My First 5K: Week 13: Cotton Balls
Last week I was talking about my ears, and the issues that I have with pain when I am running outdoors. Well, last week the…
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Celebrity gossip, articles on fashion, health, fitness, and beauty.
In My Mailbox: Week of September 9
In Samantha’s Mailbox:
Title: The Bloody Mary Club
Author: Debbie Dyke
Received: Via CLP Blog Tours
Synopsis:
Stock market meltdown. United States housing bubble. Global financial crisis. Chief executives cooking the books. Who can you trust for financial advice? Gina Van Story, a savvy 40ish investment advisor to the rescue. She can spot a trend on the market and jump on it like a cat. She dreams of grabbing the bull by the horns and is on the hunt for one final big score. Gina and her three best friends form the Bloody Mary Investment Club and come face-to-face with corruption in a David and Goliath struggle when their stock portfolio turns deadly…literally.
Over made-to-order Bloody Mary cocktails at historic Gadsby’s Tavern, Gina takes her friends under her wing and teaches them the ins and outs of the stock market. Trouble begins when, following Gina’s bullish advice, they become majority owners in the local bank and then stubbornly turn down a lucrative buyout offer. Not only will money and greed challenge their friendship, they will have to get smart fast and figure out how to turn the tables on the charmingly seductive, yet evil, banker who wants control of their stock by any means necessary – including murder!
Title: The Seven Steps to Closure
Author: Donna Joy Usher
Received: Via CLP Blog Tours
Synopsis: Tara Babcock awakes the morning after her 30th birthday with a hangover that could kill an elephant – and the knowledge she is still no closer to achieving closure on her marriage breakup. Things go from bad to worse when she discovers that, not only is her ex-husband engaged to her cousin – Tash, the woman he left her for – but that Jake is also running for Lord Mayor of Sydney. Desperate to leave the destructive relationship behind and with nothing to lose, she decides- with encouragement from her three best friends – to follow the dubious advice from a magazine article, Closure in Seven Easy Steps.
The Seven Steps to Closure follows Tara on her sometimes disastrous- always hilarious – path to achieve the seemingly impossible. A credible and amazingly touching debut novel from Donna Joy Usher, this is a solid, light-hearted and honest read with plenty of laughs.
Title: Magnolia
Author: Caroline Garcia-Aguilera
Received: From Jessica Jonap PR
Synopsis: MAGNOLIA (B&B Press; November 2012), the new book by award-winning author, Carolina Garcia-Aguilera, is a clever, witty and engaging story where two American pastimes — sports and sex — come together. In this book, readers will follow the story of Magnolia Larson, a beautiful, twenty-two year old woman from a conservative, Catholic Minneapolis family, as she transforms herself into a kind of “sports geisha,” a high priced hooker for elite athletes.
In Sara’s Mailbox:
Title: Twelve Months
Author: Steven Manchester
Received: Lou @ The Story Plant
Synopsis: Don DiMarco has a very good life – a family he loves, a comfortable lifestyle, passions and interests that keep him amused. He also thought he had time, but that turned out not to be the case. Faced with news that might have immediately felled most, Don now wonders if he has time enough. Time enough to show his wife the romance he didn’t always lavish on her. Time enough to live out his most ambitious fantasies. Time enough to close the circle on some of his most aching unresolved relationships. Summoning an inner strength he barely realized he possessed, Don sets off to prove that twelve months is time enough to live a life in full.
A glorious celebration of each and every moment that we’re given here on Earth, as well as the eternal bonds that we all share, TWELVE MONTHS is a stirring testament to the power of the human spirit.
Title: The Boots My Mother Gave Me
Author: Brooklyn James
Received: Brooklyn James
Synopsis: AMAZON BREAKTHROUGH NOVEL AWARD QUARTER FINALIST 2011 Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk through life in someone else’s shoes? Strong-willed tomboy Harley LeBeau puts you in the boots her mother gave her, as she takes you along her journey of escape from an abusive childhood and the desire to find herself as she comes of age. Made to feel a burden to her father simply by her gender, Harley is determined to prove her worth and independence, leaving the small town she grew up in and the one boy who gave her a soft place to fall, Jeremiah Johnson. Torn between saving herself and abandoning her mother and younger sister, Harley chooses her own life in hopes they will choose theirs, too. A mature, candid read for everyone. A must for women. The Boots My Mother Gave Me explores the dynamics of abuse and dysfunction, the courage to overcome, the strength in sisterhood, and the ongoing conflict and unconditional love between mothers and daughters. Climb into Charlene the Chevelle for a fast-paced story about a girl who is tough enough to survive and tender enough to learn to trust in love.
Lasik Surgery: The Day is Here!
Lasik is paid for, forms are signed, contacts have been out, no makeup is on, fiancé is by my side…and I’m ready for Lasik surgery!…
In My Mailbox: Week of September 2
In Samantha’s Mailbox:
Title: The Twelve Days to Christmas
Author: Michele Gorman
Received: From Michele Gorman
Synopsis: Hannah’s in a bit of a pickle. In twelve days she flies from Hong Kong to the US with Sam, where he’s finally going to meet her parents… and ask to marry her.
Since overcoming a rather rocky patch in their relationship (which was totally his fault), he really is a new man, and they’re completely in love. The problem is, she feels panicky every time she contemplates matrimony. Which is perfectly normal, isn’t it? Isn’t it?! She has no idea but she’s got to find out before he pops the question… because she’s not 100% sure she’s going to say yes. Which will make for a very uncomfortable family holiday. He’s got to ask her before they go. So Operation Proposal begins.
As time ticks down to their flight, Hannah realizes that her own secrets are threatening their future. Before she can be happy with Sam, she’s got a lot to learn about herself in the twelve days to Christmas.
In Sara’s Mailbox:
Title: The Care and Handling of Roses with Thorns
Author: Margaret Dilloway
Received: unsolicited
Synopsis: Thirty-six-year-old Gal Garner lives a regimented life. Her job teaching biology and her struggle with kidney disease keep her toggling between the high school, the hospital, and her home on a strict schedule.
Only at home, in her garden, does Gal come alive. It’s here that she experiments with Hulthemia roses, painstakingly cross-pollinating various specimens in the hopes of creating a brand-new variation of spectacular beauty. But even her passion has a highly structured goal: Gal wants to win Queen of Show in a major competition and bring that rose to market.
Then one afternoon Gal’s teenaged niece Riley, the daughter of her estranged sister, arrives. Unannounced. Neither one of them will ever be the same.
Filled with gorgeous details of the art of rose breeding, The Care and Handling of Roses with Thorns is a testament to the redemptive power of love.
My First 5K: Week 12: Ouch, My Ears
I completed my 30 minute run outside yesterday, and I ran into a big problem. I’ve run outside off and on throughout my training, and the weather has been warm, warm, warm. Now the days and especially the mornings/evenings are cooling off, I was reminded of an annoying issue that I have been plagued with since childhood – my ears. I suffered from multiple ear infections and horrible cases of swimmer’s ear. And these problems have stuck with me. Last year when I was visiting my family in North Carolina, we took a trip to Myrtle Beach. The weather was overcast and chilly, but we still braved it and took a dip in the ocean. Once I got water in my ears and then the wind started blowing, it was too painful for me to pretend I was having a good time. I had to get out of the water and out of the wind so I could think straight again.
I have noticed this problem with my ears even when I am running in the gym and the fans are turned on high. After a while, my ears start to hurt so bad that I either have to turn the fans off and tough it out, or give up. When my fiancé and I were running yesterday, there was a strong wind blowing the majority of the time, and when we were running into the wind, I felt like I might throw up because the pain was so bad. I’m worried now for the 5K, which is happening October 6. The weather will be much cooler, and if it’s a windy day, I’m worried I won’t be able to complete the run. I’m not sure if I should get ear plugs, wax, use cotton balls? Has anyone else run into this problem or know someone who has? I want to have a fun experience, but I’m worried that my inner ear problem will put a damper on the day. I’d be grateful for suggestions!
Below is my workout schedule for the week. Bold items are what I would normally complete, non- bold are the 5K training.
Monday: Run 10 minutes, walk 10 minutes
Tuesday: Walk 15 minutes, 50 sit-ups, 60 minute elliptical, 20 minute treadmill incline walk
Wednesday: Run 15 minutes, walk 15 minutes, 10 minute cardio DVD
Thursday: Walk 15 minutes, 50 sit-ups, 60 minute treadmill incline walk, 10 minute Pilates DVD
Friday: 20 minute treadmill incline walk
Saturday: 30 minute run
Sunday: Day Off
Prepping For Lasik
After getting tested and approved for Lasik, consulting my bank account, and deciding I was going to go for it, I happily scheduled my surgery date for January 25, 2012. I had one week to prep – which included heading to my nearest pharmacy to stock up on eye drops. Oh, the eye drops. More on that later. For that week before, I used two eye drops to help prevent dry eye, and also one to help fight off infection. Also, I want to point out that if you wear contacts, these will have to be taken out at least two weeks before you go for your initial testing to make sure you are a good candidate for Lasik. If you decide to go ahead with the surgery, you cannot wear your contacts again.
So the week before surgery I was wearing my glasses and using Restasis and preservative-free tears to help keep my eyes moist. Restasis is something you will need a prescription for, and can be costly if you don’t have insurance. There are several types of preservative-free tears that you can buy without a prescription, are not as costly, and my eye doctor actually gave me quite a few samples to use first. The drops I used to fight infection was called Pred Forte, and a prescription is required for that. Your doctor will let you know how many drops/how many times a day to use each one. I was given a list that broke down before surgery, day of surgery, day after surgery, week after surgery, and then a more general after surgery schedule. KEEP THIS! I consulted it many times.
So all these drops helped get my eyes ready for this major surgery. Also before surgery I scheduled that day and the day after off work, and my fiancé was tapped to take me to my surgery and back, as you absolutely will need a driver after surgery. Now, I was just waiting anxiously for the surgery, and getting more nervous as each day passed, wishing for success.
Check back next week for my day of surgery experience!
Bill and Giuliana Rancic Welcome Son
Bill and Giuliana Rancic are at last parents! Their son Edward Duke was born Wednesday at 10:12 pm in Denver, Colorado. The ecstatic parents were in the delivery room, and it is reported that Bill, 41, cut the cord and Giuliana, 37, was the first to hold Edward. Bill announced the happy news via Twitter Thursday morning: “The ‘Duke’ has landed! Edward Duke Rancic was welcomed into the world last night at 7 lbs., 4 oz. G & I feel blessed beyond words…We did it!”
The couple, who have been married since 2007, have struggled to have children, dealing with infertility, a miscarriage, and Giuliana’s diagnosis of breast cancer. They eventually used a gestational surrogate. Congrats to the happy couple!
http://celebritybabies.people.com/2012/08/30/bill-giuliana-rancic-welcome-son-edward-duke/
My First 5K: Week 11: Running Shoes
With the Color Run getting closer, my attention has shifted to my running shoes. I am currently training in my Reebok Toning Shoes – and if you hadn’t read my post about them, I would suggest it. While I thought they were fine athletic shoes, I never noticed any toning about them, and I also updated my post with the lawsuit that came against Reebok for their false claims. About two weeks ago I received my refund check in the mail. Like I said in my post – comfortable shoes and all, but I bought them for the toning effect. I’ve had them for over a year, and there are now holes near where my toes are, and I’m getting ready to pitch them. Since during the Color Run we will be pelted with paint, I wanted to wear shoes that I wouldn’t mind throwing away – my Reebok toning shoes will be that pair. But I’m now looking for a new pair of running shoes to have once I throw those away. Any suggestions? I’m not a distance runner or marathon runner, but I will continue to run at least two days a week, along with my usual walks and elliptical workouts. I haven’t started the research yet on new shoes, but I will be grateful for any suggestions you might have! Below is my workout schedule for Week 11 of my 5K training. The bold is what I would normally complete, non-bold is my 5K schedule.
Monday: Run 9 minutes, walk 1 x2
Tuesday: Walk 15 minutes, 50 sit-ups, 30 minute elliptical, 30 minute Yoga DVD
Wednesday: Run 9 minutes, walk 1 x 3
Thursday: Walk 15 minutes, 50 sit-ups, 30 minute treadmill walk (incline – 12)
Friday: Day Off
Saturday: Run 30 minutes
Sunday: 30 minute treadmill walk on incline
In My Mailbox: Week of August 26
In Samantha’s Mailbox:
Title: The Good Woman
Author: Jane Porter
Received: Erin @ Penguin Group
Synopsis: Is it possible to leave it all behind?
The firstborn of a large Irish-American family, Meg Brennan Roberts is a successful publicist, faithful wife, and doting mother who prides herself on always making the right decisions. But years of being “the good woman” have taken a toll and though her winery career thrives, Meg feels burned out and empty, and more disconnected than ever from her increasingly distant husband. Lonely and disheartened, she attends the London Wine Fair with her boss, ruggedly handsome vintner, Chad Hallahan. It’s here, alone together in an exotic city, far from “real” life, that Chad confesses his long-standing desire for Meg.
Overwhelmed, flattered, and desperately confused, Meg returns home, only to suddenly question every choice she’s ever made, especially that of her marriage. For Meg, something’s got to give, and for once in her life she flees her responsibilities—but with consequences as reckless and irreversible as they are liberating. Now she must decide whether being the person everyone needs is worth losing the woman she was meant to be.
Title: Mary Indiana
Author: Anneke Campbell
Received: via CLP Blog Tours
Synopsis: She’s eighteen and pregnant, but with a twist–the new kid in town’s barely been kissed! Could she really be a virgin? The town doc swears it’s true. There’s just GOTTA be an explanation.
But it’s not coming from Mary, as she’s quickly dubbed. She seems to have taken a vow of silence. So it’s up to the citizens of Bellingham to make their own miracles—or at least their own myths. The new celeb is instantly surrounded by hangers-on, miracle-seekers, paparazzi, preachers, and promoters—to hilarious effect.
But are they dealing with an angel here, or someone playing an angle? Con, in a word, or icon? And by the way, what’s up with that strange light in the sky? Could be she came off a spaceship.
Neither sacred nor profane, nor even paranormal, Campbell’s beautifully written book is at once funny and wise, a savvy story of how myths are made, how minds twist and turn around the extraordinary, how the human organism just can’t help grabbing for the supernatural, whether out of the spiritual need for a miracle or a mundane desire for cash.
Think Barbara Kingsolver, Margaret Atwood, Anne Tyler, only really really funny.
