Click click click

I find myself reminiscing on the trip from my iPhone camera roll, which gives me time to download my other photos and post about our trip next.

View from our humongous balcony

Ryan, Jason, Gabe, Myles (6) Mac (10)

Can you say happy place!!

Just me and the beach :)

Got my first frisbee lesson

Probably daydreaming ...

Brothers enjoying the heat under the canopy

Miraculous sunsets

My iPhone adored ORANGE BEACH just like hubs and me,

and it had a place on this trip just as much as my big ole' fancy camera!

Mikko Salo

I haven't talked much about crossfit on here for awhile, and I am still loving it as always.  Just had my 2 year mark, which has flown by just like everything else in life.  To think back to the beginning when almost every workout was modified, and then I became "Rxed" one workout at a time.  I hit another milestone this past week ... clapping pushups, and 75 of them.  It's days like these when it's encouraging to see progress as I couldn't have done them to save my life last year.

Gabe has been crossfitting with me now for 8 months, and he is enjoying it as well.  His description of CF is:  a brutal WOD (workout of the day) really knows how to humble you!  And it's the absolute truth.

Determination. Handsome. Strength.
Can you say sexy!

Sunscreen Guidelines 2012

Roxanne just made me aware on her Fitness By RoxyB blog that there will be new sunscreen guidelines mandated by the FDA in 2012.  

With Seattle summer finally here and me laying on the beach as we speak, I just started the process of finding the perfect sunscreen for the season.  I don't like to use sunscreens from years ago that are crusty from under the cabinet, so I normally get a new one every year.  I apply sunscreen on certain areas where my skin is more susceptible to burning (face, shoulders, and chest) to be sure protect myself as much as I can.  And who wants to be wrinkly .... Does anyone else feel like shopping for a great sunscreen can be a task?  I mean, I am sure you really can't go wrong, but then again I think you can based on the new guidelines ....

New FDA Guidelines:

• The final regulations establish a standard test for over-the-counter sunscreen products that will determine which products are allowed to be labeled as "Broad Spectrum." Products that pass this test will provide protection against both ultraviolet B radiation (UVB) and ultraviolet A radiation (UVA).
• Sunscreen products that are not broad spectrum or that are broad spectrum with SPF values from 2 to 14 will be labeled with a warning that reads: "Skin Cancer/Skin Aging Alert: Spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. This product has been shown only to help prevent sunburn, not skin cancer or early skin aging.
• Manufacturers cannot make claims that sunscreens are "waterproof" or "sweatproof," or identify their products as "sunblocks." Water resistance claims on the product's front label must tell how much time a user can expect to get the declared SPF level of protection while swimming or sweating, based on standard testing. Two times will be permitted on labels: 40 minutes or 80 minutes.
• FDA is proposing a regulation that would require sunscreen products that have SPF values higher than 50 to be labeled as "SPF 50+." FDA does not have adequate data demonstrating that products with SPF values higher than 50 provide additional protection compared to products with SPF values of 50

There are so many options and opinions regarding SPF values.  

What SPF value do you normally wear?

How often do you re-apply?

Are you loyal or a brand?

I vetoed this gem from my beach-bag!

Happy tanning :)

Sun, Humidity, and Fam

It was slightly dramatic for me getting to Florida. Consisted of a LOT of tears ... But I will save that post for when I get home because I left the stress at the airport after arriving to Pensacola!

More importantly, Orange Beach is the perfect fix and I'm so happy being here with Gabe and his extended family!

Longest weekend ever

It all started Friday morning waking up at 3:30am to take Gabe to the airport so he could catch a 6am flight.  Hmm, what does one do at 4:30am after dropping him off at the airport ... I drove to the furthest point of my territory to make my early morning useful.  I pulled in to Aberdeen (which is almost 3hrs from home with traffic) at 6:30am and realized I still had 2hrs to burn before the clinic opened, so I went to Starbucks and cranked out a ton of emails!  I figured I could sleep later and enjoyed accomplishing so much when I would just be waking up.

After what seemed like the longest day ever, I got my hair done (yay for being blonde again), and came home to my pups and my best friends two wiener dogs.  I took care of them this weekending while she was out of town, and it was just a hoot to have four dogs shadow me around my house.  They all fought for my lap since three of the four are lapdogs :) 

I was lucky enough to see my other bestie on Friday and Saturday, which I just loved!!  Katie and her 3 week old punkin' Caleb had the brilliant idea for a pedi, and it was exactly what we needed.  And, I told her she could be my surrogate because no one would have ever guessed she just had a little one :)  

This weekend has been really quiet and much needed, if I say so myself.  Although, it's kind of weird because I like to go go go and had multiple opportunities to go out in Seattle, attend the Freemond Solice Festival, go to brunch with friends, etc ... and it's not like me to decline a get together.  

But, I learned two things about myself ... Independence is a very valuable characteristic that I have, but I missed my husband and depend on him more than I was aware of.  Our lives revolve around each other, and this weekend I kept wanting him to be there with me to go to crossfit, watch a movie, eat meals with, take the dogs to the park, and just sit on the couch with.  But instead it was me and four dogs ....

  

And this post wouldn't be complete without me documenting why I really needed Gabe.  This just cracks me up because he always makes waffles on the weekends and I make the eggs.  Well, I attempted the waffles this morning, and me-oh-my, do they not look retarded!!!!  I sent this picture to Gabe, and he said, "Haha, you need your man to make them!"

I love you sug and am so thankful we have each other!

Can't wait to meet you at the beach!!!

Happy Father's Day

To my Daddeoooo --

There's nothing better than the comfort of your dads arms, and this picture sums up the never-ending love my dad has for my brother and I.  And, being a "daddy's brown-eyed girl" we have a special bond.  Love you and thanks for always supporting and believing in me! 

To my hubby --

Thanks for being the perfect dad to our fur-babies.  I'm even more excited to celebrate this day in the near future as you will be the most incredible daddy to our future bebes - LOVE!

VODA Swim Winner

And the winner is of the fabulous Voda Swimsuit valued at $136

is Jane Marie!!!!

Does anyone know how to post the Random.Org widget?
This was the only means I could figure it out!

I am so happy to announce one of my newest readers was the lucky winner.

Winner will have only 48 hours to confirm their win or a new person will be chosen.

Last chance for VODA

Tonight is your last chance to win the Voda Suit

Click here if you haven't picked a suit already :)

I will use Random.Org and post the winner tomorrow!

Happy Friday Readers ...

Suncadia Resort Round3

This is one of my most happy places, 

and this is our third consecutive year in a row for a summer shenanigan!

(posts from ..... Summer 2009 .....  Summer 2010)

BUT, this year instead of going solo we went with two of our most favorite couples.  We have been beyond blessed, and I am not just saying it to say it ... with these friends.  It's scary how similar we all are, and God was working his magic when we all met at a Married Growth Group at church.  LOVE IT!

The boys drank beer, played golf, and posed for pictures!

They sent it to us while we roasted by the pool :)

So we sent them one that said, "Hey boys, having fun!" that they mimic well.

Absolute paradise

We regrouped ourselves and headed out to their brand new winebar Swiftwater Cellars

And off on the partybus shuttle we go.  I love a "sunkissed" look!

Slighty blurry but still lovely

Doing "The Gabe"

He is OBSESSED with thumbs up in photos

The only downside was our 8:30 reservations were not honored until 9:30 ... eeek an hour later and we were beyond starving.  We chowed down on many loafs of bread and did some wine lasting :)

and last but not least my favorite

AND the night ended with Fast Progressive UNO - Yes sir!

Our second day was filled with relaxation, the spa, and Kels/Gabe time 

as the other couples went home to their bebes

See you next summer Suncadia

Leading 3-2

It can be closed out TONIGHT - Heyoooo!

Not to mention this could be the franchise's FIRST championship......

We're a nervous couple representing our home team in Seattle.

MAVS, MAVS, MAVS!!!!!

Guess where?

To all my fellow Seattleites ...

Hubby and I along with two of our favorite couples are escaping town.

Can you guess where we are from the photos alone!?

80 miles away, and oh so dreamy ...

VODA Swimsuit Giveaway

Seattle had a stellar couple days with unbelievable weather and clear skies, which meant boating weather!  It's about dang time considering it is June. The most exciting detail of it all was getting to rock my brand new swimsuit from Voda Swimwear.

Voda Swim bikinis aren't like other swimsuits, as they have the patent pending Envy Push Up® bikini top which is a marvel of engineering and design.  It is made to maximize the subtle curves of a smaller bosom, creating a natural looking cleavage, and making breasts look up to two cup sizes larger.  It looks just like regular bikini tops, really comfortable to wear, and there is no stiff padding or underwire.  Not only that, the material retains it's extraordinary fit when wet.

I was able to pick any swimsuit from their website to give an honest review, and I must say I loveeeeeeee it.  I have always been a Victoria Secret gal when it comes to swimsuits, but I might be hooked from here on out with Voda Swim because of their classy look and quality.  Plus, their Brazilian bikinis are made to help a sister out just where she needs it :) 

Turquoise Envy Push Up® Tiger's Eye Stone Bikini - $139

To enter:

1. Go to VodaSwim.com and leave a comment on the 

Push Up Envy suit you would choose if you win!

2. Blog about this giveaway for an addition entry 

and leave a separate comment!

*The pic was photo-bombed by my friend, so ignore the random leg/rainbow trunks :)

Lastly, VodaSwim is giving 10% off to my readers:  Seattle

Take advantage now!!

Contest will end Jun 17th, 10PM PST. 1 person  will be chosen using random.org to win a Voda Swim Envy Push Up Bikini of their choice!! Winner will have only 48 hours to confirm their win or a new person will be chosen. Good luck!*

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.