Tuesday ramblings

I failed to mention last week that when I stepped on the scale Wednesday morning, despite running 3 days in a row (say what!?!) I gained 5 lbs over the weekend. I was kind of shocked, I was prepared for 2 or 3, but 5? So back on the wagon I go.

Finish line photos are also in and here ya go --

Waaaaay better than my VA Beach half, but still no finish line banner. Boohoo.

My cousin's are freaking awesome. I also failed to mention that she's a bad ass runner and since doing the VA Beach half together, she's run 2 more halfs and a FULL! She ran the BCS sub 2 hours. Crazy!

I didn't mind not running together, I kind of like running by myself, on my own terms. I hate feeling like I'm holding someone back.

Weekend was good. We wrapped up gifts, did laundry and prepped for our departure next Saturday. We are going to spend Christmas with the hub's family. Just a 6-hour road trip. With the dog. Ugh.

Speaking of dog, Rox finally got a hair cut, and looks like a different dog.

I also hung up my race bling and bib.

This little guy looked super cute for church.

Took TWO trips to Target. Found some new spring stuff they just put out, I'm kind of in LOVE with it...

And I loved this guy, but sadly, I left him at the store. I think it was $17, too much for me.

And if you're looking for last minute gift ideas, I thought this was perfect for a runner. Groopdealz.com has them right now, but you can also find them for a bit more on Etsy. I got one and personalized it with, "Just keep going"

And I finally got brave enough to wear boyfriend jeans with booties. You can barely see them, but they are there. The vest is from Dress Barn (I feel like such an old lady), I'm totally in love with faux fur these days.

Frugal Friday

One of the fashion bloggers I follow, Mix and Match Fashion (especially for work outfits), participated in a link up this week about oversized outerwear. She highlighted this jacket, cute, right?

I want that bag!!!1

Well when I clicked through to Ann T's website, it was $278!!!

Nice try, Ann. Lucky for you all, I remember seeing a similar coat on Old Navy for waaaay less. Here you are:

That right, $65!!! Plus I'm sure you'll be able to dig up a coupon code. However, if you must have the Ann T one, PLEASE use the discount code they are offering right now, Holiday40 for 40% off so you pay $166 vs. $278.

Retirement Run Recap

An epic run down memory lane is the best way to describe my BCS half experience.

It was truly one of the best runs I've ever had. Ever. I felt good, I felt strong, I enjoyed almost every mile. And I grinned from ear to ear as the college memories rushed thorough my head.

The crazy cold front and ice storm had everyone in a tizzy about the race and many wanted it cancelled. Not going to lie, I was kind of hoping it would. But I'm so glad it didn't.

The morning started with an early start, 3:15 a.m. wake up, wtf, right? I know. I died when my cousin told me what time we need to leave the house.

well, get up and go sit on a bus and wait to run.

She's part of a running club and wanted us to ride up on the chartered bus with the club. That meant we had to leave about 1.5 hours earlier than we'd have had to if we just drove up on our own. We both agree this was a dumb move.

Waiting on the bus, full of tiredness and anticipation. 

It was cold, 32 degrees but felt good after the first half mile. I even took my gloves off about mile one. And by the end it has warmed up to a balmy 34 degrees, ha!

The race was well organized, amazing volunteers. The student organization cheer stations were the best. The best! And the post race food and goodie bag was first class.

The fans along the way had great energy and clever sings. A few of my favorite were: You run better than the government! Run like Johnny football. And the Grim Reaper holding "I can take you somewhere warm!"

However, my favorite fans were the ones who got caught up in the middle of things and didn't have a clue what was going on. A guy was on his bike trying to get to the library and the look on his face was priceless.

Mile 9ish was a refueling station where I picked up these little guys. I ate 3 of them and then decided I best not make my stomach mad, so I went all Ferris Bueller's Day off and put them in my jacket pocket for later.

If you'd asked me Saturday if I thought CS was hilly, I'd have told you it was flat as a pancake. But after running UP those slow steady hills, I can tell you it is def not flat.

Where did all these HILLS come from???

But even with that, I still PR'd.

Around every turn a old memory came flooding in. And if there's one thing I'm sure of, I did college right. Sure, I made some stupid decisions and dated boys I shouldn't have, but all in all, I had a bad ass 4 years.

It got me thinking how far I've come in 10 years. There is no way my 18-22 year-old self would have ever been able to run a half then. I'd have wanted to, but I wouldn't have followed through with the commitment to train. I beat myself up over it now because I don't think I do it well enough, but the fact is, I do it. I did it. And that makes me so proud.

Being all happy and wrapped up like a baked potato. PS Those blankets don't do crap. It was still cold. 

We then enjoyed the festivities and after party. I got plate full of goodness and ate it like I hand't eaten in days. That's the best part of a race, chowing down after on food goodness and not having an ounce of regret.

And then we went to the Chicken. That place is one of the only things in Aggieland that is exactly the way it was 10+ years ago. And I loved it.

$4.50 chugger of beer, gawd I love a college town. 

Fried goodness. 

The celebration crew. Cheers to my retirement! 

After eating our way through the afternoon, we headed back to Houston and got pedicures and fro-yo because that's super important in the recovery plan.

The best pedicure I've ever had. It even came with a shoulder message. 

Monday rolled around and it was time to head home. I had a ball, but it is always good to go home. Here's my outfit of the travel day which includes several on my frugal look-a-likes.

Frugal Friday

I'm traveling to Texas today to run my last half marathon. That's right, mark my words, officially going into retirement after this one.

While I fly the friendly skies, enjoy my latest frugal look-a-like finds.

J. Crew plaid shirts. They seem to be all over the fashion bloggers I follow and Pinterest. I myself have pinned a lot.

Well not only are the J. Crew ones expensive, but half the time they are sold out online and in the store. I've looked at a few online at Forever 21 but haven't been in to try any on.

I'm always a little skeptical to order anything from there. The sizing isn't dependable and their return policy is so strict.

So while I was out in the wee hours of the morning Black Friday, I stumbled upon these at JCP and couldn't have been happier. They come in six different patterns and I want them all. I have two.

And while I was at jcpenny.com grabbing the url for those shirts, I found this! I've been searching for a leopard print button-up to make and outfit like this:

Who knew leopard and polka dots could be so cute?

Get in my shopping cart! 

The good people at JCP finally got some sense back and offer coupons again so hopefully you can save a little more. Also, if you order online and are ok with having it shipped to the store for pickup, that can save you on shipping.


Shoes - I also stumbled upon these J. Crew shoes on Pinterest and remembered seeing a similar pair at Kohl's. And here you go, saved you $200! And maybe more if you remember to use your Kohl's coupon.

The seem to be sold out of a lot online, but had a ton in the store. 

And if you aren't into wedges, Old Navy had this cute pair. I'm getting these for Christmas from my in-laws :) And, again, always a coupon code!

Shopping hangover

OMG- I shopped and then shopped some more. And then played the return game after buyers remorse set in. And then I shopped some more online for cyber Monday. I've got problems. Real shopping problems.

I did, but also did not like that all the stores opened so early this year. It was nice that I didn't have to pull an all-nighter, but at the same time, took a little of the fun away and I don't know about you all, but it wasn't nearly as crowded or crazy as normal. Maybe that's why it wasn't as fun?

Thanksgiving was kind of ho-hum this year. Hubs had to work, family didn't come in town so it was just me, my moms and Mr. Mister. We went to GOLDEN CORRAL to eat dinner. Sounds super pathetic, but it was crowded and crazy good. Um, they not only have soft serve, an amazing dessert bar but also chocolate fountains!

Cutest little turkey.

I turned to Pinterest for a little Thanksgiving outfit inspiration and put this together-

After our meal, we went to visit the hubs at the fire station and kill time before shopping begain. I met my MIL at the station to give her Mr. Mister for the night so I could shop like it was the only way to get into heaven. It was glorious. Not only did I get to shop but I also got to SLEEP IN the next morning. Woohoo, Christmas came early this year ;)

My mom and I headed to the outlets to grab some good deals at Loft (50% off), Ann Taylor (60% off), J.Crew (50% off) and Coach (50% + 10%). We then did the Kohls, JC Penny, Target circuit.

I never did make it to WalMart. I just couldn't bring myself to do it. There was a $15 trash can I kind of wanted, but that was it.

Black Friday shopping haul. That TP was the only thing I needed. 

I have already returned about half of what I purchased and have a few more items I'm going to take back. I just get so damn excited and in the moment that I NEED that sweater and shirt but then get home am all, "I don't need this, but I do need that $40 back in my bank account!" and thus begins the return cycle.

Speaking of returns, I had it out with The Limited yesterday and we broke up. I purchased a purse 75 days ago and found one at Coach I liked better over the weekend. So I went to return it yesterday and they have a 60-day return policy. It's not anywhere to be found on the receipt, but in small print on the counter, covered up with another sign. Whatever, fine. Don't give me my money back. But they wouldn't even let me exchange it and/or get store credit. Can you believe that?

I got a little crazy lady and asked to speak to the manager. It did not help my case. I said shitty one too many times and then called and canceled my store card on my way home. Take that, Limited.

On the exercise/running front, I ran Thanksgiving day, did a 5K all by myself because I missed the Turkey Trot that morning. It was nice and a good run. I then counted shopping as my cardio the rest of the weekend and didn't run again unitl last night. Again, I did a 5K. BUT, today I need to do 5 miles, tomorrow 8, Thursday 5, Friday, 3, Saturday 2 and then Sunday just THIRTEEN POINT ONE. Yup, the half is THIS weekend. Oh my. I fly out Friday afternoon to head to Texas.

And it's beginning to look like Christmas in the casa de Callahan! Our little tree is small, but I love it. So easy and out of Mr. Mister's reach.

He LOVES to vacuum. 

Frugal Friday

Frugal Friday is going to come early this week because I know you all are going to be too busy shopping and eating to read the blog.

So who's excited about Black Friday?! Duh, everybody!

Hope you all plan on shopping 'till you drop. I'm going out and saying out waaaaay past my bedtime. It beats waking up early.

In the spirit of good deals, I thought I'd share a few frugal look-a-likes I've found.

First up, this beloved Kendra Scott necklace. I love it. The tassel mostly.

So when I was in Dress Barn the other day and came across this little beauty, I was sold. I don't normally shop there, but go in and look every now and then. They have some pretty good work stuff and run a decent sale once in awhile. In fact, the entire outfit I wore (besides jeans and shoes) for family photos, was from Dress Barn.

So this necklace, yeah, it's not exactly the same, but similar in style. And, it was $20, but you can sign up for email and or text and get 20% off full price purchases. If you do want the Kendra Scott version, she's offering 20% off and free shipping for Black Friday.

Dress Barn look-a-like

Next up, are you ready for this? The beloved J.Crew vest that is sold out and going for ridiculous amounts on eBay that every fashion blogger seems to own, you know, this one:

Well, well, well. What did I spy in the window of Coldwater Creek as I was driving by? Yet another store I NEVER shop, but it caught my eye and I pulled my car over and went inside to take a look at this very similar one that is a lot less. Sure, it doesn't have the pocket outline, but other than that, identical and $89, but 40% off and free shipping. You are welcome. 

Now for some Etsy goodness... I love Kendra Scott and here is another necklace I've been wanting. Well, hop on over to Etsy and get it for $15. 

I LOVE Etsy.
Tip: Type in "designer name inspired" to find designer look-a-like goodness. 

If you don't like to order online, NY&Co also has a similar one. It's $27 but they always have some sort of sale and coupon going on. 

I have also found a few Stella & Dot looks on Etsy. Latest being this one - 

And here is a similar one on Etsy for $10