My morning started with a 5 mile run along the beach! Between some great tunes and the amazing views, it was a great run and a great start to a very busy weekend!

The last time I ran a marathon was 23 years ago!!! It was the NYC Marathon, it was just 3 weeks before I would meet my husband for the first time and believe it or not one of the men in the group I was running with would end up to be my future father in law! That’s a whole other and pretty amazing story!

I have great memories of that marathon even though it was so hard!! Up until this past weekend, I never had the urge to run another one. But then I watched the race this past Sunday on TV and I was so inspired by seeing the crowds of people that I am sort of feeling the urge, the need for a challenge, a goal, a quest . . . who knows maybe a marathon might be just that.  For now, I am testing the waters by doing some longer runs each week. I found an 18-week training schedule by Hal Higdon that seems so doable.  It’s crazy but when I am running I feel the same way, physically I did 23+ years ago . . . a reminder that exercise is the fountain of youth! 🙂

Holiday Blend Coffee

It’s back Starbucks Holiday Blend!!! It’s a sign that holidays are fast approaching and that makes me happy! You can buy Holiday Blend at Target or Amazon.

There is also a Fall Blend that a friend told me is great . . . I am going to order off Amazon today! 🙂

A great Hike

A few months ago I came across a list of hikes in Los Angeles that explored the hidden staircases of our city.  There was a time when LA was connected by public transportation in the form of trolleys, buses, and trains. Staircases in LA were used as modes of crossings and connections for pedestrians across the city. Nowadays, the stairs around the city are used as some killer workouts!

To celebrate my BFF’s bday this week we tried out one a staircase hike called The Music Box Steps Loop. This hike is located in Silverlake and gets its name from a 1932 Laurel and Hardy short film called the Music Box where Laurel and Hardy tried to push a piano up the exact set of stairs you climb in this hike. It was such a fun and cool morning and I felt very hip exploring this area of Los Angeles!

Finding hikes in and around your city is a great way to explore different neighborhoods!

Slipper socks

I’m not a big slipper girl. I would much rather pull on a pair of socks and at this time of year when it’s getting colder and it’s dark so early, I love the pulling on a pair of cozy socks.  Slipper socks are a great option because they have no-slip bottoms so you get all the benefits of a slipper with the coziness and comfort of a sock!  I got a pair last Christmas and love them! They are brilliant and are perfect stocking stuffers!

Here are my favorites:

Amazon Exclusives

I just discovered this list on Amazon and love it!! Let’s face it we all have family members or friends that we struggle to buy gifts for! There are people I really want to find unique gifts that fit their personality. Check out Amazon Exclusives . . . it’s all innovate and unique gift ideas that are broken down by categories (i.e. pet lover, athlete, for him, home decor).  Check it out and get inspired! 🙂

Shop Amazon Exclusives-Unique Products

Coconut Cranberry Granola

OMG!!! Well, pumpkin season at Trader Joe’s has come and gone which means no more Pumpkin Spice granola which I was thinking was probably a good thing until I saw this one!! WOW . . . all I am saying is it’s a good thing I ran 5 miles this morning! So good!  Thanks, Trader Joe’s!

I’m so happy its Friday. We are off to see Katy Perry in concert tonight and celebrating a good friends birthday Saturday night and in between soccer games, college application stuff, and life!  It’s all good stuff!

Comment below with your favorite finds this week and have a wonderful and happy weekend!