in-laws last week and the Mr. and I took a much needed day trip to spend some time alone. Besides, Little M adores his grandparents, I don't even think he knew we were gone!

On Sunday we drove to Richmond, the capital of Virginia. I know that it was named after our dear Richmond in England but I wasn't prepared to see such similarities in the scenery. The likeness is just uncanny. I hadn't been there in years, and to be honest I didn't remember it much.

Colorful shops in Carytown

The small Southern city-town central area is full of character, and I loved the seeing the old houses and flats, the brick sidewalks and buildings along the "high street" that is Carytown.

It's not called a "Mile of Style" for nothing. There are a variety of shops, boutiques and restaurants along Cary Street and they were all willing me to visit them.I hit a few boutiques including one called EuroTrash.

Despite the unfortunate name, they carried some of my fave brands that I shopped in London such as Desigual, Ted Baker and Yumi and wouldn't you now it, they were playing Girls Aloud on full blast. Tee hee.

I am not a fan of all new developments and houses, I like things with a bit of history and character and Richmond didn't disappoint. What really made it fun was all the color up and down the main street.

The Mr. and I took lots of photos (but he didn't want to be featured) and my green jeans looked great against the orange, yellow and pink walls!

Can you see my tan line on my feet? 

The day was damp and chilly and it wasn't doing my hair any favors, but I managed. We had brunch at a French café, visited Maymont Mansion (the grounds of the mansion looked EXACTLY like Richmond, England) then went to afternoon mass at the Cathedral.

Thankfully I dressed relatively warm (except for the flats) and had my umbrella in my bag. The day had a very London feel to it and the Mr. got a little bit homesick. It reminded us of our rainy day walks at Chiswick House grounds and we suddenly felt really sad. 

Funny how that works.

Another lovely day out, just mi amor and I!

Shoes: Clarks as seen here

Jeans: Old Navy

Top: Uniqlo (love this store!!)

Mac: Marks & Spencer as seen here

Bag: Old Navy as seen here

{Vlog} The Big 10! Medifast Week 4

I did it! I've lost 10 lbs with Medifast in four weeks.

The rollitos (rolls) are going away... hooray! And I feel like I could fly.

I've gathered all of my excitement into this celebratory vlog and today I'm telling you ten reasons why losing ten pounds is just brilliant!

I forgot to mention that I am getting my blood pressure checked soon to see if it has improved, which I think it has, especially since I have reduced my salt intake by more than half. And the cellulite on my legs is diminishing as well.

In one month I lost 10 lbs, so if you have that to lose, or 50 lbs and want to have a go with Medifast, they have a fantastic customer saving program and you can use my coupon code:  BUSYMAMA56, and sign up for Medifast Advantage. Also when you order $250+, you’ll receive 56 free Medifast Meals and free shipping! 

Here are the details:
For your first order of $250+, use my code, and enroll in Medifast Advantage to receive 28 free meals. 


Do the same on your next order and you’ll receive ANOTHER 28 free meals! This offer is only valid if you enroll in Medifast Advantage, and it’s limited to one per customer. It’s not valid with prior purchases, any other promotions or discounts, or for Medifast Ready-to-Drink Shakes. Sorry!


If you have any questions, leave me a comment and I'll answer it in my next vlog and mention your site. And if I can't answer it I'll make sure to get someone from the Medifast team to help you out. 


Cheers!

--
See my first Medifast vlog four weeks ago

Check out Mariana of The Domestic Buzz showing off her before and after shots on her 11 week Medifast update. She's lost 27 lbs so far!

*I am provided with Medifast meals and a nutritionist for this diet free of charge however all views, opinions and especially will power are my own*

Trendy Toddler Tuesday: Casual style

When we visit my in-laws in southern Virginia we tend to go for walks in the woods, play in the sand along the James River and dress a bit more casual. There isn't too much excitement in Williamsburg and both Little M and I are in super relaxed mode.

This past week the weather has been HOT. Not warm but HOT. By the end of it, it rained and then it cooled off today. So his attire changed quite a bit.

Beach casual

An evening at Yorktown beach

Old Navy hooded sweatshirt

The Children's Place plaid shorts 

Tupperware from grandma's kitchen (we haven't bought beach toys yet!)

Nautical Casual

A day at Jamestown Settlement

Anchors Away Polo by Circo from Target

Red sport shorts by Circo from Target

Shoes: The Children's Place as seen here

British Armor thanks to Jamestown Settlement

 Rainy day casual

A walk in the woods

Umbrella: Wimbledon

Wellies: Gap Kids as seen here

Jeans: Genuine Kids by Osh Kosh at Target as seen here

Polo: The Children's Place as seen here

The Mr. also known as "papi" is wearing a Nautica jumper

I think my own personal style reflects on Little M...trendy, yet comfy, stylish and budget friendly. Nothing (individually) costs more than $10.

Do you find your kids are an extension of you, or do you dress them completely different?

We would love to see what all your little trendies are wearing this next week be sure to spread the word and check back in next week when we will have a very special giveaway!

If you are new, WELCOME! Please link your kids fashion/style related post (it doesn't have to be just for today's link up) and please take our badge or link back to us in your post.

Grab the button,

show your style and link to us!

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Thank you again for joining in! 

*Interested in sponsoring Trendy Toddler Tuesday and having us feature you? 

Review and giveaway opportunities available!

Please get in touch at:  majoseovalle AT gmail DOT com for details*

Mega cute apron & strawberry cupcakes

Rainy days are perfect baking days. 

Having said that, I rarely bake because that means you have to eat it and really because I am not very good at it. But I do enjoy spending time with Little M and letting him make things and seeing him so focused and happy to see the finished product. 

On Saturday I decided I was going to make strawberry cupcakes with a cream cheese, honey and walnut frosting. Yes, my very own creation. I am not a fan of cupcakes, I don't like the sugary frosting (hence trying it with cream cheese) but they are fun to make with kids.

I didn't have Little M's dinosaur apron with us at my inlaws so I wrapped a tea towel around him. He helped me wash and cut the strawberries, then we got down to business!

He's an excellent mixer and with my help knows how to crack eggs very carefully. As for me, I had an apron to show off! 

I got this super cute En Vogue Kitchen Impressions apron at TJ Maxx during Christmas time for $12.99. 

I love the retro feel and its feminine cut. Most aprons are rectangle shaped and look better on men than on women. They certainly don't have any "curvature" to them. This one wraps nicely around the waist and accentuates the bust oddly enough. Hmmmm? 

It just makes me WANT to be in the kitchen. 

Anyway, apron aside, I had some cupcakes to make. The frosting turned out better than expected and I ended up adding the extra strawberries not used in the batter on top of each one. 

Of course, we "plated" them and had a lovely afternoon tea.

The recipe is easy if you want to try it, here's what you need:  

Batter

2 small boxes of strawberries

1 1/2 cup flour

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup butter

2 eggs

1 teaspoon (a little bit extra) baking powder

1/2 cup milk

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Cream Cheese frosting

2 packets of cream cheese

honey

2 handful of finely chopped walnuts

2 heaped spoons of sugar or splenda

Strawberries

I really don't measure and follow recipes, but mine went a little something like this:

Preheat oven to 350 F or 180 C

Mix sugar and butter then add the eggs

Add vanilla

Mix in baking powder, flour and MIX WELL

Add milk 

Add cut up strawberries 

Pour/scoop out into the cupcake holders

Bake for 30 minutes

For the frosting, just mix all the ingredients together to taste. I just added honey to my liking. 

After cupcakes have cooled, cover with frosting and then add spoonfuls of strawberries to each. 

Eat immediately!

What about you, do you cook in style?!

Apron: En Vogue Kitchen Impression

Flats: Clarks

Jeans: Primark

Top: Mango MNG from JCP

Glasses: Gok Won for SpecSavers

Orange, it's obvious!

Today my allergies really kicked in. I couldn't stop rubbing my eyes, my nose was running and congested at the same time and I couldn't stop sneezing. We are in visiting my in-laws and we are surrounded by trees and the pollen count is OUT OF THIS WORLD!

After dinner I quickly popped out to Target to get some allergy medication. I wandered around a bit, tried on some jeans and tops but I put them all back.

I checked out the bright work out clothes, drooled over a pair of turquoise sandals, passed up on some mega cute shorts for Little M and ignored the chunky bangles that were calling my name. I was pretty darn proud of myself. After 45 minutes of browsing without being tempted I finally made it over to the meds section. I grabbed come Claritin for me, some for Little M then I was out of there.

Eyes down, I was moving fast and making a clean break from all of the temptations.

But, but...WAIT! STOP!

A few aisles before the registers my eyes made contact with the bright display of Essie nail colors and I lost all will power. Blue, green, yellow, fuchsia, and orange, OH MY!

I just HAD to get one, AND they were on sale for $7. BOOM it was a done deal. Orange, it's obvious! was coming home with me. Then, I really did make a mad dash to the first open register before I got tempted with something else.

So here they are, my orange nails in all their glory.  So much fun! Especially after wearing red for so long.

Not sure about the bright nails? Start with a less expensive brand and play around with it. If you hate it you can just take it off and try another one!

1. Milani $3.29

2. Sinful Colors $1.99

3. Barry M (UK) £2.99

4. Four piece e.l.f set $5.00

5. Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear $2.49

6. Essie $7.00

What nail colors are you trying out this summer?

Getting chatty with: Medicated Follower of Fashion

Most of you know I am an honorary Brit. Okay, so I gave myself that title but after so many years in the UK, it is a huge part of who I am.

After all, I was a mummy before I was a mommy. Let's face it, I will always be a mummy blogger!

When we left the UK, I not only left behind my job, my friends, but also a group of fabulous women of the mummy blogging world. I am very happy that I haven't lost touch and that many have followed me on my journey here in the US. And after starting Very Busy Mamá I connected with even more mums in the UK and especially those that share a passion for all things style.

And one of those mummies is Alex from Medicated Follower of Fashion.

Sadly I did not know her before, but we have connected online and hit it off! Mostly talking about what we are wearing, what our kiddies are showing off during the week for Trendy Toddler Tuesday and swapping style and shopping tips.

Alex has a very unique style - I personally love her vintage feel and mixing and matches of colors and prints. She wowed me with her post showing off her wedding dress, it's like nothing I had ever seen.

Just look at it, GORGEOUS!

So Alex and I got to chatting and this is what I found out about the blogger and mummy to Ethan based in North Somerset:

VBM Very Busy Mamá
MFF Medicated Follower of Fashion


VBM: How would you describe your style?


MFF: Rather like everything to do with me, I like variety. I love pattern and adore bright colours. I love vintage and retro looks. 50's style dresses, 60's prints. Bright and bold. Statement jewellery is in. I love to wear boots and when it comes to bags I like quality leather. Everything I wear is meant to be looked at, I dress to show off what I like, not hide.


VBM: I'm a recent convert to color and I agree, everything should be worn to be looked at...show it off! So is there something you wish you could wear that you haven't since having kids? What is it?


MFF: Not so much since having Ethan, just something I've never really been able to do. My boobs have always been big. I'd love to be able to buy bras in normal shops and be able to wear strapless clothing with no bra on.


VBM: Ha! I am quite the opposite! Do you have a particular favorite shop/store or brand?


MFF: I buy a lot online, mostly eBay. On the high street, it'd pick H&M because they stock a lot of versatile basics but also some fashion forward pieces, working with designers (Oh how I want me some Marni!). You can clothe the whole family in H&M which I love.


VBM: Who doesn't love H&M?! So as a mum sometimes you just have to go shopping with the babe. What is the funniest or strangest shopping moment you've experience with Ethan?


MFF: Um. The time I realised Ethan had half-inched a pair of sunglasses was pretty embarrassing. I never even knew he had them until we were home and I found them in the buggy. No idea which shop he got them from...


VBM: Brilliant! My little guy hasn't shoplifted yet. Are there any misconceptions about "mummy" style that you would like to set the record straight on?


MFF: I like to think that I am proof that you can have fun with colour, clothes and fashion post baby. It doesn't have to be all baggy tops and joggers. Dress up a little and it'll boost your mood. I don't say this to be trite either. I suffered with PND after having Ethan and still suffer with anxiety but I know I always feel a little better if I make a bit of effort with my clothes.


VBM: AGREED! You don't have to do much to spruce up your look.


I am a huge fan of Alex's blog and her fun an original pictures make it very inviting. Stop by, say hello and tell her I sent you!

What do you think of Alex's style? Leave her a comment and she her some looooooove!


Follow Alex on Twitter @medicatedfollow

Like this interview?  Want to be featured or show off your business/brand/blog? If you have a story to tell, just get in touch and you and I could be chatting real soon! 

Getting wedding ready & I need HELP!

I'm not getting married. I did that seven years ago.

Nah, I'm just a little stressed out because at the end of April we are heading to Upstate New York for my brother in law's wedding.

Little M is the ring bearer and has his mini tux all sorted. To be honest, I don't think he will walk down the aisle alone. He tends to get shy around people and having a church full of faces staring back at him isn't going to go over well with my little fella. Not sure what Plan B is but we'll see closer to the date.

But the bigger dilemma here his WHAT THE HELL AM I GOING TO WEAR?! No really. I haven't been to a wedding in......eight or nine years and even then it was a very simple wedding and I wore a dress I had in my closet.

But this time I want to look GOOD and find a dress that stands out and looks just right on me. I have a few boutiques in mind to find a dress, but my main problem area are my bingo wings! Oh Lord!

 I got used to living in the UK where I could wear a sweater or cardigan all year round. I don't think I ever really exposed my arms in all that time. But now, well, there's no hiding them.

Thinking of tangerine!

1. Belk: Tahari ASL Jacquard Sundress

2. Belk: ND Colorblock belted sundress

3. J Crew: Elinor Dress

4. Topshop: Coral Daiy Crepe Open Back Dress by Love

There are several things I need to do before the 21st of April and I need some guidance please! 

1. Find some weights and start toning the arms - every little bit helps. I can't have my arms flapping around on the dance floor! Believe me, it's not a pretty sight and I've hidden them well...until now. I saw the Kettle Balls at Target, but not sure how effective they are or if I should stick to traditional weights. What has worked for you?

2. Get my hair cut and colored - my hair desperately needs some serious love. Last time I had my hair done was in Chiswick right before coming back to the US. That was FIVE months ago. My roots are screaming for a touch up. Any fab salons in the DC area that won't break the bank?

3. Then I need to get some color. To spray tan or no spray tan? I'm not talking Jersey Shore look like Snooki style tanning, just a hint of tint so that my arms and legs don't blind anyone. I've never had a spray tan, but thought it could work well. Thoughts??

4. Find a smoking dress! I want color, I want it to scream "SPRING IS HERE!" I've been seriously crushing on tangerine and found a few styles. Are they "weddingly" enough? And it has to be budget friendly. I'm talking no more than $150, but even that's too much. I'm stuck for new places to shop.  Ideas please!!

5. Get amazing shoes that look great and won't destroy my feet. Also bright, colorful and open toed. Suggest away!


So that's what I'm getting ready for right now. I am still doing Medifast and losing weight so I will buy the dress closer to he date, but trying to scope out some good places.

Please all you lovely people, let me know your suggestions and if you are a brand yourself, don't be shy and let me know what you have so that I can check it out!

Sisterly bonding at Girls Night Out

Last week my sister and I got all dolled up and head to DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, DC for Shecky's Girls Night Out. We needed some time together and this was the perfect event!

A nation wide event happening all year around, it brings together brands and retailers from the host city for two nights of shopping, drinks and enjoying time with your girlfriends. 

I had been given two complimentary tickets to the event which included a goodie bag. I had read other reviews and had seen tweets about people saying the swag was out of this world!

My sister and I had a FA-BU-LOUS time checking out all the gorgeous jewelry and browsing the clothing selection. But to be honest, we were disappointed with the lack of variety in the stands.

And the goodie bag was extremely underwhelming. Shecky's promises swag bag greatness on their site, even saying "cap your night with some pretty pampering and glorious Goodie Bags (trust us, you don’t want to miss the goodies)" but DC got the short end of the stick on this one.

Two water bottles, a Luna Bar, Body Shop samples (similar to those in magazines) a hand cream and chap stick or two. NOT what we expected and certainly not worth the $30 you paid to get it.  Having seen video of past events and reviews I was expecting a lot more. I did ask, and there were no major sponsors for this event. In fact, the items in our bags were doubled up to bulk it up. 

Sorry, not impressed! I know for fact many were disappointed with that part of the event because everyone was taking about it in the bathrooms. A real shame. 

However, we discovered some great new brands, my sister did some shopping and we walked out arm in arm after having a proper two hour gander!

Look at these amazing Beijo Bags! 

I cannot tell you how delicious they are and you can use Windex to clean them!  

Funny, I know, but how perfect are they for us mamas? Stylish AND practical.  

It was very busy, and people everywhere trying things on. Denise managed to squeeze in and check out some of the pretty dresses. There were pop up fitting rooms, but I wasn't in the mood to undress!

Let's not forget the bling! There were more jewelry stands than anything thing else. 

More notable was the Stella & Dot collection (my new fave!) and a boutique called Jewelry Bar based in New York. The earnings above and the chain bracelet below were part of their Spring collection.

Adds a bit of edge to your look, don't you think?

Shecky's Girls Night Out is happening major cities across the US and if you look at their site, you will see there are different brands, sponsors and exhibitors depending on the event. 

I did do my homework and ask around, and everyone I spoke with had only positive reviews about Girls Night Out. It gives me hope that the organizers will take notice and that the DC event next year will be bigger and better.

Would I go again? YES!

 Full schedule of events here 

Trendy Toddler Tuesday: Fun in the sun!

Spring? What's that?! I don't know about over in the UK, but SUMMER is here! We've been scrambling around the past week trying to find appropriate summer clothing for all of us. I mean it's March, 80 degrees and full sun! No one was prepared for this.

The Mr. has all of his short sleeved shirts in storage at his parent's place (that's were we have most of our belongings until we get our own home) I only have jeans and Little M didn't have a pair of shorts to wear.

On the first hot day he was sweating it out in trousers, but later I managed to find a swimsuit. Even so I had to make a mad dash to get him some hot weather threads. 

So this week, Trendy Toddler Tuesday all about fun in the sun.

NAVY T-Shirt was a gift from his tata when we visited Annapolis last week and toured the US Naval Academy.

Shorts were on sale at Old Navy for $9 and I snagged two of them. I tend to buy him elastic waist because he's got a big tummy!

Plaid sun hat and crocs-like trainer/sandal/water shoe from The Children's Place

Additional accessories

SPF 50

Poor man's bucket and shovel from my in-laws kitchen! 

Cute footprints in the sand

Now it's your turn! I love seeing what other kids are wearing and finding new styles for Little M. 

1. Display our badge on your post or blog (or link back to us)

Grab the button,

show your style and link to us!

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3. Please comment after you leave your link

4. Visit other blogs and remember link is open through Saturday

5. Mami will also share your post on Facebook and tweet them throughout the week

Thank you again for joining in! 

*Interested in sponsoring Trendy Toddler Tuesday and having us feature you? 

Review and giveaway opportunities available!

Please get in touch at:  majoseovalle AT gmail DOT com for details*

Cobalt blue Longchamp-esq Old Navy bag

I may be a mamá myself, but when my mamá offers to buy me a few things at Old Navy I don't say no to that!

Handbags are ideal to spice up any outfit. In fact, on days that I am not feeling good or not looking my best, I try to use one of my gorgeous bags to liven things up.

So last week after my mother said the Old Navy purchase was on her, I ended up getting a cobalt blue women's shopper bag that slightly resembles the Longchamp Le Pliage tote bags. The handles and the feel of the bag are similar, but obviously for a fraction of the price at $24.94. 

I had the choice between this one and a bright orange one, after much deliberation I ended up with this beauty.

It is very roomy inside and ideal for us mommies! I don't know about you, but along side my wallet and makeup bag I have to carry around juice boxes, dinosaurs, mini cars, crackers, raisins and even some of the rocks Little M picks up along the way. 

The handles are large enough to go over your shoulder and it can be worn a few different ways. 

Perfect for going out to dinner, then crossing it over the front when running after my little man at the playground or park.

Oh and did you notice the change of scenery? After running the Rock n' Roll Half Marathon in DC on Saturday, the Mr. and I thought it would be nice to come to Williamsburg, Virginia to visit his parents before he starts his new job. Did I mention HE GOT A JOB?!  ¡Siiiiiiiii! (more on that later)

Besides enjoying a few relaxing days, I have been digging through my boxes from London and getting out some of my summer threads. I am thrilled to be reunited with my clothes and I can't wait to get some of my dresses on; especially now that I have lost some weight. 

Tomorrow is set to be another gorgeous day here and we are heading to Virginia Beach for some fun in the sun. Got my sun block and hat all ready to go. 

Happy first day of Spring Eve everyone!

Espadrilles: JCP (as seen here)

Jeans: Primark (as seen here)

Top: Gap (this season & seen here)

Sunnies: Ray-Ban (broken by Little M a year ago, but I manage to wear them anyway)


A few other handbag options for Spring

1. Target: Xhiliration Yellow Flap Crossbody Handbag

2. Dress Barn: Two Tone Satchel

3. Cath Kidston: Royal Rose Day Bag

4. Target: Mossimo Color Block Blue Envelope Clutch

The half marathon went a little something like this...

Yesterday the Mr. and I ran the Rock n Roll Half Marathon here in Washington, DC.

 It was an absolutely beautiful day, full sun, not a cloud in the sky. It was lovely and all, but terrible for us runners. The temperature quickly rose to 75 degrees and it got very hot, very fast.

To top it off, we were late to the 8.00 am start time because DC Metro made us unload midway because some door wouldn't close. Too many passengers. But like I say, the metro wasn't born yesterday, they should know how to deal with big events.

Anyway, we got there late and we weren't able to properly prepare. We left our bags, went for the toilets ate something and we were off.

This was the first time the Mr. and I have done a race together and it was great to have him by my side, helping and pushing me along not letting me fall behind.

The first five miles went by very quickly because we were distracted checking out the scenery and eyeing the different neighborhoods in the nations capital. Neighborhoods which years ago you would never, ever have wandered into are now up and coming areas, with trendy restaurants and bars. Oh and I was checking out everyone's running gear. TONS of neons, pinks, purples, bright blues and of course green in honor of St. Patrick's Day. I made a mental note to buy new workout gear soon.

But it was hot, and the sun was right on our faces. I didn't have a hat or glasses, but thankfully had on sunblock. Here we are at mile 8. It doesn't look like the Mr. is even breaking a sweat, but believe me, he was!

The last 3 miles were the toughest and I really had to power and struggle through them. The heat really does make you go all funny. But we made it! And that time of  2 hours 15 minutes was completely unrealistic I was told. Ooops! I guess I got over excited.

We finished in 2 hours 41 minutes, about 5 minutes faster than the Mr. had predicted for me. I'm not a fast runner, but I get there in the end! 

I had blurry vision and felt like I was going to be sick for that last .1 mile, and I just looked straight ahead, picked up speed and finished strong. It's the most painful and rewarding feeling in the world.

In the end I opted for my comfort grey top instead of my pink one

Afterwards, we had some beer, bagels, water and headed home. All we wanted was a big lunch so we headed to Baja Fresh (yummy Mexican). It just hit the spot. 

Oh, and let me just say, that the pink and brown RazzyRoo Headband I am wearing did not ONCE move or slide off of my head. I put it on at 6.00am when we left the house, traveled to the race, then ran 13.1 miles, then back home and it never moved from it's place. AMAZING! So thanks RazzyRoo for this must have piece of running/sports gear. 

Actually, you know what else it would be great for? Giving birth. I mean labor is serious work and you sweat and your hair gets in the way.  Going to make sure this is in my hospital bag next time around.

One major change I did have to make was going off my Medifast diet in order to have energy for the race. The week leading up to Saturday, I tapered and had protein, carbs and drank plenty of fluids. I gained about 3.5 lbs, but I am back on the diet today. 

So that was my weekend...later I took a long nap then went out for a few drinks. I won't be doing another big race anytime soon, but the Mr. is starting his training for the Marine Corps Marathon in October. Good luck to him. This summer is going to be hot!

Have you ever done a major race before? Are you starting to run?

Race day! Rocking & rolling in Washington DC

I'm off to run the Rock n' Roll Half Marathon in Washington, DC (that's 13.1 miles) and the Mr. and I are very excited to run it together. We usually run at very different paces but he agreed to "slow down" and race this one with me.

Of course, I have my running gear and outfit all sorted...you don't expect me to just wear anything, do you?

Workout and running gear are also very bright for the Spring and I indulged in pink this year. First time I have ever worn so much pink in my life, but I'm enjoying it!

Here's what I'll be suffering running in and carrying along the way:

My pink & grey New Balances - love these!

Of course my number! And it's pinkish/red which is a bonus

My pink & brown band RazzyRoo Headbands kindly gave me to add a finishing touch to my running look

My running pack and a Marathon Bar (or two) which have kept us energized on our runs & will get us through the race

And lastly my bright pink Champion top from Target. Their running gear is amazing quality and affordable!

I got this top for $9 on sale.

A few other items: chapstick, Vaseline to lather my feet in and water which they will have along the way. I don't like carrying too much when I run because it just gets in the way. 

Last year at this time I was a few weeks away from running the London Marathon...let's hope today is a good race and I make my goal of running it in 2 hours 15 minutes. 

See you at the finish!