Marathon Training Update

12 miles. That is what I will run on Friday or Saturday.  So far only boredom has really been crashing my long runs. I truly need to find some new places to run.  I have found that a change of scenery does oneself a lot of good!

Last time I posted about un-diagnosible pain in my right shin and aching calves on both. I started using my old insoles again. I had kicked to the curb due to a persistent blister on the ball of my foot near my big toe, and much to my knees, shins, and calves delight I am running pain free again...but alas the blister is back.

I always wondered why runners tended to lose toenails. I still don't quite fully understand but having lost two now I guess I can join the club!

Onward and upwards as far as training goes and I am hoping to continue increase my long run each week by 1/2 mile. I should be ready, barring any illness or injury for that November date!

I have enjoyed my winter/spring runs not having to carry hydration, but with summer and my pervasive sweating I am having to reacquaint myself with the handheld and waist packs *sigh*.


Hoping all other runners in training or those just starting out are continuing despite the heat!  I remember running in what seemed like oven temps last summer and I hope my body can get out of cold mode and kick into hot weather mode soon!

Best of luck and always put your fast foot forward!

Mahi Tacos

FISH:

• 3/4-1lb Mahi Mahi
• salt & pepper to taste
• 1 tsp cilantro
• garlic powder
• splash of lime juice
• SEASONINGS DEPEND ON AMOUNT OF FISH YOU ARE COOKING SO ADJUST AS NEEDED...REMEMBER YOU CAN ALWAYS ADD MORE LATER SO START WITH A LITTLE

COLESLAW:

• 2 cups coleslaw cabbage (I used 1 cup cabbage/carrot mix & 1 cup purple cabbage)
• 1/2 cup fat free sour cream or fat free Greek Yogurt
• 1/2 cup Xylitol brown sugar
• about 1/4 cup lime juice (enough to make sour cream/sugar liquid consistency to coat cabbage well)
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tbsp + 1 tsp cilantro

SIDES/ ACCOMPANIMENTS:  

• taco shells
• tomatoes

We served with sauteed veggie mix & homemade mac & cheese

DIRECTIONS:

1. Mix all ingredients of coleslaw dressing together and pour over cabbage mix.  
2. Stir well and let rest in fridge.
3. Season fish with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cilantro.
4. Cook fish over low heat. I like to simmer it, covered, in a bit of water until it is done and then slightly brown/saute it, uncovered.
5. When fish is cooked and slightly browned, shred it in the pan with a spatula and add lime juice as you are turning off heat
6. Heat up tortilla shells or taco shells and serve with sides of your choice

 

 

 

 

REVIEW & giveaway link: StyleUnited: New View, New You Giveaway

I have been given the opportunity through SheSpeaks to discover a great style tool in StyleUnited.
   






Doing my best to stay a little on the 'green' side in every way possible has led me to look for ways to be somewhat fashionable/trendy without spending a fortune or buying into short lived fads to have clothing that I have to try and garage sell, donate, or give to friends. And let me just say...I will never have a faux hawk so I was relieved to see they have tips for 'boring' hair like mine.

I like to save money buy purchasing beauty and fashion products that will stand the test of time against fads yet still display my personality. StyleUnited is a fantastic website that helps you build a fashion profile and gives you ideas for sparking or revamping your look and wardrobe. Not overly fashionable, like me?  StyleUnited understands...they cover all types of styles from the girly, trendy, classic, funky, glamorous, and even to the more laid back plain Jane like myself.  The site is helping me learn ways to add in key elements to dress up my plain Jane while keeping true to my own style so I won't be buying pieces I will later regret.  I have to admit 90% of the time I leave the house sans makeup however I am an avid believer in skin care and I am learning new techniques to keep myself feeling and looking young without having to use that thing-a-ma-bob or do-hickey or try to apply eye shadow in that smokey effect...FORGET THAT...I just don't know how.  They also provide tips/tricks for your hair.  If they can help me tame my mane I will forever be sold HA H HA! I can't wait to try some of the personalized tips suggest for me.


Joining up on StyleUnited is free and fun...with a hint...ok HUGE addictive quality.  Try it out for yourself and while you are playing around with your style check out  the SheSpeaks & StyleUnited Giveaway.  Why?  You can win a $500 gift card to Macy's or Nordstroms.  (A personal note: both department stores offer amazing green beauty products)

DISCLAIMER: This review of StyleUnited is honest and my own. It was not affected by any compensation or personal benefit. I am a member of SheSpeaks and a registered user of StyleUnited. I am not affiliated with the giveaway sponsored solely by SheSpeaks and StyleUnited and will have to enter like everyone else :o)

Coconut Oil Giveaway

Win 1 quart of  Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil!

Tropical Traditions is America's source for coconut oil. Their Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil is hand crafted in small batches by family producers, and it is the highest quality coconut oil they offer. You can read more about how virgin coconut oil is different from other coconut oils on their website: What is Virgin Coconut Oil? You can also watch the video they produced about Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil:

Tropical Traditions also carries other varieties of affordable high quality coconut oil. Visit their website to check on current sales, to learn about the many uses of coconut oil, and to read about all the  advantages of buying coconut oil online. Since the FDA does not want us to discuss the health benefits of coconut oil on a page where it is being sold or given away, here is the best website to read about the health benefits of coconut oil.

To win a quart of Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil you must 1) Be a Healthy Lantern GFC subscriber and subscribe to Tropical Traditions Newsletter (see rafflecopter below). The winner will be notified via email and will have 24 hours to respond.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

Traditions Coconut Oil

Tropical Traditions sent me a 32oz jar of coconut oil to sample and review. We have previously tried coconut oil, but were not frequent users until recently.

My husband was told of the beneficial properties of coconut oil for his dietary detox.  After using it for his detox, we became, well IN LOVE with coconut oil.

Here are some of the benefits:

• Boosts metabolism.
• Helps the body fight off excessive intestinal candida (yeast)
• Maintaining healthy cholesterol 
• Beneficial for hair and skin use.
• New research is showing reduction in the effects of Alzheimer's Disease as well as Type I and Type II Diabetes. 

A blog on Dr Oz has this to say 

Another site says..."These benefits of coconut oil can be attributed to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, and its properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, soothing, etc. "(source)

Uses:

• Baking
• Frying
• Salad Dressings
• Dips
• Homemade Mayo & Ketchup
• Pie Crusts
• Soups
• Fudge, cookies, cakes, puddings, muffins, brownies
• Gluten free/Dairy free recipes
• Energy Drinks
• and the uses go on and on and on

Personally we have used it for cooking (not so much frying since we avoid fried foods for the most part).  My husband would mix equal parts almond butter and coconut oil and use it as a spread for rice cakes or sprouted english muffins for a healthy, energy packed breakfast or snack.  He would also mix it in his yogurt and even got to where he would eat a teaspoon full three times a day.  Although we cannot contribute the entirety of his feeling better to coconut oil, we know that it was a healthy addition to his detox and he felt amazing.

Tropical Traditions has amazing prices (better than our local grocers/whole foods) and their shipping was fast and the package was well done to ensure the jars arrived safely and all packaging was cardboard so we could easily reuse or recycle.

Happy consumer!  I say go for it and try out coconut oil for yourself!!!

Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

Dryel Review

SheSpeaks and Dryel gave me the opportunity to review and test the Dryel at home wash kit that cleans delicate and dry clean only garments.

Dryel is pretty simple to use. The starter kit comes with all you need.  You take the items needing laundered, spray them with the dryel spray, open a dryel clean cloth and place the cloth and sprayed laundry into the provided garment wash bag. Toss into the dryer for 30 minutes and voila clean clothes.

We avoid dry clean only clothing since we are not that great about taking things in and picking up.  My husband was unwilling to let me try this out on his suits, but I have to say I don't blame him!! So, I tried the product on my daughter's blankets. The one's she holds so dear to her heart that they are in need of delicate care.  Normally I toss them in a delicate washing bag and wash them with similar items and dry them in the bag as well.  I feel the dryel cleaned them, although they were not too soiled so it was hard to say how clean it will get truly dirty/stained items.  I will say I found the blankets to be very soft and fluffy which is pretty amazing for cheap fleece blankets that have been WELL loved on for 4+ years. I just can't say I was in love with this product mainly because I didn't like the scent of the dryel.  It was a clean smell, just not a fragrance I like or really would want to wear and my daughter wasn't too partial to it either.  I ended up tossing the blankets into my delicate laundry bag with a wet washcloth and several dryer sheets to remove the smell. I would thing letting things air outside would have worked to remove the scent, but it was bedtime and I needed to get "yellow blankie" ready for bed and I try to only use febreeze or other chemical smells in times of rush and didn't really want my daughter snuggling up to freshly sprayed febreeze.

The kit I received to test and the items I was washing

The sample size spray that comes in the starter kit

Just toss sprayed items into the bag along with the dryel wash cloth (pictured unopened on top of bag) and dry

Blankets post dryel... They seemed clean and fresh, just not a fan of dryel's scent

Thank you SheSpeaks and Dryel for the opportunity to review this product.  All reviews are my honest opinion and not affected by any commissions or items received.