Currently… In April

Currently… stealing this idea from Marcia and other bloggers. A post on things of the moment for me (#2).

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Currently, I am (quite literally) in a happy place – Canyon Ranch Miami. For the third year in a row, several of my close college friends and I met here away from husbands, kids and life’s responsibilities. After this winter, the sun on my skin feels amazing. Each year, we try wacky fitness classes. This year’s new one was “Battle Rope Challenge”, a circuit training class that is anchored by battle ropes. It was killer. I “mastered” Buff Ballet Booty by standing in a spot where I could not see myself. I enjoyed every step and in my head I was full of grace. The best thing about this trip though is spending quality time with friends and no distractions. We laugh. A lot. IMO, that is life’s best medicine.

It wouldn’t be me if I did not tell you about the deal we scored. The first year, we used Rue La La and got an unbelievable 2 night spa package. The second year, we used Rue La La again and basically got one night free. This year, the dates we could go were very limited and the Rue La La deal (which cost a lot more now) was not available. I found great deals with VRBO. As it turns out, we got a 2 bedroom suite in the main hotel for less than half of the 2 bedroom suite hotel rate. Even with the 3 night minimum (only 2 of us can stay) and a spa fee, we are each paying less than one night’s full rack rate for a one bedroom suite. Score! The 1 bedrooms are a great deal, too. Check out Condo Ranch Miami for more information.

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Books: I just binge read the Divergent trilogy by Veronica Roth, because I thought I wanted to see the movie. It was like watching TV all weekend. I liked it. I admit it. I am now reading Night Moves by Marisha Pessl which I recommend. It is offbeat and very well written.

Movies: After the Oscar run to the finish, I have not seen any movies. I have not seen anything that has been too tempting in previews. Have you?

TV: Other than my Today Show treadmill obsession, I am not much for watching TV. We finished Breaking Bad – thank goodness. I needed closure. It was too much for me! We started watching House of Cards which one episode in seems like it will be a winner. But, like Breaking Bad, there seems to be a lot of unlikeable folks!

Website: I have been all over the place on the web lately. I will say there were a few stand-out videos. Like this one from Ted Women Talk that I saw on Upworthy via Facebook:

Run: We kicked off spring running in Chicago with the Shamrock Shuffle on March 30th. On March 31, I wore shorts and short sleeves. Then it got cold again. Womp-womp. I finally started writing down all of the races I signed up for. It is going to be another full racing year…just like I like it! And I hit the beach in Miami – in a tank top and shorts!! Yay!

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Non-Run Workout: The usual Pilates and Spin. I have made no progress here. Who wants to be my trainer for strength?? Anyone? Bueller? I did try some creative classes here at Canyon Ranch. I wish Paul from Buff Ballet Booty taught at LVAC!

Food: I have a confession to make. I went off the rails with Easter candy. Damn “2 for 1” bargain price on Almond M & Ms in pretty colors. How can anyone resist?! After a successful Halloween avoiding candy, Easter season has so far been an epic fail. This spa junket will hopefully be a clean break! I have had no candy since I left Chicago! Having to wear a bathing suit is having an impact on me!

Drink: I am still loving my ZYM and Cocogo! Both of which will be included in my Blogiversary giveaway coming soon! My adult beverage of choice has been vanilla vodka and soda. Yum!

Excitement: April 12 is my two year Blogiversary. I will be hosting some great giveaways with some of my Finds’ Faves like Chia Moxie, Peanut Butter & Co peanut butter, Simple Squares, ZYM, Cocogo, Nakd bars and many more.

Pet Peeve: I flew last week on US Airways, but I booked my ticket on American where I have status and their credit card. I realized too late on the return that I was in “zone 5” and I had to check my carry on. To add insult to injury, the bins were sloppily managed and they could have fit more in. Oh, and then it took 30 minutes for the baggage at O’Hare. Womp womp!

Wish: A good friend’s mom is in the hospital in serious condition. I hope with all of my heart that she will fully recover. She is young and vibrant and has a lot to give. And her new grand baby needs to know her grandma! Please keep her in your thoughts.

What is keeping you busy these days?

PS. Don’t forget to enter my 13.1 Chicago Half Marathon giveaway and my Chia Chargers/Chia Moxie giveaway, too!>