Nick and I just registered to run a 5K (3.1 miles) in April 2012 to support the paws4people foundation. It seems fitting, considering how much we love dogs, especially our dogs. But we’ve also been wanting to get into better shape and we thought this might actually motivate us to get up and get to it. Iparticipated in a 10K (6.2 miles) race in April of this year  — the Cooper River Bridge Run in Charleston, SC. I ran with my friends,  Maria and Karissa, who are excellent runners and no strangers to the game. For me, however, it was my first race ever and I was so sore afterward that  I didn’t think I would ever do it again. But here we are, all registered and ready to start training. We’re going to follow what seems like a simple plan we found online called The Couch-to-5K Running Plan. Wish us luck because I think we’re going to need it if for nothing more than keeping motivated.

Perhaps this will turn into a new hobby. Then again, I’m not a huge fan of running so maybe not. But either way, it’ll be fun 🙂

I’m not as fashion forward as I’d like to be. I’m lucky that my husband has a great sense of style because without him I’d proabably be pretty clueless. So today I’m thankful that sometimes I can actually put together a cute outfit! Now, I could sit here and lie and tell you that I thought of this one I’m about to show you all on my own, but I’ve already admitted that ‘fashionista’ isn’t an adjective I use to describe myself (although I think I’ve pretty much fooled my coworkers into believing I am) but you probably wouldn’t believe me. The truth is that I had a little help by way of a photo I found on Pinterest that served as inspiration. BUT, I put together what I think is a pretty cute outfit.

I know, I’m a button (as in “cute as a button”). Unfortunately, this was not a good hair day. So about the outfit: The undershirt is a white, sheer, sleeveless feminine top from Target. It has the really nice ‘dots’ pattern on it and the ruffle-y tuxedo-ish look going on in the front. It also has gold and pearly buttons. The purple cardigan is from Banana Republic, as is the gold, shimmery belt. Dark denim from Old Navy, brown patent pumps from Target and throw in a long pearl necklace and you’ve got a stylish, cute little outfit. Can you tell which photo I was inspired by from the linked photo above?

Anyways, this is probably my new fave outfit until I come up with something even cuter. Until then, enjoy!

Today I’m thankful that we were able to get a real frazier fir Christmas tree this year. I haven’t had a real tree since I lived at home, which was almost 10 years ago. I’m also equally grateful that we purchased our tree from TROSA, a substance abuse recovery program. I’m happy to contributes funds to their programs because I think they help give a lot of people second chances, and there’s really nothing better than that.

So we got the tree home and decorated it, and it looks awesome. We were able to retire the artificial tree I’ve been using for the past three or four years. It’s pretty small and scraggly so we lovingly nicknamed it the Charlie Brown tree. Our real tree smells fresh and wintery and it’s much bigger so we had to buy a few extra ornaments. But it looks beautiful and fits perfectly and I’m excited to have it up for the next month. Definitely makes the holidays feel warm and cozy in our new house. For that, I’m thankful.

Today is Thanksgiving, which is my second favorite holiday ever  (my first favorite is Halloween). I love the emphasis on family and good, two things I love dearly! So I have a lot to be thankful for today. I’m thankful that we were able to successfully host our first Thanksgiving meal and that we get to spend this day with my parents, with Nick’s mom, Laura, who is equally as awesome as my parents, and with our little doggies. It was a really great day.

Our First Thanksgiving Spread