People Of 5K's {Giveaway}

I've been participating in 5K's fairy regular basis recently and there is something that I noticed from the very beginning. People like to dress up in eccentric outfits for the races. Some even wear provocative attire, but that is a whole other story. I still don't really understand why folks like to do this, but it is definitely entertaining. Check these runners out:

I've not once dressed up in a cool attention getting outfit for a 5K, but I most confess, I think that is about to change! You see, I've just signed up for the Neon Splash Dash which is coming to Houston on March 23.

"The Neon Splash Dash is the wildest & brightest night time running event you’ve ever seen! You’ll run (or dance!) through different Glow Zones, where each one we’ll spray you with a different color of our Super Intense U.V. Glow Water. We’ll also be blasting pumped up music at each Zone to keep the energy going!

We’ll light you up again as you cross the finish line into a HUGE After Glow Party filled with Jammin’ Music, tons of Blacklight, Performers and thousands of runners sprayed with Glow Water- all dancing the night away!

You’ve never experienced a Running Event like this!"

So what do you think? Should I wear something crazy?

Regardless of what I decide to run in, I've got something for one of you! A lucky reader is going to win a free registration to run in a Neon Splash Dash near you! Go here to find a race in  your area!

Enter via the rafflecopter widget below. All entries will be verified. Open to U.S. only due to Neon Splash Dash locations available. 

GOOD LUCK!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Wednesday Weigh In {Week 9}

Am I the only one that feels like this week is just dragging? I'm ready for the weekend already!

I am glad that it's Wednesday though!

Let's focus on the not so great first okay? Last week I said I was going to focus on a few things for the next week - I said I was going to double my water intake and try to exercise every day. Well, turns out I was joking! I was really awful about drinking water this week and I"m not sure why!  I was lucky to drink 4 glasses a day. Not good. Also, exercising daily did not happen, obviously. We did go on a family hike last weekend and that burned a lot of calories and it was fun!

Anyhow, I did do really well with continuing to track my food & calories, and watching what I was putting in my mouth. YAY! Because of that, I saw results when I stepped on the scale today.

My official weigh in from last week was 204.6. 

This morning:

I'm down 1.8 lbs. since last week :) This brings me to a total of 4.6 lbs. lost! This is taking way longer than I'd like it to, but I feel like I"m really doing things the "right" way and working hard to lose the weight, so I'm happy.

How'd you week go in terms of your fitness goals?

**ANNOUNCEMENT** 

Do you have a weight loss success story? Would you like to share it with Charm + Sass readers? 

I would love to feature your story on a future Weigh In Wednesday Post. 

Email me if you are interested! 

blogging2blog@gmail.com

Link up your posts below!!

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What A Weekend!

Hey Y'all! Happy Monday to ya! How was your weekend?

Our weekend was pretty awesome and even a little productive! 

Saturday morning I did a little Spring cleaning; I tackled my kitchen cabinets as well as my hall closest which also serves as Addison's second closet. Yes, the child has two closets. 

I learned two things during this process. 

1) Our medicine cabinet makes us look like we're a bunch of sickies. It's packed and this is after I cleaned it out. We rarely get sick!

Medicine Cabinet Post Purge

2) I have a problem hoarding gift bags + tissue paper. I had three large gift bags full of other folded up gift bags. There was also a large bag full of used tissue paper. Complete ridiculousness. I consolidated everything into one bag. Go me! 

One of Three Gift Bags Full of Gift Bags

Once I grew tired of cleaning (didn't take long) I got started on a couple DIY projects. I'm so excited to show you guys the finished product! Except they aren't finished yet :) I should finish everything up this week sometime so it won't be long! 
Here is a little sneak peek for now. 

When Sunday morning rolled around we told the kiddos we were going on an adventure. We sent them on a hunt to gather everything they might need - we were thinking flashlight, binoculars, notebook/pen, sunglasses, etc. 

What they actually brought was a puzzle, two stuffed animals, a net, a notebook/pen, their two favorites books, a hair brush, and a purse. Things that make you go hmm..

Anyhow, we traveled about an hour and a half up to Sam Houston National Forest and we spent the day hiking and exploring. Added bonus: myfitnesspal says I burned almost 700 calories. SCORE! It was a fabulous family day.

What were y'all up to all weekend?

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Happy Go Texan Day!

So those of you who aren't from these parts probably think us Texans wear our boots, spurs and hats everyday, (and some of us do!) but Go Texan Day is the one time a year where you will find most Texans all dolled up in their western gear to celebrate our Texan pride as well as the start of rodeo season.

Go Texan Day is directly correlated with the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo which is the world's largest live entertainment and livestock exhibition. 

(source: my brain! & Wiki) 

Go Texan Day falls on the Friday before the beginning of the rodeo every year and we've been doing this since the '50s folks.

Go Texan Day is also the day when all of the trail riders make it into town and converge at Memorial Park in preparation for the big rodeo parade on Saturday morning. So in honor of this Texas tradition, I thought I'd share some things with y'all that get me in the spirit of Go Texan Day.

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Have you ever been to the Houston rodeo? Do you have a rodeo in your town?

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Photography Friday {Take Two}

Cadillac Ranch; Amarillo, Texas

Boy am I glad to see Friday again! Today is the second edition of Photography Friday and I'm so excited so share these photos with you!

In early December (2012) we packed up the kids and made the 12 hour trip from Houston to Amarillo; we surprised my husband's grandparents and it was such a fun moment to see the look on their faces! This trip was only the second time I"d been to Amarillo and I was determined to get some sight seeing done. 

The pictures I"m sharing with you today are among some of the very first pictures I took with my dSLR and yet still some of my favorites! 

These following were taken at Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Amarillo, Texas

We climbed into that cave!

If you ever have the chance to go out to Amarillo I highly recommend you visit the canyon. It is absolutely breath taking and beautiful. My husband tried to talk me out of going - he said it was nothing special and he was so wrong! 

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Wednesday Weigh In {Week 8}

*Don't forget all ad spaces are currently 40% off with promo code "SWEETHEART."*

Oh heeeyyy 406 GFC followers! Where'd y'all come from? 
It doesn't matter, so glad you're here :) 

It's Wednesday and around these parts that means it's time for...

For those of you who are new, this is a weekly link up centered around fitness, health, and obviously weight loss. I encourage you to link up any past or present posts that you may have that are about any of the above topics. You do not have to actually weigh in, but I do. I do this because it holds me accountable. You are by no means required to do the same. So no pressure! My hope is that we can all support and encourage each other along our fitness journeys. 
As of today I've been logging my food in myfitnesspal for two weeks! I can hardly believe it to be honest; I usually don't stick with this kind of thing. I've also been drinking 6-8 glasses of water every single day and only one cup of coffee per day (most days). Still no soda! And guess what? I'm totally satisfied! Woo!
This week was a bit difficult, especially being that Valentine's Day was Thursday. There was too much temptation. My Dad & step mom brought over pizza. My mom brought over cupcakes. I didn't resist, but I did proceed with caution. 
I even managed to get off of my butt yesterday and go for a walk! When I got home I did some more cardio exercises as well as an ab workout. 
However, when I first got on the scale this morning this is what I saw:

That would mean I gained .4lbs. Boo!

A short time later, for some reason, I decided to get on the scale again and when I did it said 204.6 - the same as last week! Alright, I can work with that. I didn't take a picture so you'll just have to trust me.

I'm going with no weight gained, no weight lost this week. 

For the new week, starting today, I'm going to focus on resisting foods that I know aren't good for me - even in moderation. I'm going to try and double my water intake and I'm going to try to fit exercise in every single day. Hopefully next week I'll see a nice drop :)

How did your week go?

**ANNOUNCEMENT** 

Do you have a weight loss success story? Would you like to share it with Charm + Sass readers? 

I would love to feature your story on a future Weigh In Wednesday Post. 

Email me if you are interested! 

blogging2blog@gmail.com

Link up your posts below!!

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Harlem Globetrotters ~ The Experience {#GlobieFamily}

Several weeks ago our family had the opportunity to attend our very first Harlem Globetrotters game. I was so excited; I couldn't wait for an afternoon of quality family fun time! 

I have to tell you that I was really impressed with the entire experience. The game was entertaining and funny and there was a lot of energy. There was dancing, tricks, contests and more! There were some jokes and skits that my children didn't understand, but everything was completely appropriate for a child of any age while still being relevant and funny for my husband and myself.  

It is hard to find that kind of thing these days. 

My husband and I really had a good time, but to be honest my youngest (3) grew bored of it after awhile. I think that he was just too young to enjoy and appreciate it for more than an hour or so. Addison (5) however, was having the time of her life. 

We will be going to a Harlem Globetrotters game again once the kids are a little bit older! Here are a few pictures I took with my phone while at the game:

This was the kiddos' favorite trick. They both wanted to try it out! 

"The Harlem Globetrotters love seeing families laugh together during our games, and would love to see your family when we come to a city near you.  If you're looking for an awesome event the whole family will enjoy,get your tickets to the Harlem Globetrotters "You Write the Rules" tour.  Your family's smiles will start before you even get to the game because this year, your family can vote at harlemglobetrotters.com, and decide rules for the game like two balls in play at the same time that could affect the final outcome. After the game, Globetrotters will stay on court to sign autographs and take photographs with your kids.  The only thing better than finding an event the whole family will enjoy, is getting a great deal on it. Save $7 per ticket* by using the promo code "TOGETHER".  Get ready to experience a show your family will remember for a lifetime!  *Discount available on select ticket levels"

Have you ever been to a Globetrotter game?

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This post is sponsored by the Harlem Globetrotters. My family and I received free tickets to a Harlem Globetrotter game in exchange for this post. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.