tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58302148908612094242024-02-21T08:56:50.404-05:00Smaller in TimeErin's blog about living a healthy, active, and happy lifeErin @ Smaller in timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754581393238560916noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5830214890861209424.post-90750393943651463822013-12-23T12:25:00.001-05:002013-12-23T12:25:34.468-05:00Happy Holidays!Where does the time go? I sat down this morning at my laptop and I thought...maybe I will take a look at my blog and write a post. While I was still debating it, I got a comment from <a href="http://flabmountain.blogspot.com/">Maren</a> on my last post...that seemed like fate's way of telling me I needed to come back. <div>
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I started to open up and catch up on some of my favorite blogs, and let me tell you...I have missed A LOT. One of my <a href="http://twelve-in-twelve.com/">favorite bloggers</a> in the whole world actually got PREGNANT AND HAD A BABY! And I missed the WHOLE THING. </div>
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I know I wrote in the past about starting a new job. It's not so new any more but I still love it just as much as I did when I started, but I just feel like I don't really have a lot of free time. But, for the first time in FOREVER, I am on vacation for the holidays and I don't have to work until January 2nd. This is pretty amazing to me and I'm really excited to at least temporarily jump back in here and say hi (let's be seriously, once 2014 hits I'll probably be insane again). </div>
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This has been a really big year for me! I actually just turned 30 last week! I have a feeling 30 is going to be the best year yet :-) </div>
Erin @ Smaller in timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754581393238560916noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5830214890861209424.post-30482150796618398232013-07-06T18:12:00.002-04:002013-07-06T18:12:43.550-04:00Closing timeHi, does anyone even still read this?? :-)<br />
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I know I disappeared for awhile, and I'm coming back to basically say that I'm officially "disappearing". Though not REALLY disappearing, because I'm still creeping around reading my favorite blogs when I get a chance, but I've finally come to terms with the fact that I just don't have time to dedicate to a blog. So I'm putting my blog on hold indefinitely....but I'll at least leave it like that, perhaps I will get in a groove again where I can devote more time to it.<br />
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So, in case you're wondering about me, not much has changed, I haven't regressed horribly in my old ways and hit rock bottom, I've still been running 5ks and trying to make smart eating choices (though not as often as I did previously). Not much on the weight loss front, but I'm okay with that, I've hit a few road bumps and I know I'll get where I want to be sooner or later.<br />
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And not a super clear pic, but it's basically the only thing I could find that was relatively recent (this is me about a month ago). Figured I should let you all know that I'm doing ok!<br />
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<br />Erin @ Smaller in timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754581393238560916noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5830214890861209424.post-41213035096173136332013-03-02T21:25:00.003-05:002013-03-02T21:25:36.079-05:00Marching on and becoming a kokonutI have written a lot about motivation lately, and I'm happy to say I feel BACK IN THE GAME. <div>
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There are two main contributing factors.</div>
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1) DietBet (and if you missed my post on this, go <a href="http://www.smallerintime.com/2013/02/april-dietbet-challenge.html">read it</a> and join!!)</div>
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2) I joined a new gym.</div>
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So, March is off to a damn good start so far! Theme song of this month is definitely going to be One Republic "Marching on". Yup, I'm listening now, and you should too because it's a feel-good, happy, motivating song. </div>
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Now let's talk about my new gym.</div>
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I have a home gym with a treadmill and an elliptical. Why on earth would I join a gym? 1000 answers but the main one here is that I found one that really spoke to me and completed the gap in my current routine: strength training. Yeah, my home gym has helped me lose 50 lbs over the past 2 years, but I feel like as I start to narrow in on my goal it's going to be all the more important to kick up the strength training and not just rely on the cardio. Building muscle is key to burning more calories!</div>
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I joined a really cool gym. Let's not even call it a gym, because it's not. It's a fitness club with virtualized personal training. It's called The Koko FitClub. </div>
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I can't even begin to describe how much I love the concept because it scores and tracks your workouts and it is a nerd's dream. </div>
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Check it out - <a href="http://youtu.be/TcKqGgcXmnU">http://youtu.be/TcKqGgcXmnU</a></div>
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So, I don't have too much to say about it as I literally just went for the first time today, but stayed tuned for more updates from me as I get going...but I'll just say this...it strikes me as something that I could easily get addicted to given the competitive nature (competing with yourself). </div>
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Also, I got nominated for a Liebster Award by <a href="http://beautifulchunk.blogspot.com/">http://beautifulchunk.blogspot.com/</a> and there a few things I'm supposed to do...</div>
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Here are the rules:</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>List 11 random facts about yourself.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Answer the questions the tagger has set for you, then create 11 new questions for the bloggers you pass the award to.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Choose 11 new bloggers to pass the award to and link them in your post.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Go back to their page and tell them about the award.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>No tag backs!! </div>
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So here we go:</div>
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11 Random Facts:</div>
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1. Some days I like tomatoes, some days I don't.</div>
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2. My self control around cake is virtually non-existent.</div>
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3. When I really love a song, I will listen to it on repeat like a crazy person...right now it's Rihanna "stay"</div>
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4. I have a strange ability to win radio contests. When I set out to win one, I always do. *With the exception of last time...I stopped trying to win tickets to see Mumford & Sons because my sister won (and took me)...I fully believe had I kept trying, I also would have won. </div>
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5. I love to host parties and entertain...my dream home would include a ballroom. </div>
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6. I turn 30 this year and it could not bother me less...you're only as old as you feel!</div>
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7. Every time I hear the number 7, I sing a little jingle in my head from an old game "sevvvven...lucky lucky seven". I'm weird. You know this.</div>
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8. I have an identical twin sister who is 4 minutes younger. I know what you're going to say. "How do we even know this is you blogging? How do we know it's not her?" You don't. But doesn't everyone love a blog with a little bit of intrigue? Now every time I post you'll wonder if it's really me....</div>
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9. I love trench coats. I have a black one, a tan one, a red one, and a green one. I know you're jealous. </div>
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10. I love driving with my windows down so much that in the dead of the summer I will blast the AC with the windows open, or if it's cooler out I'll put the heat on. Yeah, not so efficient I know. </div>
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11. I'm a professional sleeper. When I want to sleep, I do, and I do so solidly for 8-9 hours. On a nightly basis. I'm not going to lie, it's a glorious talent. </div>
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My Questions from BeautifulChunk:</div>
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1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If you could travel anywhere right now, where would you go?</div>
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Ireland!!! I went to Dublin last year but I didn't get nearly enough, I want to go explore the entire countryside!</div>
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2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If you could buy anything and the price didn't matter, what would you get?</div>
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I'd definitely buy my dream home. Still working on the specifics, but see random fact #5 above. </div>
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3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If you called in sick from work on a gorgeous day...what would you do?</div>
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I'd sleep, because if I called in sick it means I'm actually sick. I can't help it, I'm a rule follower. </div>
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4.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What is your favorite childhood memory?</div>
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When my parents took us to Disney World - it was one of the first times I felt really independent, we stayed in the park and there were shuttles to the Magic Kingdom, so my parents would let us go to the park with our older sister and they'd meet up with us later. </div>
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5.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What is your favorite joke?</div>
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Have you heard about the new corduroy pillows? They're making headlines!! </div>
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6.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What is your favorite social media app?</div>
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Facebook, though I often get yelled at for missing news on there. </div>
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7.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What is your current obsession?</div>
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It's probably too early to call it, but I'm pretty sure it's going to be Koko FitClub</div>
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8.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What is your favorite piece of jewelry?</div>
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Pearl earrings</div>
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9.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If you could recommend one piece of advice to someone, what would it be?</div>
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Life is too short to be unhappy - if there's something you don't like about your life than CHANGE IT! It's never too late!</div>
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10.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What is your favorite color?</div>
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Blue</div>
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11.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What is your dream job?</div>
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Picking the music that plays in tv shows and movies. I don't know what that's called, but I would dominate this. I did this for a few drama festivals I participated in in high school and I've actually won awards for my sound design. </div>
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I'm changing the rest of the rules for this award for me, because admittedly I've been pretty bad at blogging lately and the only new blogs that I read these days actually already got hit with this award...so instead I'm turning the tables on you - help me find some new awesome blogs.... if you have a blog, leave me a comment with the link, or if there's a blog that you really love, send that too! Doesn't even have to be new!</div>
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Alright, this post ended up being a bit longer than anticipated, thanks for toughing it out til the end if you're still reading :-)</div>
Erin @ Smaller in timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754581393238560916noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5830214890861209424.post-53910532009569883902013-02-25T17:56:00.000-05:002013-02-25T20:12:00.540-05:00April DietBet Challenge!!Friends, I've got a super fun challenge planned for April.<br />
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But first...as you'll notice from my weight-loss listed in the side bar, I'm having a hard time staying focused. Traveling is making it so much more difficult to establish a routine but I'm really trying hard! It's also making it a lot more challenging to blog as often as I used to, and for that I truly apologize.<br />
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Over the past 5 days I was dealing with either a nasty stomach bug or severe food poisoning, and I had a chance to do some reading of my favorite blogs (sorry for no comments, it's very difficult to type when you're not sitting up, and I was just in no shape to sit up)...and I discovered the coolest site from one of my new favorite blogs (lol I think I actually say this just about every time I post) - <a href="http://www.thiiirdly.com/">http://www.thiiirdly.com/</a><br />
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Anyway, it's a site called DietBet, and the premise is so simple and genius all at the same time that I can't even believe it wasn't created sooner. Basically you join a game, each game has a pre-set bet amount and lasts for 28 days. There are strict rules about how you weigh-in (sent privately through the website to a DietBet referee), and at the end of the 28 days if you lose at least 4% of your body weight (but not exceeding 12% because that is deemed unsafe), then you are a WINNER! Everyone who wins then splits the pot, which is made up of all of the bets. Simple!<br />
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<b>My April DietBet Challenge!!!</b><br />
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I have just created a new game starting April 1 - I wanted to give a delayed start because I'm actually going to be participating in my first one in March, and I knew I'd want another to follow this one up.<br />
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Click here to sign up -> <a href="http://bit.ly/13L1WLS">Erin's DietBet</a><br />
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This one has a starting bet of $50, and I know that may seem a bit steep compared to the other games, but here's my rationale - I want everyone to win. The higher the stakes are, the more likely people will be to hold themselves accountable.<br />
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The decision is yours and yours alone...</div>
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Do you, or do you not, want <i>at least</i> your $50 back when all is said and done?</div>
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If you believe in yourself, believe that you can stay motivated for 4 weeks and lose 4% of your body weight, then you will have no problem investing $50 that you know you'll get back. What do you have to lose??? I hope you all join me!!</div>
Erin @ Smaller in timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754581393238560916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5830214890861209424.post-77801728274773542582013-02-10T10:55:00.002-05:002013-02-10T10:55:54.099-05:00A fishy workoutFirst, sorry for my absence friends. I know a few people have been asking about me, the short of it is that some drama went down in my personal life last month and I let it distract me. Moving on though...<br />
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I live in Massachusetts, and this past weekend we got hit with a major snowstorm, Blizzard Nemo (yeah, they name our winter storms now just like hurricanes). Us New Englanders are used to snow but this one was definitely one for the record books. My town ended up being in the storm's "sweet spot", so when all was said and done we had over 2 feet dumped on us and snow drifts closer to 3+ feet. The Governor actually declared a driving ban on Friday at 4pm ordering everyone off the roads (or potentially face a year in prison and a $500 fine)...this was actually the first time in my lifetime anything like that has happened. Last time they had a driving ban was after the blizzard of '78. They finally lifted it yesterday at 4pm, but the roads still were less than perfect.<br />
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Yesterday was all about digging out. You think a Bob Harper kettlebell workout is hard? Try shoveling two feet of snow with nowhere to put it except on top of other piles of snow. Lots of lifting. The piles of snow in my neighborhood are just unreal. When I went to unbury my car, I actually couldn't even figure out where the front of it began, because the snow came up and over the front. Luckily for me, I parked under some trees so I was actually sheltered from a lot of it.<br />
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Anyway, today I am CRAZY sore from yesterday's Nemo workout. Definitely going to take today as a rest day before I get back into things tomorrow. Looks like I'll be doing a 5k next month, happy that I've got something I can focus on....still haven't gotten that sub-40 5k in yet and I'm thinking this next one could be it :-)<br />
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<br />Erin @ Smaller in timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754581393238560916noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5830214890861209424.post-74870932964833035502013-01-20T17:15:00.001-05:002013-01-20T17:15:33.397-05:00No weigh-in this weekSo typically I do my weigh-ins on Sundays but I didn't do one this morning and I've made the decision to skip it this week.<br />
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I've been out of town, I was in Charlotte Tues-Thurs, got home from Charlotte LATE Thursday night, got about 6 hours of sleep before I had to get up and get ready to hit the road. Spent 8 hours driving to Pennsylvania on Friday for a friend's wedding yesterday, and then another 6 hours in the car on the way home today.<br />
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Food choices were less than optimal for most of the weekend, because let's face it, sometimes when you're traveling the options are pretty limited and convenience has a tendency to win out. So sadly we had sonic on Friday and then McD's today...but at least today about 2 fries in I decided to just throw them out, I don't really like them enough to eat them.<br />
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Anyway, last night at the wedding I had a few drinks, so between that and all of the unusually salty foods I've been eating all weekend I feel crazy bloated. I've been drinking a lot of water, but I think I'll need to drink a lot more to get back to normal. So, since my typical weigh-in is Sunday AM and I wasn't even home for it, and because I'm pretty sure my weight is going to be thrown off anyway from this weekend, I've decided to just avoid the scale for another week.<br />
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You all know how it is, it's a mind game more than anything else. And when I boil it down, I ate well for the most part last week and I got in some great workouts...but I just have a feeling the number would be more representative of my salt than anything else so I'm just taking a week off as to not get discouraged.<br />
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May next Sunday bring great things!!!Erin @ Smaller in timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754581393238560916noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5830214890861209424.post-74447773335452450812013-01-13T10:21:00.003-05:002013-01-13T10:21:47.144-05:00Weighty sundayToday weight is on my mind.<br />
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I used to have an old blog that was private (well, I shouldn't say private, but no one I KNEW knew about it). Somehow, sharing personal details such as my weight didn't seem daunting in a crowd of strangers. If anything it seemed more comforting, as I knew these strangers were all going through something similar to me.<br />
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Opening up my blog to my friends and family I find I don't talk about weight a lot. I'm still slightly embarrassed by it and not quite ready to actually OWN the number. So I'm not going to post my weight here...yet....but I'm making it a goal to get to a place this year where I can post it (and I don't even mean physically...this is entirely mental).<br />
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But that doesn't mean we can't talk numbers at all...in fact, I'm going to try to be more forthcoming with my successes and failures on the scale. I haven't done regular weigh-ins in a long time and I decided that this year I really needed to get back into it.<br />
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So Sundays are now my weigh-in day! I chose this day for two reasons-<br />
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1) I travel a lot during the week and I wanted to make sure I picked a day I could be consistent with<br />
2) Weighing in on a Sunday forces me to make good decisions all weekend long too<br />
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I did my first weigh-in on Sunday December 30th. I didn't like what I saw, but I started working out regularly and eating better with the hopes to change it. For those that have followed me for awhile, I was up about 10lbs from when I had mono last year. Not really surprising, given that my activity level was significantly lower during that time, and I allowed myself to eat more "comfort" type foods when I was stuck home sick.<br />
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1 week later, Sunday January 6th, the scale found me .6 lbs HEAVIER. I was surprised and disappointed, but I wasn't discourage. I've been doing this long enough to know that sometimes the scale is not a good measure of success. So I just kept doing what I was doing, and was anxious to see what the scale brought me this morning.<br />
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But today....today is a good day. The scale finally decided to play nice. And a whole lot nicer than I was even expecting! Today I am down 5.6 lbs from last Sunday. I'm sure this is really results that span the last two weeks, but I will take it!!!<br />
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<br />Erin @ Smaller in timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754581393238560916noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5830214890861209424.post-82737966574242572112013-01-07T20:09:00.001-05:002013-01-07T20:09:28.471-05:00Our choices seal our fateI'm completely loving the new Mumford & Sons CD, so it's appropriate that one of the lyrics really speaks to me and this journey.<br />
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"But in this twilight, our choices seal our fate"<br />
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That's all life is - a collection of choices... And what you choose now will determine the path your life is on later. But the thing is... Most toxic choices don't have an immediate impact. I think we forget that all too easily. <br />
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What will I eat today?<br />
Will I work out?<br />
Will I drink my water?<br />
Will I make good decisions?<br />
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Every choice matters. So choose wisely.<br />
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Erin @ Smaller in timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754581393238560916noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5830214890861209424.post-17981775458306129752013-01-03T19:43:00.002-05:002013-01-03T19:43:26.675-05:002013 and all things newYou know what I love about the new year? New bloggers. New people committing to this being in the year to become healthy.<br />
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A very good friend of mine posted something on facebook the other day, and it made me really angry (not what she said, but the idea of it, I'm in complete agreement with her). She was posting about how she really didn't like the negativity associated with "January Joiners" - aka the people who make resolutions to get healthy and join gyms, classes, etc. To many regulars, they resent these "January Joiners" who they feel are taking up space and invading their routines. Guys, if any of you have ever had any of these thoughts, I urge you to look at from this perspective - WE ALL have to start somewhere. If it takes a New Years resolution to get someone moving, so be it! Applaud them for their effort to change something about themselves. Support them in their endeavor. In my opinion, it is NEVER a bad time to change your life, and we should not scold people or look down on them for starting with a new year. It's a clean slate, a chance to start over, and I welcome them into this crazy journey.<br />
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Also, on the topic of new bloggers, I feel it is appropriate and necessary to give a shout out to Chris....I have just discovered his blog and it's brilliant, hilarious, and refreshing. Check it out <a href="http://www.thiiirdly.com/">here</a>Erin @ Smaller in timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754581393238560916noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5830214890861209424.post-86255560746132763192013-01-02T22:29:00.003-05:002013-01-02T22:29:41.117-05:002 days down, 29 to goHow's your January going?<br />
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Mine is off to rocky start but I'm hanging in there. Woke up around 3:30am last night with a raging sore throat. Instead of throwing in the towel on my early morning alarm clock setting for my workout, I decided to take some cold medicine, catch a few more hours of zzz's, and power through it. And I actually felt pretty good during and afterwards. Of course it didn't fix me, I'm still not feeling hot, but I'm still happy I was able to get a low impact workout in.<br />
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My Jan progress: 2 days of working out (with a 4 day streak), and food choices I'm happy with. So far so good!!!Erin @ Smaller in timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754581393238560916noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5830214890861209424.post-24856196781406139802012-12-30T12:58:00.003-05:002012-12-30T12:58:55.225-05:00A challenged JanuaryA few of us in the blog world have been talking about how we all need a little extra motivation to get 2013 kicked off right, so I've been thinking a bit about this notion of a "challenge" and I really want this to be about going back to the basics for me. Every single time I lose my rhythm, I've gotten it back by asking myself this -<br />
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">When I first started out and I was really successful, what was I doing?</span></i></div>
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So I thought about it and I really have TWO challenges for 2013 that I want to introduce. These are challenges to myself, but I also welcome any of you to join me (even those of you who just read and don't actually blog yourself).<br />
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Challenge #1 - Establish a routine</span></b><br />
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Easier said than done, I know, but they said it takes 21 days of repetitive activity to establish a routine - I need to get that back. So pick something, anything, that you feel like you need to be better about. Working out, bringing your own lunch to work, whatever. Plan it, commit to it, and achieve it. You'll be amazed at the difference.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Challenge #2 - Waste it or waist it</span></b><br />
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This is probably one of my favorite sayings in the weight loss world and yet I forget about it all too often. This is really more of a mini challenge - but I challenge you to keep this phrase in your mind at every meal. It's OKAY to throw food away or pack it up as leftovers. You don't have to clean your plate. If you're not hungry, don't eat it. Simple as that.<br />
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The prize here is simple, and you won't get it if you cheat at the challenges - you reclaim your healthy lifestyle.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Plan it -</span></b> Over the next month, I'm going to plan on working out every day with 1 optional rest day a week if I feel like I need it and I will be mindful of eating appropriate portions regardless of what is left on my plate.Erin @ Smaller in timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754581393238560916noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5830214890861209424.post-34884558333659853012012-12-27T12:07:00.000-05:002012-12-27T12:07:37.378-05:002012 in ReviewThis has been a tough year for me.<div>
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I started 2012 with such a bang, I was on FIRE, and I lost a significant amount of my total weight loss last winter. I hit my all-time lowest adult weight in April, but I lost that momentum when I went on a two week trip to London to visit my sister. Unfortunately, when I got back from London, I just never regained the rhythm that I had. </div>
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In the back of my mind I still thought that 2012 was going to be my year to hit goal, it was going to be the year I finally fit into that "goal dress" I've got sitting in my closet, all I had to was get back into the swing of things. And anyone who struggles with their own journey knows that sometimes taking a break from being REALLY healthy and "on" all of the time can actually help break through a plateau and jumpstart things again when you come back strong. So that was my plan.</div>
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But...plans never really work out the way you want them to, huh? Summer hit and I was sick on and off, and then finally after being reallllly ill I found out I had a duel case of strep throat and mono. Unfortunately, the mono took a LOT out of me, and exercise-wise I was out of commission for the entire summer. </div>
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Meanwhile, I decided to make another big change to my life - I left my super predictable, boring, corporate job for an exciting, fast paced, constantly changing job at a start-up company in September. Before, I was home everyday, and then the new job put me on the road about 3 weeks out of the month. If there is one thing I've learned during my weight loss journey, it's that I have a really hard time adjusting to change and developing a new routine. That's not to say that I didn't work out on the road, I did, I made a conscious effort every single time I packed to bring my sneakers and workout clothes so that I could be sure to get in some active time. Unfortunately, being active is only a small piece of the puzzle, diet is really key, and when you're on the road it literally means eating out for every.single.meal. I stay in hotels, I don't typically have a microwave accessible to me, and that means I'm eating at restaurants. It's really hard. Endless delicious options. </div>
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But alas, 2012 had accomplishments too!! I finally stepped up at tackled something I've wanted to do for so so so so long but I was always scared - I ran my first 5k!! And after I did that...I ran another!!! In fact, I haven't blogged since running my first 5k, so here's the quick recap of that.</div>
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1st 5k - super flat course, cold and rainy, clocked in at 42:00 even. </div>
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2nd 5k- hilly course, really cold, clocked in at 40:59. </div>
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And of course, the race outfits - </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN971eRdpQxwitxV6uOkuJMEkoaxkqtJ1HF6ciZx66b1w00SdKzcC8AjxbgcNMkparDqJhWzCBOpH753RtVZ8R_KdVx-uEWeqIVZGhPJaLXRcgU1SXwRTyl2ahkdxHeM87mXL76yRm-PE/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN971eRdpQxwitxV6uOkuJMEkoaxkqtJ1HF6ciZx66b1w00SdKzcC8AjxbgcNMkparDqJhWzCBOpH753RtVZ8R_KdVx-uEWeqIVZGhPJaLXRcgU1SXwRTyl2ahkdxHeM87mXL76yRm-PE/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First 5k</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZcaNbEREKil8t_gbv5MI9GWtpn9K_aDx9L21a3xBpvMaZapwPuW68Wdebj22-4sUW3pkxaUba8eMLANl7LOA2cUUGz40kajPeEYavhClodwA_D60TIG2FzJO5A8ohtIpWVPi4YidnGU/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZcaNbEREKil8t_gbv5MI9GWtpn9K_aDx9L21a3xBpvMaZapwPuW68Wdebj22-4sUW3pkxaUba8eMLANl7LOA2cUUGz40kajPeEYavhClodwA_D60TIG2FzJO5A8ohtIpWVPi4YidnGU/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2nd 5k</td></tr>
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So despite wanting to hit a sub-40 5k, I was ecstatic that in just over a month I was able to shave off a full minute from my 5k time. </div>
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Looking back at the year....I'm simultaneously disappointed and proud of myself. </div>
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I'm disappointed that - </div>
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<li>I let a vacation get the best of me</li>
<li>I got sick</li>
<li>I didn't always make the best food choices</li>
<li>I struggled eating out on the road</li>
<li>I had a hard time establishing a good routine with a new job</li>
<li>I severely neglected both this blog and the amazing people who have supported me</li>
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I'm proud that -</div>
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<ul>
<li>I didn't let mono be the end of this journey</li>
<li>I made an amazing career change</li>
<li>I ran TWO 5ks post-mono</li>
<li>I managed to actually improve my 5k time!</li>
<li>I still have friends that support me, check in, and ask about my blog even in its sad state</li>
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So where am I now?</div>
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Despite gaining a few pounds back after my all-time low in April, 2012 still sees me about 20lbs lighter than 2011. I'm still wearing the same clothes I have been all year, and I'm looking forward to downsizing again. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLSFRIqqf3B2y4ieoyA6b-Fq5JhyphenhyphenWx7kwAXJtfKKbQ_k07V-TJBgZGEl059caZFzTD8EWNKCOkByFZGdN6URWtZPDAjegDZKCwe2vwXWahiCCl0kh4iMT5zBbH9r3XNDTHxIwsyv6HyIc/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLSFRIqqf3B2y4ieoyA6b-Fq5JhyphenhyphenWx7kwAXJtfKKbQ_k07V-TJBgZGEl059caZFzTD8EWNKCOkByFZGdN6URWtZPDAjegDZKCwe2vwXWahiCCl0kh4iMT5zBbH9r3XNDTHxIwsyv6HyIc/s320/photo+2.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">November 2012</td></tr>
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I'm leaving 2012 with a renewed sense of commitment to my health and this blog, and looking forward to getting back on a path that I can be proud to share with you all. </div>
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Erin @ Smaller in timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754581393238560916noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5830214890861209424.post-8816088019707188752012-10-14T18:38:00.001-04:002012-10-14T18:38:09.640-04:005k results are in!!YOU GUYS!<br />
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I'm officially a 5k-er :-)<br />
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I'm not going to lie...I'm really sore. But I felt so awesome after I finished and I was so proud of myself.<br />
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Ok, let's start at the beginning...for those who missed my previous blog post about preparing for my first 5k, I think I stayed pretty much on par with my plan. Hydrated yesterday, ate some carbs for dinner last night, got lots of sleep and woke up this morning well-rested, and then had a bagel with some peanut butter this morning. I felt TOTALLY READY.<br />
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But there was one thing I couldn't prepare for. The weather. It was POURING when I woke up and I was intensely unhappy about that. I know they say you should know exactly what you plan on wearing ahead of time, but I decided I didn't want to wear long pants and risk having them get wet at the bottom and then make me crazy, so I made an executive decision to swap pants this morning.<br />
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Here I am before the big race:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN971eRdpQxwitxV6uOkuJMEkoaxkqtJ1HF6ciZx66b1w00SdKzcC8AjxbgcNMkparDqJhWzCBOpH753RtVZ8R_KdVx-uEWeqIVZGhPJaLXRcgU1SXwRTyl2ahkdxHeM87mXL76yRm-PE/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN971eRdpQxwitxV6uOkuJMEkoaxkqtJ1HF6ciZx66b1w00SdKzcC8AjxbgcNMkparDqJhWzCBOpH753RtVZ8R_KdVx-uEWeqIVZGhPJaLXRcgU1SXwRTyl2ahkdxHeM87mXL76yRm-PE/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I told myself I was going to limit the walking and I did my best to hold true to that - I had to walk several times, but each time I limited it to 30 seconds. </div>
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I ended up with a pace of 13:31 per mile. </div>
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And finished in ....</div>
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42 minutes!!! 42:00 even. I couldn't be more thrilled with that time :-) I wanted to finish under 45 minutes and I totally did. So, <a href="http://coffeewithsabrina.com/">Sabrina</a> totally nailed it with her guess of 42 minutes, so stayed tuned for an awesome post this week about Sabrina!</div>
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I'm already thinking about my next 5k, which will likely be a gobble wobble on Thanksgiving morning. I've got a little over a month to get ready for it and I'd like to be able to do it sub-40. We'll see!</div>
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And now, my glorious post race picture (ok, more like horrifying, I get SO SO SO red when I work out). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPJeM6v-eswgkgRr2wPVoHs6NiFLTKSuqNww_As5CIEqfV9b-TRD59napWa_P_WlLWuR8-kKoJS55_Nr9X_kPWuMLGirp7u2z1hJ_071ZcEd6wa4N1vFkjVrBoq-BHPvenYhihO-l_Gw/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPJeM6v-eswgkgRr2wPVoHs6NiFLTKSuqNww_As5CIEqfV9b-TRD59napWa_P_WlLWuR8-kKoJS55_Nr9X_kPWuMLGirp7u2z1hJ_071ZcEd6wa4N1vFkjVrBoq-BHPvenYhihO-l_Gw/s320/photo+2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />Erin @ Smaller in timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754581393238560916noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5830214890861209424.post-16405592744298276192012-10-11T19:06:00.001-04:002012-10-11T19:06:07.320-04:00My first 5K!So as mentioned, I'm running my first 5k on Sunday. I hadn't really given too much thought to the significance of this until I got an email this morning....<br />
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<a href="http://www.active.com/Assets/email/PreRace/5K+Email+Template.htm?cmp=43-1-6">Here's an html copy of the email</a>.<br />
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I started reading through all of the links to mentally prepare myself and I realized that this is my FIRST 5K!!! It's a huge milestone! Everyone celebrates firsts! First anniversary, first birthday, baby's first Christmas....every single first is something that you can NEVER REPEAT. This is it, this is the moment....am I ready?<br />
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Honestly... I have no clue! I obviously haven't been running much, but mentally I feel ready and I can't wait to find out what my body can do.<br />
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Here are some of the highlights that I'm going to try to follow:<br />
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-Saturday is going to be FUEL day. Make sure I'm hydrating and have some carbs for dinner (but not overdo it!)<br />
-Eat a light breakfast on Sunday, I'm thinking something like a piece of bread with peanut butter and also hydrate a bit (but not so much I'll have to pee mid-race!)<br />
-Pace myself!! Haha, I love one of the tips I read - "look for people that look like you" - ok, so basically I'm looking for unfit people and then judging their ability to run a 5k? Great... But regardless I will definitely make an effort NOT to try to pace myself with the super fit athletes that consider a 5k a walk in the park. I want to start off slow so that I can finish strong<br />
-This was not mentioned, but worth stating for me. It's ok to walk. Walking is not giving up. But unless I'm seriously out of breath or in pain, I'll probably only allow myself about 30 seconds at a time.<br />
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And one of my favorite things that <a href="http://twelve-in-twelve.com/">Ann</a> says - WE CAN DO HARD THINGS<br />
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Yes, a 5k might be hard for me. But it's not impossible, I'm not going to die, and I can do it. Because I can do hard things.<br />
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So, with all of that rambling out of the way....<br />
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How do I think I'll do?<br />
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I'm aiming for anything under 45 minutes. But, because I like to make everything a competition....<br />
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How do YOU think I'll do?<br />
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Guess what my final time is. Closest without going over wins. What do you win? Well since I totally suck at mailing things out (as many can attest to), how about I just write a lovely blog post all about you. You can guess up until Sunday at 9am. Good luck :-)Erin @ Smaller in timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754581393238560916noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5830214890861209424.post-26961264315938671012012-10-08T21:23:00.001-04:002012-10-08T21:23:31.174-04:00Out with the old, in with the newYou might remember awhile back I mentioned I was registered to run my first 5k (EEEEK!)...well....that 5k is finally nearly upon me and I've been trying to do a bit of pre-race conditioning. I've never been a runner, but I've definitely improved significantly over the last year, so I'm looking forward to pushing myself to see what I'm really capable of. <div>
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As part of my training, I realized my old beloved asics just weren't getting the job done anymore. They're great sneakers, but I've worn them down and there are actually small holes next to my pinky toes. I really wanted to get new sneakers before the 5k, but now being on the road all of the time it was making it difficult to make that a priority. Finally, I forced myself to go today so that I could have a whole week breaking them in. I did 3 miles on the treadmill in them tonight and they felt great!!</div>
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Before....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuP7OaFOkqMwc6hWfDK-PTo5CvE1rzbNtMjdvh1KAjfvKSeFYpStOfbhzm71WIdq0o_zv8ZUyHQ3ibTZE9J0ERSp1M-smhfbVgHv0-IN__AIgl8VjN-tlKhRS69_YQEpsED8EwqDnk1KI/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuP7OaFOkqMwc6hWfDK-PTo5CvE1rzbNtMjdvh1KAjfvKSeFYpStOfbhzm71WIdq0o_zv8ZUyHQ3ibTZE9J0ERSp1M-smhfbVgHv0-IN__AIgl8VjN-tlKhRS69_YQEpsED8EwqDnk1KI/s320/photo+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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After!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJvTK8lxFSKd7KRBVlY0WhTrfriOhjF2Vzj1b9NpnGKsuao7PBCUwQ_YL-jcynCN7RbOlJJSzsaBHGc-EoRNwWaVTE4NY0wrZOhMEhglaL5Kv_IelT4fc0HH6Yp2fFfnKkoHjtSPpda8/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJvTK8lxFSKd7KRBVlY0WhTrfriOhjF2Vzj1b9NpnGKsuao7PBCUwQ_YL-jcynCN7RbOlJJSzsaBHGc-EoRNwWaVTE4NY0wrZOhMEhglaL5Kv_IelT4fc0HH6Yp2fFfnKkoHjtSPpda8/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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They're actually just the exact same sneaker. I went to my local running store that specializes in gait analysis and sneaker fit, and we determined that these are just an all around great shoe for me. And I'm pumped that they come in a cooler design this time around!!!</div>
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I don't know why...I just love the way new sneakers feel! They always really re-ignite my passion for working out!</div>
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Erin @ Smaller in timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754581393238560916noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5830214890861209424.post-34231225444959706562012-10-03T22:16:00.002-04:002012-10-03T22:19:40.276-04:00It is never too late to reinvent yourselfThis is probably going to come off as a very corny sounding post, but one of the things I've realized these past few days is that when you're ready to change you will.<br />
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In January 2011 I embarked on a healthier lifestyle. Through mid 2012 I had lost a grand total of 50lbs and was feeling truly on top of the world - not at goal yet, but confident that I was going to get there. In fact, I even blogged earlier this year about how 2012 was my year and how I was going to hit my goal weight this year.<br />
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Let's just get real here for a second - that's not going to happen. I want it to happen, but realistically it's going to take me a bit longer to hit my goal the healthy way.<br />
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Here's the thing that I think happens to so many people - they get into a cycle where they do GREAT for a really long time, and then something big changes and gets in the way, throws off their routine, and before they know it they've lost their way and their journey ends there. But this journey is NEVER over, and it's never too late to really start trying again.<br />
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We all have obstacles in our lives. For me, I had a pretty traumatic couple of months June through September - first I was down and out with mono, and then I resigned from my job to take a leap of faith and start a new adventure. Do not get me wrong - I LOVE MY NEW JOB! I know with 100% conviction that it was the right move for me...but it also presents new routines and new challenges, and has made my "getting back in the swing of things" a bit delayed.<br />
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But the time is now. I'm ready. I've settled into the job, I'm feeling better, and more than anything I have the WANT to change. Sick girl I have been, but sick girl I will be no longer.<br />
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I'm not going to lie - I strayed a lot over the past few months. Ate out a lot, didn't make smart choices, and developed an addiction to frozen yogurt (ok fine, I guess there are worse problems to have) - I've gained a few pounds, nothing traumatic, and nothing that won't come off pretty quickly, but the biggest thing I noticed was how I FELT about myself. I felt lazy. I felt unenergized. I felt like I wasn't in control of my choices. And truthfully for a little while I just didn't care.<br />
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But that was the Erin of yesterday. I am ready and I am back in this fight. I won't be 100% perfect all the time, but that has never been my intention. I'm still going to enjoy a delicious cupcake or two from time to time when my cousin Meghan (AMAZING baker) tempts me with her creations, I'm still going to eat the occasional dessert and unhealthy meal for special occasions, but that's the EXCEPTION, not the RULE. It's time for me to re-establish the rule.<br />
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Here are my rules:<br />
1) Drink lots of water<br />
2) Make smart choices<br />
3) Workout frequently (5+ times a week)<br />
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This is what I've done in the past that works for me. No fad diets, no calorie counting, just living and being smart about it.<br />
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Do you feel like you need a little re-inventing? What are you waiting for? Join me in taking control back.Erin @ Smaller in timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754581393238560916noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5830214890861209424.post-24131377783045884582012-10-02T21:53:00.001-04:002012-10-02T21:53:22.479-04:00Gym round 2!It was refreshing to see after my last blog post that I'm not alone in my feelings. I think Tim summed it up pretty well when he said "F*ck it!" So true. The good news is that after I had gotten over the initial hump of going to the fitness center here in the Aloft, I had no reservations about going today. And I have to say, I got in a reallllly great workout!! <div>
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Before - </div>
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Results - </div>
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After - </div>
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I have a really good soreness happening right now. The accomplished sore. Despite being out of commission for the last couple of months because of my mono run, I have to say that I'm feeling REALLY good right now and my last two workouts have not left me exhausted (FINALLY!!!) This is especially good news because I'm signed up to run my first 5K in just under 2 weeks. Ideally, I'd like to run it, though I'm not sure I'll be THAT ready. But regardless, I'll prepare as best as I can and give it my all. </div>
Erin @ Smaller in timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754581393238560916noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5830214890861209424.post-90265211382010843932012-09-29T15:38:00.000-04:002012-09-29T15:38:32.011-04:00Gym anxietiesIf you've been keeping up with my very limited blogging lately you'd know that I'm spending a lot of time on the road for work lately AND trying to get back into working out post-mono. It's even tougher to do when you don't have a really regular routine, but I'm determined to do it. However, this involves taking me out of my comfort zone.<br />
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I wanted to write this post last Thursday, but unfortunately due to connectivity issues at my hotel I was unable to get my iPad online. Borderline devastating for me...ha I'm too tied to technology!<br />
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Anyway, here's how things played out.<br />
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Sunday I decided that I was going to the gym at least once while I was traveling this past week so I made sure to pack my gym sneakers and gym clothes. Because of the gym sneakers, I actually had to move to a larger suitcase so that I could fit work clothes too, which meant I could no longer get away with not checking a bag. <br />
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Monday - worked late, no gym<br />
Tuesday - took a walk and found 24 hour fitness center at my Aloft, but was disappointed to see that it was card access only behind a locked door and no glass windows in. This means I would have no way of casually scoping out if the gym was 100% in use (just 2 bikes, 2 treadmills, and 2 ellipticals).<br />
Wednesday - worked late again, no time for gym<br />
Thursday - I was able to wrap up work relatively early on Thursday and I decided that the gym was going to happen.<br />
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It's funny how we let our minds get to us though. I got back to my room and changed into my gym clothes and had all of these thoughts running through my mind. All of these insecurities.<br />
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<i>What if I get to the gym and it's full? Will everyone look at me? Will I leave? WHAT WILL I DO? Will they know this is my first time here? I'm going to look like such an idiot, I won't even know where all of the machines are. Man I really wish I had the lay of the land walking into this. What if people judge me? They'll look at me and see a fat girl who is trying to get in shape and probably laugh at me in the midst of lots of fit people.</i><br />
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I really hope I'm not the only one who goes through this, who has these destructive thoughts anytime they embark on a new fitness adventure in unfamiliar territory. Perhaps it'd be better if I was used to regularly working out in front of people, but I'm just not, I have a home gym that I love and aside from the occasional yoga class there's not a need for me to go anywhere new.<br />
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Anyway, the point is, all of my thoughts were just complete CRAZINESS. Who cares. Looking back at it it's almost laughable to think that these silly thoughts were almost enough to prevent me from going to the gym. But really, at the end of the day, I had to remind myself that I don't care what anyone else thinks about me except for me. And I knew the pride I would have after a killer workout would more than exceed the anxiety and insecurity leading up to it.<br />
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So I went. I just stopped thinking, put on my gym clothes, and went. There were two guys in there lifting weights, but I had every single cardio machine for my picking. I walked in like I owned the place and grabbed the far elliptical, as if I had done it every other evening. And then I got in the zone and put in a killer workout for the next hour. And I felt GREAT! Last time I worked out (September 4th), it gave me a major case of exhaustion, so I decided the mono probably needed a bit more time, but Thursday I just felt so strong and awesome, and those feelings carried over into Friday. Looking forward to establishing a more steady routine when I go back to that Aloft on Monday!!<br />
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<br />Erin @ Smaller in timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754581393238560916noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5830214890861209424.post-23895198226336303432012-09-22T00:40:00.001-04:002012-09-22T00:40:46.415-04:00Hi friends!!So, I've been yelled at a few times for my lack of updating, and here it goes...<br />
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Life has been CHAOS! I started my new job and I've been traveling a lot. A lot a lot. But it's really awesome so far, loving my job, loving my coworkers, and all around really happy about making the transition into a new company. <br />
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I haven't really been on par with eating and I definitely haven't been working out (I worked out my very first day of work, Sept 4th, and I ended up going to bed at 8:30. I don't think the mono liked that). <br />
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So, needless to say, I'm a little off track right now but trying to get back into the swing of things and establish a regular routine. As you all know, traveling makes things that much harder, and so I'll have to come up with some ways to avoid eating crap when I'm on the road. <br />
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In fact, speaking of being on the road, it was hard for me to update over the last 2 weeks because I was traveling and I didn't have any of my blog stuff on my work laptop, but I just arrived home from Charlotte NC a little while ago to a pile of deliveries waiting for me... iPhone 5 and an iPad! Hooray! This is my very first iPad blog post. Now I promise to update more often, the blogger app should hopefully make it nice and easy. Plus I got this sweet bluetooth keyboard for my iPad. <br />
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So, since the theme of this seems to be all about travel, what are YOUR favorite tips for staying on track while you're on the road, on the go, or traveling a lot? <br />
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Also, forgive me while I test the "take a photo" feature in this app...I have no idea how this is actually going to display. <br />
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Hope everyone is well!!!<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_vVCDdCwiW9MeLRpAcw6bRpicWI6HCECoJPvfJYMPfuSPYzr9wWiT6ARCBI8OWXjRBlDhQYu0PghLRtU05MNw9E66-0s5ylDf91aQWdI-CohMgZe1Yn872u2T3QszllXRH9lRca47bI/s640/blogger-image--2083466478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_vVCDdCwiW9MeLRpAcw6bRpicWI6HCECoJPvfJYMPfuSPYzr9wWiT6ARCBI8OWXjRBlDhQYu0PghLRtU05MNw9E66-0s5ylDf91aQWdI-CohMgZe1Yn872u2T3QszllXRH9lRca47bI/s640/blogger-image--2083466478.jpg" /></a></div>Erin @ Smaller in timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754581393238560916noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5830214890861209424.post-50289026701964029582012-09-02T12:47:00.000-04:002012-09-02T12:47:25.051-04:00New BeginningsGuys.....I'm BAAAACK!<br />
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This week marks what I believe is going to be a pivotal point in my weight loss journey...the beginning of the HOMESTRETCH!<br />
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1) My twin sister is home from London for good<br />
2) I start a new job on Tuesday<br />
3) And most importantly...I'm finally feeling like I've kicked my mono 100% (fingers crossed)<br />
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My sister is totally committed our house being a house of healthy lifestyles, and as we both jump into new routines what better time than for me to add regular workouts back in?<br />
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I haven't worked out regularly since before mono. That translates to JUNE! Yikes. I just feel better when I'm working out daily. I feel strong, capable, energized. I'm so looking forward to getting back to that awesome place. I've also registered for a 5k in October, it'll be my first since I had to sit-out the color run, so it's time to start conditioning and training for it.<br />
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There's one last thing I need to get in check in order to feel ready to jump back in.... I need to get my blog reading under control!!!! I've always said that I feel more mentally committed to my healthy lifestyle when I'm both reading blogs and blogging, and I've let myself fall behind due to the chaos of transitioning from one job to another. But no more. This morning the google reader said 234. I'm looking forward to catching up with you guys once again :-)<br />
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<br />Erin @ Smaller in timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754581393238560916noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5830214890861209424.post-7010801842014275072012-08-20T20:33:00.001-04:002012-08-20T20:33:53.890-04:00I QUIT!!!!!!!!!!Alright friends, don't panic.<div>
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I'm not quitting my blog.</div>
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I'm not quitting my healthy lifestyle.</div>
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But at the risk of my coworkers finding my blog.... I quit my job today (my team doesn't know yet). I guess quit is a harsh word, I resigned. I gave my two weeks notice. For the longest time I was that person who would gush about how much I loved my job. I graduated college, landed an awesome full-time position, and I was truly loving it for a really long time. I went from working in a really small software company, to a really large tech company after two back-to-back acquisitions, and after about 5 years of that I realized something pretty recently - I just wasn't happy anymore. It wasn't really any one thing, but once I had that realization I knew it was time to make a change.</div>
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<b>If you're not happy with something in your life, change it. Life is too short to have regrets. </b></div>
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So anyway, I found a really amazing opportunity and received an offer last week. I'm endlessly excited about it and the new company (which is a very small company), and I think it's going to be a great fit for me. I start September 4th. </div>
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This new job will likely be challenge (that I accept and am ready to win!) for my healthy lifestyle because not only will I be traveling frequently, but they also order lunch for their employees every single day. Luckily, it sounds like I'll have the option to get salad, so I hope I just have the willpower to make good choices :-)</div>
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As for traveling frequently, I am not even slightly worried as I have seen how <a href="http://www.nothankstocake.com/">Kelly</a> has just totally ROCKED being on the road. Seriously. Every once in awhile I stumble upon a blog I need to read start to finish and her's was one of them. Her old job had her jetsetting all of the time and she had amazing weight loss success while doing. <b>It can be done. No excuses. </b></div>
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Anyway, I have no idea where I'll be traveling to yet, but if I ever find myself in any of your neighborhoods, let's take in a healthy dinner together. Or maybe a yoga class. I'd love to expand my network! So for all of you guys in the USA that might welcome a fellow blogger meetup - what major city are you closest to?</div>
Erin @ Smaller in timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754581393238560916noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5830214890861209424.post-10540013841038707942012-08-16T19:36:00.001-04:002012-08-16T19:36:52.913-04:00GIVEAWAY WINNER!<span style="font-size: large;">We have a winner!!!</span><br />
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Congrats to <a href="http://spoonfulofme.blogspot.com/">Spoonful of Me</a>, she just won a sparkly headband from my headband giveaway!<br />
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**Winner was determined by random.org using the number of valid entries (comments) I received on my blog**<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXUEarA25Z9ollpASbe6dOcmQIZbg1BxpSASAOaM2JDutWEtwEd79Y-akG0KBqgHVjdkEZX1D2-iWGGbjbqwDIzzOjgCUFoxoWMqqEJi03NgroWmKSQuVVQ0ayWs35cNMCioNEyuTmRg/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-08-16+at+7.28.38+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXUEarA25Z9ollpASbe6dOcmQIZbg1BxpSASAOaM2JDutWEtwEd79Y-akG0KBqgHVjdkEZX1D2-iWGGbjbqwDIzzOjgCUFoxoWMqqEJi03NgroWmKSQuVVQ0ayWs35cNMCioNEyuTmRg/s200/Screen+shot+2012-08-16+at+7.28.38+PM.png" width="178" /></a></div>
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<br />Erin @ Smaller in timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754581393238560916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5830214890861209424.post-52988673938579594552012-08-15T21:00:00.001-04:002012-08-15T21:00:22.737-04:00Sparkle headband giveaway reminder!!!Just a reminder that my sparkly soul headband giveaway ends TONIGHT!<br />
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If you haven't entered yet there are several quick and easy ways to get entered!<br />
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<a href="http://www.smallerintime.com/2012/08/do-you-like-to-sparkle-when-you-sweat.html">http://www.smallerintime.com/2012/08/do-you-like-to-sparkle-when-you-sweat.html</a><br />
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Winner will be selected and announced tomorrow :-) GOOD LUCK!<br />
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<br />Erin @ Smaller in timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754581393238560916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5830214890861209424.post-1700978330830739812012-08-03T23:01:00.002-04:002012-08-03T23:31:22.753-04:00I've been doing some shoppingI've been doing a little bit of shopping.<br />
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"You been doing what?...finger painting?"</div>
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If you understand this quote it's likely we're destined to be friends. </div>
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Lately I've really upped the ante with my wardrobe... I've been slowly acquiring some pieces to have a more polished professional look. Currently I work in a VERY casual office, and when it comes to opportunities/events that I need to throw together a business look I am PARALYZED with fear. Jeans just ain't gonna fly. So anyway, I decided it was time to do something about that, and needless to say...I've been busy. </div>
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I'm sort of just going to dump it all here. I'd love to hear what everyone thinks...what outfits do you love, what outfits do you hate, any new mix and match suggestions? Please help me. I'm pretty style-challenged. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9d3n4I3mFCpqd_jegd8FlzFYQyZo3b9sIvv-m74UXe0O1pSHIWgiNLIT2VTfN8BqWUtQtl5ZLcOiQUtYwwi1SFGcRIGRuddkOLCu5RmHGUf8jfhUbzgMtC1GhzANCwCvYuqANvv7OHyA/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9d3n4I3mFCpqd_jegd8FlzFYQyZo3b9sIvv-m74UXe0O1pSHIWgiNLIT2VTfN8BqWUtQtl5ZLcOiQUtYwwi1SFGcRIGRuddkOLCu5RmHGUf8jfhUbzgMtC1GhzANCwCvYuqANvv7OHyA/s400/photo+1.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#1</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi7zLq2JCs71IkSeL9hyphenhyphen-UHqhcYOSEXvGgcs8QPqEIayWAqoZvery0TQbwvMDIXOIzGeU_0gO9-8-pv6GUMUdTKmBgRUBAvazLyKNAsOWjKIrEKBYuGOStGAJYqjGoerE4j-7h1DlM7Ss/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi7zLq2JCs71IkSeL9hyphenhyphen-UHqhcYOSEXvGgcs8QPqEIayWAqoZvery0TQbwvMDIXOIzGeU_0gO9-8-pv6GUMUdTKmBgRUBAvazLyKNAsOWjKIrEKBYuGOStGAJYqjGoerE4j-7h1DlM7Ss/s400/photo+2.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#2</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihJ3Dk3jTCGvh7ANgEDhQEUPH4Xe1NNlarQ1GUs7gQ05PPj9eOLy30NklsDDiz0HS6pmD9AULjaQdLlSJRIqD_nzYJHF285ZaZtoSN8nfLRtyg3sOx32gAXFwqb-3oazu8U7uA6o7jF04/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihJ3Dk3jTCGvh7ANgEDhQEUPH4Xe1NNlarQ1GUs7gQ05PPj9eOLy30NklsDDiz0HS6pmD9AULjaQdLlSJRIqD_nzYJHF285ZaZtoSN8nfLRtyg3sOx32gAXFwqb-3oazu8U7uA6o7jF04/s400/photo+3.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#3 </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_O-_ZppENJNdo2OUzwGH9NZYjkmfN-Mv9A1jfJRacpmc7mIdC5CNb-WCsAdoGPLLOvnv7j_-gEFYIoG4NSfTsadZPgLIZCOLzgMFuYcq8P_JWN8pS_lePzSLS3qLMldF-qLYaChRfXXI/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_O-_ZppENJNdo2OUzwGH9NZYjkmfN-Mv9A1jfJRacpmc7mIdC5CNb-WCsAdoGPLLOvnv7j_-gEFYIoG4NSfTsadZPgLIZCOLzgMFuYcq8P_JWN8pS_lePzSLS3qLMldF-qLYaChRfXXI/s400/photo+4.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#4</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9hCTVyH2Sjgnv8GM-Md3r6-M17-2bSKs3OQtB0gy30u8blrNRm2Yrc6i6a312KdkWdf8DakNgxTdKgnmCqSOeT8_16RUwkigRoF8K8BVzbHgHsvKZhzoPuIzg_94Soux9zPvX2ittJk/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9hCTVyH2Sjgnv8GM-Md3r6-M17-2bSKs3OQtB0gy30u8blrNRm2Yrc6i6a312KdkWdf8DakNgxTdKgnmCqSOeT8_16RUwkigRoF8K8BVzbHgHsvKZhzoPuIzg_94Soux9zPvX2ittJk/s400/photo+5.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#5</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaRo_CXy4saKYfup-MEXQQK0TBZ1UarWYUhGeGz-XOAL6OXMltVC06Yl4WHxQgY5l8k2CM75brvZ3qkJix0Bi71C_JzNK75elXMRnfJVJpBFpP8_6KEvHUgz4HAr5-sgTfnNqY39DZAGM/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaRo_CXy4saKYfup-MEXQQK0TBZ1UarWYUhGeGz-XOAL6OXMltVC06Yl4WHxQgY5l8k2CM75brvZ3qkJix0Bi71C_JzNK75elXMRnfJVJpBFpP8_6KEvHUgz4HAr5-sgTfnNqY39DZAGM/s400/photo+1.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#6 (cheetah print...probably wouldn't ever wear to office but I still think it's cute. But too tight and short)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmv7gtLBdJTaAWonqgQaW6Q81NiTh-WQnvSXcTBNoxYKjjI4HMzsCvcSzCnsiju2A3SRuhjaF3rnBQFXd0j_Qzh8swQOHYXMhcehz1teWIxZ9wvZcTj_-9dcqQQ_tXT7ULuXxJ5Z9PwQ/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmv7gtLBdJTaAWonqgQaW6Q81NiTh-WQnvSXcTBNoxYKjjI4HMzsCvcSzCnsiju2A3SRuhjaF3rnBQFXd0j_Qzh8swQOHYXMhcehz1teWIxZ9wvZcTj_-9dcqQQ_tXT7ULuXxJ5Z9PwQ/s400/photo+2.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#7 I am LOVING this skirt</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUAE4oJTL_3vPLwq9arfJMQyqOLg7pkyT3Ps5Ne0BKXl_vI1kym3WrhRdvVdywmtABZjzotTcb1Uy_x-Nv91hn1oLgWAu-OMpzu8DJlKd0hoM9LOz_VqewZNbGpaTcfj6fVEKQ1bGP5gU/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUAE4oJTL_3vPLwq9arfJMQyqOLg7pkyT3Ps5Ne0BKXl_vI1kym3WrhRdvVdywmtABZjzotTcb1Uy_x-Nv91hn1oLgWAu-OMpzu8DJlKd0hoM9LOz_VqewZNbGpaTcfj6fVEKQ1bGP5gU/s400/photo+3.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#8 Adding fall layers</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqsA_x48UWBexd3BXGExheHpzZ4Za7gHIU9Of9BdNxlEu8NhgLw06udJEkHEBmHDPqZ0oIo_NrzLpu-v9_5ePk3JWfKcAESwdQZa8vyJV7JawkNKMxHTTVBPkCdx9qzVGb3tMDIvco5Y/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqsA_x48UWBexd3BXGExheHpzZ4Za7gHIU9Of9BdNxlEu8NhgLw06udJEkHEBmHDPqZ0oIo_NrzLpu-v9_5ePk3JWfKcAESwdQZa8vyJV7JawkNKMxHTTVBPkCdx9qzVGb3tMDIvco5Y/s400/photo+5.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#9...not sold on this dress....may return it. Needs some seriously bright accessories & cardigan IMO</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qVnIijQV2w2kOmKuvL35RrHh7sYSzC5U11yWQqV2G2Nfvv-3xUQyoeaoylvrbZqdWsEWUO-7wXCLVlxtEDLkYbhvErhnUcZRaejxDfscvFKQS8JzZz1V0N6SJSAodnamPwLbxIuK7E4/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qVnIijQV2w2kOmKuvL35RrHh7sYSzC5U11yWQqV2G2Nfvv-3xUQyoeaoylvrbZqdWsEWUO-7wXCLVlxtEDLkYbhvErhnUcZRaejxDfscvFKQS8JzZz1V0N6SJSAodnamPwLbxIuK7E4/s400/photo+1.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#10</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLAQLHsA3qKOCHIAEVq759cr2TgsjiZrWobKc1CuDjZoSfJMwQoQEahpSZH1wPTZytFOCnDT5ZG5K0KGlr65-AvYCnvLH-Byhm6r7y1y0_jBlXfq5gZsbclw9RsNKhHa16c6dV22x3Fxc/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLAQLHsA3qKOCHIAEVq759cr2TgsjiZrWobKc1CuDjZoSfJMwQoQEahpSZH1wPTZytFOCnDT5ZG5K0KGlr65-AvYCnvLH-Byhm6r7y1y0_jBlXfq5gZsbclw9RsNKhHa16c6dV22x3Fxc/s400/photo+2.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#11 </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXEzxXUq8dE1HculmQ9pisR6KrqDyfIgK-ATgycvqfrTmN0fJm84NEil2UCSG6m5DpZdWStuTfQphNCMDztrqdQ-XCtaxiR42wSoG3qIoKSpaHaHDtRm2afu4PGZ1bhAgbTIzR0zakow/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXEzxXUq8dE1HculmQ9pisR6KrqDyfIgK-ATgycvqfrTmN0fJm84NEil2UCSG6m5DpZdWStuTfQphNCMDztrqdQ-XCtaxiR42wSoG3qIoKSpaHaHDtRm2afu4PGZ1bhAgbTIzR0zakow/s400/photo+4.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#12</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQ4KQTU2i-fNvpSTzULlmcdGIGwIqynnAWoK4Etl5_bCRYBoF18AtcuqmGyz_pbpEZOmFJibnG_AMaFxnZASnHs2bm3hY4L_rmqMUsXkN76x73DnTBOvzf8PvZK8Gmtbsxgtv5QbN5L4/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQ4KQTU2i-fNvpSTzULlmcdGIGwIqynnAWoK4Etl5_bCRYBoF18AtcuqmGyz_pbpEZOmFJibnG_AMaFxnZASnHs2bm3hY4L_rmqMUsXkN76x73DnTBOvzf8PvZK8Gmtbsxgtv5QbN5L4/s400/photo+3.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">#13</td></tr>
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<br />
Annnnd that's about it. Everything here came from Loft, Ann Taylor, New York & Company, Nine West, and DSW.<br />
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<br /></div>
</div>Erin @ Smaller in timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754581393238560916noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5830214890861209424.post-85005022493999925252012-08-01T22:54:00.000-04:002012-08-01T22:56:30.538-04:00Do you like to sparkle when you sweat?<h2>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">ANNOUNCING A GIVEAWAY!</span></b></h2>
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Listen up ladies - you know how difficult it is to work out with crazy hair flying all over the place, in your eyes, constantly trying to tuck it behind your ears. Maybe you've tried headbands before, but the constant slipping isn't worth the trouble.<br />
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My dear friend & sorority sister <a href="http://cupcakekellys.com/blog/2012/7/30/do-you-like-to-sparkle-when-you-sweat.html">Kelly </a>(she's actually my sister-daughter/little for any of you fellow greeks) is training for a half marathon (Team in Training).<br />
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<b>Why she's running</b><br />
"I have a mission-to help find cures and more effective treatments for blood cancers. To accomplish that mission, I’m participating in a sports endurance event as a member of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Team In Training. Like the other members of TNT, I will be raising funds to help find cures and better treatments for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma. I’m improving the quality of my life by participating and with your support, I can help improve the quality of life for patients and their families as well." ~Kelly<br />
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<b>Fundraising!</b><br />
Kelly has had the good fortune of teaming up with her favorite headband company as a fundraiser, and I wanted to share it all with you in case you are desperate like me to find something that will finally keep your hair in check. She has a special code you can use for a discount, and it's a feel good purchase because you know some of the proceeds are going to a great cause! She SWEARS by these things, but if you need more convincing check out her blog at my link above :-)<br />
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Visit www.sparklysoul.com and enter in coupon code “KELLY” at checkout to receive a 10% discount and 15% of your entire order will be donated to Kelly's Leukemia & Lymphoma Society fundraising – the discount code will only be valid from July 30-August 6, 2012.<br />
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<b>And finally....the giveaway!</b><br />
As I was buying my headbands to support Kelly, I was struck with the immediate thought of "buy a 3rd and do a giveaway!!" So that's what I'm doing! It's open to anyone, anywhere, and there are multiple ways to enter!<br />
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In the spirit of the Olympics, I got the adorable red white and blue headband for the giveaway. In retrospect, I realized that that might not fly with a potential global winner so there will be a CHOICE for the winner - you can select either the wide red white and blue or the thin black sparkly headband.<br />
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<a href="http://shop.sparklysoul.com/images/RedWhiteBlueWide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://shop.sparklysoul.com/images/RedWhiteBlueWide.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://shop.sparklysoul.com/images/BlackSmX.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://shop.sparklysoul.com/images/BlackSmX.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Ways to enter</b></div>
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*Each entry method requires a separate comment*</div>
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1) Comment and tell me about your go-to workout hairstyle</div>
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2) Blog about my giveaway (and leave a comment with a link to it)</div>
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3) Follow me on twitter and tweet about my giveaway (include an @smallerintime and leave a comment saying you've done it)</div>
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4) And for a bonus 4th way to enter - make a purchase using Kelly's code (then leave me a comment saying you've done it) *MUST BE DONE BY AUGUST 6th*</div>
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One winner will be randomly picked from the comments!</div>
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Giveaway closes Wednesday August 15th (but if you want to take advantage of the discount code to buy your own remember that the code is only good through August 6th).</div>
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<i>Fine Print - When you comment, please make sure you're logged in or you identify yourself in some way to me. If you win and I don't know how to get ahold of you, I will pick someone new!</i></div>
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<br />Erin @ Smaller in timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754581393238560916noreply@blogger.com26