Friday, August 19, 2016

5 of My Favorite Things....Lately

Summer's winding down but it's not out yet! Actually, even though most of us are still dealing with significant heat and humidity, this is my favorite part of summer. The days are getting shorter, the mornings a bit cooler. Things are pretty dry and crisp. It just feels different! The kids are back at school and there is a welcome return to routine.

In the spirit of the Friday 5, I'm writing about five of my latest favorite things! 





Who's old?
There have been so many great stories coming out of the Rio Olympics (and some not so great---Ryan Lochte, I'm looking at you, asshat)!  I have been stunned and awed for the last 2 weeks. Two competitors really got me, though--Kristin Armstrong and Oksana Chusovitina. You've all probably hear the story of Armstrong, who at age 43 captured her 3rd gold medal in the women's time trial on the bike. Ok, she was technically 42, but the event took place the day before her 43rd birthday. Chusovitina is a 41-year-old gymnast from Uzbekistan who competed in her 7th Olympics. She came in 7th place and says she will be back in 2020.



Speaking of the Olympics, this song was featured on a commercial for the Rio Olympics, showing some medal winners from the past. I've added it to my running playlist. I get goosebumps when it comes on! Take a listen and tell me what you think.


Last year, I tested SLS3 Knee High Compression Socks and really liked them! Part of my feedback to SLS3 included a suggestion to make low compression socks. I have a pair of low compression socks from a different company and I really like the compression band across the arch of my foot. So does my plantar fascia. Well, lo and behold, I recently was contacted by SLS3 to trial a pair of their NEON low compression socks. Can I say how much I love that they offer these socks now? Can I say how much I loved the socks? The colors are great. The fabric is soft, light, and wicking. The compression across the arch is light but effective. I'm actually going to order a few more pairs. You can too--and use this code DKJIJERK to get $5 off a pack of 3.


This OXO Good Grips 3-Blade Spiralizer with StrongHold Suction(affiliate link)
After seeing everyone's Zoodles and having FOMO, I finally decided to buy a spiralizer. I did my homework and decided on the OXO Spiralizer. It was fun making the Zoodles and it's really easy to use! But I was shocked at how much the Zoodles shrunk down when I sauteed them--after using 4 zucchini there was barely enough for all of us. I made Pesto Zoodles using fresh basil from my garden. I loved it. The men were a little less enthusiastic about the Zoodles but they did clean their plates! I'm going to keep experimenting on them. Zoodle ravioli anyone?

I didn't expect that weird protuberance that came out of the device as well...
Gutter meet mind...
This Dog
I've been a little worried about my puppy. She's pretty shy and has been a little timid--even to the point of growling at strangers. I took her to a dog trainer to be evaluated, and he told me he could "guarantee" she would bite someone. For $1599, he would keep her for 2 weeks and "socialize" her. It was high pressure and I wasn't comfortable with the idea of leaving her with someone for 2 weeks, much less spend $$$ to do it. So I decided to work on it myself. I knew she was smart and I started walking her every night. For the last 3 weeks, we've walked around the neighborhood almost every night for at least 2 miles. Sure, I've carried treats and had people bribe her give them to her. She's seen other dogs. And oh my gosh, has she made progress. It's been interesting--with some people and dogs, she shows no fear. With others, she's a little more cautious. But that little tail is wagging no matter what. I am so happy about this! Plus I've gotten to see a lot of my neighbors. It's all good.


What have you been loving lately? Favorite Olympic moment? Do you make Zoodles?

You can check out all the other Friday Five Favorites at the Friday Five Link Up hosted by the DC Trifecta hosted by Courtney, Mar, and Cynthia.

47 comments :

  1. I can't imagine Cocoa growling or biting! The Olympics have been amazing....I take for granted the talent and finesse these athletes possess. They make it look easy! I love all the sportsmanship...so much hugging at the finish line!

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    1. I couldn't imagine her biting anyone, which is why we are working on her! Of course, last night she nipped my nose...ugh...

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  2. 1600 for someone to socialize your dog ? Yeah, I would do it myself too !
    I haven't watched too much of the Olympics between vacation and the time difference, it just hasn't worked out. Its a shame because I love them.
    Yeah for your compression socks.

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    1. We watch a lot of the events we want to see on some of the other channels--finally, having cable is paying off!

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  3. I LOVE that Little Mix song too! I taught an Olympics themed indoor cycling class last night and just had to include it - think the riders loved it as well!

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  4. $1599 for two weeks! Yikes!! She's so cute. Way to put in the effort!!

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  5. Awww I am glad your puppy is going better with the socializing! That is a lot of money and I would be nervous too to give my pet to someone for two whole weeks! Hell, when my cats used to go to the groomer I had high anxiety for the HOUR they were gone!

    I don't like some of the commentary on the whole Ryan Lochte thing... Saying he likes to go out and have fun, so sometimes things like this happen. UMMMMMm nO! I like to go out and have fun, yet never have I been arrested!

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  6. Seriously who would take that trainer up on his $1599 offer?? Madness! Glad to hear she's making progress. Yes, shame on Ryan L. so naughty. Probably cost him some sponsorships right there.

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    1. Clearly people do or he wouldn't be in business! I think his location (Inverness) works for him. People who don't have time to work with their dogs or don't want to or can afford to have people to do everything for them...that's who he's catering to!

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  7. I got Mr. Judy to take Bandit to the dog manners class last night. We were both tight, but considering I drove him an hour (half hour there & back) on Wednesday AND Thursday to do an overnight at the boarders . . . I won.

    Anyhoo, he said Bandit was actually the star of the class. Go figure. He's like Chester in so many ways (and not in so many ways). No barking or growling at all. Of course, he'd just spent a day being boarded and being exposed (even if it was just hearing barking) to other dogs.

    Let us not forget Dara Torres -- obviously not this go round, but boy, she was amazing and also breaking age barriers!

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    1. I hadn't heard anything about Dara Torres! Yes, she's amazing too (and beautiful!).

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  8. When I saw that gymnast was 41, I thought perhaps I had given up on gymnastics way too early! Perhaps there is still time for me...lol

    That is CRAZY about that dog trainer. I would have done exactly what you did.

    I love making zoodles and yes, they do shrink up!

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    1. I love how so many athletes are pushing the boundaries of age! Crushing expectations. Who's old?

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  9. Aw she's a cutie-glad she's making progress. I spiralize but lately the past few months I've been really lazy and haven't made zoodles in a while!

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    1. I was surprised at how easy it is to make them! I'll be zoodling more often!

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  10. Kristen Armstrong is my new hero! Love her. I needed a new "Armstrong" to replace the other one I used to love. So glad you finally started making zoodles. It's a whole new world!

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  11. I want to destroy Ryan Lochte. He was already a known jerk and asshat, and now... just leave him in the wilderness along with a certain businessman/politico and I'll be happy.
    So we started actually looking into getting a Corgi this week.... and it looks next to impossible to adopt one. SAD FACE

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    1. Oh, wouldn't that be a great reality series, he and Cheeto Jesus on a deserted island?

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  12. Those Zoodles look like so much fun! I have been experimenting in the kitchen lately, realizing that I need to find a way to make healthier foods and that looks like a great option. And wow- there really are some great Olympic stories this year!

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    1. I was pleasantly surprised by the Zoodles and they are so easy to make! Next up Zucchini ravioli.

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  13. One of my dogs was rescued off the street and he's scared of many things. On top of that he is almost blind, so he reacts to the strangest things because he can't see exactly what they are. I really need to socialize him more. He's such a pack dog and that's his comfort zone. I certainly wouldn't pay someone that much to do it for me though!

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  14. I am very ashamed of Ryan Lochte--way to be classy (NOT!). We have a red lab who is almost 10 and we both spend a lot of time walking her (mostly me) and playing with her (mostly Rick)--it is amazing what some attention will do (tiring them out also helps). I am glad you found a solution that feels like a win/win. I have made zoodles exactly one time. Thought I would do it so much but I never do. Feels much easier to me to just stir fry veggies and since I am not an Italian food lover (even though I am Italian) that seems to work. Those socks look great. I love anything compression. Have a nice weekend!

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    1. Cocoa wants my attention 100% of the time! It's crazy. She finally is laying down by herself as we speak. I can get nothing done!

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  15. That song reminds me of old school Destiny's Child! So fun. And the pup - She's such a cutie, but I totally wouldn't have trusted that guy! Sounds like a scam!

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  16. I thought the same thing about making noodles from zucchini. It sure looked like a ton before you cook them. The first time we really over cooked them. It was better the second time. How did you do yours?
    What the heck? $1600 for dog training? Yea you can do it!

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  17. I'm on the hunt for new socks. I'm gonna try these. Thanks!

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  18. Socialization of the pup is the best idea! Walking is a great way to do that and slowly introducing her to people and dogs is perfect. She may be curious she may be not, let her decide. I have a dog, a rescue, with a checkered past, who is very anti-confrontation and even looking him in the eye is viewed as a confrontation. Once we figure it out I could read his body language when he was leery of a person or a dog or even an object and we would avoid them and interact with things and people and animals he was comfortable with. He has a dislike of fat men with facial hair and baseball hats, well after a while of letting him lead and pushing people away or avoiding them when I could see him tense up he actually approached a fat bearded man in a baseball hat and let him pet him. I was amazed. Slow and steady and let her lead you are doing the right thing. Oh and the socks sound great, I wear smart wool and they have a bit of compression over the arch and my PF love it!

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    1. I have those Smart Wool socks too, with the compression over the arch and I really like them. The SLS3 socks are great for those hot runs--like now.

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  19. OMG - this Ryan Lochte story is beyond bizarre. The New York Post had the greatest headline about it "Liar, Liar, Speedo on Fire". What an idiot. And his poor fellow swimmers who got dragged along into his drama and high-school like decision-making.

    Speaking of fabulous women at the Olympics, did you see Dana Vollmer win bronze in the 100 fly 18 MONTHS after having a baby?!! That was pretty awesome! I loved the Kristin Armstrong story too!

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    1. There were so many good stories coming out of the Olympics, it's too bad that Ryan Lochte had to overshadow all of it.

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  20. No Zoodles. I loved watching women's gymnastics, swimming (Michael Phelps!!!!) and track and field. Sad it is ending today. I keep watching the Under Armor ad with Michael Phelps and love it every single time.

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    1. It's been fun to watch Michael Phelps over the years! He truly embodies what it means to be a champion.

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  21. I too have loved every second of the Olympics I've been able to see. Your pup is too adorable. Glad you've found a routine with her that seems to be helping. I cannot imagine that cure little face growling or biting anyone!

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  22. I love your puppy pictures so so much! And I'm going to miss the Olympics - I've been loving them for the past couple weeks!

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    1. I'm going to miss the Olympics too! But I'm excited for football to start.

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  23. Absolutely LOVE those socks!! Just ordered the 3 pack using the code. THANKS!

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  24. I have a spiralizer and I used it like crazy for a few months and now have shoved it in a cabinet and forgotten to take it out recently. I need to get on that.

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