Trunks and Treats and all that Jazz

Last night we took part in our first ever Trunk or Treat. 

If you have know idea what that is like me before last week it's like trick or treating but car to car instead of house to house. 

A lot of people decorate their trunks and have music the whole shebang, so I decided to give it a go and looked at Pintrest. 

I found this and thought duhhh we have too  

 I crafted for hours and this is what I got 

Nailed it!! 

Well at least I think so. 

Then I also created some thrown together outfits for tonight 

Hopefully it all works out! 

Have you ever done a Trunk or Treat? Are your kids dressing up? 

Show me your cuties on Facebook!! 

Combining Two of My Favorite Things

I have followed Carly from Stairway to Healthy on Facebook for awhile (do you follow someone on Facebook? I am NOT hip with the times). She just had a gorgeous baby and I am super impressed by her drive to get right back into the healthy and active game.
It helps that she had a personal chef move in for a little while (he was family).
She is always posting great  ideas for eating healthy and stayin on the hydration train.

She holds these amazing book clubs (you had me at book) where she combines reading a wellness related book with a support group and a push to get active.
I was bummed when I missed her last one but then she had a call out to runner (and non-runners).
I STILL have a hard time calling myself a runner.
Yes I have run two half marathons but they were more of a yog. Or like a high knee walk.
I would def do another one, but not for like 6 years. (Just kidding I will probably do another one next summer).
Anyway the though of combining my love/hate for running AND my love of books has me so so excited.
I have been checking the mailbox every day for the book, and I don't think she has even sent them yet.
This month we will be reading Running Like a Girl by Alexandra Heminsley. She was a non runner who decided to run a marathon.

This is not me, I am NOT at the beach, nor do my nails look that nice.

Girl be cray. I can already tell that I am going to cry, and laugh and get sore right along side her.
Running is so emotional for me so I'm also excited to be part of a support group of people who get it.

I have a big tendancy to fall into old habits of sitting on the couch, watching too much tv and eating way too much crap food after I finish a big race. So this is coming at a perfect time for me. I love that we will have daily check ins and discussions about the book..
We haven't started yet so I'm not postive how the whole thing will work, but I already planned on starting back at the beginning.
I'm starting back on Day 1 of Couch 2 5k. I would love to increase my overall average but I just want to stay in the game during winter.

There may be more spots available for this book club but if not be sure you don't miss the next one.
Go follow (?) her on Facebook now, and while you're at it check out her Instagram (@carlymhussey) and drool over that cute baby. 

Where I Found My Muse

Last week I got to do something I have wanted to do for a long time.

I got to go to a paint bar.

I have heard lots of great thing about Muse Paintbar in Manchester and the about of paintings they offer are amazing. 

I looked on their website trying to think of a reason (or excuse) to go. 

Then I saw that they offer fundraising nights. They donate 40% of the ticket sales of the party to your charity. Since I am raising money for my half this weekend (eeeeeekkk!) I thought it was a perfect reason. 

I emailed Sara and she got back to me right away. We emailed back and forth a few times, nailed down a date and everything was set! 

I got some friends to sign up and we picked a painting. 

There wee so many that I loved it was so hard to choose 

As a private party we got to pick our own painting but they have painting parties every night. 

I love the calendar on their website that shows the painting for the month. 

Anyway when we got there I was seriously blown away by the bar. 

I loved every inch of the space. It was so cute and funky but still opening and comfy. 

Everything was set up when we got there.

All the paint we needed and a canvas. Our instructor was probably the coolest person in New Hampshire and her taste in music matched her eyeshadow. 

She walked us through the painting step by step and was super cool about slowing down, repeating herself (a million times) and giving us tips. 

My favorite part was how there were social times, like when we were waiting for parts to dry. 

We got to chat with everyone, walk around, look at everyone's paintings. 

There were times I doubted the process but when it was finished I was in love. 

I had an amazing time and before I left I was already thinking of reasons to go back. 

Now guess what. 

I'm giving you a reason to go! 

You can win your very own chance to go create a masterpiece. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

That Race I Never Trained For

Yesterday I ran a half marathon with out really training.

Before I say anything else let me say I DO NOT recommend doing this. 

I wanted to back out. Like really really back out. 

Fake a fall, get  diariahh, anything. 

Then I remembered why I was running this race in the first place. 

Why I worked so hard for all that fundraising. 

For all those kids that can't run. Who are stuck in hospital beds day after day. 

This thought got me through the entire race. 

That and saying "just one more step" to myself again and again and again. 

This race was not easy. Everyone told me the course was hard before I even started. A woman at around mile 2 told me " this course turns to hell at mile 9"

Oh great, thank you for that encouragement. 

I hate you. 

Just kidding I don't, but seriously move out of my way with your negativity.

At one point in the race at around 9.5 miles we pass back through the start gate. 

My family was there cheering me on and it got me through the last part of the race. 

I finished in a whopping 3:04:17 a whole 10 min slower than my last race, but the fact is I finished. 

Once again I didn't walk I ran the whole thing. That's all that matters to me! 

Not only that but I got to cross the finish line with my greatest achievements. My two babies. 

I also got to run with my neice in her first ever 5k! 

On top of everything I raised $1,200 for all those heros at Children's Hospital at Dartmouth.    

I would say it was an overall amazing day. 

Make sure you come back tomorrow for a huge giveaway and how I raised some of that money! 

Some of the Greats

My day is about to be super long so my blog post is about to be super short...

I'm linking up with Tia at Hands On Pants Off again to spread some love. 

When I started blogging there were a few bloggers that I could not get enough of. 

They were funny, nice, honest, and caring.

They were all moms on their weight loss journey too so I feel in love. 

Then they all stopped blogging....

Womp womp

Here is my tribute to those whose time has passed.

Amber from Crafty Healthy Mommy

She's still crafty and still healthy but she just now only on Instagram

Alicia from Brew Mama

Again still likes her brew. Still insanely busy. Like seriously crazy busy, and still on Instagram!

Val from Fab Chick Gets Fit

She's still doing her thang and she still posts every once in awhile but her Facebook is still bomb 

Jenn from Fatchick2fitchick

One of my all time favorites and one of the reasons I started. She's doin her own thing and running fitness and healthy eating groups through Facebook 

And Ms. Holly from Where We Can Live Like Jack and Sally

I still think we were seperated at birth but she may disagree. She stopped blogging so she could have more time to clean her  house which is OR room clean already. 

Ugh I miss these ladies but maybe some day they will be back.... Until then I will wait patiently. In two weeks I will show you all my new favorite blogs! 

That Time I was Totally Unprepared

If you've been reading this blog for awhile then you already know that I struggle with sticking to a good workout routine AND eating well at the same time.

At any given point I am usually excelling at one or the other. 

If not I'm bombing at both. 

Apparently that one or the other mentality also fits for training for a race and fundraising. 

I have raised way more money then I thought I would. I set my goal really really high and I've done really well so far. 

Then there is the actual running.

Yeah....about that. 

I have been slipping in my long runs and mostly just skipping runs all together. 

At first I wanted to just switch to the 5k but I told myself I signed up to do the half, I set a goal for myself and I'm going to do it. 

I'm not trying to set any PR's or anything special I just want to finish. 

That's all.

Well finish and not die. 

That too. 

I'm actually going to have a lot of family at this race so I'm hoping that along with race day adrenaline will get me through. 

I've looked at the course and honestly have no idea what to expect. I don't know the area so all the course looks like to me is a line down some roads. 

I wish it was colored like red- this parts cool, green- this part sucks, blue- catch your breath here, orange- might as well finish now. 

That would be more helpful. 

One of the things I am excited about is that the first 3.1 miles I get to run with my neice while she runs her first 5k. So that's super exciting!! 

So any words of encouragement, suggestions, horror stories are greatly appreciated!! 

A weekend off

This past Friday I posted on Instagram about a digital detox. I vowed to shut off from social media for the weekend and check back in today.

Unfortunately I didn't make it the whole weekend which is really really sad.

I did stay away from it for awhile and I was on my phone way less than I normally am. 

The first thing I learned was that I get so much more done. 

I finished a book I have been reading forever. I used to read so much. I would fly through books. Now they are piling up everywhere I look. 

I missed reading. I missed gettin lost in a book and not being able to put it down. 

Not only did I finish a book I started a project I have had on my to-do list for awhile. 

I am redoing two dressers for the kids. 

As soon as they are done I will do a full post. 

The most important thing I learned is that my kids enjoy time with me more when my face isn't in my phone. Same with my husband. 

No email is so important that you need to read it RIGHT NOW. 

No number of "likes" is going to replace quality time with your kids and family. 

While I didn't make it a whole weekend, I want to try harder. I want to keep trying until I don't fail anymore. 

Who knows my phone battery might even last a whole day! 

Swag Swap Reveal!

I recently participated in another Swag Swap with some awesome ladies, Erin, Desiree, and Shelli!

I love doing swaps because I get to meet another blogger AND I get awesome stuff to try. We live in a small town and we don't have a lot of stores near us. I always see these great products and things I want to try but I can rarely find them around us. So I love being able to try them through someone!
For this swap I got paired with the lovely Lara from Cookies, Cardio and Clothes.
Three of my favorite things.
We emailed back and forth a few times and got to know each other and everything thats Basic White girl about us.
The best part is she is training for a half right now too! So she sent me a few things she uses during her training. I am kind of a freak about trying new products while I'm training so I will wait until after the race to use them.

I knew I loved her from the beginning but when she told me she hates PSL (or Pumpkin Spice Latte for all my fellow Dunkins folk) I knew we were meant to be.
There were so many things I wanted to send her but time got away from me, but I'm thinking maybe we should send each other another box around Xmas?!?! What do you think Lara??

When I opened the box from her a few things popped out to me right away.
This awesome water bottle, this chocolate bar and these other snacks.

These are seriously some of my favorite brands, and I didn't even TELL HER!
These chocolate bars are amazing and I love that they come with a love poem on the cover. I always leave them so sweetly on my husbands night stand and he thinks its trash and throws it away.... womp womp.

She also sent me some of her favorite coffee, but I use a K-cup. I have been meaning to buy and try one of the reusable kcups so now I have a perfect reason!

If you are a blogger and have thought about doing a swap I highly recommend it! I have loved every single one of them!

Stranger Things Have Happened

This morning I was handed a hundred dollar bill.

That's right 100 smackers.

My mind immediately starting thinking about all the things I could buy. 

I could fill my tank with gas drive to the grocery store and buy half a weeks worth of groceries

I could buy 41 iced coffees

I could see a movie in the theater 10 straight times, with no pee breaks 

I could buy ONE new camo jacket

I could pay off a student loan

Just kidding but I could invite a friend over and buy enough wine to forget about my student loans.

Then I could still have enough money left to buy a greasy breakfast in the morning to cure my hangover 

I could feel less anxiety about my upcoming jury duty.... 

I could ship a really heavy package to anywhere I want, or I could just ship something normal without the fear that I will have to take out a loan to pay the mailman

I could buy six goats that are posted on craigslist in our town right now. 

Actually I might really buy those. 

I could do a lot with 100 dollars. 

Too bad no body actually handed me a hundred dollar bill. 

I did recently hear about Dollar Shave Club and how you can save around $100! Between the ghetto leg rippers I use and the diamond encrusted shaver heads my husband the subscriptions are perfect for us.
Some of the razors are even as low as $3.
Holla.
They even ship them right to your door, which if you live in the woods (like me) is super helpful.

Does anyone use this service? What kind of razor do you use?

She's pretty cool

So a friend of mine Tia who blogs over at Hands on Pants Off decided to start a link up where we brag and show off another blogger.

I have lots of blog friends who need to be shown off so I loved this idea. 

I also have lots of blog friends who no longer blog and make me want to cry 

*ahem Amber and Alicia*

But that's a post for another day.

Honestly it's hard for me to think of just one blog I love so I'll probably join in this link up a few times.

Today I bring you a southern, sassy, powerful, accomplished, so fancy blogger....

Aubrey Leigh from Alguninterrupted.

I'm biased because we are both blogwives but duh that's cause we are awesome. 

The thing I love most about her blog is her continued honesty about weight loss. 

Sometimes it just plain sucks. Sometimes you want fried food and beer. Sometimes running and working out sucks and other times you have that run that makes you feel unstoppable. 

She is straightforward about it all. 

Homegirl don't sugar coat nothing! 

She's a busy mom of two with a full time job but she also finds time to celebrate her marriage and enjoy her husband. 

They love Friday selfies. 

If I had the time and energy I would scroll through my phone and show you a few.

Aubs is too cool for Facebook but she's on Instagram here and her blog is here 

She's an IIFYWWP pro ( if it fits your weight watchers points) so you can ask her anything. 

She's also pretty good at matching shoes and inspired me to grow up and buy some heels. 

I love you Aubssss now everyone go show some love!! 

Are you joining in the link up? Who are you loving on today? 

Haircut Problems

I am super tempted to go all Britney and shave my head today. My hair is too long and it's driving me insane. 

I can't do anything with it and it takes me 20 min just to brush it. 

I also can no longer afford a bottle of conditioner a week. 

So today I made the appointment. 

I love my hairdresser and totally trust her so I'm just going to show her some of the following pictures and tell her to go for it. 

Which would you choose?? 

This Post Just Won't Write Itself

***This post was written early this morning but my internet was all "nah it can wait til later***
Believe me I've tried.

Sorry I've been so MIA friends! I usually write my posts early in the morning before the kids wake up, and lately I've gotten one foot on the floor before the kid wake up. 

So the blog falls to the way side, but alas here I am!! 

I love my blog so hopefully I can get back into it. 

In an attempt to stay current and avoid too many "scheduled posts" I hereby proclaim Mondays Candra's Monday Musings. 

Which means I will just start writing without a real purpose and see what happens! 

That means it will probably be posts entirely dedicated to Capitan Hook and cupcakes.

Seriously Killian stop being so yummy.

Speaking of Tv I am super happy Once Upon A Time is back because I was having Big Brother withdrawals and I in order to follow my tv rules I needed another show. 

Tv rules you ask? 

Sure I'll explain. 

I work all day and when I'm not at work I'm a full time mom and that means I watch a lot of kids shows. 

Honestly I'm okay with it.

I cannot stand tv that makes me worry about my kids getting killed or kidnapped, the world coming to its end, or my husband sleeping with the town to lower our water bill. 

I watch tv to ESCAPE reality, not be afraid of it.

I would much rather let me kids watch educational kid shows or find something we can all watch. 

Don't get me wrong my husband loves Law and Order, but he loves me more so he watches them while I'm in the shower. 

I am not the type of person who wakes up and watches the news. 

We watch Wild Kratts.

I also don't fall asleep to the latest fall tv dramas.

I fall asleep to the melodious sounds of Guys Big Bite.

Everyone has there own thing and I don't hate you if you watch crime shows.

I do hate you if you ask me over for a marathon. 

Unless it's Once Upon a Time.

I'll bring the wine.

What kinda of shows do you watch? What do you think about crime shows?