Holiday – wild pieces

Three-Day Weekend Adventures—And We’re Finally Race Ready!

Published on February 17, 2014March 17, 2016 by Wild PieceLeave a comment

Sometimes you have a Sunday that comes so seamlessly together that it is just lovely and relaxing and totally unexpected. And then someone sneezes next to you WITHOUT COVERING THEIR NOSE and you want to yell at them about manners.

But, anyway, this past three-day weekend was pleasant and perfect. My running partner and I started it off with our final long training run before the marathon (three weeks!). And it went so well. All of our training kind of came together and by the end of 22 miles, we just knew we’re ready for the race! I can’t wait, guys!

Usually after a long run, I’m dead to the world for like two days, but I woke up Sunday morning feeling happy and excited for a day I hadn’t planned yet. And let’s not kid ourselves, I was also sore, but I could walk. I hit the bookstore for a my Sunday morning book pick. I’ve been trying to read more and watch TV less, and it’s going well. So I picked four books and settled into a nice sunny spot on the Barnes & Noble balcony at The Grove. I read through a few chapters, enjoying some hot chocolate, and a guy came to sit next to me and started sniffling. Like every 10 seconds. Like, I almost got up to get him a tissue (wouldn’t be the first time I’ve done this. I may have an issue), when he started sneezing WITHOUT covering his nose or mouth.

WHAT.

Now, I’m pretty, um, let’s call it “careful” about germs. So needless to say, this is making me silently freak out. But add in the fact that the marathon is three weeks away (and I had already spent four weeks of our training being sick with a never-ending cold and then bronchitis) and I was just not having it. I politely walked away, but ho-ly goodness—why do people do this!

Anyway, not to let it ruin the weekend. I worked on some craft projects (more on that in a future post) and then went wine tasting with friends. Also got some sweet flowers and chocolate from my hubby. So relaxing and chilled out. Ready for another three day weekend!

Let’s Talk About this V-Day Thing

Published on February 14, 2014March 17, 2016 by Wild PieceLeave a comment

When I tell people that my hubby and I don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day, I sometimes get weird looks. Confused looks. I-don’t-actually-believe-you looks. But we just don’t feel like it. I don’t have a good answer for you on why not—we just don’t. But here’s the thing: I’m pretty sure that a lot of you agree with me. That after all the flash and expense of your major, end-of-year holidays and then New Year’s Eve, it’s just exhausting to celebrate something else that’s really like a lot of the other days of the year.

I’m sure when we have kids, this will change. We’ll want—need—at least one designated day a year that is just for the two of us to spend an evening together. But for now? We like watching scary movies and cooking dinner. Which, by the way, happens a lot to begin with. But it’s become our default V-day tradition. (Except for this year. Until the marathon is over and my Saturday mornings are no longer reserved for long runs, my Fridays are exclusively “eat carbs” and “go to bed early” nights.)

Another exception to our tradition this year, though, is Galentine’s Day. I suggest you click on over to Netflix and watch the Parks & Rec episode where Leslie Knope takes her lady friends to breakfast and celebrates how wonderful they are by showering them with gifts, candy and love. It’s the day before V-day and it’s Galentine’s Day. In that spirit, my hubs got me Leslie Knope stickers in celebration of both Galentine’s and Valentines Days.

Now I’m just trying to figure out where to put them. But I know you’re jealous! I’m like the coolest fourth grader you know—remember how great stickers were? Lisa Frank truly instilled a special sticker love in us all.

Great Gifting: S’Adonner Candles

Published on December 17, 2013February 14, 2014 by Wild PieceLeave a comment

Most people light candles during a bath or before bed at night, but I like to wake up to a fresh, invigorating scent that instantly perks up my morning. Since I don’t drink coffee (for now…we’ll see what happens. I’m trying!), the next best thing are these scented candles by S’Adonner.

Bamboo for Breakfast has notes of mandarin, grapefruit, lemon, jasmine and eucalyptus. They have three other scents (Brise de Mer, Middle Eastern Delight and Vintage) that I highly recommend, and at $27, they make the perfect gift for a party hostess, your bestie, your sister—pretty much anyone!

Great Gifting: Hannah Max Baking Crunch Cookie Chips

Published on December 16, 2013February 14, 2014 by Wild PieceLeave a comment

Happy holidays, lovely readers! I’m so excited for the week before Christmas, and not just for the holiday cheer—all this week, we’ll be bringing you great gift ideas for your family and friends.

The first up is a sweet stocking stuffer that pairs perfectly with milk—or even better, a treat for your little ones to set out for Santa’s arrival: Hannah Max Baking Crunchy Cookie Chips. They’re scrumptious! And about as healthy as a yummy cookie can be: They have no trans fats, no artificial flavors, no additives and no GMOs.

These crispy cookies come in five gobble-’em-up flavors: chocolate chip, cinnamon sugar, sea salted peanut butter, dark chocolate chip and original. I suggest snuggling by the fire and trying them all!

Celebrate the Season in Silver & Gold

Published on December 11, 2013February 14, 2014 by Wild PieceLeave a comment

Christmas parties! New Year’s parties! And a few birthdays! Don’t you love this time of year? Not just because you get to snuggle in with your friends and family for holiday cheer and yummy eggnog (well, some of us love it), but also because that means shopping. Yes, shopping for your loved ones—but it doesn’t hurt to snag yourself a new dress for the new year, now does it? For details on the items below, visit Polyvore.

Thanksgiving in Ojai

Published on December 3, 2013March 17, 2016 by Wild PieceLeave a comment

We decided to do something a little different for Thanksgiving this year. Instead of a big family dinner with tons of turkey, stuffing, bread rolls, cranberry sauce, gravy, mashed potatoes, yada yada yada…we decided to take a relaxing holiday, and each person made something different for dinner: pomegranate martinis (from fresh pomegranates!), brie en croute for appetizers, spicy Italian sausage lasagne, caesar salad and pumpkin pie (some traditions we want to keep). It was so delicious! And with our non-traditional meal, there wasn’t the urge to overeat…just to enjoy our food and be thankful. Hope you had a great holiday!

lasagna stovetop