Christmas 2016 Highlights

I broke my promise of writing this post last week, but better late than never. Work was extremely busy last week so I didn't have much time to do other things. Here are a few highlights from our nine day trip to California over Christmas break. We drove from Albuquerque to California and then back.

Drive - Part 1

The drive from Albuquerque to San Diego is roughly 12 hours so we broke it up into two days. We traveled to Tucson on Christmas Eve and then on to San Diego on Christmas Day.

Attempt at a Nativity Scene photo with the pups in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. This was the best they could do!

River of Lights at ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden

Celebrating its 20th year, Albuquerque's River of Lights was recently named one of The 15 Most Spectacular Holiday Light Displays in the U.S. by MSN. Last weekend, hubby and I decided at the last minute to visit the holiday display for the first time. It was relatively warm (in the mid-40s) and we wanted to get out of the house for a bit.

Christmas 2014

Merry belated Christmas! And for those who do not celebrate Christmas, happy belated holidays!

This year we decided to keep things low-key. This year has been crazy and we did not want to travel over the holiday, so Raisin Bread, Gus and I celebrated just as a little family. It was nice to have a relaxing holiday, but I also missed spending time with our families. 

Since Gus is still little, we decided to forgo a new tree this year and used our tiny apartment-sized tree for one last year. 

Christmas Eve

I ordered live Maine lobsters that arrived via next day air for our Christmas Eve dinner. As soon as I opened the box, I came to the realization that I have never prepared live lobsters before. A few quick Google searches and I was on my way.

I decided to go with steamed lobster and they came out perfectly tender. Yum! Lobster dinner is not complete without corn on the cob, in my opinion.

I also ordered some clam chowder, which I just had to heat up and serve.

For dessert, I used some leftover Harry and David pears to make a pear pie. This is probably the best pie I have ever made! Cinnamon-y and sweet, but not too sweet.

Christmas Day

Christmas Day started off with a breakfast of banana fosters pancakes and bacon. Yummy x 2!

Then it was time for presents! Gus was spoiled by us and our other family members and received so many nice gifts! I got many nice gifts as well including a lot of ski equipment, household items and a day at the spa! Thanks, husband and family!

I went all out for Christmas dinner as well with pistachio-crusted rack of lamb, rapini and cranberry sauce. The rack of lamb was my masterpiece of the meal.

After dinner, we headed over to see some Christmas lights. We didn't get to do many Christmas-y activities this year in Albuquerque, like the River of Lights or the Luminaria Tour, but I hope we can next year.

When we arrived home, it was time for dessert. I made Raisin Bread's number 1 favorite pie: coconut custard pie. I am not a fan of coconut so this pie was all for him.

Boxing Day

Although we didn't have a white Christmas, we had a white Boxing Day. This was the first real snow we have had since moving to Albuquerque, and it was Gus's first experience with snow. He absolutely loved it.

I'm sad Christmas is over, but I am looking forward to a fantastic new year!

12k's of Christmas 2014 - Race Recap

Earlier this month, Raisin Bread and I headed to Phoenix, Arizona for the weekend. Raisin Bread lived in Phoenix for a few years before we met and keeps in touch with quite a few of his old friends there. In addition to spending some time with them, we decided to fit a race into our weekend. 

The 12k's of Christmas race took place in nearby Gilbert, Arizona's Freestone Park. We arrived without much time to do anything besides park, pick up our bibs and goody bags, take the goody bags to the car and then get in the race just as it was starting. There was no time to go to the bathroom or even stretch. Not the way I like to start a race!

The race was pet-friendly and benefited animal-related organizations. Dogs were welcome to run in the race and were heavily represented in the post-race activities! Too bad Gus did not come on this trip with us.

It had rained the night before the race as well as race day morning. We were lucky that it was no longer raining but much of the beginning of the route was along a trail and it was muddy and slippery.

Since we weren't able to use the bathroom before the race, I stopped at the first porta-potty I saw.

Mile 1: 14:53

The second portion of the course was a long a road lined with farms. 

Mile 2: 11:37

Our scenery changed again as we ran along the Riparian Preserve. All along the race course there were groups of carolers cheering us on and singing Christmas songs. This was the first time I ran a Christmas-themed race, and it was so festive and fun.  I also loved how many great Christmas-themed race outfits and Santa hats I saw. 

Mile 3: 12:52

Mile 4: 12:56

Mile 5: 12:05

The course was out and back so the final two miles were the same as before. 

Mile 6: 12:08

Mile 7: 12:13

Official time:  1:35:21

I did not have a goal time for this race. I actually wasn't even sure what I should be aiming for since this was also my first 12K. Since I haven't really run since Wine & Dine, I was just happy to get in some good mileage and run with the hubby!

As we crossed the finish line, we got medals, which I was not expecting at all. So cool, and they had a doggie on them. 

After we finished, Raisin Bread and I walked around a bit, picked up some refreshments and visited some of the dogs and rats that were up for adoption. So many sweet furry friends!

In addition to our medal, we got a pair of Christmas socks. I thought this was a fantastic idea since I get/have way too many race t-shirts that I never wear.

This race was lots of fun, Now, I want to run a race with Gus. We'll probably have to start with a 5K since he's still a baby.

Holiday Gift Guide 2014: For the New Homeowner

We have officially passed the sixth month mark since we purchased our home in Albuquerque! With that in mind, my final Holiday Gift Guide for 2014 is for the new homeowner.

1. Mushroom Farm
There is nothing more fun than watching things grow. Even with my severe lack of a green thumb, I was able to grow my own mushrooms at home!

Back to Roots Mushroom Farm, from $19.99, available on Amazon.com

2. Bamboo Bath Mat

This isn't your average bath mat. Going from a bath rug to this sturdy bamboo mat is like night and a day and adds a little luxury to your shower routine.

Toiletree Deluxe Bamboo Shower Floor and Bath Mat, from $39.95, available on Amazon.com

3. Handheld vacuum
We added a significant amount of square footage when we purchased our house. Lugging the old upright vacuum around for small jobs is a total pain. Handheld vacs are the way to go, especially now that we have a little furball running around.

Dyson DC34 Hand-held Vacuum, from $159, available on Amazon.com 

4. Grill Set

A house is not a home for some until there is a grill set up in the backyard. Make sure you can grill to your hearts' content with all of the necessary tools.

Cuisinart CGS-5014 14-Piece Deluxe Stainless-Steel Grill Set, from $34.29, available on Amazon.com

5. USB Wall Outlet

In our constant need to keep our devices powered up, these USB wall outlets lets you and your guests stay charged without having to search out unoccupied outlets.

15 Amp AC Decor Duplex Wall Outlet with Built-In USB Ports, from $28.99, available on HomeDepot.com

Disclosure: I received a Bamboo Bath Mat from Toiletree Products in exchange for a review. 

Holiday Gift Guide 2014: For the Runner

People always say that running is a good activity to get into because all you need is a pair of running shoes. Wrong! I have drawers full of running gear to prove this point wrong. Here are a few suggestions for presents to give to the runner in your life this year!

1. Headlamp
With the daylight hours getting shorter and shorter each week, running either in the early morning or evening when it is already dark outside is the only option for many of us during the winter season. Make sure your runner can be seen by purchasing them a headlamp.

Petzl Tikkina Headlamp, from $16.98, available on Amazon.com

2. Running Socks
When I first started out with running, I had no idea there were so many options for socks. I found Balega Hidden Comfort Running Socks to be a must-wear on runs 10 miles and over and a definite must on race days. The seamless toes make all the difference in the world!

Balega Hidden Comfort Running Socks, from $11.99, available on RoadRunnerSports.com

3. Yurbuds
I had major issues with my earbuds falling out while running when I used my everyday earbuds. Then I discovered Yurbuds, which has a line of sport earphones designed especially for women. We do have smaller ears afterall. They also feature "TwistLock" technology that prevents the earbuds from falling out. Voila, problem solved!

Yurbuds Inspire 300 Earbuds, $39.95, available on REI.com

4. Massage
Right before I run a race, I think that I'm going to need a massage. Right after I run a race, I want a massage. After weeks of training and then finally completing a race, nothing makes your muscles feel better than a long, relaxing massage. I myself prefer Swedish massages, but some runners swear by sports massages. Either way, I am sure your runner will appreciate a gift certificate for a massage of their choosing.

5. Race Entry Fee
Being an active racer can put a serious dent in your wallet. runDisney races, in particular, are out-of-control expensive. Why not gift your runner an entry fee to one of your local races or if you can swing it, entry to an iconic race.

Holiday Gift Guide 2014: For the Traveler

Welcome to Gift Guide Week here on WillWrite4Travel.com! This week I will be bringing you a series of themed gift guides starting with my 2014 Holiday Gift Guide for the traveler in your life.

1. Portable Charging Station
Some hotels still don't get it. Today's tech-savvy travelers come bearing cords! It is so annoying when you can't find enough outlets, can't reach them or the only available outlets are scattered around your hotel room. Portable charging stations ensure your devices have enough juice and keeps all of your cable organized.

AViiQ Portable Charging Station with Cable Management, from $60, available on Amazon.com
Photo by AViiQ

2. Next Issue Subscription
Need some reading material but hate lugging around half-read magazines? Next Issue gives you unlimited access to over 140 magazines right on your tablet or phone. Titles run the gamut from Ski to Vogue and from Inc. to Travel + Leisure.

 Subscriptions start at $9.99 per month, NextIssue.com

3. Hard-Side Spinner Carry-on Suitcase
It took me long enough, but I finally found my match. My carry-on baggage match, that is. I knew that spinners make navigating through narrow spaces a breeze, but I did not realize until recently how much easier it is to pack a hard-side suitcase. For me, having the zipper in the middle of the body versus at the edge of one side makes a huge difference in terms of maximization of space.

Samsonite Winfield 2 Fashion HS Spinner 20, $111.99, available on Amazon.com
Photo by Samsonite

4. Portable Humidifier
My skin has a habit of going crazy when I am in a new environment. This tiny portable humidifier allows your hotel room to have just the right amount of moisture to help keep your road-weary body from losing it.

Air-O-Swiss Portable Travel Humidifier, $39.99, available on Amazon.com
Photo by Air-O-Swiss

5. Packing Cubes
My family members are always amazed by how I can fit all of my belongings into a single carry-on suitcase. Packing cubes are the reason why I am a packing genius. They also allow me to keep my stinky clothes separate from my clean clothes when I am bouncing around from city to city.

Eagle Creek Pack-In Cube Set, $26.50, EagleCreek.com
Photo by Eagle Creek

Weekend Update: Christmas Prep, Museum Visit and Snow!

That time of year has arrived...when things become crazy busy both at home and at work. Ugh. I have a headache already. 

This weekend was a sample of what the next few weeks will be like. So much to do! Raisin Bread is winding up his last semester of graduate school. After this week, neither of us will be in school for the first time since 2010. I am hoping the next year will bring us lots of fun together instead of lots of work. 

On Friday night, I put up our tiny tree for our tiny apartment. 

Our cute little tree!

I also hung the stockings since we don't have a fireplace, the stockings were hung on the dining room wall with care!

I wanted to stay out of Raisin Bread's hair over the weekend so he could do his work, so I decided to head into the city to pay a visit to the National Museum of American History. No matter how many times I visit this museum, there is always something new to see plus I love seeing my favorite pieces over and over again. 

Richard Scarry illustrations, leech jar, NBC microphone and Dorothy's ruby slippers

It's Kermy!!! The museum is opening a new exhibit this week on Puppetry in America, which I can't wait to see. 

Another piece of Americana - Archie Bunker's chair.

I visited the First Ladies exhibit for the first time in many years and got to see FLOTUS's beautiful Jason Wu gown. Love! 

The atrium was decked out for the holidays!

I was super happy to stumble upon a performance by the U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants! They were great. 

On Sunday, we got the first snow of the season. I ventured out to hit the gym. It was so pretty and not as uncomfortable as I was expecting it to be.

I filled the rest of the day with doing laundry, preparing two meals, buying Christmas presents and baking banana caramel bread. Yum!

The cold temperatures made for some pretty sights on my way to work on Monday morning. Look at these icicle-laden branches.

The forecast is calling for more snow this week. That makes me so happy!

In other news, I did not get into the Nike Women's Half. Woohoo! I'm really glad that I didn't get in. I was feeling very regretful after I applied, so I'm glad that everything worked out. 

Have a great week!

Weeks 8 and 9 Training Update + Goals

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and is ready for the new year! It's coming!

I had an eventful two weeks of quality time with the hubs and family. As we were traveling to join our families, Raisin Bread and I got into a road accident, which was probably the scariest thing I have ever experienced. I am thankful that my husband and I are okay. The car is another story.

As you can see below, my training regime is a little off right now due to the weather and the holidays, but I have been playing catch up.

Week 8
Tuesday - ran 3 miles
Thursday - ran 2.8 miles

Week 9
Thursday - ran 2.8 miles
Saturday - ran 4 miles

I received some welcome news last week. I got into the Cherry Blossom 10 miler in April! Yay! So excited to run this race.

In addition to lots of good food and company, I got a bunch of gear off my wish list from my awesome family members and in-laws:

A headlamp and pair of reflective armbands for night running.

Waterproof jacket from The North Face

Two running skirts. Guess which one is for my Princess Half outfit!

Not running gear but also items that will encourage my physical activity. Bike helmet and bike lock

I'm excited to take all of these gifts on a test drive
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Finally as this year draws to a close, I started thinking about what I want to accomplish over the next year. I typically don't make new year's resolutions. I prefer the concept of goals instead. I also find it helpful to write  those goals down, so with that, my goals for the next 6 months are:

1. Finish my MBA
2. Finish my first 10 miler
3. Finish my first half marathon
4. Exercise three times a week
5. Participate in Meatless Mondays regularly - I have been doing this on and off for a while but would like to be more consistent.
6. Eat out less = save money