Thursday, April 15, 2010

Working Out, Kitchen Switches and a New Hue for Hyacinth


Alright- show of hands,

Who loves Springtime?!

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(My Knock-Out roses, preparing to explode.)

There's really nothing like it, is there?

Especially days like today when the sun is shining and the birds are singing their little hearts out.

I. LOVE IT!

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(One of my favorite houses in town, completely surrounded by Spring!)

All this wonderful weather has got me wanting to bust out my favorite shorts.

Which is exactly what would happen if I tried to squeeze into them right now.

Yeah...I seemed to have packed on another ten pounds this past Winter, and right now my Spring/Summer clothes are fitting just a liiiiiittle too closely for comfort.

And because this ol' girl will always put her house before her self- buying a whole new wardrobe to accommodate my "extra curves" is out of the question.

I've got pillows to purchase people!



But-
I did break down and buy some running shoes from TJ Maxx yesterday...

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Oh yeah, I got a pineapple too.

But not at TJ Maxx.
Although I did see lots of things with pineapples ON them at TJ Maxx.

The plan is to start eating better (hence, the pineapple), and to start jogging, to see if I can shed the extra weight before we head to Tybee in June.

That's do-able, right?

And although he doesn't need to lose any weight, Kevin got some new shoes to run in too. He wants to be super fit by the time he leaves to go on tour later this year.

We both took our shoes out for a spin for the first time yesterday morning.

He made it around the pond at the park three times.

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I made it from here to here...

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By the time I reached that second "X" I was dying.

My legs were so heavy.
It felt like I was running in the water, instead of around it.

And my lungs felt like they were being attacked by a hundred angry hornets.

Angry, fire-breathing hornets.

Angry, fire-breathing hornets with cacti strapped to their feet.

It was brutal.

But I'm not going to give up!

I'm gonna keep at it!

Because no matter how crazy it feels right now, I gotta believe that one day I'll be able to race around that thing like Kevin does.

And that running doesn't always equate to stinging lungs, lead legs and the occasional wave of nausea.



Meanwhile, Kevin will undoubtedly be running circles around me with his big, healthy lungs and springy little sneakers.

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(Kevin, on lap #3)

Grrrr.



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On the home front, I've started to think about my Summer mantel already.
(I know. I'm insane.)

The Spring one was a bunch of fun to put together...

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...but it's been up for like t h i r t y o n e days already.

That's like ninety one in Decorator days.

So far, I'm visualizing lots of coastal touches...driftwood, seashells, glass floats, sailboats, lanterns, that kind of stuff...but who knows what I'll be inspired by at the flea market this time!

(To see what happened last time around, click HERE. And to see how the story ended, click HERE.)

But before I get too carried away with the anymore mantel mania- there's still that empty wall above the cabinetry we repurposed in the kitchen...

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I've always thought it would be kinda cool to move the upper cabinets from the left side of room, over to the right side...

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...and then to install windows all the way across the back wall of the kitchen instead...

(Move your mouse back and forth over the photo to see what I mean.)



Not necessarily those exact windows, but some kind of windows would be pretty nifty, wouldn't they?
And boy would that really kick up the natural light factor!
(Always a plus in my book.)
There's about two acres of woods directly behind our house, and I'd love to be able to see more of them while I do the dishes.

Yeah, we're still hand washing over here.
And the plastic spoon that's to blame is still living inside our dishwasher...



Grrr.

Ooh!
Speaking of kitchens-
If you get a chance, swing by the Pioneer Woman's blog to weigh in on what color chalkboard paint Hyacinth should use on the wall that connects her living room to her kitchen...

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The Design Team and I have been getting to know Hyacinth over the past couple of months, and I think she's finally ready to get crackin' on the redesign, but she's leaving the final color decision up to you!

And to learn more about my "Design Team Hyacinth" partners, click on their banners below...





...they're two tremendously talented ladies, and it's been such a pleasure collaborating with them.

'Til next time-

Happy Thursday!



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No problemo!

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81 comments:

KarenB said...

I think moving the cabinets to the other wall and adding windows would be an amazing idea! LOVE IT!

Nicole said...

Yes, more windows in the kitchen! Who doesn't love a light airy kitchen?
Great job on the beginning to run thing. I started running about a month ago and I've been using Cool Running's Couch to 5k training plan. It's been working really well for me! Good luck!

Ruth P. said...

I love your posts. Lots of fun!
We have a re-store of Habitat for Humanity in our area, and their dishwashers are half-price right now. Too bad you aren't any closer! But maybe you have one close by? Great for other thrifting as well, they have great furniture!
Maybe an idea for Tybee Island?
Enjoy your day - and hello from NJ

Lynn Kellan said...

Hi Layla and Kevin,
Your running escapades made me laugh... But I know you can do it, Layla! You go, girl! Can't wait to see the magic you work in Hyacinth's house!

Daryl at Vermont Cottage said...

Your idea for moving the cabinets and adding windows on the sink-side wall is a fabulous idea! As for the running: keep at it and you'll get there. I go through the same thing every spring, unless we have a mild winter. The dreaded 10 pounds :). Just get out there every day (or most days) and before you know it, you'll be going farther and feeling better doing it.
D.

Daryl at Vermont Cottage said...

Your idea for moving the cabinets and adding windows on the sink-side wall is a fabulous idea! As for the running: keep at it and you'll get there. I go through the same thing every spring, unless we have a mild winter. The dreaded 10 pounds :). Just get out there every day (or most days) and before you know it, you'll be going farther and feeling better doing it.
D.

KellyMellyBoBellyBananaFanna said...

Keep at the running -- it'll get easier!

And I say yes, yes, yes to windows!

Kelly

Anonymous said...

You're so funny! I almost fell out of my chair when you said that's like 91 in decorating days! I so know what you mean. I feel the same about my mantle and other things around my home.

Your kitchen is going to look so amazing (not that it doesn't already) when you get the other side of the kitchen finished off. Whatever you decide to do, it will look FAB!

Nancy said...

How about easing into the running? As in running, walking, running, walking......better to keep walking than to stop running!

Sheri @ www.careergirlinterrupted.com said...

DO IT. DO IT. DO IT. The windows. Not the running. But if you have to do the running, do what i do. Run 1 minute walk 2 minutes for 45 min a day for a week. Gradually up your running time, but keeping in your walk time. If you're like me, in a very short window you'll see dramatic improvement on your stamina. TRUST ME. I know this. :)

Between You and Me said...

Layla. you HAVE to move those cabinets and put in windows....

you HAVE to!!!! OMGoodness. HAVE to.

Kiri said...

You should definitely add the windows! What a fantastic idea!!
~Kiri

geri said...

Layla.
You are "beautiful" just the way you are.
I do get it though wanting to be a certain size or weight to feel better about how you see yourself.
I am forever possessed about it.
I do know though that I HATE (or can't run) I love to walk. Power walk as fast as you can. It will take the weight off and you can even love it and you do neighborhood and check out the houses. Also I have been able to keep 15 lbs of not "picking". It is my downfall.
I love your kitchen idea. Even if the windows take awhile it will balance the kitchen I think. A quicky fixey to the windows may be using windows from old houses and putting mirrors in place of the panes.They will bounce light and give you the look.
Kevin could do it easy breezy once you get the mirrors done to fit.
Have a fun, food friendly day.
Remember though, you are beautiful both inside and out. geri.

Erin @ The Impatient Gardener said...

Dear Layla,

Please take pity on a poor soul and decorate my mantle for me. Yours is way too pretty and the concept that you change yours out seasonally blows me away (I'd be happy if I could make mine look decent at any time of the year other than Christmas).

Your kitchen ideas would be amazing. You can't get enough windows in a kitchen!

Cathy said...

Awesome idea for the windows! I started my walking again a few weeks ago and it is so hard to get back in to a "good" habit.. You can do it, I know you can!!

{{Big Hugs}}

Cathy

Sara said...

Wow Layla, I LOVE your idea for the kitchen!! :) If anyone can do it, you can!

And decorating and re-decorating for the reasons is one of my favorite things to do. If you are feeling the urge to change it, go for it! I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Carol said...

Love your idea of moving the cabinets and putting in more windows. The more windows and light in a kitchen the better. I say do it!

Abigail said...

Wow, I love the window idea! It would look so nice and open, and there's nothing I like better than dreamily staring out the window when I should be washing dishes.
Good luck on the running, too! The crazy hornets with cacti strapped to their feet is exactly why I haven't been running for oh, the past 5 years. :D

Anonymous said...

Good luck with the running. I am embarking on the same adventure.

http://40daysof.wordpress.com/2010/04/14/transforming-into-a-runner/

Kelly said...

Layla -- Just started reading your blog from seeing you at the PW site. You make me want to visit Tybee Island!

Just wanted to send a quick comment on running.... Just a suggestion - try alternating running and walking (for example run one minute and walk one minute). You will get farther and won't be so uncomfortable. As you improve (which should happen noticeably over a few weeks) you can lengthen the run time.

Enjoy the spring! Thanks...

Aura said...

The mantel looks beautiful, Layla! I think I am leaving my "Springy" mantel up all Summer, I love it too much. I wish I was more of a runner, but every time I think I'm going to get out there and kick ass, I get cramps and stop at half a mile :) I've heard the walk/run method works really well. There are lots of training schedules for it. I have a friend that didn't run at ALL, and within just a few months she's not doing 13 miles. Crazy, right? It just tells you to run for a certain amount of minutes, then walk for a couple, etc. Give it a try!

Alexandra said...

Came here from Hyacinths' plight.

WOW.

What a blog.

Feel like closing my patheticness down NOW>

Seriously, what a delight.

I'm your newest follower.

And I love that term, "up for 30 days, which is like forever in designer days.."

Very very cute...

Anonymous said...

Layla,

Did you have to wait until American Idol was over to write your post or did you turn it off?
First off, ten pounds in one month is very doable. You don't have to run - you could walk - as long as you do it everyday and each day add more steps. Running is hard on the joints. Consider adding some strength training to your work out.
Moving the cabinets to the other side of the kitchen and adding more windows near the existing one is a brilliant idea - literally!
Have a wonderful day, my friend.

Deborah

Vern said...

I want so much to be able to support the notion that running doesn't always lead to stinging lungs but unfortunately, I know better. It's just that there's LESS stinging.

Krista Ennis said...

Layla, your running sounds like ME! I married a scholarship track star, and can't run for my life. Last year I tried the Galloway method (run/walk), and developed plantar faciatis. But someday, maybe I'll run (and you too!) Love the window idea for the kitchen!! I too wish I had more light in my kitchen!

denise @ little ant design said...

Loving the window idea for the kitchen.

I just started running about 12 weeks ago. Honestly I couldn't run much more than a minute without thinking my life was ending but I pushed through a program called Couch to 5k and 12 weeks later I'm running three miles. I think it is a great program, totally doable (although hard at times), and free (just google it) You should check it out - it will have you keeping up with the husband in no time.

Robin said...

I'm also a huuuuuge fan of natural light so I think relocating the cabs is a great idea!

I feel your pain on the running... LITERALLY. My husband can run circles around me, again...literally. Sad news is, we have a 5K we're running on Saturday! No doubt he'll finish it in no time... I'm sure I'll run like half a mile to a mile then give in to walking the rest :) So it goes! Good luck with your running!

gstoney said...

Layla,
You should go to Itunes and download the Free podcast Couch to 5K by Robert Ullrey. He breaks it down to a 9 week course. It really helped me "learn" to run. Good luck!

Anonymous said...

I agree with Denise @ little ant design... the C25K (Couch to 5k) program is amazing! I got the app for my iPhone for $3 and it was worth every penny. I'm in the middle of week three! Until three weeks ago I hadn't run in 10 years and it feels so good. You can do it, Layla!

Julia said...

Putting the cabinets on the opposite wall and getting more natural light would be amazing in there! Great idea. Hope you can do it!

Anonymous said...

Every time I hear you mention a change to your kitchen, I freak because I think it's already "perfect" -- and then you come up with another brilliant idea that takes it to the next level! Why should I even be surprised anymore? I love the idea of moving the upper cabinets and adding more windows!

Anonymous said...

I love the kitchen re-do idea. Just perfect.
And I've been thinking of getting a pair of those "tone your booty" tennies. I hear they work wonders...who knew?
I'd be huffing and puffing around the pond right along with ya.

Jessica @ Decor Adventures said...

I'm liking the window idea in the kitchen. Maybe a bay window then you could have plants there? I'm a plant killer, so I support anyone who can grow them :-)

And regards to running - it will get easier. I started last year. You can do it!

The Mann Fam said...

Oh yeah! I love the idea of a bank of windows. You can never have too many windows in my opinion.

Anonymous said...

As an avid runner down here in the good ole south, one of the biggest things I had to get used to when I moved from Ohio was the difference in air quality. Not that we have bad air down here, but factors like humidity and higher temperatures can make it more difficult to breath well, especially if you have seasonal allergies. I had to adjust the time of day that I ran in order to get the best air quality - so my lungs could function enough that I could breathe! :) So don't beat yourself up too much, as some of that may be coming from the abnormally hot/humid weather we've had down here the last few weeks. And I wish the best of luck in your running endeavors! I used to hate running, but started to run when my soccer coach threatened we wouldn't make the team if we couldn't run a mile in under 9 minutes - and now I'm addicted - so I'm convinced anyone can love running after they have done it for a while! :)

Fawn said...

MOVE THE CABINETS!!! That is an awesome plan!!! Anytime you can get more natural light!!! LOVE your ideas!!!!

Amber said...

When I was younger (think 18/19) and all my friends were married to Marines and living on base, I used to visit their homes and stare out the windows above their kicthen sinks. I remember loving the feeling of the sun on my face and the way the breeze ruffled the blinds.

Now that we have our own little house on base with a window above the kitchen sink, I know that our forever home absolutely has to have at least one, if not a whole bank of them!

I say DO IT!!!

Cathy said...

I LOVE the windows idea....only don't get the grids in them . We did that on the side of our house that had a distant ocean view and totally regret it. It feels like you're always looking between things.

RachTurner said...

Just discovered your blog recently and was surprised to see today that you live in Prattville. My parents live there and I lived there for a while as a kid. Great town; great people. Love your blog!

Linda@ Lime in the Coconut said...

LOVIN your idea of windows!

And the running thing. I hear ya. I blame it on the shoes. yep.

Anonymous said...

I love both the windows AND the cabinets! I'm torn...I think that shelving sure is beautiful the way it is, but I also think the picture with the windows is beautiful too. Can you have both? Haha

nell ann said...

That wall of windows would be AWESOME!!! There's the same kind of issue at my house. A huge wall and one dinky window over the kitchen sink. Whose great idea was that? I've been wondering where the rug in front of your sink is from -- I need something for my feet that looks good and textural but won't show every little piece of dog hair. Could you let me know? Thanks!!! Oh, and good luck on your running!!

Amanda said...

Love the windows in the kitchen! I started running, less than one mile, in April 2009 and just completed a half marathon on March 28th! Funny though, all that running and not one pound shed... How the h--- can you run a 1/2 marathon and not lose a pound? Ugghhh. Anyway,it made me feel fantastic! It's kind of addicting, too.
Amanda

Amy said...

I LOVE your blog! :) It just makes me happy!

Chad and Andi Irwin said...

Love the cabinet/window idea. Can you tell me what software you use for your room redesigns? Thanks! And, thanks for always writing such fun stuff!

Lettered Cottage said...

Hey Nell Ann!

The runner came from the Pottery Barn outlet in Georgia. It was only like 29 bucks!

Layla

Alyssa said...

Yes! It would be awesome if you could share what software you use for your room designs! ;)Alyssa

My Cottage Charm said...

Ok, if it makes you feel any better, I couldn't have made it as far as you did around the pond. :)
I LOVE the window idea above the sink, and as we all know, Kevin would be in hog heaven over all that natural light. (he might even be happy about ripping out walls and putting in windows as long as it keeps him out of that little bathroom with no light in it! lol) :)
I'll chat with ya later...I gotta go dig in dirt....after all, it's spring! :)
Melissa

Staci at Craftify It ! said...

At first I thought "move the cabinets? why?" Then you went on about the windows & the virtual picture & my jaw dropped. Gorgeous. I hope you get to do it one day!

I'm in the middle of a kitchen redo. finally painted our cabinets WHITE this past week & didn't get to the back of the doors yet...and might just leave them after you showed the backs of Paula Deen's! THANKS!

OH...and this is getting long, but good luck with the running! I'm NO runner. But I finally started about 1 month ago & couldn't run 1/2 mile & now I'm up to 3! Keep going!

Skye McLain said...

haha - we can walk together while our husbands run! I am with you! :) loved the Houzz ideas and I can't wait to see what you do with the mantel/bare wall!

Lettered Cottage said...

Hi Olde Common Scents!

I use Adobe Photoshop, and we're actually considering offering training courses soon!

Layla :-)

ggfblog said...

Oh girl, don't give up! I was never a runner at all, but last fall I did the "Couch to 5k" running program to ease into it little by little. That way every time I walked/jogged/ran, I felt like I was succeeding instead of failing. And I swear it changed my life. I lost 12 pounds and eventually did an 8k race! Even if you don't ever want to a race, it really worked for me to shed some pounds and get moving again. http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

Good luck!! :)

Rose of Sharon said...

Love your blog! I'm not quite sure what happened with your dishwasher, but it looks to me like a plastic spoon fell through and melted onto your heat element. Mine did that too and I just pulled it off the best I could and then ran the DW again and when I knew the heat cycle was on I opened the door and used a wooden spoon to scrape off the melting spoon plastic. It should be soft and pretty easy to get off since it is warm again from the heat element. Good luck!

Also, good luck with your running!

Hugs, Sharon

The Weathered Bungalow said...

The windows look great in your kitchen...I say GO FOR IT!

Thanks for sharing!

xoxo, Meredith

Traci@ Beneath My Heart said...

Layla,
I am with you on the running part! My husband is doing his 2nd half-marathon next weekend, so I decided to try and do a little running myself.
One word...PAIN. That's all I can say about running right now...PAIN.
But I am not going to give up!
We can do it, girl!
:)
Traci

Our Little Beehive said...

Hey Layla -
Love the window idea! We're tacking windows as soon as they arrive from Jeld-Wen. As for the running, I'm an avid runner, but I injured myself pretty bad by just jumping into running a few miles after taking a year off (I got on an elliptical kick for a while). Turns out, not easing into running can cause some pretty serious injuries...that took 6 months of sports therapy to fix! My sports med doc recommended the couch to 5k program on the cool runnings web site. It gradually eases you from a walk/run to a all-run program. Just thought I'd share my experience so you don't make the same mistake.
- Felicity

Elizabeth said...

great idea with moving the cabinets. if you couldnt budget for windows right now you could always do shelves!

How Sweet It Is-A lifestyle blog said...

Love the mantle!! Especially the little saying on the chalkboard. Never.Would.Have.Thought.

Momma Rhyne said...

BIG FAT DEEP windows... with a fatty ledge to grow wheatgrass and other herbs in the light would be soo amazing!! LOVE your blog.

Oh and on the over hang of the other countertops, stick a spindled dining table leg, painted white, of course! :-D

Anonymous said...

You are just so funny.....I had just returned from the doctor....the weight...always a problem!!!! The mantel really made me laugh....I'm tired of mine too...it seems like summer already with all the warm temps. Love, love, love the windows in the kitchen. Are you going to do that before June...do you all sleep??? Too cute!!!

Tales From My Empty Nest said...

If you and Kevin are up for it, I say move the cabinets and add the windows. I could never have too many windows. And I love to look out when I am cooking. Good luck with your running. Myself, I started walking April 1st. I can't stand to run. Love & blessings from NC!

Stephenie from Decorating Addiction said...

You should absolutely install the windows. They look amazing. As for the running . . . you should read Tosca Reno's book (or check out her website) -- the Eat Clean Diet. I am a huge fan. It transforms lives . . . and it's not a diet, but a way of living. Love it. Angelina Jolie and many other famous celebrities follow it! And in the world of decorating, I put you in that "famous celebrities' category! :-)

Reese said...

Hey Layla! Congrats on getting out there and running. Take your time with it. You'll be running circles around your husband before you know it!!

Mindy said...

I for one, want to learn how to do your awesome photoshop trick. seriously. I want to see my own ideas the way you can show us yours. Your kitchen would look so awesome with windows such as those!

Anonymous said...

I have to agree with everyone else...
1. Adding a bank of windows on the left side of the kitchen would be BEAUTIFUL.
2. The couch to 5k program is the way to go. Totally eases you into it. It's pretty darn easy at first, but gets hard quickly. The podcast that tells you when to run and when to walk is super helpful also. Good luck!

Natalie O. said...

OMG, that window thing is EXACTLY What I want to do in my kitchen!! SOooooo much better.

Kimba said...

Oh girl! I am so with you one wanted to shed a few winter pounds. I bought Jillian Michaels Shred video and I thought I might die the first time I did it.

My legs were so sore and wobbly, I nearly fell down the steps the next day. For real.

And YES! YES! YES! I am begging you to knock out the back of your house to put those windows in your kitchen!!!! They would be incredible!

Anonymous said...

Sorry if someone already mentioned this, but there's a Couch to 5 K podcast you can listent too for free (through iTunes) and that's really helped me keep my running going without having to watch my watch every few minutes. I'm training for a 5K and I'm on week 6 and it's worked wonders to turn me into an actual runner- without injuring myself in the process :). Good luck!

Sixty-Fifth Avenue said...

Loving the idea of more windows in the kitchen. I was just thinking about how nice it would be to add a window in out dining room so I can see our blooming backyard better. And that is not something we want to try ourselves.:(

MrsKBJ said...

I LOVE the idea of moving the cabinets to the other wall and installing all the windows. That would look so pretty!

As far as running... keep up the good work! I just started a few weeks ago and I have never really been a runner. I run laps at the YMCA track (they have daycare for my little one). When I first started I could barely run around the track twice. I was so happy when I was able to do 1/2 mile without stopping. The other day and today I ran my first mile without stopping. It gets easier!! You can do it too!! I also love Jillian Micheals 30 day shred video.
Kelly

Holly Austin said...

A big huge YES YES YES to the windows in the kitchen!! That looks awesome!

Unknown said...

Considering I just got home 10 minutes ago from my own jogging hell I had to laugh...
My husband can jog circles around me all day long but my lungs just aren't meant for it :(
Couch to 5K is awesome and worth checking into-I saw someone else posted the link. Definately check into it-helps you build up-I did notice a difference in myself tonight and it was 4th time out this spring :)
Good luck!

Crafty in Paradise said...

Good job on the running thing! I started running last year, and also thought I would fall over from a heart attack any second, and couldn't run any distance to speak of. Then, I discovered I was running too fast. Duh. I started running slooooowly, and waddaya know...I ran much farther without feeling like I would pass out. Good luck

Molly said...

love the window idea! DO IT! my kitchen is a galley wedged between the garage and master bedroom with NO way to make windows. Honestly the biggest hate of my house. I'm still trying to figure out how to get natural light in there. meh. Love your house!

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Layla...jogging gets easier...don't give up! Love the windows over the cabinets...wonderful idea!

Leen said...

James has started jogging recently too. I usually wait for him with a glass of wine on the couch :)

I love the idea of windows behind your counter. I bet you could talk Kevin into one last big project before he goes on tour!

angela | the painted house said...

Adding windows across your kitchen would be GAWGEOUS!!!! Do it! Do it! Do it! :)

Unknown said...

The windows idea looks fantastic--all that wonderful natural light!

I'll add my voice to the chorus of C25K supporters. It may not seem aggressive enough for your personal goals, but it really is a great (and safe) way to train yourself into becoming a life-long runner.

I put up a few posts in my Health and Fitness section about my own transition from non-runner to runner, starting here:
http://revisedexpectations.wordpress.com/2009/10/24/why-would-anyone-do-this-on-purpose/

Good luck! I think this is the best time of year to start running!

~K

Miss Mustard Seed said...

I would love to plow out a wall in my kitchen to let in more light. I agree, you can always have more natural light. Your kitchen looks great. What happened to your famous black cabinets? You're worse than I am with repainting things. :)

I'm working on getting my "winter bulk" off as well. I want to spend my money on paint and fabric, not clothes. Glad I'm not the only one who feels that way.

Nicole @ the style hatch said...

I read your post the other day and had to come back here and tell you that I have been dreaming and wishing I had your kitchen... The windows would look awesome!

Nicole

sarah said...

I love the idea of moving the open cabinets over. And like some said already, you can move them now even if getting the windows in takes a while. I like the idea of windows with a ledge to grow herbs or whatever your into. Personally for sound and air I wouldn't get closed windows, but ones that you could open, either multiple ones that go up and down or a bigger one that slides to the side. Though I wonder since it's not that large of a space if you could get one that slides like a garage door, so you could have a large opening on nice days or if you have a party it could be like a serving type thing. Hey I dream big, though not neccesarily doable.

Now I am off to read the rest of your blog, new reader here....then after that thanks to your other readers that commented I will be checking out the cool runnings site as well as readers blogger or word press on their journey with running. I am willing to try anything myself to get into shape.

I can't remember what it is called, but if you go to utube and check out insanity videos a beach body fitness program it talks about instead of doing the normal short bursts of intense the max you can push and longer periods of low intensity that you should reverse it to get faster results. So in your case that would be say walking for a minute, run for 2 minutes as fast as you can. Over a short period you should see improvement.

Sadly my bf walks at work around 10 miles a day if not more, depending on what he is doing. I can't walk that much. I tried improving by walking 5 flights of stairs twice a day 5 days a week and 3 months later it wasn't any easier, though I think that was because I wasn't doing anything else so I was the same weight and weighing 240 no matter how many times you go up and down stairs it is still a lot of weight to carry up and down.

Good luck loosing your 10 pounds or whatever your goals are. I would like to increase/improve my lung functions, as well as be able to be lifted by my bf...so my goal is 160-140.