Featured Blogger...Madeline

Food, Fitness and Family Blog   | Facebook | Twitter: FoodFitandFam   |  

I'm so excited to share some love today with someone that I truly consider a friend.  We've had an opportunity to meet, run together and introduce our kids.  She's an amazing mom, wife and blogger.  Hopefully you'll enjoy getting to know her better as I did!

Our family is Army strong and loving it!  Chris is an officer in the United States Army and I couldn’t be prouder. Emmalyne is our favorite running buddy and is a 15-month old buddy of energy and spunk.

What grown up job did you want to have when were a child?
I have always wanted to work in the medical field and have wanted to be a doctor since I was three.  Currently pursuing grad school to be a Physician Assistant and make that dream a reality.

What TV show(s) are you embarrassed about watching?
The Real Housewives of everything. I watch every season and hang my head in shame.






How long have you been blogging?
I have been blogging for about a year and half now and LOVE the community it brings.

Why did you start blogging?
I started blogging to keep my family updated on our lives since we move around a lot. It evolved into blogging about my passions: good food, sweaty workouts, and life as a family of three.

What motivates you to exercise?

The fact that we live near the beach is extreme motivation ;)Kidding … kind of.My biggest motivation is knowing that I am setting a healthy example for my daughter. I want her growing up thinking strong is awesome

What fitness activities do you engage in?
My perfect week in workouts is a balance of yoga, running, and CrossFit.  Yoga keeps me sane and soothes my soul.  Running is my therapy.  CrossFit is my happy.  Happy because of how strong it makes me feel!

What fitness related achievement are you most proud of?
Running a half-marathon and PRing 6 months after I had Emmalyne.  I actually met Katie at this race!  Spoiler: she’s even more awesome in person ;)

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned since becoming a mom? 

I have learned how to relax.  I was notoriously type A and planaholic before having Emmie.  I surprised myself in how laid back I am when it comes to my parenting.  I am pretty go-with-the-flow and no-worries.  Color me shocked

What advice would you give soon to be or new moms? 

Be kind to yourself.  It’s easy to get caught up in shaping up after baby, trying to be the perfect parent, or just keeping your schmidt together.  Be kind to yourself and know that you are pretty awesome.

• Window/Aisle
• Fruits/Veggies
• Vanilla/Chocolate
• Sweet/Salty
• Beach/Mountains
• Morning Person/Night Owl
• Microsoft/Apple
• Dogs/Cats
• TV/Books

Happy Friday!

Apply to be featured!

Twitter - @momslrb | Instagram -  Momslrb | Facebook - Mom's Little Running Buddy | Pinterest - Katie McFarland

I miss running

I need to vent for a minute...

Recycled Pic from my last half

I'm not the fastest runner, I don't have the greatest endurance or form but being 29 Weeks pregnant (oh yeah, I forgot to tell you, Doc moved up my Due Date by another week), running has been a thing of the past for weeks now. 

You would think after a few weeks without the urge to run would die down a little (like a bad habit) but I crave it.  Just like I crave everything else right now, escpecially green beans (I know, weird but whatever). 

Running represents more than mileage to me, although I do love watching the little odometer on my Nike plus app spin and spin after a good run. 

I know most of this stuff everyone knows and most of you probably have written a similar post which means you can probably relate in some way but I guess I'm just a little sad and frustrated so I'm feeling sappy.

The time I spend running is the time I usually think about...well everything.  I tend to come up with blog inspiration, to-do's, personal realizations and much more.  Some of the experiences I miss most are best explained in a post I wrote about my experience running my first leg of Hood to Coast.  This run is etched into my brain forever and if you read it you'll see why.  Link to post.

Getting pregnant for the second time, just like the first, has given people permission to provide unsolicited advice, and while I dont' usually mind, one thing I do mind is when someone tells me...

"You won't have time to run after the second is born"

To which I reply...

I'll ALWAYS find time to run. 

It's people like that I feel bad for.  They don't understand because they don't experience it but running is not just about pushing yourself physically or burning calories.  It's about learning who you are, and in some cases (like mine) healing. 

In the short time I've NOT been running I have realized just how important that time is and how much I need it.  No wait that's not a strong enough statement..I crave it.

Yes, unsolicited advice giver..there will always be time.  I will make time..I will do whatever it takes because that time is MY time. 

This is me soliciting comments/feedback...
Let's Connect:

• Twitter - @momslrb
• Instagram -  Momslrb
• Facebook - Mom's Little Running Buddy
• Pinterest - Katie McFarland

Cast your vote!

So as baby prep gets into full swing, We've ordered furniture, acquired an additional carseat, started room prep but I still need to buy baby clothes (the pink factor is overwhelming to me after buying boy stuff for 3 years).

I've also been debating how my blog would have to change with the addition of a second running buddy.  I've had some new headers mocked up and I can't decide. 

Cast your vote in the comments or if you have any other ideas, send those my way too! Then stay tuned for the reveal in April!

Option 1 - I know, I'm missing an apostrophe. :)

Option 2 - I know, I'm missing an apostrophe. :)

Option 3

Option 4

STLBloggers Meetup: Dazzling and Delicious

Recently here in St. Louis, we've managed to pull together a pretty strong group of bloggers.  We meet about once a month and just talk shop.  It's a fantastic group because we don't all blog about the same topics.  We range from Aquariums to furniture restoration to fitness.  Four of my fellow FFA's live in the area, which is awesome so it was just so much fun to get together with them. 



Courtney, Clare, Linz and pregnant me

Journey of a Dreamer, Fitting It All In, Itz Linz

Last Friday we all got together again and we were lucky enough to be hosted by Ces and Judy's Catering.  They didn't just host us, they rolled out the Red Carpet.  From the signage when we walked in the door, to the room they put us in, to the food..it was great.   

Ces and Judy's does everything from Weddings to Corporate events.  They can cater at most of the popular STL locations including their own beautiful "Circle Room".  Very unique in St. Louis.  The food was fantastic and the service was fabulous. 

They really provided us with a place where we can get to know each other without wrestling with waiters, cramped restaurants and reservation setting. 

Some of the other bloggers in attendance included (I know I missed some, I'm sorry):

• Rachel from Eat Run Live Happy
• Jenny from JennyPincher (who organized the event.  Thank you!!)
• Rachel from Style Everyday
• Christina from Homemade Ocean
• Karen from Arch City Homes

I'm hoping to get to know these talented ladies and hopefully will be collaborating with them in the future!



Thanks Ces and Judy's!!

Do you have any blogger groups in your area? 

Thanks Ces and Judys!  See you girls next month!!

Push Gifts for FitMoms

If you haven't heard of a Push gift, some moms will get a little "thank you" gift from their hubby's for going through all that "fun" bringing their beautiful baby into the world.  If you're lucky enough to have a husband who would do that, then maybe he needs a little help figuring out what to get you, I've put together a list of possible gifts, at many price points (you might want to help him stumble across this post.)

FREE - Fit Funds  (You see them pop up around valentines day but it's time to get some coupons you could really use.  I've designed 3 coupons for the things you really want and really, you don't need to be a new mom to take advantage of these. My advice...print them...show them to your husband and tell him thank you.  :) 

Download the PDF

Fit Gear and Accessories - Up To $200- If you're like me, you're chomping at the bit to get back into a solid routine, whether that's running or weight training or something else, some new gear will get you pumped and motivated.  Here are some of my favorites:

| HeadSweats | Maui Jims | Sparkly Soul |

| Bose | Oiselle | Oiselle |

Polar | Mizuno | Balega |

Other Ides: Workout DVDs, Dumbbells, Kettlebell, Pedometer, Gym Bag, Water Bottle, Nuun, Workout Books, and Race Entry of her choice.


FitGear $200 and Up - Now I know the idea of getting something this expensive seems unlikely for some but if can, these are great to have as a new mom.

B.O.B Stroller | Treadmill | Garmin

Getting back to working out after a baby can be really challenging but these things will make it much easier by giving her flexibility, motivation and inspiration.

Oh, and it just occurred to me, any of these would make great Valentine's Day Gift Ideas.  Either way, I'm ready to get back to working out my normal way.  Are you?

Let's get our fitmoms motivated (pass this along to their husbands)  :)

What are your recommendations for gift ideas for new moms?

Featured Blogger: Lisa "Run Wiki"

 

Blog: http://www.runwiki.org/ | Twitter | Facebook  



I'm so excited to announce our first featured blogger!  If you don't know Lisa, you should. As a running coach, she's motivational, as a mom, she's inspiring and as a person, she's just plain awesome.  Oh and did I mention she's a fellow FFA and Oiselle Team member?!

 

My husband and I have been married for 8 years and have three children, two of which are twins. He's  a US Navy Diver and my official marathon and blogger support person, so basically I would not be very interesting without him, kidding of course, but seriously an amazing man.

Outside of fitness, what are your favorite things to do? 

My favorite things to do outside of fitness are to go for a hikes with my kids, spend time with and doing thing for my friends and, to be creative, things like cooking and making crafts with my children, I find a huge satisfaction in creating something.

What TV show are you embarrassed about watching?

I am more embarrassed that we don't have TV. We just find it a waste of money that we don't have, I don't miss it one bit. Maybe a wee bit.

How long have you been blogging? 

I have been blogging since 2008 but really became serious in November of 2011

How did you pick your Blog name/title?
Previous to RunWiki my blogs name was Eating Off the Floor, because when you have three small children you not only don't have time to feed yourself, you're cleaning an abundance of food off the floor. I found that most of my nourishment came from there. RunWiki was a name that came to me on a run, Wiki means “fast” in Hawaiian. I was living in VA. And missing the warm weather dreaming of a Hawaiian running vacation, and so RunWiki it was.

Why did you start blogging?
I started blogging more like a journal, it is still one of the main reasons I blog. I just need to get out my angst with regard to running and life. The down side to this is, my readers might think I am always dreamy , dark and emo, when in reality this is only one small part of me. I have a good sense of humor and happy most of the time, I feel compelled to write when I'm down, I've had a journal since I could write and when I look back them I seem so depressed, but really it's just a way for me to purge. I never write in my blog unless I have an answer to the problems... nobody needs a Debbie Downer.

What are your fitness goals for 2013?
My fitness goals for 2013 are to PR in the marathon this April in Boston, to run my first 50 miler and to run a few relay's.

What fitness related achievement are you most proud of?
Fitness related achievement I am most proud of is by far finishing my first ultra marathon in June 2012, qualifying for Boston would be a close second

 What is your “go to” comfort food right now?

My go to comfort food changes, but right now it's Trader Joe's Chocolate dipped Almond Horns cookies with a big ice cold glass of Silk Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk, my mouth is watering as I type the words. It's a love/hate relationship.

• Window/Aisle
• Fruits/Veggies
• Vanilla/Chocolate
• Sweet/Salty
• Beach/Mountains
• Morning Person/Night Owl
• Microsoft/Apple
• Dogs/Cats
• TV/Books

Thanks Lisa for being our first!  Come back next Friday for our next installment!  Want to be featured? Apply now!

What do you think? Did you learn anything new about Lisa? She's pretty cool huh?!

27 Week Update:Pregnancy Workouts

Life during the 27th week has been challenging. Between School picking up quite a bit and Baby Nuunie becoming more and more active, I've had to take it easy this week so far.

At this point, carrying Baby Nuunie has meant that I've gained an additional 22 lbs (same as E at this point) which seems to be mainly residing in my stomach. I definitely feel like I'm carrying a medicine ball under my shirt, except this medicine ball kicks and punches. Oh wait, I think I've just invented a new piece of gym equipment..don't take my idea.  ;)  I also have noticed that Baby Nuunie has a tendency to sit on the right side of my stomach which means I constantly feel off balance and I can feel my back trying to adjust for the shift to equilibrium.

As a result of all the weirdness going on, I had to change my workout yesterday drastically to virtually eliminate most things that would require my back to be actively engaged or would require my right leg, which was constantly falling asleep, no thanks to baby nuunie to be more of an inactive player in the workout. So...

Treadmill?...Nope
Stair Mill?...Nope
Elliptical?....Not really

Bike?....BINGO! 
Followed up with some good stretching and yoga poses and that's about all I could do. 

I know not to get discouraged.  Some weeks will be better than others and now that the 3rd Trimester is here, I know there might be more bad weeks than good weeks but this is a lifestyle and working out is my outlet.  Having a fitpregnancy is extremely important to me so I'll continue to workout through this last trimester.


Next week is also the glucose test...if history repeats itself, I'll probably fail.  Oh joy!
Ok, it's late and I'm beat.  Good night!

Introducing...Featured Blogger Program

It's finally here!  It's finally time and I couldn't be more excited!  One of the blog goals I had for 2013 was to add a feature to my blog that would allow me to feature some of the amazing bloggers I have come in contact with or don't even know about yet. 

I figured the best way to do that would be a regular feature where an amazing fitness minded mommy or daddy blogger (and possibly their little running buddy(s)) would let us into their world a little bit.  They would strut their stuff and we'd get an opportunity to get to know them better. 

And as a "Thank you" a great little badge to show off on their blog as well as maybe some fun little items in the mail.

It's all about spreading the love.  The blogging community is all about support and encouragement and I want to make sure I'm doing my part.

So what's next?  Apply today!  I'll follow up and get the information needed to get you highlighted!

Are you in?  Want to be featured?  Don't wait!  Let's get this stroller party rolling!

I'd love feedback.  Do you like?  Can you think of anyways I can improve it?  Who is going to be first? hmmm...

Meal Planning & Meal Planning Template

I've been reading Happy Fit Mama Angela's weekly meal planning posts and I've always wanted to link up but I've never had my weekly meal plans done in time to get it up. I usually start the "process" Sunday night around 4:00ish. It is not my favorite part of the day.  It usually goes something like this...

1. I pace around the kitchen, seeing what groceries I do have. 
2. Then I sit at the kitchen table with a blank pad of paper waiting for the meal gods to smile down on me with ideas for dinner. 
3. I pull out all my stand by cookbooks, open blog posts and pinterest and look for new ideas that both my boys will eat. 

It usually ends with me picking some of the same things over and over again but I do try at least one new recipe each week.  Again, not my favorite activity.

In fact, I used to be a technology consultant and I'd travel every week. Back then, I despised Sunday nights because I had to pack for the week, check in and just make sure I was ready for the week ahead. I would say my work week really started on Sunday evenings.

So last weekend I had sometime in the car so I put some real thought into it and thought...what if I could plan for the month?! How nice would that be? Then I wouldn't have to go through the anguish of planning weekly. Best part about my little idea..I had this time in the car with my husband so I made him get in on the fun. (Which, as you can imagine, he thoroughly enjoyed.  Do you hear the sarcasm?)

So I spent a little while trying to develop an excel meal planning template (because that's what a program manager does) that I could use to capture all the meal planning genius.  Now, it's not perfect but I do know what I'm making this week and I have a pretty good idea what I'm making next week.

This week's dinner menu is:

1. Pepper Steak
2. Turkey Meatballs and Mozzarella
3. Sloppy Joe
4. Greek Chicken/Cucumber Sauce
5. Left Overs

Link to the Document

Here's the meal planning template I used.  I have all these ideas about how to make it better but I thought I'd share with you in case you want to use something like this.  I haven't prettied it up or anything but if you want to download it you definitely can.

How do you plan your families food?

Also, make sure you head over to For Two Fitness giveaway page to see if you won the giveaway!  If you didn't there's more fun to come!

You Got This

I'll warn you now, this is sort of a stream of consciousness post and I'm not entirely sure where it's going to end up but I need to try..so here it goes.

I learned a hard lesson this week and it's still toying with me.  I don't want to go into too much detail but basically I hesitated, I made excuses for why I shouldn't go for it and ultimately talked myself out of it...essentially closing the door in my own face.  Then as I watched from the sidelines, I realized my mistake and now I'm completely restless and mad at myself. 

Ever heard the expression: "Life only hands you situations you can deal with?"  Well, I'm hoping that's true because I'm in a weird unsettled place now, stuck between trying to go for it all, not knowing the outcome will be and holding up in lieu of taking the risk.  My heart has one opinion and my mind has a different one. 

Normally my dad would talk me through these types of scenarios but since he's not here, I'm left to figure it out. 

Why am I telling you all this?  I'm not really sure except to make sure that if the opportunity is in front of you and your balking...don't.  Take it....Run with it....Be ready for challenges and handle them with grace. Excel.  Don't be afraid, be confident because if you aren't confident in yourself no one will be. 

You got this...now go!

26 Week Update

I can't believe how fast time is flying.  We have 14 weeks to go which scares me just a little since her room isn't anywhere close to be ready. 

But at this point, at 26 weeks she is being extremely active, which is the best feeling to an expectant mom.  I'll even deal with the kicks at night. 

What to Expect reminds me that at 26 Weeks I could start experience some swelling (oh joy!) and that my belly is about the size of a basketball (double OH JOY).  But the good news is that Baby Nuunie has started opening her eyes and she's even got taste buds now.

Physically I definitely feel like I'm carrying a basketball and just like my pants, my shoe collection is starting to dwindle.  Gone are the days of high heels to work, I've resorted to flats.  I know it will all be worth it but as the last trimester rolls around, I remember the discomfort but the difference is this time around I know the outcome is well worth the wait. 

One of the other things we HAVE to get figured out before Baby Nuunie comes is E's sleep schedule.  He's a night owl, I get that but I can't handle getting him in bed so late thinking I'm bypassing the struggle only to find out we're struggling more.  We've tried starting the process earlier and that usually ends in just a longer struggle so I've put my gym visits on hold to see if I can break the pattern and get him on a different evening schedule.  So I'm really, honestly just doing whatever I can, when I can as far as workouts go. 

Adding to the changes E's going through, we had to finally convert him to a "BB Bed" (i.e. Big Boy Bed) since he fell out of his crib the other night, I knew it was time. 

So in the meantime, the prenatal workout I showed you the other day is something I do about every other day.  My hubby and I have gone in search of a new treadmill, and some weights to add to our home gym which should give me a lot more flexibility but for now I do what I can when I can, all in the name of getting my son on a better schedule.

We have even found a pediatric sleep specialist to try to lend a hand.  I'm looking forward to visiting with her next month.  Hopefully she will bestow upon us some pearls of wisdom. 

In the meantime, I'll keep getting bigger, spending time with E and just enjoying the journey.

Don't forget to check out all the great giveaways going on right now and discount codes! 

Current Giveaways: For Two Fitness  | Shape or Fitness Magazine Subscription | Wellness Coach | GNC Vitamins |

Do you have any recommendations for toddler sleeping? 

Another FitPregnancy Giveaway

Wow, the FitPregnancy crew (I have no idea what else to call us) was busy last week hosting some amazing giveaways, working out and growing some babies.  In case you missed it:

• Amanda and I are still hosting a giveaway for a tank and Capri's from For Two Fitness.  Giveaway ends soon so register today!
• Molly is giving away a Prenatal DVD  - HURRY today is the last day to enter!
• Not to mention the workout I provided and have you checked out Jess’s update over at Blonde Ponytail?
• Last week we also had a free printable "Baby Prep Checklist" 

Well, just in case you haven’t had quiet enough pregnancy fun, we’re bringing another week of fun giveaways and updates so stay tuned to all the amazing ladies listed above.

First up, I don’t know about you but one of my favorite resources during pregnancy is FitPregnancy Magazine.  It doesn’t seem to matter if this is your first or fourth child, the articles are great and they have created a great community for soon to be moms and new moms to connect.  I find myself browsing the site weekly.  It’s just an all-around great read. 

So this week, I want to give you a year subscription of your very own.  Great part is even if you’re not pregnant; you can enter this giveaway because I’ll give you an option of either FitPregnancy or Shape Magazine between the two, you can’t really go wrong.  It’s a Win/Win!

Tomorrow, I’ll give you an update on how my little eggplant is doing, how the transition to a big boy bed is going and more meal planning fun.  J

Happy Monday!

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As Seen On TV..Pregnant...Doing Exercises

So I had the chance to do another appearance on Wednesday.  I did the prenatal workout with Tim Ezell, the Fox 2 STL anchor.  To make things even more interesting, I brought him a 30lb empathy belly.  Who knew you could rent those at Planned Parenthood for $10?

Here's a couple pics and the segment clip.  Enjoy!

Hope you have a great weekend! Let's Connect:

• Twitter - @momslrb
• Instagram -  Momslrb
• Facebook - Mom's Little Running Buddy
• Pinterest - Katie McFarland

Prenatal Workout and FitPregnancy Giveaways

I have pregnancy on the brain lately.  I guess that's because I'm 25 weeks along and thinking about all there is to do.  Either way, you are benefiting from some of that because all week long I've been teaming up with other FitFluential Moms-to-be to do some fantastic giveaways geared to helping you stay in shape during your pregnancy and have a Fit Pregnancy!

Current Giveaways:

• Amanda over at Fit Pregnancy and Parenting and I are jointly giving away an ENTIRE outfit (Tank and bottoms) from For Two Fitness, a stylish maternity fitness apparel line.
• Molly from Miss Molly Motivates is giving away a Prenatal Yoga DVD

Coming up in the next week:

• Amanda will be reviewing and giving-away a healthy eCookBook for busy moms AND a one hour consultation from New Leaf Wellness,
• Jess from Blonde Ponytail Fitness will be giving-away products from GNC and Reebok.
• I will be giving away a one year's subscription to FitPregnancy (or Shape Magazine).

So much going on!

But I wanted to answer a question that I'm getting a lot right now because I think it's important.  The question is essentially

"How are you staying fit during your pregnancy?"

The answer is basically the same way I was before I got pregnant: Running (when I can), Alternative cardio (elliptical, stair machine, treadmill) and of course, weight training. 

In fact, being pregnant means you don't necessarily have to lift a lot of extra weight.  You are carrying the weight with you.  Why not use it to your advantage.  Your body weight and gravity are your best friends right now. 

To show you what I mean, I wanted to give you an example of one of the workouts I've been doing.  I basically let my belly be the weight so no real weights needed.  Always check with your doctor first but working out while pregnant is a great thing!

Calf Raises

Single Leg Lunges

Sumo Squats

Modified Push-ups

Modified Triceps Push-ups

Shoulder Press

See how easy it is?  You can do it anywhere!  I end up doing mine in my basement sometimes. 

Hopefully all this pregnancy fun is motivating you to get out and get fit.  It's never too late and anything is better than nothing you can have a fit pregnancy too!

What do you think?  What are your favorite ways to stay fit?  

Related Posts: Prepping for Baby Checklist  | Tips and Motivation for Staying Fit During Pregnancy

Let's Connect:

• Twitter - @momslrb
• Instagram -  Momslrb
• Facebook - Mom's Little Running Buddy
• Pinterest - Katie McFarland

For Two Fitness Review and Giveaway

And the Winner is Entry #1.  Madeline Glasser!  Email me your address and sizes and I'll make sure you get your prize.   This giveaway is now closed.


Week 24 is upon us and I'm getting excited.  We are making SOME progress in the babies room: the desk is now in the basement, and the nursery bedding is in.  We haven't made any progress on names though.  We know the middle name but have not found a first name that we like.  There are soo many cute girls names.  It's hard to chose.

What is going well are my workouts.  I did 4 workouts last week including 2 Nike Training Club workouts, and 2 45+ cardio sessions.  The even better part is I have appropriate clothing to work out in thanks to For Two Fitness.  They sent me an awesome tank that is perfect for my ever growing belly. 

If you haven't heard of ForTwoFitness, it is a company that specializes in Stylish Maternity Fitness Apparel.  Their styles are awesome and I don't feel like I'm going to show everyone at the gym more than they bargained for with this tank on.

If you are or know someone that is pregnant, I definitely suggest you check it out and I'll even give a discount code you can use till February 1st.  Just use "FitGiveaway" at checkout to get 20% off your order (excludes giftcards).  I think I'll be using it myself to get the capris. 

I love it so much you'll probably see me wearing it on Fox 2 here in STL on Wednesday morning.  Tim Esell and I'll be going through a workout specially designed for us moms-to-be.

So what's better than an awesome discount code (not much that is pretty sweet)?  But Amanda over at  Fit Pregnancy and Parenting Blog are teaming up to giveaway one lucky winner an entire outfit! A tank and pants.  That's crazy!  And remember, this would make a great gift for the expecting mom in your life.

Also throughout the week, over FitFluential Moms-To-Be will be hosting giveaways of their own with Moms-to-be in mind so stay tuned for more to come! 

In the meantime, are you ready to enter?  Use the Rafflecopter below to register.  The giveaway will be open for two weeks! Good Luck!



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Related Posts: Prepping for Baby Checkist  | Tips and Motivation for Staying Fit During Pregnancy

Let's Connect:

• Twitter - @momslrb
• Instagram -  Momslrb
• Facebook - Mom's Little Running Buddy
• Pinterest - Katie McFarland