Happy Friday, Folks!
Play that on repeat while you get your shenanigans on this weekend.
Personalized Cutting Board
Well, I’ve already started my Christmas list. Kelly blew my mind the other day when she shared one of the most precious and intimate gifts she’s ever received: a personalized cutting board.
The first, with her blog name engraved on it. The second? An old family recipe from her Nana. I almost cried. You know you’re a foodie when this sounds like the most perfect gift on the planet.
Parental Generosity
I was in the suburbs with my family one night this week and on the way back into the city I decided to stop at Sam’s Club to pick up some toiletries. In case you didn’t know, it’s incredibly cost-effective to get your toiletries there if you can (for my international readers, Sam’s Club/Costco are basically warehouses that sell all the essentials, just giant-sized versions of them). I got everything piled into my SUV-sized cart and out of nowhere, my mom offered to pay for it. I wasn’t expecting that gift in the least but it was such a kind gesture! It’s funny how, as you get older, your parents want to help you out even more. I was so, so, so grateful.
Personal Development
My development team from work met up last night and had a ball of a time. Yoga + a taco bar? Does it get any better?
It’s no secret that I love my job at lululemon. But my absolute favorite part about working there is it is a place that truly cares about its educators and wants to make people better human beings in general, no matter where their path takes them. So we all have development teams that meet and discuss our growth, our strengths, our weaknesses, etc. It’s honest, it’s eye-opening…it’s essentially no-bullshit. And I love it. So over margaritas, leadership exercises, and March Madness, we had quite the enjoyable Thursday night 🙂 Isn’t “work” fun?
Readers who stop by even when I’m a lazy ass
I’ve had a crazy week (who hasn’t?), and I have been terrible about commenting on all of your blogs. I’ve always been worried about the “comment for comment” idea in the blog world and it’s always been in the back of my mind that if I took a few days off, no one would read my blog anymore. Like the only interest people took in my writing was that I’d taken the time to read theirs that day. But, as usual, you’ve all proved me wrong and decided to stick around just because! Have I mentioned how much I love you all?
#100milemarch
5 days left, 25 miles to go. Easy peasy. I was particularly proud of my run yesterday: 9.26 miles! I ran for 90 minutes straight which is honestly just as much of a mental feat as it is a physical one. Luckily I was able to run home, cover myself in frozen vegetables, and eat a chocolate Santa I found in my room from Christmas. And thank goodness for that yoga class later on in the night. I’m terrible at stretching and foam rolling myself but when I’m forced into pigeon pose for a solid two minutes, I’m so grateful for being there.
Questions:
- What was one nice gesture that you experienced this week?
- Do you regularly shop at Sam’s Club or Costco?
- Is it too early to start on a Christmas list?
i had a big lunch 
The comment for comment thing is rubbish. If you like a blogGER, you continue to read regardless 😉 That, or unless you have ulterior motives like shot gunning taco dates in a month’s time. Having read your blog for ages- I think leaving your PR job was the best thing you ever did.
Woooooo thanks Arman! I agree 😉
I’ve been stressing about the blog comment stuff lately too! I’ll manage to get a post up and then I don’t have any time to reply to comments for days or read other blogs. I used to be so on top of everything that i feel so bad when I fall behind. But like you said, its not like everyone will stop reading- I think its more about the overall connection with other bloggers. I don’t notice if someone doesn’t reply to a comment here or there- but if they NEVER reply or comment on my blog, I will probably eventually notice. (Not that i would like them any less, I know we are all busy and have different ways of doing things:))
It’s good to know this is an issue on other peoples’ minds too. Sometimes it’s a struggle just to get a post up, let alone read all the blogs you want to read everyday!
An evening of personal development and margaritas – sounds perfect! Basketball isn’t a big sport at all here but I do enjoy watching it. David and I went to see a few games at the London 2012 Olympics, it was so much fun!
I shop at costco a lot (we don’t have Sams Club) – the best place for all my sweet potato, egg and banana needs!
Oh and congrats on the miles, you are well on your way!
I’ve heard it’s a great place to stock up on those exact groceries (sweet potato, eggs and bananas)! I think I really need to have at least six or seven sweet potatoes in my kitchen at all times. I eat those like crazy!
I love that your parents did that for you, so sweet. And I love that you take the time to appreciate it. I also love Lulu. And March Madness. And Friday. Okay, I’m done 🙂 Have a great weekend, girl!
So much love 🙂 I love it! haha.
Comment for comment my ass. I try to be nice and check out their stuff, but I would love if more non blog readers commented as well.
Agreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeed
Parents are the best. I try to go to Sam’s once every few months to stock up…but a lot of times I just can’t stomach going to 2 different stores. I have become so lazy with my shopping/planning that I need to get back on top of things!
Your work sounds amazing! I love that you guys meetup in a laid back atmosphere to collaborate!
I can’t even with Christmas…please don’t! Haha! I just want summer and warm weather…and that cutting board! I am in love!
Haha yeah one day I’m talking about summer, the next I’m fast-forwarding to Christmas. Gotta be careful what I wish for, I guess!!
Parents paying for things is the best! I went years without getting money from my parents, but this year they’re flying me and my sister down to Disney for a week so we can take my niece there. I’m so pumped!
It’s when you stop asking that they become more generous 😉 that’s so fun! Can I join your family and come with you?! Disney is the best! I love feeling like a kid again for a few days.
Mmmm I love taco bars! And I absolutely love shopping at Costco. First of all…samples. And second, I love stocking up on huge amounts of foods that I eat a lot of 🙂 They have the BEST berries!
SAMPLES! They do spoil you there. It’s a zoo on the weekends but it’s so fun hitting up all the samples haha. There’s something so satisfying and exciting about stocking up on a giant bag of almonds or those awesome, terrible-for-you cookies/cakes they have there!
Never too early to start a Christmas list ! I love that my gifts were inspiration for yours. And again, always pairing food with workouts, I need to start hanging out with your crowd 🙂
Thanks again for sharing! I really think that’s one of the coolest gifts I’ve ever seen 🙂 Come hang with my crowd anytime! You’re always welcome!
Thankfully I was successful at Costco yesterday and I didn’t have to throw a fit. I think I am still going to go in there with anxiety every time though haha. I missed you on Tuesday at #sweatworking!!
I’m so happy you’re back on Costco’s good side 😉 or that Costco is back on yours haha. Where on earth do you go to Costco by the way? Is there one in the city?
I have to do a better job of going to Sweat Life events. New goal! Remind me, okay? 🙂
There’s one on clybourn that I drive to so its not too far. It’s the only time I take the car out haha. The next one is announced but I can’t remember the date. Put it on your calendar! 🙂
Way to go Lauren on the 100 challenge! You got this.
And the comment for comment thing worries me too. My blog has been down all week and I am worried I have lost all my readers. Hopefully those who really enjoy it will stick around 🙂 I love reading your posts!
I’m glad the conversation about comment-for-comment is really flowing on here. It’s a worry so many of us have! And thanks for your words of encouragement 🙂 good luck with everything! Knowing you, the only reason you haven’t been blogging every day is because you’re stressed/busy out of your mind haha. Have a great weekend and let’s get together soon!
Oh man you’re on top of things! I usually can’t even start thinking about Christmas until Sep/Oct. And then I start rushing to think of gifts and buy them…
Parents are wonderful aren’t they? Every once in awhile they’ll pay for something for me, but I know they watch their money alot (they just sent the last of us 5 kids to college!!) so I make sure to treat them sometimes too – like bringing my mom to yoga a few weeks ago 🙂
And finally, you’ve got those 25 miles! You’re kicking March’s butt!
Yeah I’m gonna stop talking about Christmas this second before time flies and it’s already here. I need summer! Parents really are the best. Thanks for the words on encouragement! I’m so close to hitting my goal!
Way to go on the miles!! That taco bar looks awesome!
Thanks! Running + tacos, I think you can agree, is the perfect combination!
HA HA HA!! XMAS already huh?!?!?!?! I can dig that 😉
Ehhhh that’s probably cuz you live in CA! Let the rest of the country get some sun for a few months and THEN we can talk Christmas 😉
This is so great! I love SAM’s and Christmas?!! Ahaha, you’re so cute!
Sam’s is the best. I feel like a kid on Christmas morning shopping there!
Yeah yoga and a taco bar pretty much does it for me. And what a mighty fine taco bar it was!! xo
Isn’t that the perfect day? haha
Interesting about the comment for comment thing. I comment when I find something relevant to say, sometimes I think my comments just don’t add any value so I don’t!
Good way to live (or I guess I should say blog haha)
That is such a cool gift. I am a foodie too. Never too early to think about Christmas gifts. I can think of them all yr and then when the time comes i seem to not be able to remember. Sounds like a great bunch of Co workers.
Isn’t it awesome!? I might have to invest in that myself considering Christmas is just a little ways away haha
I think it’s silly that people go “comment for comment”. If I have something to say, I say it. If I don’t, I won’t make up something just because I want that blogger to read my posts. Blah!
You totally have this 100 mile march! 9.26 miles is so close to 10! Next step: Half marathon1 😉 The world is yours to run around!
Agreed! I read when I want to read, and I comment when I want to comment. It’s a good thing that all the blogs I read I actually have invested time into haha I’m always curious to see what people are up to!
That cutting board is a genius idea!! I’d be afraid of cutting anything on it, though…is it just for decor? If Costco was a person, I’d marry him.
you’re so right haha I never thought it’s probably pretty impractical 😉 oh well it’s still beautiful! Hahah now that is some Costco-passion!
I don’t know if I would want to actually use that cutting board, but I’d want to hang it on my wall! It’s never too early for a Christmas list ha! Your job does sound awesome, hell yeah for great jobs we love. Also for Costco…I love Costco.
I think if i got one with just my blog name on it i’d totally use it…old, family recipes? Yeah definitely decoration only! Hell yeah for jobs we love! We’re both taking the path less traveled and (spoiler alert) it was a good decision
So sweet that your mom offered to pay for you. My mom does the same sometimes, and I love it(not going to lie). It just goes to show that no matter how old we get, our moms will always want to help us and protect us. Also, your job seems very fun and great to work in. Great people too, from what you have said, and not everybody loves their job, so that’s great! We have Costco here in New York, as well as BJ’s(same as Costco different name) But we usually shop at BJ’s.
That is SO true — no matter how old you get, your parents always want to take care of you 🙂
i LOVE that cutting board with the recipe engraved on there…sweetest gift ever!
Isn’t it so lovely? I really need to invest in one!
I LOVE that personalised chopping board. I so need to get myself one of those.
Oh, and a taco bar? You know I am going to love that.
Taco bars are one of life’s simplest pleasures 🙂 simple, easy, and cheap. And most everyone loves them!
It is never too early to start on your Christmas list. 🙂
I think I’m going to have to make tacos for dinner tonight and it’s all your fault. 🙂
tacos are always a good idea! they are loved by all, so versatile, so cheap, and fun!
I love when my parents come to visit me, not only because I miss them but because they always offer to buy me groceries! 🙂
Agreed! It’s such a welcome gift 🙂 it’s nice to feel like a kid again every once in awhile.