Turkey Day Run with the Family

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.

My brother and his family, my sister, my children and me

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!

 Mr. Turkey

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.

The results are posted right away and they give you cool information like this:

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 Cate even ran a PR!  I ran/walked this one with my other two children.

Me and my children 

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.

The Battery

We saw these two in full costume including platform boots- Who knew they were runners? 

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!

My sister and brother and me

I am voting that we return to Charleston next year too and make this run a regular event!

April Fools Day Prank

Cereal.


We love it!


We have a shelf full right now with about 8 different boxes.


My son has always been a big cereal eater.  In fact there were days growing up when he had cereal for breakfast and dinner. 


When he got older he loved it when the answer to "What's for dinner?" was "yoyo"  Which stands for you're on your own.   Cereal was his go to choice.   


Don't worry, eating cereal for dinner has not resulted in any permanent damage to him. In fact he has grown up to be a kind, intelligent, responsible college student although he may still occasionally eat cereal for dinner.


If you have someone in your life who likes to eat cereal, this is the April Fools joke for you.

Be the thoughtful person you are have a bowl of their favorite cereal ready for them, when they wake up on April 1st.


But unbeknown to them you will have had that bowl in the freezer all night and their first bite won't be quite what they anticipate.

This will definitely be good for a few laughs!  A big thanks to my sister for this good idea.

What is one of your favorite April Fools pranks?

Peppermint Cookies and Cream Ice Cream

It's been busy around here the past two weeks with family members coming and going as we celebrated the holidays.  I am lucky enough to have two weeks off of work this time of year so there was time to make and eat a lot of food.  But we got our exercise in too.  In fact, we tried two new activities.  


Recently I discovered a nature trail that offers a four different length trails through the flora and fauna of Central Florida.  I talked my three kids into checking it out and promised we would only do the 3.1 mile trail.  

Cate and me

After studying  the map at the entrance to find the trail we wanted we learned it was marked with green markers.  We got started and it was no problem, the markers were easy to spot.
  
About one mile in one of us had to go to the bathroom. Although it did involve some grumbling and talk of turning back we were the only ones out there, so that was easily solved.  I'll admit, I lied a little and told them we were about half way through so we might as well keep going because it would be the same distance either way.  Although they were skeptical, I was able to get away with this because  I was the only one wearing a Garmin. I felt a little sneaky, but it wouldn't kill them to walk the whole thing.

All smiles before we realized we took a wrong turn.

The trail was very nice once we got through the sugar sand section which filled our shoes with mini sand dunes.  We passed a beautiful lake and saw lots of animal tracks.  But when 3.1 miles came there was no end in sight.   We were sure we had stayed on the green trail so we just kept walking. 

By mile four we were worried we had taken a wrong turn. (Hoping it wouldn't turn out like the movie, but making survival plans just in case ) Caroline had an injured hamstring and could only walk a short distance before she began limping and walking more slowly. 


To scare us, Patrick told us that the tracks we had been seeing were from wild hogs (that did make me a little nervous) and right after that there was a snake laying in the middle of the path. Moral was beginning to fade. 


I knew we would eventually find our way out, but I was concerned that it was so much longer than we expected and I had never been on these trails before either.  It was the end of a long day and the sun was starting to go down.  We did have a cell phone with us, so if we were still out  when it got dark, we could get some help.


Two hours and five minutes after starting we finally made it back to the parking lot.  We ended up walking 5.4 miles. We were thrilled and relieved to get to the car and have a drink of water. I'm thinking I will not be able to talk them into doing this again.


Our other adventure also took place in the wilderness, but this time we were on the tree tops.  We went canopy cycling!

You ride through the trees on a canopy cycle hanging from a cable wire.  It is a hour long trek through a gorgeous conservation area including a section that takes you over a lagoon with a large alligator. It was a fun experience!


To cool us off from all these outdoor actives we made some homemade ice cream.  Cookies and cream is always  good, but thanks to Cate we had some Trader Joe's Candy Cane Joe-Joe's in the house, so we used them to create some peppermint cookies and cream.  These cookies are wonderful by themselves but really shine in the cool, creamy vanilla ice cream.  

Peppermint Cookies and Cream Ice Cream


1-  1.5 quart vanilla ice cream (we use Edy's Light), softened
2- sleeves Candy Cane Joe-Joe's (about 24 cookies), crushed 
Whipped Cream*


In a large bowl mix softened ice cream and crushed cookies.  Fold in whipped cream and freeze until firm.

To make whipped cream :

1 cup heavy whipping cream

3 tablespoons confectioner's sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

In a large bowl whip heavy cream with mixer until stiff peaks are about to form.  Add sugar and vanilla and beat until stiff peaks are formed.  Do not over beat or it will become butter like. 

*8 oz Cool Whip can be substituted for whipped cream.

Hope you made some good memories over the holidays.  Happy New Year!!

Reindeer Run 2011

The Reindeer Run, our local holiday race, is held at Sea World, Orlando.  

This is one of those races they call a "fun run" which means don't attempt to run this seriously or you will be frustrated.  I've learned this the hard way so we decided to enjoy the race by not being competitive and by appreciating the beauty of the park all decked out for Christmas.  

I am so glad we did, there were tons of people and the paths were narrow with lots of bottlenecks. It was much less stressful to run at an easy pace and take in all the scenery.

 I had never seen Sea World at Christmas, so this was a treat.

 The sun was just rising as the race started so all the lit trees were still sparkling.

 We ran around the lagoon and then across it on this wooden bridge.

Snow really was falling in this section!(not real snow of course)

Various bands played and sang Christmas carols.

 We didn't pass up any photo ops.

There were many creative costumes including this one.

We ran by a pond that held these guys all huddled together. 

Santa and the Polar Express!  It can't get much better than that! Polar Express is one of my favorite Christmas books, especially when William Hurt reads it.  It is a book and cassette we have had for years.  Does the bell still ring for you?

The race did give me a touch of the Christmas spirit and our race plan to not race was perfect.  

It was an un-timed event, so I don't even know what my time was and it was great to run without the pressure of time and pace. It was great to do this just for the fun of the run! 

My Favorite Things 2011

Happy December! It's time again for the second annual list of my favorite things. (Here's last year's list) These are all things that make my life easier, sweeter, warmer, more fun and just plain nicer.  Maybe some of these are your favorites too. 



1. Glass Water Bottle  $18.00
I prefer drinking out of glass containers. This 22 oz bottle, covered with a silicone sleeve to prevent it from breaking, has a screw on top with an opening large enough to drop in ice cubes. I like to take something to drink with me in the car or to the office and this does the trick. 



2. Smart Wool $20 - $130
Smart wool just makes sense!  Made from Merino wool it manages moisture, improves breath ability, regulates temperature and, even controls odor.  A far cry from that itchy, heavy and when wet, stinky wool I wore as a kid.  Smart wool is soft and light and is made into socks, sweaters, base layers, hats and more. I bought some socks a few years ago and love them because they're cute and comfy. I've recently bought a sweater and leggings are next on my list.

3. Dark Chocolate Covered Peppermint Joe Joe's  Trader Joes $3.99
Oh my oh my...these cookies are SO good!  I went to Trader Joes while in Chicago last month and saw these.  I am a fan of Joe Joe's and scooped these right up.  I brought them home with me and pretty much ate the whole box.  I didn't even share them with anyone, so when I was in South Carolina over Thanksgiving I bought four more boxes! What's great is the real cream filling with pieces of real peppermint inside the chocolate cookie and then drenched in dark chocolate.  If you do not have access to a Trader Joes, I feel your pain.

4. Sugar lip gloss Sephora $22.50

This lip balm has SPF 15 and comes is a few different 
tints. It is just the right thickness when it goes on, not too gloppy and not too light.  They say it plumps your lips up too, but I already have full lips, so I can't really tell.  Another plus is this balm does not have any petroleum, lanolin or mineral oil in it and had a nice light citrus scent. 




5. iPad App Escape Rosecliff Island HD  iTunes $3.99
This find the hidden object game is addictive. It is similar to I Spy, but the objects disappear as you tap them. The fun is that it's challenging without being frustrating.  The objects you need to find are sometimes given to you as a clue you need to solve and other puzzles are interspersed at the end of each level. I tell myself when I am playing that I am doing my brain exercises and then I don't feel so guilty. 

6. Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand $13.99

This was my favorite book this year. It is inspiring and heartbreaking all at the same time. It is the true story of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic runner and World War II soldier and his ability to overcome unbelievable adversity. I listened to this as I ran and it kept me wanting to run longer just to hear more.  If you read only one book this year, make it this one. 

7. Horizon Organic Reduced Fat Chocolate Milk $3.89

Chocolate milk is a great recovery drink after a workout and I think this kind is especially creamy. So much that you wouldn't know it was low fat if it wasn't on the label. I buy organic milk for the health of my family and the cows that make it. This kind even comes in smaller 8oz drink boxes that are great for throwing in your gym bag or purse for a drink on the go.

8. Baked: New Frontiers in Baking by Matt Lewis $20

This cookbook does not contain recipes for your traditional baked goods instead the recipes are edgy with different taste combinations for familiar favorites.   I even got a chance to visit their satellite bakery in Charleston, SC, (which unfortunately is now closed) to taste some of their creations. They are masters of the salted caramel brownie. The original bakery is in New York City.  I have not been disappointed with any of the recipes I have made so far. The one I want to make next is the Milk Chocolate Malt Ball Cake.  Doesn't that sound good?

9.  Peppermint Stick Clif Bar $1.50

I must be on a peppermint kick because I can't seem to get enough of this flavor. Peppermint Stick is one of their seasonal flavors and will only be around for a limited time. It has just enough peppermint to remind you of candy canes, but it is not too overpowering. 1% of the net sales go to Winter Wildlands Alliance, an organization dedicated to promoting and preserving winter wildlands. So not only does the bar taste excellent, you are supporting a good cause too.  

These are just a few of my favorite things from this year.  

What is one of your favorite things?

Cupid Cupcakes

Valentine's Day - you either love it or hate it.  It all depends on how satisfied you are with the relationships you may or may not have. Over the years, I have experienced both emotions on this day. 


This year my sweetheart and I won't be going out to eat, but will make a great dinner together, because that's what we like to do. Luckily, my valentine is good to me every day of the year and doesn't save it all for February 14.  


But whether you have a special someone or not, you can celebrate the day with loved ones.  I always give Valentine treats to my children, nieces and nephews and this year I am making Cupid Cupcakes.  


With fresh strawberries already available in the store both the cake and frosting are strawberry. I got the cupid idea from  Family Fun. 

Strawberry Cupcakes

Makes 1 dozen

2/3 cup whole fresh or frozen strawberries, thawed

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon coarse salt

1/4 cup whole milk, room temperature

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature

1 cup sugar

1 large egg, room temperature

2 large egg whites, room temperature

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners; set aside.
2. Place strawberries in a small food processor; process until pureed. You should have about 1/3 cup of puree, add a few more strawberries if necessary or save any extra puree for frosting; set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside. In a small bowl, mix together milk, vanilla, and strawberry puree; set aside.
4. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter on medium-high speed, until light and fluffy. Gradually add sugar and continue to beat until well combined and fluffy. Reduce the mixer speed to medium and slowly add egg and egg whites until just blended.
5. With the mixer on low, slowly add half the flour mixture; mix until just blended. Add the milk mixture; mix until just blended. Slowly add remaining flour mixture, scraping down sides of the bowl with a spatula, as necessary, until just blended.
6. Divide batter evenly among prepared muffin cups. Transfer muffin tin to oven and bake until tops are just dry to the touch, 22 to 25 minutes. Transfer muffin tin to a wire rack and let cupcakes cool completely in tin before icing.Makes enough for 1 dozen cupcakes

Strawberry Frosting

Makes enough for 1 dozen cupcakes

1/2 cup whole fresh or frozen strawberries, thawed

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold but firm

Pinch of coarse salt

3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Place strawberries in the bowl of a small food processor; process until pureed. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together butter and salt on medium speed until light and fluffy. Reduce mixer speed and slowly add confectioners' sugar; beat until well combined. Add vanilla and 3 tablespoons strawberry puree (save any remaining strawberry puree for another use); mix until just blended. Do not overmix or frosting will incorporate too much air. Frosting consistency should be dense and creamy, like ice cream.

Cupid

• Large marshmallow
• Thin pretzel stick
• Crisped rice cereal (a handful)
• Decorators' gel
• Candy heart (I used Dove dark chocolate)

1. Frost a cupcake with pink- or peach-tinted frosting.
2. For wings, use kitchen shears to cut a large marshmallow in half vertically, then snip each half widthwise a few times for a feathery look. Press a thin pretzel stick against the sticky side of each marshmallow half, then stick the pretzels into the cupcake.
3. Press a handful of crisped rice cereal along the top of the cupcake for Cupid's curly locks, then add a decorators' gel mouth and eyes. Finally, set a candy heart in place and pipe on frosting fingers, if you like.

The cupcakes should be served within a few hours of decorating because depending on the humidity the rice krispies can get soft and the marshmallows may fall off the pretzels.

I didn't make all my cupcakes cupid, but used some to create a strawberry-chocolate flavor. I topped the cupcake with a brownie heart.  This heart was cut free hand so imagine how good it would look with a heart cookie cutter. Yummy!

Valentine's Day - Do you love it or hate it?

To see many more delicious treats check out Sweet as Sugar Cookies.

My Favorite Things

I am excited to share a few of my favorite things with you.  Unfortunately I cannot send you home with each one, but I would if I had my own TV talk show.  I love getting recommendations from others so here are mine for you:

1.  Sanuk Flip Flops -The best flip flop!!  Living in Florida I wear a lot of flip flops and this one is a keeper.  The sole of the shoe is made from recycled yoga mats and each step is cushiony comfort.  The bonus is it comes in many great colors too like orange, red, yellow and electric blue to name a few. They are sold in most major department stores and cost about $26.

2.  Snapple Diet Peach Tea - Although I live in the South, I am not a fan of real home brewed tea, but I do love Snapple Tea!  When I quit drinking diet soda, I found this delicious alternative.  It has some caffeine which is nice since I don't drink coffee and 0 calories.  It comes in glass bottles which I prefer over plastic and the bottles can be  reused after a run through the dishwasher. Each bottle also contains a Snapple Real Fact under each lid! I look forward to each one. I am now the queen of factoids and impress everyone I know with all these gems. For example:  Did you know flamingos are pink because they eat shrimp?  $1

3.  Apples to Apples - Great game for the entire family!  It has won all kinds of awards and comes in a junior version for younger kids.  The red box is for ages 8 and up. It can be played with up to 10 people. The two decks of cards in the box consist of Things and Descriptions.  Each turn, the current referee selects a description. The other players must pick the best thing that matches that description from the cards in their hands. The Thing that most appeals to the referee wins that hand.  Play continues as everyone takes a turn being the referee until someone wins the designated number of hands. The unusual combinations of Things and Descriptions quickly leads to a roaring good time.  $20


4.  Southern Living magazine -  This magazine is one I have subscribed to for years.  The magazine focuses on Southern food, gardens, home design, travel and healthy living.  The recipes alone are enough of a reason to subscribe, but I have learned a lot about gardening and gotten some great travel destinations from it too.  You don't have to live in the South to enjoy it.  $20/year




5.  Martin's Potato Dinner Rolls - I LOVE bread and this is one of my favorite kinds. This 12 pack of rolls comes from a company in Pennsylvania in the heart of "Pennsylvania Dutch" country.  I grew up on potato rolls and now I can get them every week at the grocery store.  I use these rolls instead of sandwich bread.  At only 90 calories it is the perfect size for a sandwich.  I like it right out of the bag, toasted and  I can tell you it makes the tastiest peanut butter and jelly ever.  Potato bread is a pillowy golden bread with a smooth texture.  It comes in many different sized rolls and sandwich bread too. $3

6. . Running Skirts - I heard from many runners that running skirts were awesome and I agree!  They are super comfy and have plenty of pockets to hold your stuff.   You can tell they were designed by runners.  I rarely run in anything else. My newest addition has been the skirt with capris for cooler weather. With so many styles to choose from, the hardest part will be to pick only one, so not only are they functional they are cute! $48


7.  Audible.com - This is a fantastic site for downloading audio books.
I primarily listen to books while driving and exercising, but sometimes while I'm working around the house too.  I love to read, but find I don't have as many opportunities to sit and read as I have books I want to read.  Listening is a great way to spend my commuting time and helps the time go by on long runs.

I have an annual subscription that allows me to purchase 12 books a year for a flat fee.  I get to "read" so many books this way.  I download the books to itunes and then put them on my iphone and ipod for easy listening.  Audio books are so entertaining. One of my favorite has been The Help by Kathryn Stockett, it was recorded with multiple readers each portraying a different character.  It made the characters come alive!  Annual subscription $150

8.  Garmin Forerunner 410 - Although this has been a recent purchase for me, it has changed my life!  I like to keep track of my running stats and be aware of my pace and heart rate as well as keeping track of my time and distance.  This does it all and more.  I used to use a Nike+ to track my time and distance, but this has everything I need in one watch.  It has been pretty easy to navigate and use.  I don't know all the ins and outs yet, but it has exceeded my expectations.  I just turn it on and run and it does all the work.  It has been very helpful to monitor my marathon training and has motivated me to run because I am excited to use it.  It is a big investment, but if you run regularly it is worth it. $375

These are a few of my favorite things, what are yours?