craving color

I know this is not news, but ya'll it is freeeee. zing!  And I am so over it!  And it's only January.  The sun is shining outside but it literally hurts to be outside for more than a second.  I mean, even my teeth hurt.  I mean what is that about (<---said in my best Chandler Bing)? Every year around this time I ask myself why I haven't uprooted and left for warmer climates.  But there is just something about Pittsburgh that stole my heart.  It must be true love for me stick around year after year.  

I am currently craving the warm moments these photos recall for me.  On Sundays we go to the in-laws for dinner.  These were taken while walking around their yard and checking out the freshly bloomed flowers in their garden.  If those colors don't scream Summer and warmth, I'm not sure what else would.

Has it been freezing where you are?

What helps get you through January & February?

And just because Bieber has had such a big week...

Linking up with  Jess, Aimee, and Whitney today! 

until next time

a few happies with a side of a few photos

Thought I'd share a few things that are currently making me happy with you today. 

1 // I had a fantastic 2013 and am really looking forward to 2014. 

2 // I decided to make goals rather than resolutions for myself this year.  

3 // Signed up for the Pittsburgh Half Marathon yesterday.  Husband set me up a pretty sweet running schedule that I am actually looking forward to starting on Monday.  I need something to focus on daily to get me through the cold months of January and February.  

4 // Even though I do not particularly like where our house is located, it's home and I love it. 

5 // I completed my first 365 photo-a-day project on Dec 21 (below are my second group of favorites but I shared my first group of favorites here) and have been continuing the challenge.  One of my goals this year (and last year) is to shoot in Manual more.  So far I have been and I am starting to get the hang of it.   

Mar 3, 2013.  Day 73 of 365. 

"Looking Up"

 Apr 18, 2013.  Day 119 of 365. 

"Pink"

May 6, 2013.  Day 137 of 365. 

"Colorful"

May 12, 2013.  Day 143 of 365.

"Woodland"

May 18, 2013.  Day 149 of 365.

"Lightpost"

 May 19, 2013.  Day 150 of 365. 

"Sailing Frame"

May 26, 2013.  Day 157 of 365. 

"Bridge"

June 5, 2013.  Day 167 of 365. 

"Up Close & Personal"

June 6, 2013.  Day 168 of 365. 

"Vineyard Bike."

June 6, 2013.  Day 168 of 365. 

"Storage"

June 6, 2013.  Day 168 of 365. 

"Sunlit Vineyards"

June 8, 2013.  Day 169 of 365. 

"17 Mile Drive View"

June 10, 2013.  Day 172 of 365. 

"Tip Top."

June 10, 2013.  Day 172 of 365. 

"Golden Gate Blur"

June 10, 2013.  Day 172 of 365. 

"Shining Through"

Like I said above, I am really looking forward to what 2014 has to offer me.  I was just talking with the husband about how much I really enjoyed 2013.  He agreed it was our best yet.  

What's making you happy right now? (besides the fact that it is Friday)

How was your 2013?  Are you looking forward to 2014?

Linking up with Darci and Jess today!

until next time

365 favorites {part 1}

If you are new around these parts, I started a photo a day challenge on Dec 21, 2012.  While I know I started to slack on the whole posting of my 365 photos on a weekly basis, I did complete it on Dec 20, 2013.  Since I took over 500 photos, I thought I would share with you some of my favorites in parts since it would be terribly overwhelming to share (and upload) them all at once.  

Dec 24, 2012.  Day 4 of 365. 

"STL Fire"

Dec 29, 2012.  Day 9 of 365. 

"Wintery Playground"

Dec 30, 2012.  Day 10 of 365. 

"7up"

Jan 1, 2013.  Day 12 of 365. 

"Wine & Spirits"

Jan 2, 2013.  Day 13 of 365. 

"Breakfast of Champions"

Jan 5, 2013.  Day 16 of 365. 

"Night Rider"

 Jan 9, 2013.  Day 20 of 365. 

"Letter C"

Jan 18, 2013.  Day 29 of 365. 

"Winter Road"

 Jan 21, 2013.  Day 32 of 365. 

"Snowglobe"

Jan 26, 2013.  Day 37 of 365. 

"Intertwined"

 Jan 29, 2013.  Day 40 of 365. 

"Fog"

Feb 1, 2013.  Day 43 of 365. 

"Heinz"

Feb 3, 2013.  Day 45 of 365. 

"Snowy Light"

Feb 17, 2013.  Day 59 of 365. 

"Red"

 Feb 20, 2013.  Day 62 of 365. 

"Pop"

Stay tuned for more coming soon!

HAPPY 2014!!!

What are your favorites so far?

Have you ever completed a photo a day challenge?

until then

insane in the membrane

Soooo, I started Insanity on Monday.  Kicked.  My.  Ass.  And Monday was only the fit test.  Yes, the fit test.  I was so sore yesterday and even more so today.  I knew I was out of shape but didn't really know how much.  Yesterday was my first Plyometric Cardio Circuit.  It was hard.  I wasn't able to complete most of the workouts (but I didn't feel that bad since some of the people on the video couldn't either).  But instead of getting mad at myself (which I would have done in the past) and turn off the tv (which I almost did a couple of times last night) I kept going.  I figured doing something was better than doing nothing. 

Since my ass was dragging all day (I haven't been this beat up since doing CrossFit) I honestly didn't think I would be able to get in today's workout.  But after some coffee, more food, and a little walk with my 11 week old boyfriend, I felt much better so I went ahead and did it.  It wasn't pretty but I finished.  So far I am 3 for 3.  I know how important it is to listen to your body but tomorrow is a Cardio Recovery (whatever that means) so I figured if I feel like death tomorrow it hopefully won't be as bad of workout.  

Here's to Cardio Recovery meaning what I hope it does!

Have you ever done Insanity?

What got you through when you felt like death?

I also weighed in this morning.  123.2lbs. I only gained 1lb from my last weigh-in 2 weeks ago.  And while this would bother me more normally, it was over Thanksgiving so I cannot complain too much.  Could have been, and has been in the past, a lot worse.

How are you doing?

What did you do to watch this Thanksgiving? 

Getting down to the last few weeks of my 365 project.  It truly is amazing how fast time flies when looking back, huh? 

Without further adieu; 

Nov 21, 2013.  Day 336 of 365. 

"Mercedes Sunrise"

Nov 22, 2013.  Day 337 of 365. 

"Baden Lights"

Nov 23, 2013.  Day 338 of 365. 

"Icon Book"

Nov 24, 2013.  Day 339 of 365. 

"Miner & Stopper"

"The Beer Market"

Nov 25, 2013.  Day 340 of 365. 

"Good Morning"

Nov 26, 2013.  Day 341 of 365.

"Snowy Trees (2)"

"Snowy Trees"

Nov 27, 2013.  Day 342 of 365.

"Drive Home"

Nov 28, 2013.  Day 343 of 365.

"Thanksgiving Walk"

Nov 29, 2013.  Day 344 of 365.

"Warming Up"

"Strip District Sunset"

Nov 30, 2013.  Day 345 of 365.

"Crappy Pie"

Dec 1, 2013.  Day 346 of 365.

"Old Economy Barn (2)"

"Old Economy Barn"

"Fall Meet Winter"

Dec 2, 2013.  Day 347 of 365.

"412"

Dec 3, 2013.  Day 348 of 365.

"Winter Sunset (2)"

"Winter Sunset"

Dec 4, 2013.  Day 349 of 365.

"Schorle"

Linking up with Heather and Shanna today! 

until next time