Results: September Goals

The month is over ... so how did I do on my goals for the month. Here's a quick recap of those goals:
1. Finalize a working budget
2. Be active
3. Run my first 10k
4. Try 5 new recipes

Finalize a working budget is probably the least fun goal for the month which is probably why I semi-accomplished it. I started a savings/budget/get my fiances in order board to start gathering tips and ideas from others. Thanks to Nicole for the inspiration. We know what we need to do to make this happen it's just putting pen to paper and making it real.

I feel like I failed on being active. I've been nursing a knee injury this month which has kept me from running and any other strenuous knee activities. I was trying to take it easy so I could still run my first 10k at the end of the month. Runner's knee is no joke and no fun. This also meant the hubby and I didn't workout together. Looks like I know what my first October goal will be :)

Well I did it! I ran my first 10k and I finished within my goal time. To say I'm happy and proud of myself is an understatement. With all the problems with my knee I was really nervous but I slapped my knee brace on and ran for 6.2 miles. It was awesome. I never knew I could push myself so far but sprinting across that finish line was simply amazing!

Try 5 new recipes was a fun one for me even though I didn't hit 5 total.

• My MIL and I had made up some freezer meals and one of our recipes was for a Pizza Bake. Verdict: So easy to put together and everyone loved it!
• I made my own bread! This recipe was easy to follow. It was a little doughy but my guess is that's because I didn't roll it thin enough. I will make this again!
• I was inspired by these lasagna roll-ups to make my own. I did them with spinach for the hubby and me and the kids without any.
• I'm pretty sure I made at least one more but I can't remember.

Now to plan my October goals!

Lazy days

Lazy weekends are the best ...

Beer by the fire, yes please!

Coloring the entire sidewalk behind our house

Pin-spired: leather skirt

I've once again been inspired by my pins. Leather has been popping up all over again this fall. I jumped the gun last year and bought a faux leather mini skirt. Totally not something I would normally wear. I wore it a couple times but didn't love my styling either time. So I took to Pinterest to find a casual yet dressy (does that exist?!) way to wear my leather mini. Here's what I found ...

{see the pin}

Wear your black mini with a t-shirt. Uh perfect for what I was looking for! I can wear it to the office without looking like I need to hit up the bar when I leave. So here's what I look like ...

Tshirt from Target // Skirt bought last year from a little shop that is now closed //
Turquoise necklace gift from my Mom // Shoes that you can't really see, super old

I like the way this outfit turned out. I wish I had a better shoe selection but I made do with what I had. Here's the side-by-side comparison ...

What do you think? Will you be wearing leather this fall?

What I'm reading ...

These will be the next 5 books in my Kindle over the coming weeks. 

1. My Fair Lazy from Jen Lancaster - I've read a few of Jen's books and loved them, hope this one doesn't disappoint. My thoughts: I was underwhelmed by this one. I think some of Jen's other books have been much better.

2. Girls in White Dresses from Jennifer Close - This was recommended by another blogger, I honestly don't even know what it's about. My thoughts: I didn't even want to finish this. Too many people to keep track of and I just wanted it to end.

3. Afterburn from Sylvia Day - I'm a Sylvia fan, still waiting for Bared to You to come to my e-library as a Kindle option so I'll read this while I wait.

4. 75 Habits for a Happy Marriage from Ashley Davis Bush and Daniel Arthur Bush - This popped up and looked interesting, a happier marriage is always better so I'll give it a try :)

5. Born to Run from Christopher McDougall - This was recommended by another blogger, I'm hoping it inspires me to run more! My thoughts: YES! Yes! YES! If you are runner or even thinking about running for some exercise read this. I was hooked from the first few pages. It has made my knee injury make sense and boost my confidence that I can go on.

What's on your list? Follow me on Goodreads to see what I'm currently reading or want to read.

Lunchtime Notes

I had a mini impromptu craft session last night. About 2 times a week A packs a lunch for school and I always try to include something special, a note, small piece of candy or a small trinket. I decided to take her plain sandwich container that we picked up for $1 at Target and turn it into a way to send her a message without adding extra paper to her lunchbox.

Since I already had chalkboard paint on hand this project didn't cost me a thing! I can change out the note every time or just draw a silly face. She loved it! Here's the steps

1. Buy a $1 sandwich container
2. Paint the top with a few coats of chalkboard paint (mine took close to 4 coats to cover)
3. Prep the dried paint by rubbing a piece of chalk all across it
4. Wipe clean and add your special note!
5. Ta-da!

Packed lunches just got way cooler at our house!

Labor Day weekend

I feel like I should join the rest of the blogging world today and post a weekend recap. So here we go!

Friday was my birthday so I got fancy and went out with my man -- we haven't had a date night in forever!

We ended up at Blue Jeans, Burgers & Beer night. Holy yum!

I did the running thing this weekend. Not the 5 miles I hoped for but my knee just couldn't handle it.

My barista was the worst speller in all the land. The sad thing was I said very clearly how to spell my name when she asked. Never knew "Allison" was so difficult.

My MIL and I put together 6 different freezer meals in under 2 hours. Most were crock pot meals, so easy!

And that about wraps it up. Looking forward to meeting my September goals and a short work week!