Workout Wednesday: Running

I am focusing on adding more miles to my cardio in preparation for hopefully running a few long races this spring. This week my goal is to reach 26 miles. I will gradually work up to 30-35 miles a week. The rule I follow is not to increase your mileage more than 10% per week. I also make sure my weekend long run  accounts for around 30% of my mileage for the week. 

The biggest struggle for me right now is getting in a workout routine in the mornings. The thought of getting out of my warm bed and driving 20 minutes to the gym does not have me jumping for joy. Once I get there I am good to go. I am also going to try and add this core routine to my morning workouts.
  

 Workout 

Monday: HIIT and Upper Body Strength

Tuesday: 5 mile run & Abs

Wednesday:  4 mile run & Legs

Thursday: 5 mile run 

Friday: Rest day 

Saturday: 9 mile run

Sunday:  Rest Day

These are a Few of my Favorite Things : Stocking Stuffers

Favorite Things- Stocking Stuffers by sweetcarolinabelle 

1.  Stainless Steel Hammered Tumbler Rose Gold - This cup is adorable and it keeps the coffee warm through my long commute  to work. I love making my own Starbucks copycat drinks at home.
2. C. Wonder knot earrings- The C.Wonder store just opened up in Southpoint and I am obsessed. These beauties would look great with all the holiday outfits.

3. Fresh lip treatment - I have started hoarding lipbalm lately. The cold weather has really taken a toll on my lips and skin. This lip balm has gotten amazing reviews by lots of bloggers lately. 
4. Emi-Jay Hair-ties- I love these hair ties. I have them stored in my purse, gym bag and desk. They are great for when I just want to throw my hair up quick. You don't have to worry about your hair snagging or having creases.
5. Philosophy gift sets kit- This is my favorite scent of the Philosophy brand. The body wash smells amazing and will not dry your skin out.
6. Brush Kit- These brushes are great quality and for a great price! I love that it comes with it's own carrying case.
7. J.Crew socks- I am always cold especially at work. So I have been collecting cute socks to keep me warm. You can never go wrong with JCrew. 

Weekly Wishes

There are so many things that are going to make this week great. I am thankful to be headed home to see my family after a 3 day workweek. Visiting my family will also mean decorating for Christmas on Friday which always feels like the start of the Christmas season. Also, we have a much needed date night scheduled for tonight. We are going to see Gravity. I have heard so many great reviews about this movie. I truly hopes it lives up to all the hype. For this week, I created several mini goals for myself that I hope to accomplish. I am linking up with Melyssa at the Nectar Collective for my Weekly Wishes.

1.  Morning workouts four days this week. - I am increasing my mileage running to have a "solid base" mileage. I have not been off the running train for awhile and not running consistently. These past three weeks I have been trying to focus on mileage per week. This week my goal is 26 miles total. Getting in my runs early in the morning would really help with freeing up my evenings.
2. Clean the apartment and put up Christmas decorations. At least apartment vs house there will be a lot less to clean, right? Let's hope so!
3. Make an delicious a side and dessert to bring to our (multiple) Thanksgiving dinners. I am thinking I will bring some fresh vegetables like this salad balanced out with these easy pretzel kisses.
4. Style my hair down four days this week. I have become the queen of  side buns and simple updos. When pressed for time, my hairstyle is the first thing to be overlooked. This week is only a two days with students so I have no excuse.  I spent some time Sunday on my favorite beauty blog watching tutorials.
5. Nightly walks with Charlie before dinner. With the light lingering at night and the temperature dropping Charlie's walks have gotten shorter and shorter. He loves welcoming the neighbors home for work and it is way to get in a little (more) exercise.

Five on Friday

Oh Happy Friday! Hope everyone has enjoyed this short week. As always I am so excited it is Friday!

The temperature has dropped dramatically this week in NC many places even saw a dusting of snow! The cold weather has made it more difficult for me to get up in the morning. Also, defrosting the cars is not something I enjoy and miss our warm garage more than ever right now! Anyway, one thing that I have been enjoying with the cooler weather is the chance to break out the sweaters and scarves! For today's five on Friday I wanted to share my favorite pieces.

This season more than ever, I have been loving neutral sweaters, scarves and boots. I promise I don't wear them all at once but I am loving the neutral backdrop for statement jewelry and accessories.  I am also trying to invest in neutral, classic pieces that will last more than one season. 

Cozy Neutrals by sweetcarolinabelle featuring riding boots

LOFT long sleeve cable knit sweater / Bobeau cardigan / Sanctuary top / Riding boots / Infinity scarf

What is your go to cold weather outfit? Mine is a chunky sweater, skinny jeans and riding boots.

Fitness: November 11- 17

I have finally gotten back into a {somewhat} normal workout routine since our move. I did not realize how much moving would affect our daily routines.  Exhaustion set in easily  after tackling mountains of boxes and climbing three flights of stairs during our move. I gave myself a bit of slack and decided that unpacking and climbing these stairs counted as a workout!   After settling a bit, I was itching to get back to the gym. 

I am also truly enjoying running again. I think the change of scenery has also been a huge motivator. Interval runs are my favorite ways to get in a quick workout when I am pressed for time. Below is one of my go to intervals.

One thing I notice with running is that I always slack with stretching afterwards. This has always been a weakness for me. Stretching is important after any workout to help with the tightening of muscles that occur due tearing when you work out.  I struggled with ITBS last year and stretching will help keep me from developing it again. I am trying to slowly improve by stretching each night while for 10-15 minutes. My go to routine is this Yoga poses for runners. I would also love to practice yoga but have not found a studio nearby yet. 

 Workout 

Monday: Arms 

Tuesday: 4 mile run

Wednesday:  Back & Bicep & 4 mile run

Thursday: Legs 

Friday: Shoulders & Abs & 3 mile interval run 

Saturday: Rest day 

Sunday: 7 mile run 

Today my post is a link up with Skinny Meg as a part of Workout Wednesday! Hope y'all have a great Wednesday!

Getting to Know You

A huge thanks to Ashley from A & O On The Go for nominating me for the Leibister Award. She is a girl after my own heart. She is a newlywed too with a great style and a eye for decorating. If you have not already, please check out her blog!!

The purpose of this award is to get to know more about the girl behind the blog. This award came at a great time since life around here is a bit hectic! Here's to hoping there is an end to all these boxes and everything is (somewhat) normal this week!

1. Where do you love to vacation?  Charleston is my favorite city to visit for a long weekend.  It was one of our first vacations together as a couple and we try and visit every year. I love staying downtown and being able to walk the cobblestones to all the shops , exploring the battery and the delicious restaurant and bar experiences.  

2. What is your go-to online shopping site(s)? Amazon would have to be number one. We have an Amazon Prime account which has free 2 day shipping for most products and  they have a great return policy.  Many times I will order name brand products through Amazon thanks to their free shipping and guarantees. I also frequent J Crew,  Piperlime and Ann Taylor Loft.  

3. Cat or Dog? Our precious pup Charlie  has stolen my heart over the past 6 months. He is hyperactive, needy and stubborn but, one look with his little puppy eyes and I forget all that!

4. What is one thing that few people know about you?  I was never involved in sports in school.  My hand/eye coordination leaves much to be desired.  It has also left me falling down stairs, breaking and spilling things more often than I would like to admit.  I started running my senior year of college with a couch to 5k program. 

5. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Christmas Eve with my dad’s family. On top of delicious food and desserts, there are always fun inside jokes and gag gifts. 

6. What is your dream job?  I love my job as a School Psychologist. It combines working with kiddos, collecting data, graphing.. insert nerd status and jazz hands. To make it my ultimate dream job, I would love to work more with pre-k or Autism students or work more with health education.  

7. Sweet or Salty?  I am a complete sweet girl. I have tried to rein it in over the years but there is no denying my weakness. Especially if the combination involves peanut butter and chocolate! 

8. What is your favorite room in your house? In our current home (apartment) it’s the living room. There are tons of windows that let in natural light in the afternoons.

9. Favorite team to follow {college or pro!} Any NC team! I have never had a connection to collegiate sports and just enjoy watching NC teams. For pro, I cheer with the hubs for the Carolina Panthers. 

10. What blogs do you enjoy reading?  I  read a wide variety  from healthy living to lifestyle to fashion so here is a snippet of my favorites. Hungry Meets Healthy, The Southen Wife, Style Me Swanky, Carolina Charm, Hello! Happiness and Keep Calm & Carry On. 

11. Why did you start blogging? I started blogging in graduate school. I was living by myself and needed something to keep my time occupied outside my studies. It was  an outlet away from 24-7 School Psychology. It has become a diary for our little life and a way to explore my fitness and fashion whims. 

Five on Friday

I'm keeping it short and sweet for today's five on Friday. 

1.Today is my last day at my current job. A 30 days notice was required with my current employer and these past 30 days have been the hardest, longest month with the job. It will be a mix of emotions come end of school today. However, I think that the main emotion will be relief.

2. Moving day is tomorrow!! I am feeling slightly crazy for planning all this in a short amount of time but know it will all be worth it when we get there!

3. Candy Crush. Okay, I know I am bit late to this party. Most likely as everyone is leaving, but I am okay with it! This little game has been a great break time for me when the stress of moving gets too high.

4. There is no hiding it, I am wine girl. When we went out last weekend I had one of my favorite glasses of white wine, Evolution Wine. If you like sweet, white blends I highly recommend it!

5. Hope everyone had a Happy Halloween! Charlie donned his bumble bee costume and we went on a walk around the neighborhood last night. I wanted to share this little Halloween funny on the normal curve. Nerd Alert.