tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79368009216032124122024-02-20T13:05:36.473-05:00Moments That Make a LifeDocumenting the moments that make a life. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03796876825740415671noreply@blogger.comBlogger154125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936800921603212412.post-39342587510344560092015-07-04T19:23:00.001-04:002015-07-04T19:23:27.932-04:00Independence Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Gh7jsGbkOw/VZhq10m6OhI/AAAAAAAACWk/7Mc9lbbEl0I/s1600/4th%2Bof%2BJuly.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Gh7jsGbkOw/VZhq10m6OhI/AAAAAAAACWk/7Mc9lbbEl0I/s400/4th%2Bof%2BJuly.png" /></a></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936800921603212412.post-49451073096134674092013-12-15T07:13:00.000-05:002016-03-17T13:14:37.347-04:00Space Coast Half Marathon<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H2tTuHwhZsA/UqhGeHBTFBI/AAAAAAAACQ4/uzruy9VWgI8/s1600/IMG_2555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H2tTuHwhZsA/UqhGeHBTFBI/AAAAAAAACQ4/uzruy9VWgI8/s640/IMG_2555.jpg" width="538" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Did I really run the race for the medal? Yes! Well, sort of... The medals for this race are pretty fancy. In fact if you run the race for 3 years in the row, you get a 3 year medal. (<a href="http://spacecoastmarathon.com/">Milky Way Challenger Medal</a>) If you run in 5 years in a row you get an additional 5 year medal (<a href="http://spacecoastmarathon.com/">Intergalactic Challenge Medal)</a> too. For some reason, that draws me to this event. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But that's not all that makes this race one I will do again, <span style="font-size: x-small;">really</span>. The after race event was well done and I liked the race swag too. We got a long sleeved tech tee and a beach towel, that others in my family like as well.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A1cwyp25RO0/UqhF_sL_KSI/AAAAAAAACQw/IiGjYKYk12E/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A1cwyp25RO0/UqhF_sL_KSI/AAAAAAAACQw/IiGjYKYk12E/s400/photo.JPG" width="344" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uNsf76fX86E/UqhIwZCB9uI/AAAAAAAACRE/23Hhg8wLZyc/s1600/IMG_2565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uNsf76fX86E/UqhIwZCB9uI/AAAAAAAACRE/23Hhg8wLZyc/s400/IMG_2565.jpg" width="332" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After the race we had our choice of pancakes and eggs or pizza and beer in addition to usual race food like fruit, bagels and drinks.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In addition, the course was very nice. It was a 2 lane road that ran along the water's edge with boat houses and docks on one side and lovely homes on the other. It was an out and back, but the first half is done mostly in the dark, so it looked differently on the way back.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LOz7LYV902o/UqhKa0IEgzI/AAAAAAAACRY/o67ID2d0qgQ/s1600/IMG_2546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LOz7LYV902o/UqhKa0IEgzI/AAAAAAAACRY/o67ID2d0qgQ/s640/IMG_2546.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kepg0BXsEYk/UqhKcGHH1tI/AAAAAAAACRg/_6Ilpt5GvO0/s1600/IMG_2547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kepg0BXsEYk/UqhKcGHH1tI/AAAAAAAACRg/_6Ilpt5GvO0/s640/IMG_2547.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oAgnO1JR4mA/UqhKe72S4tI/AAAAAAAACRo/Mgp6H00S7To/s1600/IMG_2548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oAgnO1JR4mA/UqhKe72S4tI/AAAAAAAACRo/Mgp6H00S7To/s640/IMG_2548.jpg" width="546" /></a></div>
<div>
But that's not all. This race was easy to get to and did not include a lot of the usual headaches, like having to get up super early to get to your corral, heavy traffic and a long walk to the start. It was a no hassle race and I liked that too. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e-Y_RVFWf5g/UqhNO0ZQg8I/AAAAAAAACSA/hV9K8fBTIzQ/s1600/IMG_2551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e-Y_RVFWf5g/UqhNO0ZQg8I/AAAAAAAACSA/hV9K8fBTIzQ/s640/IMG_2551.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Ikv7GIarl0/UqhNTDHNXeI/AAAAAAAACSQ/F9PWJfEy9qY/s1600/IMG_2553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Ikv7GIarl0/UqhNTDHNXeI/AAAAAAAACSQ/F9PWJfEy9qY/s640/IMG_2553.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
<div>
The only negative to this race, was the date. It falls on the Sunday following Thanksgiving day so it was a busy time. Despite my irregular and unmotivated training schedule, I was happy with my performance. Honestly, since I started my new job, finding time to run has been a challenge. We finished the race in 2:26. I'll take that and the medal and be satisfied!</div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936800921603212412.post-67364335630338511892013-12-10T22:51:00.000-05:002013-12-10T22:51:18.590-05:00Thanksgiving at KiawahThe past six months have been CRAZY! A new job and a new home have taken all of my time and energy. After a fabulous week off, I was inspired to get back to blogging.<br />
<br />
For the past 20+ years, my siblings and I have made an effort to spend Thanksgiving together. There are 5 of us and 13 nieces and nephews. We don't all make it every year, but our track record is solid.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jX_24MvbIyk/UqUE-nGSiQI/AAAAAAAACOU/BnEnio84tos/s1600/IMG_2455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jX_24MvbIyk/UqUE-nGSiQI/AAAAAAAACOU/BnEnio84tos/s320/IMG_2455.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
This year we met on Kiawah Island, South Carolina. We rented a house large enough for all of us to share. Sharing a house is the way to go because all of unplanned moments make the best memories. Our holiday included...<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">BAKING</span></h3>
My sister is the best event organizer! This year she planned a cookie bar baking contest. Each team of two finds and executes a recipe of their choice in hopes of winning the title of the best. This year's winner was a Rocky Road brownie. The girls used their brains and their cooking skills to win. (They knew one of the judges loved rocky road). The other entries included: Monster Cookie Bar, Raspberry Oatmeal Bar, Fluffernutter Bar, Peppermint Brownie and a Strawberry Cheesecake Bar. <br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">RUNNING</span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xO5hSHXunpY/UqfX0SgpclI/AAAAAAAACOw/6O3vX2Bu4Ys/s1600/IMG_2475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xO5hSHXunpY/UqfX0SgpclI/AAAAAAAACOw/6O3vX2Bu4Ys/s320/IMG_2475.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Each year we also run in the local Turkey Day Run on Thanksgiving morning. We have done this race for the past three years and it is a family favorite. It was a chilly day with wind and temp in the 30s.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Jleg6_OijQ/UqfVL3T4VaI/AAAAAAAACOk/A2U-zwQFkSc/s1600/IMG_2459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Jleg6_OijQ/UqfVL3T4VaI/AAAAAAAACOk/A2U-zwQFkSc/s400/IMG_2459.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MBu8GUEWkQE/UqfdFJg6IuI/AAAAAAAACQI/PDA9WQS5h_A/s1600/IMG_5347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MBu8GUEWkQE/UqfdFJg6IuI/AAAAAAAACQI/PDA9WQS5h_A/s400/IMG_5347.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8FpMgAKZQlM/UqfYMsN8DhI/AAAAAAAACO4/YysI9OJ4zv8/s1600/IMG_2468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8FpMgAKZQlM/UqfYMsN8DhI/AAAAAAAACO4/YysI9OJ4zv8/s400/IMG_2468.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
<br />This must also be a favorite of the band KISS<br />
because I saw them last year too! They complete the race in full stage attire and aren't shy about posing for photos.<br />
<br />
The race runs through historic downtown Charleston and is a scenic course.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-emvvbw52erw/UqfZaPL4VMI/AAAAAAAACPI/MK3X5qYe2SI/s1600/IMG_2470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-emvvbw52erw/UqfZaPL4VMI/AAAAAAAACPI/MK3X5qYe2SI/s400/IMG_2470.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Michael's Church</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4IbTIg-iC-Y/UqfZdPzOu6I/AAAAAAAACPY/RP-auqvYfRI/s1600/IMG_2471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4IbTIg-iC-Y/UqfZdPzOu6I/AAAAAAAACPY/RP-auqvYfRI/s400/IMG_2471.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Battery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VgckGLp6Wc0/UqfZZxfIzKI/AAAAAAAACPM/drbnh34sp4Y/s1600/IMG_2472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VgckGLp6Wc0/UqfZZxfIzKI/AAAAAAAACPM/drbnh34sp4Y/s400/IMG_2472.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">King Street</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SBvZW6nXfZU/UqfZi2pMyEI/AAAAAAAACPg/GXm7ieEq7WY/s1600/IMG_2474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SBvZW6nXfZU/UqfZi2pMyEI/AAAAAAAACPg/GXm7ieEq7WY/s400/IMG_2474.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start and Finish line at Marion Square</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8FSoncNbIg/Uqfcs0ESGII/AAAAAAAACQA/yw7qNsIPQHc/s1600/IMG_2519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8FSoncNbIg/Uqfcs0ESGII/AAAAAAAACQA/yw7qNsIPQHc/s320/IMG_2519.JPG" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The long sleeved race t is a good one.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">EATING</span></h3>
Our trip to Charleston always includes another much loved spot - Cupcake! on King Street<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pruo4OCZA-g/UqfYvaM7BKI/AAAAAAAACPE/lQddQYywrpQ/s1600/IMG_2454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pruo4OCZA-g/UqfYvaM7BKI/AAAAAAAACPE/lQddQYywrpQ/s320/IMG_2454.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<h3>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">BEACH</span></h3>
There was a sandcastle contest on the beach at Kiawah and here are some of the creations.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qPP4odEsKow/UqfbGSq0y6I/AAAAAAAACPs/ez1_N2Anxn0/s1600/IMG_2518.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qPP4odEsKow/UqfbGSq0y6I/AAAAAAAACPs/ez1_N2Anxn0/s320/IMG_2518.PNG" width="284" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dragon in the top left was the winner and the castle from Tangled in the top right also placed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mKwD5VKGQPI/Uqfb5sgrQZI/AAAAAAAACP0/kGk4_kQG2Zo/s1600/IMG_2488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mKwD5VKGQPI/Uqfb5sgrQZI/AAAAAAAACP0/kGk4_kQG2Zo/s320/IMG_2488.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">DISC GOLF</span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vyn-dFllLvo/UqfduJaoqHI/AAAAAAAACQQ/EKS82SepI-c/s1600/IMG_2527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vyn-dFllLvo/UqfduJaoqHI/AAAAAAAACQQ/EKS82SepI-c/s400/IMG_2527.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TI7tiKO0Gfs/UqfdvO-58hI/AAAAAAAACQY/vLpp3_eEN6s/s1600/IMG_2528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TI7tiKO0Gfs/UqfdvO-58hI/AAAAAAAACQY/vLpp3_eEN6s/s400/IMG_2528.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">BIKING</span></h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k0rb-Nxs_fo/UqfeO7s3i4I/AAAAAAAACQg/0Mxk4fLzUK0/s1600/IMG_2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k0rb-Nxs_fo/UqfeO7s3i4I/AAAAAAAACQg/0Mxk4fLzUK0/s640/IMG_2521.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caravan of eight</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I just love spending time with my family and am already looking forward to next year.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hope you had a relaxing holiday with some good food.</div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936800921603212412.post-62531866291416487752013-04-21T20:36:00.002-04:002013-04-21T20:36:34.908-04:00Blueberries<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mmCk1jaNgAc/UXMnrM0-lKI/AAAAAAAACLY/xXhSfyWE5vE/s1600/IMG_2032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mmCk1jaNgAc/UXMnrM0-lKI/AAAAAAAACLY/xXhSfyWE5vE/s400/IMG_2032.JPG" width="337" /></a></div>
<br />
Last weekend I went blueberry picking for the first time in my life! <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Beck-Brothers-blueberries-U-Pick/121170221296165">Beck Brother's Blueberries</a> a beautiful 17 acre farm in Windemere is strangely located in the middle of a suburban neighborhood but I imagine they were there first. The farm was clean and well maintained with rows and rows of mature blueberry bushes bursting with fruit. At first glance, it looked like we arrived at a busy time, but once we got into the fields, it felt like we were the only ones out there.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9-av4MvBc4I/UXMoR4VwkSI/AAAAAAAACLg/Sxg4K0fs6pc/s1600/IMG_2053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9-av4MvBc4I/UXMoR4VwkSI/AAAAAAAACLg/Sxg4K0fs6pc/s400/IMG_2053.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Each carrying a bucket and surrounded by so many ripe berries, it was easy to get carried away and just keep picking. We ended up leaving with two large buckets full, about 2 gallons of blueberries!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tydk3HgSKRg/UXMo5PAUdOI/AAAAAAAACLo/6YD_YuLZ-4U/s1600/IMG_2052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tydk3HgSKRg/UXMo5PAUdOI/AAAAAAAACLo/6YD_YuLZ-4U/s400/IMG_2052.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I did have plans to make some blueberry jam, but seeing how many I had actually picked, I knew I needed to have some other ideas on how to use them. Here are some of my old and new favorites we have made this week in addition to eating them by the handfuls.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TUxc4Q8iGEw/UXSCdQZbIxI/AAAAAAAACMI/MqCKvrkj0QM/s1600/blueberry+buttermilk+coffee+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TUxc4Q8iGEw/UXSCdQZbIxI/AAAAAAAACMI/MqCKvrkj0QM/s1600/blueberry+buttermilk+coffee+cake.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://momentsthatmakealife.blogspot.com/2012/01/blueberry-buttermilk-breakfast-cake.html">Blueberry Buttermilk Coffee Cake</a></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZrtP0YJNEE/UXMq91k6jLI/AAAAAAAACLw/dE40wwDQuA4/s1600/IMG_2054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZrtP0YJNEE/UXMq91k6jLI/AAAAAAAACLw/dE40wwDQuA4/s400/IMG_2054.JPG" width="335" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Blueberry Jam</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LWmM9HnEY24/UXMrQna1LsI/AAAAAAAACL4/rUqd8VJ8XIs/s1600/IMG_2055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LWmM9HnEY24/UXMrQna1LsI/AAAAAAAACL4/rUqd8VJ8XIs/s400/IMG_2055.JPG" width="353" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Blueberry Salsa</span><br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;">
<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/102668066477705640/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="836" src="http://media-cache-ak1.pinimg.com/550x/82/3b/38/823b38a52eca16b5914e5b15908afaf5.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
<div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">
Source: <a href="http://www.epicureanmom.com/2011/09/lemon-blueberry-cheesecake-bars.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">epicureanmom.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/momentsinalife/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Kelley</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;">
<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/102668066477738257/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="449" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinimg.com/550x/e2/cb/9d/e2cb9d487d51ff8b3cd222e1d9f729cf.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
<div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">
Source: <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/blueberry-muffins-recipe/index.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">foodnetwork.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/momentsinalife/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Kelley</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Blueberry Muffins<b> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Blueberry Pie</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Blueberry Waffles</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
(I feel like the guy in Forrest Gump who talks about all the ways you can eat shrimp.)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Luckily I have a willing group of coworkers who help me eat it all! Next week I plan to make some of these <a href="http://momentsthatmakealife.blogspot.com/2012/04/blueberry-fruit-bars.html">fruit bars</a> too. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m6Rnx7rHa7E/UXSFJa2S3nI/AAAAAAAACMQ/0zZTev513OA/s1600/Blueberry+Fruit+Bars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m6Rnx7rHa7E/UXSFJa2S3nI/AAAAAAAACMQ/0zZTev513OA/s1600/Blueberry+Fruit+Bars.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
After that I am taking a break and will enjoy the frozen ones along the way.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
It has been quite a week of canning, baking, freezing eating and sharing blueberries!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936800921603212412.post-43884099673436992762013-03-29T20:01:00.001-04:002013-03-29T20:01:27.265-04:00Friday FunniesHere are a few things that made me laugh out loud... Happy Weekend!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IxCv5APThoE/UVYq7xvtIWI/AAAAAAAACLI/eGVEdlnLk5Y/s1600/chocolate+bunny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IxCv5APThoE/UVYq7xvtIWI/AAAAAAAACLI/eGVEdlnLk5Y/s320/chocolate+bunny.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;">
<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/266556871667450505/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="375" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/550x/03/52/25/035225b732de922ea2d052761e3fba17.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
<div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">
Source: <a href="http://therealbrew.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/funny_easter_egg_you_look_like_a_whore.jpeg" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">therealbrew.files.wordpress.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/shenyangmama/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Sandy</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;">
<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/404549978997607561/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="565" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/550x/cd/51/5f/cd515fb04a2a8e313b2f93a090ec81a8.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">
Source: <a href="http://www.hanselfrombasel.com/blog.aspx" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">hanselfrombasel.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/rml223/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Rebecca</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
</div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936800921603212412.post-63655846633610267532013-02-18T22:15:00.000-05:002013-12-20T10:41:22.206-05:00Tomato Soup<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uDPMvsYOlZw/UQidEErKdJI/AAAAAAAACJo/5RikicAe_Mo/s1600/IMG_1721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uDPMvsYOlZw/UQidEErKdJI/AAAAAAAACJo/5RikicAe_Mo/s320/IMG_1721.JPG" title="Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons" width="238" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
As I get older, I am finding I like soup more and more and I am a little obsessed with this tomato soup. That may not seem unusual except I hated tomato soup until I tried this one.<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ed9a0fZJ_sg/UMPl5s9BAqI/AAAAAAAACFE/YzcprOK5Hk0/s1600/DSCF5220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ed9a0fZJ_sg/UMPl5s9BAqI/AAAAAAAACFE/YzcprOK5Hk0/s400/DSCF5220.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I realized I like each individual ingredient and so I thought I might like them all together as well. I felt like an outsider all those years watching everyone enjoying their tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. But no more - I am now part of the club cause I like it too.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s1qCA5qehDs/UQieDSqKqiI/AAAAAAAACKA/jAX-BOKndlc/s1600/IMG_1725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s1qCA5qehDs/UQieDSqKqiI/AAAAAAAACKA/jAX-BOKndlc/s320/IMG_1725.JPG" width="310" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What's great about it is it doesn't require a special trip to the store because I usually have all the ingredients in my house. Lately it has been my go to meal for those nights I want an easy dinner idea. Although it needs to sit on the stove for about 40 minutes, it doesn't require a lot of attention.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KcN3uIJ3MOU/UQieG0HY7uI/AAAAAAAACKI/eKH-kosewGY/s1600/IMG_1722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KcN3uIJ3MOU/UQieG0HY7uI/AAAAAAAACKI/eKH-kosewGY/s320/IMG_1722.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have dressed it up with diced avocado, and even topped it with grilled cheese croutons, but it tastes good enough in a bowl all by itself.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Tomato Soup</span></b></u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>3 tablespoons olive oil</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>1 large onion, chopped</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>3 cloves minced garlic</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>4 cups vegetable broth</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>1/2 cup orzo (uncooked)</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>1/2 cup heavy cream</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>1 tablespoon salt (I substitute <a href="http://momentsthatmakealife.blogspot.com/2012/09/basil-salt.html">Basil Salt)</a></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>1 teaspoon pepper</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook over medium low heat until lightly brown, about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Add the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Once boiling, lower heat and simmer for 15 minutes.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>In a separate pot cook orzo in boiling water for 7 minutes. It will finish cooking once added to the soup. Drain the orzo and add it to the soup. Stir in heavy crew and simmer for 10 more minutes, stirring occasionally.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Adapted from Food Network <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/easy-tomato-soup-grilled-cheese-croutons-recipe/index.html">recipe</a>.</i></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936800921603212412.post-47532741985245171812013-02-03T17:44:00.001-05:002013-02-03T17:44:42.578-05:00Brita Fill & Go<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My car is like my home away from home. I like to have every thing I may need in it, just in case, like an extra jacket, umbrella, dental floss, lotion, extra pair of glasses, lip balm and of course a bottle of water. I live in Florida and it's hot almost all the time. I drink a lot of water and never like to be without it. I feel so wasteful when I find myself having to shell out cash for an overpriced and environmentally unfriendly bottle of water at a store. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have been using my <a href="http://www.mysigg.com/home.do?promoCode=SIGPAYPCWEBMACSS&gclid=CJzP0t-Qm7UCFQU5nAod-2IALQ">Sigg</a> bottles to carry water from home, but once it's gone that's it. I can't refill it while I'm out because I don't trust water from just anywhere. That is why I am loving my new Fill & Go water bottle from <a href="http://www.brita.com/">Brita</a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xOe3psmjn5o/UQmxxPjwQ3I/AAAAAAAACKk/YeX3t5Y3DEw/s1600/IMG_1740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xOe3psmjn5o/UQmxxPjwQ3I/AAAAAAAACKk/YeX3t5Y3DEw/s640/IMG_1740.JPG" width="376" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This bottle has a filter in it so I can refill with any tap water and still have the safety and improved taste of filtered water without the cost of buying a bottle of water or lugging around multiple reusable bottles from home. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GqHjO___MpQ/UQmx0KO_1wI/AAAAAAAACKs/2h7gj889VkE/s1600/IMG_1739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GqHjO___MpQ/UQmx0KO_1wI/AAAAAAAACKs/2h7gj889VkE/s400/IMG_1739.JPG" width="297" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The filter is replaceable and fits in the flip top cap. I just unscrew the lid, refill it and all the water I drink is filtered before it gets to my lips. This bottle comes with 4 filter discs. Each disk should be replaced after drinking 20 liters. The bottle is BPA free and can go in the dishwasher for cleaning.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jpOsb2br0rQ?rel=0" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
Because I can refill it from any sink, I have been taking mine with me to work and around town. It is slim enough to fit in the cup holder of my car and big enough to hold about 20 ounces of water.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vs7IsXeIzDQ/UQmx07d8bOI/AAAAAAAACK0/APkSnsGhiL8/s1600/IMG_1830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vs7IsXeIzDQ/UQmx07d8bOI/AAAAAAAACK0/APkSnsGhiL8/s200/IMG_1830.JPG" width="151" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lrMD2bPZ-_Y/UQmxv52-xbI/AAAAAAAACKc/-ilRbohNtlU/s1600/IMG_1738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lrMD2bPZ-_Y/UQmxv52-xbI/AAAAAAAACKc/-ilRbohNtlU/s200/IMG_1738.JPG" width="152" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A bonus for me is the durability, I have already dropped it onto the street and it survived without damage. I am always looking for the latest and greatest water bottle and I love this one. The only downside may be the cost of replacement filters. We'll have to see how that goes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I did receive a sample bottle to try, but the opinions about this product are all mine.</span></div>
<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936800921603212412.post-41997417190534417022013-01-29T22:58:00.003-05:002013-01-31T20:02:21.218-05:00Goofy Challenge Race RecapThe weekend I had been <strike>thinking</strike> worrying and training about for months finally arrived and it was all worth it!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jAPWq42JYnM/UQiCoVJgPoI/AAAAAAAACI8/2DatC_zcmMs/s1600/goofy+medals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jAPWq42JYnM/UQiCoVJgPoI/AAAAAAAACI8/2DatC_zcmMs/s400/goofy+medals.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Half Marathon</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Although the Disney World Marathon weekend is scheduled for the coldest weekend in January (historically) this year was an exception. Not what I wanted for running long distances, but it could have been worse. Morning temps were in the upper 50s and warmed up to mid 70s. Because we start so damn early, we run a good portion of the race in the dark which helps on warm days like this.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I don't know if it's the starting time, 5:30am, the number of runners 24,000 for the half and more for the marathon, or the distance you have to walk to the starting line, 20 min walk, but you have to get up so early for these races! We had a 2:30am wake up time with the goal of leaving the house by 3:05am in an effort to get to the parks by 3:30am and beat the traffic. The pre-race traffic jam stresses me out and I would rather have a calmer start to the day so it's worth it to get up 30 minutes earlier.</span><br />
<br />
There are many opportunities to run half marathons and marathons, but only one place where you can stop along the way and get photos with all the characters you grew up with. Our goal for this race was to take it easy and take lots of pictures and that's just what we did. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kDdVA143cLU/UQe4KS6snpI/AAAAAAAACG4/pTS-txLogec/s1600/IMG_1837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kDdVA143cLU/UQe4KS6snpI/AAAAAAAACG4/pTS-txLogec/s400/IMG_1837.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Mary Poppins pic is my favorite! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HZydswrW2I8/UQiDJQDmXpI/AAAAAAAACJE/3HF_W6YLHek/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-01-15+at+7.02.19+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HZydswrW2I8/UQiDJQDmXpI/AAAAAAAACJE/3HF_W6YLHek/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-01-15+at+7.02.19+PM.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We finished the race in 2:23:46 with one-third of the challenge completed. Then we headed back home to refuel, relax and get ready for tomorrow's race.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Marathon</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Waking up at 2:30am for the second night in a row wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but it did make me think of the movie Groundhog Day. Using the same routine, we got to Epcot without too much trouble, but the crowd arrived earlier today. The big change we made was to head out to the starting line as soon as they opened the chutes. It was so much better than the giant crowd were wedged into the day before during the walk out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QqCYgxNJO4E/UQhyuqQ2WWI/AAAAAAAACHg/t1YS7dpOugQ/s1600/IMG_1817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QqCYgxNJO4E/UQhyuqQ2WWI/AAAAAAAACHg/t1YS7dpOugQ/s400/IMG_1817.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our plan today was to run-walk in 4:1 intervals, take more photos and enjoy the race. The first walk break always feels awkward, because you don't need it then and everyone is hustling past you. We pretty much stuck to that schedule except for photo and bathroom breaks until later in the race when we walked more than ran. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A6ClfvxI5Dg/UQhzRLQqviI/AAAAAAAACHw/DWFYkGDQjZc/s1600/IMG_1815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A6ClfvxI5Dg/UQhzRLQqviI/AAAAAAAACHw/DWFYkGDQjZc/s320/IMG_1815.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ftFulU8wrcM/UQhzwnnl2GI/AAAAAAAACIA/dyBWSGQMEHM/s1600/IMG_1798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ftFulU8wrcM/UQhzwnnl2GI/AAAAAAAACIA/dyBWSGQMEHM/s320/IMG_1798.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">We didn't want to kill ourselves to finish with a great time. It was a relief to not worry about the time, something I am not used to, but very freeing. </span><span style="text-align: left;">Unlike yesterday, I brought some extra food with me to eat later on in the race. Consuming only Powerade and water for that many miles is not enough for me and I am not a GU person. I packed Honey Stingers, a Cliff Crunch and some pretzels. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4ud8ls4MfA/UQiDXClDHAI/AAAAAAAACJU/AZ2fc0DB8N0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-01-15+at+7.06.12+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4ud8ls4MfA/UQiDXClDHAI/AAAAAAAACJU/AZ2fc0DB8N0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-01-15+at+7.06.12+PM.png" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The villains photo is my favorite from this day! Gaston cracked me up.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nolKnQqdz0s/UQh0GiSx1cI/AAAAAAAACII/EHLvzlGqTj4/s1600/IMG_1840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nolKnQqdz0s/UQh0GiSx1cI/AAAAAAAACII/EHLvzlGqTj4/s320/IMG_1840.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Belle looks sweet, but I think she woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning, because she was a little abrupt. Not very Belle like.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFZOA6FYIlc/UQh06tJ4tyI/AAAAAAAACIo/Hk_uIvseEwo/s1600/IMG_1812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFZOA6FYIlc/UQh06tJ4tyI/AAAAAAAACIo/Hk_uIvseEwo/s320/IMG_1812.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-anflQ73fHpg/UQh0GzJt6MI/AAAAAAAACIQ/wp0FFIsmXi0/s1600/IMG_1842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-anflQ73fHpg/UQh0GzJt6MI/AAAAAAAACIQ/wp0FFIsmXi0/s320/IMG_1842.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wR5tX5ata74/UQe_0ROzNxI/AAAAAAAACHQ/LHTAcZrBSkM/s1600/IMG_1803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wR5tX5ata74/UQe_0ROzNxI/AAAAAAAACHQ/LHTAcZrBSkM/s320/IMG_1803.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Because this was the 20th anniversary of the marathon there were some special happenings at mile 20. My photos don't do it justice. It was refreshing to have a little excitement at the point in the race you really wish you were closer to the finish line than you are. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X_wlKQG9i3A/UQh0iJiHOTI/AAAAAAAACIY/73GPSsZT0oY/s1600/IMG_1809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X_wlKQG9i3A/UQh0iJiHOTI/AAAAAAAACIY/73GPSsZT0oY/s320/IMG_1809.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TPGRLMIl6D8/UQh0jzqj99I/AAAAAAAACIg/10i_bjmYtBQ/s1600/IMG_1807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TPGRLMIl6D8/UQh0jzqj99I/AAAAAAAACIg/10i_bjmYtBQ/s200/IMG_1807.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I was very hot and tired by the time we crossed the finish line in 5:31:29. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We met our goal and completed the Goofy Challenge! I can't believe I ran 39.3 miles in two days. It was not easy and it took many hours of training, but I'm glad I did it and I'm glad its over. It is definitely a crazy thing to do, but it is such a big deal during this weekend that you feel like a celebrity when people see your Goofy bib and share words of encouragement.<br />
<br />
It was an experience I will never forget!</div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936800921603212412.post-78446055792134758942013-01-04T09:35:00.000-05:002013-01-04T09:35:50.090-05:00Gearing Up for Goofy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qBOq6KB6UJ0/UObeq35CkpI/AAAAAAAACGM/OHJEqK2m6iM/s1600/goofy39.3fullbody.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qBOq6KB6UJ0/UObeq35CkpI/AAAAAAAACGM/OHJEqK2m6iM/s400/goofy39.3fullbody.png" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Only<b><span style="font-size: large;"> 8 days</span></b> until the Goofy Challenge begins! I am both nervous and excited.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This will be my second time running a marathon, but that does not make me feel any more prepared because <a href="http://momentsthatmakealife.blogspot.com/2011/01/disney-marathon-recap.html">the first one</a> was exhausting and I didn't run a half marathon the day before. In fact, I remember saying to myself that day that I couldn't imagine running those distances in back to back days. Yet, here I am about to do that exact thing. Why did I think this was a good idea? I wanted to challenge myself to see if I could.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Next Saturday I will run the half marathon and on Sunday I will run the marathon at Disney World. Although this will be my longest distance race, my training plan is not more demanding than my marathon training 2 years ago. The biggest difference has been the addition of two long runs on back to back days. Other than that, I have only been running two days a week for 30-45 minutes. It doesn't seem like enough, but I am trusting the <a href="http://www.rundisney.com/training/running/">plan</a>. After all it is from Jeff Galloway who knows a thing or two about running. My goal is not to PR both races but to finish them in an upright position.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I plan to take it easy on the half and enjoy the run and then run a 3:1 run/walk ratio for the full. I just want to finish!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My husband (dessert man) and I will be running this race together. It will be nice to share the experience and encourage each other along when the going gets tough. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Right now, the weather forecast is not ideal, but that can change.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tMi7Ff1p8XE/UObl9zwoDpI/AAAAAAAACGc/9kl865Ena-A/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-01-04+at+9.22.23+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tMi7Ff1p8XE/UObl9zwoDpI/AAAAAAAACGc/9kl865Ena-A/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-01-04+at+9.22.23+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I will run 7 miles tomorrow and then a couple 30 min runs next week and that is it!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Other than that, I need to decide what to wear and what to eat on those days and prepare ahead of time anything I can. I don't think we're going to feel like doing a lot of cooking that weekend. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We have been planning this race since April and I don't wan't anything to get in our way of finishing it when we are this close.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936800921603212412.post-6302267528384420032012-12-08T21:00:00.000-05:002012-12-08T21:00:03.378-05:005 things I'm Loving...1. Keeping track of the food I eat is a pain for me. I know it helps me to manage my weight, but finding the calories for every little item all day used to be tedious until I started using <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/">My Fitness Pal.</a> I have the app on my phone and it is so easy to use. The food database is gigantic and I have been able to find all the food I eat quickly including what I eat out at restaurants. My favorite feature is the bar code scanner which automatically adds that item to my food diary. I like this so much better than tracking with Weight Watchers.<br />
<br />
<br />
2. <a href="http://www.thefuntheory.com/">Fun Theory</a> has the best ideas to change behavior for the better. You may have seen the clip of the staircase they make into a keyboard to encourage people to take the stairs instead of the escalator. (If not, that video is there too.) Here is a new one I just came across- The World's Deepest Bin.<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;">
<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/2814818488778834/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/2814818488778834_dmhPfTf1_c.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">
Source: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch/?v=cbEKAwCoCKw" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">youtube.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/janew/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Jane</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
3. I struggle with finding the right gift for my family and friends to the point that I put it off to the very last minute. This <a href="http://fitbie.msn.com/slideshow/cheap-gifts-fitness-fanatics/slide/25">list</a> of 25 items under $25 for the fitness lovers helped me out. I really liked the bike basket, but it appears other did too - It is sold out. Check it out, maybe you'll find a good idea for someone on your list (or yourself).<br />
<br />
4.I plan to get in some reading over the holiday and found <a href="http://blog.hpb.com/hpb-blog/2012/4/9/40-books-you-wont-be-able-to-put-down.html">this </a>great list of hard to put down books. I have read quite a few, but found some to add to my <i>Books to Read</i> list on <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/">Goodreads</a>. I love getting book recommendations and this site is great for that. (If you want to see my book lists, be my friend on Goodreads. My user name is kelleywf)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QzKWiGmqJwg/UMPwVhBaAzI/AAAAAAAACF0/gaw9RPjKc5c/s1600/cranberry+orange+bread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QzKWiGmqJwg/UMPwVhBaAzI/AAAAAAAACF0/gaw9RPjKc5c/s400/cranberry+orange+bread.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
5. I just made this <a href="http://momentsthatmakealife.blogspot.com/2011/09/cranberry-orange-bread.html">Cranberry Orange bread </a>again and have been reminded of how much I like it. I couldn't stop eating it. The orange glaze puts it over the top! It's a great way to use up any extra cranberries you have hanging out in your freezer too.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936800921603212412.post-39362329262157794352012-11-26T19:29:00.000-05:002012-11-26T19:29:47.831-05:00Turkey Day Run with the Family<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rkmlCy2U9Fw/ULP-XGQw7fI/AAAAAAAACDs/nn6lBRHCbSc/s1600/turkeyrun2012.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rkmlCy2U9Fw/ULP-XGQw7fI/AAAAAAAACDs/nn6lBRHCbSc/s1600/turkeyrun2012.png" /></a></div>
<br />
For the second year is a row my family spent Thanksgiving in the Charleston, SC area which included running the Thanksgiving Day 5K again as well! We loved the race last year and this one was just as fun.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8H9rqsUkxLk/ULP_dn6MrBI/AAAAAAAACD0/ZTi46_wsIHA/s1600/IMG_1680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8H9rqsUkxLk/ULP_dn6MrBI/AAAAAAAACD0/ZTi46_wsIHA/s400/IMG_1680.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My brother and his family, my sister, my children and me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Held in downtown, historic Charleston, this race has a scenic course and a great after party at Marion Square which includes fresh Krispy Kreme doughnuts, a beer garden, live music, Mr. Pig from Piggly Wiggly and Mr. Turkey. We enjoyed all of these amenities!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bMgP1BOx2IY/ULQAyuRz8dI/AAAAAAAACD8/RjSR7p4ul8E/s1600/IMG_1703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bMgP1BOx2IY/ULQAyuRz8dI/AAAAAAAACD8/RjSR7p4ul8E/s400/IMG_1703.JPG" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Mr. Turkey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Every year the race gets larger - 6,000 runners for this one. Even though it is a run for everyone, they do have timing chips and prizes for the fastest. The majority of the field is casual runners with dogs and strollers - very family oriented. <br />
<br />
The results are posted right away and they give you cool information like this:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KN0VJS_k_xI/ULQIKlABBSI/AAAAAAAACEw/-c6GA1rQ4yw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-11-26+at+6.43.21+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KN0VJS_k_xI/ULQIKlABBSI/AAAAAAAACEw/-c6GA1rQ4yw/s640/Screen+Shot+2012-11-26+at+6.43.21+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We had walkers, some, more serious runners and a few run/walkers in our group. It is so much fun, that no one wanted to miss it even if running isn't their thing. My daughter <a href="http://goodforyoublog.blogspot.com/">Cate</a> even ran a PR! I ran/walked this one with my other two children. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U4Tuz2iyKhA/ULQE5UcqvjI/AAAAAAAACEg/a-shhDNSlyQ/s1600/IMG_1702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U4Tuz2iyKhA/ULQE5UcqvjI/AAAAAAAACEg/a-shhDNSlyQ/s400/IMG_1702.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my children </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The race starts and ends at Marion Square and takes you down to The Battery (waterfront). It was a cold sunny morning, but we warmed up once we got moving.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tg7ovjZ740I/ULQEoHPmYAI/AAAAAAAACEY/7FYpK5D_Rl8/s1600/IMG_1682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="370" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tg7ovjZ740I/ULQEoHPmYAI/AAAAAAAACEY/7FYpK5D_Rl8/s400/IMG_1682.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Battery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We saw these two in full costume including platform boots- Who knew they were runners? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XlKsAMoXULw/ULQEezhdkBI/AAAAAAAACEM/gBaC6lNiiUQ/s1600/IMG_1681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XlKsAMoXULw/ULQEezhdkBI/AAAAAAAACEM/gBaC6lNiiUQ/s400/IMG_1681.JPG" width="297" /></a></div>
<br />
The only time the race felt crowded, was at the after party, but people didn't stay long (I guess they had food to cook or something). They served my favorite beer (or the athletic beer as my sister says) Michelob Ultra. Most of us gobbled up a doughnut either before or after the race except for my sister-in-law who didn't get one because the person in line in front of her got the LAST one. I guess that has to happen to someone, but what a bummer!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yZxkkBfmA5w/ULQGUgnvlPI/AAAAAAAACEo/fIQa1MT_wZQ/s1600/IMG_1714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yZxkkBfmA5w/ULQGUgnvlPI/AAAAAAAACEo/fIQa1MT_wZQ/s400/IMG_1714.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister and brother and me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I am voting that we return to Charleston next year too and make this run a regular event!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936800921603212412.post-42781627364766115182012-10-28T20:12:00.000-04:002012-10-28T20:12:20.469-04:005 Good Things<br />
1. <a href="http://www.positivelypresent.com/2011/11/zoom-in-on-gratitude-30-day-photo-challenge.html">30 Day Photo Challenge</a> This photo-a-day event challenges you to slow down and look at your world in a different way. Whether you're an expert or beginner, you can sharpen your photography skills and experiment with all the cool features of <a href="http://instagram.com/">Instagram</a>. Let your creativity bloom!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hbb--zozuvs/UI3F6Fp--SI/AAAAAAAACDM/Cz1u6v1MlQQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-10-28+at+7.54.45+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="105" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hbb--zozuvs/UI3F6Fp--SI/AAAAAAAACDM/Cz1u6v1MlQQ/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-10-28+at+7.54.45+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
2. Gooey butter cake is my go to recipe for a quick, sweet treat and now you can make them into cute <a href="http://www.theextraordinaryartofcake.com/2010/07/amazing-st-louis-gooey-butter-cake.html">cupcakes</a> too! How awesome is that?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BJfZySba5Pk/UI3AjfmJh_I/AAAAAAAACC0/_y9OE2qGsds/s1600/DSCF2442_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BJfZySba5Pk/UI3AjfmJh_I/AAAAAAAACC0/_y9OE2qGsds/s320/DSCF2442_2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://momentsthatmakealife.blogspot.com/2010/08/whatever-bars.html">My version</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
3. Love free ebooks? Then <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Freebooksy">FreeBooksy</a> on Facebook is for you! Like them to see what ebooks are free daily. A variety of titles are offered for a limited time, and I have found some great reads.<br />
<br />
4. I have never been a big fan of yogurt, although I know its good for me, until recently when I came across a new brand. It is super creamy and very much like a dessert. I first found <a href="http://www.noosayoghurt.com/">Noosa</a> at Whole Foods, but I now get it at Target for a more wallet friendly price. Strawberry Rhubarb is my favorite with Raspberry coming in second.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jXCzh0AuO7E/UI3CuB-4faI/AAAAAAAACC8/5QkvlJb2zVI/s1600/noosa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jXCzh0AuO7E/UI3CuB-4faI/AAAAAAAACC8/5QkvlJb2zVI/s320/noosa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
5. Finally, after 2 months, our new house that is being built looks like a house! After not seeing much progress until now, this was a sight for sore eyes. We may actually have a new house in the near future. (Fingers crossed)!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GNjb7URcUFs/UI3JdGVcalI/AAAAAAAACDc/pb7gTvM83IA/s1600/IMG_1646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GNjb7URcUFs/UI3JdGVcalI/AAAAAAAACDc/pb7gTvM83IA/s320/IMG_1646.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936800921603212412.post-32272268802508421302012-10-20T22:43:00.002-04:002012-10-20T22:46:59.943-04:00My visit to the Sprinkles Cupcakes ATMWhile in Chicago for the marathon, I couldn't miss an opportunity to get some scrumptious cupcakes from the downtown <a href="http://www.sprinkles.com/">Sprinkles</a> shop. (In fact, I ate cupcakes twice during my 3 day stay)<br />
<br />
Yes, they were as good as I remembered, but they had an extra treat at the shop that I had to experience - the <b>Cupcake ATM.</b> That's correct, a machine that dispenses freshly baked and boxed individual cupcakes 24 hours a day!! What could be better than that? I don't know.<br />
<br />
For those of you who can't imagine how it works, here's a video of my experience. It starts with a cupcake song...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy76N2iTRBvloxZuquUknI5_uaYHKHYcKU6qCJam66WZHO5s5SimaKPQeKzP-ZMME5krRQ_cbRImUL01GOzTw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here's what came out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2-Dyjf1v0EY/UINiFMYPPlI/AAAAAAAACCg/tvPLAyJZ948/s1600/IMG_1637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2-Dyjf1v0EY/UINiFMYPPlI/AAAAAAAACCg/tvPLAyJZ948/s320/IMG_1637.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
It's probably good I don't have one nearby, it could get out of control, but I wish I did anyway.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936800921603212412.post-48776568735357127782012-10-15T21:48:00.001-04:002012-10-17T18:00:08.944-04:00Voluncheering at the Chicago Marathon<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RVLcj8SlWog/UHybpFzvz0I/AAAAAAAAB-c/m25Yt4beMak/s1600/IMG_1609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RVLcj8SlWog/UHybpFzvz0I/AAAAAAAAB-c/m25Yt4beMak/s400/IMG_1609.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We got the awesome Nike jacket & hat for volunteering!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This is how our day started the morning of the Chicago Marathon (10/7/12). Up and out by 4:30am to check in for our volunteering duties at Aid Station #7 in Old Town - Mile 10.5 along the route.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_R66ODsPXDA/UHybe_DqIZI/AAAAAAAAB-Q/Aq9d3eaT_O0/s1600/IMG_1608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_R66ODsPXDA/UHybe_DqIZI/AAAAAAAAB-Q/Aq9d3eaT_O0/s400/IMG_1608.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Others would wake up to find their car not where they left it the night before. The tow trucks were busy clearing the streets for the runners and there were lots of cars to move! I guess they didn't see the zillion signs telling them not to park there.<br />
<br />
We were assigned to the first table of the station and had to prepare four stacked layers of Gatorade.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGHDYr4vYh0/UHyeBHta-uI/AAAAAAAAB-k/MjEfRIq3zh0/s1600/IMG_1601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGHDYr4vYh0/UHyeBHta-uI/AAAAAAAAB-k/MjEfRIq3zh0/s400/IMG_1601.JPG" width="297" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L314RC_Tr1A/UHyeJt5Y2ZI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/7WJhA71Q-5Q/s1600/IMG_1602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L314RC_Tr1A/UHyeJt5Y2ZI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/7WJhA71Q-5Q/s400/IMG_1602.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gatorade table crew</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
By the time we finished, the sun had risen, but not the temperature. It was a chilly day!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S5pdZKflFTo/UHyes6u-6sI/AAAAAAAAB_Y/U6WM-B5zY7Q/s1600/IMG_1605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S5pdZKflFTo/UHyes6u-6sI/AAAAAAAAB_Y/U6WM-B5zY7Q/s400/IMG_1605.JPG" width="395" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
We anxiously awaited the elite runners. Fifty minutes after the start they were hitting mile 10.5. They were right behind the pace truck!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IONHzWlfzrk/UHyfxF5sAVI/AAAAAAAAB_w/YNjUywTRxWE/s1600/IMG_1598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IONHzWlfzrk/UHyfxF5sAVI/AAAAAAAAB_w/YNjUywTRxWE/s400/IMG_1598.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
None of them grabbed any Gatorade, but our station was a long one and they may have grabbed something later down the line. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zKYUbdN8Z50/UHyfp8nTfDI/AAAAAAAAB_o/itZHLlPT5eo/s1600/IMG_1596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zKYUbdN8Z50/UHyfp8nTfDI/AAAAAAAAB_o/itZHLlPT5eo/s320/IMG_1596.JPG" width="294" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-08hce_hZK-o/UH8pakHtqTI/AAAAAAAACCA/UCI-vbAnckY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-10-14+at+8.13.27+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-08hce_hZK-o/UH8pakHtqTI/AAAAAAAACCA/UCI-vbAnckY/s400/Screen+Shot+2012-10-14+at+8.13.27+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fleetfeetchicago/8080347622/in/photostream/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Once the runners started to pass, they did not stop! I think 40,000 in all, but there was one runner in particular we were there to support - my daughter <a href="http://goodforyoublog.blogspot.com/">Cate</a>! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This was her first marathon and she was looking strong when she passed our station!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Fa7e_Fzmsg/UHyghhXNDOI/AAAAAAAACAA/_ymkltt-UVg/s1600/IMG_1593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Fa7e_Fzmsg/UHyghhXNDOI/AAAAAAAACAA/_ymkltt-UVg/s320/IMG_1593.JPG" width="245" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Being the first table in the station, our drinks were first to go, so within an hour of the first runner, we had given them all out. We had front row spots to see all the action of the race and it was a great experience! The time flew by and before we knew it, our shift was over.<br />
<br />
We traveled to Chicago to spend the weekend with Cate and cheer her on during the race. Volunteering was a last minute decision, but it made the day even better. Everyone we worked with was so nice, (most of them runners) and they do this year after year. This most likely will be a one time event for us, since we don't live in Chicago, but I would recommend it to anyone nearby.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8kbXJphbJls/UHygjq1sIEI/AAAAAAAACAI/rNif7gCpMwU/s1600/IMG_1640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8kbXJphbJls/UHygjq1sIEI/AAAAAAAACAI/rNif7gCpMwU/s400/IMG_1640.JPG" width="328" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Elvis entertaining the runners along the route</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
We consulted the map to see where we could catch up with her again and headed to mile 21 and Chinatown, a part of Chicago I have never been to. We got there well ahead of her, but found a great spot on the sidewalk to watch the runners and wait for her to pass.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwNNTmQjthU/UHygZ70mpnI/AAAAAAAAB_4/GPKxmRuWb4U/s1600/IMG_1589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwNNTmQjthU/UHygZ70mpnI/AAAAAAAAB_4/GPKxmRuWb4U/s400/IMG_1589.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
While waiting, this piece of bacon ran by and then in the distance we saw her! She looked great, running strong and steady not even looking tired!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qWxz4xgh5Jk/UHy2uCa-REI/AAAAAAAACA4/5UUwT9URLiM/s1600/IMG_1588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qWxz4xgh5Jk/UHy2uCa-REI/AAAAAAAACA4/5UUwT9URLiM/s320/IMG_1588.JPG" width="193" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mDbs3sGkf-A/UHy26Dp_jJI/AAAAAAAACBA/h4nai1E2QyU/s1600/IMG_1639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mDbs3sGkf-A/UHy26Dp_jJI/AAAAAAAACBA/h4nai1E2QyU/s320/IMG_1639.JPG" width="204" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We gave her encouragement to keep it up for the last 5 miles and hopped back on the train to head to the finish line.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mUNPkiu-Wnw/UHy3pQltQOI/AAAAAAAACBI/8qHGrwoYHu4/s1600/IMG_1585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mUNPkiu-Wnw/UHy3pQltQOI/AAAAAAAACBI/8qHGrwoYHu4/s320/IMG_1585.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Cate crossed the finish with a PR and a sense of satisfaction. I am so proud of her!! This was quite a moment to see my daughter accomplish such a feat after all the hard work and training she put into it! <br />
That same day, she even considered the thought of running another! <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Our day at the marathon was long and cold and fabulous!! </span><br />
<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936800921603212412.post-47645277470644526882012-10-03T18:32:00.001-04:002012-10-03T18:32:29.563-04:00My Own Little Terror in the Tower of Terror 10 Miler<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CLkRqxOZVmY/UGjQ-6aoJfI/AAAAAAAAB6U/SyCJCA1GRwU/s1600/IMG_1553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CLkRqxOZVmY/UGjQ-6aoJfI/AAAAAAAAB6U/SyCJCA1GRwU/s400/IMG_1553.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glow in the dark medal!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Saturday I ran Disney World's <b>Tower of Terror 10 Miler</b>. The race started at 10pm, but like all of Disney races, you have to get there hours earlier because so many people participate. Although the race began and ended in Disney's Hollywood Studios we had to park at the Wild World of Sports Complex and take a bus to and from the race. We got there just before the masses and had an easy time getting in.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pxC_HPKTLk0/UGjUAS1AGoI/AAAAAAAAB7A/-TsTkFcwsMs/s1600/IMG_1565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pxC_HPKTLk0/UGjUAS1AGoI/AAAAAAAAB7A/-TsTkFcwsMs/s400/IMG_1565.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our view of Tower of Terror as we approached the park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We spent the next 2+ hours in a parking lot to wait it out until the start. I did a lot of people watching and saw some creative costumes. We showed our spirit by wearing orange and black.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IJVeCYEtgjE/UGjf54WcIeI/AAAAAAAAB8g/Fdl5j0RkWdE/s1600/IMG_1563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IJVeCYEtgjE/UGjf54WcIeI/AAAAAAAAB8g/Fdl5j0RkWdE/s320/IMG_1563.JPG" width="238" /></a></div>
<br />
About 30 minutes before the start I drank a <b>5-hour Energy</b> that I had picked up at a race expo. Never having tried one before, I didn't know what to expect, but I thought a little extra energy sounded like a good idea, especially for a late night race. Dessert Man and I were going to share one, but it only promised moderate energy if you drank half. Who only wants moderate energy? So I went for the whole thing. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-srBoFnXz9s8/UGwYZsKiw2I/AAAAAAAAB9c/PvXPtcLVBj4/s1600/5-Hour-Energy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-srBoFnXz9s8/UGwYZsKiw2I/AAAAAAAAB9c/PvXPtcLVBj4/s320/5-Hour-Energy.jpg" width="176" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I felt really good at the start of the race despite the heat and humidity. The temperature was in the mid 80s. We had a good spot in Corral A, close to the start line.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HU1rng-1oks/UGjfkrkx2-I/AAAAAAAAB8Q/LkdwQOPVafg/s1600/IMG_1561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HU1rng-1oks/UGjfkrkx2-I/AAAAAAAAB8Q/LkdwQOPVafg/s400/IMG_1561.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The starting line</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The first few miles were crowded, but it thinned out in mile 2. We were moving at a decent pace, but it felt okay. I was psyched for a good run! The course was very dark and we were running on paved roads. I grabbed a sip of gatorade at the second aid station and things were fine. About 2 miles later, at the next station my stomach felt full, but I knew I needed to stay hydrated, so I drank a few sips of water. <b>I felt a little slushy in my gut</b> after this and that developed into a side stitch. I figured after a few miles things would settle down. I even ate a Stinger chew at mile 4, not wanting to run out of fuel later in the run.<br />
<br />
At mile 4.75 we turned off the road and onto a gravel trail that took us to the fields at Wide World of Sports. Here, we ran among the playing fields, around the bases in the baseball stadium and around the running track. In all the races I have done at Disney, this was my first time running this part and it was a great change of scenery!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y25NGcFwfDs/UGjfWdA1vyI/AAAAAAAAB78/LdOGE_PfjiU/s1600/IMG_1559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y25NGcFwfDs/UGjfWdA1vyI/AAAAAAAAB78/LdOGE_PfjiU/s400/IMG_1559.JPG" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Bad Wolf </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
From there, things went downhill! <b>This is when I experienced my own bit of terror.</b> It became harder and harder to keep up my pace and that side cramp would not go away. I thought I should drink more water, but my stomach said no. I began to extend my walk time through the water stations, trying to catch my breath.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-McuSnjeyj5g/UGjfdRlXl1I/AAAAAAAAB8E/h1H1pdydVxM/s1600/IMG_1560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="353" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-McuSnjeyj5g/UGjfdRlXl1I/AAAAAAAAB8E/h1H1pdydVxM/s400/IMG_1560.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zombie Grave Diggers and what appears to be Zombie runners</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We cut back on our pace and I took all the photo breaks I could. I somehow trudged through to the end. Once across the finish line, I just wanted to sit down. <b>My head was spinning and I felt queasy</b>. The chute was long, and the walk to bag check pick up even longer. I finally plopped down on the sidewalk and was sure I would feel better if I could just sit awhile. Again I tried to drink, but didn't think it would stay down, so I gave that up.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-23DXP3UYUtU/UGjfPHMiwII/AAAAAAAAB70/Ofzm-pt6p40/s1600/IMG_1558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-23DXP3UYUtU/UGjfPHMiwII/AAAAAAAAB70/Ofzm-pt6p40/s400/IMG_1558.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tower of Terror</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I have never felt like this after running and was sure it would pass, but as I began to feel worse, I knew <b>I needed to go home</b>. After making our way to the buses and driving back home, it was 1:30am. I felt like crap, but thankfully I threw up and that helped my stomach feel better. I showered and fell into bed grateful to be clean and able to sleep.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cUjWatVC4K4/UGjfFKFCldI/AAAAAAAAB7s/d-cLat9T-8I/s1600/IMG_1557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cUjWatVC4K4/UGjfFKFCldI/AAAAAAAAB7s/d-cLat9T-8I/s400/IMG_1557.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
It was a horrible experience feeling that ill in a public place. I probably should have gone to the medical tent as Dessert Man suggested, but I didn't think they could do anything for me. I am not sure if I was dehydrated or overheated or a combination of the two, but I am sure<b> I should not have had that 5-hour energy!</b> That was my first and last time taking one!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EuKqTm4KcEc/UGjhoe1vLxI/AAAAAAAAB8o/awPxehYS_tQ/s1600/IMG_1556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EuKqTm4KcEc/UGjhoe1vLxI/AAAAAAAAB8o/awPxehYS_tQ/s400/IMG_1556.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Box of finish line snacks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<b>My big plans to drink a beer and ride the Rock N Roller Coaster never came to be that night. </b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l5QG6A47x6w/UGjjaqMvXYI/AAAAAAAAB8w/fYI28BXNu-8/s1600/TOT10miler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l5QG6A47x6w/UGjjaqMvXYI/AAAAAAAAB8w/fYI28BXNu-8/s400/TOT10miler.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T shirt and bib</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I woke up Sunday feeling groggy with a headache, but after eating and drinking something I felt much better. This race wasn't my finest moment, but it was all self inflicted. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My performance has me questioning my ability to run the Goofy. I may be changing my approach to the race because I never want to feel that way again!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Here are the details of the race:</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: orange; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10 miles</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Temperature at end of race(midnight) 77 steamy degrees</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: orange; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1195 calories burned</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: orange; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mile 1: 9:52</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: orange; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mile 2: 9:26</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mile 3: 9:46</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: orange; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mile 4: 9:46</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mile 5: 10:48</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: orange; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mile 6: 11:18</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mile 7: 10:46</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: orange; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mile 8: 11:55</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mile 9: 13:49</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: orange; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mile 10: 10:37</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finish Time: 1:48:38</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936800921603212412.post-21587217587377138542012-09-26T06:35:00.000-04:002012-09-26T06:35:12.595-04:00Basil Salt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6tos17V_8pk/UFUy2gliUgI/AAAAAAAAB2w/HNMoAPF2B7s/s1600/DSCF5142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6tos17V_8pk/UFUy2gliUgI/AAAAAAAAB2w/HNMoAPF2B7s/s320/DSCF5142.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
All summer long I have had fresh basil to eat thanks to the hearty basil plant on my back patio. It has garnished pizzas and pasta, contributed to many batches of pesto and partnered with fresh tomato and mozzarella to make a flavorful summer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_KTquYlhSrA/UFU3Fg07nyI/AAAAAAAAB3k/IE6ed8T7tIE/s1600/DSCF5112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_KTquYlhSrA/UFU3Fg07nyI/AAAAAAAAB3k/IE6ed8T7tIE/s320/DSCF5112.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
To keep that basil flavor going long all winter long I mixed up a batch of basil flavored salt. It was quick and easy using only two ingredients - salt and basil.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kLXKC4cmB3A/UFU3W70ZI0I/AAAAAAAAB3s/-Mk_1RyYKkA/s1600/DSCF5113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kLXKC4cmB3A/UFU3W70ZI0I/AAAAAAAAB3s/-Mk_1RyYKkA/s320/DSCF5113.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Using my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-DLC-2ABC-Mini-Prep-Processor-Brushed/dp/B0000645YM/ref=sr_1_15?s=appliances&ie=UTF8&qid=1347762320&sr=1-15&keywords=cuisinart">Cuisinart mini prep food processor</a>, I added 1/2 cup kosher salt and 1/2 cup packed basil leaves and pulsed until crushed.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jexbMf1k4zs/UFU3sI8YpsI/AAAAAAAAB4A/u7oFusQo2MI/s1600/DSCF5115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jexbMf1k4zs/UFU3sI8YpsI/AAAAAAAAB4A/u7oFusQo2MI/s320/DSCF5115.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then spread the mixture on a baking sheet and baked it at 225 degrees until dry, about 30 minutes, tossing halfway through.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hRaN0c9uOlc/UFU3hQG_g2I/AAAAAAAAB30/XkHfzZz7Fmg/s1600/DSCF5114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hRaN0c9uOlc/UFU3hQG_g2I/AAAAAAAAB30/XkHfzZz7Fmg/s320/DSCF5114.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let it cool and then pulse again to make a fine powder. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2cniQhWTmZI/UFU6eGIZblI/AAAAAAAAB40/G6nroP4PlRg/s1600/DSCF5150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2cniQhWTmZI/UFU6eGIZblI/AAAAAAAAB40/G6nroP4PlRg/s320/DSCF5150.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I stored my salt in a recycled herb jar to keep it fresh and handy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Djw_4I4Yzmw/UFUzIKWJrdI/AAAAAAAAB24/2chWO83H6vg/s1600/DSCF5141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Djw_4I4Yzmw/UFUzIKWJrdI/AAAAAAAAB24/2chWO83H6vg/s320/DSCF5141.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So far I have used it on fresh tomatoes, avocados and in tomato pie. It has just the right blend of salt and basil and has turned me onto flavored salts.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-711-Skl82wU/UFU36CF-z1I/AAAAAAAAB4I/1cN5lbztaKI/s1600/IMG_1546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-711-Skl82wU/UFU36CF-z1I/AAAAAAAAB4I/1cN5lbztaKI/s320/IMG_1546.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Basil Salt</span></u></b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>1/2 cup kosher salt</i></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>1/2 cup packed basil leaves</i></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Pulse basil and salt in a food processor then spread on a baking sheet. Bake at 225 degrees until dry, about 30 minutes. Stir salt about halfway through.</i></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Let salt cool and pulse again to make a fine powder.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fd3xIQw1av8/UFUuxjTlCuI/AAAAAAAAB2E/KrOjRqbX5tc/s1600/DSCF5153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fd3xIQw1av8/UFUuxjTlCuI/AAAAAAAAB2E/KrOjRqbX5tc/s320/DSCF5153.JPG" width="320" /></a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936800921603212412.post-20441593379363978902012-09-22T20:27:00.000-04:002012-09-23T17:47:21.327-04:00Preparing for Tower of Terror<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P7NXTGdT9dI/UF5T9hMd1-I/AAAAAAAAB5o/I2rnahP3GcQ/s1600/Tower-of-Terror-race-350x290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P7NXTGdT9dI/UF5T9hMd1-I/AAAAAAAAB5o/I2rnahP3GcQ/s320/Tower-of-Terror-race-350x290.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Disney's Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10 miler will be here in 1 week on September 29, 2012!<br />
<br />
This is a new race for me and a re-styled format from what it used to be years ago. The race begins at 10pm and includes a Disney Villains Bash in Disney Hollywood Studies until 4am! I got a chance to experience a park after closing during the Expedition Everest run last year - very fun! I am most looking forward to riding the Rockin Roller Coaster without having to wait in a long line!<br />
<br />
I should be prepared for this distance because my long runs have grown to 13 miles. (I am currently training for the Goofy in January. That's when you run the half marathon on Saturday and the full marathon on Sunday). During the week I am doing 3 runs of 30-45 min. Not that much running considering the distance I am training for. The hardest part will be starting that late at night. I am a morning runner and don't usually stay up too late at night. I'm not sure what kind of race I'll run, I'll just have to see how I feel at race time. I will never turn down a PR, but because I am training for distance, I haven't been too speedy lately.<br />
<br />
The only other challenge will be deciding what to wear. I can only hope the temperatures cool off a little by then, but I won't make my final decision until closer to the day.<br />
<br />
Disney knows how to put on a race and a party so I am looking forward to a fun time!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936800921603212412.post-46668994832841458542012-09-15T20:55:00.001-04:002012-09-15T20:55:17.707-04:00Buffalo Chicken Pizza<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once you start making homemade pizza it is hard to be satisfied with any other kind. It is so nice to control exactly how your pizza is made and what goes into it. I found a great recipe for <a href="http://annies-eats.net/2008/08/15/perfect-pizza-crust/">pizza dough</a> at Annie's Eats and try to keep one in the freezer so I am always ready for when the pizza craving hits me. I move the dough to the refrigerator the night before. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you don't want to go the homemade dough route some other options include: refrigerated homemade dough in the bakery section of your grocery store, sometimes you can find frozen balls of dough in the freezer section or you can usually find a premade, baked pizza crust. Any of these will work. We like trying different topping combinations and our latest flavor is buffalo chicken. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OMm0AbOUGIs/Tatg3W8TobI/AAAAAAAAAaE/s5y_I2baDoU/s1600/DSCF3565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OMm0AbOUGIs/Tatg3W8TobI/AAAAAAAAAaE/s5y_I2baDoU/s320/DSCF3565.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For sauce combine 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce and 2-3 tablespoons Frank's hot sauce. Spread over pizza dough rolled onto parchment paper.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pAckaf4qVaw/Tatg9RwOv5I/AAAAAAAAAaI/DlMkTZ9HfBQ/s1600/DSCF3566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pAckaf4qVaw/Tatg9RwOv5I/AAAAAAAAAaI/DlMkTZ9HfBQ/s320/DSCF3566.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Top with cooked chicken and green onions and then cover with shredded cheeses (colby-jack and cheddar)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--b9Gp3u-skc/TathHiH7jII/AAAAAAAAAaM/5Q8Hs3RYFz8/s1600/DSCF3567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--b9Gp3u-skc/TathHiH7jII/AAAAAAAAAaM/5Q8Hs3RYFz8/s320/DSCF3567.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Transfer to hot pizza stone and bake at 450 degrees 12-15 minutes.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4CTjUxkhCmY/TathLQMPDwI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/VA-tTWjXCVY/s1600/DSCF3569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4CTjUxkhCmY/TathLQMPDwI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/VA-tTWjXCVY/s320/DSCF3569.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Top or serve with a side of Ranch or blue Cheese dressing.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jxn7TUk-aSA/TathQGrJfkI/AAAAAAAAAaU/Q97crTdNppQ/s1600/DSCF3571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jxn7TUk-aSA/TathQGrJfkI/AAAAAAAAAaU/Q97crTdNppQ/s320/DSCF3571.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Buffalo Chicken Pizza</u></b></span><br />
<i>pizza dough of your choice, </i><a href="http://annies-eats.net/2008/08/15/perfect-pizza-crust/"><i>here's</i></a><i> a homemade version I like to use from Annie's Eats</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>SAUCE</i><br />
<i>1/2 cup crushed tomatoes</i><br />
<i>1 Tablespoon Worcestshire Sauce</i><br />
<i>2-3 Tablespoons <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Franks-RedHot-Hot-Sauce-680/dp/B00099XKXG?ie=UTF8&tag=momen0e-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Frank's RedHot Sauce</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=momen0e-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B00099XKXG" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></i><br />
<i>Mix together, then spread on dough</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>TOPPING</i><br />
<i>2 diced green onions</i><br />
<i>4 oz colby-jack cheese, shredded</i><br />
<i>4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded</i><br />
<i>2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked, diced and mixed with 1 Tablespoon Frank's RedHot Sauce</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Cook pizza in 450 degree oven for 12-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly and crust is lightly browned. (If you are using a non baked pizza dough) otherwise follow the directions that came with your pizza crust.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936800921603212412.post-45673482912052350592012-09-03T11:27:00.001-04:002012-09-03T14:19:34.961-04:00Loving my Body Media<div style="text-align: center;">
About two months ago I <a href="http://momentsthatmakealife.blogspot.com/2012/05/bodymedia-fit-armband-vs-pedometer.html">shared </a>my yearning for the Body Media. As far as I was concerned it was the answer to my fitness and nutrition needs - period! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My sister bought one soon afterwards and fueled my fire by taunting me with texts of calories burning updates and excitement for her new gadget. I think my husband got tired of hearing me talk about it non stop so he gave me one for Father's Day. A little unusual, but very much appreciated. Don't worry, he got something wonderful for Father's Day too.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JvRtMB7Lwpw/UETTUVaMnWI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/MluZ1VgB-yI/s1600/IMG_1545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JvRtMB7Lwpw/UETTUVaMnWI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/MluZ1VgB-yI/s320/IMG_1545.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
This device is fabulous!! It keeps track of almost everything from calories burned, steps taken, minutes of activity and even sleep efficiency. After setting up my target numbers for each area, the only thing I have to enter on a regular basis is what I eat.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nTlxlo1XXi4/UES68_H9UbI/AAAAAAAABz8/vyRMG51VKQk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-08-13+at+8.05.37+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nTlxlo1XXi4/UES68_H9UbI/AAAAAAAABz8/vyRMG51VKQk/s640/Screen+Shot+2012-08-13+at+8.05.37+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Each area tracked can be looked at in detail. For Calories Burned you can see how many you burn during a workout and also see what the afterburn for that exercise is too. The tall blue lines on the left represent my morning run. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6hcuKoB2Mv0/UES7RAxbkCI/AAAAAAAAB0E/b2oodJ0BzQY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-08-13+at+8.08.04+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6hcuKoB2Mv0/UES7RAxbkCI/AAAAAAAAB0E/b2oodJ0BzQY/s640/Screen+Shot+2012-08-13+at+8.08.04+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Every day I need to enter what I am eating so I can track the calories I am consuming and also see how nutritional my food intake is or isn't. I wish I could just take a photo of my food and it would calculate it for me. This is the part I like least.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UBJm_VLilE0/UES773aiXBI/AAAAAAAAB0M/JM4LpnPnO0o/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-08-13+at+8.09.27+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UBJm_VLilE0/UES773aiXBI/AAAAAAAAB0M/JM4LpnPnO0o/s640/Screen+Shot+2012-08-13+at+8.09.27+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
By looking at the whole day I can see when I move the most. I am basically a slug at work, chained to my desk, but move more when not working. (Is that a good enough reason to stop working?)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UIlDTAGl0M0/UES8GoSZE9I/AAAAAAAAB0U/9zrW3i3BiaY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-08-13+at+8.09.56+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UIlDTAGl0M0/UES8GoSZE9I/AAAAAAAAB0U/9zrW3i3BiaY/s640/Screen+Shot+2012-08-13+at+8.09.56+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I used to use a pedometer before I got the Body Media and this next screen keeps tracks of how many steps I take and when I take them</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-17Y_IsyntH4/UES8Lj1HCwI/AAAAAAAAB0c/kMr-vzHN7Mw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-08-13+at+8.10.24+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-17Y_IsyntH4/UES8Lj1HCwI/AAAAAAAAB0c/kMr-vzHN7Mw/s640/Screen+Shot+2012-08-13+at+8.10.24+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My target number for sleep is 8 hours. I've found that I usually sleep about 7 hours a night, but my sleep efficiency is about 85%. It shows me when I am really sleeping or when I am just lying there. I have no memory of some of these light gray bands in the middle of night that show I was not sleeping. I thought I was sleeping.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In this example I slept for 9 hours and 12 minutes but my sleep efficiency was only 77%. This part is particularly interesting because I've never had this information about myself before.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RexvS6vsZaE/UES8QdVILyI/AAAAAAAAB0k/hCk_q6OrNEw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-08-13+at+8.10.51+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RexvS6vsZaE/UES8QdVILyI/AAAAAAAAB0k/hCk_q6OrNEw/s640/Screen+Shot+2012-08-13+at+8.10.51+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When first using the Body Media I just collected information on my usual exercise and eating habits before trying to lose weight. I wanted to see where I needed to improve. I found that I am not very consistent. I like to eat a variety of foods including sweets and have days where I eat more than others. Over a period of a week I ended up being even in my calories in and calories out, but that doesn't lead to weight loss. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I set my goal to burn 500 more calories than I ate each day so I could lose 1 pound a week. I have not been perfect, but have lost 4.8 pounds. Unfortunately, just wearing the device does not lead to weight loss, you have to work at it. (which I don't feel like doing right now) But if you are dedicated to losing, it sure gives you all the information you need to make it happen.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I wear my arm band everyday and I don't even notice it. I take it off when I swim or shower, but other than that, its pretty much on. I just got an extra band, because it does get stinky and sweaty, so now I have one for exercise and one for other times.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I bought <a href="http://www.amazon.com/BodyMedia-CORE-Weight-Management-System/dp/B0052KONSI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1346685310&sr=8-2&keywords=body+media">mine</a> on Amazon and I also got the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bodymedia-FIT-Weight-Management-Display/dp/B0044ZRR80/ref=pd_bxgy_hpc_img_y">display</a> too. The display gives you real time updates on calories and steps, but connecting the device to my computer once a day has been enough for me.You really don't need to spend the extra money. I plan on selling my display. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If having all this information about yourself sounds exciting, this might be the gear you need.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am so glad I got one!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936800921603212412.post-5902327584044268872012-08-20T20:02:00.002-04:002012-08-20T20:02:45.831-04:00Summer's End<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Yep, school has started and that's the official end to summer around here. No more mid morning breakfasts or afternoon naps. It's back to work and 5am wake up times. Although I am a teacher, I am assigned to our district curriculum office and it has been at least 5 years since I have not worked through the summer, until this year. I had the month of July off and it was heaven!<br />
<br />
I had forgotten how wonderful extended time away from work is. With no young children at home the time was all mine to spend anyway I pleased. I read, cooked, ate, ran spent an obsessive amount of time on Pinterest (you can follow me <a href="http://pinterest.com/momentsinalife/">HERE</a>) and bought a house! ( I'll be sharing more about the house later) It was an adjustment to have all that time off, but just as I was getting used to it, it was time to return. Isn't that the way things work!?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cKtOba_d6v8/UDK-P6JgphI/AAAAAAAABx0/n2d8K9eoPsU/s1600/day+1+grad+school.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cKtOba_d6v8/UDK-P6JgphI/AAAAAAAABx0/n2d8K9eoPsU/s320/day+1+grad+school.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
This was the Back to School photo in our house. I have been inspired by all the ideas on Pinterest, but my kids are getting to old for these. Where were all these ideas when I needed them? This will most likely be the last.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uzzNrbOPydI/UDLASTrwLSI/AAAAAAAABx8/5L2zPjyLjjE/s1600/DSCF5095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uzzNrbOPydI/UDLASTrwLSI/AAAAAAAABx8/5L2zPjyLjjE/s320/DSCF5095.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We have a new addition to our family --> this frog - I thought he was just passing through when I snapped this photo, but he is a permanent border on the porch. The other day when I came home it was pouring and he was up to his chest in a puddle and as happy as can be.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cdxqIr5ln84/UDLJllPgUpI/AAAAAAAAByk/qtbS-_Sw4wk/s1600/DSCF5106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cdxqIr5ln84/UDLJllPgUpI/AAAAAAAAByk/qtbS-_Sw4wk/s320/DSCF5106.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
This is him in all his glory - Check out that hand! Hard to believe it's the same frog!<br />
<br />
I got a bike rack this summer for my car and the box it came in turned into a playground for my cats. Something about boxes, cats can't resist!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-40R8M6NmMPk/UDLOSUIk9LI/AAAAAAAABy0/-aFbR-zx05c/s1600/callie+box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-40R8M6NmMPk/UDLOSUIk9LI/AAAAAAAABy0/-aFbR-zx05c/s400/callie+box.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It reminded me of this photo on Pinterest. If you have a cat, you should try it, they must have cat magnets in them. </div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;">
<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/102668066476034923/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="333" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/114067803031650578_e1tg78XA_c.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">
Source: <a href="http://kellyoxford.tumblr.com/page/2" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">kellyoxford.tumblr.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/momentsinalife/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Kelley</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
</div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936800921603212412.post-39628948779010345332012-08-08T13:55:00.000-04:002012-08-08T13:55:26.041-04:00Cool Finds<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Here are some of the latest things I've been playing with...</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49968232@N00/6808172974" id="fs_1" title="Rubber Stamp Letter M"><img alt="Rubber Stamp Letter M" border="0" src="http://static.flickr.com/7047/6808172974_b01c18e60a_s.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63943575@N00/6980610265" id="fs_2" title=""o50""><img alt="o50" border="0" src="http://static.flickr.com/7206/6980610265_a94cafbebe_s.jpg" title="o50" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49968232@N00/6784158654" id="fs_3" title="Rubber Stamp Letter M"><img alt="Rubber Stamp Letter M" border="0" src="http://static.flickr.com/7067/6784158654_fc496d994e_s.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49968232@N00/7238531082" id="fs_4" title="letter E"><img alt="letter E" border="0" src="http://static.flickr.com/8158/7238531082_da0fbfcdce_s.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49968232@N00/6778718052" id="fs_5" title="Foam brick letter N"><img alt="Foam brick letter N" border="0" src="http://static.flickr.com/7047/6778718052_ca64d41d76_s.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49968232@N00/6773830585" id="fs_6" title="letter T"><img alt="letter T" border="0" src="http://static.flickr.com/7158/6773830585_73d948ac3b_s.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63943575@N00/7162500552" id="fs_7" title="s63"><img alt="s63" border="0" src="http://static.flickr.com/7230/7162500552_f92534057c_s.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49968232@N00/6705161199" id="fs_9" title="Ben Eine letter t"><img alt="Ben Eine letter t" border="0" src="http://static.flickr.com/7143/6705161199_f6816bea6d_s.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49968232@N00/6924577765" id="fs_10" title="Blue foam brick letter h"><img alt="Blue foam brick letter h" border="0" src="http://static.flickr.com/7189/6924577765_f198e2f606_s.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/91106816@N00/6944382183" id="fs_11" title="photo.JPG"><img alt="photo.JPG" border="0" src="http://static.flickr.com/7059/6944382183_cceaf6832f_s.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49968232@N00/6790551616" id="fs_12" title="Foam Stamp Letter T"><img alt="Foam Stamp Letter T" border="0" src="http://static.flickr.com/7036/6790551616_e21359507b_s.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49968232@N00/7389923828" id="fs_14" title="letter M"><img alt="letter M" border="0" src="http://static.flickr.com/8147/7389923828_cc491d6b1a_s.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49968232@N00/6947732591" id="fs_15" title="Magnetic letter a"><img alt="Magnetic letter a" border="0" src="http://static.flickr.com/7036/6947732591_d408e92720_s.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49968232@N00/6849429655" id="fs_16" title="letter K"><img alt="letter K" border="0" src="http://static.flickr.com/7044/6849429655_9a04672693_s.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63943575@N00/6980610201" id="fs_17" title="e64"><img alt="e64" border="0" src="http://static.flickr.com/7180/6980610201_170e328dca_s.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49968232@N00/6801698358" id="fs_19" title="Cardboard red letter a"><img alt="Cardboard red letter a" border="0" src="http://static.flickr.com/7054/6801698358_86b6a486a3_s.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49968232@N00/6783977690" id="fs_21" title="Wooden brick letter L"><img alt="Wooden brick letter L" border="0" src="http://static.flickr.com/7179/6783977690_34a32f6e05_s.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50318388@N00/7213924740" id="fs_22" title="I"><img alt="I" border="0" src="http://static.flickr.com/7088/7213924740_f10c75e5b4_s.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49968232@N00/6152112932" id="fs_23" title="rubber stamp letter f"><img alt="rubber stamp letter f" border="0" src="http://static.flickr.com/6208/6152112932_60637c0c70_s.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63943575@N00/7283141980" id="fs_24" title="e70"><img alt="e70" border="0" src="http://static.flickr.com/7086/7283141980_e34b923416_s.jpg" /></a> <br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. I found this <a href="http://metaatem.net/words/">site</a> where you can spell any word using photos of letters. The possibilities are endless. Try it, its fun!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
<br />2. I added a <b>new song</b> to my running playlist, Wild Ones by Flo Rida . I usually listen to books or podcasts, but I like to change it up with music to keep me motivated. I first heard this song on a wild animal segment on the Today show and it stuck in my head.</span><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xScsmPyspLg?rel=0" width="640"></iframe>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<pre id="sel"><div id="line-0">
</div>
<div id="line-17">
<span br="br" c="c">
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. Cate @ <a href="http://goodforyoublog.blogspot.com/">Good For You Blog</a> introduced me to the <a href="http://blog.fooducate.com/">Fooducate Blog</a>. I use the app, but didn't know there was a blog too. The posts are short, but give great info about making healthy choices in the grocery store and it is all designed to help us eat a bit better. The app can be found <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fooducate-healthy-food-diet/id398436747?mt=8">here</a> and its FREE! You scan an item you want to buy and it tell's you how good for you it is and suggests similar products that may be better for you.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rB1iROLlOLA/UCKecsbq-sI/AAAAAAAABxA/LMfjAHLGEhk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-08-08+at+1.13.52+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rB1iROLlOLA/UCKecsbq-sI/AAAAAAAABxA/LMfjAHLGEhk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-08-08+at+1.13.52+PM.png" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
4. <a href="http://pickyourplum.com/">Pick Your Plum</a> - Every weekday at 9am Eastern time this site has a deal of the day. They offer a limited quantity at a great price until they sell out. I have my phone set to remind me to check it. Many of the items are craft or baking related but they have quite a variety. I have bought, push up pops, craft twine, cupcake wrappers, washi tape, etc...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
5. For any of you that used to use the site Picknik to edit your photos, I have found an even better one and its all free. <a href="http://www.picmonkey.com/">PicMonkey</a> is so easy to use and you can add text, clip art, make collages and more. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span><span br="br" c="c"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
Thanks for stopping by,</span>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63943575@N00/7162501738" id="fs_1" title=""k34""><img alt="k34" border="0" src="http://static.flickr.com/5198/7162501738_c73606da7f_s.jpg" title="k34" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21450297@N06/6564471783" id="fs_2" title=""E""><img alt="E" border="0" src="http://static.flickr.com/7156/6564471783_8b638debee_s.jpg" title="E" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49968232@N00/6922059587" id="fs_3" title=""Spelling Bricks letter L""><img alt="Spelling Bricks letter L" border="0" src="http://static.flickr.com/7070/6922059587_70a5c5bb51_s.jpg" title="Spelling Bricks letter L" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50318388@N00/7213924038" id="fs_4" title=""L""><img alt="L" border="0" src="http://static.flickr.com/8001/7213924038_19102d8f39_s.jpg" title="L" /></a> <a all="" e="e" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49968232@N00/7382932354" id="fs_5" s="" title=""Magnetic Letter E"" today="today"><img alt="Magnetic Letter E" border="0" src="http://static.flickr.com/7227/7382932354_7d9166a4e9_s.jpg" title="Magnetic Letter E" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49968232@N00/6267569451" id="fs_6" title="Rubber Stamp Letter Y"><img alt="Rubber Stamp Letter Y" border="0" src="http://static.flickr.com/6211/6267569451_8e9c36841b_s.jpg" /></a></span></div>
</pre>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936800921603212412.post-81409306268493915482012-08-05T21:05:00.000-04:002012-08-05T21:05:38.946-04:00Weekend Happenings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vmSeCpJcpvM/UB7---7-yGI/AAAAAAAABtI/ykCqRxXIe00/s1600/caroline+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vmSeCpJcpvM/UB7---7-yGI/AAAAAAAABtI/ykCqRxXIe00/s320/caroline+banner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
My daughter Caroline just returned home after spending a year in Americorps. She spent the past 12 months working in communities all over the Southwest from Joplin, MO to Yuma, AZ. She had many great stories to share of her adventures. She will be with us for the next two years as she attends graduate school. I am so happy to have her home!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9sKfkmaIQkE/UB8Ou6WSxwI/AAAAAAAABug/C-srF5J_4Eg/s1600/DSCF5084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9sKfkmaIQkE/UB8Ou6WSxwI/AAAAAAAABug/C-srF5J_4Eg/s320/DSCF5084.JPG" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mini Carrot Cake-Take Two</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I made her favorite cake for her. It is a carrot cake with cookie dough frosting. Its super sweet so I made half a recipe and baked it in a smaller, deeper cake pan. I was so proud of my great idea until I went to cut it in half to frost it and found out the center was raw! I had cooked it a little longer and stuck a toothpick in the center to check for doneness, but the toothpick is about the color of the cake and it doesn't go in very deep. I couldn't believe it! How was I going to salvage this?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WkUihxTWS-4/UB8RsbfA1_I/AAAAAAAABvI/6jJdM2voLTE/s1600/DSCF5080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WkUihxTWS-4/UB8RsbfA1_I/AAAAAAAABvI/6jJdM2voLTE/s320/DSCF5080.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I decided to cut out the uncooked center section and make a doughnut cake. I frosted it with a cream cheese frosting which we usually do (except Caroline only likes cream cheese on a bagel not as frosting). Needless to say I had to bake another cake for Caroline. I did learn from my mistake and cooked it much longer and inserted a knife to test for doneness. It all turned out okay, but I spent much more time baking that day than I had planned.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YlD7IfIJGNo/UB8CJU3xYbI/AAAAAAAABtw/8lbbhulVQ9M/s1600/IMG_1526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YlD7IfIJGNo/UB8CJU3xYbI/AAAAAAAABtw/8lbbhulVQ9M/s320/IMG_1526.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the top of the hill.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sunday mornings are the best time for long bike rides, because the roads are practically empty. I had a great 19 mile ride and despite the heat it felt great out there. (maybe because I created my own breeze)<br />
<br />
I almost didn't go, but as I laid in bed debating a ride, I made a deal with myself. If I weighed less than I did last time I didn't have to go, if not I needed to go. I stepped on the scale to find I weighed exactly the same, but that still meant I should go, so I did. I needed that push to get going, but it was a perfect ride and I felt great! (If only my running felt this good) There were many other bikers and runners out too, which is very motivating for me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vArUSthOQOg/UB8C57CvmZI/AAAAAAAABt4/-0Nd1m3XosQ/s1600/IMG_1521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vArUSthOQOg/UB8C57CvmZI/AAAAAAAABt4/-0Nd1m3XosQ/s400/IMG_1521.JPG" width="371" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
On my ride I pass through some neighborhoods and by some cow pastures. The cows were taking an early morning dip in the lake to cool off. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TXO8KqyATVQ/UB8WktwEceI/AAAAAAAABvw/-gL7RNzdRBE/s1600/DSCF5095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TXO8KqyATVQ/UB8WktwEceI/AAAAAAAABvw/-gL7RNzdRBE/s320/DSCF5095.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We had a visitor on our back porch. This guy was perched on top of the door to the garage. He was about the size of my hand. He reminded me of Jaba the Hut from Star Wars. Not sure how he plans to get down - that is a long jump.<br />
<br />
I have only one more week until I return to work. I have a huge list of things I would like to get done before then. We'll see how that goes...<br />
<br />
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936800921603212412.post-24778310397258015912012-07-26T23:00:00.002-04:002012-07-26T23:00:35.608-04:00Crazy for Cookie DoughI love books, but I don't like to spend money on them when I can get them for free at the library. I have always been a regular library goer and don't understand why everyone isn't. They have some good stuff in that place! Of course I do not like how my tax dollars are being spent on filling the place up with more and more DVDs. It's a little off track for me.... How is that supporting literacy? But don't get me started.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I was deep in the shelves of the cookbook section looking for some of the newer released books I have seen on the blogs when I came across this :<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cookiedoughlovers.com/"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cxLUe4G31TM/UBHwrhmrPLI/AAAAAAAABqo/to4IUwrhONs/s320/The-Cookie-Dough-Lovers-Cookbook.jpg" width="299" /></a></div>
It was the beginning of a multi-day cookie dough bender. I couldn't get enough of it and made three recipes in three days. <br />
<br />
I started with the cookie dough donuts. I am a big fan of donuts, but have never made them before. I am not crazy about having to use all that oil to fry them so I was happy to these donuts were baked.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--UvebHfcxR8/UBHzU6TjkCI/AAAAAAAABq0/LOw-Wnm4MGE/s1600/Cookie+Dough+donuts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--UvebHfcxR8/UBHzU6TjkCI/AAAAAAAABq0/LOw-Wnm4MGE/s400/Cookie+Dough+donuts.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The cookie dough for all the recipes is eggless so it is safe to eat raw. They tasted best right out of the oven and had my fill after eating two. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2IYOBVsG5ms/UBH0kjlyvXI/AAAAAAAABrE/PDTkC8XNURo/s1600/DSCF5024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2IYOBVsG5ms/UBH0kjlyvXI/AAAAAAAABrE/PDTkC8XNURo/s320/DSCF5024.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The unglazed donut holes were good too, they tasted like yeast rolls and I ate a few of them too. I love bread and fresh baked bread is even harder to resist.<br />
<br />
Next, I started on the <b>Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Dough ice cream</b>. The ice cream base needs to sit overnight so I had to get that going first. Instead of traditional cookie dough I went with peanut butter because is goes perfectly with chocolate. The recipe makes A LOT of cookie dough. This is how much I had to mix into the ice cream even after trying a few hunks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k-EzoqzuLAA/UBH1NXYnRCI/AAAAAAAABrM/EnFS7cyUAFI/s1600/DSCF5028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k-EzoqzuLAA/UBH1NXYnRCI/AAAAAAAABrM/EnFS7cyUAFI/s320/DSCF5028.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Homemade ice cream rules and this was excellent! I like it best when it is in its soft serve consistency right out of the ice cream maker. The only thing I would change next time is to not use all the cookie dough. I can't believe I'm saying this, but you can have too much in the ice cream and the flavors aren't balanced. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zL2XswDScWM/UBH3ecT4feI/AAAAAAAABrU/kQbs8a3NNDs/s1600/DSCF5029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zL2XswDScWM/UBH3ecT4feI/AAAAAAAABrU/kQbs8a3NNDs/s320/DSCF5029.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
After donuts and ice cream I moved onto cake-<b>Brown Sugar Cookie Dough Layer Cake</b>. It is a three layer cake with ganache and cookie dough separating the layers of cake. This is one of my new favorite cakes and I will be making it again. I changed the frosting on my cake to a traditional buttercream. The one in the book is made with brown sugar and I thought there was enough of that flavor in the cake and cookie dough. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x9MACGrvn_w/UBH4fn2TVJI/AAAAAAAABrc/6FSiZfiPC_U/s1600/DSCF5039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x9MACGrvn_w/UBH4fn2TVJI/AAAAAAAABrc/6FSiZfiPC_U/s320/DSCF5039.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Brown Sugar Cookie Dough Layer Cake</span></u></b><br />
<i><b>For Cake</b></i><br />
<i>3 cups cake flour</i><br />
<i>1 1/2 tablespoon baking powder</i><br />
<i>1/2 cup sugar</i><br />
<i>1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed</i><br />
<i>1 teaspoon salt</i><br />
<i>1 cup unsalted butter, softened and cut into pieces</i><br />
<i>1 1/4 cups whole milk, divided</i><br />
<i>2 eggs</i><br />
<i>6 egg whites</i><br />
<i>2 teaspoons vanilla </i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i><b>For Cookie Dough</b></i><br />
<i>3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature</i><br />
<i>1/2 cup sugar</i><br />
<i>1/2 cup brown sugar, packed</i><br />
<i>1/4 cup whole milk or cream</i><br />
<i>1 teaspoon vanilla</i><br />
<i>1/2 cup all purpose flour</i><br />
<i>1/2 teaspoon salt</i><br />
<i>1/2 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i><b>For Ganache</b></i><br />
<i>3 ounces dark chocolate, chopped</i><br />
<i>1/2 cup heavy cream</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i><b>For Frosting</b></i><br />
<i>8 tablespoons butter, softened</i><br />
<i>3 3/4 cups powdered sugar</i><br />
<i>3-4 tablespoons milk</i><br />
<i>2 teaspoons vanilla</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i>Prepare three 9 inch round cake pans and preheat oven to 350 degrees.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i>In large bowl combine cake flour, baking powder, sugars and salt, Add butter and 1 cup of milk. Mix on low until evenly moistened, increase speed to medium high and beat for 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy. </i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i>In a small bowl whisk the remaining 1/4 cup milk with whole eggs, egg whites and vanilla. Add to flour mixture a little at a time mixing well between each addition. Divide batter evenly among three pans.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i>Bake 22-25 minutes until inserted toothpick comes out clean. Transfer to a cooling rack. </i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i>Begin making the cookie dough by beating butter and sugars on medium speed for 2-3 minutes. Beat in milk and vanilla. Add flour and salt until combined and stir in chocolate chips. Set aside.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i>To prepare the ganache, place chopped chocolate in heat proof bowl. In small saucepan, heat cream over low heat until it simmers. Pour hot cream over chocolate and let sit for about 30 seconds. Stir until chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Cool to room temperature. </i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i>For frosting, blend butter in mixing bowl on low speed until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons milk and vanilla. Blend on low until sugar is incorporated. Increase to medium speed and beat until light and fluffy. Blend in up to 1 tablespoon milk if frosting is too stiff.</i><br />
<br />
<i>To assemble the cake she recommends leveling each layer prior to stacking. (I did not and my cake did crack a little) On each layer spread one-half of cookie dough and top it with one-half of ganache. Cover entire cake with butter cream frosting.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i>Adapted from <a href="http://www.loveandoliveoil.com/shop/products/the-cookie-dough-lovers-cookbook/">The Cookie Dough Lover's Cookbook</a>.</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nr0ayoRB6S8/UBH_wC5Nh8I/AAAAAAAABsU/D96E084kxTw/s1600/cookie+dough+layer+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nr0ayoRB6S8/UBH_wC5Nh8I/AAAAAAAABsU/D96E084kxTw/s320/cookie+dough+layer+cake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-twZ7FyXhYP8/UBIAPCMdNzI/AAAAAAAABsc/K7WofFgc4L0/s1600/DSCF5040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-twZ7FyXhYP8/UBIAPCMdNzI/AAAAAAAABsc/K7WofFgc4L0/s320/DSCF5040.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This officially ended my cookie dough craving, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">at least temporarily</span>. I loved this cookbook and would consider buying it. There were more recipes I wanted to try, but for another time. <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936800921603212412.post-87134470224198981112012-07-05T18:14:00.000-04:002012-07-05T20:12:17.678-04:00Chocolate Marshmallow Milkshake<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In case you haven't heard on the TV, on Twitter, on the internet, or on the radio....it's HOT outside, everywhere! In times like this you need a way to cool off and that's just what this chocolate shake does in addition to making you feel happy all over from its delicious goodness.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V5J1P-vzBMs/T_YD5jx7z-I/AAAAAAAABpk/kmmF286FpnE/s1600/DSCF4472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V5J1P-vzBMs/T_YD5jx7z-I/AAAAAAAABpk/kmmF286FpnE/s320/DSCF4472.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The best part of this milkshake is the light fluffy marshmallow whipped cream. I could just sit and eat it with a spoon. I keep trying to come up with other things to eat it with.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It is perfect with the dense double chocolatey ice cream. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This recipe claims to make four shakes, but it's more like two for me. The idea is to create layers of the chocolate milkshake topped with whipped cream and then repeat ending with whipped cream on top. So not only is it heavenly to eat it is also beautiful to look at as you gobble it up.</span><br />
<br />
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Chocolate Marshmallow Milkshake</span></u></b><br />
<i>Makes 4 shakes</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<b><i>Marshmallow Whipped Cream</i></b><br />
<i>1/2 cup heavy cream</i><br />
<i>1/4 cup marshmallow fluff</i><br />
<i>1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<b><i>Chocolate Milkshake</i></b><br />
<i>1 cup cold milk (whole milk is best)</i><br />
<i>1/4 cup chocolate syrup</i><br />
<i>3 cups chocolate ice cream</i><br />
<br />
<i>In cold bowl with cold whisk (I put both in the freezer for 5 minutes before I start) add heavy cream, marshmallow fluff and vanilla. Whisk briskly until stiff peaks form. Set aside in the refrigerator. </i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i>In a blender combine milk, ice-cream and chocolate syrup. Blend until smooth.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i>Fill glasses with layer of chocolate shake, then add some marshmallow cream, now more milkshake and top with cream.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i>Enjoy!</i><br />
<script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kff22iLDEXg/T_YRKxfAX9I/AAAAAAAABqM/QvfHxXy5oUA/s1600/chocolate+Marshmallow+Milkshake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kff22iLDEXg/T_YRKxfAX9I/AAAAAAAABqM/QvfHxXy5oUA/s320/chocolate+Marshmallow+Milkshake.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<i><br /></i>
<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmomentsthatmakealife.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F07%2Fchocolate-marshmallow-milkshake.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-kff22iLDEXg%2FT_YRKxfAX9I%2FAAAAAAAABqM%2FQvfHxXy5oUA%2Fs1600%2Fchocolate%2BMarshmallow%2BMilkshake.jpg&description=Chocolate%20Marshmallow%20Milkshake"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936800921603212412.post-13238805398798033662012-07-02T21:59:00.000-04:002012-07-03T10:55:33.170-04:00Santa Fe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I just visited New Mexico for the first time. I was in Santa Fe for a work related conference. Talk about perfect weather - it was heaven! No humidity, no bugs, cool evenings...... quite a nice change from Florida. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_TtqdHwOWkg/T_I1o9p4yUI/AAAAAAAABnQ/2Sj-vg5TDgQ/s1600/IMG_1473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_TtqdHwOWkg/T_I1o9p4yUI/AAAAAAAABnQ/2Sj-vg5TDgQ/s320/IMG_1473.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many interesting wind vanes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As a side note, I flew in and out of Albuquerque, NM and I kept thinking there was a song about that town, but I couldn't remember what it was. During my travels it came to me... I'll give you a few hints and maybe you can guess it. <br />
<b>1. It was sung by a TV family who had a band. </b><br />
<b>2. They drove around in a multicolored bus.</b><br />
<br />
YES.....The Partridge Family!<br />
<i>Point me in the direction of Albuquerque</i> is not one of their big hits, but I definitely remember the chorus. I was a fan of this show and thought my family should start a band too. We didn't.<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/38XsRcDmTFc?rel=0" width="480"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
Although I spent most of my time working, I did get a chance to check out the town's food and shopping. One night I had dinner at <a href="http://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/innoftheanasazi/dining/the_anasazi_restaurant/">The Anasazi Restaurant</a> located at the Rosewood Inn. The food was excellent. I want to recreate this entree but haven't clue if gnocchi is difficult to make or not.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kADCDn4A_Fw/T_JBEwR0x6I/AAAAAAAABnk/SFsueUErtS8/s1600/IMG_1455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kADCDn4A_Fw/T_JBEwR0x6I/AAAAAAAABnk/SFsueUErtS8/s320/IMG_1455.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vegetable Gnocchi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zDQKIA3if9Y/T_JBKGiFgAI/AAAAAAAABns/9JwXjroxg3I/s1600/IMG_1456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zDQKIA3if9Y/T_JBKGiFgAI/AAAAAAAABns/9JwXjroxg3I/s320/IMG_1456.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mexican Brownie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The local cupcake shop - Dream Cakes, had many flavors to choose from and they all sounded good. At $4.50 a piece I was only going to try one. I got the Ebony and Ivory - half chocolate/half vanilla cupcake filled with caramel topped with half caramel and half chocolate buttercream. It was beautiful, but not as flavorful and fresh as I was hoping. I still ate half of it anyway.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VSLVxCvl8uU/T_JEH4RkYjI/AAAAAAAABn8/J1U_t1PB-jo/s1600/IMG_1458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VSLVxCvl8uU/T_JEH4RkYjI/AAAAAAAABn8/J1U_t1PB-jo/s320/IMG_1458.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The shop I liked best was <a href="http://www.oleaceaeoliveoil.com/">Oleaceae</a>. They sell fresh olive oils, vinegars and sea salts. It was such a unique place. The entire store was filled with silver jugs of oils and vinegars that you could taste test, just like you do at the yogurt shop. Plus a large selection of flavored sea salts to try.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QPOCscAcAqk/T_JHhA8iFZI/AAAAAAAABoY/a6nnhiIT3Pk/s1600/IMG_1459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QPOCscAcAqk/T_JHhA8iFZI/AAAAAAAABoY/a6nnhiIT3Pk/s320/IMG_1459.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was an incredible experience and I was fascinated by all the flavors. I tried and liked many from the Tangerine/Clementine white balsamic vinegar to the Chipotle sea salt.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-45D4xLJ1kVE/T_JH8tJ1mPI/AAAAAAAABog/bHg47UarYJ8/s1600/IMG_1472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-45D4xLJ1kVE/T_JH8tJ1mPI/AAAAAAAABog/bHg47UarYJ8/s320/IMG_1472.JPG" width="194" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I decided on the Tuscan Herb olive oil and the Tahitian Vanilla dark balsamic vinegar. I would have never thought I would like vanilla vinegar, but the taste is incredible! I have never eaten anything like it and am having trouble describing the flavor. It has a savory/sweet thing going on and it tastes great drizzled on yogurt and fruit and is adding a depth of flavor to my summer fruit.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I did find a great pair of shoes here too, that I love. They make me tall without killing my feet!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DMeQW3VQGho/T_JLKMpQKqI/AAAAAAAABo8/lEQY-TN3x_8/s1600/IMG_1471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DMeQW3VQGho/T_JLKMpQKqI/AAAAAAAABo8/lEQY-TN3x_8/s200/IMG_1471.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I even found $20 bill on the sidewalk during my morning walk through town! There's nothing like that to make your day! As you can see I was nice enough to put it right back into the economy of Santa Fe.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4T6ZNK4lLLk/T_JCLus__wI/AAAAAAAABn0/-Z3F_N1xTu8/s1600/IMG_1457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4T6ZNK4lLLk/T_JCLus__wI/AAAAAAAABn0/-Z3F_N1xTu8/s320/IMG_1457.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The highlight of my trip was meeting and listening to the well known educator<a href="http://www.ronclarkacademy.com/"> Ron Clark</a>. He was Disney's Teacher of the Year, a guest on Oprah and the subject of the movie, The Ron Clark Story, starring Matthew Perry. He currently runs a school in Atlanta, GA.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QDWgV2FoxsE/T_JNnWyqhtI/AAAAAAAABpI/atGUm_ADUOM/s1600/564121_4366279681061_1970131339_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QDWgV2FoxsE/T_JNnWyqhtI/AAAAAAAABpI/atGUm_ADUOM/s320/564121_4366279681061_1970131339_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He is an amazing speaker, moving around the entire time and even standing on chairs! He was funny, inspiring and touching. He makes you want to be the best person you can be and to do what's right even when it's not easy. Teachers can make such a difference in the lives of children!<br />
<br />
We were given an autographed copy of his most recent book <u><a href="http://endofmolassesclasses.com/">The End of Molasses Classes</a></u> and I can't wait to read it. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This was a thrill of lifetime to meet him!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1