Five For Friday

Rather than do a Friday Favorites post, I thought I’d switch it up a bit and make it a Five For Friday (sorry, can’t escape the alliteration). This post will be a little random; a mix of things that I am currently loving, as well as just some updates and tidbits. But only five of them!

NYC Marathon

I decided to enter the NYC Marathon lottery this year after getting in for 2012 and it getting canceled, and then cheering the last two years… and I’M IN!

Considering I live in the Northeast — specifically in the tri-state area — I didn’t have high hopes for actually making it in, but I did! I really can’t wait to run through the streets of New York City and see all my friends (and family) along the course. This race will hopefully be a fun “victory lap” of sorts after either Chicago or Steamtown (depending on my lottery luck with Chicago).

Origins Ginger Souffle Whipped Body Cream

So this is something I’m loving… and have been since I got the Origins Ginger Souffle lotion as a Christmas gift from my sister. She’s recently become a huge Origins fan and I always trust her judgement when it comes to beauty products, so I was excited to give this a try. Every time I put it on I feel like I’m in a spa – it smells like one and just feels so luxurious!

I’ve been using it pretty regularly since Christmas after the review I read on touchuplaser.com, but I’m only about halfway through the container. A little bit goes a long way and it really hydrates your skin without leaving you feeling greasy, or with a strong smell. It’s been a life saver with these frigid winter temperatures… hopefully I won’t have to use it as much in the coming months!

Writing [Code + Other Things]

I decided late last week that I’m going to try to teach myself how to write code. I don’t necessarily think it’s something I can turn into a career (but hey, you never know!) but I know that it would be a very valuable skill to have. After thinking about it for a bit I settled on learning PHP through Code Academy. Gizmodo actually published an article back in August that included a list with some great resources which is what I used to help make my decision. I have plenty of people I can ask for help, so I’m hoping this won’t be as painful as I’m imagining. Only time will tell!

I’m also trying to write more fiction. I don’t have any particular plans for it, but I love to write so I need to do it more. The hardest part has been to actually take the time to do it since I’m overly critical of myself when it comes to my writing and I think everything is awful. I also have what I like to call writing ADHD. I’ll start to write something, get about a paragraph or two into it, and next thing you know I’m over it. I tend to have a lot of really great beginning ideas, but I don’t take the time to flesh it out. At least I can pinpoint my problems… now I just need to work on them. Work makes work.

This Weather! 

I don’t think I’ll ever get sick of saying “It’s so gorgeous outside!” Mother nature really turned things around in the last week and after one last snow storm things have been pretty great. I’ve been able to wear shorts on a lot of runs and even wore short sleeves with arm warmers for an 8-miler I did mid-week! It’s always windy where I run (Liberty State Park) because it’s along the water, so it’s been a nice change of pace to have wind and not numb-your-face-off wind blowing as I’m running. I’ve also obviously enjoyed not having to put on 3 layers in order to just go outside. I went through so much extra laundry this winter wearing an extra layer over my workout clothes to and from Refine, spin, and the gym. After all my classes this week I didn’t feel the need to change out of my clothes and into something new for fear of freezing… I was able to come home yesterday morning in my capris… an (almost) springtime miracle!

While it is definitely warmer than it was just a few weeks ago, there is one thing I don’t quite understand. Outside dining. Yes, there are a lot of restaurants that already have their tables and chairs set up outside… and I’ve passed people eating dinner outside (in their winter coats)! I just don’t get it. Sure, it’s warm and 40 degrees is a heck of a lot nicer than 20… but I’m not sure it’s warm enough to eat a meal outside just yet. But at any rate, the weather has been great and I can’t wait for it to get even warmer.

Organic Avenue Coconut Water

We can add this to the list of “things I think I need all the time, and buy even though I know I don’t.” I’ve never been a huge coconut water fan, but when Dori told me that the Organic Avenue version is delicious and I should try it, I took her word for it. Well, that was a mistake… because it IS delicious and I want it all the time!

There’s one I pass on my way to/from Refine, so on days when I’m feeling a little dehydrated, I stop in to pick one up. The coconut water is nothing special (no fancy flavors like some brands offer), but it manages to be sweet without being TOO sweet and totally refreshing. I’ve found myself craving it when I wake up after having one-too-many drinks the night before (you know, like a whopping three of them) as well as after a workout. It isn’t cheap so I’m trying not to buy it too frequently, but boy is it delicious.

So tell me…
Anything you’re loving lately?
Something random you want to share? Spill it!