nashville

As stated before I went to nashville last weekend to run alongside my friend Christa in her first half marathon. It was LOTS of fun! I flew in Friday and we went to the marathon expo to pick up our registration packets and see if they had any cool gear that we had to have. Then we enjoyed a nice evening at the house while her dad, Mike, cooked us a fabulous steak. It was delish. We were off to bed early because we were up at 5:30 the next morning.

I have to say a big thanks to Christa's mom, Mari for letting me run in her name! Poor think was training for the marathon and a few weeks out got a stress fracture in her tibia! Stinks! So she was sporting a lovely boot (which she hates) all weekend. But I in turn we gave her a good finish time. :)

5:30 am come too early! We got up, got dressed, made breakfast and headed to the starting line. There were THOUSANDS of people!! We walked right up to the start as our corral was about to start, PERFECT timing! So, we were off at around 7:30. Not gonna lie I was a lot more emotional about running this one. I have no idea why, I think I have just found something that I really enjoy and it always amazes me the amount of POEPLE that gather at these kinds of events! And it's cool to be running and hearing everyone cheer (I always assume they are cheering just for me..haha). But I was pumped and ready for the next 13 miles to come!
We were trucking along but came up on some knee pain so we walked for a few miles but still had a great finish at 2:42. I was pleased and so was christa. But we were both hoping to be around 2:15 - 2:30 so a little bummed but still stoked to finish considering we walked for about 4 miles.
After we finished the race we took some photos in our gear. Christa had a friend that asked if she could sponsor us on our run. So, we got a nice outfit and hats and waterbottles that were given to us. Thanks Muzak Heart and Soul Foundation! Then we were off to the house for showers and naps and food. After we were all cleaned up we went to Cantina Loredo and the food was amazing! and they make guacamole table side. pretty sweet! After dinner we went around downtown-ish area and caught up on life. It was fun and I am so glad that I was able to spend the weekend with her. Sunday we spent on the couch watching tv and relaxing. Then, Monday I returned home to rela life. ugh. But I had a good weekend and am now seeking out my next half, any suggestions?

vacation

I will post more later when I return home tomorrow but I just wanted to say that I have endured my second half marathon and I am pretty sure I am addicted to them. It went well, finished in 2:42. A little slower than we were anticipating but my buddy had some knee pain creep up so we walked for a few miles. However, I was certainly pleased with the time considering I have only "trained" for a couple weeks prior to this trip. But I am paying for it, I am uber sore today. I am walking like I am 99 years old. Anyway, that is all for now, I will post more later. Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend!

for all you ladies

After working in the cosmetics department for almost 2 years I have come up with a BEST OF list for the most common products. Here goes....

These are just my opinions and not a reflection of the integrity of other lines or products.

Best Foundation: Prescriptives. They have one of the best processes in finding that exact shade for you and also have a whole plethera of foundations depending on what kind of coverage you are wanting, light to full coverage. AND they also have a specific foundation for photo taking. :)

Best Powder: I would say the most popular is certainly Clinique, but my fave is Prescriptives. PX has another great process for finding that exact shade for your skin. It's called custom blend and they take all different color tubes of powders and blend them all together to make your perfect powder.

Best COLOR: (and by this I mean eyeshadows and blushes) Prescriptives again. They stay on alllllll day, even if you ten to touch your face a lot AND you don't need to put an eye primer of for them to stay.

Best Mascara: LANCOME!! They have the best mascaras EVER! All kinds for whatever you are looking for, lengthening, fuller lashes, curling etc. Also they have a great eyelash primer you put on before your mascara and it helps protect your lashes from the harshness of the mascara and helps them stay long and beautiful! the stuff is amazing.

Best Brushes: Estee Lauder. They are not PETA proof but they are great! They don't shed and stay nice and soft after many, many cleanings.

Best Face Cleansers: Origins. They have the best lines for all types of skin AND they use almost all natural items in their products, so you can do your part in "going green." :)

Best Scar Treatment: haha, this one seems silly and it's not really stated on it's label but Estee Lauder has a product called Advanced Night Repair and if you have any cuts and scraps this product is amazing at diminishing the appearance of it!! They also call it the "little brown bottle."

Best Eyeliners: Clinique. They have pencils and the automatic twisty ones. They slick right on and stay put all day.

Best Scrubs: Origins has some of the most amazing body scrubs that smell even better! mMMmm!

Best Exfoliater: Clinique. They have the "7 day scrub" that is a nice light exfoliater that you can use a couple times a week and it is fabulous at getting rid of the dullness to your skin.

Best Masks: Origins. They are awesome.

Well, I think this is my list. Again, these are just my opinions and just what I have come to see as the best items in these categories.

what do you use that is the best?

yummy

I cooked some amazing chicken enchiladas last night and I am very proud. I can count on my fingers (seriously) the amount of times I have cooked for Ryan and I so I was hoping to get it right.....they turned out great! YAY! Go ME! :)

....dyson.....

I vacuumed the tile and wood floors today. I felt like a weirdo doing so.....but hey, if Mr. Dyson is gonna put an option to do so on the vacuum, then why not?! I still feel like a weirdo.

Por Que?!

because I just think that vacuums are too fragile for tile floors (and they make too much noise) and wood floors should be swept?!...... who knows. maybe I am just a weirdo. But really, it worked and I am pleased with my tile, wood, carpet floor vacuum. It's pretty sweet, not gonna lie.

yes, this is all i really have to blog about! how LAME am I!?!?! BUT, only 2 days til Nashville and 3 days til my half. I'm getting excited!!!


p.s. I am completely aware that my two words of Spanish are probably grammatically incorrect but who cares. right?!

randomness

:a quick catch up on the walsh's:

First, I must say I have forgotten yet another bday. Seriously, I am the worst ever!!!! Sooo, SORRY DAD! I LOVE YOU! I even set a reminder on my phone to call ya and tell ya happy bday but the dang alarm was turned to "off". boo! However, I did call you on the 15th, and left you a voice mail. Sorry! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!! so I suck with birthdays. I am super lame and now I feel like a big slug. :`( But I DO hope that you got all that you wished for and enjoyed yet another year of gaining wisdom and knowledge! You're the best dad anyone could ask for! LOVE YA!

I (danielle) am leaving to Nashville next thursday to run a half marathon with my bestest on saturday! YAY! one week to go! It will be her first 1/2 and my second but I will have only had 16 days to train for it......so we will see if I am moving afterward. I am super excited to see nashville again and spend a quick weekend with Christa. We are also going to be appearing in a fashion show......we will see how that goes. I will finally be able to have my own mini America's Next Top Model (besides the little ones I have in the living room while I watch it. hahahaha).

I burned my arm today while I was "cooking" lunch and I think that is part of the reason I leave the cooking to Ryan. Thanks honies. :) I use the term cooking loosely because I was only reheating some frozen stuff. haha. That is the type of cuisine I can whip up!! Again, thanks Ryan for keeping me full on more than just junk in the fridge/pantry.

At the END of MAY I will officially be leaving MACY'S! YIPPIEEEE!!!!! I couldn't be more excited! I have learned a lot of lessons that will help me in the future, but working retail has sucked the life outta me. :( So, end of may Ryan and I will be packing up and moving back to Houston......sweet houston. I can't wait. I am already counting down the days! I miss everything about that city! The skyline, traffic, shopping, restaraunts, museums, airports, running trails......and soooo much more!

Ryan has been busy with his first couple of weeks in his new job and is LOVING it! I am so glad that he has finally found something that is just about the most perfect job for him. He is super happy and thriving already! Congrats Lover! I am still so proud of you!

My close friend Kelley and her fiance Jonathan have asked me to take their engagement pictures and I am extreemly nervous to do them. As much as pictures mean to me I want every single picture to turn out perfectly and I keep having nightmares of how disappointed they are with all the shots. YIKES! So, kelley, if you are out there...please be nice! Ad we may have to have a couple of sessions to make sure I got it right! But I am super excited for them and their journey they will be taking to becomming Mr. and Mrs.

After nearly 24 years I am finally realizing that I don't get to eat whatever I want without any consequences. BOO! This stinks! I know I know, shut up danielle. But seriosuly this evidence I am seeing is not the same as when I was working out 5 days a week for 2+ hours. I just thought it would all stay the same while I stuffed my face with chik-fil-a for breakfast and lunch everyday. Who knew you actually had to eat healthy AND excercise???!!! Anyway, not like I am going on some strict diet, cause I don't believe in diets anyway, BUT I will be thinking twice before I order that #5, 8pack with large Fries and a large coke from chik-fil-a. I will substitute with a water. hahahahahah Just kidding. I guess what I am saying is that it is another sign that I am growing up and getting older. wiser? I am not so sure about, but definately older.

I think this is all for now. Pretty much just a little of what it going on in my big empty noggin. Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying their week.

Easter

my favorite photo of the weekend. :) enjoy.

:a recap of our easter:

we dyed eggs

aunt ro and uncle carls house

wandered around on the land

we learned sawyer is quite the herding dog. he only got run over once. (he is ok, don't worry.)

the dogs LOVE the longhorns. not sure that the love was returned

sawyer was definately in his element

the pups wandered around with us.

cows

we had a lovely time and very much enjoyed relaxing around the farm. can't wait to go back.

EasteR

Tonight after I get off work we are headed to the FARM for EAsteR!! Yay! I love visiting this place! Ryan's Aunt and Uncle own lots of acreage out in Wharton that they grow cotton and cattle corn on. It is beautiful and so relaxing. So, Ryan and I and the pups are loading up tonight and heading in to town for the Easter festivities of tomorrow. I can't wait!

p.s. I also can't wait for all of you to update your blogs with the happenings of the Aanerud's visit to Utah/Wyoming. I will be checking in to see your photos! :) Love you all! and HAPPY EASTER!!!

"yuv you d"

Could this little gentleman be any stinkin sweeter! thanks SARAH for emailing me this video. I watch everyday! I wish I could give yackers and addie (and everyone else too) a BIG 'OLE BEAR HUG!!

for some reason it cuts off a little early but its still the sweetest voice and words I could hear! :)

HapPY biRThdaY

I am the ABSOLUTE WORST at remembering birthdays, anniversaries and other special events. Don't know why but that is just how I have always been. Yesterday was my Brother ERIC's birthday and I forgot to wish him a happiest of b-days. SO I am here to 1.) apologize for missing out on that one (again) and 2.) HAPPY BIRTHDAY ERIC! heard you guys had a little party to celebrate, sorry I am not there (otherwise I would have def. remembered) but I hope you all had fun and you got everything you wished for! LOVE YA!

celebration time

Friday evening we were able to meet up with Forrest and Megan who took us out to celebrate Ryan's new job. We went to dinner at cheddar's and enjoyed great conversation catching up on Megan's trip to cali, Edward Cullen, and of course Ryan's new job. It was tons of fun and we really enjoyed the night. THANKS GUYS!!! we had a blast!!!

....patiently waiting....

I just can't wait to see all of the lovely photos and videos from my families vacation!!! I am sure they are having the time of their lives and I am super excited to see/hear how it all went! If any of you have any pics already.....feel free to post. :)