Valentines & Virginia is for Lovers 14k Race Photos

It was a nice family Valentines Day this year in Virginia Beach. Momma and papa were in town to bring Chloe back from her vet appointment in N.C. and for my wood floors to be delivered. Hooo-rah!

happy valentines day!

As evidenced below, Chloe was a pretty big fan of her first Valentine's Day. Her Opa and Gigi got her an awesome chew toy thats called a "Dog Saver." It's a gummy ring (like a life saver) that has little treat compartments for a dog to try to remove with her teeth.

The best part? It keeps her occupied. for. so. long.

first valentine's day, ah yeah!

Can we take a moment and look at how fast she is growing?

she was only this big the day after I got her. waaah.

And you know you're getting older when you're psyched to receive some brand new black sheets.

not just a pretty bed; heaven.

And not just any black sheets. All-season, jersey, themostcomfortablesleepever black sheets. Can you say "I'm going to sleep through the rest of the week?" Jersey sheets can be a little too heavy for me, but these are light and fluffy and soft and cozy and.... I'll stop.

But they're awesome. Thanks, Mom.

I, on the other hand, was very excited about my gift as well. When we visited the Rosemont Winery over my birthday weekend, I snagged this beauty for my momma.

neat-o, gang!

It's a real flattened wine bottle... made into a cheese platter! It came with the cute little knife as well. I was so excited to give it, and mom really seemed to like it.

Cynthia, I may be a stowaway in your next lake trip. I need to grab 16 more of these babies. And not just for me. No, really.  ;)

Race Photos!

As promised... photos from the Virginia is for Lovers 14k this past Saturday. So fun.

If only I could see the logic in dropping $20 for this baby..

that's a screen shot from Triduo.com, the official sports photography page. unfort, it's way too pricey to actually buy.

there's my finish! next to the tutu! thank you, Triduo.

"weee are the champ-yons..."

and we got to see Kat!

aint got no shame. want that Moe's.

racing twins. hearts all around.

And, on the subject of love, I was pretty psyched to find these baby packets of the "special pb" from Peanut Butter & Co. I've been dying to try. I haven't wanted to get a tub of the stuff, so I bought these with the intention of trying 'em out. Reviews to come!

The Thin Mint Protein Green Monster Shake

Some of you also pointed out I so rudely forgot to mention what I put in my thin mint green monster protein shake. I adapted it from Julie's recipe, and into the blender went:

1.5 scoops Chocolate Truffle Whey Protein Isolate
1 cup skim milk
6 ice cubes
1 tsp. Bob’s Red Mill xanthan gum for thickness
peppermint extract, to taste (I've had a few mishaps with this one.. use a TEENSY bit. like 1/8 tsp)
2 large handfuls spinach
a big fat squirt of Smucker's Fat Free Sundae Syrup

P.S. Another giveaway from Ally is worth a peek. She's giving away Vitatops... my faaave!

P.P.S. For all you Bachelor fans out there... you MUST read this girl's hysterical Bachelor recap. She's a friend of my friend, and her laugh-out-loud comments always have me rolling!