Tag: fitness

Happy Weekend, Indeed

Happy Weekend, Indeed

Hi guys, and happy weekend! 

I’ve survived two weeks of my first “real world” job, and so far, so good!

I’m loving my coworkers and the work seems right up my alley. It’ll be a while before I’m up to speed, but I’m learning so much and enjoying the process and getting to know my colleagues! 

Anyway, I know I haven’t been on here as much as I wanted to this summer – between finding an apartment, moving in, starting work, and trying to relax and see friends and fam, the chance to blog has slipped away. Ugh!

I thought I would get on here today to say hello and share a few pictures from the past couple weeks. You can also find these pics on my Instagram (@LaurRuns). Follow along for daily photos!

My morning workout + fave post-workout snack!

Loving the new Panera peach blueberry power smoothie with almond milk!

Lunch outside with my mom at one of my favorite casual restaurants in my hometown (before I moved to Boston). Love spending time with her (and the good food doesn’t hurt ;)). This was a spinach wrap with turkey, spicy honey mustard, lettuce, tomato, walnuts, and dried cranberries, plus a side salad. Yum!

One of my work day outfits from last week. I’m fortunate that we have a casual dress code and can wear whatever we want! This means I can still wear all my old college class clothes (minus the workout clothes I usually wore…) or business casual – whatever I’m in the mood for. So nice!

The CEO of our company is amazing and had us all over for food and drinks at her gorgeous home on Tuesday evening. I enjoyed spending time with my coworkers, sipping rosé, and snacking on watermelon (x5), sliders, and mini wraps. Can’t wait for more of these nights in the future!

The scene of my peaceful, quiet Saturday morning – exactly what I needed after super early mornings and busy work days. Waking up naturally (at 8:45), sipping coffee, listening to podcasts, reading magazines, and then getting an awesome 5 miles in (while exploring my new neighborhood) was the perfect start to my weekend.

I hope you guys are enjoying your summer, and that I get to talk to you all again soon!

I’M BACK!!

Hi guys! How are you?! Happy Thursday!

I literally hate how long it’s been since my last post

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I have way, way too much to update you on, now that I’ve graduated college and am home for a few weeks before moving back to Boston (hooray!!) to start my first *real world* job. AHHH!!

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Continue reading “I’M BACK!!”

Latest Link Love

Hi guys! Long time no talk, once again.

I’m back at school now for my last semester, so things have been hectic around here as I juggle classes, job apps, and senior year shenanigans!

I’ll definitely need to write an update post one of these days, but today I’m popping in to say a quick hello and share some more of my favorite Internet finds from lately.

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As always, thanks to Amanda and Heather for hosting their awesome link-up parties!


Before I get to the links, I just wanted to share some news that I recently shared on Instagram

Continue reading “Latest Link Love”

Birthday Weekend Recap

I’m currently en route to New York City to meet up with my mentor (who works at a huge magazine!) and an editorial assistant for another magazine. I’m beyond excited!

Anyway, how was your weekend? Mine was fabulous. It just so happened to be my 22nd birthday yesterday, so that made it all the more exciting.

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Continue reading “Birthday Weekend Recap”

In case you haven’t noticed…

Hello strangers!

Once again, it’s been way too long since my last post.

I’m swamped with papers, studying for midterms, applying to jobs, and enjoying senior year festivities, but this long weekend I came home to run a half marathon!

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I’m hoping to write a full race recap sooner rather than later, so be on the lookout for that!

I haven’t posted in ages, but I haven’t forgotten about blogging. In fact, I’ve been Instagramming daily for the last couple months, and I have tons of blog post ideas for the (hopefully near) future.

And in case you didn’t notice… I have done something for the little old blog recently…

Continue reading “In case you haven’t noticed…”

Crazy Hair, Crazy Me, and the Crazy Cool Jawbone Up!

Hi guys! Long time no talk, am I right?

I’m actually just popping in real quick today with a video… aka my first “real” vlog!

It features crazy hair, crazy me, and the crazy cool Jawbone Up! It’s not sponsored, and it’s nothing serious – it’s just something fun! 

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Without further adieu, here it is!

I’m off to get some midterm studying done, but hopefully I’ll be back on the blog soon.

In the mean time, you can always see what I’m up to on Instagram, and now, YouTube!

Have a good one!

xo’s

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{Kinda Sorta Not Really} Wordless Wednesday

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

I hope everyone had a fantastic holiday! Mine was amazing, and I hope yours was also full of relaxation, family time, fun with friends, fabulous food, and some fitness thrown in there, too!

I’m still on break for the next two weeks, but I’m definitely feeling the after Christmas (and New Years Eve) blues. I took a decent amount of photos, so I thought what better way to beat those blues than a kinda sorta not really “wordless Wednesday” recap!

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Modern Family marathon.

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Chex in a Christmas mug. (Does anyone else think the vanilla flavor tastes like sugar cookies? SO GOOD.)

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Oreo brownie.

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Pre-church peppermint mocha.

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Christmassy nails.

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Lacy shirt and new boots for Christmas Eve Mass.

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Christmas Eve lasagna, garlic bread, and salad.

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Santa came!

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Enough dessert for 19 people?

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Lemon poppyseed cake with orange glaze, rounds 1 & 2.

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Round 3.

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Chocolate on chocolate on chocolate.

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Five mile run in the snow. Perfection.

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I’m dreaming of a white (day after) Christmas.

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Cosi date with friends.

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More.

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And more.

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First trip to Moe’s.

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I guess I liked it?

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Panera.

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Hot cocoa by the tree.

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Feeling snacky.

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Christmas celebration #2.

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(Early) birthday cake!

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Out with the fam.

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Dear peppermint stick, why do you have to be seasonal?

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Clean and simple.

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Microwaved.

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Tired from last night = lazy easy eats.

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Imma miss this

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so, so much.

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PS – Want to kick-start the new year? Check out this workout!

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PPS – This year, instead of making resolutions you won’t keep, make the commitment to become the BEST you.

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Questions of the day:

  1. How were your holidays?
  2. What are your goals for 2014?
  3. Any post requests?

I Hope You Haven’t Forgotten

It’s been so long, I hope you haven’t forgotten about little old me!

I’ve missed you guys! I’ve been crazy busy the past few weeks. Luckily this week I get to go home on Tuesday for THANKSGIVING!!

I’m SO excited. I get to 1) Go HOME. 2) See my family. 3) See some high school friends I haven’t seen since August. 4) Eat amazing food. 5) Get a little break from school before finals (ahhh). 6) CHRISTMAS IS COMING.

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Fun fact: Nothing makes me happier than anything related to Christmas. The music. The baking. The snow. The cozy nights. The comfy clothes. The hot chocolate. The tree. The spirit. The memories. The list goes on and on and on. December is probably my favorite time of year. (Minus the finals).

Since last week I had a ton of papers and presentations, this little 2 day week is just a regular week, aka no big things due! THAT means I could get on here today and catch up with you 🙂

So except for the insane amount of work, November has been a blast! Lots of sporting events (football, hockey, basketball – yay!), and lots of fun with my friends!

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Recent Eats

The world’s largest apple.

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Delicious dinner at Union Street.

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I got the Gorgonzola Pear Turkey burger. Let’s just say fig jam = heaven.

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Froyo at Yogurtland. I’ve never been to this place before but oh my gosh it was amazing. I got Banana Bread, Pumpkin Pie, Oatmeal Cookie, and Apple Cider. Fall in a cup.

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Typical school dinner- chicken with pesto, quinoa salad, beet salad, veggies.

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Another typical dining hall meal- salmon and roasted veggies (with a side of Pop Chips that were not photographed).

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Yes college kids – delivery froyo does exist. Angora Cafe.

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Workouts

Lately I’ve been varying it up a lot which I love.

Running when it’s nice out (~50 degrees is my favorite running temp ever). Some days are longer runs, other days are shorter runs followed by arms or abs or a little total body workout.

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I’ve been going to the gym on days I don’t feel like running or it’s too cold out (but I’ve been trying to take advantage of the not yet frigid or snowy weather by going for runs outside as much as I can since I know once the snow comes, I’ll be forced to hit the gym all the time). I usually bike or elliptical or a combo of both while I’m there. When I bike I like to do a variation of this workout.

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Recently I’ve also been into ending a cardio workout with some planks. I like to do 1 minute each of some (or all) of these (in no particular order) –

  • front elbow planks
  • front planks with leg raises
  • side planks
  • side planks with one leg raised
  • side plank twists
  • side planks, lowering and raising body
  • straight arm side star planks
  • front shoulder taps

One day I’ll have to create a little illustration of my plank circuit workout. For now, here’s a good little plank reference link.

Greatist – HOW TO DO THE PERFECT PLANK.

I’ve also been doing lots of awesome indoor room workouts, which I know I’ll be doing even more of once the snow and freezing weather begin.

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Outfits

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I’ve been sporting cloth headbands a lot lately. My hair gets super dry and limp in the winter, but I like to wear it down because it can’t as easily in the more humid months. The cloth headbands give it some pizzaz and a little volume (or so I like to think anyway).

I’ve also worn my navy polka dotted Keds quite a bit and have received a ton of compliments. I love these shoes because they can really be worn in any season, they’re comfy, they go with a ton of different outfits, and they’re freaking adorable.

I’ve also broken out my Sperry boots (I got mine from J.Crew a few years ago). I love these things and wear them all the time in the winter.

As you can probably tell from these few pictures, I’m kind of obsessed with scarves. I have a ton, and am always collecting more. They keep me warm plus they complete any outfit!

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I know that was a loaded post, but I felt like I needed to get on here to update you while I had the time! We all know once finals begin (aka in about 2 weeks…gulp) I won’t have much time to spare.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the update and that you have a fabulous Thanksgiving and start to the holiday season!!!

Hopefully you get to be with family & friends, eat delicious food, make a little time for fitness, and most importantly – have some FUN!!

Catch ya later 🙂

Functional & Fashionable?! Yes Please!

Hey guys!

Once again, I’m finding that the only time I really have to get on here is Friday afternoons once I’m done with classes, my workout, and lunch. It stinks I can only get on here once a week lately, but hey, I guess that’s better than nothing, right?

Anyway, I have a slightly different sort of post for ya this week!

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Through Amanda Russell, I was lucky enough to be contacted by Julia Gabella, the founder of Bandtz, “the first line of hair ties that are elegant enough to double as jewelry… the perfect solution for fitness fashionistas!”

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Each dainty piece is made from lingerie trim, making them not only supportive for your hair, but also a super cute statement for your wrist.

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The online shop has pages and pages of unique, delicate bands. There are different collections, each with tons of colors, sizes, and styles to fit anyone’s taste.

Whether you like bright and fun, sophisticated and sexy, or sleek and simple, there’s a style (or two or three…) for you!

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I was fortunate enough to be sent a sampling of a few different collections, and my roommates and I were so excited when we saw how cute they all are!

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(By the way, the camera on my iPhone isn’t working so I apologize for the terrible quality of my photos)

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I’m kind of obsessed with the ‘dotted’ collection and have worn a gray one in my hair for the past few days. It held my fine, slippery hair through two full days of classes, and two windy runs! I was surprised how well it kept my ponytail in – it didn’t slide like most elastics do.

I gave a couple to some of my roommates and so far, so good!

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How cute does that look?

Not only are these hair ties super cute in your hair and on your wrist, they really do work. No matter what texture your hair is, they stay in place all day long. My friend (pictured above) has thick, straight hair and she had just as positive results as I did with my thin, wavier hair.

They cost 15 dollars per pack of three… Yes, I would consider that a bit pricey for hair ties, but honestly I have to say they’re worth it. I struggle finding elastics that don’t slide out, but don’t leave a kink in my hair, either.

Also, I don’t know about you, but I feel ‘naked’ when I don’t have one on my wrist, but if I’m wearing a nice outfit or at a formal event, wearing an ugly elastic doesn’t exactly look right. That’s why I love these – because they actually enhance an outfit, rather than take away from it.

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Seriously though, what’s better than something that’s not only functional, but fashionable, too?

They’re a perfect gift for a fitness fanatic / fashion forward friend, or just a little treat for yourself!

Check out the website and order some today! You will not be disappointed.

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*Disclaimer: I was sent this product in order to write a review, but all opinions stated here are my own. I would never suggest that my readers buy a product I don’t love or would not buy myself. In addition, the links are not affiliate links – I am not earning commission from any items purchased.

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Anyway, I hope you all had a great week! Enjoy the weekend 🙂

PS – Let me know what you think of the Bandtz! And, if you make any purchases, be sure to let me know which styles you chose!!