Eight was not great.

I'm pretty certain I'm a dehydrated person in general, and yesterday it showed. It was pretty warm outside, and I didn't have too many fluids during the day to begin with. With how warm it was, I thought it was weird I wasn't sweating at all while running towards eight miles. Around mile four my hands started itching. Then the back of my legs started itching. Then I had a rash from head to toe, and it. was. painful. I wanted to cry about it, but no tears would come out. I started to get chills and shortness of breath. The four miles back were the most miserable of my life. Then as soon as I got home and started drinking water, everything cleared up! Now I'm being extra cautious with drinking three of these during the day along with one after I workout.

Tervis Tumbler - Big T - 24 oz

It's a chore for me to drink all of this, but I have to do it. Then just when I needed it most, one of my coworkers, Joan, brought me this awesome sticker for my car... And it's pink!

It makes me realize how much I want this, even through the rough patches - rash & all! Next Sunday it's nine miles, and I'm going to bang it out, fully hydrated. Thanks, Joan!

My Weekly Gratitude

Thank you to...

my body for being able to run seven miles this past Sunday.

Sarah for creating custom art for our wedding invitations.

my bestie May for planning a wedding shower for me!

my boss for letting me borrow a stamp = birthday card mailed on time.

the vending machine for not having anything I wanted in it.

that eBay member for outbidding me... I did not need it anyway!

my parents for being so young (Dad only just celebrated 47).

Cara for inviting me to the Stella & Dot Trunk Show.

the self-control that led me to not buy anything at said trunk show (yet).

Hank for being the best guy for me!

YOU for reading my blog and hopefully delighting in it!

all the precious people in my life that make this ride so worthwhile.

"Weekly Gratitude is a movement started to say out loud or in writing those things that have fulfilled us, changed us, touched us or simply made us happy that week. It's a fantastic way to the end the week, and a brilliant way of constantly reminding ourselves how blessed we are, even during the toughest of weeks. It's a movement towards self reflection, thankfulness and peace. At the end of every week, take a moment to think about and write down those things or moments you are grateful for."

Hostess with the Mostess

One aspect I love about jewelry parties, showers, book clubs and the likes, are experiencing a new host. Every host has a different entertaining style. I love it, and I really appreciate the effort and creativity that goes into hosting. Last night I attended a Stella & Dot jewelry party. They have some really great pieces by the way:

Stella & Dot parties are essentially a trunk show. I enjoyed the jewelry being accessible in different places in the room which was very conducive to a mingling environment. The 'stylist' held a drawing for a bracelet which is a fun way to get your guests excited. The host in particular had some great, and hearty, appetizers (and wine) for all. There was the 'always a hit' vegetable tray, chips with salsa and queso, quiches, two different types of cookies, rice krispie treats and a new one for me... Pepperoni Dip! This dip was really great, packs a nice punch and is one I have not had before. I of course asked for the recipe, and I left it in my back jeans pocket. Luckily, it is so easy that I can remember it regardless:

Pepperoni Dip

3/4 lb Pepperoni (from the deli)

1 16 oz Light Sour Cream

Finely grind the pepperoni in a food processor. Mix with sour cream. Allow to sit overnight for the flavors to really develop (and they sure do). Serve with Frito Scoops.

... Super Bowl party idea!

I'm so ready to make this, but I don't have a food processor. Does anyone know of anything else that can be used instead? A blender, perhaps? Many hours and a knife?

I love when a host introduces you to a new recipe. I think it's great to always expand your cooking repertoire. You don't want to be known as the, oh yeah, she's the 'pigs in a blanket' lady, that's her speciality. Switch it up a bit - it's a good motto for food and a good motto for life. Cheers to all the Hostesses with the Mostess-es that are out there, I know some of you are really doing it up!

A Happy Birthday to my Dad today!

He's always the life of the party.

I Spy Spring Dresses

Victoria's Secret has two lovely ones I'm eying.