Okay, my title just made me crave candy and I have no idea why. Maybe it makes me think of Reese’s Pieces? I still have a hard time figuring out the way my mind works. Either way, here are some Reese’s pieces of my day today. ‘Twas a good one.

5 Mile Tempo Run With The Cows

Mooooo!!! Now that I got that out of my system…I hit up a local running trail to hang out with the cows and knock out this week’s tempo run. The run called for a one mile warm-up, three miles at an 8:33 tempo, and then a one mile cool down. My tempo splits ended up being 8:37, 8:38, and 8:28 min/mile. I came somewhat close but definitely learned that I have a problem figuring out my pace and keeping it steady. I felt all over the place! Those tempo runs are tough trying to get in tune with the body.

Best Way To Store Headphones

I had to buy new headphones after mine crapped out on me this past weekend. You know I went the “el cheapo” route and nabbed a pair for under $10. That, of course, means they don’t have a handy way to store them or other fancy features. Which, therefore, means I resort to my office clip method of storing headphones to keep the tangles away. Nothing works better. Don’t you love Peter’s my innovativeness?

Breaking In Our Pool

We have a pool in our backyard, but the dang trees keep it shaded most of the day so it takes for-ev-ah to get warm enough to take a dip without risking hypothermia. Today was the day to finally brave the chill factor and only risk the “cutting glass” effect, if you know what I mean. I edged my way in to about chest level and was done. Peter, of course, jumps right in telling me it’s the only way to do it. Mehhh….I like my method.

Harry Potter Obsession

Dork alert: Peter & I share a bit of enthusiasm over Harry Potter. Not crazy crazy, but we like it well enough. Well enough to decide to watch the first seven movies through again before hopefully fitting a visit to the theater into the budget for next month’s release of the last film. We start #2 tonight!

I Got My Jeans Buttoned

My “goal jeans”! Out of curiosity I took a stab at them and got them on and buttoned. They still fit way too tight to actually wear comfortably, but I take getting them oa as a huge victory. Consistency with healthy habits and not doing anything crazy besides watching tons of Harry Potter and running with cows pays off!

I Love ALL of YOU! That doesn’t need further explanation. I just wanted to tell you that. <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

• Harry Potter – Are you a fan?
• Getting into a cold pool – Slow and steady or Dive right in?

I like to tell people that I don’t like to shop. I lie. I actually love to shop, but have such a hard time with that pesky little requirement that goes along with shopping – spending dough. I spend money more readily on some things, but clothes shopping poses the biggest challenge. I always want new, cute outfits…but rarely purchase any because I have a hard time justifying something I don’t need need.

This past weekend we had some uncommon down time with no plans. We heard the outlets not too far from us had some great summer sales going on. Peter suggested we hit up the outlets for a fun way to kill some time together as a family and see what the stores had to offer. I didn’t plan on purchasing anything for myself. I have a trip to Philly to save for after all. 😉

But then….

I saw a couple of cute dresses in Gap. Oh. I could use a new dress after the meltdown I almost had trying to find a dress a couple months ago.

And they looked pretty good. Then, a visit into one of my favorite stores, LOFT, left me eyeing some mannequins up and down wanting to nab their apparel for myself.

And did I mention the sales? Yea…I pulled out my wallet.

40% off the black dress from Gap (same as the green one pictured above), 30% off the white skirt, and 50% off the green tank (both from LOFT). Two outfits for $55 doesn’t sound so bad! Besides, it fits in the “blow money” portion of my budget. I left the outlets with a little pep in my step and can’t wait to rock the new looks. 🙂

Tina = 100 points. Money = 0 points.

Sadly my victory over money’s hold didn’t last forever. I had to say no to an opportunity I would have loved to pursue…because of money. The opportunity related to sharing my story and experiences overcoming binge eating – something which I feel incredibly passionate. I wanted to sign up in a heartbeat. But it included a travel commitment that I felt I couldn’t fund in good conscience.

Much of the income from my blog we have budgeted towards travel and other fun splurges for myself and my family. I would have enough to fund this trip and opportunity, but at the price of not putting that money into the savings for a special trip Peter & I hope to take next year to celebrate 5 years of marriage. I wanted so badly to say yes and follow through on a great chance to learn and network with others over one of my passions, but couldn’t give up a good chunk of change that could go towards my family.

Tina = 100 points / Money = 17984279808143 points.

Dang money getting in the way! Do you think the rest of the world could get on board with God’s desire for the world to revolve around love instead of money? I have plenty of love I can pay with!

• Do you have a hard time justifying shopping for certain things like clothes?
• What’s something you would do if money didn’t have to be involved?