What's Up Wednesday!

Hey you guys..... SPRING IS HERE!!!!!!!!!!! Which means a few things: My mood is 10000 x's better, I have too many things to do, I'm riding again, and trying to get into a running routine. Phew. I'm also having to shell out ALL of my money to fix everything winter ruined. But that's ok, because SPRING IS HERE!!!!
Here's What's Up this Wednesday:

-Pony Slackers
This time of year is a real challenge riding-wise. The horses, though terribly unfit, are also a little crazy in the head from all the time off. Not to mention how not strong my stems are... not a good combo! The weather doesn't REALLY want to cooperate between frequent rain storms and this wind we keep having. (Watch out Chicago, Chester is challenging your Windy City title!). Since that's not enough, Jampy decided to add a few more challenges to the list in hopes of an extended vacation. First he developed a cough. The vet and I believe it to be allergies, so I moved him to a clean stall (free of any allergens that might have found their way to his), started wetting down his hay (we're at the end of the last load, so it's a bit dusty from sitting around), and gave him a couple vacation days. Rode him one day, and he pulled a shoe off. Thankfully, they were all ready for new shoes anyway, so the timing wasn't so bad. They all got new shoes the next day. He seems to FINALLY be on the right path to getting back to work.
Ducky has actually been a very good boy! I'm looking forward to starting him over some small jumps soon. And Rio of course is perfect in every way. Boy do I miss riding him though. Here are some fun pony pics from the past week:

Sometimes I'm too lazy to walk my horse into the barn, so I ride him in... thank goodness for high ceilings!

-Lazy Running
Emotionally I'm super committed to getting back into a running routine. But physically, it's tough! The old lady body is having a tough time adjusting to my riding after work. I finish up around 9 and then first have dinner. So I'm getting to bed late, and that 6 AM alarm just doesn't whine enough at me I guess. Working on it. Vanessa and I have committed to running Thursday mornings together. That will be a huge help. Knowing your friend is dragging her self out of bed to join you is super motivating. All that aside, I DID get out for a run on Sunday! Just a 3 miler, which turned into a 3 mile run and .7 mile walk because I can't do math when running... I thought I had to go further on the second out and back than I really needed to. It was so gorgeous out though, I enjoyed the extra walk time!
The run itself went great! I didn't allow myself to look at my speed which obviously was slow. I just went out and enjoyed the run. I did take a couple walk breaks, one after each mile, but only for about 30 seconds. I felt great, though a bit sluggish toward the end. Running outdoors is SO MUCH BETTER than the treadmill. Of course I was so sore this week, I haven't gone back out yet. Tomorrow with Vanessa though, no excuses! And I'm actually looking forward to it!

Scenes from my run this weekend:

There's still snow!

-Pugs!
Artie has been dying to do something fun and when he saw me getting to run, for some reason he was SURE he was coming. He wasn't. But I promised him when I got back we would go for a walk. I took him and P up the road a bit and back. We did 3/4 of a mile. They were both looking a bit parched by the end, and pretty much passed out the rest of the day. My whole family is really out of shape.

-Other stuff
This weekend was full of errands... I had two appointments to take care of early on Saturday so I asked my barn helper if he wanted to work. Thankfully he did! That way the boys could get their time outdoors and the chores could get done while I did my errands. P had a 9 am vet appointment, and I had to bring my car Betty in for an oil change at 11. P's appointment was quick and I headed up to the car dealership. I was actually EARLY (shocking, I know) so I stopped at Target first. A horse lamp caught my eye so I stopped to look at it and found this:

Cutest bedding set ever. I had to have it for my guest room. Plus it was on clearance so the entire set was about $50. Not bad! A little bad since I really didn't need it... But you don't leave a pony bedding set on clearance behind. You just don't do it. I did not get the lamp at least! Of course I found all kinds of other things I didn't need too. What is it about Target? You never get out of there with spending a bunch of money. Thankfully I kept it under $100 this time.
Betty wound up having to stay at the dealership for some repairs and a mouse nest removal from the engine area. $2000 later.... That hurt. I got to drive this for a few days though:

It's a nice little SUV, but unfortunately it's last owner was a smoker. Gross.

So that's what's been up here since last Wednesday. What have you all been up to?

Truthful Tuesday

I'm full of great ideas. Seriously, I come up with some fantastic things (occasionally)! However, deciding  to start riding AND running again at the same time was probably not one of my better plans. My legs are killing me! No pain no gain though, right? RIGHT?! Please someone tell me I'm right....
I know after a week or so my body will be like, oh sorry about that. I was just kidding. But in the meantime, if you see me hobbling by, pay no mind. Also, it's days like this that I really miss our old office. The one where I worked on the first floor and didn't have to climb any stairs.

Stridebox!

I recently saw a post on Facebook asking about Stridebox, and since my April box just recently arrived, I figured I'd give it a share on here! Without further ado... I give you April Stridebox:

First Look:

 Stridebox puts the "Stride Guide" right on top! This month they used customer photos for the front side, those are my sneakers up there at the top in the middle!

Second Look:

They always seal the paper with festive stickers. I love this Spring has SpRUNg pun.

Edibles:

 Movit Gummies in Citrus and Berry. I haven't tried these just yet, but I'm a big fan of gummies. They will definitely go to good use while I'm training for my upcoming half! (Outrun 38 Half Marathon, if you're local, you should definitely consider attending!)

Zing Nutrition Bar

 Stridebox does a fantastic job of introducing me to new brands of natural fuel. This one is a a double nut brownie flavor and I can't wait to give it a go. Pretty much anything chocolate is a-ok with me!

Vega Sport Gel in orange zest

I usually prefer the non fruit flavors when it comes to gels (chocolate mint, coffee, peanut butter) but I'm willing to try new things!

Hydration:
Ultima Replenisher in Orange

A runner can never have too many electrolyte mixes on hand! I'm always looking for one to love, as generally, sports drinks don't REALLY do it for me... I just don't really like the taste of them. But when I'm depleted after a long run, they make me feel so much better. Even if I don't love the taste. So maybe this one will be delicious!

Stuff:
Squeaky Cheeks Powder

 Those of us who don't have thigh-gap appreciate these sorts of things... Anti chafe powder is a useful item! I love the brand name on this too...

Arctic Ease Instant Cold Wrap

 I've actually used this before. Several years ago I took a digger during the 5K that takes place the day before the Boston Marathon. While at the expo afterward, I stumbled (kind of literally) upon this company's booth and they wrapped my swollen knee up for me. I'm excited to have a new one of these for the next time I trip over my own feet!

Spenco Gel Heel Cushions

 I was actually excited to see these in here, but not for running oddly enough. I literally just ordered a pair of heel lifts for my new riding boots. They are a little tall, so the heel lifts will help them fit better until they break-in. I think once the boots are more broken in, these will be great to use. I'm not sure if I'd like them for running, I've never had heel discomfort. But I may try them and see. Why not?

Sticker:

Stridebox always includes a cute sticker in the box too. I like the message on this one! Support your local races!

Another great box! I like that Stridebox offers different types of fuels to try. Since I've mostly been running short, I haven't used a lot of gels but I like a good bar before heading out the door. Even for a short run. I also like that when I get back to running long, thanks to Stridebox, I don't have to plan a trip to the running store just to get gels. I have some ready to go! If you're interested in trying Stridebox, click here to learn more!

Nicole's Creations

My delivery from Nicole's Creations came Wednesday night and as usual she made me the perfect bracelet! Nicole's Creations offers a monthly subscription service that delivers handmade jewelry to your door each month. There are two options, $10 a month or $20. I went with the less expensive option, and I have to tell you, I'm MORE than getting my money's worth! Nicole goes out of her way to read this little blog to get an idea of my style. And she completely delivers each month with a piece (or pieces) that I've completely loved!
Alright enough blabbing, here's what I received this month:

A metallic green and gold wrap bracelet! Even the leather has a metallic sheen to it! So pretty and so perfectly "me". I also really love the button used for the clasp. Nicole includes a personalized note with your item(s) each month, and I think that extra touch is really nice. One of the many reasons I enjoy supporting small businesses and artisans.
Thank you Nicole for sending me such perfect items each month!
If you'd like to subscribe to Nicole's Creations, or even just make a one time purchase from her shop click here to check out her work!

Blueberry Cove March Box

Blueberry Cove Beads is a subscription box for jewelry makers. I was SO EXCITED when I discovered such a thing existed. I was even more excited when they offered me my first box free in exchange for an honest review. When that box arrived, I loved it so much I had to buy a subscription. They do an incredible job of curating each month. So far, the themes have been adorable. I can't believe what a great job they do picking items to go along with each month's theme.

I received my March Blueberry Cove Bead Box awhile ago already, but I didn't have the time to make anything with it so I was waiting to post. Well, I still haven't really found the time, but I did put together my challenge piece at least. This months theme was Caribbean. So without further ado, let's go see the box!

Blue and green plastic beads

 These remind me so much of the little bubbles you see come from fish in cartoons. You know what I'm thinking of? So cute. I love the colors too. Very much goes with the Caribbean theme!

Wooden spacer beads:

 Wooden beads always make me think of the islands. You know all that native made jewelry they sell in shops down there? Totally spot on!

Shell spacer beads:

 You can't think of beaches and islands without thinking of shell! These are super thin, and I think would be best used as a clasp so you can see the beauty of them.

Polymer Flowers:

 These are so fun and islandy! I think I want to make them into rings... How cute would that be?!

Fishies!

 I'm not sure what these are made of, but I think they're SO CUTE! They remind me a little of summers as a kid, so I guess that makes them a little 80's-tastic? But I love them. I'm almost thinking headband for them? We shall see.

Dolphins!

 I think these guys are wooden. They're adorable! I think I want to use them for clasps on a wrap bracelet.

Brass sea shell charms

 These definitely need to go on a charm bracelet with the fishies below.

More fish!

 The challenge this month was to make a piece incorporating these guys. I thought it would be easy! I had so many ideas! And so little time... Sigh. But there are plenty of them so when I do have time, I should be able to create away with them!

Mermaid Charms

 These are great! They totally remind me of the bow of a pirate ship... Is that weird? I think they're awesome, but I haven't decided yet what to do with them.

Sea Horse Charms

 Obviously I love these! It's the aquatic version of one of my favorite animals! So cute. I kind of wish they were gold to match the sea shells, but at the same time, I do enjoy mixing metals anyway. I had actually hoped I could use them as part of the clasp with the item below, but the little tail hole wasn't big enough. I might add a jump ring and do it that way though.

Fish Clasp

 I think these are AWESOME! So much more fun that your run-of-the-mill lobster clasp. (Which sadly are rarely shaped like actual lobsters... just their claw.)

Stringing material!

I had put in their suggestion area that some stringing materials would be a great addition. Sometimes you just want to rip open your box and get to work without having to collect other items to make your project! Well Blueberry Cove must have read my request as here it is! This photo does no justice, but it's a gorgeous aqua color hemp. I used it in my challenge piece!

Speaking of... Here is my challenge piece this month:

 Admittedly, it's a little weak. Especially compared to some of the others I saw on the Blueberry Cove Facebook page. But I think it's cute and definitely wearable. I braided double strands of the hemp together and glued the fishies on. I used one of the bubble beads for a clasp. I love it, and am happy I was able to mostly use only what came in the box (plus some scissors and glue) to put it together.

What do you think of the Blueberry Cove box? If you're interested in subscribing, click here to check it out!