I’m in the Seattle airport now headed back home to Southern California, so until then, here’s a couple reader questions:

Cassie asked what’s in the fireplace…

It’s clear, tempered glass.  There’s a gas line underneath the glass so the flames come up through it and flicker.  Husbo doiburger actually did all of this himself, and marble tiled the entire fireplace.  You can call him Bob Villa if you want.

Allie B asked where our downstairs curtains are from…

(Just look beyond me and at the curtains)

We bought these from either TJ Maxx or Homegoods, I can’t remember which.  They are two different curtains that we just hung together but the brand is Rodeo Home.  They were about $15 each.  We actually bought about 3 different curtains before settling on these ones.

Tiffany asked what my Elf on the Shelf’s name is…

Um, we did name him but I forgot it and I’m not home to check.  Sorry!

Lisa asked “Do you take things to enhance your performance i.e. energy drinks, coffee and cold medicine…and if you do, what works best for you?  I ask because I recently accidently mixed coffee with Sudafed and WOW what a difference…”

I drink coffee and only coffee every morning and before every run.  I do believe caffeine stimulates your physical performace because research has shown this, but I’ve never had any side effects from coffee, never a headache, withdrawal, jitters, anything.  I can drink coffee anytime without worrying about falling asleep at night or whatever. 

(photo credit.  This isn’t my picture but I do collect Starbucks city mugs and have about 25)

Interestingly enough, I don’t drink much coffee out on the fishing boat in the summer even when I’m dead tired because it doesn’t appeal to me; the acidity doesn’t sit well on my stomach.

(THIS is my hands down favorite energy drink.)

But no, I don’t do energy drinks and especially cold medicine in regards to running.  (I occasionally have a Rockstar but not before a run) Any gain in performance would simply not be worth it to me. 

I think it’s a slippery slope using nonprescription (and also prescription) drugs for uses other than what they were intended, and at the end of the day my goal is glorify God and while I daily screw up, I couldn’t justify creating a homemade pharmacy in my kitchen :)

Monica asked how tall I am because my running tights are “the perfect length” on me…

You can see the tights in the above picture; they’re Nike from Macys.  I’m a hair under 5’7″ but in my mind I’m a 6’0″ supermodel.  or not.

Lillizzy asked where I studied abroad in Spain…

I studied and lived for 4 months in Sevilla, but my best friend and I both got Europasses so we would take the high speed train (it was either 2 or 4 hrs) to Madrid for Starbucks.  Yes, for Starbucks.  There wasn’t one in Sevilla and it reminded us of home.  I think I’ve mentioned before that I love coffee, right?

Legalstyle asked what I’m asking for for Christmas…

How’s that for a wordy question?  I really want this pair of boots, but I know I won’t get them:

I’m also asking for a couple running apparel items, a new Kate Spade planner, Dylan’s Candy Bar bath products, and more of my Kate Spade china that we use as everyday china.  Not exactly smart but pretty.

A couple of you asked what a “misto” is… 

A misto is Starbucks’ version of a cafe au lait which is half steamed milk and half regular drip coffee.  It’s similar to a latte because a latte is one shot of espresso and steamed milk.  I like nonfat mistos because they are less thick and heavy like a latte can be.  If I want a cup of milk, I’ll just pour one myself…

OK I think I’ve answered everything.  Thanks to everyone for your questions and your comments; they are ALWAYS appreciated.  I’ll leave you with the “Awesome Comment of the Day, Did She Mean to Send it to Someone Else?” award from Memorie, thanks!

Your parents raised a hard working, motivated, head in the right place kinda gal.