Low Impact Working Out + Meet Nina

You know what the best thing in the world is for a runner? Getting a clear from the Ortho that you can start low impact walking and low impact working out.

I saw the ortho yesterday, y'all. MRI's were done, and a small bit of physical therapy to see how things were healing.
I swear I almost hugged him, y'all! Obviously it will still be a few more weeks before things are back to 100%. And they may not even be back to 100%, so I can't push things.But I was told that I can start working out with legs again. I can't run, and I can't do jumping jacks. I CAN do squats and lunges though! So GREAT NEWS!

Additionally,

I no longer have to wear my brace unless I feel like I need it. So, not a whole lot going on in the workout world this week. (That makes three weeks in a row! Ouch!) But, now that I've got the clear to do some low impact stuff, I feel better about actually doing something. Here's to a new week!

How have y'all been doing with Bloggers Give it 100? Link up with Kendra, Lora, and I to share!

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An InLinkz Link-up

And now for a real treat!

Describe yourself in four words. 
creative
faithful
passionate
resilient 

I really love your blogging style. What made you start blogging?
I've always been a writer. It's the one thing that has been clear to me but I don't know what it will look like. In the meantime, I want to be a good steward of the passion God gave me. Meanwhile, at the time, I'd moved away from my entire Italian family (no one leaves the Midwest) to San Francisco without knowing a soul and I wanted to chronicle the adventure, the hard parts and the amazing parts!

You're a new addition to the crayon box. Which color would you be, and why?
Anything bright. Just not purple. I have nothing against purple but every time I wear it, something truly awful happens. I am not even superstitious so I have even tested it out! But when you have to put a beloved dog down wearing purple and you're broken up wearing purple...Seriously! My friends love purple and I love that purple is kind to them but purple just messes with my mojo.

What's the best advice you've ever gotten about blogging?
I've gotten plenty of technical help. How do I start a newsletter? How do I optimize my posts?

But I guess the actual writing and blogging part, the content and so on...I don't really follow advice. I am sure I could write more pinnable posts more often but I want to stay true to my mission statement and why I started the blog in the beginning.

Better than advice, the encouragement and support has been amazing. Maybe that's the best advice I've gotten: keep telling your story. 

What's your favorite movie quote?
This is so easy. Cary Grant says it to Katherine Hepburn in A Philadelphia Story: "You'll never be a first class human being or a first class woman until you've learned to have some regard for human frailty."

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Anything my nonna makes.

Why would I choose it? Come over to Nonna's and you'll know why.

I love how genuine Nina is. If you want to see more about her, follow along! 

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Christmas in July + Meet Rebecca

Y'all, last Thursday was my half birthday. June 25. If you do the math, then you've probably figured out that we're a little less than half way to Christmas by now!
Christmas is my favorite holiday. It's also my birthday. I've always loved it. So the fact that Amanda, Faith and I have something really awesome that's CHRISTMAS related brings me pure joy!

The idea is to bring the joy of gift giving in the middle of the year. So why not have Christmas in July and celebrate spreading the love?

CHRISTMAS IN JULY!!! 

Here's what you need to know...
Dates to Remember:

• Sign-Ups Start: Monday, June 29th at 6AM
• Sign-Ups End: Wednesday, July 8th at 6AM
• Partners assigned: Wednesday, July 11th
• Packages Shipped: Monday, July 20th
• Linkup Opens: Thursday, July 30th
• Linkup Closes: Thursday, August 6th

The Rules:

|| When you are assigned your partner, get to know them, and send items in your package that fit your partner’s wants and likes.

|| All packages should cost approximately $15-$20 before shipping, so that each swap package is fairly close in pricing and no one feels cheated.

|| Please reply to emails from us about the swap in a timely manner.

|| Your packages MUST be mailed on or before July 20th.

|| We suggest you send a tracking number for your package via email to your partner when you mail it out.

|| Please post and link up to your swap reveal, which will be posted on July 30th. Everyone would like to see your goodies after all!

|| Please do not sign up for this swap if you cannot follow the rules above.

|| If anything comes up, where you can no longer participate PLEASE contact either Faith, Amanda, or myself immediately so we can work out something for your swap partner.

** Please note: Non-US-based participants can only be accepted if we have enough bloggers willing to ship internationally (not everyone can afford the higher shipping prices). Thank you for understanding, we want everyone to be able to be able to participate! **

Interested??

Take a moment and fill out this form!! Don't forget to grab the button for the link up on July 30th! 

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And now for something even more fun... 

Some of my new followers might not remember this... but maybe. Back in Aug of last year there was a bloggy soul mate pairing. It was meant as a way to connect other bloggers that were either similar in blogging styles or had something outside of blogging in common. I was paired with Meagan and Rebecca. Let me tell y'all, I'm so happy to have been paired with these two. Meagan I already knew from a few link ups, but Rebecca was new to me.

I love this gal, y'all! She has quickly turned into someone I can randomly text for encouragement. We give each other mommy advice. She's amazing. It's my pleasure to finally get to introduce her to y'all!

Describe yourself in four words.
Loyal.
Trustworthy.
Sarcastic.
Fun. 

I really love your blogging style. What made you start blogging?
My husband, daughter and I were living in London and trying to keep in touch with all of our friends and family (mine back in the US and his back in Ireland). I had a photo blog for my daughter's first year where I posted pictures of her growing and changing for everyone who was missing it in person and I started thinking about *writing* a blog too - my husband pushed me to do it! 

You're a new addition to the crayon box. Which color would you be, and why?
Some shade of purple, since that's my favorite!

What's the best advice you've ever gotten about blogging?
Network, network, network! Or more simply - make connections. Read other blogs, comment on them with thoughtfulness, build relationships. Not only will you become friends with some individuals, but you'll find many will support and encourage you, offer advice, and help you learn more than you ever would on your own! 

What's your favorite movie quote?
Ooooh tough question. Totally depends on the movie!

One of my faves though is the sarky interchange between Duncan and Hawkeye in Last of the Mohicans...Hawkeye says they're going West and Duncan questions him: "There is a war on. How is it you are headed WEST?" to which Hawkeye looks at him without expression and says "Well, we kinda face to the north and real sudden-like, turn left."

It's the kind of sarcastic crap I'd pull, ha!

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Bread. Who doesn't love bread?? 

Want more Bug & Boo?

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Bloggers Give it 100 + Meet Kristin

Well, it's no secret around these parts that I'm taking my health (and my family's health) pretty seriously. If you are following me on snapchat, you've probably seen running and dance central videos. #SorryNotSorry... it's not going to stop anytime soon. Especially here on the blog. Leave now if you're sick of workout posts. You won't hurt my feelings. 

Recently, Lora approached Kendra and I about a fun new project. I personally love both of these ladies, so I'm always more than willing to work with them. Lora and Kendra both share a love for getting fit the healthy way. Staying active, and eating better. So it gives me so much happiness to announce our new collaboration / project / link up. More of a link up than anything else. 

If y'all are familiar with Kendra, (and if you're not... you should be) then you'll know she does a workouts with Kenji each Wednesday. This is kind of going to go hand in hand with that. Y'all! We're happy to announce Bloggers Give it 100! 

The idea came from #GiveIt100. A motivational tool to stay active for 100 days, and track your results. Most people update videos and monitor their progress. It's all up to you. 

The link up will occur every Wednesday and will serve as a check in, a motivational, a rant session if you're not doing so well. Whatever works for you. We just want to see our blogger friends to get active and stay active with us for 100 days. We're very excited about this to help keep everyone on the path of motivation and getting fit. 

So, I hope you'll join us on our journey. I hope you link up. Or at least support us on our journey. This will go live NEXT WEDNESDAY July 1. Grab a button, and use hashtag #bloggersgiveit100 on social media so we can spread the love! 

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AND NOW... for something really special. (I know, excitement overload on this Wednesday today!)

Y'all, I have a real treat for you today! I'm happy to introduce you to a blogger that I've become very close with over the last few weeks. She is also all about getting fit the healthy way, so this was a happy accident that our announcement came on the same day that I'm introducing Kristin! 

Kristin is very real, down to earth, focused on getting fit, and a lover of cats! I love our daily snapchat conversations. She's seriously an inspiration to me working out at bootcamps and in the crazy South Carolina heat! phew! Take it away, Kristin! 

Describe yourself in four words. 
Loud.
Bubbly.
Odd.
Cats. 

I really love your blogging style. What made you start blogging?
Oh man, I've been doing the blogging thing off and on since the LiveJournal days. I've always loved writing and having a diary-of-sorts online has been a part of my life ever since I learned to type. I had a Fitness blog on tumblr years ago that I really enjoyed but eventually just got too busy to post. Back in September I decided to create this blog when I got bit by the crafting bug (hence the name My Year in the Making) and wanted to document it, but soon the crafting bug went away and I decided to start blogging about health and wellness again. 

You're a new addition to the crayon box. Which color would you be, and why?
Yellow. Because it's bright and happy. Even if it doesn't show up on white paper very well. (That's not a metaphor, it's just a fact.) 

What's the best advice you've ever gotten about blogging?
Don't force yourself to post if you don't want to. No one wants to read forced content. 

What's your favorite movie quote?
"It is better to help people than Garden Gnomes"-Amelie

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? 
Pizza :D Because life is not worth living without pizza.
Llama's note: TRUE STORY! I completely agree with you on this one, Kristin!! 

Want to get to know Kristin better?

Follow along!! 

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Household Jams + Meet Kati!

Y'all, I'm a super fun person to fold laundry with. Allow me to explain. Each laundry folding / putting away session always turns into a dance party. I cannot fold laundry without listening to music. Jams just make the dreaded task go by faster.

I don't listen to the radio though. I have several mixed CD's I go to so I don't have to listen to commercials or worry about a song coming on that I don't care for. I would call these my guilty pleasure songs, but given that I've got Kati on my sidebar I can't bring myself to say it. (Kati doesn't believe in guilty pleasures!) So here's some of my favorite jams that may or may not be current.

Hot Chelle Rae. Tonight Tonight.
The first line... "It's been a really really messed up week" accurately describes most of my weeks. The fun beat and silly lyrics make this a good one to dance to.

Weird Al. White & Nerdy.
This is just my life in the form of a song. Can't help but dance.

Kelly Clarkson. I Do Not Hook Up.
Because why not? Kelly... fun beat... I don't hook up... so yeah. Dance away!

Cascada. Evacuate the Dance Floor.
OK... confession time. This is on the first Dance Central game. So when this song comes on, I totally stop what I'm doing and break out the dance routine from the game.

Tag Team. Whoomp! (There It Is). 
I'll end with this one because "Tag team back again".

Now since Kati was mentioned, I felt it was only fitting that I let y'all get to know her a little better. Kati shares my love for music. Her blog is so unique, and I love that. We all see the blogs with make up do's and don'ts, the fashion posts, the DIY's... on and on. Which I LOVE as well, I mean I do still read those. Kati on the other hand, is full of music, new artists, travel, and real life.

Describe yourself in four words.
Driven.
Quirky.
Loud.
Free-Spirited. 

I really love your blogging style. What made you start blogging?
When I first graduated I wanted to keep myself surrounded by music, art, entertainment, photography...the topics my blog is run by. Constantly Seeking Wonder became that outlet. 

You're a new addition to the crayon box. Which color would you be, and why?
Tyrian Purple. It's the color my blog theme is based around. It has a rich history that I find fascinating. How the color was originally made it didn't fade easily, but instead grew brighter and stronger through wear. I like to see the parallels to myself and my life. Plus it was always a color associated with royalty which is just fun because who doesn't want to pretend they're a queen? 

What's the best advice you've ever gotten about blogging?
Be yourself. For a long time I worried nobody would want to read about the things I was passionate about because they weren't the normal blog topics. People don't want to read you pretending to be someone else just to "fit in". Your love of what you're doing and talking about is what will drive people to read your blog. 

What's your favorite movie quote?
This specific quote is on my blog business card and from my all time favorite movie.

William Miller: What do you love about music?
Russell Hammond: To begin with, everything.
-Almost Famous

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
PASTA.

I'm a carboholic. I have a problem. This is my go-to comfort food. There's so many ways to eat it too. I would never get bored. Now I want pasta...

How great is she, y'all? I also want pasta now! LOL.
So what's your favorite household chore jam? This was a giant excuse for me to share some of my favorite songs. LOL

Want to follow Kati... simple!!

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Favorites, Bourbon, Lipstick & Llamas

1. Favorite pet I ever had

Well, I would say Gambit or Rambo since they're my current pets. But they're not really my favorites. Sorry.. truth bomb! Diego was my favorite. He was THE sweetest dog ever. He's in a happier home though. We had to re-home him when we moved to an apartment a few years ago and he just WAS NOT happy there. We still get pictures of him from time to time. He seriously has the best home ever now. 

2. Favorite food I’ve cooked

A few weeks ago I would have said my burritos. But now it's the Spinach Coated Chicken. A new favorite for everyone here! 

3. Teacher who changed my life, and why

Definitely Dr. McCoy. He was my sophomore Chemistry teacher in high school. He reminded me a lot of Bill Nye the way he taught. He made science easy for everyone. He was the one that made me really appreciate and LOVE science. Because of him I still want to be a science teacher. 

4. The best paid entertainment I’ve ever seen

Jeff Dunham! Hands down, best comedy act I've paid to see. Josh and I went in 2012 for his birthday. (I surprised him!) 

5. Favorite hobby activity that makes me get lost for hours

puzzles! I once spent 12 hours completing a 1000 piece puzzle. I just love doing puzzles. 

6. My greatest skill (past or current)

I wasn't really sure what to say about this, so I asked my husband. He said I may not have a lot of patience when it comes to the kids being bad, but I have a lot of patience when it comes to teaching them things. Like teaching Ainsley colors or Zander to ride his bike without training wheels. He says I'm a natural teacher, so I guess that's a skill 

7. The best advice I’ve ever been given

"Don't be scared to ask for help." My aunt told me this when Josh and I were going through hard times. No matter the situation, don't let your pride take over and keep you from asking for help. Someone is always willing to help! THIS IS SO TRUE! 

8. My favorite flower – purchased

Lily's. They're just so pretty! 

9. My favorite flower or plant – personally grown

My gardenia bush in my front yard. We were in the house for a few weeks at the end of it's blooming season last year, so we only got a few flowers. THIS YEAR though, I'll get to see (and smell) it in full force! 

10. The most favorite gift I’ve ever gotten – what and from whom?

My diamond stud earrings. My dad gave them to me for my 16th birthday & aside from my wedding rings, it's the only other piece of jewelry I always wear. 

11. My most suspenseful moment

At the eye doctor when I'm waiting for the "poof" of air during the eye exams. There's probably something more suspenseful than that, but that was the first that came to mind. 

12. My most unexpected achievement?

Two come to mind. The first, would be this blog. At least, I feel like it's an achievement. Maybe. LOL. Anyway, the second would be beating my high school mile time. I never (ever) thought I'd consider myself a "runner" but I actually really love running! 

13. My favorite paid employment, ever

My most recent job actually. I was a customer service rep for a food manufacturer. I loved the owners, the people I worked with, the whole team. Me losing that job was a real shame. Everything happens for a reason. 

14. The favorite dessert I’ve ever eaten

Apple pie. It's always the best desert. It's even better when my grandma makes it for my birthday! 

15. The most scared I’ve been by a bug or critter

Bed bugs. Y'all Josh and I lived in a house a few years ago that was INFESTED with bed bugs... they were living in the WALLS. We didn't know it until AFTER we moved in, and well, after that we had to buy new beds. I can't tell you how disgusting it was to wake up every morning with hundreds of bites all over our arms and not know what the heck they were from! 

16. My favorite household chore

I guess yard work would be my favorite. I really love the way my yard looks after everything has been tidied. 

17. Favorite item no one knows I own?

I'm not sure how many people actually know about this or not, but my grandmother's old mini grandfather clock. Josh and I received it after my grandma passed away in 2013 and it makes me smile every time I hear it chime. :) 

18. The prettiest shiny object I’ve ever owned

Definitely my wedding rings. I have two sets, and I talked about them on my engagement anniversary. But I absolutely love my rings! 

19. Favorite outdoor smell

I really love rain, but I think I love the smell of dirt better. My kids love playing outside and they especially love to dig, so smelling newly turned up dirt makes me know my kids are having fun. 

20. Favorite song I ever danced to and with whom?

Well, anytime Josh actually dances with me is a plus since he doesn't dance EVER. I seriously have to force him to do it. Our first dance as a married couple was in his Aunt's house though with Amanda. hehe. 

 

21. The favorite place I have ever traveled to where I’d spend my whole life if I could?

OMG St. Thomas, USVI for SURE. without a doubt. It's so beautiful there, and I'm dying to take Josh someday. Meagan just got back from there and I CANNOT WAIT to hear about her trip. I love it there! 

22. The most significant change I’ve had to go through and how it made me better

Well, it's something I haven't talked about on the blog. (Still not sure I ever will at this point) But my long leave where I was gone all of Jan has absolutely been my biggest change. It's really helped me realize I HAVE to ask for help, I have to be honest with others and I esp have to be honest with myself. 

23. Favorite environmental sound (rain, thunder, etc.)

Definitely the ocean. The waves crashing on the sand is the best. 

24. Best time I’ve had playing with a pet
I think anytime I take Gambit running is a good time.

25. The favorite picture I’ve ever taken?

Man. This was a tough choice but I think this is my favorite. 

And something else that's my favorite? Mama Llamas!
Y'all, Have you met Lindsay from Bourbon, Lipstick & Stilettos yet? If not you're totally missing out. She's so sweet and genuine and has THE BEST makeup tips, advice, and product suggestions on her blog. Hello! Yes please! Not to mention her recipes are to die for! I'm so happy that she decided to be apart of the Llama Herd this month! Let's take a moment to get to know Lindsay better, shall we?

Describe yourself in four words. 
Ambitious
Dedicated
Wino
Real 

I really love your blogging style. What made you start blogging?
I work as a writer but wanted an outlet for my creativity. I love sharing my beauty buys and being able to express myself. I read several blogs before I started mine and loved the sense of community!

You're a new addition to the crayon box. Which color would you be, and why?
Pink! It's such a happy, fun color... that's how I like to live my life. (editor's note: I completely agree with being pink! My favorite color!) 

What's the best advice you've ever gotten about blogging?
Engage with other bloggers. The best decision I ever made. 

What's your favorite movie quote?
From Almost Famous: "And if you ever get lonely, you can just go to the record store and visit your friends." I'm a HUGE music lover- this movie (and quote) always speak to me. 

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Pizza. I don't eat it often but I want it ALL. THE. TIME. I never met a pizza I didn't like. I'd also add chocolate to that list... (editor's note: I knew I always loved you Lindsay! I would totally pick pizza too!) 

How fun is Lindsay? Y'all will most definitely want to keep in touch with this lady! 

Follow along for more Bourbon, Lipstick & Stilettos!

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Exciting Ramen & Hey Kerri Llama!

Show of hands to those of y'all that were forced to eat Ramen for dinner because that's all you could afford? Don't be shy, I'm pretty sure all of us have been there at some point. What if I told you I could make your Ramen taste better than just noodles with seasoned salt? OK, sure I wouldn't eat it unless I really had to, but at least now it tastes like an actual meal!

I present to y'all,

For Teriyaki Ramen
What you'll need:
*based on one serving / one packet of Ramen

• 1 Packet Oriental flavor Ramen
• Spoonful of Grape jelly
• 2 Tsp (approx) of Sugar
• (optional) 1 Tsp of Instant coffee

What you'll do: 
+ Boil a pot of water & cook noodles as normal. I really hope y'all know how to boil noodles! If not, please google! ha.
+ Drain most of the water off the noodles. Leaving enough to mix with the seasoning packet (included) Return noodles back to pot for mixing
+ Mix jelly, sugar, coffee, and seasoning packet until well blended
+Enjoy!

*For a little something extra, you can throw in some peanuts for more flavor and some crunch!

*Now, I don't like my Ramen super soupy, so these can be adjusted depending on how much water you like in yours. These directions are based on my preferences. 

Now, what if teriyaki isn't your favorite? Not a problem!!

Cheeseburger Ramen! 

What you'll need:
*based on one serving / one packet of Ramen

• 1 Packet Beef flavor Ramen
• 1 spoonful Ketchup
• 1/2 spoonful Mayonnaise
• 1 spoonful Mustard
• 2 Tsp Pickle juice
• Handful Crushed up cheese-its (or orginal Doritos, because we didn't have cheese-its... Improv, people, it's how I roll!) 

What you'll do:
+ Cook the noodles, just like above!
+ Drain most of the water off the noodles. Leaving enough to mix with the seasoning packet (included) Return noodles back to pot for mixing
+ Mix everything together until well-blended!
+ Enjoy!

What's the last meal you spiced up with a few changes?

And now, I'd like to introduce another one of my amazing
Mama Llama sponsors! So don't run off just yet! 

I'm so happy to have Kerri from Hey Herri Blog on my sidebar this month! Her blog is so fun, and I really wish Canada wasn't so far away so we could maybe get to meet!
Take it away, Kerri!!

Describe yourself in four words. 
Adventurous
Girly
Organzied
Caring

 I really love your blogging style. What made you start blogging?
Thank you! I wish I could remember exactly how I stumbled into the *lifestyle* blogging world because for the last four years I only ever thought of blogs being beauty and style related. All I remember is it was Erin's blog Living in Yellow sometime last spring then I found Anne's blog from Love the Here & Now. Before that I had a blog created (after trying and failing at being beauty related) but was completely intrigued by the whole lifestyle concept, I decided I wanted to give it a try. Anne's blog is actually what pushed me to take my own seriously and made me realize it was actually something I wanted to do - boy am I glad I found her blog :)

You're a new addition to the crayon box. Which color would you be, and why?
Ouuuuuuuu, this is a good question! I'm going to go with a deep jet black that has gorgeous hues of different colored glitter when the light hits it.

But not the chunky glitter that makes it really hard to color with and scrapes the paper - more like I finely milled sprinkle of sparkle.

Can we call it Midnight Magic as well? ((editor's note: YES! good answer!))

What's the best advice you've ever gotten about blogging? 
"Never hit publish on a post that you wouldn't want to read yourself." -This is something that I try to take into consideration with everything I write. ((editor's note: This is a good one and I would agree!))

What's your favorite movie quote?
"You know, I really thought it was that can't-eat, can't-sleep, reach-for-the-stars, over- the-fence, World Series kind of stuff." - It Takes Two.

THIS QUOTE WILL NEVER GROW OLD! And now I want to watch every Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen movie!

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? 
Hands down chicken stir fry with extra water chestnuts! I don't think I could ever get sick of that meal. Chicken is the only *meat* I eat, honey garlic sauce is amazzzzzzing plus simmered vegetables are drool worthy.

And it may or may not be one of the only meals I can make without ruining ;)

Isn't she so fun, y'all? I just love her AND her blog! Who wants to join together to go see her in Canada?

Want more HKB? follow along!

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