a view from the {semi} top

Our new house is nestled in the foothills of our community, which means we have access to some really great hiking trails. In fact, there's a trail head two houses down so there is really no excuse not to get moving up the mountain.

So when I wasn't able to sleep in on this past sunny Sunday morning {don't you just hate that?}, I filled up my CamelBak, clipped on my iPod and started on a little hike. My effort was rewarded with some gorgeous views and friendly exchanges with other hikers and their pups.

This weekend, I plan to go a little further and see what's at the top of the next peak. Care to join me?

new shoes

I know. Big surprise, right? I bought another pair of shoes. But they are totally justified because they're trainers. And everyone knows the best gym motivator is new workout attire.

I got them from Zappos.com, which offers a VIP service! That means you get free overnight shipping...for life.  Learn more here.  Mark told me about the VIP service about a year ago, but this is the first time I've used it. I have to say, I'm really impressed. I ordered these babies on Saturday and got them Monday.

helmet heads

On Saturday, Mark and I made the most of one of our last days together for a while - and the gorgeous Arizona weather - and went for a long, leisurely bike ride. After a couple of hours, we'd gotten in a good workout {the hills where we live are killer}, had a yummy lunch, soaked up the sun and enjoyed each other's company.

safety first

a very veggie brunch

On Saturday, following an hour on the erg and an hour hiking up South Mountain, I met my friend, Tina, at a little unassuming breakfast / lunch place called Pomegranate. Located next to my local Trader Joe's, this vegetarian / vegan place is divine! They support local farmers and make some really delicious food.

Tina and I decided to split the In-Season Scramble, with scrambled eggs and a medley of seasonal veggies like onion and peppers served with a side of harvest hash - sweet and yukon potatoes, and the Pom-Berry French Toast, made with the most flavorful ancient grain bread. We each enjoyed a latte {caramel for me and vanilla for Tina} which came with a just-the-right-size Mexican wedding cake cookie.

Just take a look...

resolution support

How many of you included "exercise more" on your list of resolutions? Well, have I found something to help support your efforts.

My friend and teammate first introduced me to this fabulously supportive sports bra by Moving Comfort and I have to tell you, it's amazing.

It comes in bra sizes {a must if you have larger cup sizes} and perfectly keeps the girls subdued whether you're running, hiking, rowing or working on your inversions at yoga practice.

table for one, please

Two days after Mark asked me to marry him, he was off for a contract gig in Virginia and I have been alone ever since.

In honor of my semi-independence, I've compiled list of things to do when you're separated from your significant other for an extended period of time.

Hog the TV

Find a hobby

Learn more about yourself

Learn how to fix your car / house

Spend quality time with your family

Get rid of bugs {or in my case, scorpions} on your own

Spend oodles of time with your girlfriends

Redecorate your house

Volunteer your time

Hit the gym

But no matter what we do to entertain ourselves, Mark and I still miss each other terribly. We talk every day {thank goodness for unlimited minutes and texts, and bless you, inventors of Skype} and send each other care packages. He's scheduled to come home just after my birthday, which is the only present I could really ask for.

twilight trek

On Saturday, some of my friends and I spent the evening running around Tempe - literally. We participated in Tempe Twilight Town Trek. Think "The Amazing Race" meets your local city. We solved clues, completed tasks, took pictures and ended up {supposedly} running a 5k.  My team ended up coming in 12th place. Not too bad, considering we had to backtrack...

~pit stop : name that movie quote~

~running from the law...and to the next pit stop~

~ziggy and the statue - look at those legs~

~our final challenge~

~team town lake mud wrestlers~

a marathon and a reward

Have you ever seen the movie 300? You know, the one where the men are ripped (ooh, la la...Gerard Butler!)? Do you want to know how they got that way? They trained at a one-time-CrossFit-affiliated gym. What is CrossFit? It's an insane, intense gym that promises to "forge elite athletes."

They have gyms across the country, so there's most likely one near you.

a little something extra : live in the Phoenix area and want to check out what CrossFit is all about without a full-fledged commitment? Check out Lululemon at the Biltmore on Tuesday nights. They offer a free CrossFit class every week.


This weekend, some of my teammates and I headed down to Tucson to compete in an erg marathon (that's 42,195 meters) - against a bunch of CrossFit athletes. And guess what? My teammates came in first! Hooray! (My team also competed respectably and didn't come in last.)

~full marathoners. that means 42,195 meters to complete all on their own~

~matt during the first leg of the relay for his team : no hugs, just fist bumps~

~katy's checking out our final time~

~the girls of no fist bumps, just hugs~

~happy to have finished. the team (minus stacey and rachel)~

The best part about the whole trip - besides the team bonding, of course - was the treat at the end. Every time I go to Tucson, I have to stop by Beyond Bread.

It's an amazing bakery that has the most scrumptious sandwiches. My favorite is Bart's Bag - turkey, brie, to-die-for honey mustard. And the sandwiches are as big as your head.

My friends Emily and Jenny got Betty's Brie, featuring roast beef and brie.

The only beef (get it?) I have with Beyond Bread is that they haven't expanded north. So until then, I will happily swing by whenever I head south.

smitten kitten | lululemon

Last week, I kicked off a regular feature : smitten kitten. Do you have a real passion for/obsession about something? Well, you're a smitten kitten for it. Cute, right? Look for it to find out exactly what I'm geeking out for!


I love lululemon. Several years ago, I was introduced to this Canadian company by a Canadian friend (appropriate, non?). We were all vacationing in cottage country in Ontario and she was lounging in the cutest pants and hoodie. She told me where to find it, and as soon as we were back outside of Toronto, I begged my future husband to drive me to the nearest location, where he treated me to a pair of pants (they came in a length that actually fit my long legs!) and a tank. I became an instant fan.


Now that they have opened a store here, I can get my fitness fashion fix whenever I want. And I'm dying for these

~speed short~

~be still pant~

They also carry a men's line with fashionable and functional pieces for your favorite guy.

~quintessentially Canadian, eh?~

~essential v~

try something new

Did you know that September is National Yoga Month? I'm sure there are many of you who are very familiar with yoga - but perhaps there are others who aren't. This month is the perfect time to give it a try!

~via yogamonth.com~

To celebrate National Yoga Month, yoga studios from across the country are offering free classes or discounted packages. National Yoga Month's official website is offering a free one-week pass for new students (so for all you seasoned yogis, it's a great time to check out a studio that's new to you!). Just click on the link, plug in your city, find a participating studio, print out your pass and get your ohm on.

Not into traditional yoga? Many gyms have fitness yoga classes. You can even check with a local church since many are beginning to offer Christ-centered yoga classes, which are often free.

And if you live near my favorite workout-wear retailer, lululemon, they usually have a free yoga class once a week.

Never one to pass up a chance to share great finds : if you stop by the store, try on a pair of their amazing pants or one of their tanks. They are the most comfortable items of clothing you'll ever own.

~sage twist pant~

~ scoop neck tank~

A little something extra : lululemon pants come in regular and tall lengths, and they offer complimentary hemming at their stores!