Lately I've been all about finding ways to sweat at home, whether it's trying a workout I found on YouTube or practicing yoga on my own when I can't make it to class. Life has been crazy lately, which means running has taken a backseat. My most recent long run was almost 12 miles a couple of weeks ago, and it will likely be my last major distance for a while. My plan is to instead focus strength ... Read more
August Goals
Yet again I am shocked by how quickly time passes. Will that ever stop happening?In June I set an intention to invest in myself and my blog, and in July I continued doing that. As you might have noticed, I had several collaborations that came about because I set that goal. I also invested any earnings from Floradise blog back into tools that will help me continue to improve it. I enrolled in ... Read more
Kayaking on the Chicago River
** Wateriders of Chicago provided a complimentary kayaking tour. All opinions are my own. One of my Chicago summer bucket list items this year was to kayak on the Chicago River. I have wanted to do this the past two summers, but we have not been able to do so yet. Chicago summers are a dizzying blur of events and happenings, so it's easy for time to escape without being able to cross off ... Read more
Half-Marathon Training, Week 2
So far, so good. Week 2 of half-marathon training for the Chicago Half Marathon was successful in that I trained four days out of the week and increased my running mileage by 10 percent. That percentage is my goal for increasing mileage each week of the 12-week training process. Week 3 will be tricky because my oldest nephew, who just graduated from high school, will be visiting us in ... Read more
Life Update & Favorites
** This post contains affiliate links. I make a small commission on purchases made through these links. Today I'm sharing a compilation of thoughts that wouldn't really compose an entire post on their own. We've had a ton going on lately, and sometimes I struggle to keep up. Planning has helped immensely, as has simply writing things down in a journal or blog to let these thoughts out. I'm ... Read more
Becoming a Mermaid With AquaMermaid Chicago
** Thank you AquaMermaid Chicago for hosting me for a mermaid class. All thoughts are always my own. Photo taken with a GoPro, so quality of image differs from my other posts. Note: Airbnb did a feature on the class I attended. Read it here. I've always been a mermaid at heart. Haven't we all dreamed of being a mermaid? AquaMermaid helped me make that ... Read more
Half-Marathon Training, Week 1
** This post on half-marathon training contains affiliate links to some of my favorite products of the week. I am compensated for purchases made through these links. I finally started my training for the Chicago Fall Half Marathon last week! I was scheduled to begin the previous week, but I had a work trip to Phoenix that prevented me from joining my group and coaches as planned. I am so excited ... Read more
July Goals
If you read yesterday's post, you know how I am always go, go, go nowadays. I'm not complaining -- I'd rather be pulled in many directions and be able to stay home with V than have to leave her at day care in order to work. I love spending my days with her and I know they will eventually come to an end when she begins school. I'm savoring this time with her now. With that said, some days I feel ... Read more
Yogi Surprise June Box Review
** This subscription box was sent to me for free. This post contains affiliate links. I make a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. I was so excited to receive the June Yogi Surprise lifestyle box last week. Today I'm sharing the details on what was inside, as well as my thoughts on the subscription box. Yogi Surprise offers both lifestyle and jewelry ... Read more
How to Start Running
**This post contains affiliate links. I make a small commission on purchases made through these links. My lack of fitness motivation earlier this year got me thinking about why I started running in the first place. Before 2011 I was not interested in working out or running -- at all. I couldn't finish a mile if my life depended on it. I was not in a good place in my life at all, ... Read more