Braologie Winners!

Good Afternoon friends. I just wanted to announce the winners for the BRAOLOGIE GIVEAWAY. There were 5. They are as listed below. I am emailing the winners and the owner of Braologie who will be in touch with the winners shortly. If I have listed you as a winner and you did not receive an email from me, you can email me @ www.bouffeebambini@hotmail.com Please include the www.
THANKS. SO FUN!

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A Break

Well folks, I'm not sure what to say. I have been VERY, VERY sick with this pregnancy. It seems to come and go but when ti comes it's completely debilitating. This morning I practically had to crawl to the kitchen to get my husband for help because I knew he would never come back into the bedroom because he would want to let me sleep but I was weak,dizzy, sick and I needed food and water and I had no way to reach him. It was not fun. Life is just hard right now, really hard and I always wanted to be honest but optimistic and I don't feel that way these days and I don;t want to portrait something that's not me or not true. So, creating blog posts has been VERY challenging for me. For example I Will start to cook something fabulous and half way through have to go to bed and it never gets done or I will have an outfit all picked out to wear and photograph and it never gets put on. Or even worse my running clothes will sit on the bathroom counter for 5 days just waiting for a day for me to feel well enough to run. When I do run I feel SOOOOO HEAVY. I mean I literally feel like I am dragging a 50 pound sack of potatoes. IT"S HARD. I never get that runner;s high anymore and I never get that "flying" feeling anymore. BOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!! I'm not sure what I'm saying but I may be slowing down a bit. You never know with this second trimester, supposed honeymoon period I should be getting a whole bunch of energy so maybe I'll be a racing like Yasso and cooking like Martha. I don't know but what I do know is that I needed to give you an update because i am seriously struggling to get posts done. I have also talked openly about depression on my blog and when I got pregnant I stopped taking my medication so my moods are variable at best. I just have no energy, no get up and go, no ambition to do anything. In fact I would really just like to stay in bed ALL DAY LONG. I can hardly work which is going to be a HUGE problem here pretty quickly. I have managed to get in about 20 miles a week running but that's out of shear FORCE and I mean I have to rip my eye balls out to get out that door. And I have decided to stop that and only go if I really want to. There's always time to run after the baby comes. I know I will be fine once the baby comes out but that's a long ways away and I'm scared. I'm scared I don't know how I'm going to make it that far. I also am having a really hard time with loneliness. I always feel really lonely when I'm pregnant. I feel like no one understands and to be honest 90% of my friends don't because they don't have kids. I don't exactly feel like calling them up while their at the tapas bar or at the beach and sobbing on the phone about my screaming toddlers or non stop vomiting. I don't want to bitch or sound ungrateful at all. We planned this third baby and I am and will be so happy once he or she arrives but somehow this is the hardest pregnancy I have had to face yet. With that said I feel very blessed and am very happy to have this little soul no matter what happens. WE WANTED THIS!!!! WE PLANNED THIS AND I KNOW I WILL NEVER, EVER REGRET THIS. Because when I'm 50 I'll be free to travel and make money and buy new houses and go to tapas bars and the beach and all that stuff I'm missing out on right now but it's a long ways away and sometimes it's hard to See the light. Not to mention we will have THREE magnificent, beautiful children to show for it! God is so good. So, in closing I want to let you know I am going to be taking a break from the blog for now. I am sure you will still see me around commenting on yours but I just don't have it in me right now to juggle this plus my family and my job. It could be a week, it could be a year. I really don't know but I want to thank each and every one of you for reading as long as you have. I poured my heart and soul into this little blog (tears streaming as I type) but honestly it has become more of a burden than a joy and I never wanted that. This was for me, for me to share my life, my feelings, my recipes, my goals, my achievements, my failures and whatever else struck my fancy and for quiet a few months now it has been a big struggle for me. I want to thank you for getting to know my family and all the dear, dear friends I have made here who I hope to meet one day. Thank you for all you support in every way you've given it. You've given me a lot and I am eternally grateful!

Be well my beautiful friends!

(the giveaway will still be carried out as normal. no worries)

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Inspirational Interview with Heather, Just a Colorado Gal

Please welcome Heather from Just a Colorado Gal. She is an outdoors enthusiast and an avid runner. I just love her blog and I have a great interview for you today!!!!!

Take it away Heather!!!

1. Why did you start running?

I spent the first 20 years of my life as a competitive dancer, so running typically meant that we were in trouble! However, in 2007 I decided I wanted to do a triathlon, and running is obviously a component. That's how it all got started!

2. How long Have You Been Running?

I guess I could say I've been a runner my entire life, but I didn't actually start competing in 10ks and half marathons until 2008. If I'm looking at when I started clocking serious mileage, I'd go with that year.

3. Does running interfere with your "day job" or being a stay at home mom? When do you have time to train?

I'm fortunate enough to have a job that is super flexible. My family owns a landscaping company of which I am the manager. This allows me to somewhat dictate my own schedule, which makes training a lot easier than it is for many others. The bad part is that I am *totally* a morning runner and that is the one time of day when I do actually need to be at the office. Sigh. (Talk about a First World Problem, right?!)

4. How many miles a week do you run and do you follow a specific training plan?

My weekly mileage really depends on what/if I am training for anything. I spent this entire summer ramping up for the Denver Rock 'n Roll Marathon in a few weeks (which I am no longer running due to injury), and my weekly mileage was roughly 25-30 miles/week. If I'm not training for a specific race and simply using running as a way to stay active and keep me in good shape for climbing mountains, I'll usually stay in the 10-15 miles/week zone.

5. How Many Races a Year do you Run and What's Your favorite Distance?

I usually participate in at least a dozen races each year, although not all of them are solely running. Some are adventure races where running is a component, and others are cycling events or triathlons. For 2012, I was registered for 9 running-only events, ranging from a 10k all the way to a marathon. If I absolutely had to choose, I think my fave distance is the half marathon. It's long enough to be a challenge but short enough that you don't have to allow running to dictate your entire life!

6. Tell us What Your Favorite Marathon of all time was. I know a HARD question.

Welp, that's an easy question for me since I've never run a full! Like I said, Denver RnR was supposed to be my first, but due to a weird injury sustained during the GTIS half marathon, I won't be running. I will be attempting my first-ever marathon+ in January though! I'm headed to Haiti to run a 29.2 mile race as part of a non-profit called Mission 29.2. I'm super excited, although 29.2 miles sounds wicked long. Nothing like jumping from 13.1 to 29.2 in six months, right?! (If anyone is wanting to possibly help out, feel free to check out this link!)

7. Do You have a Partner/husband and do they run as well?

I am still single so most of my runs happen with my dog, Tally. She is just over 6 years old, so she doesn't do the long hauls anymore, but she loves to come on the shorter distances. She is a bit out-of-control though, so I really have to be in the mood to deal with her shenanigans :)

8. How Does it make you feel to be such an accomplished runner? Let's face it Woman, You run FAST!

Haha, actually, no, I don't! I'm like a snail; I don't have a single fast twitch fiber in my being! My current goal is to eventually break 2 hrs in the half marathon which is most definitely not fast. However, I do love to run, so I feel accomplished anytime I get out there and do it. I probably feel the best when I set new PDRs (like I will in January!) or when I finish an especially tough trail run. Best feeling ever!

9. Do You Have Just a Few Tips for any of my Readers who are not Runners but desperately want to be?

I am not a natural runner at all. In fact, running has always and will always be hard for me. However, that is exactly why I love it and that's the challenge that keeps me coming back for more. Remember that it hurts everyone at first, but the pain and suffering will gradually subside and elation and runner's high will take their place. I would also advise everyone to get outside and run! Being outside and enjoying the outdoors is so much more enjoyable than being stuck on a treadmill at the gym -- for me, it's almost like it's an entirely different sport!

10. I am desperate to work on my speed. One of my biggest goals is to qualify for Boston. Any Advice on Speed work and what works for you?

Um, I'm not fast so apparently NOTHING works for me! I do incorporate occasional track workouts into my training plans, but I really feel like strength training is my best go-to if I want to try to pick up my pace. I notice that legs can just take a bit more of a beating!

11. Do you follow a specific diet plan or just try to eat healthy to keep your weight down?

I am definitely not someone that follows a diet plan at all. I try to eat healthy in my daily life, but I really believe that moderation is the key to everything. I'm not going to make myself miserable over chocolate cake, just for the sake of knocking 20 seconds off my time. In fact, the running joke is that I was one of those training for a marathon that was actually gaining weight because I could not stop eating!!

12. Please tell us what cross training you do to keep in such amazing shape.

I actually prefer to say that I use running as my cross training so that I am able to participate in all of the outdoor activities that I love. On average, I love to get out hiking, cycling (mountain or road), backpacking, mountaineering,skiing, snowshoeing and occasionally rock climbing. I'm looking at some exciting adventures in the coming year or two that will tie in my love for outdoors and endurance events, so stay tuned!

13. Do you plan on running races for the rest of your life?

Absolutely. My mom just ran her first-ever half marathon with me in August, and she is 56. I'd love to be truckin' along like her when I get older!

14. If you ever had the chance to go pro would you take it?

Hell yes! But since I am shooting for a 2 hour half marathon, I think we can both agree that will never happen :)

15. What are your favorite things about running?

There is absolutely nothing quite like the runner's high! That feeling of elation and total body endorphin overload is something that cannot be beat!

THANK YOU SO MUCH HEATHER FOR SHARING YOUR STORY. I THINK YOUR AMAZING!!!!!! I WISH I WAS HALF AS COORDINATED AS YOU TO DO ALL THAT RUGGED STUFF.

HEATHER"S GOT A VERY ENTERTAINING BLOG. PLEASE SO CHECK HER OUT AND SAY HI.

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"overprotective" parenting and PUMPKIN Stuff

Okay, ever since my experience with florescent orange pumpkin llatte from Starbucks that didn't even taste like pumpkin, I decided to take matters into my own hands.

I found this recipe on Bess Be Fit but I used 2 scoops of my beloved CLICK and VOILA!!!!!!!!!!

P*U*M*P*K*I*N H*E*A*V*E*N

Besides I was crying my eyes out this morning because I'm pregnant and CRAZY but I found out I can;t run a gorgeous local 1/2 marathon that I really wanted to do because of childcare issues.

We have been called "over protective" parents by many. Our children have never been baby sat by anyone except their grandmother, aunt, and great aunt. They have never been to day care. I took them to the church day care one day and some kid smashed littleMilton on the head so hard he cried about it for about a month and was so traumatized that he told me about it every single day so you know what, I don't really care if I'm a "crazy over protective parent" as long as my kids are safe, secure and happy.

HOWEVER, it does come with many sacrifices like not being able to do many things I want to do for myself.

ENOUGH about that!!!!

ONTO THE PUMPKIN

MAKE THIS RECIPE AND ADD 2 scoops of protein powder or CLICK if you so desire. TOO DIE FOR!!!!!

Now onto more pumpkin!!!!

I made these little Tartlettes last year and they were one of my highest clicked on posts to date so I thought I'd share them again this year. !!!!!!

ENJOY!!!!!!

For the Crust:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup (2 sticks or 8 ounces) unsalted butter, cold, cut into cubes

1 large egg

2 tablespoons milk

1 large egg (for brushing the dough)

For the Filling:

3/4 cup pureed pumpkin

1 large egg

1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup granulated sugar

Maple Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

2 teaspoons maple syrup

2 tablespoons milk

To prepare the Crust:

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar and salt. Add the cold butter and break it up in the flour mixture using your fingers, a pastry cutter or a food processor. There may seem like there’s a ton of butter in your flour. There is. Work it in until only pea sized lumps remain in your mixture. The mixture should also hold together when squeezed into a ball.

In a small bowl, beat the egg with the milk. Add the mixture all at once to the dry ingredients and stir to make sure that moisture is introduced to all of the flour mixture. Lightly dust a clean counter with flour and knead the dough on the floured counter for a few turns until it really starts to come together. Divide the dough in two, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. I find that the dough is just a bit easier to work with when it’s chilled.

While the dough is chilling, prepare the filling:

In a small sauce pan, heat pumpkin puree and spices over medium heat. Just heat through until the spices become fragrant. This helps to bring loads of flavor into the filling. Remove from heat and place spiced pumpkin in a medium sized bowl. Whisk in egg, salt and sugar and place in the fridge to rest while you roll out the dough.

On a well floured work surface, roll out one of your dough balls until desired thickness and cut with floured round cookie cutter. I like to gather these and then go ahead and gather the little disks and set aside. Then I roll put the other dough ball and repeat cutting the disks until finished. Now we are ready to add our filling.

Brush one set of circles with beaten egg. This will act as the glue for the top layer of dough. Spoon about one tablespoon of pie filling into the center of each brushed dough square. DO NOT OVERFILL! Top with a piece of dough and use a floured fork to crimp the sides closed. Use the tines of the fork to create vent holes in each tart.

Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Let tarts rest in the fridge for 30 minutes while the oven preheats.

Remove tarts from the fridge and place in the oven to bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

While the tarts bake, whisk together ingredients for the glaze and set aside.

Let baked tarts rest on a cooling rack to cool completely before glazing. Best served within 2 days.

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Meet Braologie....AND GIVEAWAY!

First, a little background about us. Our brand is Braologie, which specializes in bra fitting and our own exclusive line of shapewear (functional lingerie) that provides proper fit for improved posture.

Braologie has developed a unique way of bra fitting compared to conventional techniques that are out there. We not only can give you the perfect size remotely by answering a few quick questions, we also give you a detailed evaluation on your current posture and how we can help you improve it based on what products we provide you with and teach you how to wear them properly. No more shoulder pains, bad backs breast reductions and other problems that are associated by a badly fitted and supported bra..

I had no idea that having good posture had anything to do with my undergarments and I frequently have back and shoulder pain. I also am totally guilty of wearing baggy $12 nursing bras from Wal-Mart.

I am so glad that Tallia from Braologie contacted me and asked me to participate in this fascinating fitting. I am already in L*O*V*E with my products.

And lets just say they make me look way hotter than I really am. Gotta love that!!!!!!

OKAY, So here is the shortened list of all my posture problems!!!

WHOA!!!!!!!!

After analyzing the information submitted, our Braologie Guru spotted couple of points

that can be improved, these are:

*Your head should appear positioned over the thorax-neither pushed forwards

*nor pulled back. According to your lateral posture, it is appeared that your head

is pushed forwards. A forward head posture can increase the strain placed on

the soft tissues and may result in neck, shoulder and upper back pain and

tiredness.

*An increase in the normal curvature of the cervical spine.

*An exaggerated kyphosis in the thoracic spine. People with kyphotic postures

often have neck and shoulder pain.

*Extra fat accumulating throughout your arms, underarms and back. (THIS ONE'S MY FAVORITE)

*Back is wide in proprotion to the shoulders and excess fats spilling out on the

sides of the bra. (OH AND THIS ONE)

*Breasts are displaced to your sides considerably and chest line is relatively low.

*Breast tissues near underarm is spilling out from the sides of bra.

*Abdomen is protruded.

*The curve of your lumbar region appears inconsiderably abnormal. There is

possibility of lower back curves inwards more than it would naturally do.

*Thighs are big in porportion to your body.

You can see the full report with the photos I sent in HERE. Mind you this was when I was 7 weeks pregnant and now I'm 14 weeks . But wait till you see the after photos.

So here are the 3 items they recommended for me to use to fix my posture

BRA, MINI VEST, AND FULL BODYSUIT

BRA AND MINI VEST

FULL BODY SUIT

This is How You Wear It:

1. Better result: Wear the bra first, second with the bodysuit and finally the mini vest.

2. Second best: Bra first and a bodysuit on top.

3. If you want to go casual but still remain a good posture, wear the bra and a mini vest on top.

They provided me with exact directions on how to wear the bra HERE

On how to wear the mini vest HERE

and how to wear the body suit HERE

The tutorials above are really CUTE......Make sure you check them out!!!!!

Look at These before pictures HERE @ 7 weeks

THE AFTER @ 14 weeks PREGGO!!!!!!! VOILA!!!!!!

Can't even tell I'm in my second trimester can you?

FLAT AS A PANCAKE!!!!!! AND comfortable I might add!!!!

BEFORE AFTER

A HUGE thank you to Tallia from Braologie!!!

Honestly I love my products and will be wearing them from years to come!!!!!

SO GUESS WHAT??????? TALLIA has been so generous she is offering to give 5 YES 5 of you a chance to get analyzed to see how your posture can be improved and get some sample products of your own!!!!!!!

TO ENTER

#1 Please visit Braologie here.

#2 Please Tell me why you would like to be analyzed for Braologie.
#3 You may like Braologie on Facebook.

#4 You may become a follower of mine on facebook.

Please leave your email and name in your comments

WINNER'S WILL BE CHOSEN ON 9/13/12

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Second Trimester 9 Miler. BRING IT!

WAKEY.....WAKEY........4AM........LONG RUN DAY

(BTW a long run is around 10 miles for me now that I'm in second trimester. it used to be 15-20)

This is ABSOLUTELY my motto and honestly I think it works

wonders. It ALWAYS has for me!!!!!!!

Every10-20 mile run I have started out WAY before dawn and the first hour or so I'm still sleeping and running. I told you, running and sleeping has become my specialty as evidenced by exhibit A below!!!!!!!!

Okay time to get some protein and caffeine so I can partially open one eye!!!!!!! Every tried CLICK? If not, it's AWESOME!!!!! I am totally addicted!

Now try to get this into my mind set before I walk out the door in the early morning darkness while dragging ass.

I bought one of these shirts a few months back because it was too funny to pass up. Find it HERE.

That was the time I went to bed, obviously not the time I woke up.........My best friend, my Garmin!!!!!

So, I originally bought these Asics Gel Khana 6's for trail shoes. Well I don't run in the street much, I run on biking paths that are a little more rugged but nothing like a rock, dirt trail but I have found that I L*O*V*E them for everyday wear. Might just get another pair if they wear out!

I hate to wear the traction out on a Good pair of trail shoes but what can I say I love to run in them so too bad.

Just a few view from my run

"WELCOME"

This is where I live!!!

LOVE this old painted caboose

Oh, I forgot to tell you, with in the first 4 miles I had to pee 6 times. YES 6 TIMES!!!!!

I WISH I WAS KIDDING. I REALLY DO.

Finally around mile 6 some nice gas station attendant felt sorry for me because I told him I was pregnant and he let me use the bathroom or he just thought I was crazy for looking like that at 5am.

SO the verdict................9.13 Miles in 1 hour 33 minuets. It could have been worse especially with 7 bathroom breaks!

So then later I decided to FINALLY try a pumpkin Spiced Latte from Starbucks for the very first time and I hated it! It obviously had orange food coloring in it. GROSS and it didn't even taste like Pumpkin. Waste in my opinion!!! I'll make my own pumpkin espresso drink that will blow that nasty thing out of the water.

As we speak I'm making the darkest chocolate brownies you've ever seen (FROM SCRATCH) and some pumpkin and biscochito pin wheels!
BROWNIE RECIPE HERE except add 1/2 cup special dark Hershey's powdered cocoa