Love Hate Running

Love Hate Running 

I run, I am not a runner, that is to say I run but I do not enjoy it. I run because my body hates running so much it is the only thing that motivates my post-baby, post-30 metabolism. I love running because it is fast, easy, requires no special equipment, I can do it anywhere, and I can do it early in the morning before the boys wake. I hate running because it is hard, it is mental, and I have terrible knees. I ran from when I was 16 until when my second trimester of pregnancy. Now, after many failed diets, too much money spent on trainers and on gym memberships, I am going back to what I know works, sweating it out to Nelly and Jay-Z every other morning at 4:30 am. There are few things that I use to help make running a little more fun and here are my crutches: 

• MUSIC - If I had to pick one thing that is an absolute must, I would pick music. I wouldn't make it six blocks without it. Even in the military we ran to cadences. You don't have to spend a heap ton of money on it either, if you have an iPhone you can download Pandora or Spotify for free and they have some awesome powerhouse workout stations. 
• Good Shoes - Shoes are essential. If your feet hurt you can't do much of anything. I have weird shaped feet and that makes it difficult, but there are plenty of running stores that will let you run in a pair of shoes or have special equipment that you stand on to help you get the perfect pair. For me, I love New Balances, I have been using them for 15 years. But, every body is different and every foot is too. 
• Hydrate or die - You can run hungry or tried, but you can't run dry. You have to drink water the night before and after. I have a CamelBak Glass water bottle that I use constantly. Somehow the straw makes it easier for me to hydrate. Try a bottle you like in your favorite color, put on your desk or carry it around the house while you are doing chores. You will be amazed at how much better you feel when you drink water. 
• Running App Coach- I love my running app. It tells me when to walk, and when to run, it lets me know if I am going to fast or not fast enough and when I have reached the halfway mark. You can try plenty of running apps for free. I love them. 
• Fuel - I don't eat before I run, I used to when I was running for time or with others and wanted to perform well. I eat after, and I am currently loving Larabar Protein Bars. I am on a Paleo kick and I really think it has improved my runs and my energy in general. They sell these at Whole Foods, Trader Joe's and, of course, Amazon.   
• Happy Workout Gear - You can run in any clothes you like, I spent a good chunk of my life running in BDUs and boots. But you should try and find some clothes that make you happy. Maybe its an old t-shirt, or your favorite old sports watch that doesn't work anymore. Whatever it is, wherever you get it, it should make you happy because you will need that little bit of umph to get out the door. 
• Mental Game - Remember that Native Americans used to run for hours across expansive distances, running is all mental. If you pray, ask for some extra power, if you mediate, visualize yourself at the end of the run. Think about attaining your goal and how you will feel when you do, just don't stop, it is all in your head. Your body will want to fight you to rest, but push through. You can do it. 

So those are my tips from someone who runs but does not enjoy it. All the best and happy work-outs. 

10 Tips for Toddlers at the Beach

I love the beach, I love the pool, I love all things summer. There is nothing about summer from the fireflies to the sandcastles that I don't find utterly enchanting. That being said, I remember the first time I went to the beach with my son, I was super anxious. I bought and brought (lugged) a thousand things to the beach that I really didn't need to. It the beach, the toy is the beach. But, I thought I would share some products and ideas that made our trip much easier. Here are my top ten: 

1. Try and park or stay as close to the beach as possible. Don't kid yourself, you will be carrying a lot, there will be steps, and that includes your kids. Paying a little more is totally worth it, when you love decides its time to potty. 

2. Morning Beach Time is where it is at. Your kids are up, they are fed and well rested, go to the beach. In the morning, there are a lot less people, the sun is not as bright, and your kids are in a good mood. So, bring a travel cup of joe and enjoy the scenery. Plus lunch is a great time to go home, and you can always go back after nap. Bonus idea: pack your beach bag the night before so you can just go. 

3.  The Beach Bag.

• LL Bean Boat and Tote - There are lots of beach bags to choose from, this is my favorite. I use the large open tote with the long handles. It is perfect for throwing over your shoulder while you carry ... ehm children. It is incredibly crafted, sturdy, stands up, is light, and you can even get your monogram on it. It's ok, I'm from Virginia, we monogram everything. Bonus it is 10% because of Labor Day 2014.
• I love Turkish towels, they are light, thin, and super absorbent. It certainly makes packing a lot easier and lighter if your whole bag is not devoted to bulky beach towels. 
• Water... good old fashioned H2O. Don't bring a bunch of sugary snacks and drinks... yes, they may want a little snack and if you are going with other kids. I would have some goldfish and some gummies in your back pocket just in case. But the truth is they are at the beach, and you just fed them breakfast... don't mess about packing a picnic unless you are actually going to picnic. I love these Zoli Bot Sippy Cups for babies and these Life Factory Glass Bottles for toddlers. For grown-ups I find the most convenient and easy to use are CamelBak Glass Water Bottles. 
• Sunblock. Sweet sunblock, thank you Lord for sunblock, and the woman who invented spray bottles of the stuff. We use Alba Botanica Natural Protection for Kids. For Momma, I'm using Sun Bum, it came in my PopSugar Box and I love it... I heart the stuff.  Truth be told, I love everything that comes in my PopSugar Box. I think little angels bring it every month. 
• A waterproof bag with your: wallet, phone, camera if you are not using your phone, keys, any medication or epi-pen... if you roll like that. 

4. Floaties. If your little one is 6 month to 2 years-old I recommend the Baby Spring Float with Canopy. My son loved his little boat. I liked using it because it had a canopy to shield him from the sun. We used in both the pool and in the bay and in the pond. Now that my son is 3 we use the Puddle Jumper.  I like it because i don't have to blow anything up, and he loves it because he gets to swim without any one holding him and doesn't limit his range of motion. 

5. Easy Chairs. If you are not staying somewhere that has beach chairs, bringing beach chairs can be quiet bulky and heavy. Instead we opt for easy fold, light weight camp chairs. For my kid, he loves his Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Giddy Chair. It is stinkin' adorbs. 

6. One bucket of toys that he can carry. The rule is, if you want to play with it, you have to bring it. My momma got these for my kid and we love it. Thank you Momma!!! 

7. What to wear. I have a moral requirement not to pay too much for children's clothing. We are very happy just using Old Navy toddler swimwear. I am practically Evangelical about rash guards. These t-shirts are such a blessing to a mother of fair-haired child. The trick is to buy a size up it in September so it is on deep sale and save it for the next summer. As for Mommas, I use Miraclesuites. They are wonderful, well constructed and make everyone look better. Daddies, I'm pretty sure my husband is wearing his old gym shorts from college... I am not strong enough. 

8. Cover that up. I know it sounds counterproductive to bring something warm to the beach. But I find the key to be warm but breathable. The water cools you down, and with the ocean breeze it can be a little chilly. I heart my monogrammed Columbia Bahama Shirt that I wear as a cover up down to the beach. For my little guy I put him in UV Skinz. They are little pricey but if you buy them big they last for years and they have built in sunscreen. My husband is over German decent and has never been cold a day in his life. But if he ever was he would wear a Michigan Long Sleeve T-shirt. 

9. Take care of the footsies. For little ones, these Panama Jack Water Shoes are awesome. They can go from street to sand to water without blisters or ouchies.  For Lady feet, I use my old Rainbow Flip Flops. My hubby wears Keens sandals, closed toe. What can I say he cray. 

10. Have fun and take pictures. Remember to have fun, this is your vacation too. You deserve to have a laugh, lounge a bit, play and laugh. Also, I know you are in a bathing suit and we can all be in better shape, but get in there. You will love the pictures and the memories. :) 

Have a great trip to the beach!

Outer Banks Vacation Momma's Packing List

Outer Banks Vacation by sandy-ibrahim featuring J.Crew

I am super excited about going to the beach soon... We are beyond blessed to go with two other families who are our close friends. This year we are going to have 4 kids ranging in age from 6 months to 3 years. Its going to be a little bit cray, and a lot bit fun. 

As far as what to pack, I'm somewhere between "can't we just wear sweatpants the whole time", and "a lady should always look pleasing". I add the extra complication of being morally against over-packing, especially if we are going to a house with laundry facilities. So this is my list for a 7 day trip to the beach in the South in August (translation heat and humidity): 

• 2 tank tops
• 2 button downs shirts 
• 2 t-shirts 
• 1 long sleeve shirt
• 1 fishing shirt 
• 1 sweater
• 2 pairs of shorts
• 2 pairs of sweats
• 2 jammie pants
• one maxi dress
• 4 bathing suits
• 4 sets of unmentionables 
• 2 sets of running clothes
• 1 pair of running shoes
• 1 pair of everyday flip flops
• 1 pair of going out sandals 
• 1 pair of boat shoes

As far as accessories, I am pretty minimal at the beach. I have already lost my one of my favorite pearl earrings to great blue ocean. So I don't tend to wear jewelry down to the beach. I usually just bring whatever I am wearing when I am traveling which means:

• pearl earrings or diamond studs
• i'm really into double necklaces and I have two sets that I alternate between
• string of pearls and gold monogram necklace 
• dogeared karma necklace and a cross

• ribbon belt 
• tortoise watch or a stainless steel watch 
• baseball cap or sunhat
• diet coke in a koozie  
• glass waterbottle 
• my sunglasses with a croakies, so they don't fall and crack because I am on my second generation 

For my toiletries, I don't really have any beauty products I cannot live without. I am currently on a not-so-much-makeup kick, which definitely makes everything easier. If I had to recommend some products this is what I would... 

• Swissco Natural Toothbrush
• Redmond Eartpaste Toothpaste 
• Radius Floss
• Wooden Brush 
• Luminious BB Cream
• Tarte Cheek Stain
• Miracle 10 Leave in Conditioner
• Sun Bum Sunscreen and After Sun Care
• Organic Coconut Oil (shaving cream and lotion)
• Dove deodorant 
• Castile Soap (for hair and body)
• Razor 

Entertainment, I don't bring much it is the beach after all but I am bringing: 

• iPhone and headphones for music, podcasts, and audible books
• Waterproof speakers to take out by the beach or pool 
• Kinfolk 
• One and Only by Emily Griffin 
• Dominos... I will beat you Dave... I will beat you
• Awesome float water hammock... heaven

So, that's the plan Stan. What I am bringing to the beach... so much for minimalist huh... 

Mickey Mouse Birthday Party

Mickey Mouse Birthday Party by sandy-ibrahim featuring a glass pitcher

Sur La Table glass pitcher
surlatable.com

Kikkerland kitchen gadgets tool
casa.com

The Hampton Popcorn Company Sea Salt Kettle Popcorn
saksfifthavenue.com

Coca Cola Classic In Glass Bottle 355 Ml 12OZ
wallywine.com

Hot Dog and French Fries Basket FAKE FOOD Decorcentral.com Flora-cal...
decorcentral.com

Celebrating Valentine's Day

 We celebrated Valentine's Day as a family with presents coming in for my husband starting the Thursday before. Freddy woke up to a Valentine's Day basket sent by balloons, filled with what else, but 24 bouncy balls. The best present ever... of course.

For breakfast I made egg in the hole toast, except the hole was a heart. I had been making heart shaped breakfast all week for my Red Velvet Pancake Recipe you can check out my recipe blog.

Freddy brought Valentine Cookies and Cupcakes to class.

For dinner Grandma came over and we made pizza. I cut pepperoni's in the shape of hearts to make them a little special. It was the best Valentine's I can remember.

Cookie Crafternoon Pre-Valentine's Party

Pre-celebration of Valentine's Day two of my girlfriends got together for a crafternoon of glory. We made cookies... lots of cookies: almond macarons with nutella filling, chocolate macarons with cherry filling, heart shaped shortbread cookies, filled shortbread cookies. 

One of my girl friends brought food coloring markers which we enjoyed making fun faces on our hearts. 

Leslie's brain child was a black cookie, which we thought would have made a hilarious heart, but we ended up making shortbread sandwiches. Which were very tasty but looked something like a homemade oreo... 

Easy Holiday Party Menu

Happy Holidays everybody... I hope it was wonderful. My husband and I have hosted a Christmas Party every year since we started dating. Suffice it to say it has changed much over the years. I believe that I have found a way to streamline the party, so it easy to prepare and easy to enjoy. Here are my top 10 of learned lessons... I hope they help.

1. Crockpot. Save your sanity and your oven. You can make almost any main course in your crockpot. Set it and forget it, just remember to serve it before you guests come.
2. Think platters. Serve yourself platters inspire feasting feeling of abundance and do not need to be passed around or kept hot like miniature appetizers. I love mini-apps, mini chicken and waffles, tiny pots of mac n'cheese. But let's be realistic, save it for small dinner parties and catering companies.
3. Punches. Don't waste time or money on hiring a bar tender. Just make one punch bowl full of something tasty, and have wine, beer, soda pops, and water.
4. Eco-friendly disposables. Don't do dishes... there is an entirely new breed of eco-friendly disposables that are either recycled and recyclable or compost-able.
5. Don't do desserts. We always spark up our chocolate fountain and make homemade marshmallows and chocolate chip cookies and put out fruit to dip. Most people aren't going to go in for massive sugar rush, so one dessert is plenty. Cupcakes, cannoli, mini pies, easy to make, easy to eat, and even easier if you buy them.
6. Candles. Centerpieces and flowers can be difficult if not expensive for parties. Use lots of candles it makes your home feel instantly welcoming, cozy, and well lit for pictures.
7. Music. Keep the music lively and a little loud, so guests feel energized and welcomed.
8. Have some outdoor space. We light our fire pit and put blankets outside even in the winter. It is great way to make our party space feel larger and lets people cool off if the house gets too hot.
9. Have fun. Nothing is less fun than a party where the host is a stress ball. Have fun, and your guests will have fun too.
10. Pay someone else to clean up. We always hire a hand to help with clean-up after a party. It is a wonderful way to enjoy your party and not dread the next day, when you can hire a little help. Many staffing firms can offer assistance for as little as $40/hour. We use Penguin Staff and they are wonderful.