After my 10K in December, I swore off cold weather races. And then Meghann, who was coming to NYC for an event, tweeted that she signed up for the Gridiron 4 Mile race during her time here. Knowing a meetup was looming, I bit the bullet and signed up as well.

Yesterday, I met Meghann and her mom and brother for lunch at Alice’s Tea Cup. If you can believe it, I’ve lived a few blocks away from there for 4 years and never went inside! So happy Meghann invited me because I absolutely loved it and I’m already itching to go back!

[Stolen from Meghann]

We shared scones to starts – Pumpkin and White Chocolate Cranberry. I actually preferred the White Chocolate one to the Pumpkin! I ate the majority of it since everyone else seemed to like the Pumpkin better. Fine by me!

[Stolen from Meghann]

I’d been salivating over this french toast on the menu: Alice’s Curious French Toast – French toast bites infused with apricot brandy tea, baked bread-pudding style and attacjed with fruit coulis, vanilla creme anglaise and sweet syrupy stuffs.

I don’t know what sweey syrupy stuffs are but whatever it is, I want it.

In the end I decided to go with a half sandwich and soup. I was so cold from my walk there and wanted to be warmed up by Tomato Basil soup, plus this sandwich sounded like the perfect thing to order at a tea house!

Cucumber And Watercress with lemon chive butter on whole wheat

It was wonderful! The lemon chive butter was especially amazing. I felt so dainty. I also ordered a pot of Organic Ginger tea. It was fantastic as well and didn’t taste too gingery at all!

Tea! Both these pics from Meghann’s camera as well. I felt like an amateur taking out my point & shoot when she had her fancy camera.

So this morning I was up before my alarm excited for the race! I was tweeting with Heather, Meghann and Ashley while getting ready. We were all so excited!

At my last cold weather race I wasn’t dressed warmly enough. During the race I was fine, but standing around before the race was unbearable. I planned better this time. I wore (all items are for running/workout) a long tank top, long sleeved top, jacket, wind stopping vest and a (not running) fleece. I wore running fleece gloves and big regular fleece gloves over them. I wore 2 pairs of running socks. I wore an ear covering headband and a hat over that.

I left my apartment at 8 and walked to the race. I found Meghann and Ashley standing in front of baggage check. I shedded a layer of warmth, my winter coat, and checked it with my bag. We met up with some other bloggers but they left because they were trying to PR and we were running for fun. We wanted to find Melissa and Heather (with Mark!) to run with but couldn’t find either of them.

All bundled up: Jesse along with Meghann, Ashley and me

We headed over to our corral. Well, mine and Ashley’s corral. Meghann is much faster but decided to run with us for a leisurely (for her) race and the fun that comes with talking the entire time. Ashley and I both run 10 minute miles during races.

Pink Corral. For girly runners:

We still had 20 minutes so we . . . bounced! The 3 of us just bounced up and down while talking. The sun was out and before the race started I was able to remove my fleece and tie it around my race so I could display my number and *maybe* actually appear in a race photo. I would probably have felt silly bouncing like that along but I loved doing it with friends! It warmed us up, except for our hands.

We briefly interrupted our bouncing to take photos:

And then the race started. I’m used to starting about 4 minutes after the race begins, by the time my corral gets to the start line, but today the wait was longer than usual for some reason and we started about 8 minutes after the start! Once we were off, things went smoothly. My hands eventually warmed up (I am definitely getting hand warmers for my half marathon)  and I started to feel my toes again. This was my first race without an iPod. We talked the entire time and we listened in on other people’s conversations. It is so interesting to hear what people discuss during a race — typically, other races! I really liked not wearing my iPod, although I would only do it again if I was running with a friend or the race provided entertainment.

Ashley and Meghann in action:

Butts:

I got a kick out of PINK scrawled across Meghann’s tush!

Best part about racing with friends? I finally get a RACING ACTION SHOT of myself! (You might know I rarely appear in official race photos). And yes, I realize how selfish I sound. But . . . pictures of ME! YAYYYY!

My awesome running vest in action. Love it.

During the 2nd mile, there were signs splitting up runners into which superbowl team they are rooting for. I don’t know or care about either team, so I asked which side we should run on. Ashley wanted the Colts to win, so we went on that side. We ran over the same type of tracking device at the start and finish lines, and that device tallied the percentage of runners for each team — how fun!

Apparently, we were in the minority:

Results from “Who will you root for?” split – SAINTS: 66% COLTS: 34%

I loved getting to know Meghann and Ashley more and the time really flew by. I know it was an easy pace for Meghann but for me it was basically my normal pace. I definitely got a nice workout but didn’t overdo it at all. I was worried because after my 5 mile run on Tuesday night, I woke up Wednesday with a foot injury. It hurt so much with every step I took. I have tendonitis. I am happy to say my foot felt great! It did not hurt one bit. I was so worried it would ruin my half marathon training, but I really think I will be fine.

Meghann took this gorgeous scenery picture. I feel bad taking all Meghann’s pics but I didn’t think to take these since I see the sites all the time. At my next race I think I will bring my camera again because I did have fun with it and it didn’t bother me while I was running like I thought it would.

Thanks Meghann!

Seeing the finish line is always an amazing thing, although we didn’t sprint. I was so focused on waving at this one race photographer that I didn’t notice 3 on the other side of me until too late! I just want to be in race photos!

My official time is 41:32 for 4 miles, with an average 10:23 pace. This was actually my slowest race ever! Not by much, though. I finished my last 4 mile race in exactly 40 minutes, and my 10K average was 10:13 miles.

After the race we met up with a big group at Arte Cafe for brunch! I finally got to catch up with Heather and Melissa. Heather was just a few minutes behind us in the race and Melissa was a few ahead. Too bad we missed them! Heather is hilarious, look at her “running” socks:

I also met new bloggers! I don’t have a list of people and their corresponding blogs although I might send out an email so I can get a list together, since they are NYC based like me, runners (like I attempt to be) and I had a great time talking to them all! Every was just so nice. I get intimidated in big groups but everyone was so welcoming today. The food was pretty good too, especially the muffins they gave out when we got there. So good and doughy. I was starving since all I had before the race was a green juice.

I might have taken 2 more muffins home.

I got a mushroom omelet, and it was pretty good. Ashley baked vegan macaroons for everyone and they were wonderful! They had the consistency of cookie dough and the taste of coconut custard pie. Yum!

And a group shot that Meghann took:

After brunch we stopped in at Alice’s Tea Cup (a different location than the day before) because Meghann loved her chocolate mint tea yesterday and wanted to buy some. I regret not trying hers when I had the chance! I was tempted to buy some tea but I don’t yet understand how to make loose leaf tea and I just want a better grasp before committing. Yes, I’m nutty and get nervous about strange things. But I live so close to Alice’s that I’ll just pop in when I am all set up to brew the tea at home.

I plan to go back to Alice’s Tea Cup soon anyway. I want to bring all my friends there. It’s just so cute and delicious. And I need to try that french toast. And a brownie.

Anyway, I took the bus back home and had the most amazing 2.5 hour nap. It was much needed!

I had such a great weekend! Racing with friends is so much fun, I hope I get to do that again. I skipped out on 7 am Core Fusion today (Monday) in favor of an extra hour of sleep and it was so worth it. Back this week with more Core Fusion recaps!

This has been a really tough week for me; a good friend of mine passed away unexpectedly. I was riding high from Tuesday night’s wonderful Core Fusion class when a friend called me with the news. Even though I got practically no sleep that night and worked a long day Wednesday, I decided to go to another class. I figured it would help take my mind off things and really, I had no reason not to.

I wasn’t sure how class would go, how I would handle it. I felt sad thinking about my friend Robin yet I was still able to find something that made me smile. The first plank we do in the beginning of class is a plank we have to hold for a very, very long time. For the first time, on this day, I was able to hold the plank the entire time and not collapse. When the plank was over I let out a small laugh. Despite how stressful the day was, how overbearingly sad, I was still able to find joy in something small like holding a plank. That is because it meant so much more than just holding a plank — it was proof that my hard work is paying off. It was proof that we can all accomplish what we want if we work hard and want it badly enough. It was proof that life does go on and we should live it as our best possible selves — as healthy, as strong, as accomplished as we can be. Yes, part of it was physical — I am physically stronger now than I was before this challenge. But it was also mental — I wanted to hold this plank more on Wednesday than I ever have before. I didn’t let myself collapse. I pushed and forced myself to stay in a position longer than it was comfortable (really though, is a plank ever comfortable?). And because of my commitment over the last 3 weeks, it simply was not as difficult anymore.

The rest of the class was just as good. I was able to up my weights for the bicep curls and use 4 pounds instead of 3. Another improvement; another minor victory. Thighs seemed to be getting better. My abs are have not yet improved the way my other muscles have been due to my struggles with the C Curve, but even that I can feel getting better. These small victories push me to work harder the next time, to keep going, to take an extra class. The more my body improves, the more my mind seems to improve along with it.

I know it is hard to stick with exercises that hurt. And Core Fusion hurts. But how great do you all feel when it is finished? And if you’ve been doing it, do you see any improvements in your body, in your strength? Please let me know. For me, I see major improvements in my body and strength, yes, but also in my outlook. I feel like I am a more positive person and while I am distraught over my friend’s death, and tempted to feel guilty for the times I didn’t see her, I feel like I am handling this much better than I would have been just 4 weeks ago. Those last few minutes at the end of class after we finished the hard part and lie in savasana really makes me appreciate how lucky I am. If you are doing the DVDs at home, you should try just laying down flat on your back and just relax with your eyes closed after you are finished. I’m not usually “one of those people” who talks like this, but I really think it adds so much to the Core Fusion experience.

I hope you all have a great week. And please call a friend or family member and tell them you love them.

AUCTION IS CLOSED.

Thank you all for your generous bids. I will email each high bidder with instructions.

Welcome to my charity auction!

BID HERE: http://dorishinyblog.com/contact-me/

I am running the NYC Half Marathon on my birthday, March 21, to benefit Think Pink Rocks. ALL proceeds go to funding for breast cancer screening, treatment and research. My mom, a breast cancer survivor, was diagnosed at age 37. This is a charity that is extremely important to me and I am honored and excited to run my first half marathon to raise money for them!

I am holding this auction to try and reach my fundraising commitment of $1,000 — but if we just so happen to raise more money in the process, that would be lovely! My donation page:

http://www.active.com/donate/thinkpinkrocks/dysterious

AUCTION RULES

1) All items start at $20. They are divided into the following categories: Professional Services/Goods, Homemade, and Baked Goods

2) Each item has a title and corresponding number. You will email me using either this form or my email address dysterious at gmail dot com with the item NAME and NUMBER in the subject line. I will not accept bids left in the comment section.

3) The auction starts at 10 am EST and will end at 10 pm EST, Thursday, Jan 21.

4) I will post a list of each item and update the top bids throughout the day

5) I will send a confirmation email to the winners. Each winner has 24 hours to donate their winning amount to my donation page. If I do not receive their donation, I will contact the second highest bidder as the winner.

6) Serious bidders only! Please read item descriptions carefully as there are NO REFUNDS! I am really impressed with the generosity of people and companies who stepped forward to donate their time and products. I am so excited by how amazing these items are and I really hope you are too!

Top Bid List

This is the list of items and their current high bid. Scroll below or click here for item details and descriptions. All items start at $20.

1. Aurorae Yoga Set – $65
2. Pastry Girl Cakes (2 top bidders can win) – $25, $25
3. Exhale Core Fusion/Yoga 10-class Pack – $200
4. Professional Cooking Lesson (high bidder + 1 guest) – $80
5. Personal Training Session with Celebrity Trainer Brynn Jinnett – $50
6. The Blog Fairy Custom Blog Header – $50
7. Yoga OR Dance Lesson with Emily Oldak – $55
8. MyPublisher 20 Page Classic Hardcover with Personalized Photo Book Cover – $30
9. Personal Training OR Health Counseling Session with Catherine Hesse – $50
10. Tees for Change, Chase Dreams t-shirt (2 top bidders can win) – $20, $20
11. Six Month Subscription to TurnUpMyWorkout.com – $30
12. Bumble and bumble Hair Care Gift Pack – $40
13. Two Sign Language Lessons
14. P&G Prestige Fragrances Sampler Pack – $20
15. Health & Fitness Book Prize Pack – $30
16. Gold’s Gym – Bailey’s Crossroads (Falls Church), VA (4 top bidders can win)
17. PriorFatGirl e-Cookbook – $20
18. Colorful Bulky Afghan – $20
19. Handmade Passage to India Bracelet – $20
20. Handmade Earrings – $20
21. Handmade Necklace
22. Food Blog Charms (4 top bidders can win)
23. Seattle Cookie Bars – $20
24. Hot Milk Sponge Cake or Pumpkin Fruit Cake (2 top bidders can win)
25. Peanut Butter Butterscotch Brownies – $20

AUCTION ITEMS

Professional Goods/Services

(1) Aurorae Yoga Set

Includes:

• Brand new pink “Hope” yoga mat, which was created with the intention of supporting women who have or have had breast cancer
• Rosin bag (for slip free yoga practice)
• Yoga towel

I have an Aurorae mat in lilac and I am in love with it! I even get compliments from my yoga teachers. And when you put your hands and feet on the mat and then move them, you can see the imprints. An amazing mat! I also have the rosin bag and it keeps my hands from slipping.

*Note – the Hope mat debuts in February and will be shipped to the high bidder as soon as it becomes available.

(2) Pastry Girl Cakes – 2 dozen cupcakes, flavor of your choice

2 high bidders will each receive 2 dozen cupcakes of their choice

*Note – Cupcakes are available for NYC area bidders only. If you live outside NYC and would like to bid on Pastry Girl Cakes products, you will receive 2 dozen COOKIES.

Pastry Girl Cakes is a custom cake studio serving New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. We provide delicious and beautiful cakes, cupcakes and cookies for your most special events. We specialize in wedding cakes, birthday cakes, shower cakes and cakes for corporate events.

Pictured – Coconut cupcakes

Find a list of available flavors here: http://www.pastrygirlcakes.com/flavors2.htm

Find pictures of more cupcakes here: http://pastrygirlcakes.com/cupcakes_coconut.htm

(3) Exhale Spa 10-Class Pack of Core and Yoga Classes ($350 value)

Click here for Exhale Spa locations in NY, Massachusetts, Illinois, Florida, Texas, California and Turks & Caicos

Core (CORE FUSION!)

Build a strong core… Develop washboard abs… Improve your posture… Deepen your practice… Focus your mind.

Experience a transformational Core Fusion® toning class, based on Lotte Berk Method fundamentals, Pilates, and 50 years of combined fitness expertise, to achieve a strong, athletic, flexible, and youthful body. Improve your performance in sports with the total body workout, Core Fusion® Sport. Or strengthen your overall wellbeing within a combination of yoga asanas, Qi Gong, core strengthening, and stretching with a Core Fusion® Yoga class. All classes include a cardio element and are fueled by upbeat and inspirational music rhythms.

Yoga

A union of mind and body… linking breath with movement… a meditation in motion… the flow of energy.

Our yoga classes are ritual journeys that respond to the changing needs of urban life by infusing the highest quality of teaching with a revolutionary approach to yoga. For this amazing transformational practice we have created an equally amazing space.

Exhale as you discover your sacred space for this ancient healing practice.

Namaste.

(4) Professional Cooking Lesson for high bidder + 1 guest

New York City area only

Mercedes Vargas is a chef who currently works at the Ritz-Carlton. Formerly pastry chef at Gemma, Pair of 8’s and La Bottega. She also works with private clients on different functions as well as with Great Performances caterers. Her menus mostly consist of fresh, seasonal and local foods.

The cooking class for two people would be approximately 2 hours. The menu will be determined by Mercedes and the client, it would be three courses, all appetizers or dessert, depending on what the client would like to learn. The certificate will cover her fee of $300 for the class. All other expenses are covered by the client.

(5) Personal Training Session with Celebrity Trainer Brynn Jinnett

New York City area only

Join celebrity trainer Brynn Jinnett for this intense total body workout that combines the most effective movements from Pilates, yoga, ballet Lotte Berk and traditional strength training.

(6) The Blog Fairy Custom Blog Header

A custom blog header designed by The Blog Fairy, who has designed many blogs including Dori’s Shiny Blog, Missy Maintains, Just Flourishing and more! Visit http://theblogfairy.com to view samples of her work.

(7) Yoga OR Dance Lesson with Emily Oldak (Modern dancer, certified yoga instructor, former Cirque du Soleil star)

High bidder + up to two guests can select a private one hour yoga session or dance class

New York City area only

Emily Oldak was born and raised in NYC. She began dancing when she was 4 years old and became more serious when she attended “The Fame” School where she discovered her love for modern and contemporary dance. Following high school Emily graduated with a BFA from the Juilliard School in 2005. While at Juilliard she danced works by contemporary choreographers such as Aszure Barton, Paul Taylor, Ohad Naharin, Dwight Rhoden, and Robert Battle. Directly after school, she joined Cirque du Soleil for their new Creation of “Love” which was in collaboration with the music of The Beatles. While at Cirque, she learned others street forms of dance as well as aerial acrobatics. In her free time in Vegas she studied to become Yoga certified. After 3 years at Cirque she decided to return to her home to pursue a freelance dance career. She currently works with the Chase Brock Experience and Aszure Barton and Artists. Emily is represented by Mcdonald Selznick Associates. You can catch her in her latest commercial gig with MSA as a body double for Shakira in her newest music video “Did it Again”.

(8) MyPublisher - 20-page Classic Hardcover Photo Book with Book Cover

A customizable 20 page MyPublisher photo book with a personalized photo Book cover

http://mypublisher.com/products/classic

(9) Personal Training Session OR Health Counseling Session with Catherine Hesse (Core Fusion teacher & certified Holistic Health Counselor)

Personal training for New York City area only. Health counseling session can be held in person or via phone depending on location.

Catherine is a graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition with Columbia University and is trained in all the different dietary theories, eastern and western nutrition, modern health issues, personal growth and development, and health counseling. She is a Core Fusion Yoga Teacher Trainer, and a senior teacher of Core Fusion®, and Core Fusion Yoga, at Exhale Mind-Body Spa, in New York City. She specializes in body image, emotional eating, general wellness and healing through self love. Catherine is certified by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners.

(10) Tees For Change - Chase Dreams bamboo short sleeve t-shirt

*Two t-shirts are up for auction. I will accept two winning bids.

Made from 70% sustainable bamboo and 30% organic cotton, this tee is luxuriously soft and silky and has an amazing fit.pumpkin tee, yellow text on the front

• pre-shrunk and runs a bit smaller
• fair-trade and sweatshop-free, imported
• available in sizes S (0-2), M (4-6), L (8-10) and XL (10-12)

http://www.teesforchange.com/chase-dreams-bamboo-short-sleeve-tshirt-p-102.html

(11) Six month subscription to TurnUpMyWorkout.com

TurnUpMyWorkout lets you choose your favorite kind of music, pick the intensity level you workout at and each month you will receive a list of motivating workout songs! I’ve tried this service myself and absolutely loved it — it gave me a new list of awesome songs that pushed me through my first half marathon training run! (Will be posting a review soon)

For more information, visit the website at http://turnupmyworkout.com

**Please note the music downloads are not included

(12) Bumble and bumble Hair Care Gift Pack from Missy at Missy Maintains ($200 value)

Pack includes:

• 1 bottle Spray de Mode Hairspray
• 1 bottle Classic Hair Spray
• 1 bottle Bb Gel
• 1 bottle Gellac
• 5 oz. Holding Spray
• 5 oz. Styling Creme
• 5 oz Medium to Thick Curl Creme
• 5 oz Medium to thick Curl Conscious Shampoo
• 5 oz Medium to Thick Curl Conscious Conditioner

(13) Sign Language Lessons with Jenny from ColorHungry –Boston area only

Includes 2 one-hour sessions

Born the child of profoundly deaf parents, Jenny could sign the alphabet by 1 and a half. She went on to learn American Sign Language and as a hard of hearing individual herself, often serves as an interpreter at her workplace for deaf students visiting campus. She has over 20 years of experience.

(14) P&G Prestige Fragrances Sampler Pack from Ashley at Healthy Happier Bear Includes:

• Flora by Gucci 2.5 oz
• Escada Marine Groove 50mL
• Lacoste Challenge 75mL

Value $192

(15) Health and Fitness Book Prize Pack from Melissa at FitnessNYC

Includes:

- 12 Steps to Raw Foods

- The Secrets of Skinny Chicks

- Extreme Fat Smash Diet

- Runner’s World: The Runner’s Diet

- Fast Track: Training and Nutrition Secrets from America’s Top Female Runner

- The 90 Second Fitness Solution

- 8 Minutes in the Morning to Lean Hips and Thin Thighs

(16) Gold’s Gym – Bailey’s Crossroads (Falls Church), VA – Washington, D.C. Area & surrounding area bidders only

Four items are up for auction. Limit one per customer.

- Three Month Membership to Gold’s Gym + 1 personal trainer session

- One Month Membership to Gold’s Gym + 1 personal trainer session

- One Month Membership to Gold’s Gym + 1 personal trainer session

- One Month Membership to Gold’s Gym + 1 personal trainer session

Please specify if you are bidding on the one month or three month membership when bidding.

(17) PriorFatGirl e-Cookbook

A collection of healthy recipes from the friends of PriorFatGirl! Over 50 recipes + tips from personal trainer MizFit

Homemade Goods

(18) Colorful Bulky Afghan

A gorgeous, high quality handmade multicolored afghan. Looks stunning displayed on a couch and will keep you warm and cozy!

(19) Handmade “Passage to India” Bracelet by Jenny from ColorHungry

Fully adjustable for smaller or bigger wrists

(20) Handmade Earrings by Katherine from Low Fat Kat

(21) Handmade Necklace by Katherine from Low Fat Kat

(22) Food Blog Charms by Mara from I Made Dinner

Four items for auction: 2 computer charms and 2 peanut butter jar charms. Please specify which charm you are bidding on when you send your email.

Charms are handcrafted out of lead-free pewter. They come on either a vegan-friendly nylon cord or cell phone charm.

Baked Goods

(23) Seattle Cookie Bars by Mallory from Bacon Wrapped Life

Up for auction: two dozen cookies – one dozen Cherry Almond and one dozen Hazlenut

A Northwest twist on the classic Magic Cookie Bar.

The flavors are inspired by Theo’s Chocolate, a local Seattle love that makes organic, fair trade chocolate that is unbelievable.

The Theo Classic Combination bar, Dark Chocolate with Cherries and Almonds is in the first cookie, along with lots of chopped almonds, dried cherries and shredded coconut. The sour bite of the cherries and the smooth, bitter dark chocolate from Theo cut through the sweetness of the cookie for a really addicting treat.

The 3400 Phinney Chocolate bar, Hazelnut Crunch Milk Chocolate is in the second cookie, along with a ton of chopped hazelnuts and of course shredded coconut. Wonderfully sweet, nutty and delicious. Plus, a couple Theo bars thrown in for good measure, so non-Seattle folks can appreciate the inspiration for the cookies.

(24) Choice of Whole Cake by Maggie from Say Yes to Salad

2 high bidders will receive one of the cakes listed:

• Hot Milk Sponge Cake with a brown sugar and coconut topping. Goes well with fresh fruit and whipped cream.
• Pumpkin Fruit Cake made with homemade pumpkin puree. A seasonal favorite.

Please specify which cake you are bidding on in the subject line.

(25) Peanut Butter Butterscotch Brownies by Jenny from ColorHungry

Jenny discovered these puppies one night when she was too upset to sleep and started baking. Imagine her surprise when these turned out to be some of the tastiest brownies she’s ever eaten. And don’t take her word for it- others have agreed!

Good luck bidders!!!!

http://www.active.com/donate/thinkpinkrocks/dysterious

All donations to THINK PINK ROCKS will benefit 501 (c) (3) charitable organizations. Beneficiaries are: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York; BRCH Women’s Center for Breast Care; The American Cancer Society / Making Strides Against Breast Cancer; Reach Global / Jacob International; The Florida Breast Cancer Foundation; The H.O.P.E. Project; University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.

I am very excited to post the items and descriptions for Dori’s Shiny CHARITY AUCTION happening on Thursday, January 21.

I will be running the NYC Half Marathon on my birthday, March 21. This is my first half marathon and I am running it for Think Pink Rocks, a non-profit organization whose mission is to raise awareness about early detection of and genetic testing for breast cancer and to provide funding for screening, treatment and research. My mom, a breast cancer survivor, was diagnosed at age 37. This is a charity that is extremely important to me and I am honored to run my first half to raise money for them.

My donation page is here:

http://www.active.com/donate/thinkpinkrocks/dysterious

To reach my fundraising commitment of $1,000, I am holding an auction on this blog on Thursday, Jan 21 — exactly 2 months from the race! I’d love you all to help me out and bid on something you might really want.

AUCTION RULES

1) The auction starts Jan 21 at 10 am. I will post the list of items and their bid start price. All items start at $20 and will be divided into the following categories: Professional Services/Goods, Homemade, and Baked Goods

2) Each item will have a title and corresponding number. You will email me using either this form or my email address dysterious at gmail dot com with the item NAME and NUMBER in the subject line. I will not accept bids left in the comment section.

3) The auction starts at 10 am EST and will end at 10 pm EST, Thursday, Jan 21.

4) I will post a list of each item and update the top bids throughout the day

5) I will send a confirmation email to the winners. Each winner has 24 hours to donate their winning amount to my donation page. If I do not receive their donation, I will contact the second highest bidder as the winner.

6) Serious bidders only, please! Please read item descriptions carefully as there are NO REFUNDS!

I am really impressed with the generosity of people and companies who stepped forward to donate their time and products. I am so excited by how amazing these items are and I really hope you are too!

AUCTION ITEMS

Professional Goods/Services

(1) Aurorae Yoga Set

Includes:

• Brand new pink “Hope” yoga mat, which was created with the intention of supporting women who have or have had breast cancer
• Rosin bag (for slip free yoga practice)
• Yoga towel

I have an Aurorae mat in lilac and I am in love with it! I even get compliments from my yoga teachers. And when you put your hands and feet on the mat and then move them, you can see the imprints. An amazing mat! I also have the rosin bag and it keeps my hands from slipping.

*Note – the Hope mat debuts in February and will be shipped to the high bidder as soon as it becomes available.

(2) Pastry Girl Cakes – 2 dozen cupcakes, flavor of your choice

2 high bidders will each receive 2 dozen cupcakes of their choice

*Note – Cupcakes are available for NYC area bidders only. If you live outside NYC and would like to bid on Pastry Girl Cakes products, you will receive 2 dozen COOKIES.

Pastry Girl Cakes is a custom cake studio serving New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. We provide delicious and beautiful cakes, cupcakes and cookies for your most special events. We specialize in wedding cakes, birthday cakes, shower cakes and cakes for corporate events.

Pictured – Coconut cupcakes

Find a list of available flavors here: http://www.pastrygirlcakes.com/flavors2.htm

Find pictures of more cupcakes here: http://pastrygirlcakes.com/cupcakes_coconut.htm

(3) Exhale Spa 10-Class Pack of Core and Yoga Classes ($350 value)

Core (CORE FUSION!)

Build a strong core… Develop washboard abs… Improve your posture… Deepen your practice… Focus your mind.

Experience a transformational Core Fusion® toning class, based on Lotte Berk Method fundamentals, Pilates, and 50 years of combined fitness expertise, to achieve a strong, athletic, flexible, and youthful body. Improve your performance in sports with the total body workout, Core Fusion® Sport. Or strengthen your overall wellbeing within a combination of yoga asanas, Qi Gong, core strengthening, and stretching with a Core Fusion® Yoga class. All classes include a cardio element and are fueled by upbeat and inspirational music rhythms.

Yoga

A union of mind and body… linking breath with movement… a meditation in motion… the flow of energy.

Our yoga classes are ritual journeys that respond to the changing needs of urban life by infusing the highest quality of teaching with a revolutionary approach to yoga. For this amazing transformational practice we have created an equally amazing space.

Exhale as you discover your sacred space for this ancient healing practice.

Namaste.

(4) Professional Cooking Lesson for high bidder + 1 guest

New York City area only

Mercedes Vargas is a chef who currently works at the Ritz-Carlton. Formerly pastry chef at Gemma, Pair of 8’s and La Bottega. She also works with private clients on different functions as well as with Great Performances caterers. Her menus mostly consist of fresh, seasonal and local foods.

The cooking class for two people would be approximately 2 hours. The menu will be determined by Mercedes and the client, it would be three courses, all appetizers or dessert, depending on what the client would like to learn. The certificate will cover her fee of $300 for the class. All other expenses are covered by the client.

(5) Personal Training Session with Celebrity Trainer Brynn Jinnett

New York City area only

(6) The Blog Fairy Custom Blog Header

A custom blog header designed by The Blog Fairy, who has designed many blogs including Dori’s Shiny Blog, Missy Maintains, Just Flourishing and more! Visit http://theblogfairy.com to view samples of her work.

(7) Yoga OR Dance Lesson with Emily Oldak (Modern dancer, certified yoga instructor, former Cirque du Soleil star)

High bidder + up to two guests can select a private one hour yoga session or dance class

New York City area only

Emily Oldak was born and raised in NYC. She began dancing when she was 4 years old and became more serious when she attended “The Fame” School where she discovered her love for modern and contemporary dance. Following high school Emily graduated with a BFA from the Juilliard School in 2005. While at Juilliard she danced works by contemporary choreographers such as Aszure Barton, Paul Taylor, Ohad Naharin, Dwight Rhoden, and Robert Battle. Directly after school, she joined Cirque du Soleil for their new Creation of “Love” which was in collaboration with the music of The Beatles. While at Cirque, she learned others street forms of dance as well as aerial acrobatics. In her free time in Vegas she studied to become Yoga certified. After 3 years at Cirque she decided to return to her home to pursue a freelance dance career. She currently works with the Chase Brock Experience and Aszure Barton and Artists. Emily is represented by Mcdonald Selznick Associates. You can catch her in her latest commercial gig with MSA as a body double for Shakira in her newest music video “Did it Again”.

(8) MyPublisher - 20-page Classic Hardcover Photo Book with Book Cover

A customizable 20 page MyPublisher photo book with a personalized photo Book cover

http://mypublisher.com/products/classic

(9) Personal Training Session OR Health Counseling Session with Catherine Hesse (Core Fusion teacher & certified Holistic Health Counselor)

Personal training for New York City area only. Health counseling session can be held in person or via phone depending on location.

Catherine is a graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition with Columbia University and is trained in all the different dietary theories, eastern and western nutrition, modern health issues, personal growth and development, and health counseling. She is a Core Fusion Yoga Teacher Trainer, and a senior teacher of Core Fusion®, and Core Fusion Yoga, at Exhale Mind-Body Spa, in New York City. She specializes in body image, emotional eating, general wellness and healing through self love. Catherine is certified by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners.

(10) Tees For Change - Chase Dreams bamboo short sleeve t-shirt

*Two t-shirts are up for auction. I will accept two winning bids.

Made from 70% sustainable bamboo and 30% organic cotton, this tee is luxuriously soft and silky and has an amazing fit.pumpkin tee, yellow text on the front

• pre-shrunk and runs a bit smaller
• fair-trade and sweatshop-free, imported
• available in sizes S (0-2), M (4-6), L (8-10) and XL (10-12)

http://www.teesforchange.com/chase-dreams-bamboo-short-sleeve-tshirt-p-102.html

(11) Six month subscription to TurnUpMyWorkout.com

TurnUpMyWorkout lets you choose your favorite kind of music, pick the intensity level you workout at and each month you will receive a list of motivating workout songs! I’ve tried this service myself and absolutely loved it — it gave me a new list of awesome songs that pushed me through my first half marathon training run! (Will be posting a review soon)

For more information, visit the website at http://turnupmyworkout.com

**Please note the music downloads are not included

(12) Bumble and bumble Hair Care Gift Pack from Missy at Missy Maintains ($200 value)

Pack includes:

• 1 bottle Spray de Mode Hairspray
• 1 bottle Classic Hair Spray
• 1 bottle Bb Gel
• 1 bottle Gellac
• 5 oz. Holding Spray
• 5 oz. Styling Creme
• 5 oz Medium to Thick Curl Creme
• 5 oz Medium to thick Curl Conscious Shampoo
• 5 oz Medium to Thick Curl Conscious Conditioner

(13) Sign Language Lessons with Jenny from ColorHungry –Boston area only

Includes 2 one-hour sessions

Born the child of profoundly deaf parents, Jenny could sign the alphabet by 1 and a half. She went on to learn American Sign Language and as a hard of hearing individual herself, often serves as an interpreter at her workplace for deaf students visiting campus. She has over 20 years of experience.

(14) P&G Prestige Fragrances Sampler Pack from Ashley at Healthy Happier Bear

Includes:

• Flora by Gucci 2.5 oz
• Escada Marine Groove 50mL
• Lacoste Challenge 75mL

Value $192

(15) Health and Fitness Book Prize Pack from Melissa at FitnessNYC

Includes:

- 12 Steps to Raw Foods

- The Secrets of Skinny Chicks

- Extreme Fat Smash Diet

- Runner’s World: The Runner’s Diet

- Fast Track: Training and Nutrition Secrets from America’s Top Female Runner

- The 90 Second Fitness Solution

- 8 Minutes in the Morning to Lean Hips and Thin Thighs

(16) Gold’s Gym – Bailey’s Crossroads (Falls Church), VA – Washington, D.C. Area & surrounding area bidders only

Four items are up for auction. Limit one per customer.

- Three Month Membership to Gold’s Gym + 1 personal trainer session

- One Month Membership to Gold’s Gym + 1 personal trainer session

- One Month Membership to Gold’s Gym + 1 personal trainer session

- One Month Membership to Gold’s Gym + 1 personal trainer session

Please specify if you are bidding on the one month or three month membership when bidding.

(17) PriorFatGirl e-Cookbook

A collection of healthy recipes from the friends of PriorFatGirl! Over 50 recipes + tips from personal trainer MizFit

Homemade Goods

(18) Colorful Bulky Afghan

A gorgeous, high quality handmade multicolored afghan. Looks stunning displayed on a couch and will keep you warm and cozy!

(19) Handmade “Passage to India” Bracelet by Jenny from ColorHungry

(20) Handmade Earrings by Katherine from Low Fat Kat

(21) Handmade Necklace by Katherine from Low Fat Kat

(22) Food Blog Charms by Mara from I Made Dinner

Four items for auction: 2 computer charms and 2 peanut butter jar charms. Please specify which charm you are bidding on when you send your email.

Charms are handcrafted out of lead-free pewter. They come on either a vegan-friendly nylon cord or cell phone charm.

Baked Goods

(23) Seattle Cookie Bars by Mallory from Bacon Wrapped Life

Up for auction: two dozen cookies – one dozen Cherry Almond and one dozen Hazlenut

A Northwest twist on the classic Magic Cookie Bar.

The flavors are inspired by Theo’s Chocolate, a local Seattle love that makes organic, fair trade chocolate that is unbelievable.

The Theo Classic Combination bar, Dark Chocolate with Cherries and Almonds is in the first cookie, along with lots of chopped almonds, dried cherries and shredded coconut. The sour bite of the cherries and the smooth, bitter dark chocolate from Theo cut through the sweetness of the cookie for a really addicting treat.

The 3400 Phinney Chocolate bar, Hazelnut Crunch Milk Chocolate is in the second cookie, along with a ton of chopped hazelnuts and of course shredded coconut. Wonderfully sweet, nutty and delicious. Plus, a couple Theo bars thrown in for good measure, so non-Seattle folks can appreciate the inspiration for the cookies.

(24) Choice of Whole Cake by Maggie from Say Yes to Salad

2 high bidders will receive one of the cakes listed:

• Hot Milk Sponge Cake with a brown sugar and coconut topping. Goes well with fresh fruit and whipped cream.
• Pumpkin Fruit Cake made with homemade pumpkin puree. A seasonal favorite.

Please specify which cake you are bidding on in the subject line.

(25) Peanut Butter Butterscotch Brownies by Jenny from ColorHungry

Jenny discovered these puppies one night when she was too upset to sleep and started baking. Imagine her surprise when these turned out to be some of the tastiest brownies she’s ever eaten. And don’t take her word for it- others have agreed!

Remember — these items will all be up for auction starting at 10 am EST on Thursday, January 21. I will post the item list on that day along with the top bid for each item. I will update this list throughout the day.

http://www.active.com/donate/thinkpinkrocks/dysterious

Good luck!

. . . but for now, let’s all look at how gorgeous my good friend Missy looks in January’s issue of Shape Magazine!

You might remember when I participated in the photo shoot for this issue. Although I didn’t get to make my national magazine debut as a minor background player this time, I am just so impressed with how great Missy looks and sounds.

Quick life recap:

I’ve been working 12 hour days. Work is literally insane right now.

I found out my health insurance is being raised to $700 a month starting January — which is essentially a big pay cut for me that I can’t afford. I love how my hard work gets rewarded.

I spent $500 on prescriptions this week alone. Despite my expensive health plan.

I owe you all a race recap — although sadly, the vividness of my memories are fading. I had so much to say the day of the race but no time to say it. I’ll do my best and post my perfect playlist.

My writing class is over! More on that soon.

I have a VERY exciting challenge for myself starting in January that I will be documenting on the blog. I can’t say what it is yet, but I will say that it is something kinda official — meaning, I will have to maintain a regular blogging schedule because I won’t only be accountable for myself! It will be very hard. It will be a serious challenge. There will be a giveaway involved at some point during it. I can’t wait.

Any guesses what it is??