I Would Walk 500 Miles...OR

I would run 26.2 miles!  And I did!  I interrupt this blog to brag a little lot about running the Nike Women's Marathon on Sunday, October 17, 2010.  This was my second full marathon of the year (the first being the Los Angeles Marathon in March 2010).  It was a great experience of running through the city.  We had clear views of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, the famous San Francisco hills, and COLD rain.  I was honored to continue running with Team in Training (TNT) which is a part of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  I lost my mother to Acute Lymphcyctic Leukemia in 1998 so being a part of this team means so much to me.  Nike partnered with TNT as the sole charity and over $13 million was raised just from this year's race for blood cancer research and support.  What an amazing feeling to not only run 26.2 miles but to do it in raising awareness for such a great cause!  

On the side of the Niketown building was every participants name.  The last I heard there were over 20,000 participants. I've run the LA marathon and a few half marathons throughout the year and I have to tell you running with 18,000 (let's pretend that 2,000 were men because there were a few) was such a joy.  We are so polite to one another.  In past races people will push you out of the way, at Nike, it was more like, "excuse me, passing you on the left."  haha.  I couldn't help but notice the manners.

The yellow bag I have distinguishes that I was part of the full marathon group.  I carried it around town the day before as a badge of honor!  1 year ago I could barely run 3 miles and now I've run 2 full marathons.  I think I've earned the right to brag a bit. 

Mr. Sangria was in charge of the camera the day of the marathon and sadly he didn't get any really good pictures.  I will let him off the hook because it was raining and miserable outside and not really picture worthy. But I did take pictures of the map if you are familiar with San Francisco you can see the course above.  Also check out those hills in the bottom left corner.  Miles 7-10 and 12-17 were no joke, especially miles 6-7!!!!  And what's that you see, a Tiffany box (upside down - whoopsie)?

Why yes, that is a Tiffany necklace.  Instead of the traditional medals Nike Women's Marathon partners with Tiffany & Co and the medal is a Tiffany Necklace.  And the best part?  The finish line is a red carpet and the necklace is presented to us by San Francisco Firemen dressed in tuexdos.  Yep, not kidding!  There were a lot of women racing to that finish line.  :)

This year the them was "I Run To Be....." you finish the sentence, heathy, an inspiration, motivated, strong, powerful, etc.  
Also Ghirardelli Chocolate sponsored a mile and gave us chocolates along the route.  Delish!  Chocolate, Tiffany necklaces, firemen if you are into that (I'm happily married, thank you very much).  What a great even!  I hope to be able to run it again!

TNT is a great organization and I highly recommend it.  If you would like more information please email me at: hello@cinnamonsangria.com or go to http://www.teamintraining.org/

San Francisco Firemen in tuxedos! 

FYI, the above picture is not mine and was not taken by Laura Morton via http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/object/article?f=/c/a/2010/10/17/BAMF1FU1CR.DTL&object=%2Fc%2Fpictures%2F2010%2F10%2F17%2Fmn-marathon18_ph_0502412545.jpg

Hard Shell or Soft Shell?

Lobsters, which do you prefer?  Hard Shell or Soft Shell?  I don't really care but in Maine locals definately have their preference.  I prefer whichever is quickest and easiest for Mr. Sangria to serve.  I have a "thing" about having my hands dirty.  I just cannot stand it.  So I'm not one to put on a lobster bib and crack open a lobster.  I'll either order it "lazy man" style or just have Mr. Sangria do it for me.  His parents secretly roll their eyes.  And during our recent trip in August I found out my sister in law actually worked on a lobster boat in college to help pay for her education. So she is also quite the pro at cracking open lobsters and can do it quite skillfully.

While in Maine we had lobster ever day.  Delish!  Did you know that in the 1930's (don't quote me on the exact decade) prisoners of Maine actually held a revolt/protest against the government stating that they were fed too much lobster and it was unfair. Back then lobster wasn't as fancy schmany as it is today.  Can you imagine?  haha, oh how times have changed.

So in Maine I found the most precious fabric store and came upon this lobster print.  I knew instantly that I would make napkins for my mother in law for the holidays.  I even bought enough to make myself some.  Happy early holidays to me!

Yes, you read correctly, I wrote holidays!  They will be here before you know it.  Extra bonus points for me for getting at least 1 gift out of the way already.  Now if I can just keep this momentum going I'll have all of my holiday presents done in no time!
What are you making for others this holiday season?

Cheers!
Cinnamon Sangria

I made this nursing cover early in the summer for a friend who had her princess in August. They live in San Diego and unfortunately I don't travel to San Diego that often so I haven't met her yet. :( 

I hope they are enjoying it!  Note to self, go to San Diego more often!!

This really is a cute nursing cover, despite the pictures.  I guess next time I'm going to have to model it myself as it looks much better on a human than a branch. 

I think we all go through moments in life where it seems like everyone we know is getting married and you go to what seems like a wedding each weekend.  I'm now at the point where everyone I know is having babies.  Which makes me extremely happy!  Everyone who knows me knows I love babies!  Babies are good people.  At last count I think I personally have 11 pregnant friends. 

So I'm extremly busy with making baby gifts lately.  Stay tuned for more items.  I'm going to wait until after each shower and/or baby arrival to share as I don't want to ruin any surprises. 

Oh and if you are pregnant and a friend of mine one of your gifts will be a nursing cover.  I just can't help myself.