What is it?  They are a series of running music mixes based on beats per minute (bpm).  You can equate a beat with every foot strike.  The faster the bpm, the faster your running pace.  Every single one is different. I like them because they set my pace and keep me focused.  I always run solo, so this is a huge help to get in a great workout on my own.  Even better……they are free.  Yes, you heard me.  They are in iTunes as podcasts (FREE!) and there is also an app for the iPhone (FREE!)

If you are training for a long road run or marathon, you might also want to check out Podrunnner: Intervals.  Don’t know anyone who likes intervals, but they are a necessary evil if you are trying to build speed and endurance.  (One of the reasons I hung up my racing flats and settled into long, easy runs!)

So, lace em’ up, hit the pavement and groove with this great running partner.  Or call me up.  I would love to go for a run.

While chatting with a friend the other day, she spoke of the greatest thing I had heard of in a long time.  Her knowledge has become a new obsession.  MYHABIT

As described on their website:
MYHABIT is a private fashion sale site offering up to 60% off hand-picked selections from designer and boutique brands. Most of our events start daily at 9 AM PT/ 12 PM ET and last 72 hours. Most of our events start daily at 9 AM PT/ 12 PM ET and last 72 hours.

These are a few of the “events” that are going on right now:

The fresh faced, totally charismatic Duchess of Cambridge, is a huge, HUGE fan of old school hosiery.  She has been photographed wearing stockings at almost every public engagement. They were on full display on her recent trip to North America.   I have read that it is royal protocol-that along with closed toe shoes.  However, I have also read that it is totally her choice and that the many young European women LOVE them. 

Pantyhose?  Really?  I know everything 80’s is hot, so hot……but this-I just can’t wrap my head around it!  The last time I can actually remember wearing a pair of these torture devices was at my wedding-10 years ago.  (Now that I think of it- I have not a clue why!)  Never, and I repeat NEVER, have I worn a pair of pantyhose without the crotch hovering around my knees in no time flat.  I am a midget, so there has never been a pair that actually fit me correctly.  And then there is the whole business of picking the right color.  If you are going for skin tone, that is nearly impossible.  It never looks the same once you put them on and if you try to slide it on your forearm to test the color -you are guaranteed to snag it!  They cost a fortune and always, ALWAYS run.  (Pink nail polish, anyone?)

Snags, runs, and low riding crotches.  Who needs it?  Please tell me I am not the only one who (passionately) feels that this piece of the 1980’s needs to stay there!

Evan Rachel Wood.  Rhianna. Emma Watson. Ginnifer Goodwin.  Halle Berry.  All with very different ethnic backgrounds, skin tones, hair color, and bone structure.  But all smokin’ hot with short hair! I am envious of how their great cuts can look classy, punk, or demure- with the help from “just the right” product. In the midst of growing my hair longer, I often daydream of chopping it all off.  And then I remember…….

Yes, that is me-circa 1992.  Without telling anyone or thinking about it for more than 3 minutes, I cut off all of my hair!  Hair that grown to the middle of my back.  I went, spur of the moment, and transformed myself with this pixie cut.  What was I thinking?  Little did I know, short hair is not easier. (Don’t let anyone tell you differently!)  It always has to be styled or you look like a boy.  No pony tails, no fun up-dos.  And don’t even get me started on the process of growing this decision out!  Excruciating.  I will not be posting any pictures from that time period.  It goes without saying, I will never, EVER go short again.

Although, those girls do look great……..

Sadly, I am giving up caffeine. With that, my beloved cup of morning coffee goes with it!  If you are one who looks forward to your first cup of the day, you will understand my trepidation.

I dread the first week’s excruciating headache (yes, I have done this before).  It is never quite the same when you meet someone for coffee and sip on an herbal tea.  But mostly, I will truly miss my mug of sanity to sip on as my crazy family comes to life in the morning.  Some days it is my life line as the bustle- preparing breakfast, packing lunches, clearing dishes, signing homework journals, finding glasses and readying two non-compliant boys for the day ahead -hits me like a Peterbilt!  How will I ever do it?

The positive effects better drastically outweigh the significant downside.  All this hype about cutting out caffeine…..better pan out!  Do you know what I am talking about?