No time tonight. :( I’ve been working on a side project with the husband for a client and it’s taking FOREVER. I’m coding again. It’s kind of fun but MAN is it time consuming!

However, I wanted to stop in, share my weigh in and let you know I’m alive. :)

Well, that’s not true I approached it conversationally before.

This past summer I wrote a post called Wait. A Photo Shoot? WHAT Just Happened? Where I talked about being contacted by FIRST Magazine.

I was [...]]]> I’ve been debating this post since last week. I just don’t know how to approach this topic.

Well, that’s not true I approached it conversationally before.

This past summer I wrote a post called Wait. A Photo Shoot? WHAT Just Happened? Where I talked about being contacted by FIRST Magazine.

I was excited but tentative. I’ll quote myself, as obnoxious as that is.

I feel like they are making me fit their already existing story idea. I guess that’s how magazine articles work but it annoys the crap out of me. I actually had a discussion with the writer, who told me their readers wouldn’t relate to my story because I run. Well I do run, what am I suppose to do? Lie? Instead she asked me if I was comfortable with "this" and/or "that." I felt like words were being put in my mouth much like the Woman’s World story (yes I ate pasta while losing but that’s not WHY I lost.) Man they like to manipulate things, don’t they?

I was actually a little relieved when they told me the article was shelved for October. They said it got bumped but honestly, I kind of assumed my interview with the writer didn’t result in exactly what they wanted so they decided not to run to the story.

Well, they ran it. Just a little later than expected. It’s out in this weeks edition on Page 42.

Here’s the deal. I love contributing to traditional media. I love the photo shoots. I love sharing my story and tips. It’s really "what I do now" isn’t it? I’m building a brand. I create content. I try to inspire.

However, to do that and making a living from it is quite a juggling act. I love the publicity being in a magazine gives me but I hate the way they do it. The way they spin things. This is the second time it’s happened and it makes me uncomfortable.

Saying all this will probably not land me many future articles but you know what? I don’t care. Have you seen the covers of most popular magazines?

How to Lose 10 lbs in a Week!

The 3 Foods that Burn Belly Fat!

See How so and so Lost 50lbs by Eating this Super Food!

Do I need to keep going?

Ugh. It’s all the same over and over and over again. Maybe I’m just getting old and bitter but I’m so over the madness.

It’s fun to be in a magazine and I don’t want to seem ungrateful. I just don’t like being deceitful. Like I said…

Yes I ate pasta while losing weight but that’s not WHY I lost

Yes I have kept photo food journals but I not when I lost the weight initially. If anything it helped me maintain more than lose.

Ok, I’m done. I just had to get that all off my chest.

In other news, day 2 of my Snack-less night is a success and I posted how to make Single Serve Banana Soft Serve with Your Magic Bullet. Thanks for the inspiration Michelle! :)

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Yea..

I’m done.

Part of me is on the natural post-event downer. Now that the Tough Mudder is over I’m [...]]]> Yesterday I decided to challenge myself (and you if you want in) on NOT mindlessly snacking this week. My evenings have been ridiculous lately. Baked Dorritos, chocolate goldfish, swiss cake roll, ridiculous.

Yea..

I’m done.

Part of me is on the natural post-event downer. Now that the Tough Mudder is over I’m not working towards anything. I can’t seem to find my workout motivation. Being sick last week didn’t help either.

My goals right now are to stop the evening mindless munch fests, schedule a few events and create a realistic workout routine to re-establish ME time.

Today I decided to do a photo food journal to help build my momentum.

This morning I made this smoothie and added about a tablespoon of Chia seeds.

They are new to me, never bought them before. Click here to check out Little Bean’s "review."

Lunch was a quick wrap made with The Laughing Cow, deli ham, mustard and baby spinach plus some red bell pepper on the side.

Oh! and my big iced green tea on the side.

The Husband had leftover Chinese. :)

For an afternoon snack I had an apple with some almond butter.

I’m trying to stick with UNproccesed, non-carby snacks.

Dinner was a grilled pork chop and grilled potaotes, peppers, and summer squash. Similiar to this old idea on GreenLiteBites.

I split the bigger chop with both kids (baby ate zip, but I tried.)

After dinner? A nice walk with the boys. :)

After the kids went to bed I had my one allowed snack. Homemade Banana Soft Serve.

I made it with a frozen banana, a handful of frozen blueberries, and some unsweetened cocoa powder.

A-MAZING!

Now my kitchen is closed and it’s time for bed. I swear, half the reason I eat at night is becuase I’m tired. It’s rarely becuase I’m hungry.

Anyway, a few quick announcements before heading to bed…

1. I am working on a list of running events for the next few months I’ll doing. I didn’t officially make it a goal but I’m trying hard to do at least 1 event a month again this year.
2. This Thursday I will be recording May’s Ask Roni video LIVE on Spreecast. Stay tuned for more details. I’m still working out some logistics but Thursday, May 24, 1 PM ET is scheduled! I’m going to have company too! MizFit will be joining me as we’ve been considering hosting a monthly show together.
3. Only 4 MONTHS until the FitBloggin conference. Things are REALLY pickin up now and the nervousness is setting in. SO much to still do!

ok, sleepytime! :)

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Sorry, can’t say that without a tinge of excitement in my voice. I had THAT [...]]]> This was the first weekend we spent at home in weeks! First it was the Ocean City Half Marathon Anniversary getaway, then the next weekend was my niece’s communion in PA, and of course last weekend was the MUUUDDDER!

Sorry, can’t say that without a tinge of excitement in my voice. I had THAT much fun.

Anyway, this weekend we stayed home, sort of.

This morning I woke up and started the laundry before heading out for a run.

It was the first real active thing I’ve done since the mudder and after being sick. Not my fastest run….

…but it felt great!

When I got back Little Guy greeted me at the door. He’s so freakin’ cute in the mornings. We created a fun playlist on youtube and danced around. This is him doing his "Secret Agent Man"

He kept creeping around the perimeter of the room. It was hysterical.

Side Note: That is the home of my future office. I just haven’t had the time or finances to actually furnish it yet.

Breakfast was a spinach omelet for me and frosted mini-wheats with farm fresh strawberries for him.

The baby had an egg and some cheerios and then we were off!

I piled the kids in the car and headed to Lancaster to visit a friend. The Husband had a golf date with his Dad.

It was nice just to hang and catch up. The kids had fun too. Here’s Little Guy dancing to the end of Megamind and Little Bean investigated some drawers. lol

Afterwards we headed to the outlets for some shopping. By far the best purchase of the day were these…

Oh! and the chocolate chip mint ice cream.

The mask?

Don’t ask.

We came home to quite a mess.

But not for long…

We were on a mission!

Our reward?

A walk to the park.

Irish saw us off.

And we swung.

And Swung.

Dinner was some crazy concoction I made up with beans, hot dogs and chayote squash.

I told you it was crazy.

Someone wasn’t too happy about it but he ate some. You guys know my philosophy on the whole, you eat what I cook thing, right?

Well, he did, after a little stern talking to.

After dinner we finished watching our Sunday night movie with some popcorn.

The husband came home, put the kids to bed and folded all the laundry I kept up with all day.

Could the day have ended any better?

I don’t think so. lol

Before I go two pictures I wanted to share that didn’t really "fit" in my recap…

1. Ripe Bananas…. YES!

I freeze them in single-serve baggies so I can make my summer time snack obsession…. Banana Soft-Serve

2. Avocado Plant Update

Looking good! Our apple trees, on the other hand, not so good. :( The cat decided to use the pot they were in as a second litter box while we were away a few weeks ago.

Anyway, it was a great weekend. I had some cheese and crackers after the kids went to bed. I’m still struggling a bit with the night time snacking habit. Who wants to commit to a A Week of Snack-Less Nights again? I need a little challenge. It could be a fun way to start the week!

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I’ve done it once before but took a break after [...]]]> Or more officially, a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture.) That means I pay a yearly fee to pick up a weekly "share" of produce that’s grown on the farm. Every week is a little different based on what’s in season and what was harvested.

I’ve done it once before but took a break after Little Bean was born. I knew I’d be overwhelmed adjusting to life with a new baby. Now that we are all settled it’s time to start back up.

I love teaching my kids where food comes from. I think it’s important for them to learn, respect and appreciate the hard work that goes into farming. Not to mention, they learn to eat food, REAL food.

The farm we joined has also started raising chickens for egg production and meat.

I don’t think I would have believed it until I tried them myself but farm eggs DEFINITELY taste different. Better. Event he shells are thicker. It’s crazy!

Tonight we took a tour of the farm and learned so much about how they plant, naturally fertilize, and keep pests away.

"Who’s happy we joined a farm?"

THIS GUY…

These pictures just made me smile. I had to share. :)

Little Guy snapped this shot of us.

Then we hit the strawberry fields.

Although Little Bean was more impressed by the clovers.

Remember, he doesn’t like fruit. but this guy does!

And so do I! :)

Interested in joining a CSA in your area? Check out localharvest.org. They have tons of information and a search feature by zip code.

I’ll be sharing ideas on using all the fresh produce all season on GreenLiteBites. It’s gonna be fun!

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Did non-stop eating tonight make you feel any better?

No?

Well.. der. Of course it didn’t.

And don’t worry, you will get back to the gym and running and working out. Give yourself some time to recover. Geesh.

I’M SO SICK OF TEA

and soup

and coughing

and not begin able to talk

AHHHHHHHH.

OK, I’m done whining. Just had to get all that out.

I was actually curious what the scale would say today. I ate pretty much [...]]]> Still stuffed up. Still throat issues. Still feel like crap.

I’M SO SICK OF TEA

and soup

and coughing

and not begin able to talk

AHHHHHHHH.

OK, I’m done whining. Just had to get all that out.

I was actually curious what the scale would say today. I ate pretty much whatever I wanted all weekend. Before the Tough Mudder I wanted to make sure I had enough fuel. After the Tough Mudder (I’ll admit it) I celebrated with pizza, but since then I’ve been living off soup and some salty snacks. It’s all I real have an appetite for.

Anyway, I wasn’t shocked to see this..

I’m been maintaing that weight for months now without an issue.

I’m heading to bed but I wanted to share this fun photos of a Bullfrog we took after Little Guy’s baseball game.

How cool is this guy??

I even Instagram’ed him.

We had fun watching him hop across the field.

It made me smile. Then I coughed.

I hate being sick.

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I have SO much to tell you but it’s late and I spend all my time video editing. That’s right. I’ve got it! I don’t think I’ve every been asked for anything more than this video. It’s cracking me up!

SO…

Without further ado..

Now… let [...]]]> Happy Mother’s Day fellow Moms!

I have SO much to tell you but it’s late and I spend all my time video editing. That’s right. I’ve got it! I don’t think I’ve every been asked for anything more than this video. It’s cracking me up!

SO…

Without further ado..

Now… let me say this… It was AWESOME!

A fun, confidence building, physical, mental experience of a lifetime.

I attempted all obstacles across the (approximate) 12.5 mile run…

1. Kiss of Mud: Completed.
2. Arctic Enema: Competed.
3. High Stepping: Completed.
4. Berlin Walls #1: Completed with hoist help.
5. Death March: Completed.
6. Trench Warfare: Completed.
7. Fire Walker: Completed.
8. Devil’s Beard: Completed with help from fellow mudders holding the rope.
9. Log Bog Jog: Completed.
10. Hold Your Wood: Completed.
11. Spider’s Web: Completed with help from fellow mudders holding the rope.
12. Walk the Plank: Completed after a slight freak out :)
13. Crawl Under: Completed (not sure if it’s considered an obstacle)
14. Everest: Completed with help at the top.
15. Electric Eel: Completed with a few screams.
16. Berlin Walls #2: Completed with hoist help.
17. Funky Monkey: ALMOST completed! Slipped out of my gloves 3/4 of the way across.
18. Mud Mile: Completed.
19. Boa Constrictor: Completed.
20. Mystery Obstacle – The Rings: Attempted.
21. Twinkle Toes: Completed.
22. Electroshock Therapy: Completed with a few screams.

Wow. I think I still have to let that all sink in. I can’t believe I did it.

I FREAKIN’ DID IT!

Curious how I trained for the event? Click here!

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